Lim represents RP in Japan Science Confab page2
Mi"or. mirror
all that mutters page6
Staffers meet with NPC presi dent:
savs press treedom threats ima ginarv
Juan named NCR most outstanding campus journalist; N/U eds off to Leyte
by Joseph Cagalingan , IV- Roentgen
Nucleus managing editor Sheila Marie Juan of IV-Townes was unanimously named NCR's Most Outstanding Campus Journalist of the Year in the recently held NCR- Secondary Schools Press Conference at V. Mapa High School, Nov. 9-11.
Besting two other contenders, Juan was unanimously chosen based on the merits of her past performances and achievements as a campus scribe A campus personality and a consistent student leader, Juan won first place in Photojournalism contest , division level last year and was elected vice-president for Luzon in the National Editors Guild. Prior to this, she was NCR-Editors Guild president and one of those who spearheaded the 1st National Training for Campus Journalists held in Baguio, May 26-24
Juan also represented the school in various seminars and conferences
She was awarded a plaque of recognition and a check worth PS , 000 by the officials of DECS-NCR for Secondary Education.
Meanwhile, Mark Joseph Torrijos , IV-Roentgen , The Nucleus features editor and Ang Ubod chief editor Paul John Pefia , IV-Townes will fly off to Tacloban, Leyte for next year's National Secondary Schools Press Conference
Both Torrijos and Pefia copped sixth place in feature writing category and Pagkuha ng Larawang Pampahayagan, respectively. The two were among the top seven qualifiers who will represent NCR-Manila in the national press conference.
* Rhiza Sanchez, IV - Newton
Three Mascians were chosen in the top 50 of among the 2000 essays sent from all over Asia in the essaywriting contest sponsored by the Time magazine and Macintosh, leading computer software company. Writing on the theme "The Most Important Person ofThe Century," seniors Mark Joseph Torrijos of IV - Roentgen, Nidalin Javier and Carmela Cervantes both of IV-Copernicus, were feted in an exclusive cocktail dinner at the Shangri-La Hotel, September 23 "The Fabric" (about Nelson Mandela) , "The Legacy ofa Young Girl," and "A Life Beyond" (both on Anne Frank) were the winning compositions written by Torrijos, Javier, and Cervantes respectively
The winners were awarded with a wristwatch, countdown clock, mouse pad, pens and certificates. Ms. Normita Casal, English Department Head, chaperoned the students in the cocktail.
"The idea of suppression of press freedom is more imaginary than real."
This was the core of the message of Mr Antonio Antonio , National Press Club president when interviewed by The Nucleus staff at the NPC office at the height of the controversy on freedom of the press
" Press freedom is writing freely but with certain lirmtations. There are certain things that we cannot just write about like things that could affect national security and people's reputation for we have libel. Right now, I believe that press freedom is very much alive
despite issues with the Manila Times and the Inquirer because newspaper can still publish whatever they want to publish," Antonio added.
According to him, the problem is that some publications are too critical and nobody is telling them cont'dp. 2
Call t:~em Brains, lVlist:ers Brains
Iris Christine Orprecio, IV-Roentgeµ
Competition is their way oflife, mental competition, that is.
Punctuating the long trail of their victories in battle carrying the flag of Manila Science High School, former Nucleus associate editor Patrick Gerard S. de Guzman, valedictorian, and Neil Tristan Yabut, silver medalist, ofBatch '99 did what they do best, delivering when and where it mattered most.
Defeating Sisters of Mary School and Angelicum College in the championship round of the Battle of the Brains Year 7, de Guzman and Yabut bagged the laurels after Masci 's third try for the crown.
After winning in the weekly competition with 11,000 money points, the boys proceeded to compete in the monthly finals and went on to win the quarterly finals. The boys were awarded a trophy plus the PI 0, 700 they earned during the compe-
PENA NAJVIED Ill-Y CHAIRlVIAN
*Erwin Drussel E. Garrido IV-Faraday
Not to be nipped by in- General Assembly for Dis- The assembly with the termittent rains , Paul tricts IV-VI in a leadership theme "How to become John M. Pefia of IV- held August 13-15 at goodleadersofthesoTownes was elected Carlos .P. Garcia High ciety the YMCA way " chairman of the Hi-Y School. was attended by stucont. page 2
1st National Training for Campus Journalists Held
Sheila Marie Juan, IV-Townes
The first ever National scale training for secondary schools campus journalists was held May 2325, Teachers' Camp, Baguio City, participated in by 146 incomingjunior and senior high school editors from all over the country.
The three-day training program included lectures, workshops, and critiquing in the fields of news, feature, and editorial writing both in English and Filipino. The courses in English were given by a pool of trainers led by Mrs. Socorro Vantomme, Mrs. Charito Palanca, Mrs. Chita Gloriozo, Mr. Erasmo Madamba, Miss Presentacion Jacob and Miss Cynthia Manalo. On the other hand, Miss Carmelita Alcala, Miss Mercado, Ms. Marithe dela Cuesta, Mrs. Lagrimas Pandero, Mrs. Yolanda Perez, Ms. Emelida Ebio, Mr. Antonio Alido, Ms. Zenaida Ruiz, and Ms. Evelyn Lleva handled the workshops for Filipino. Participants were given a chance to be acquainted to first-hand data gathering - a time allotted for legwork and community exposure. Students explored the vicinity to gather information needed during the writing workshops. They were divided and grouped to copyread, edit, and critique the produced articles. The best works were posted and reproduced as examples for each category after a final critiquing by the trainors.
< National Secondary Schools Editors' Guild officers, led by Alnard Pagulayan, President; Sheila Marie Juan, Vice
The Misters Brains De Guzman and Yabut pose with trainors Mrs. Emilia Gaspar and Ms. Leticia Concepcion, Mrs. Daisy H Banta, principal, and Mrs. Yabut
Call them brains from page 1
tition. They were also perfect in all the bonus rounds from weekly to quarterly finals
In the Grand Finals, the duo raced past ahead with the other pairs of contestants garnering some 5,800 money points. Before throwing the third to the last question in the difficult round, Quiz master David Celdran proclaimed everything to be moot and academic as the last questions were given so as to give the other schools a chance to increase their money points.
De Guzman and Yabut got the last three difficult questions correctly, increasing their total points to 8,800. Sisters of Mary School; settled for second place with 4,100 points while Angelicum College was third with 3, I 00 points
Dr. Manuel Lee, Mrs. Milagros Ibe, both professors at UP Diliman and Ms. Montecristo from Ateneo de Manila served as judges in the Grand Finals. The partners and their trainors, Mrs. Emilia Gaspar and Mrs. Leticia Concepcion all agree that this was a timely victory.
De Guzman and Yabut each received PI 00,000 in cash, P 100,000 worth of appliances and books, and a vacation package to Bacolod.
On the other hand, the trainors both received PI 0,000 in cash, P25,000 worth of appliances and a tour package to Cebu.
The school, meanwhile, received P30,000 worth of books and resource materials plus P20,000 worth appliances that Mascians now are presently using.
The duo said that it was rigid training and teamwork that made them win. "Humility is very importanttoo,"Yabut said. "During competitions we eye potential tough opponents but we never passed up any school as easy to beat." But most of all, they said that being Mascians made everything possible "We are very thankful to this school," de Guzman said. "Let me advise my fellow Mascians not to forget that it's quite a privilege to belong to this institution so we should try our best to prove worthy of being here "
De Guzman is now at UP Manila taking up Intarmed while Yabut is enrolled in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology course at UP Diliman.
Pena named Hi-Y chairman frompagel
dents from the different schools in Manila's Districts IV-VI including 9 other senior Mascians namely Jesus Nathaniel Gonzales, Jeffrey Zamora, John Drew Reyes, Iris Mae Gamboa and Cecilia Remo of IV-Copernicus, Mark Joseph Torrijos and Carla Angela Borromeo of IV-Roentgen and Frannelli Dalay and Anthony Patrick ChuaofIV-Faraday
Orlando Carreon, a teacher from C.P. Garcia High School, was the head speaker of the 3-day seminar while the Korean YMCA chairman was the guest speaker. Mrs Emilia Gaspar, Social Studies teacher, accompanied the delegates to the seminar.
Nucleus Centennial Issue gets NSPC, Valencia nod as best school er of
the ear
You may contact The Nucleus Staff via e-mail at: thenucleus@journalist.com or visit our site at http://thenucleus.tripod.com
The Centennial issue of The Nucleus, the official English organ of the Manila Science High School was a hands down winner in the recently concluded National Schools Press Conference (NSPC) held Ilagan, Isabela, Feb. 8-12 and at the NCR Valencia Search for Outstanding Campus Journalists and School Papers held at Araullo HS,Feb.26
Adjudged as NSPC's Best English School Paper of the Year(Bracket A) in the secondary level, The Nucleus won 1st place in the News page category, 1st place in th Sports category an ! I copped 4 th place in t e Devcom category. : -QQ
The News section cotained mostly scho :events with an intervie : with incumbent Mayo := Lito Atienza as its banne =t story. The Sports pag bannered an exclusive in =. terview with Elma Muro =gggg on the problems facin gggggg national athletes while ,m= timely issues dominate the Devcom page. ~rn:g~ oooaa.oa,
The NSPC, participated ::,'!00c,oc -r<»<in by all the 13 regions :-"~ in the country is an an- ~gggggt nual search for the best j gggggggg: Campus Papers in En-glish and Filipino and i also a search for the Most Outstanding Campus Journalists nationwide.
The same paper doubled the feat it ade in the NSPC when it romped away with the Best English School aper of the Year in the Valencia Search or Outstanding Campus Journalists d School Papers.
The paper won 1st place in Devcom, nd place in Editorial, 2nd place in Scince, 4 th place in Features, 8th place in news and 10th place in Layout.
pecially in gram-
mar," he emphasized.
Antonio advises future journalists to improve their grammar
and read ;;.;ooooo president
NPC President... fromp. I to stop. "Well , everything is a matter of belief and editorial policy," he explained.
more to be
Antonio noted, however , that the present administration, particularly the too sensitiveto criticisms He stressed that as President, Estrada should know able to adapt writing styles to the changing times and be socially aware
some tolerance and act positively on the issues being hurled at him.
*Paolo Broma, IV-Faraday
Erwin Drussel Garrido, IV- Faraday, heads this year's editorial board of The Nucleus, the official English organ ofManila Science High School. Garrido is class auditor and is active in extra and co-curricular activities. A consistent student leader, he represents the school in various seminars and conferences. He also belongs to the Top 10 students of his
class. He was third in News Writing in this year's Mini-press Conference. Other students who made it to this year's staff are Iris Christine Orprecio of IV-Roentgen and Rowena Sudario of IV-Copernicus, both chosen associate editors. The two copped places in Editorial writing and in Sports writing, respectively, in the recently concluded division level press tilt. Joseph Cagalingan of IV-Roentgen, also a placer in the division level contest, and Sheila Marie Juan of IV- Townes, this year's NCR Most Outstanding Campus Journalist are the staff's managing editors. Completing the staff are section editors Carmela Pili and Mark Joseph V. Torrijos (IV-Roentgen), Features; Anthony Patrick Chua and Lester Paolo Broma (IV- Faraday), Science; Rhiza Sanchez (IV-Newton), DEV COM, and Alvin Dave Pusing (IV-Copernicus), Sports.
When inquired on their vigilance regarding suppression of the press, he said, "We have a Press Freedom Committee tasked to look into that."
"Our main concern right now is enhancing the skill of the writers. In my thirty years in this profession, I can say that the press has deteriorated esLi.m
"I was very proud to represent the country."
Thus said Ma. Virginia Lim of IVCopernicus, Philippine delegate to the 1999 International Science School Biological Science Program held from July 20 - Aug. 1 at the University of Tokyo , Graduate School of Science, Japan.
"Being with the best students in the world just proves that we Filipinos can be world-class," she added.
The seminar was also attended by eleven other participants from Japan and one frpm Australia, Canada, Korea, New Zealand, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and Singapore.
Finally, Antonio said, "A lot of competition is posed by the Internet where people can obtain copies of newspapers around the globe on the day it was published but I still believe that when it comes to local and provincial news, it is still in the domain of newspaper."
During the 2-week conference the delegates listened to lectures and performed experiments given by professors and scientists of the University The event was sponsored by the Japanese Association of International Education and Ministry ofEducation, Culture and Sports(Monbusho ). "It was a very memorable and challenging experience And it is also a very appropriate seminar tackling about the newest developments in Biological'Science Students, as early / as high school, should really be exposed to these activities. It could really do a lot to our country," Lim said.
A woman among ''The Firsts", a corps commander, a MaScian ... yup, She's All That
Last June, she hogged the headlines of newspapers, mags, and even TV news segments for being the first woman corps commander of the University of the Philippines Diliman. Five years ago, she was an MP Cadette Officer ofIVEinstein in Manila Science High School.
And now that she has reached new heights in the corps world, she's still, she admits, a certified MaScian.
Yes, I'm talking about Ma. Regina Corazon D. W. P. Sevilla, the woman whose military achievements and abilities allowed her to break the 87-year history record ofUP Diliman whose lineup of corps commanders included only males. That is, until now.
1st National Training for Campus Journalists from page I President (Luzon); Ramon Lee Cualoping III, Vice President (Mindanao), Christian Paolo Pestelos, Treasurer; Bernard Joseph Tumaru, Auditor; Maria Rosario Aclado, Business Manager and regional directors Joy Ann Coria (Region 2), Regalado Valerio (Reg.3), Ma. Cristina Madarieta (Reg.5), and Rose Karen Auza (Reg.9) spearheaded the training. The event gave them a chance to discuss the association's progress and concerns with their fellow campus journalists in a general assembly with the entire student delegation. It was also then that the resolutions written by the guild were signed and then presented, one of which is making the national training an annual event for campus editors.
Mrs. EstelitaAguilar, Education Specialist, Bureau of Secondary Education concluded the event. The final evaluation, based on the evaluation form filled up by the student participants and as observed by the trainers, was also read. Aside from the basics, the observation revealed that the student journalists are generally outstanding in feature writing, satisfactory in news but need improvement in editorial writing.
UP Dean says press worst enemy is itse lf
"The most dangerous threats to press freedom, not from the government but from within the press itself."
This was the contention of Mr. Luis V. Teodoro, Professor ofJournalism and Dean of the College of Mass Communication of the University of the Philippines, in a keynote address he delivered in the opening ceremony of the 23 rd DECS-NCR Secondary Schools press Conference, held Nov. 9-11 at V. Mapa High School.
Talking on the theme "Challenges to Press Freedom in the New Millennium", he said that no newspaper has been closed by the government nor a journalist was arrested for doing his job.
"Present conditions have led to a situation which the press has become its own worst enemy," he added.
As we enter the third millennium, the most obvious change in Philippine Journalism is the rapidity with which the journalists can now prepare there stories and transmit them due to the advancement of technologies.
''New technologies have become a mixed blessing, creating problems as they solve some," he said.
Computers and faxes have reduced the time gap between the occurrence of an event, its processing and therefore its printing. But this has also meant that with more time available, the reporter is usually called upon to submit more stories for his or her daily quota, which has led to the publication of more fluff and trivia, and even stories based on very little data.
"In addition to the use of computers and new technologies, there is the increasing need among newspapers to respond not only to competition from other newspapers, but also from other media," he stressed.
Teodoro also lamented the fact due to the situation the press is urged to take another option wherein they go sometimes too far by way of pub1i shing offensive photographs and sensationalize stories, meaning stories written and headlined to exaggerate their importance and angled in such a way to disgust, shock or to appeal to prurient interest, or bloodlust, or both which happens in the way even some of our broadsheets report certain types of violent crimes.
He also indicated that "another response to the challenge of television is the publication for limited readership like those specialized only to food, sports and fashions which could lead to constriction of readership, which means enablingjoumalists to concentrate on certain areas rather than their having to prepare for a wide variety of topics in order to function in journalism.
"Inadequate training and the unpreparedness of most of the journalism schools to address these problems of Philippine journalism have an impact in the way the public receives the information it receives," he claimed.
"So the real challenge of the new millennium to Philippine journalism, is first, to prepare future journalists for these changes while at the same time arming them with the capacity to respond to the broad issues that confront our society. In addition, we need to provide future practitioners the professional and ethical values they need to adequately perform the essential task of disseminating information to a public that needs it to make intelligent decisions on issues of concern," he continued.
Another problem to be addressed is the ownership system.
"Media in the Philippines are privately-owned, which means that there is a basic conflict of interests between the public interest character of media and private interest."
It has happened that a story with a public interest value, but with an adverse affect or implication on the interests of the newspaper owner, is killed, of course to the detriment of the public which is entitled to know what is going on.
"Despite a Code of Ethics corruption has also become deeply embedded in Philippine journalism. The bad news is that no one knows how these issues can effectively addressed. The good news is that concerned practitioners and media advocacy groups have not given up," he mentioned.
He ended his speech with emphasizing that all these problems can be met only if press freedom is flourishing, that press freedom is in fact a right fundamental to any society that claims to be democratic. And these can be achieved by developing a militant readership that will watch the watchdog and ask of its compliance to the highest ethical and professional standards.
"... the press has become its own worst en" emy, ... -Luis V. Teodoro
.A.t G.unpoint
II EDITORIAl
Mightier than the sword?
The closure of the Manila Times last August and the present position of the Philippine Daily Inquirer in hot economic water are reasons enough for the Filipinos to do some serious rethinking whether the fear they are showing under the gun belongs to the freedom-loving frontier that this country has. Press freedom is in peril.
Remember as how after the late Ferdinand Marcos gagged this particular right under the shadow of Martial Law, former Presidents Corazon Aquino and Fidel Ramos re-granted the Filipinos their right to express heart and mind. This makes President Estrada the first president after those days of suppression to again draw an inside line within the borders of our rights. Remember now how the Filipinos then ove,rthrew the dictatorship during the EDSA Revolution under the light of their love for liberty.
After printing what the President claimed to be libelous news, the Manila Times was shut down in the offset of a legal case against the newspaper, causing more than 80 people who used to work for the staff to lose their jobs. During the controversy an equally independent-minded daily, the POI was practically cut off from its bloodstream as advertisers collectively withdrew their transactions after Erap spoke against the paper. Later, the President was quoted by Press Secretary Rod Reyes as saying that he didn't mind being criticized and judged by the journalists as long as their sentiments remained in the editorial pages and not the cover.
Why, indeed, must the President-or anybody in the government-have a say on how our scribes do their jobs, as long as they and the public deem it proper?
In journalism nobody is pleasing anybody here. Facts are facts. Why, then, should press freedom depend on what pleases our President, and why should it, it that comes with its own rules, comply with any outside requirement? Press freedom does not exist in the sufferance of the President; the President exists in the sufferance of press freedom.
Every schoolboy knows that the press is the Fourth Estate of the government; that is, after the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial Branches. It represents the people, and therefore has separate powers. Under the higher estates it sure has to comply with the restrictions of the higher powers, but not the wishes of those assuming the names of such powers.
Succor has already been rushed to the aid of the nation, as the Kapisanan ng Brodkaster sa Pilipinas, the National Press Institute and other relatively small and young organizations but with relatively broad understanding and sharp courage started to speak about the issue. Finally, when asked about the topic, visiting Singaporean Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong simply stated, "good governance will bring about the best in a people."
In and out of the country help is being provided, while we, the real victim, under the gun, can only tremble and fear for the worst. What are we afraid of? Indeed, press freedom is in peril. And because it is, so are we. And it is because we fear that it has a right to be so.
Too good to be true
"Soaring into greater heights of academic excellence in the next millennium"
Now that the new millennium is fast approaching, this quotation seems to affect each and every way a Mascian lives his life. More so it has served as an inspiration and guide for the students to strive harder and reach the peak of their goals. And to uphold the Mascian standards and instill the idea to the students, it has been the theme of the school's Foundation Day celebration. October 8 marked the school's 36 th Foundation Day celebration. Students and teachers alike clapped, sang, and danced throughout the affair. That was the general scenario in that day and indeed it was very surprising.
What is really the significance of the event that the whole school practically was overjoyed and very much excited with the idea of holding such an occasion?
Well, the answer is quite simple, for many years now, this has been the first time that the school had a grand celebration of its establishment. The students and faculty were merely elated that once again, the school is having a joyous festivity. And to this they were very thankful.
With the administration and the parent-teacher community council at the helm, the before a morning undertaking was stretched to a full-day blast, commenced by the traditional Holy Mass and morning programs.
More activities were held which gave the students the chance to do their part in the engagement, most of them contests sponsored by the different subject departments.
A part of the ceremony was also committed to games and dance. What happened during the 36th Foundation Day Anniversary truly was too good to be true and the event was with no doubt very worthwhile and memorable, and the theme was really appropriate for the occasion.
We commend the administration and the PTCC for having put up and organized such an event. Your efforts were much appreciated. And may this be the start of a le ac to be assed on to the succeedin ears.
Can't vve have a break?
It seems that the Emilio Aguinaldo College administration doesn't care who they disturb and how much they bother other people. Unfortunately, we Mascians are their victims.
Foryearsnow, theEACgym has been playing their sounds full-blasts every time they have their PE classes, which is to say, everyday.
And those classrooms reached by the noise , which are supposed be quiet to be conducive for learning, serve as the epicenter of such a disturbance.
But there are times when they are cooperative, and do not make any noise during SEMBREAK!!!
It takes strong wings for an eagle to fly against the will of the raging wind that blows him to the skies of the uncertain. It takes valiant fins for a fish to swim against the flow of the furious waves that push him to the seas of the known.
All these, the press has, only they can't use it. With the current situation of the press here in our country, the freedom of expression is not fully exercised as indicated in the Philippine Constitution. We are not under martial rule and yet the Manila Times was closed. The Philippine Daily Inquirer is also on the verge of vanishing into ashes and all because of informing the people of what they need to know. We are living in a democratic country or at least one that claims to be democratic. Press
freedom is one of the fundamental indicator of democracy
But clearly, press freedom now is actually in peril. Aren't you bothered by this?
Three branches of the government: Executive, Legislative , and, wait, Judicial or Conscience Committee?
The purpose of dividing the government into branches is to divide the works that need to be done for better management of the nation.
The executive takes care of implementing the laws The legislative makes the laws. The Judiciary is in tum the one assigned to give justice for law non-abiders.
But with the Conscience Committee in effect, the Judiciary can't function as need be and the president seems to be having more trust on the Conscience Committee.
Thus, the Judiciary is now serving as an accessory in the government. They can't make their own moves and they practically are to follow only what the president says, much more to say, what his conscience committee would say. This would be another indication of loss of democracy. Let's just hope that it would stop before it reached the point ofno return.
drussel garrido
" We need to restore the full meaning of that old word, duty. It is the other side of rights." The freedom of expression is mainly the one and only reason behind the leniency of the MTR CB with regards the issue of pornography in the film industry. It is their belief that the 'fleshy' part of the movies are essential to the stories and that they are also intended for art. But aren't they being onesided and biased in their decisions and stands regarding this issue?
We should also remember that with rights comes responsibility, that there is no such thing as absolute freedom. Freedom is always coupled with responsibility, and in their case isn't that their primary function is to entertain the people?
In the process of entertaining they should also take into consideration the moral welfare of the viewers. In what other way can you do this instead of doing wholesome pictures?
The opulence of bold films in the local industry only goes to show that it is headed for its dark ages. If they don't work on this now, just imagine the bleak future we are building for the children of the next millennium
It's no shock at all that there are no more trash cans in sight in all the classrooms. Last year, they prohibited students from using them in hopes that students would eventually bring home their trash. It failed. The way things are going now, the scent of failure is filling up the air. What we need now are not these radical ideas but these home-grown discipline! Act now people!
>>moczcp@yahoo.com
Pay roll-ing backwards
It's been the subject of much debated, it's been the subject of much controversy, please government, pay up! Give the teachers the amelioration pay they have long and much deserved. They've been sweating tears and bloodjustto be able to provide the youth with high quality of education. The least you can do is to keep the pay roll rolling not backwards.
>>mtorrijos@mailcity.com
F-Day to end all F-Days
This is my last year in this school. And for the past four years I bet I've experienced them all. From the one-hour long to the day-long. And indeed, this year's celebration is the most fun-filled. What a way to end my four-year stay! I hope future celebrations will follow suit. It's a good breather between mountainloads of work.
>>conqueftllath @hotmail.com
Trash Cans No More
The Mascian of the new Millennium
The Manila Science High School Council of Presidents was successful in implementing the resolution of finally ridding trashcans in each of the classooms. Now the problem just lies whether the students can be responsible enough to dispose their wastes properly even without garbage cans in their
Some Mascians may think that 1 the administration's implementation of earthquake drills is merely for show and a result of their paranoia perhaps. But beware! In recent months, countries like Taiwan, Turkey and Mexico have embraced the headlines because they have been victims to this disaster. Moreover, most of the people were caught unprepared resulting to a high death toll. Come to think ofit, if the same misfortune (which hopefully God will forbid) happens to us, we would at least know what to do and
Some bigger hurdles as we finish lap 2K
'99 - anc'. most of all, ourselves-that we can do it.
* * *
Thirty-six years our dear alma mater sure has been around! Counting the years and yet still not taking its eyes off its first goal-keep the torch burning with the light of academic excellence. Again let's reconsider just how lucky we are to be a part ofit
* * * The Foundation Day celebration we had was just super! For a while students could forget er. We have to thank and congratulate the very hardworking club officers, teachers, department heads and PTCC officers who spent time, energy, and probably vaults of money (remember the junior who won more than six hundred pesos in the Pera o Paper Bag?) to give us such a day.
Well, some still say a day wasn't enough - mostly the freshmen. Lemme just tell you guys-don't push it, okay?
* * *
It ' s such a shame that after a very nice celebration like the Fday reminding our dear hardworking, long- suffering teachers that another year had passed again and found them still standing, they and the other government employee alike would be parted from their amelioration pay. The Presidents says the pay was never in the
national budget and was just one ofFVR's gimmicks during his presidential campaign Hey, you guys, quit playing up there for a minute and listen to us down here, okay?
* * *
And as if these yokes on their hearts were not enough, this additional subject to be taken in the NSAT starting this year is sure to burden our teachers as much as they do us students. Social studies will be joining English, Science, Mathematics, Filipino and Abstract Reasoning as another part of the exams. We all can see that the Social Studies teachers are doing their best to prepare us for this, and we shouldn't blame it on them that we have another load over our shoulders.
* * *
It doesn't help that there is an extreme pressure on us belonging studs to batch 2000 after last year's seniors just topped the NSAT in NCR. The Division ofManila sure expects a lot from us to do the same. The additional subject may very well work either for our good or bad favor; depending on how seriously we take the pressure After all, the only difference between stepping stones and stumbling rocks is how we use them, right? Let's prove batch
Megabytes of things have already been unloaded from the Idea Utility Room as preparation for the next one thousand revolutions of the earth around the sun-we expect this to be a lot bigger than the Centennial, though we now hear that the national budget for this is much less. Anyway, we can celebrate this huge affair in our own thrifty way.
Well, since enough groundwork has been made giving us an idea of the changes the millennium will do to us, why not think of the changes we can do for it, for a change?
* *
*
For example, time and again, there are still Mascians lining up outside the main buildings between 7 :05 to 8 AM waiting for the next period--or is it the second coming?--and it's obvious to see that most of these people are the same ones who show up this way everyday. Do you know tardiness accounts for a large number of names with the deadly red asterisks on enrollment day?
I hear that some even mean to come late to miss a subject. Tsk! Tsk!
* * *
May we make amillennimn resolution to change and be at least early enough to sing the National Anthem. After all, this is the first function ofboth teacher and student right?
we have the admin to thank for that
Some fourth year students may be compelled to think that NSAT Reviews are unproductive endeavors, causing them to be bored during the reviews and miss it altogether. But dear, beloved fellow students, you may be wrong. For your information, the actual NSAT (Jan. 21, 2000) is only a few Fridays away. It's about time that we study seriously for once especially now that Araling Pilipino has been added to the subjects we have to hurdle.
Counting down into the new millennium, one can't help but ask what image a Mascian should project. I asked fellow students on what attitudes a true-breed Mascian should have. On top of their list was responsibility. They hope that every Mascian can truly do his / her job effectively and effi-
ciently. Next is organization. In terms of time prioritization, the Masci student really needs to stop complaining about his hectic schedule but rather find ways on how to manage it well. They also mentioned something about industry and hard work. Who would like to be branded as lazy anyway? Every Mascian would like to reap the fruits of these virtues in the future with accolades and honors for the school. Discipline, they say, is also important. Gone should be the days that the Guidance Counselor's Office be filled with ID-less students for various offenses on lack of discipline.
But looking into these 'Resolutions of the new Mascian in the millennium' thing, don't you just realize that these are the things we should have been doing all along. And there's no waiting for another New Year before we can make it happen.
Christmas is just around the comer. And before we know it, we will say goodbye to the digits 1 and 9 to welcome 2 and 0. Celebrate the Yuletide Season merrily and safely until the New Year. Make the most of it, as we have no clue yet on the effects of the bug.
Counting down into the new millennium, one can't help but ask what image aMascian should project. I asked fellow students on what attitudes a true-breed Mascian should have...
q "Amelioration pay I don't call that a privilege but a gift provided for by the law under the Ramos administration scrapped unreasonably under the Estrada administration. It ~s an outright trampling of a right to enjoy the freedom ofha~p1ness provided for in the Constitution. The resulting outcry agamst this "legal" robbery reflects the insensitibity of the Erap Para sa Mahirap slogan which is only a fa,;ade to camouflage the doubledealing inconsistency of the present Administration."
Ms. Rosalina D. Labay, English teacher, when asked to comment on the scrapping of the amelioration pay
q "If you ask me, if it's not in the budget, nobody should insist on it. Mahirap talagang maglabas ng pera if it's not in the budget. Ifwe insist on it, it's like corrupting our officials and telling them to get the money in any cause."
Mrs. Elma Baking, English Journalism Supervisor Manila, still on the amelioration issue
q "I believe that he should not blame other people about his decreasing popularity rating because it is his own fault."
Jester Balmaceda, II-Thales, speaking on the Presidents decreasing Popularity Rating
q "I think there's too much hype about the new millennium; we forget what it really means."
Nidalin Javier, IV-Copernicus, talking on the much celebrated millennium festivities
q "Ping Lacson is probably the most effective PNP chief. He hardly has warmed his seat and he's already done action. Give him time and he'll clean up the country completely."
Edgardo Espiritu, Jr. II-Dalton, when asked about hzs opzmons on the new PNP chief
q "They're spending too much money to find it. What makes them so sure the gold is real?"
Jonas Esguerra, III-Berzelius, speaking about the Marcos gold
q "Really? Isn 'tthat discrimination?"
Nestor Amadeo Precioso, ill-Berzelius, on rumors ofcreating an MSHS Honor Society
q "I think it will be good because the students will have other reasons to study harder besides pleasing their parents and being in a higher section the ne_xt year."
Natasja Bautista, III-Berzelius, still on the Honor Society Issue
The Nucleus
Erwin Drussel E. Garido Editor in chief
Iris Christine P. Orprecio
Rowena 0. Sudario Associate Editors
Joseph R. Cagalingan
Sheila Marie J. Juan Managing Editors
Section Editors
Mark Joseph V. Torrijos Carmela T. Pili Features
Alvin Dave M. Pusing Sports
Rhiza T. Sanchez DevCom
Lester Paolo J. Broma
Anthony Patrick D.P. Chua Science
Sheila Marie J. Juan Photographer
Lester Paolo J. Broma Riasa S. Aguilar Cartoonist
Reporters
Jean Carla Aloe
Jonalyn Baggayan
Marielle Borlongan
Faith Roanne Caronan
Emmanuel David Gemini dela Cruz
Joy Anne Eusebio
Ofelia San Pedro
Aubrey Taguba
Joanne Grace Tan
Aaron Valderama
c Grace P. Salonga Adviser
Daisy H. Banta Principal
rowena sudario
by Akazukin Chacha
Beauty creams, whitening lotions, diet pills. Doesn't anyone feel contented with his looks anymore? Today' s generation is filled with materialistic people hiding under artificial beauty. We are too conscious of what people see in the outside that we forget to look just what we are within. True enough, people get
Faura Footnauts
to like you first because of your looks What then? Squander money on the latests trends in the fashion world so you can be "in" with you so-called friends?
It is actually irritating to note how
The Nucleus is accepting contributions from non-staffers. Among the entries, two people can be so shallow when it have been chosen to be published in this comes to beauty. We think that what issue matters most is how other people phy sically see us. We hiqe under all that powder and make-up and engage in s limming techniques just to be praised as beautiful. We have this contorted image that the beautiful ones are those with slender bodies, flawless, alabaster white skin and wavy hair. It's not that they're not beautiful. Nor it's wrong to give attention to your looks, but beauty is not confined within these characteristic Indeed it goes deeper that the skin and is not easily seen by the naked eye It is the pureness of the heart, innocence of the mind, serenity of the souls It is the e legance in the simplicity of your whole being. It doesn't matter if you're dark or fat or short. Stop dwelling on your physical qualities and start enriching your moral values Find out your principles and live by them. Treasure your relationships and know who your real friends are Shed your ins ecurity and walk with your head held high. You are unique because yo u have your own inner beauty. You are beautiful. After all, you are the best of God's creations.
Akazukin Chacha, 16, is a fou rth year student from Newton.
Love is All That Mutters
ByDawn
I've sworn completely since the day my eyes were opened to this thing called (ehem,ehem) "love", that I would stand on both my feet firmly without a slight imbalance that may cause me to fall. I am only human, though. I confess that I have crushed. I mean, I may be weird but I still am normal. All those years I signed my blood that my heart would be for my own keep until I reach this certain age: 18 - and this fact I did not withhold from the world I spelled it out to them as I ignored each feeling and each substantial word contained in the "love-letters" I received. Sure, I experienced being kilig (yes, the uncontainable bursting excitement expressed by rapid giggles and insuppressible smile) whenever my crush would pass by. But that was the farthest thing it got to. I didn't fix my hair, look at the mirror almost every other period, powder my face, etc I carried all these even as I transferred to a new school after elementary. It remained etch in me still. But I guess high school surprised me with the most tremendous change that I was most unprepared for. I survived two years strongly; however, I grasped the word I've sworn on so tightly that my entity choked on its third year. Finally, I said bye-bye to my sabog self. I became more poised. I paid more attention to my hair. I wore headbands and barrettes. I made sure everything was well and good-clothes, accessories and all (the works!). My eyes sparkled and twinkled a different glow each day I miraculously looked forward to school whether it be Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday or Friday. Yep. That was it. I knew it. Reality truly had its ways of pinching me from my idealistic world. It was about time I woke up. I finally felt my heart jump (I knew there was something in there!) and literally hear it beat- and beat fast. Since this was the first time anything like it happened (as far as I'm concerned) in history, I made sure things would be perfect. But I guess I was a little too careful.
I read somewhere that in the end, we will find that the only things we've lost are those we tried to keep. I haven't really lost a lot of things in this lifetime. But I cans say I've lost much I've lost what mattered and what still matters It lingers like that old-time-favorite song that eventually becomes irritatingly corny that there comes a time that you get sick of hearing it. It beings to get you. Then you begin to wish you never heard it at all. But you did. Now you start wishing never to hear it again.
Now that makes me wonder even more. Was it really (ehem 'xcuse me) the L word? The first-hand experience gave me as much doubt as assurance then that it was. It gave em the strongest feeling that it would last forever, but it didn't. So should I consider it true? I'm not really sure. Although I know it felt like it, I can't really say that it was the 100%, genuine, pure L-thingy. Maybe I did choke for some time. As I've said, I am only human.
I used to wish so badly that it never happened. But then, at present, I now begin to realize that it's too late to regret as it is to forget. It's been done This is not to negate the saying "Forgive and forget.", though. In fact, I agree with it. I know that it's impossible to simply conjure the feeling and say, "WAH-LAH! It's gone!" it can't just disappear like a popped bubble. I admit that the pain is vivid still and so are the pictures of my dreams once made to reality. But what I think is that painful memories do not comprise only of broken hearts and fallen tears, for it has ended with the strength to stand after a terrible fall.
I guess I'll be having my heart for my own keeping until such time comes. This time, though, I'll be more prepared Although I don't feel confident enough to say that I'm ready to face another one of these again, I'm not scared anymore. And how I would know if it is "IT"? I would. After all, it mutters, right?
The Grass
And to think the once famed Philippines 2000 is just 35 days away
The way we "borrow" from other nations produce which are naturally ours, the way our local drugmakers lose to foreign drug giants, and the way PAL betrays the "Open Skies Policy," the Philippines is on the verge of losing the battle called globalization It's about time the Filipinos reconsider what they're doing to themselves and their country. Indeed, in this changing time, in this very steeply inclined battle to modernization and industrialization, no country can lag behind. One cannot just lie and watch sheep fly, lest they would be overtaken In this modem world only one rule stands supreme: fight or perish
The Filipinos, once celebrated in history as hardworking, long-suffering and freedom-loving people, has inherited from their ancestors a beautiful land, a rich sea, and a glorious culture and characteristics incomparable to those of other people We have everything we could ever need to compete with them; we have everything they have, and maybe more. And yet Local fishermen have been greatly affected by our importing 20 million kilos of fish from Taiwan solely in the first three months of the year. While the Taiwanese, the lenders, are free to roam the Philippine seas to get the produce that they will export to us. Everything we borrowed from them is
is Always
The Filipinos are once celebrated in history as hardworking, long-suffering and freedom-loving people. We have everything we could ever need to compete with other countries; we have everything they have, and maybe more. And yet ... rightfully ours They do it to us because we let them. Philippine Airlines is closing its doors on other flag carriers because it cannot compete with their high-quality services and low prices, thus betraying the "O1D Skies Policy," a step to globalization. Can they not think of a
To keep a legacy
Greener
better way to earn back the travelers' hearts?
Meanwhile, in the drug market, foreign drug companies compose 72 percent of the local drug scene, thereby making themselves able to dictate the prices of medicines that our sick citizens must purchase, regardless of price. And where are the local drugmakers? There, still in the scene, being outnumbered and overpowered, lacking the resources - and moral support - to fight side by side these gia n t s
Why should our nationalism get in the way of the universal concept ofbeing globalized? Some people choose the latter and throw out their inherited gems While others pick the former and refuse to move an inch. We should understand that shaking our head to progress is not the way to be Filipinistic; and losing our mark is not the way to be globalized. Nationalism and globalization should go hand in hand. We should recognize our country good enough, and our countrymen able enough to play ball. If this decline of wills continue, we will sure lose the battle and our very own Mother Philippines will be nothing more than those other countries we look over the fence to see and observe and envy, but never call home. So stop looking at the other side. The fight for globalization is right here. The grass is green enough on this side of the fence
Whether NSAT reviews bore the hell out of you, whether you end up feeling unproductive, whether these activities are so bas ic, NSAT reviews are a must for Manila Science High School seniors.
In as much as great people are made and not born, it also holds true for MsScians to excel. While it's true that the lessons for being taught us are far more complicated than the tests taken, the more is the need to recall easy topics.
The NSAT may well be just another one of those exams but it takes more or less five hours to complete. Five grueling, butt-flattening hours of brain-wringing and circle-shading But
Rowena Sudario, IV-Copernicus more than being a mind marathon of sorts, it is a basis of the school's efficiency and quality MSHS being last year's topnotcher in the NSAT in NCR is a recurring challenge to this year's batch. To retain the glory and prestige of the school if not further expand it.
And unlike other activities where only a few are actually involved, this time around it is very important that students, teachers and the administration alike see to each other's sacrifices. The administration for their unwavering effort to provide review materials under the hardest circumstances. Teachers for willingly pro-
The reward that never was
*Erwin Drussel Garrido
viding their services even if the review is beyond their working hours and take note, beyond their pay And of course, the students for giving up supposedly free Friday afternoons for reviewing In other words, it's a joint and collaborative effort of the school as a whole
The school's success or failure is not of it alone. Everyone is involved. To the darkening abyss or to the zenith of it all, Manila Science High School will stand as one. For the meantime, all we have to do is focus on the reviews and practice shading more.
No pay, no work!
This is the cry of protest by government employees all over the nation against the supposed cancellation of the issuance of the amelioration pay.
But what is really this amelioration pay that's creating much struggle between the government and the labor force?
Amelioration, as the name implies, means to make easy or to improve. Thus, the amelioration pay is intended as an added bonus to government employees granted by former President Fidel Ramos which began in his last year of service to encourage them to work harder and be most productive. This proposal was warmly accepted and they were promised that it would be an annual reward.
However, there is an issue now regarding the money allotted for this bonus.
As said, this was a sort of a going-away present by FVR and the government says that it is not even included in the national budget. So now the Erap administration is having a hard time explaining this to the workers, that they don't have any budget apportioned benefit. They don't even know where the former president got the money for this.
On the other hand, the workers are demanding
they get the money they were promised. For them it way unfair that they worked so hard all year knowing that they'd get the much craved amelioration pay.
Most affected by this, nevertheless, are the teachers, the real subjects of this profit to convince them to work in the election polls.
This has been a major concern of the government. Workers are putting up rallies and insisting on their claims. The government is in turn insisting on its own. Both parties are being stubborn resulting to unresolved conflicts.
It is very desirable that they settle their disagreements. This is not an issue that deserves to be given much attention right now. Instead of focusing on this problem, we should be concentrating more on national integration and development.
This has been a major concern of the government. Workers are putting up rallies and insisting< on their claims. The government is in turn insisting on its own. Both parties are being stubborn resulting to unresolved conflicts.
Dawn, 17, is.from IV-Townes and is a member of the Manila Science Hi h School Chorale
Filipino First Policy
Just when the Philippine Basketball Association reconsidered the thought of having found heir-apparents and virtual saviors in the presence of Fil-Am players, here comes yet another blow to the Fil-Am in the PBA. The PBA Board together with the Bureau oflmmigrations and Deportation have launched a massive investigation on these players' working permits which has by far yielded positive results.
The bureau was successful in the deportation of Robert Parker of Sta. Lucia and Alvarado Segova of Purefoods for failure to trace their Filipino roots. And just recently, cagers Eric Menk ofTanduay and Asi Taulava of Mobiline were faced with similar charges.
This move heightened the sudden expose of these FilAms' flaws. Their habitual late-night-outs and flare for bar-hopping eventually leading to brawls. Their wrong attitude seen on national television. Their constant absences in team practices.
And they are hailed as the next big stars of Philippine basketball!
No wonder local players have been very vocal on their objections to these half-breeds. Whether they feel threatened or simply irritated on these Fil-Ams' manners, they have every right too.
Talent and skill-wise, local cagers fare very well versus Fil-Am players. Scoresheets and statistics show this fact. But one factor unquantified where the locals really are at advantage is the big 'A' - attitude.
With this knowledge, it really depends on the public and the players themselves to make the move. Fil-Ams who were made before they even played are really just ordinary players without the media hype. And the players can improve their game to further prove that these Fil-Ams are just way overrated and they are as equally good.
Why look at the other side of the fence when we have what we are looking for in our very own?
Bat:ang Billiards
Alvin Dave M. Pusing
Ma. Ofelia Clarissa Z San Pedro Rowena 0 Sudario IV-Copernicus
With the cue stick as his magic wand, the pool table as his stage and the rest of the world as his audience , "The Magician'" Efren "Bata" Reyes has proven once more that he has not ran out of rabbits to pull from his hat. He dominated the world billiards scene in the 1999 World Pool 9Ball Championship held in Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom last July 25
This Pampanga native bested 32 other players from around the world to bag the top spot and bring home the pot money worth$ 60,000 or some Php 2.3 million. This award was enough to earn him the title of being the world's no. 1 billiards player for his domination over 64 player-members of the world Pool Association from America, Europe, Asia and Oceania. His spectacular performance earned him Php 1 million from President Estrada and the distinction of being the second athlete, behind 4-time world bowling champion Rafael "Paeng" Nepomuceno, to be awarded the Philippine Legion ofHonor, Degree of Officer.
But despite Reyes' continuous harvest of international accolades,
he has not turned his back on the country's cost by taking part in the Philippines' SEA Games campaign in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam. The decision proved to be worthy as he successfully won the gold medal in both team and individual contests of the 15-ball rotation. In fact, he opted to forego the World 8-ball Championship in the US circuit where the total prize money is $15 ,000. As a neophyte competitor, he even used another name, Cesar Morales, to penetrate into the US pool scene where he beat in 1984 Earl Strickland and Wade Crane in the Red's Open in Houston. After this big break, he continued to shine in the US limelight and distinguished himself as the first non-American champion in the US Ball Open Tournament at Chesapake, USA.
In 1995, he won the PBT World 8-ball Championshipenough to truly establish his name in billiards On t h e same year, he earned the distinction of being the Billiards Digest Player of the Year. The following year, he claimed the Legends of9-ball and the World 8ball Championship titles and secured
For the nth time, four-time World Cup Champion Paeng Napomuceno gave pride to Juan de la Cruz after gracing the cover of The Bowlers Journal Internationals millennium issue , regarded as the oldest sport magazine founded in 1913
And to top this, he will be receiving the prestigious IOC President's Trophy to be personally awarded by the International Olympic Committee President Juan Antonio Samaranch on November 22 in Abu Dhabi
He deserves them.
***
Back in his old ways is Mike Tyson - he never learned his lesson. His bout with Orlin Norris was declared no contest after he let go of a treacherous left hook at Norris'jaw. It could have been a fatal one , but he is still lucky
Tyson is a sore loser
Fresh from the memories is
the no. 2 ranking in the PBT in terms of earnings. He was also named as one of the "50 Greatest Players" by Billiards Digest. The deep impact of Reyes' feat and how he achieves it in a magnificent fashion should be overlooked. It is how he inspires the youth and the aspiring players that should be credited Flashing his toothless smile with a trophy on onehand and the Philippine flag on the other, Bata proves to be a good sign for Philippine billiards A good sign for Philippine sports.
his fight with Evander Holyfield, a few years back, where he furiously bit Holyfeild 's ear, an act no one expected him to do. He lost his chance to be the best.
And now, driven by his anger and eagerness to regain the glory he had in the past, he wasted another chance of getting b:ir.k AnnthPr opportunity denied
***
PBL' s Red Bull Team was elevated to the PBA, and Photokina Marketing Corp. executive vice president George Chua thanks the PBA for making their dream come true."We'll try not to disappoint, " promised Chua. With this we hope to see a more action-paked, beefed up season for the PB A's ten teams. Good luck Red Bull!
***
Good news! It looks like the Lapiiia talks on
Philippines will have a bigger delegation to the 2000 Sydney Games With 12 Pinoy athletes bound to make an appearance in the Games, two track and field athletes the country is allowed to send, and possibly more to come from other sporting events, greater hopes for a possible gold medal come alive with the POC banking in the debut of taekwondo as a medal sport and the RP pugs' solid performance in the last games. These may be some good signs that the country would get the elusive Olympic gold in the Millennium Bug's year.
***
Hey, have you heard of the man-versus-woman bout in professional boxing? Well, its history for Loi Chow (he's a male) and Margaret McGregor (the she) to be in such a "momentous" and "gigantic" event, displaying the liberated thinking of some (or should I say many) people today.
***
"Size doesn't matter, unless you're talking about a man's heart."
- Wilt Chamberlain
Balancing books and racquets
Alvin Dave M. Posing IV-Copernicus
Who says the Mascian spirit is dead?
Sure it is still alive, in the person of a sophomore, who amidst the tons of assignments and long hours of schoolwork, managed to be a sporty champion
Mary Joy Lapifia, a 14-yearold gal from Pauling knows how to budget her time, though sometimes it is difficult for her to skip classes
Proofs of this is her being an honor student of St. Mary's Academy Batch '98 and being included in the honors' list during her freshman days, not forgetting her being a Milo badminton champion
In 1997, Lapifia championed the District meet in Manila High School and the Division meet in Ramon Magsaysay High School. Repeating the same feat this year, she placed first in both meets that earned her a slot in the recently concluded Palarong Maynila 1999. It all started as a hobby and she was influenced by her sports-
minded family, specifically in badminton Because of this it was not surprising to know, that aside from her coach, Mrs. Jocelyn T. Carlos, her dad trains her for four hours every Saturday evening. She says that it was not very difficult to maintain her good status in her athletic and academic life, because in her case, she does everything to balance the two. She understands that the academics is the priority of the school and that it has to maintain its high standards and prestige.
But with her commendable performance and unique talent in playing badminton, she knows the importance of her studies She says that in the future, " I would just take it as a hobby and concentrate more on my studies."
With all these we ask, "what's the secret?'~
" Do your best and believe in yourself always. Being successful in every field you choose requires 99 percent hard work and patience and 1 per -
alvin dave pusing
Local cagers break silence on Fil -Aminvasio
Local basketball kicked off early in the year with a new trend in its midst and like a plague that swept over the land it affected in many ways Philippine basketball.
What else but the Fil-Am invasion.
The Nucleus Took time to take a look at what really happened by gathering the thoughts of local players regarding this issue.
Direct Hiring Policy
Ever since, Fil-Ams who express their desire to play in the pro league must either be picked by a team in the PBA Annual Draft held at the start of each season or be signed as a free agent also during he beginning
of the year provided that they are certified Filipinos with either their parents bt:ing Filipino_ at their birth. But this year, the PBA has changed its ruling.
Teams may now hire Fil-Ams in the middle of the year on the grounds that they do so on or before the cut-off date. This is the direct-hiring policy. This gives each team enough time to scout for a potential recruit and be able to hire him immediately rather than waiting for the next year's draft.
Some of these players are plucked straight out of college or high school. Here are some of the local players' opinions on the Fil-Ams showing their diverse opinions. It's an excellent move for the
PBA especially that these players really have the talent and skill - Edmund Reyes, Purefoods
I think it's totally unfair for the local players. - Don Carlos Allado, Alaska Milk
They may be overrated sometimes but I think the policy is good for the PBA. - Rodney Santos, Alaska Milk
It doesn't really matter what policy the PBA is implementing. It's OK if they are real Fil-Ams.
- Jun Reyes, Alaska Milk
Blonde Hair, Broad Shoulders
Paul Asi Taulava, drafted by the Mobiline Phone Pals made a lasting impact on the league that almost overshadowed his blonde hair. He was able to steer the Phone Pals a win shy from the finals thus triggering another trend. Teams considered the option of hiring Fil-Ams themselves.
Purefoods acquired the services of Alvarado Segov:.. Sta. Lucia signed in the high-flying Robert Parker. Meanwhile, the rest of the teams realized the value ofFilAms in their roster. San Miguel started to mold Danny Seigle into the next superstar. Tanduay, on the other hand, relied more heavily on Sonny Alvarado and Eric Menk.
Local players may not be keen in doubting these Fil-Ams' abilities but they are confident thar their kind is equally good or even better.
Locals do contribute to the team. Many of them are talented, has the height and they can surely help the league and improve the kind of play. But as you see, unlike thc:m, Filipinos do not have toyo. We are more refined and talent-wise Filipinos have the speed and the quickness, which is really our edge over the Fil-Ams. - Rey Evangelista, Purefoods.
Filipinos really are more talented. Though until now we really can't say what the boys can give since some of them are still adjusting. They are more athletic, taller and bigger. There are chances that they will dominate in the future. - Alvin Patrimonio, Purefoods
Showtime
This year's bandwagon ofFilAms may yet be the best that the league has produced. These rookies as early as now hav~ made a name for themselves. Indeed these Fil-Ams brought he league into new heights. By burning the hoops with their long range shots or shattering the backboards with highlight film dunks, they reaffirmed the PBA's supremacy in the whole of the Philippines and perhaps one of the best in Asia. Other
teams now take time to study their move and most especially, local hoop players need to step up to meet their challenge. Local players are not really challenged by these Fil-Ams because with their arrival we really have to step up and prove that pure Filipinos still are the ones heavily relied on especially during the crucial parts of the game. We have to practice harder and beat them in terms ofhardwork and being smart.Alvin Patrimonio, Purefoods
Beyond the Hardcourt
The notoriety of these players off the court, however is a suspect in their budding careers. Some are known to be late-nightout creatures and bar hoppers. In fact, Andy Seigle has been involved in a brawl at one instance. Parker of Sta. Lucia was seen cussing his coach in national television. These accusations are question marks on these Fil-Ams' ability to speak well of the league.
Fil-Ams aside from being overrated and out of control, are also overpaid compared to the local cagers who are equally as talented and who are more familiar with the game. - Jun Reyes, Alaska Milk
BI Investigations
It has not been all's well for the Fil-Ams in the PBA. The Bureau of Immigrntions is n0w on trar'. 1or falsified working permits and incomplete citizenship records. In fact, they have been successfu I in the deportation ot Parker and Segova for failing to trace their Filipino roots.
Recent developments demand the deportation of Menk and Taulava from the country following their lack of citizenship requirements.
I am sorry for these players but really it's just the right thing to do by the Bureau of Immigrations for the PBA. - Don Carlos Allado, Alaska Milk
They may be of great help to the teams but he Bureau oflmmigrations is correct in their judgment to be fair to everyone. - Don Carlos Allado, Alaska Milk
Hopes
Two or three years from now, it is just as difficult to predict whether the Fil-Ams would still be around or whether the FilAms or the locals will be dominating the league.
There lies the excitement and the thrill. We, Filipinos, have to give it our best shot. And for
me personally, I'm really challenged. - Alvin Patrimonio, Purefoods
It also depends on the PBA whether they will put restrictions for each team on the number ofFil-Ams they should
have. And Fil-Ams are not really threats. I can still clearly see that local players are beginning to adjust to their kind of play.Rey Evangelista, Purefoods Fil-Ams are a welcome addition to the PBA. Just as long as they have the complete documents, they are eligible to rock the hardcourt with their brand of play. But sooner or later they will also have their share of foJ. lowing. Therefore, they should understand the big role they are supposed to be playing. Right attitude, fair play and honest to goodness Filipino blood in their veins.
The Fil-Ams are welcome as long as they provide the proper documents and they have Pinoy blood The deportation of fake Fil-Ams would really i1el p thePBA.l) o n Santos, Alaska Milk
Allado, Alaska Milk
Fil-Am players have a place m thePBA if they have complete papers and Filip i n o b Io o d, otherwise, they do not deserve to be here.Rodney r;es, Fil-Ams can play in the PBA as long as they behave and really possess Filipino blood. - Jun Reyes, Alaska Milk
*Alvin Dave M. Pusing
*Ma. Ofelia Clarissa Z. San Pedro
*Rowena 0. Sudario, IV-Copernicus
lridology: Detecting illn esses thro ugh your eye s
Call it impossible, unbelievable, wish- the Philippines. The iris, which is either blue or ful thinking or call it another medical break- brown, is connected to the different organs like through. the kidney, liver, etc They are connected to the
A new and unique way of detecting ail- iris through the nervous system, by the nerve ments have been developed. One need not go endings , microscopic muscles and tissues. through all the hassles of physical or medical So , how does one detect the illness? check-up to know the causes of his headaches , When large patches, scurf rim, lymphatic conweak lungs on painful menstruation. A mere eye gestions or shadow of dark brown or toxic shade check-up would reveal the causes or reasons are visible , it says something about the condiwhy one is suffering from a particular illness. tions of one ' s body Iridologists say that every-
tau ght proper c learing and detoxification so that one can determi n e what who listic remedy is needed before something becomes a full-blown illness.
Dr. Sen Soriano and Dr. Rolando Hulinganga Jr., both members of the Iridologists Foun dation of the Philippines, of Osaka Health Clinic, the only clinic in the country that practices iridology explained that our irises are connected to the different organs. The one at the right, for example, is connected to the gall bladder, pancreas, ovary and the liver while the one at the left is connected to the heart, spleen, blad-
Iridology, a process of determining the thing reflects in our irises- the inheritance of weaknesses and strengths of our bodily organs weak constitution or strong constitution of our as the heart, kidney, lungs, liver, etc by examin- internal organs. Iridology is more of an illness ing the iris, the colored portion of the eye is the analysis for preventive measure. After detectlatest buzz to hit the medical world at least in ing the organs of becoming weak, patients are ___ 111111111111 ______111111111____. and laughter groups have sig-
ARE YOU UN
Aubrey Taguba IV-Roentgen
Ha"Vc you lau have tears ru loud today? If not, yo serious problem.
According t one expe ·eld your dail equal at 1 , or you are con underlaughed. Unf knowing you should 1 ! not guarantee yo1... will Fortunately, for those of with an undiscovered funny bone, researchers at the University ofFlorida discovered that a sense of humor can be learned and cultivated.
Keep in mind that you don't have to have a reason to laugh. In fact, when you try to explain why you are laughing, it may not seem comic anymore. Initially, you may feel uncomfortable or even embarrasse your laughter. lfnecessary, lock yourself 1n your room and practice laughing in front of the mirror. Before long, you'll likely
muscle.<; with each convulsion. Laughter benefirts the whole cardio-vascular system through dilation of blood vcs-
D?
At the in large creates a ·nated flow of es, this extra ur face flush. , your blood rate increase when you r the laughter r blood pres-
nificantly higher pain thresholds than the others did.
To determine whether the laughter have merely distracted the subjects, the researchers conducted a second study in which groups either listened to a Bill Cosby tape, an Edgar Allan Poe reading, or a lecture; performed a series of multiplication tasks; or did nothing. This time the pain threshold was measured both before and after the experiment. Only those students who listened to the comedy tape showed a significant increase in their b ili to withstand pain. On avl ge, they withstood 20 percen r [)ft pain than the other 6rrou Th e researchers point out th a t laughter is a naturally oc IITin g response and might be p larly useful against sho pain of injections or rec c 1ery m minor surgery. Perhap., '\\-C uld add another cate 11 :3ry ot short-term pain-final e ms
group) did not listen to a tape. Using a blood pressure cuff to create pain, the researchers found that both the relaxation
"It is possible," vrites one researcher, "that la ghter releases chemicals in the rain , beta-endorphins, and en ephr _lir1s which are natural pai nkillhese painkillers ma be as ch as I 00 times strong than any morphine or opium-ha· drug we can take."
So, what are you waiting for? Lau gh and be health y
Doctors further explained that patients are subjected to the "iris scan" where the iris is examined for detecting possible causes of a particular ailment. Then a machine called "iriscope" will take a picture of the patient's irises. Pictures are enlarged for better analysis.
Doctors from other countries like Germany have been practicing this method since 1800 ad in the Philippines. Dr. Soriano and Dr. Huliganga said that it has been here since 1988 when the herbal method is new in
*Jean Carla Aloe
*Joy Anne Eusebio IV-Newton