From Styro to Zero

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PHOTO COURTESY OF BENILDE CAMERA CLUB

Message from the

Editor-at-Large Dear Fellow Benildeans, It is my pleasure to present you with the second issue of Vantage, the official faculty and personnel magazine of DLS-CSB. As we are celebrating our Centennial with the other Lasallian schools in the country, we are one with them in implementing Project Carbon Neutral (PCN), a program on decreasing, and later on neutralizing, carbon footprints of all the La Salle schools in the country through offsetting and reducing energy use. It is spearheaded by the Lasallian Institute for the Environment (LIFE).

Benilde has been taking strides in strategizing how we can contribute to the success of the project. To be able to properly assess our performance in PCN, the College conducted a survey to get baseline data on our energy usage and carbon footprint. We give to you the results of this survey for the community to know how else we can improve in our energy reduction efforts.

In this issue, you will find out about some of our undertakings in alleviating the environmental problems. Styrofoam, an agent that deteriorates the environment in more ways than one, is being phased out from the College. Our cover story discusses why we zeroed in on Styrofoam, as well as its adverse effects not only to the environment, but just as importantly, to our health. We appeal to the Benildean community to support our Styro to Zero campaign, which commences on February 14, 2012, to eliminate the use of Styrofoam not only in the College, but even outside our campuses. There are other more eco-friendly alternatives after all.

And as Benilde is a collaborating community, our efforts for the environment do not remain here. Sharon Mapa Arriola, SDA faculty, presented our environmental projects to other educational institutions from all over the country who might later on duplicate our efforts, thus producing a more pronounced effect on the environment.

While we as Benildeans would like to consider that we are passionate with the environment as a community, individually, we also have our own passions to feed. Get to know a number of Benildean enthusiasts, their passions, and their stories.

We also look back at one of the major organizational changes our College went through last year, which is the separation of the Finance and Administration divisions. We also learn more about Nilo Pacheco, our newest Vice Chancellor in the College, his passion for teaching and his vision for the Finance division.

May this issue of Vantage inspire us in our ventures in 2012, and may we reach our set goals for the year, as individuals and as a community.

In Saints La Salle and Benilde, Dr. Merlinda N. Bucad Vice Chancellor for Administration

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Photo Essay:

UMAEL at Benilde PHOTO BY AYVI CRUZ, CIC-CSO

5 Viewpoints: What is your 8

Passion?

Behind Digits and Figures: The Score on Scholarship

16 The Separation of

Administration and Finance

Top: 17 On Nilo Pacheco 22 Environment +

Essay: 12 Photo Social Design Fabrications First Person: 13 Seeing the Invisible 24 Survivor 14 Beyond the Twelve 26 Our Christmas

Days of Christmas

27 Extraordinary: Mitchelle Osa

18 FROM STYRO TO ZERO COVER ILLUSTRATION BY JUAN CARLOS SALAMAT, CIC-CSO

DECEMBER 2011-JANUARY 2012

STAFF BOX

Editor-at-Large: Dr. Merlinda N. Bucad Editor-in-Chief: Lormi L. Rio Executive Editor: Ayvi N. Cruz Managing Editor: Carrie M. de Guzman Associate Editor: Albert RJ O. Miranda

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Art Director: Romeo M. Catap, Jr. Chief Photographer: Mike Ongchua Section Editors: Ed Lorenzo Q. Valenciano, Giselle M. Montero Contributing Artists: Ana Kristina M. Arce, Arrianne Lea B. Caringal, Juan Carlos A. Salamat

Contributing Writer: Annelvie A. Pabitu Staff Writers: Deirdre Joyce C. Dalawampu, Leo C. Cortes, Mateo R. Borbon, Jr., Maurice D. Cordero, Lori T. Capuno, Thea B. Quintos Consultant: Adie C. Pe単a

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What is your

PASSION?

German philosopher Georg W.F. Hegel once opined “Nothing great in the world has been accomplished without passion.” Passion has steered voyagers to discover uncharted territories, inspired artists to create their most poignant works of art, and fed the imagination of visionary leaders to challenge the standard. To some Benildean personnel, passion can also widen one’s perspective in life.

Ultimate High There is something about Ultimate Frisbee that gets me thirsty for more. I have been playing Ultimate Frisbee for almost five years now and while I used to have a life before discovering this sport, now my world revolves around it.

When I was still a student, I tried to schedule my classes in a way that they will not be in conflict with my games. Now that I’m already working, I make sure that my working hours would not prevent me from playing six times a week.

Ultimate Frisbee is all about freely running on an open field with a bunch of friends throwing and catching a disk and protecting it at the same time. This sport did not just teach me how to run a play, dive on the grass or sky for the disc.

More importantly, I have learned to value my teammates, be a team player, build camaraderie, be patient and have fun.

CV Zalamea rtment Human Resource Depa

Les Langues Étrangères

Merce Brodit School of Hot el, Restaurant and Institution Man agement

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They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues (languages) as the Spirit enabled them. (Acts 2:3-4) As a Catholic school student, this particular verse from the Bible struck a chord in my young impressionable mind. I loved my language subjects even back then.

I went to college and my course required me to learn two European languages.

As a Filipino, Spanish was easier because of my familiarity with most terms. The grammar part was a bit of a challenge but, eventually, I overcame it. With French, there were so many letters that were not supposed to be pronounced. Since both Spanish and French originate from Latin, the grammar is almost identical, thus, the hurdle would fall on the vocabulary.

My passion for languages led me to take a Master of Arts in Linguistics. I wanted to better understand the intricacies of different language systems and discover for myself the phenomenon of the universal language. My studies made me more appreciative of human beings’ speech faculty. I uncovered explanations to some baffling idiosyncrasies in the languages I became fluent in.

The realizations, to say the least, are empowering. Being able to communicate in different languages is very fulfilling and gratifying. I love the look people give me when we find a common language used to communicate. It is as if one is thrown a lifesaver and a heavy burden is lifted.

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Stoked on Skateboarding

Max Quijano tension Program DSL-Academic Ex

I fly across the river of wavy asphalt as the wind whispers loud shrills to my ears. As I push through the dark snake with illuminated yellow-orange spots, it smacks me right on the face. And there it is, riding with me through each turn and drift, the STOKE. We have heard it many times from blonde surfer dudes of “match airing” shows that we think we know what it means. Most would use the word to express excitement. But it is more than just heightened excitement. They say it’s about traversing that thin line between the danger of getting seriously hurt and being just safe enough to still be staring down danger’s face with a smile that makes those chemicals rush to your head, trickle down your spine and spread to your whole body. That, my friends, is the STOKE. It is the main reason why grown up men and women remain riding their boards even when people stare at them with disdain as they glide through the streets or while kids jeer “Kuya, tricks! Tricks!!!” Even though you don’t do “tricks,” you still feel the thrill on your skin and the rush in your veins when you reach dangerous speeds. You breathe loud sighs of relief and gasps of fear alternately as you carve in and out and your wheels drift away from you, only to be pulled back under your weight. There is but one word to describe it: addictive.

I may have just picked up skateboarding again after a long while, but it was with me all along. I fantasize being Marty McFly riding that hoverboard of the Future. I still wait for what new skateboard trick Bart will do at the opening of The Simpsons. Now I am conscious of the weather; I always look at sky to see if it’s skate-friendly. I dream and daydream of my next STOKE.

Nurturing Nature

Weena Meily Center for Soci al

Action

I lived in apartments for most of my life. As a child of the city, it was a luxury for me to climb a tree, play with mud and run through wide-open spaces. This luxury allowed me to be passionate about the beauty of the outdoors.

I seem to have gained a delicious perspective in life after a solitary silent retreat in a hermitage. During the retreat, I meditated, woke up to rooster crowing before daybreak, sat on the floor in quiet abandon, listened to birds’ calls and songs, thanked the trees for their shade and fragrant sweet scent, and learned about the flowering shrubs—not only their names, but their colors, feel and number of petals. My quiet time involved smiling when chilly air touched my face, watching a spider weave its web, chasing butterflies and listening to the sound of neighbors laughing, dogs barking, children playing, and busy bees buzzing. An Oriental exercise by the lake was the perfect ending. With other retreat participants, I moved my hands like floating silk in the air, expanded my chest to reach the mountain and painted the rainbow. Even the exercise was inspired by nature.

Deep inside me, I hunger to reconnect with nature regularly. This is my passion…for awe and wonder in life!

Of Fangs and Romance I am passionate about the Twilight Saga. I was intrigued by the love story of a teenage girl and a vampire that when Breaking Dawn Part 1 opened in cinemas, I made it a point to catch its very first showing. As soon as I heard that there would be a midnight screening on November 18, I didn’t have second thoughts to call my husband and set a date with him. We got home from the cinema at almost around 3:00am and even though I had to be at work on the same day, I had no regrets. This film was worth the missed sleeping hours and every penny I spent. Even if this movie series is just a fantasy, I appreciate it for it affirms the magnanimity of love and sacrifice, not to mention its ability to elicit that kilig feeling.

Caryl Rabanal lopment Program SMIT-Career Deve

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The Virtue in Volunteerism

Leo Angelo Gomez Cab asag SDEAS-Cen ter for Deaf Esteem and Formation

Puppy Love

I used to be employed in a local bank. I thought I was reasonably happy and satisfied with the way things were going. But I became too fixated on becoming “successful” in my eight-to-five job, eventually wearing myself out. It came to a point when I felt that I was not accomplishing anything anymore. The feeling was excruciating. There was an urge in me to find new ground and pursue a deeper and more meaningful life experience.

I found myself signing up with a local organization that offered opportunities to share time and talents with underprivileged kids. I was concerned with the “talent” thing, as I knew I did not have much of that. But since I had some time off during weekends, I thought I could try to wring out of me some of that talent and do something different. Just being with the kids, dancing and clapping with them, gave me an indescribable feeling. It felt like I was able to contribute to their happiness. I also began doing volunteer work with the Deaf community. I did not expect this would forever change the direction of my life. I later switched careers from being part of the corporate world to the academe.

When I started volunteering, I began to have a better understanding and profound appreciation of life’s ample blessings. Volunteering felt very enlivening and self-affirming. Volunteering converted my faith, belief, and point of view that there is hope in everything, in everyone, and that there is joy in sharing.

I am passionate about dogs. According to Louis Sabin, “No matter how little money and how few possessions you own, having a dog makes you rich.” Perhaps, it is because these furry friends of ours have long provided us with comfort, camaraderie and unconditional love. My Mini Schnauzer Keeno and I always play as soon as I come home from the office. Spending time with my four-legged buddy takes away all the stress brought by a busy day. Keeno’s energy is infectious. I love it when he runs and bounces around. When I hug him, I feel like I am embracing a cuddly stuffed toy.

Like other dog-lovers, I feel that the relationships we form with our canine friends are among the longest and strongest. Our dogs are our soulmates, best friends, and can even sometimes be our surrogate children.

Alfred John Bernardo Human Resource Department

Chick Boy

Emer Siscar Information Tech no

logy Department

My serious interest in agriculture led me to explore free-range poultry. This started with my desire to produce chicken meat and brown eggs free from harmful hormones and growth promotants for my family. Free-range chicken are left to freely graze in wide, open and grassy spaces. Instead of antibiotics, they are treated with herbal medicines and their diets include lemongrass for detoxification. With this environment and conditioning, the chicken grow firm, lean flesh that is tastier and healthier than that of their caged counterparts.

From supplying just enough for my family’s consumption, I eventually ventured into small-scale production of free-range chicken and brown eggs and set up the Batangas Free-Range Chicken. Being a member of the Philippine Association of Free-Range Poultry Advocates, Inc. (PAFPAI) allows me to collaborate and share experiences with other member farmers of this type of poultry farming. Our products are being used in restaurants and gourmet shops.

I believe agriculture, specifically natural farming, offers a vast area of opportunities where people could find their own interest either as a hobby or later on, a veritable source of income. It is not all about animals, as others may also look into organic fertilizer production through vermicomposting or organic vegetable production.

Share your viewpoints.

Tell us about the new you in 2012.

The most interesting stories will be printed in the next issue of Vantage.

Essays must be less than 300 words. Email us at vantage@benilde.edu.ph, subject line “Viewpoints,” with your name and department/unit.

VIEWPOINTS IS THE FORUM SECTION OF VANTAGE WHERE MEMBERS OF THE BENILDEAN COMMUNITY CAN VOICE OUT THEIR THOUGHTS ON A PARTICULAR TOPIC. SECTION EDITOR: ALBERT RJ MIRANDA, CIC-CSO Vantage_vol 1_no 2_Dec-Jan.indd 7

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After years of being part of the workforce, Alexander Sablan goes back to school.

Aside from being a full-time warehouse stock keeper at Duty Free Philippines, he is now also one of the Blessed Arnould Study Assistance Program (BASAP) Batch 17 scholars in DLS-CSB taking up BSBA major in Business Management. Nowadays, his daily routine involves accomplishing inventory reports, reading piles of business books and attending to lectures. He is still adjusting to his new lifestyle. “Nangangapa pa ako… medyo hirap pero ok lang.”

For Sablan, juggling work and studies is a challenge. Even so, all of the multitasking he has been doing is worth the effort as it is not everyday that he gets the chance to study through the benefit of a scholarship.

Behind Digits and Figures THE SCORE ON SCHOLARSHIPS

BY ALBERT RJ MIRANDA, CIC-CSO PHOTO BY MIKE ONGCHUA, ITD

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At least 1 out of 5 At least one out of five students is a scholar—that is the ideal scenario. Benilde aims to reach 20% Full Scholarship Equivalence (FSE) this year.

The College’s Student Grants Office (SGO) reports that as of 1st term of SY 2011-2012, Benilde’s FSE is already at 17.07%. This translates to more than two thousand scholars. The 17.07% figure is a leap of almost three percent from the previous 14.45% posted during the same period in SY 2010-2011. As the goal to hit the 20% FSE target continues, we can expect more scholars in Benilde.

11.11.11 Last November 11, thousands of Benildean scholars came together at the Br. Miguel Febres Cordero grounds and Greenway Square to celebrate the Centennial Scholars Fair. From BASAP to Benildean Hope scholars, varsity players to student-artist grantees, Kapitbahay to academic scholars, all types of scholars in Benilde were recognized.

The scholars may come from different backgrounds and face varied circumstances but all of them are a source of inspiration to the Benildean community. Robert Tang, Vice Chancellor for Academics, puts it succinctly: “Where they (the scholars) came from, the talents they share and the diligence that they show in their studies serve as an inspiration to everyone.”

You will know that you have made it far if you can distinguish where you have begun.

During the fair, guest alumni who were also former scholars, shared words of motivation to the current scholars.

Veejay Floresca, former SDA grantee and now fashion designer to Filipino celebrities and high society figures, related that his journey as a scholar is worthy to be featured in a drama show. “My father was murdered when I was in third year high school and it’s like a life story na pangMaalaala Mo Kaya… everything went downhill from there but I said to myself… poverty can never be a hindrance to my dreams. Luckily, I was given the scholarship that all of you have right now.”

Easter Villanueva, former BEST scholar now project assistant in the Trading Policy Group of the Department of Trade and Industry, echoes Floresca’s message. “If not for the BEST scholarship, I would not be where I am right now.

Coming from a financially-challenged family, I would not be able to graduate from a good institution if not for DLS-CSB’s generosity…Benilde has given you one of the best gifts— the gift of education…so cherish it, make it a stepping stone to succeed.”

“P150,000 richer” “Theoretically, I’m P150,000 richer every year!” Marlene Javier from the Compliance Office jokingly alludes to the benefit of BPSP (Brother President Scholarship Program) to her and her family. Javier’s son is currently a 2nd year Human Resource Management student in Benilde and his tuition, which averages P50,000 per term, is being waived.

Mildred Maniego from the Human Resource Department is another personnel in Benilde whose daughter is a BPSP beneficiary. According to her, without the BPSP she would not be able to afford to pay the cost of her daughter’s College tuition. Maniego’s daughter is an International Hospitality Management freshman in Benilde.

It is the same story for Nizarildo De Leon from the Center of Sports Development. De Leon considers BPSP as the biggest benefit from his job. “… yun ang pinakamagandang benefit... na mapag-aral namin ang mga anak namin dito or any La Salle school… napakalaki ng naitutulong sa akin ng scholarship dahil miscellaneous fees na lang ang binabayaran ko.” De Leon’s daughter is currently a 2nd year BSBA Export Management major in Benilde.

Numbers don’t lie. However, while digits and figures are objective accomplishment indicators, they cannot fully measure the impact a scholarship can bear upon scholars and their families. Behind the FSE percentages and waived tuition costs are stories of the lives of scholars, which are worth knowing as they give meaning and context to what are otherwise mundane statistics and hard data.

Scholarships in Benilde through the years * Years indicate when scholarship was first offered.

1995 ATHLETIC BASAP

CIC ENTRACA OCA SDEAS

1997

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BALLET PHILIPPINES PD577 PD1687

1999 BPSP 2000 SDA 2001 SPG-Y SPG-B 2002 BEST

SOFA 2006 HONORS

2008 2010 2011 2012

KAPITBAHAY VATEL

BSE PHILIPPINE REALTY AND HOLDINGS CORPORATION

BHS

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DEC-JAN 2012

On October 27, 2011, different offices and departments of the Benildean community joined forces in welcoming delegates of the 5th World Union of Former Lasallian Students (UMAEL) from all over the world. Benilde organized Take 45 Movements, a host of 45-minute activities that exhibit the College’s learning atmosphere. Through Take 45, DLS-CSB showcased its various programs with activities ranging from doodling, basic photography, dance fashion shows, musical performances and Filipino Sign Language.

PHOTOS BY ALBERT MIRANDA, ANNELVIE PABITU, AYVI CRUZ, GERARD TEAÑO AND ROMEO CATAP

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Woven hair, baby sweaters, tattoos, blood and rust-stained piùa cloth—this seemingly random collection of disparate objects, upon closer inspection, convey our interest in skins and the act of making coverings for ourselves. MCAD Museum of Contemporary Art and Design invites us to untangle the conceptual nature of skin and covering through the exhibit Fabrications, featuring works of Filipino artists Dexter Fernandez, Sandra Palomar, Diokno Pasilan, Patricia Perez Eustaquio, Alfredo Aquilizan, as well as Singaporean Jane Lee and Thai Imhathai Suwathanasilp.

Discover the varied ways in which these coverings are used in the expression of artistic discourse and practice.

Fabrications runs until February 25, 2012.

PHOTOS BY JUAN CARLOS SALAMAT, CIC-CSO

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Seeing the Invisible

BY MATEO BORBON, JR. AND JEFFRIE ATENDIDO, ITD

Ai Caramba!

If you believe that being poor is a choice and do not help the needy because they’re just in it with the syndicates, stop reading. You would not understand Benilde’s agenda of empowering its less fortunate Kapitbahays by providing them training, knowledge, and skills that they can use to be self-sustainable. In fact, you might probably not understand the concept of giving, because maybe for you, you only give to those who give back to you.

In fact, you might rather throw your plastic bags in the trash than give them to the Invisible Sisters Kapitbahayan Livelihood Project at Santissima Trinidad Parish where they recycle plastic bags and turn them into colorful and usable handicrafts.

The invisible sisters what? A fitting name for the likes of people you choose not to see, and you will probably smile at the irony of the term. Yes, these are people who you often disregard; you probably think of them as good-for-nothing housewives who spend their day sharing neighborhood gossip with other good-for-nothing housewives.

You would probably think that the project will not succeed, what with nosy housewives for participants and trash for raw materials. Trash! Ai Caramba! Then again, you probably do not know about a similar project in Marikina where the water lilies floating in the river are turned into handicrafts worthy of export because you are blinded by your Louis Vuitton or Ferragamo eyewear.

You also probably wouldn’t care about the efforts that our neighboring communities have done for the environment. You wouldn’t want to know that our kapitbahays are now more conscientious of their surroundings, that they segregate their trash, clean the esteros and go through all the necessary means to not let another Ondoy destroy their abodes.

Que horror!

If you equate honor, intelligence, and integrity to how rich and refined one looks and the number of cars one owns, go ahead and read your fashion magazines. You would not appreciate the students in the Alternative Learning System (ALS) program because you would probably think that they are jologs.

Too bad for you though, you will not see these youngsters achieve their dream through the gift of education. You won’t be there when they impart just how much they value the second shot at education given to them by Benilde. You’d probably teach your children to be afraid of these informal settlers since they’re always up to no good, and besides, why would you let your immaculate kid play around with an uncouth spawn of the street? Que horror! For you, outward appearance matters because you reckon that a privileged person does not steal, they do not lie for they are intelligent, and that they reek of good manners because they were bred to be such, just like an Arabian horse is bred as Magnifico Animal!

Bueno!

But if you are still reading this, you are probably the type of person who sees the good in others; you probably help others, maybe secretly and without fanfare; you don’t let appearance dictate your judgment for you were probably taught the real value of honesty and hard work by your parents; you have not fabricated lies to spite someone you don’t like. You are the type of employee who self-busses in the canteen, picks up trash along the way, conserves water and electricity, recycles, and is conscientious of even your tiniest actions. In short, you are doing simple things which if taken in its entirety, weave the strongest strand in the cloth of society. By these you are a true Lasallian, with these, you are a true Benildean.

Innovation does come in different forms, so what can be done with plastic bags which take 1000 years before they decompose? The Invisible Sisters found a way to transform these unused sando bags to beautiful ornaments! I had the privilege of observing them when the Center for Institutional Communications-Creative Services Office (CIC-CSO) invited me to interact with the Invisible Sisters.

These used sando bags are sanitized twice before being cut strategically to become a “thread” like pattern. After so many years, I once again had a chance to try my skill at crocheting. I was so embarrassed because I forgot how to do single stitches, but after quite some time I got the hang of it and was able to complete a single bracelet.

It is true, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.

- JOANNE RAQUEL, HRD

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One of the most popular Christmas songs is the “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” Known for its length and nonsensical words, it has been used in contests, shows and other forms of entertainment, and to teach children to count.

The song, however, is said to originate sometime between the mid-1500s through 1829 as a song of catechism. At that time Christians were not allowed to openly practice their faith, the song was a way of teaching children the tenets of the faith without threat of persecution.

Each gift refers to a Christian tenet.

The “true love” handing out gifts is God, and the “me,” the receiver of the gifts, is a baptized Christian.

1

The partridge in a pear tree is Jesus.

Jesus as a partridge is in reference to Scripture: “Jerusalem! Jerusalem! How often would I have sheltered thee under my wings, as a hen does her chicks, but thou wouldst not have it so.”

(Luke 13:34 and Matthew 23:34)

2

The two turtledoves are the Old and New Testaments.

3

Three French hens stand for the cardinal virtues of faith, hope and love.

4

The four calling birds are the four Gospels or Evangelists.

Matthew, Mark, Luke and John

5

The five gold rings recall the Hebrew Torah (Law) or the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Old Testament.

Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy

6

The six geese a-laying stand for the six days of creation.

BY THEA QUINTOS, CLM ILLUSTRATIONS BY AYA CARINGAL, CIC-CSO Vantage_vol 1_no 2_Dec-Jan.indd 14

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7

The seven swans a-swimming represent the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Wisdom directs our whole life and all our actions for God’s honor and glory Understanding enables us to know more clearly the mysteries of faith Counsel warns us of the deceits of the devil and of the dangers to salvation Fortitude strengthens us to do the will of God in all things Knowledge enables us to discover the will of God in all things Piety directs us to love God as a Father and to obey Him because we love Him Fear of the Lord instills the dread of sin and fear of offending God

8

The eight maids a-milking are the eight Beatitudes taken from Matthew.

Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven Blessed are the meek: for they shall possess the land Blessed are they who mourn: for they shall be comforted Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after justice: for they shall have their fill Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy Blessed are the clean of heart: for they shall see God Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God Blessed are they that suffer persecution for justice’s sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven

9

Nine ladies dancing are the nine types or choirs of angels Seraphim, Cherubim, Thrones, Dominions, Virtues, Powers, Principalities, Archangels and Angels

10

The ten lords a-leaping are the Ten Commandments.

I, the Lord, am your God. You shall not have other gods besides me.

You shall not take the name of the Lord, your God, in vain.

Remember to keep holy the Sabbath day.

Honor your father and your mother.

You shall not kill.

You shall not commit adultery.

You shall not steal.

You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.

You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife.

You shall not covet anything that belongs to your neighbor.

11

Eleven pipers piping represent the eleven faithful Apostles.

Simon Peter, Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James bar Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot and Judas bar James

12

Twelve drummers drumming symbolize the twelve points of doctrine in the Apostles’ Creed.

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.

He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary.

He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.

He descended into hell. On the third day he rose again.

He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty.

He will come again to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.

Sources: http://wiki.answers.com/Q/ • What_are_the_twelve_points_of_doctrine_in_the_Apostles%27_Creed • http:// jmm.aaa.net.au/articles/18762.htm • http://www.holytrinitynewrochelle.org/yourti102896.html • http://www. catholic.org/saints/anglchoi.php • http://www.bibletutor.com/level1/program/start/books/oldtest/pentat/ pentateu.htm • http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/02371a.htm • http://www.crivoice.org/cy12days.html • http://www.padfield.com/1993/tencom.html • The Teaching Of Christ, A Catholic Catechism For Adults, p. 276

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OVCFFA A

THE SEPARATION OF ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE

BY VIDA ANTONIETTE CUARESMA, OVC-ADMIN WITH ANNELVIE PABITU, CIC-CSO

As the silver anniversary draws near, De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde continues to develop and enhance its offerings, making it a frontrunner in most innovative degrees. Students generate more needs both academically and operationally. To meet these needs, the College constantly looks into the improvement of its operational services.

During the 2008 General Assembly, DLS-CSB President Br. Victor A. Franco FSC introduced a new top level position in order to help address organizational concerns – the Vice President for Finance and Administration. Under the supervision of Dr. Merlinda N. Bucad, this division, for the last three years, holds the overall responsibility over the following departments: Accounting (Finance), General Administrative Services, Information Technology, and Human Resources.

Now in School Year 2011-2012, the College, however, observes a major turning point with the separation of Finance and Administration as two independent units. The reason can be traced to the need for a more synchronized process of appropriating donations which proves to be increasingly indispensable.

In January 2010, the College, through the initiative of Center for External Linkages, Alumni and Development (then Development, External Linkages and Alumni Office or DELAO), applied for a donee institution status from the Philippine Council for NGO Certification (PCNC). A donee institution status means a “seal of good housekeeping” from PCNC, which attests to the legitimacy and transparency of Non Government Organizations (NGOs) receiving donations from individuals or corporations in the Philippines. Prior to the application, the College had only been receiving benefactions by coursing it through De La Salle University Science Foundation. Though this arrangement worked for some time, the tedious process of monitoring and reconciliation of funds between the College and the Science Foundation still could not be mitigated. As part of the institution’s undertaking to better serve its internal and external stakeholders, Benilde sought for PCNC accreditation.

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The College did not have to wait for long though. The College did not have to go through the lengthy, drawn-out interim that other institutions might have undergone. The accreditation was conferred in November of the same year, with PCNC granting the school with a three-year donee institution status. This came with the recommendations from PCNC to pursue the 20% target of scholarship grants to deserving students from disadvantaged communities, to institutionalize the planning process, monitoring and evaluation tool, and success indicators for the community development plan, and finally to carry out the proposal of having an independent Finance unit. That being said, the Management has decided that the Finance Department would be separated from the rest of the Administrative departments (Information Technology, Human Resources, and General Administrative Services). As a result, the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Finance (OVCF) was born, and at its helm is former President and Director of Export and Industry Bank, Nilo L. Pacheco Jr. More than ensuring that the College has a steady cash flow, Finance Department (FD), according to Pacheco, ensures that all resources are also strategically used.

Presently, FD keeps all of the accounting and fiscal affairs of the institution in good order. It addresses the financial concerns of both students and employees, from tuition invoicing to budget statement production. In addition, it provides services such as administration of credit and cash collection, management of payables and receivables, declaration of fixed assets, and preparation of consolidated budget of the institution.

Finance Department may be relatively young in terms of being an independent function. But with the teamwork and cooperation among the members of the Benildean community, it commits itself to offering high-quality services with assurance that these are performed based on generally accepted accounting principles and are aligned with the College’s Mission-Vision and governing policies and procedures.

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Whether it is in the world of commerce or the academe, Pacheco’s passion for teaching is constant. Through his interactions with students and colleagues, he is able to impart nuggets of wisdom and life lessons. For Pacheco, teaching is a worthwhile investment in his professional growth and a priceless way of making a difference in this world.

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Banking on Education Finance Administrator is Educator at Heart

PHOTO BY JOE GALIAN

Nilo Pacheco, Jr. made a name for himself in the field of commercial banking but it is clear that he also belongs to the academe.

About ten years ago, at the height of his finance career, Pacheco was presented with a chance to give back and mentor young minds. Br. Rolando Dizon FSC, then DLSU President, offered him to become manager of a De La Salle varsity team, a position which involves doling out money, but more importantly, imparting values into the minds of the players. He eventually chose to become manager of the DLSU Men’s Volleyball Team composed of 14 players and three coaches. This he continues to do until now.

From then on, Pacheco continued to be involved with De La Salle schools in various capacities. At De La Salle University-Manila, he is Executive Vice President for Finance. In Benilde, he served as financial consultant during the term of Br. Edmundo Fernandez FSC, member and treasurer of the Board of Trustees and part-time SMIT faculty in finance. Now, Pacheco is Benilde’s Vice Chancellor for Finance.

As Vice Chancellor for Finance, Pacheco is on top of ensuring that the College’s funds are wisely allocated. “Yes, Finance’s function includes accounting debit-credit, but our main task is to ensure that the College has a steady flow of cash and more importantly, that these resources are allocated based on the school’s strategic vision and mission.” The community experienced Pacheco’s hands-on approach during the budget hearing sessions. When he sits

down with the different groups, he never forgets to ask the presenters, “How much is really needed?” For Pacheco, the basis of his budget allocation recommendations is founded on a simple guiding principle: “If it is for the students and for their development, then it is given a priority. After all, education is the thrust of this institution.”

Pacheco’s Life Lessons Among his students, Pacheco is known for his “life lessons.”

Between numbers and finance theories, Pacheco imparts to young minds words of wisdom based on his experience, which may help them cope with the difficulties and challenges of life. Pacheco tells his students that success is a choice, and “while it’s true that life is hard, someone buys a house or a car everyday.”

For Pacheco, the formula to success is 70% luck and 30% hard work. While luck forms a bigger percentage in his formula to success, he emphasizes that the 30% hard work is crucial. Hard work ensures that one is prepared when luck chances upon you. “Of course, for luck to come to you, you have to be a good person.”

Pacheco’s motivation comes from his goal of touching lives, of making a positive difference in the lives of people that come into his life.

ON TOP PROFILES BENILDEAN ADMINISTRATORS AS THEY REVEAL THEIR MANAGEMENT STYLES, DEVELOPMENT PLANS AND PASSIONS IN LIFE. INTERVIEW BY ALBERT RJ MIRANDA, CIC-CSO

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FROM STYRO TO ZERO

BY ANNELVIE PABITU, CIC-CSO ILLUSTRATION BY ANA KRISTINA ARCE, CIC-CSO

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The issue of climate change is not cooling down anytime soon. Neither is the planet. As a matter of fact, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has recently marked 2010 as the hottest climate year on record. And judging by the pattern by which this record has managed to outdo itself year after year, it is not exceedingly unlikely that 2011 will steal the previous year’s thunder in the sweltering department.

This should sound terrifying. But how many people would actually stop to make a conscious decision to change their light bulbs (as Al Gore would have liked) and how many (to the vexation of Michael Pollan who in his article disses the populace who) would just groan thinking “Why bother?”

If the latter outnumbers the former, then the world is in a deep fix. So deep that sea levels will rise, weather patterns will change, water tables will sink.

Not that these frightening incidents are not happening already.

Climate scientist James Hansen shook the world to its core in 1988 with his pronouncement that global warming was underway. While this admittedly garnered the public’s attention at the time, in reckoning the situation really has not improved ever since. If anything, it has taken a turn for the worse.

What is missing here, then? Just like any other advocacy or agenda, this call to action will never fly without a legitimate starting point.

The starting point needs not to be immediately grand and fullscale. It just has to be something.

Whether one is using a reusable bag for grocery shopping or an institution is planting 1 million trees—the fact that people are willing to exhibit their own acts of kindness to the environment is vastly encouraging.

Government organizations, private groups, academic institutions—they all have their ways of pitching in their own contributions to offset their carbon footprints.

Benilde, for instance, will take its sustainability effort one step further by phasing out Styrofoam in all its campuses.

into the content and eventually be absorbed into the consumers’ bloodstream.

Being non-biodegradable, polystyrene results to considerable environmental problems as well. See, if a Styrofoam cup alone will take 500 years in a landfill before it is completely broken down, do you even want to imagine how much time it will take for the rest of the world’s Styrofoam wastes to be eradicated?

Last year’s waste audit conducted by the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives, Greenpeace and the EcoWaste Coalition showed that 75.55% of the 728 liters of trash collected from Manila Bay was composed of plastic discards, 20.74% of which were Styrofoam materials. Surely it would not take a math whiz to figure out that the numbers mean an awful lot.

These are the precise reasons why Taiwan, China, and more than 100 cities in the United States have prohibited the use of Styrofoam in their respective regions. In the Philippines, Muntinlupa has already enacted a yearlong transition from disposable Styrofoam to biodegradable containers.Pursuing a similar undertaking are the provinces of Laguna and Batangas, and the city of Antipolo.

Zero Styro policy has also reached the Lasallian institutions.

This is particularly true in the case of De La Salle University Manila which trailblazed the campus Zero Styro initiative in 2008. Although the campaign did not completely transform the university overnight, it eventually succeeded in infusing its sustainability message not just into the consciousness of its students, but also of the whole Lasallian community. True enough, De La Salle Santiago Zobel followed suit and adopted the move in 2010. Not one to lag behind, Benilde is now poised for a similar change.

[ ] “The key here is to, little by little, motivate Benildeans to change their lifestyle, one habit at a time.”

Why Styrofoam?

Polystyrene is a petroleum-based plastic with very good insulation properties. Most people refer to it as Styrofoam, which is really a brand name of foamed polystyrene. After decades of misuse, Styrofoam has become a household generic term for disposable foam products, joining the shelves of Xerox to mean photocopier, and Colgate to mean toothpaste.

However, the etymology of polystyrene is not the drift here.

Its adverse impact to human health and the environment is.

Possibly the biggest health concern associated with polystyrene is the presence of toxic chemicals in its components. These chemicals are known to be carcinogenic. Hot liquid and food can trigger a partial breakdown of the Styrofoam, causing toxins to leach

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Ready, Set, Green!

The primary goal of Styro to Zero is to control and reduce the entry, disposal and proliferation of Styrofoam within the College. This entails absolute banning of the use of Styrofoam on food items while minimizing the use of polystyrene as raw material inside the classroom.

Full implementation of Styro to Zero will begin on February 14, 2012. Visuals like banners and posters specifying the policy will be strategically placed on key entry points.

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Upon circulation of the official memo informing the community of the campaign, security personnel will no longer allow students and employees with Styrofoam products to enter the premises.

The official memo will also be disseminated to various fastfood chains in the vicinity of the College. More than a step to raise awareness, this is meant to rule out the use of polystyrene not only within the Benildean community, but also around it.

For Ms. Analyn Morales, Director of Center for Housekeeping and Environmental Concerns (CHEC), any project can succeed as long as there is a proactive leader, a realistic plan, and an enthusiastic community.

“The key here is really to, little by little, motivate Benildeans to change their lifestyle, one habit at a time.

If they are not used to bringing their own food containers before, they have to now.” The director admits that although there used to be a time when CHEC would have difficulty finding volunteers for their projects—that is no longer the case these days. In fact, student volunteers for tree-planting activities and clean-up drives just keep coming in flocks. This, she takes as an affirmation that Benilde is indeed set to go green all the way.

Sharing this vision is one of the College’s student organizations, Greenergy. “I believe Benilde is ready to be a styro-free campus. It helps that our concessionaires have long been practicing the usage of eco-friendly food packaging items. A small step of action is a big contribution to the environment,” remarks Greenergy president Amber Ruth Martinez.

The idea is to encourage all members of the Benildean community to bring their own food containers and utensils as alternative to Styrofoam.

Canteen concessionaires will only use ceramic plates and stainless cutlery for full-catering services within campuses, or biodegradable containers for takeout meals.

It sounds simple enough. But this campaign is more than just bringing one’s own reusable container to work or to school. Ultimately, it is about making choices—not necessarily the easy ones, but the right ones.

Going green is a day-to-day decision. Say, when you are already running late for work, do you still unplug each and every appliance in your house or do you just leave them be? When you see the “Biodegradable” and “Non-biodegradable” signs on the trash bins, do you segregate or not? Bringing your own food container means an extra room in your already bursting bag, do you make space or not? In the course of a day, you will possibly find yourself caught in between on more than one occasion. But in the end, it is really up to you to make the call.

The 2010 outcome report on Benilde’s mitigation initiatives reveals that the orchestration of programs such as self-bussing, waste segregation and green landscaping has significantly reduced the College’s solid waste and abated its carbon footprint. If this beaming outcome then is any indication of the community making the right call, Styro to Zero will prove to be an advocacy that is not going down to waste.

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Summary of CO2 Emissions on Energy per month TAFT CAMPUS AKIC CAMPUS

The following baseline data of DLS-CSB’s carbon emission serves as input in identifying the College’s mitigation measures.

A carbon footprint is the sum of all CO2 (carbon dioxide) emissions which are induced by products or activities in a given time frame.

SDA CAMPUS

Transportation Mode *Based on a survey conducted by GASD-CHEC during the 1st Term of SY 2011-2012. A total of 2,798 respondents participated.

Mitigation Directions Project Carbon Neutral is a part of DLS-CSB’s environmental programs. It takes the participation of the whole community for us to be successful in achieving lower carbon footprint and a sustainable and efficient facilities operations and management.

Here are some of the projects and policies that help mitigate the carbon emissions produced by the campus facilities and its users, and encourage a change of lifestyle towards the environment. Most projects are currently in effect, while some are expected to take effect within school years 2011 to 2013.

INFOGRAPHICS BY ROMEO CATAP, CIC-CSO

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21 94

59.5

11 19

87.5 166

LIGHTING

AIRCON UNITS 12

7.6 44

38.6

14

14

MOTORS

OTHER APPLIANCES 0.0

14% 15%

120,000 80,000 CO2 IN KG

40,000

160,000

0.0

40,000

120,000 80,000 CO2 IN KG

WALKING/BIKING/PEDICAB

PRIVATE

71%

FROM STYRO TO ZERO

CATHODE RAY TUBE (CRT) TO LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY (LCD) MONITORS

PHASING OUT OF CFC REFRIGERANTS

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160,000

CURRICULUM INTEGRATION OF ‘GREEN’ PROJECTS

COMMUTE

PAPER RECYCLING

SELF-BUSSING POLICY

SEGREGATION AND RE-USE OF PAPER

PLASTIC BAG/PLOYSTYRENE USE RESTRICTION

E-JEEP

ONE MILLION TREES AND BEYOND (OMTB) INITIATIVES

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DLS-CSB lies at the heart of urban center, witnessing daily the intense congestion and rapid expansion of the metropolitan environment. This reality increases strain on resources, environmental hazards, and causes deterioration of health due to urban pollution caused by industrialization.

This is also the same reality that pushed the College into thinking of how it can contribute to alleviate the worsening environmental condition.

Environment + Social Design A RESPONSE TO THE CURRENT ENVIRONMENTAL/ SOCIAL NEEDS

BY MARIA SHARON MAPA ARRIOLA, SDA FACULTY WITH CARRIE DE GUZMAN, CIC-CSO PHOTOS BY JUAN CARLOS SALAMAT, CIC-CSO

BIOMODD INSTALLATION

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I shared Benilde’s environmental efforts with the national academic community and local government units during the 2nd Biodiversity Meeting (BIOME) in Virac, Catanduanes.

It was sponsored by two distinct educational institutions in the island province–the Catanduanes State Colleges (CSC) and the Pacific Island Institute for Pedagogy, Technology, Arts and Sciences (Pacifictec). This year’s BIOME focuses on environmental advocacy themes on biodiversity, climate change, sustainable development, political ecology and social representation on nature conservation. The participating educational institutions are the Aklan State University, Cebu Technological University, De La SalleCollege of Saint Benilde, De La Salle-Araneta University, University of Santo Tomas, University of the Philippines Los Banos, Palawan State University, Central Mindanao University, Philippine National Museum, and University of Canterbury, New Zealand.

Biology + Modification BIOMODD (biology and modification), an exhibition that was staged at the MCAD Museum of Contemporary Art and Design, is an art installation by Belgian artist Angelo Vermeulen and Filipino artist Diego Maranan. It explores the symbiosis and aesthetics of computer components and different plant species. Second-hand computers are networked as gaming stations, while a mix of Filipino, Belgian and American algae submerged in fertilized fish tank water cool the components of the game server. A custom-made multilayer game inspired by ecological principles and the Makiling landscape runs on the gaming station.

Recycling Garbage, Restoring Heritage Dasmanila is a creative collaboration among the University of New South Wales, Omnium Outreach, women artisans from

Dasmariñas, Cavite, De La Salle University-Dasmariñas and Benilde. It is a public art installation comprising of hundreds of hand-woven flowers made from recycled garbage. It seeks to highlight pollution problems in Manila’s rivers and waterways.

Invisible Sisters Kapitbahayan Project Founded by American artist Ann Wizer, the Invisible Sisters are a group of women trained to crochet and knit using materials that can be perceived as garbage–used plastic bags, cassette and video tapes, computer wires and other factory wastes–thus, invisible. Out of these materials, the Invisible sisters create beautiful objects, bags, purses and even clothes. In Benilde, the Center for Social Action (CSA) collaborated with the Invisible Sisters to replicate the program in the neighboring communities.

Design Matters The Multimedia Arts Program took part in the Design Matters workshop conducted by Liga Grafica. The students explored different advocacies and created design solutions that responded to particular problems.

Among the designs were those that promote keeping the surroundings clean, maximizing use of paper, minimizing use of Styrofoam, and waste segregation. The students also collaborated with the Mangyan tribe and made designs inspired by their culture.

While it seems like the College is initiating quite a number of environmental programs, the success of these will depend on the commitment of all sectors to realize and materialize substantive endeavors. We need to continue maintaining current and making relevant linkages and collaborating with local and international institutions, strengthening our community involvement, and propagating projects and programs that are closely integrated in the curriculum. At the end of the program, various state universities and colleges signified interest in collaborating with Benilde so that their programs on environmental protection, sustainable development and conservation can also be realized.

DASMANILA EXHIBIT AT THE AYALA MUSEUM

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4:30am, Room 755, Makati Medical Center.

I seem to be suffering from too much sleep with this 10-day mandatory leave imposed on me. So I’ve been forcing myself to sleep since 4:00. I guess this is better than trying to sleep after being awake all night because of the discomfort from tubes attached to different parts of one’s body.

“Now that you’re out of my life I’m so much better… I’m a survivor, I’m gonna make it, I will survive, keep on surviving!”

The Destiny’s Child song plays in my head and causes me to be more alert. It makes me think of the grueling events leading to this forced vacation and how I survived them. This is like the greatest race of my life, or should I say, FOR my life.

I get out of my hospital bed, turn on my laptop and start writing. Let me put it in running terms for fun.

PHOTO COURTESY OF QUINTIN ATIENZA II

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1/21/2012 10:02:16 AM

SURVIVOR DEC-JAN 2012

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This is like the greatest race of my life, or should I say, for my life. Quintin Atienza II, Former CLPA Personnel

Building Mileage in the Pre-Race How did it start? Where did you get it? Why did that happen? These were the common questions asked by people when they found out I was diagnosed with cancer.

Well, it started with a sore under the left side of my tongue back in January. I can’t remember how I got it; it just appeared from nowhere. I went to my dentist to have it checked and he gave me Rowa Gel. I used the gel but it didn’t feel like it was working. When I went to an ENT specialist to have the sore checked, she told me that it was my tooth that was causing it. She referred me back to my dentist for a possible solution. Nonetheless, she examined my neck and told me that there were no indications of the wound being caused by something else.

Tapering before Race Day I held on to that assurance of the ENT doctor and continued with the gel treatment. But I noticed that the wound was getting bigger and I observed some growth in the area making it difficult for me to eat food with nuts.

I was scheduled to leave for Australia at the end of August to attend trainings, and with the worsening condition of my tongue, I decided to see a dentist. I had a chance to consult with an oral surgeon who seemed concerned and told me to see an oncologist and have the wound biopsied. He assured me that there were no other growths related to it in my neck. “Lets just hope it’s not what we’re afraid of,” he added.

What? See an oncologist before going to Australia? The oncologist might not let me go so I tried to forget that I was sick and went to Australia.

I was thinking that if it was what I feared it was and I die, at least I could say that I have been to Australia.

Before Gun Start at Race Day The first working day after I returned from Australia, I went to an oncologist who referred me to an ENT to have the thing in my tongue biopsied. After the consultation, I walked from Makati Medical Center back to my office with additional worry lines on my face. “What is wrong with you?

You look like you want to cry,” my boss asked me. “Well, I went for a check-up today, and tomorrow I will be having a biopsy.” And then the worry lines were shared in the office.

MRI, blood tests, biopsy. Just like warm-up, stretch, and hydration before the gun start. With the tests and procedures over, I was ready for the operation. I was just waiting for the results of the biopsy.

Gun Start!

MRI results showed that there were no related mass or cysts found in my neck area, however, biopsy results showed that I had stage one cancer. At this point, only very close friends, people in the office, and some family members knew what was happening to me. Initially, I had no intention of telling Nanay and Ate about my condition. I went to my cousin’s and told him the news. I broke down a bit but had to get it together to discuss the logistics of the operation.

When I got my schedule, I finally informed Ate and Nanay about it (deliberately leaving out the cancer bit for them not to worry). Then I filed for a leave and kept in the company of friends (some knew, some didn’t).

Race Proper October 11, 2011, 3:00pm. Nanay and Ate came for the operation and arrived the day I was admitted to the hospital.

I lost almost half of my tongue and had stitches on my neck where nodules were also removed. I was breathing through a tube in my throat and was being fed through a tube on my nose.

My room was always filled with visiting friends. Since I couldn’t talk, Ate bought a white board and marker so I could communicate with them. Good thing I knew sign language and so did my doctor so we had a way to communicate.

There was always a lot of food brought in by friends. I could only look at them and motion or write thank you but I couldn’t eat. On top of that, it was frustrating how I felt full from being fed through my nose but I couldn’t taste the food.

It would take two weeks to recuperate, that was what my doctor promised me and I hung on to that promise. To me, it was two weeks of endurance racing, and I should be out of the hospital. Four days after my operation, the tube in my throat was removed and I could talk again. It felt good to know I could talk but I needed to do some adjustments with half of my tongue gone. My doctor gave instructions on how to eat and I ate all the food given to me. Then they removed the tube from my nose.

Finish Line!

Today, I am to go home after this ten-day forced vacation. I survived cancer. My doctor tells me that there are no traces of cancer in what is left of my tongue, nor in the nodules removed from my neck. I thank my friends and family for making me feel loved. I thank them for praying with me and keeping positive.

This is the sweetest finish for me. Instead of a medal, I have scars on my neck to show that I survived the race. I am also taking home with me a loot bag of happy memories and thoughts of friends’ messages full of love.

FIRST PERSON FEATURES INSIGHTFUL PERSONAL ESSAYS FROM BENILDEAN FACULTY AND PERSONNEL. SHARE YOUR STORIES OR IDEAS TO VANTAGE@BENILDE.EDU.PH, SUBJECT LINE “FIRST PERSON.” ARTICLES ARE EVALUATED BASED ON READABILITY, SOUNDNESS OF CONTENT, TIMELINESS AND INTEREST TO OUR READERS.

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Crispy Bagnet Kare-Kare with Bagoong Rice

BY CHEF KRISTINE PEREZ AND MS. JUDY RICASIO, SHRIM

Christmas in the Philippines is like no other in the world – a claim we have enjoyed for the longest time. And it is with a thousand and one reasons why our Paskong Pinoy is absolutely one-of-a-kind.

Our Christmas

Historically, our Christmas story began centuries ago when Spanish conquistadores landed on our shores in 1521. Soon enough, the friars came with full missionary zeal and Christianized the natives. But it was only in 1525 during the rule of conquistador Miguel Lopez de Legaspi that the feast of the Nativity was officially celebrated. An account narrates that sometime in the early 14th century, the Italian Franciscan priest, Odoric, celebrated the first Chrismas Mass along the shores of Lingayen, Pangasinan. The feast of Christmas was easily assimilated by the newly-converted natives as the yuletide season coincided with their annual harvest time when thanksgiving was offered to their gods and ancestors. The result was a melding of Catholic beliefs with indigenous rituals.

Today, as Paskong Pinoy tradition has it, Christmas is in the air the minute the first “ber” month, September, arrives. Displays of Christmas cards, tree ornaments and lights spring up in retail outlets everywhere. Christmas carols blare in record bars, shopping malls, restaurants, jeepneys careening along the streets and everywhere else. Christmas bazaars offering every kind of merchandise imaginable become standard weekend destinations.

This goes on with increasing fervor and insistence through October and November.

When December arrives, old community rituals come alive such as the singing of vilancicos, carolers going from house to house and street plays depicting scenes from the Nativity story. In both rural and urban areas, Christmas parols adorn windows and houses, shop displays and lampposts along major thoroughfares and appear in an explosion of blinking, pulsating and revolving colors in street side stalls.

Only then does the church-prescribed Christmas liturgical season begin. It lasts 22 days, beginning on December 16 with the first dawn mass (simbang gabi) and ending on the Feast of the three kings in January.

Food in every form and quantity as only Filipinos can imagine and prepare share center stage, side by side the religious significance of the season.

Depending on which side of the fence one belongs to, yuletide tables groan with traditional delights when members of the family share and celebrate this most beloved of seasons. Lechon, morcon and hamon dulce, galantina and roast turkey; endless array of rice cakes; savory and dessert salads, pastas, cakes, pastries and candied fruits of every persuasion and shape and then some deck the luxuriously decorated buffet tables of the affluent. Drinks from the sophisticated bubblies to the more manly spirits and pops for the kids plus bottomless ice tea do their bit of drowning the avalanche of food consumed with unabated gusto during this one time super celebration of the year.

For the marginalized, the spirit of Christmas is neither lived with less fervor nor anemic because of scarcity or financial disability. Their humble table will most probably consist of bread and cheese, keso de bola; special home-made meals; maybe a take-out from the nearest fastfood outlet; and bottles of Coke litro and beer.

There will be a lot of leftovers which will see them tucked into refrigerators and freezers, and the wise will schedule a recycling of these. Lechon will become paksiw; the galantina and roast chicken will find themselves transformed as tasty sandwiches or ingredients for pasta salad. Indeed, we have become such experts at recycling Christmas leftovers, it has become second nature to us.

Ingredients: 500 g pork bagnet, deep fried, cubed Peanut Sauce: 4 cloves garlic, chopped 1 pc small onion, diced 4 tbsp oil 150 g peanut butter (unsweetened) 400 ml beef stock 1 tbsp atsuete seeds cooked in 3 tbsp oil salt black pepper Vegetables: 1 bunch bokchoy or pechay tagalog, washed and blanched 3 strings string beans, cut 3 inches, washed and blanched 2 pcs eggplant sliced, and fried Bagoong Rice: 2 cloves garlic, chopped 3 tbsp oil 2 tbsp bagoong ¼ tsp sugar 4 cups cooked rice Garnish: Spring onions PROCEDURES For Peanut Sauce: Sauté garlic and onions in oil. Add peanut butter and pour stock. Boil and stir until peanut butter dissolves in stock. Reduce until broth thickens. Pour atsuete oil until you reach desired color. Season as needed.

For Bagoong Rice: Sauté garlic in oil and bagoong. Add sugar and wait till it thickens. Add the cooked rice and sauté till bagoong is incorporated evenly with rice. Season as needed with salt and pepper.

Assembly: Mold bagoong rice on a plate using a cup or any round-shaped bowl. Layer a few pieces of bokchoy, eggplant and string beans. Top with crispy pieces of bagnet on top. Finish off by pouring 2-3 tbsp of peanut sauce on top. Garnish with a 4-inch leaf of spring onion leaning on the layered kare-kare dish.

Good for 4 servings.

SPICE UP FEATURES FOOD WRITE-UPS, TRIVIA, HELPFUL TIPS AND RECIPES PREPARED BY OUR SHRIM FACULTY AND PERSONNEL. SECTION EDITOR: ED VALENCIANO, SHRIM. WITH NOTES FROM PHILIPPINE CHRISTMAS ART AND FORM BY REYNALDO G ALEJANDRINO AND MARIA YOTOKO CHORENGEL, 2002

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DEC-JAN 2012

27

ENT I AM THE RESID I ADMIT THAT ut then OUR OFFICE. B COMEDIAN IN ake limitations. I m y m ow kn I n, agai e t overstep that fin sure that I do no g in ing funny and be line between be pe e ople ately for me, th un rt Fo e. iv ns fe of I am. just as goofy as I work with are

PHOTO COURTESY OF MITCHELLE OSA

Mitchelle Osa

Technical Staff, Center for Housekeeping and Environmental Concerns (CHEC)

There are tons of things in life that I am very thankful for and one of them is being part of the Benildean community. It was early 2010 when I learned that Benilde was open for hiring. Without hesitation I decided to apply. As luck would have it, CHEC Director Analyn Morales and Assistant Vice Chancellor Marie Valdez recognized my competencies and gave me the opportunity to be of service to the institution.

I have been working as a Technical Staff for CHEC for one and a half years now. I am in charge of all the tree-planting activities of the College. I have also been appointed as one of the One Million Trees and Beyond (OMTB) and Project Carbon Neutral (PCN) champions. I could honestly say that there is no greater feeling in the world than that moment when we reached that one million mark—and we didn’t stop there because we’re still planting!

Planting trees and propagating seedlings—these are the things I do for the love of the environment. It may sound sentimental but I do it for my family, especially for my two boys. I would love for them to experience the thrill of climbing trees. There is no gadget today that can match the exhilaration of being one with nature. My greatest fear is to leave my children in a kind of society where trees are cut, not grown.

When I am not too busy preaching about the “green” news, I am just a regular family guy who loves to spend my free time with my wife and kids.

My family means a great deal to me. Call me old-fashioned or sappy even, but I do not leave the house without kissing my brood goodbye first.

Ultimately, I hold on to things that make me feel happy and fulfilled. One of them is my job. It is true that work can get extremely exhausting at times—what with us standing (or squatting) under the blazing heat of the sun, digging holes for the seedlings—but whenever we revisit the trees we planted and we see them growing over time, it hits me how much the planet is worth saving and preserving.

EXTRA/ORDINARY PUTS THE SPOTLIGHT ON BENILDEAN PERSONNEL AS THEY SHARE THE WAYS THEY LIVE UP TO THE COLLEGE’S ADAGE: “DOING ORDINARY THINGS EXTRAORDINARILY WELL.”

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Take your ideas off the shelves.

Be a Vantage staffer.

Email vantage@benilde.edu.ph

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