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The official student publication Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan Vol. 39 No. 4 December 2012

What’s Inside Probing the Sin Tax Bill Taboos legalized XUFD 2012

Contents Vol. 39 No. 4 Dec 2012

1 | Editorial

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2 | Opinion 4 | Snippets 5 | Sotto-ing for Dummies 6 | Outsourcing: What looms behind its boom 7 | No Easy Money 8 | Still fighting a good fight?

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9 | Bangsamoro: United under one home 10 | On the flip side: Taboos made legal 12 | Kausbawan Kagay-an 14 | A fiesta like no other: XUFD 2012 18 | Looking back, wading onwards

Cover Story

26 | Through my hazel eyes

The Cover

27 | Europe’s Achilles heel 28 | Behind the reel

The

29 | The eagle and the dragon: two different flights 30 | Brand new smiles 32 | Deciphering the Sin Tax Bill 33 | The End, really?

34 | Patent Wars

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Words by Princess E. Tolentino Photo & Design by TheCrusader

35 | Surviving the end of the world: a memoir 36 | Kuris-kuris

Crusader

The official student publication of Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan Vol. 39 No. 3 December 2012

here’s a distinct trait Filipinos share. We don’t lose hope despite difficult situations. Although we Kagay-anons have endured two rough storms, we find reason to still celebrate life and move on without forgetting the lessons we learned from them. We rose above Sendong by not letting it happen again during Pablo— just like the children wiping the mud off their lantern, looking forward to a better Christmas– a better life.C

What’s Inside Probing the Sin Tax Bill Taboos legalized XUFD 2012

Crusader

The

The official student publication of Xavier University- Ateneo de Cagayan Vol. 39 No. 3 December 2012

Publishers Subscribing students of Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan | Editors Nadine Hendrikka E. Legaspi Editor in Chief, Sam D. Garcia Associate Editor (Interim), Haiko B. Magtrayo Design Editor (Interim), Princess E. Tolentino Managing Editor, John Kenneth E. Ching News Editor (Interim), Ma.Therese D. Agcopra Campus Features Editor, Dharyl Jean A. Indino Local Features Editor, Saharah Iman M. Alonto National Features Editor, Lyle Justin A. Egay Global Features Editor (Interim), Robert A. Villaluz, Jr. Sports Editor, Rico M. Magallona Layout Editor, Alvin Paul R. Yao Photography Editor (Interim), Alexes June E. Baslot Freehand Editor | Finance Officers Caroline Joy R. Go Senior Finance Officer, Rochelle D. Barros Junior Finance Officer (Interim) | Managers Jaymar T. Patana Human Resource Manager (OIC), Jenamae G. Espineli Office Manager (OIC), Alvin Paul R. Yao Circulations Manager, Janrick Carl T. Romales Sr. Computer Systems Manager & Online Accounts Manager, Kevin Paul P. Mabul Jr. Computer Systems Manager (Trainee), Volco Louie J. Magbanua Video Productions Manager | Staff Writers Louren B. Aranas (Trainee), Alve Jane B. Aranton (Trainee), Johnray S. Asiñero (Trainee), Nikko Lance Galarrita (Trainee), Marina M. Garcia (Trainee), Caroline Joy R. Go, Clarice Jobeth R. Kee (Trainee), Nitzschia Cassiopiea Beroe A. Lozarita (Trainee), Kevin Paul P. Mabul (Trainee), Ryan Albert Ignacius B. Sanchez (Trainee), Leasusana C. Ty, Jacqueline P. Uy, Micka Angela Victoria B. Virtudazo (Trainee), Joule Artemson D. Visabella | Staff Artists Ma. Kristin Victoria Z. Abesamis (Trainee), Ben Clark B. Balase (Trainee), Rochelle D. Barros, Princess Johanni Marinell R. Darimbang (Trainee), Jenamae G. Espineli, Arnel Jade A. Evangelista II (Trainee), Christian Loui S. Gamolo, Jaymar T. Patana, Eunice Jenny T. Planco (Trainee), Venice Marie P. Villo Moderator Mrs. Ann Catherine Ticao-Acenas For contributions, please address your articles and/or comments to: Crusader Publication office, Rm. 302, Student Center Bldg., Xavier University 9000, Cagayan de Oro City Circulation: 7, 500 copies

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Editorial

Clearing up the storm’s debris

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www.thecrusaderpublication.com

Illustration by Christian S. Gamolo

he magic number, as claimed by the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, is zero.

This is how many casualties Typhoon ‘Pablo’ inflicted in its visit through Cagayan de Oro City on December 4, 2012. Other places weren’t as lucky, with reports of casualties and destruction making their way to the headlines during the days immediately after the storm.

Yet, the sad fate of Woodfe Zamora somewhat dims what already is a tremendous achievement for the city.

A tricycle driver by profession, Zamora went missing in Brgy. Gusa at three in the afternoon, right after 'Pablo' passed through the vicinity of CdeO. He was reportedly collecting driftwood from a creek when the river was still raging. His lifeless body, in an initial state of decay, was found the morning after.

There is an allegation persisting that the city government did not include Zamora's death in the casualty count of 'Pablo' because it came after the storm. This leaves people wondering how far our city leaders can go into maintaining their good standing in the eyes of the public, especially as Election Day draws closer.

Admirable, however, is the city government's pledge to help the beleaguered Zamora family.

Nevertheless, we have learned our lessons from ‘Sendong’ – lessons that came at a cost of 674 Kagayanons with scores of people still missing and may never be found again.

These lessons, such as rapid information dissemination and quick preventive measures, came in handy as ‘Pablo’ ravaged the city with winds reportedly stronger than that of ‘Sendong’, leaving a trail of knocked-down trees and electric posts in its wake. And though the flood currents weren't as high and as fierce as last year's, it was enough to inundate houses and establishments on the Cagayan River's banks. Muddy streets and house cleanups were commonplace during the aftermath.

Despite one victory however, there are so many more issues that remain unsolved to this day. Whether the people running the city decide to be up for reelection or not, how they will act in rehabilitating CdeO from its ills should shape our awareness in the local scope. In turn, this will push us into being better and more responsible residents— and voters— of Cagayan de Oro. C

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Opinion

Once was enough

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Je ne sais quoi Nadine Hendrikka E. Legaspi nadinelegaspi@thecrusaderpublication.com

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e were told it was gonna be worse than Sendong— later we were told not to compare it to last year’s tragedy at all. Sendong was a tropical storm; Pablo was a typhoon. They were different.

But everyone was having flashbacks.

Everything about Pablo— the wind, the water, the rain— was a harrowing case of déjà vu for the ones affected by Sendong.

And who wasn’t affected, really? Who did not experience it one way or another?

Who is not to say that it has changed us as individuals, if not as a people?

I fell asleep to the sound of torrential rain and our old zinc roofing about to get blown away that night. In the morning I woke up to a puddle in my room. My mother told me that so many had died, it was really bad in the river areas, and that I should eat my breakfast. I did, and went to XU right away to see what I could do to help out.

Last year was a glaring realization that we‘re no longer exempted from storms and typhoons, negating the old notion that we were. And what a realization that was— we were caught off-guard, too lenient; too sure it wouldn’t be anything major. But it was.

Yet slapped right back into the face of disaster were beacons of hope that came in the form of eager volunteers, willing donors, and tireless workers who were ready to give assistance in every way they could.

Sorting clothes, packing goods, distributing them, gathering and disseminating information, taking care of the people at the evacuation center, sleeping in school, making and responding to calls, the volunteers displayed a remarkable spectacle of Magis and generosity that made one proud of being an Atenean— a Kagay-anon, especially. Being one of the hundreds who made people’s lives even just a bit brighter in spite of the holiday gloom sparked a light in me that made me less

apprehensive to get out there and help in any way I could.

A year and a different calamity later, I still had that readiness to help out, and so did many others. It didn’t mean we wanted drastic things to happen so volunteers would be needed and we could help out, but we wanted to be of purpose again this year if the need arose. SMS and online announcements about a relief operation in the main XU campus were cropping up, and I myself encouraged people to volunteer.

On the midnight of the day the volunteers were supposed to sign up, however, an announcement that volunteers were no longer necessary spread and everyone was left wondering why they were deferred.

Calls were made and questions were asked, but there was no clear announcement until the morning they were supposed to begin.

It turned out that the evacuees staying at the covered courts had gone home. It was wrong of me to feel disappointed, since it was supposed to be good news that things were okay, but the thought of announcing something that wasn’t planned well enough was a little too irking to let slide.

Everyone did their share of preparing for Pablo this year— they packed up, cleared their lawns of stray sharp objects, reinforced their roofing, stocked up on water and food, cleared the areas by the windows, and moved to higher ground if they could. All the preventive measures we made, no matter how seemingly over-thetop, were to our advantage.

Paranoia pays off after all.

All this preparation resulted from the scars we got from Sendong. Properties were flooded and destroyed as expected and one life was lost, but we refused to let this get us down again.

Of course we weren’t gonna let this destroy us. Of course we weren’t gonna let this defeat us.

Once was enough. C

Vol. 39 No. 4 December 2012

Opinion

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Nightlock Maria Therese D. Agcopra mariathereseagcopra@thecrusaderpublication.com

t was in September last year when I gained access to the beta version of Pottermore. It’s no biggie, actually. It’s just that not a lot of people were as lucky. But I had to delay logging in because a truckload of homework and projects was parked on my table.

Blimey.

In school we are introduced to deadlines.

Deadlines probably have the same consistency as a woman on menopause. That is, they fall short of it. Sometimes, deadlines are generous and considerate. Sometimes, they are as they are— obstinate, difficult to sway. Nevertheless, there’s one thing about deadlines that we are taught of most importantly: follow them. Or else.

We commit to deadlines because we’re all dutiful students, but also partly because deadlines are like the dictator we’re afraid of, and there’s really nothing we can do about it. It’s either you pass “on or before” or you get a whiplash of demerits and discomfiting public sermons.

Aside from experience, we also learn from example. We put it on our teachers to provide us with such. Teachers are, after all, role models.

We look at them for inspiration—guides in doing things the way it should be done. However, I’m not entirely sure they’ve played their part down pat when it comes to complying with deadlines.

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50/50 Princess E. Tolentino princesstolentino@thecrusaderpublication.com C

All papers in This seems to be a slightly underrated matter, but the scholars and the kids with grades-loving parents understand its value. These kids have to put up with excruciating processes just because of a small delay.

It’s not just about late submission of grades, really, but also of checked papers that are to be returned to students for reference and, I don’t know, maybe reminding students a little earlier of consultation schedules that are never going to happen.

But that’s not the point. The point is we’re all supposed to be on the same boat here.

As students we are expected to produce high quality material. The same should also be expected from people who demand it from us. Students exhaust too much to meet requirements just to wait for verdicts that make or break their academic careers. People have different priorities, but if other teachers can do it, why can’t the rest perform the same way? There’s not even any repercussion on their part whatsoever. Just a promise that next time things will be better.

It’s a cliché told in different fancy quips. Walk the talk. Practice what you preach. But if I still keep receiving nearly empty grading sheets on days when grades are supposedly released, that’s telling me something. C

Think different

o something real quick for me. Think of a movie you’ve seen or even just heard of.

Done? The first thing that pops into your mind will do. Nothing sci-fi or too fiction-y would be great.The family movies or romantic comedies you watched growing up would be even better. (It’s okay; you don’t have to deny having a soft spot for these kinds of movies.) What are the professions of the characters in the film?

Now think of the answers you would likely get when you ask kids what they want to be when they grow up.

I imagine that not all your responses are what I’m hoping for. (But you have to admit it was worth a try, right?) So I’ll just get to the point. Don’t you think it’s quite strange that the answers to both questions are a bit similar?

“Mainstream movies are more likely to reaffirm society’s beliefs about careers rather than challenge them,” film critic Dan Hudak backs up my theory on aspirations and society.

Bear with me, and read on just a little further.

I’ve been asked countless times in my college life what my career would be when I graduate. If my memory serves me correctly, the worst way I was asked is, “Unsa man lugar ma-trabaho ana’ng imong course?”

“President,” I would always answer in jest.

Then we would laugh and pretend that nothing

ever happened to not make things awkward. I don’t really get offended because I ask myself that same question too. The only difference is, I don’t have an answer.

Have you noticed how most people aspire for the jobs commonly being portrayed in movies like teachers, doctors, architects, lawyers, police officers, detectives, journalists and even film actors? It’s not a new idea that society, and what we see in the TV or media in general, influence our lives. I have nothing against the idea though, it’s an incontestable truth. *** Do something real quick for me. Don’t feel too bad if you have been in college for ages; if you don’t really know what you want to do with your life just yet; or if you are undergoing a quarter-life crisis. Because it means you’re thinking unconventionally— you don’t depend on what you’ve seen growing up or what society has fed you to this point. Appreciate that you’re taking your life seriously.

Movies, media and society may shape our mindsets, but in the end, we must dictate our own lives to be happy. (Disclaimer: I’m not saying anything about people who have their lives figured out. If you already have, good for you.) C www.thecrusaderpublication.com

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Global Features

Video Game University

By Lyle Justin A. Egay

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laying video games in class used to be just a fantasy, but now it’s reality in a school in Texas. Rice University is currently offering a course in Scandinavian literature with a twist: you’ll learn about Nordic and Icelandic legends by, of course, reading them and playing Bethesda’s hit ‘Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim’.

If you’ve ever wondered why contemporary literature (think The Lord of the Rings and Game of Thrones) has a lot of references to medieval themes such as knights, sorcery and dragons, Course code ENGL 312, “Scandinavian Fantasy Worlds: Old Norse Sagas and Skyrim” will help you know why. This class also dwells into the gamer’s psyche as it attempts to explain why Scandinavian literature, while most of us don’t admit it, is very appealing.

The class will also draw out similarities between Skyrim and myth, specifically “how elements of medieval Scandinavian culture have been taken out of historical milieu and literary context, morphed into unfamiliar shape, and appropriated towards other fantastic pursuits.” Included here is an analysis of Skyrim’s political setting.

Video gaming has indeed gone a long way, from cutesy, simplistic titles such as Pacman to highly realistic ones such as Skyrim. The impact of video gaming has undeniably shaped the cultures of people around the world, and it’s safe to say that it will continue to do so. C Sources: ENGL 312 Scandinavian Fantasy Worlds: Old Norse Sagas and Skyrim, Rice University(http://english.rice.e`du) “Rice University Offering Upper-Division Skyrim Class”, IGN Entertainment (www.ign.com)

The Red Sea

By Leasusana C. Ty

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Layout by Rico M. Magallona

n the fishing village of Taiji, Japan, the most brutal and largest massacre of dolphins happens every year. This tradition has been practiced for the past 50 years and approximately 20,000 dolphins are slaughtered annually.

Through “the cove drive”, fishermen lure the dolphins by creating a “wall of sound” under the water. This disrupts the dolphins’ sonar waves, leading them into the cove where they are segregated accordingly. The “pretty ones” are sold to aquariums and water parks.

On the other hand, the fishermen with harpoons and knives stab the rejects to death. Some dolphins, out of injury and exhaustion, simply drown in the filthy, blood-stained waters of the cove.

Merciless and gruesome as it may seem, many Japanese citizens think otherwise. They reason that the dolphin hunt provides income for locals since dolphin meat is part of their food culture. But that’s just half of the real reason. The other part has something to do with dolphins being “pests”. The dolphins are being blamed for the decrease in the number of fish stocks in Taiji.

This heart-wrecking sight has moved several animal rights activists, animal conservation groups and concerned citizens to a call for action. On the 31st of August of this year alone, 75 cities all over the world participated in Japan Dolphin Day 2012 to vehemently condemn the slaughter of the dolphins from September to May of each year. There are also “Cove Guardians” from ‘Sea Shepherd’ who save as many dolphins as they can on site. C Sources: “Japan Dolphin Day 2012: New Yorkers rally against the slaughter”, Examiner (http://www.examiner.com/) The Cove Movie website, (http://www.thecovemovie.com/) “Dolphin Slaughter in Japan”, Encyclopædia Britannica (http://advocacy.britannica.com) “Dolphin slaughter turns sea red as Japan hunting season returns”, The Guardian (http://www.guardian.co.uk/) “Help Save Dolphins from the Japanese Killing Cove”, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (http://www.peta.org)

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Vol. 39 No. 4 December 2012

National Feature

By Dharyl Jean A. Indino

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he country went wild as allegations regarding plagiarism directed at Senate Majority Leader Vicente “Tito” Sotto III spread all over the Internet and the news. The tears he shed as he delivered his turno en contra against the Reproductive Health Bill seemed to be meager compared to the amount of weeping he would do as a result of the significant cyberbullying aimed at his alleged unethical act.

Yet, if there is something the nation was able to learn from the mayhem (aside from embarrassment), it would be the lessons which, hopefully, would keep everyone else from committing the Senator’s serious mistake.

2. A nonexistent plagiarism law makes doing it okay.

Even in grade school, students are taught that copying is not allowed. Apparently, Sotto missed his class that day. He said that since there are no laws in the country regarding plagiarism, it is permissible.

He even boasted of his education in the John F. Kennedy (a brother of the senator whose speech he had “translated”) School of Government at Harvard University which is very strict in their antiplagiarism guidelines.

For Mr. Senator’s information, while there may be no law solely on plagiarism, it could be covered in the Republic Act 8293 or the Intellectual Property Law—protecting the intellectual creations from the moment of their creation. His party said that he can be covered by the fair use clause which allows the use of copyrighted works for criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship or research.

Indeed, he is, but he failed on one provision which stated that the author must be cited as the source.

Since he is a Senator, aside from being exemplarily educated, how come he doesn’t seem to know that?

3. Politicians are allowed to plagiarize.

Plagiarism is not only rampant in the academe.

Like an epidemic, it has also spread in politics not only in the country but all over the world. In fact, the European political scene is currently being disturbed by successive plagiarism cases which has caused involved leaders to step down. Surely, that must have terrorized Sotto, but US President Barack

“Viewpoint: The spectre of plagiarism haunting Europe”, BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk) “What’s Plagiarism?”, The Manila Bulletin (http://www.mb.com.ph/) “I Translated, Not Plagiarized – Sotto”, The Manila Bulletin (http://www.mb.com.ph/) “Plagiarism”, Plagiarism.org (http://plagiarism.org/) “Why Tito Sotto’s plagiarism matters”, Rappler (http://www.rappler.com/)

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Obama was also accused of plagiarism in 2008 and remained unscathed. If the President can do it, why can’t he, right?

Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile said that plagiarism is a common practice both in the Lower and the Upper House, anyway. Senator Sotto’s Chief of Staff, lawyer Hector Villacorta, tried to defend the alleged literary theft by saying, “We cannot draw up a speech that says ‘according to this blogger who quoted this author.’ It’s simply too awkward.

Besides, what would the Senate President say?” Well, the Senate President said that plagiarism will not be tolerated.

Joe Carter, a writer, explained that political leaders try to justify plagiarism by saying that everyone does it all the time, everybody knows about it and nobody seems to mind. Clearly, people do mind plagiarism a lot. Hungarian President Pal Schmitt was forced to resign just April this year because of his recently plagiarized 1992 doctorate thesis on Olympic history. Sotto may not have copied a research study but if the allegations are true, he still has to be on guard. *** Plagiarism is toothless in the country. There is no ratified law which could penalize those who commit the act. Nevertheless, that should not give the green light for the people, especially the lawmakers, to use others’ works without citing sources. Politicians are leaders. They cannot expect people to follow regulations if they cannot abide them themselves. They must serve as role models, and the first step to do is manning up by admitting and taking responsibility for their mistakes. C

Sources: “Senate plagiarism – a template to follow?”, Get Real Philippines (http://getrealphilippines.com) “Plagiarism joins political fray”, The Australian (http://www.theaustralian.com.au/) “Preventing Plagiarism in Politics”, iThenticate (http://www.ithenticate.com) “Politics and Plagiarism”, The Huffington Post (http://www.huffingtonpost.com) “The plague of plagiarism”, The Manila Bulletin (http://www.mb.com.ph/) “Enrile backpedals statement on Sotto”, Yahoo! News Philippines (http://ph.news.yahoo.com) www.thecrusaderpublication.com

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No copyright infringement intended. Design by Ben Clark B. Balase.

1. Translation or paraphrasing is not plagiarism.

Brandished on the Philippine Daily Inquirer were the words “I translated, not plagiarized.”

Aside from that of three bloggers, the Senator was found to have used, to his own credit, parts of the late US Senator Robert Kennedy’s “Day of Affirmation” speech. As if he could not be subtle enough, he translated the original English text to Filipino word for word, including the famous phrase “ripple of hope” which was “maliit na galaw” in his speech. He even tried to justify his action by saying that translation is not plagiarism. Unfortunately, as plagiarism is defined by plagiarism.org as “the use of another's original words or ideas as though they were your own,” translating without citing sources, is plagiarism.

But of course, he found an alibi: “I found the idea good. I translated it into Tagalog. So what’s the problem? Ano? Marunong nang mag-Tagalog si Kennedy?” He further said that the idea was better

in Filipino translation anyway. Could there possibly be a more rational justification than that?

National Feature

By Johnray S. Asiñero and Dharyl Jean A. Indino

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Design by Rochelle D. Barros

ince the dawn of the new millennium, foreign enterprises have been continually established in the country. Job hunters find themselves in a frenzy as numerous employment opportunities are opened for them, such as in call centers. Today, this prevalence of outsourcing Filipinos is threatened to be snatched away even if the country has not fully indulged itself in its goodness. American legislation plays a part in what could possibly be the biggest tragedy that may befall the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry in the Philippines.

Foreshadowing gloom America has always played a large role in preventing the economic collapse of some countries.

In the Philippines, it has been maintaining a steady foothold through its various business and political ties. Presently, there is a great number of American corporations in the country such as Convergys, Sprint, IBM, and Procter and Gamble.

However, upon the election of President Barack Obama in 2008, the advancement of outsourcing became an object of contention. The President has been keen in pushing for an anti-BPO measure that may eventually cause American companies to withdraw their operations from the country.

Bring Jobs Home Act In 2008, with the onset of USA’s recession, many companies shut down, rendering an estimated

number of half a million Americans jobless.

Moreover, the US Department of Labor indicates an increased unemployment rate from 5.8% in 2008 to 7.9% in 2012. Obama’s strong pursuit to strengthen the United State’s economy and to alleviate unemployment prompted him to support the “Bring Jobs Home Act” proposed by Senator Debbie Stabenow.

“It’s time to stop rewarding businesses that ship jobs overseas, and start rewarding companies that create jobs right here in America,” said Obama in his State of the Union Address Speech implying his strong support for the anti-outsourcing legislation.

The bill in question is said to be a short-term economic remedy that includes providing incentives to companies which would withdraw operations in non-US countries. Compensations such as tax credits and discounts is a plausible means to entice these companies to bring back the jobs right into the heart of America. While many lawmakers favored the bill, it was dismissed on July 19, 2012 as votes fell short for its pursuance.

Crossing fingers, still Despite the bill being dismissed, its adversaries aren’t rejoicing yet as supporters are still eager to revive the proposed legislation. If the bill is enacted, the American job-exporting companies which constitute 70% of the total Philippine outsourcing market may pull out their investments. An estimated

loss of $13 billion in revenues brought by this event may cripple the country and leave thousands of Filipinos unemployed. The call center niche will be the most hard-hit among other subsectors as it employs approximately 50 percent of the outsourced industry’s workforce.

The presumed law threatens the country with a possible decline of outsourcing investors. Yet, the Business Processing Association of the Philippines is assuring the public that the government has already developed a contingency plan by enticing offshore operations from countries like Great Britain and Australia. Aside from that, the government will also provide employment opportunities in the tourism industry and create livelihood programs for those who might be laid off. *** Should it push through, the anti-outsourcing bill can definitely derail the country’s economic growth.

Right now, we can only hope with bated breath that the American legislators would share the same point of view as us: that globalization should only move forward in the next years to come with outsourcing as an essential component. C

Sources: “BPAP congratulates the US & President Obama, pledges support for economy”, Business Processing Association of the Philippines. (http://www.bpap.org) “How Obama’s ‘Insourcing’ Will Affect Philippines’ BPO Industry?”, Kuro-Kuro Philippines. (http://www.kuro-kuro.org) “Should Filipinos worry about Obama’s anti-BPO bill?”, Rappler. (http://www.rappler.com) “Obama steps up campaign against outsourcing”, The Hindu Business Line. (http://www.thehindubusinessline.com)

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Vol. 39 No. 4 December 2012

National Feature

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ow could the promise of easy money dictate a life?

It turned police officers into criminals—kidnappers, pushers, and killers alike.

It whispered to public officials to privately gamble with the public’s money. It severed relationships with acts of deceit and violence. It took away the life of a sick daughter whose father, a tricycle driver, apparently invested all his earnings from pawning his motorcycle.

There are 1,500 more victims who can attest to how fatal the blows of easy money are. Their stories stand for one cry: justice to be served against the Aman Futures and the Coco Rasuman Group, two of the biggest scammers in Philippine history.

Chasing Justice When Coco Rasuman appealed to his investors on July 31 this year, some were made to believe that they’ll get their money back come February 2013. To the unconvinced ones, they opted to acquire their money through swift means—violence and chaos. Some family members of the Coco Rasuman Group were kidnapped; their lives amounted to the investment lost by the kidnappers.

On August this year, Aman Futures put all their transactions on hold with the promise of returning them January 2013. Similar to the Coco Rasuman group, there were others who had a brush with violence too. On the 12th of November, car dealer and investment guarantor Anwar Alvin Zaina was murdered in Zamboanga city. Regional police director Chief Superintendent Napoleon Estilles is investigating the connection of the murder to Aman Futures.

After news of Aman Futures’ CEO Manuel Amalilio’s escape to Malaysia reached the public, suspicions of his guilt were heightened. The victims of Coco Rasuman were shocked to discover that Rasuman had merely invested their money in Aman Futures in a futile attempt to get it back. Mendez stated, “(…)Our investigation showed that Rasuman, in a last effort to save his venture, invested all his money along that of his investors with Aman Futures and lost it all.”

Trying to calm the victims, President Benigno C. Aquino III assured them, “We will not stop.

There should be justice,” and added, “We need to bring these people to the bars of justice; that’s why there’s a manhunt for all those involved.”

NO EASY MONEY

By Saharah Iman Alonto

*** For the many who were hoodwinked, justice is theirs. But to take the law in their hands is not their best option. Remember, this tragedy befell them through their own doings; it was they who desired for more and who gambled their all.

This experience taught the XU victim of the Coco Rasuman Group, “Don’t wish for too much… kung gagawin mo man yan, paghirapan mo…

And come to think of it, wala namang easy-money ‘di ba? Lahat naghihirap.” C Design by Rico M. Magallona

Class-A Thieves According to various news reports, both Aman Futures and Coco Rasuman Group scammed their investors through guaranteeing high-investment returns within a short period of time. Through his Inquirer interview, Pagadian City Mayor Samuel Co, a victim himself, shared, “Who wouldn’t be enticed to invest? Just imagine your PHP10,000 earning PHP3,500 or your PHP100,000 earning PHP25,000 [for] eight days.”

The Coco Rasuman Group started their operations through buying and selling cars back in 2010. After gaining a solid market of middle-class families to elite politicians from the two Lanao provinces, the group advanced to accepting cash-only investments as well earlier this year. According to an investor from Xavier University, who wishes to remain anonymous, “If Rasuman (the head) gives 90% to his agents, they give 80% to their investors who offer [at a] lesser rate to other investors.”

Using a similar scheme, the Aman Futures initially entertained a different clientele starting February this year. In his public statement, NBI deputy director Virgilio Marquez reported, “The first clients of Aman Futures were market vendors in Pagadian City who invested PHP1,000 with a 70-percent return after one week.” In no time, VIPs were approaching the firm. Currently, it duped an estimated PHP12-billion from its investors.

This modus operandi executed by the firms is known as the Ponzi scheme where there actually is no stock market involved: it merely is a strategic circulation of money. For example, the investment returns earned by Client D

were merely taken out in proportions from the investments of Client A, B and C. This scheme can only survive as long as there is money left to circulate. These two firms were aware that they were bound to collapse eventually.

Sources: “Thousands duped in P12-billion scam”, Inquirer Global Nation ( http://globalnation.inquirer.net) “Hunt on for pyramid scam brains”, Inquirer Global Nation ( http://globalnation.inquirer.net) "Kidnapped nephew involved in uncle’s pyramid scam: police", Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro (http://www.sunstar.com.ph) "Bigger scam in Lanao Sur", Inquirer News (http://www.newsinfo.inquirer.net) Pyramid scam ‘like a storm’ victimizing rich, poor”, Inquirer Business (http://business.inquirer.net/) “DOJ probes Coco Rasuman group links with Aman Futures”, ABS-CBN News (http://www.abs-cbnnews.com) “Aquino vows to punish pyramid scammers”, Inquirer News (http://newsinfo.inquirer.net)

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Campus Feature

By John Kenneth E. Ching and Robert A. Villaluz, Jr.

Design by Haiko B. Magtrayo

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Xavier University women’s football player sprints along the right touchline on a muddy University of St. La Salle (Bacolod City) field. There’s a lot of room to either take the ball strong to the goal or to set up a cross.

Either way, it is a golden chance to draw level with a powerhouse De La Salle University–Manila team holding a 1-0 advantage. The pitch is a mighty struggle to play on, full of mud slides and rainwater puddles that can take away an unsuspecting player’s momentum at any given time.

This is a do-or-die game. Both are tied in their bracket standings behind University of the Philippines; the winner will advance to the knockout phases while the loser will head home wondering what could have been.

Then, two or three defenders start closing in on her, yet none of whom are two or three meters nearby. At full speed, she opts for a drive to the goal. They aren’t going to catch up with her anyway.

Or so it seemed. A puddle stops the ball dead in its tracks and takes away that opportunity for an equalizer. One of the defenders wrests the ball away and proceeds to score again.

Xavier eventually lost that game 3-0, good for third place in their group that only allowed two to advance.

Such can also be said of XU’s other varsity teams competing in the 17th University Games (UniGames) in Bacolod City: all having the ability to keep up with top athletic programs in the country for a while before fading away into oblivion.

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*** This isn’t implying that XU is totally inept athletically. In truth, the Crusaders garnered 24 medals in five different sports, capped with gold in female Individual Kata (Karatedo). The women’s Karatedo team finished 2nd overall in their sport.

The swimming teams got eight bronzes against formidable opposition such as San Beda College and University of the Philippines. Individual events provided for the remainder of medals for XU. For the teams that weren’t able to bring a medal home, they proved to be tough competition against heftier, more skilled opponents.

But the gap between XU and the leading college sports programs is too glaring to ignore.

Entering the UniGames, the XU women’s volleyball squad were the defending champions of the Cagayan de Oro Schools Athletic Association (COSAA). The city’s finest failed to shine in the national scene. “Kato among pagka-champion sa COSAA, that’s different. We’re against national teams baya. Ang uban ga-practice ug years, kita weeks. (…) Kulang ta ug exposure. Ang ato’ng opponents kay anad baya ug pressure-games. Kita, isa lang baya ang ato ginadulaan, ang COSAA,” opines Mrs. Angeliz Anoos, volleyball women’s coach, after the team’s winless quest.

It seems that exposure, not talent gap, is the biggest problem that the program is facing.

Not too long ago, Xavier once kept up with the big boys of the Philippine college athletic scene. Various Crusaders – especially those

playing in team sports – performed well enough to attract attention from better-funded schools, especially from Manila.

John Paul Erram, a lanky six-foot-six center currently plying his trade with five-time UAAP men’s basketball champions Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles, was a starter for a Crusaders team that was a perennial powerhouse in Cagayan de Oro City hoops. His frontcourtmate Paul Siarot also plays for the Blue Eagles and will likely see action next season.

Table tennis coach Julie Castillon says it is the responsibility of the University Athletics office to look for leagues where they can participate in to harness their skills. “Sila dapat ang mangita sa amo ug dula. Dili baya gyud ang coaches or ang players ang mangita sa ilang games.” *** Hundreds of miles away from that mud pool in Bacolod City, the same football player advances from practically the left wing. This is the ground that she has been playing in everyday – the XU field. One-on-one against the opposing goalkeeper, she fired a shot and scored a goal.

She is the star in this place; there is no serious competition for her talent anyway.

She might realize that there is less opportunity for growth here. She might want for better competition in order to build her game even more. As Anoos puts it, “Hopefully, [we will get] more exposure [para] sa teams kay wala ma’y nagmature sa training— diha gyud na sa dula.” C Vol. 39 No. 4 December 2012

National Feature

By Rai Bollozos Sanchez

“Bangsa means house. Moro [is] a colloquial term given by the Spanish colonizers. Bangsamoro [signifies] all Muslims united under one home,” says Mr. Aaron Jeff D. Usman, an A.B. International Studies senior and a devout Muslim.

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he experience of central leadership is not new to the Bangsamoro people. Based on a study from a leading Mindaonaoan historian B.R. Rodil (2003), this occurrence goes back to 1450 when the Sulu Sultanate was founded, and in 1619 when Sultan Katchil Dipatuan Kudarat unified the two powerful principalities of Buayan and Maguindanao into one sultanate. Fast forward to the 15th of March 2012, the dream of self-governance has been fairly given its due to our Muslim brothers as concluded by the Bangsamoro Framework Agreement.

The Bangsamoro scope The geographical area of the Bangsamoro shall be determined through a plebiscite that will be held after the Congress passes the ‘Bangsamoro Basic Law’. The Muslims will decide whether they will join the Bangsamoro or not in the envisioned core territory of the Bangsamoro: the current ARMM provinces of Marawi City, the cities of Cotabato and Isabela, the six municipalities of Lanao del Norte, and the barangays and municipalities of North

Cotabato provinces. Other areas where there is a resolution or petition of at least 10% of the qualified voters may also join after the plebiscite.

A Constitutional Change President Benigno Aquino III announced that “the Constitution and lawful process shall govern the transition” and that the Philippines will remain as one nation and people, with all the diverse cultures and narratives seeking common goals.

Mr. Usman says that he is positive of this change and that cooperation will be fostered between the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and MILF. There will hopefully be no conflict between the two groups. The only obstacle he can surmise lies in the obtrusive political dynasties which may be removed with the new set of leaders for the Bangsamoro. *** Hopefully, the Bangsamoro Framework Agreement would serve as a motivation to build an atmosphere of peace and solidarity in the entire nation. A history professor in this university, Pete Gamba concludes, “To the Muslims, it is an avenue for more opportunities on the socio-economic aspects [and] the growth of Mindanao.” C

Sources: “Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro”, Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process. (http://opapp.gov.ph.)

“FAQ’s on the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro”, Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process. (http://opapp.gov.ph.)

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Design by Ben Clark B. Balase

A Significant Resolution The Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (2012) involves a political settlement between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). It defines the structure and powers of the Bangsamoro entity that will replace the Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), and the consequent rules of this transition.

This agreement also serves as resolution to the historical divide between the Philippine government and the Bangsamoro. According to the framework, the government of the Bangsamoro shall have

a ministerial form which establishes an electoral system of government.

This promotes democratic participation and accountability of public officers to their constituents.

In synchrony, the GPH will have reserve powers while the Bangsamoro Government will have exclusive powers.

“The Framework Agreement purely represents the real Bangsamoro. It will also give proof that the Muslims are capable of self-governance, [to] maximize the use of natural resources that would be fairly given to [them],” says Usman. He also mentions that the Bangsamoro is different from ARMM because the Bangsamoro gives proper entitlement to the Muslims in Mindanao.

Global Feature

By Louren B. Aranas and Nikko Lance Galarrita

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arijuana. Same-sex marriage.

Prostitution.

Design by Volco Louie J. Magbanua

These taboos are usually being associated with immorality and health hazards in conservative locales like the Philippines. In other parts of the world, however, the majority sees the other side of the coin—these matters can do more good than harm when people won’t be penalized for resorting to these.

Marijuana’s highs and laws Uruguay is eyeing the legalization of cultivation and commercialization of marijuana. Possession of the hemp plant had been decriminalized in 1974, but in this bill, the government itself will control its production and distribution to control marijuana trade in the country, divert the citizens from harsher substances such as cocaine, and diminish drug-related violence. Although critics worry about the

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bill aggravating drug use, the measure is expected to be enacted early next year. If promulgated, the money garnered from marijuana sales will be used for rehabilitating drug addicts.

Colorado and Washington DC are the first to have legalized “pot” for medicinal and recreational purposes. Eighteen other states (California being the first in 1996) have approved marijuana as a “recommendation” provided that a person has medical conditions like cancer, HIV/ AIDS, glaucoma, and multiple sclerosis.

Groups like The Marijuana Policy Project and National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws have been calling for marijuana legalization as well.

Aside from urging for reforms through the Internet, they are immensely involved in legislative processes.

That war on drugs be downscaled and that people being detained simply for marijuana possession are frequently

cited reasons for people pushing for its legalization. About 50% of the Americans are in favor of it, a 2011 survey by gallup. com reports.

Tying the knot Same-sex marriage has long been the subject of heated debate in different countries. Some assert that marrying someone of the same sex opposes their religion’s commands, while others contend that everyone should have an equal chance on marriage.

In Argentina, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Iceland, Netherlands (the first to have allowed same-sex marriages in 2001), Norway, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, and Sweden, tying the knot with a person of the same sex is pretty normal. France is currently on its way to becoming the 12th country to legalize it while in the US, nine states and the District of Columbia have approved same-sex couples to be wed.

Vol. 39 No. 4 December 2012

Global Feature

The Human Rights Campaign, the “largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization”, works to end discrimination towards the LGBT community. A campaign called Freedom to Marry also repeals the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and promotes the Respect for Marriage Act. Majority rules, religious convictions, economic arguments, and health-related concerns are some impediments on the legalization of same-sex marriage. Primarily, challengers of homosexual union argue that its recognition will erode religious freedoms.

Others are concerned on its effects on children being raised by parents of same sexual orientation.

Putting on the red light Dubbed by some as the “world’s oldest profession”, prostitution is becoming a legitimate occupation.

There are 40 million active prostitutes

worldwide. Twenty-two countries including Austria, Germany, Greece, Netherlands, Switzerland, Mexico, Australia, and Mexico have completely legalized and regulated prostitution.

In 1949, the United Nations (UN) General Assembly adopted a ruling stating that "prostitution and the accompanying evil of the traffic in persons for the purpose of prostitution are incompatible with the dignity and worth of the human person”. It requires all signing parties to punish pimps, brothel owners, and operators. It abolishes all special treatment of prostitutes, too. As of January 2009, the convention was ratified by 95 member nations including France, Spain, Italy, Denmark, and not ratified by another 97 member nations including Germany, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and the United States.

However, in a new UN report, it applauded New Zealand's decriminalization of prostitution; this suggests Pacific and

Asian countries to follow its lead. Sex Work and the Law, a UN Development Program report says criminalization increases vulnerability to HIV by fuelling stigma and discrimination, and limits access to sexual health services, harm reduction services, and condoms. Prostitution being illegal also adversely affects the self-esteem of sex workers and their ability to make informed choices on health. *** In a philosophical perspective, this is where ethical relativism enters—the grounds for deeming a deed as right or wrong varies from culture to culture. An act voted beneficial by this culture may be considered immoral by its neighboring countries.

The most important thing to be considered in enacting and applying a law is to ensure that it promotes the common good—both for the liberals and conservatives. C

Sources: “Uruguay to become first government to sell cannabis to its citizens”, The Mail Online (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/) “18 Legal Medical Marijuana States and DC”, Procon.org (http://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/) “Marijuana legalization victories could be shirt-lived”, Reuters (http://www.reuters.com/) “Uruguay lawmakers mull 'Cannabis Institute', aim to outsell dealers”, CTV News (http://www.ctvnews.ca/) “Marijuana”, The Partnership at Drugfree.org (http://www.drugfree.org/) “State Medical Marijuana Laws”, National Conference of State Legislatures (http://www.ncsl.org/) “H.R. 2306: Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act of 2011”, Main Street Insider (http://mainstreetinsider.org/) “Record-High 50% of Americans Favor Legalizing Marijuana Use”, Gallup (http://www.gallup.com/) “UN praises NZ’s prostitution laws”, 3 News (http://www.3news.co.nz/) “U.N. Commission Calls for Legalizing Prostitution Worldwide” CNS News (http://cnsnews.com) “Same-sex Marriage”, Government of the Netherlands (http://www.government.nl) “11 Countries Where Same-sex Marriage Is Legal”, Mental Floss (http://www.mentalfloss.com/) “The Stats Behind Prostitution”, Online Schools/Visual Academy (http://www.onlineschools.org/)

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Local Feature

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he city in bloom, in blossom, and in boom is actively competing with its Mindanaoan neighbors. New businesses are scattered around the metropolis, and with a culture that’s intensely promoted, tourists and investors constantly rush in.

There are a lot of good things for everyone in Cagayan de Oro. But a city of mighty abundance and brisk development is but a Gotham without a Batman. There’s too much change going on that we have to stop and ask how this may affect us.

The Hired Proletariats must be rejoicing the assortment of opportunities being thrown their way. The moneyed and the business-savvy keep sprouting commercial ventures and Kagay-anons are more than happy to reap the benefits.

Roger Martinez, a 27-year old resident of Macanhan, has been on and off from jobs.

Unable to finish his education due to his early marriage, employment opportunity is scarce for him. His only option for a steady income is to be a construction worker, and he has been doing that for four years.

However, Martinez has noticed the change in the number of employment opportunities recently. After a new mall was developed in the city, a lot of construction-related jobs were opened for him. He was employed under the agency (which he refuses to disclose) constructing Centrio. After the expiration of the job, he was able to land another job almost instantly. He is now working for another agency commissioned to design the interiors of a restaurant.

“Wala man kaayo’y trabaho sa una. Kung na’ay contractor, di’ naa pu’y trabaho dayun igo-igo lang gyud ang kita,” he shares. “Pero karon, daghan na kaayo trabaho sugod sa pagtukod sa Centrio.”

Design and Photo by Princess Johanni Marinell R. Darimbang and Eunice Jenny T. Planco

The Magnates Tycoons like Ayala, Pelaez and Lim Ket Kai to name a few have been busy brewing a concoction for change. These nobles of industrialization have been letting loose construction workers to romp in city grounds, decorate lots with identical houses, and give more color to the life of Kagay-anons.

Early last year, Ayala Land trusted their PHP2.5 billion project – Centrio – in the city’s hands. As if this isn’t enough, another one is to be erected— SM is planning to build its second mall in the city, replacing the old Coca-Cola plant, that’s worth PHP2 billion. GMA Network is also set on expanding their station. From sharing a place with a hotel in Cogon, the media institution aims to construct their own building worth PHP100 million.

The successive entry of investors may be due to CdeO’s label as the “most businessfriendly” local government unit in Mindanao, according to the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

With the continuous throng of investors, the Department of Trade and Industry has recorded an increase in the infrastructure investors. From PHP2.13 billion during the second quarter of 2011, investments have now reached PHP7.4 billion.

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Vol. 39 No. 4 December 2012

Local Feature However, according to the records of the National Statistics Office there has been a 0.25 percent decrease in employment, from 96.01 percent in April 2011 to 95.76 percent of the same period this year. Despite the decrease, the number of new businesses to be established may help fulfill the deficiency.

Cagayan’s Cruiser Lane “Ga-anam jud ka-daghan ang mga tao ug sakyanan tungod sa daghan pagbag-o ug pag-uswag sa Cagayan,” explains Michael, a cab driver for almost 8 years.

“Gamay pa ang mga dalan, naa pa gyud mu-parking sa one lane ra. [Sa] sunod unta, magsunod [ang mga motorista] sa balaod, ug kung pwede sad, ipa-four to six lanes ang mga dalan.”

In response to the request of Michael and of other motorists, the City Planning and Development Office, through its coordinator, Isidro Borja, clarified that the widening of roads will not necessarily solve the problem. As long as the direction or flow of vehicles is the same, road clogs are bound to happen. “What we need are alternate roads,” he says.

Traffic causes delayed transportation of resources, mobilization of people, goods and services. He cited the lligan-Cagayan-Butuan Road (ICBR) as an example. He explained that there is traffic in this route because the ICBR is the only access road going from east to west where vehicles transport their goods, services and people to their destinations. The newly put up mall located in CM Recto Avenue also adds to the traffic.

It seems that the solution at hand is to

establish diversion roads. The Carmen Flyover is a form of bypass that reduces traffic flow. Borja explained that this kind of structures is helpful especially in the central business districts (CBDs) such as CM Recto Avenue and Divisoria. “That is also why there are diversion roads that are established— to diffuse congestion in CBDs,” Borja further explains.

Due to the traffic congestion, vehicular accidents continue to be high in number.

According to the Regional Transportation Authority, not less than 350 vehicular accidents are reported every month in 2012. To ease the problem, the agency installed 104 road signages this October aside from the diversion roads and the hiring of additional traffic enforcers.

Conversely, air traffic also increased. The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines has recorded 14, 644 aircraft movements in the city’s Lumbia Airport in 2011, as well as transportation of 1.5 million passengers and 16, 231 metric tons of cargo.

Rise of the Guardians The guys in blue uniform, usually the last to arrive in any Filipino film, have been busy patrolling corners of the city. For October and November of 2012, two bombs set off, nine rape cases were filed, eight murders took place and a total of 235 crimes remain unsolved. One would feel that there has been an increase of villainy based from the tabloids, radio and television news.

However, the police force would disprove the notion. Statistics show that there is a decrease in crime in Cagayan de Oro. As disclosed by Senior

Police Officer 1 and CPO Crime Registrar Marie Lynette G. Sumapig of the Cagayan de Oro Police Office, from a total of 3671 crimes in 2011, latest data show that the offences have decreased to 2100.

A police officer who refused to be identified said that while the number of crimes have decreased, there is no certainty that it will not increase in the remaining weeks of the year. “Wala ta kabalo sa December. Basin mutaas ang crime rate. Pasko na man gyud, daghan mag-bonus. Ang crime rate kay seasonal pud ra ba,” the policeman elaborates.

Nevertheless, civilians should not worry.

Checkpoints to restrict movements of firearms, contrabands, and items used for criminal activities are put up not just in the city, but in the whole region. Law enforcers are also deployed on streets especially in crime-prone areas like Agora, Cogon and Carmen Market. *** There are always two sides of a coin. The few tales you heard from the different characters of the city attest to both good and bad sides of progress. Knowing all these, one might wonder if Cagayan is really ready for such development with the pace it is going. Is the development sustainable? Are our policies well enough to keep order? Are the opportunities distributed equally?

Answers to these questions might justify the sacrifices people made for the blooming city’s ripening. What’s really important is we don’t regret the price we pay for progress. C

Sources: “New inter-regional air links to boost travel and tourism”, Business World Weekender (http://www.bworldonline.com) “Northern Mindanao infra investments rise to P9.81B in 2Q, up by 138 percent”, Philippine Information Agency (http://www.pia.gov.ph) “Employment rate in Northern Mindanao drops 0.25%”, Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro (http://www.sunstar.com.ph) “Cagayan de Oro recognized as Most Business-Friendly City in Mindanao” Progress Watch: Cagayan de Oro City and Misamis Oriental (http://www.cdodev.com/) Jan-Dec 2011 and Jan-Nov 2012 Crime statistics, Cagayan de Oro City Police Office Accident report Jan-0ct 2012, Roads and Traffic Administration Interview with the City Planning and Development Office

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By Caroline Joy R. Go and Joule Artemson D. Visabella

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By Jacqueline P. Uy and Clarice Jobeth R. Kee

X

avier Days is the biggest and longest party in Northern Mindanao. So XU community, let’s continue to party!” It’s not every day that you get to hear Fr. Bobby Yap, SJ, say this. But on the opening ceremony of the Xavier University Festival Days (XUFD), everyone was just as pumped up and excited as the University President.

Photo by Haiko B. Magtrayo

Campus Feature

Design by Ma. Kristin Victoria Z. Abesamis

Themed “Xavier Engage: Reinforcing Resilience”, XUFD 2012 was not merely a festivity celebrated annually. This year’s was a commemoration of faith and endurance manifested during the onslaught of Tropical Storm Sendong and also for the years to come.

Keep calm and party on Just like any other fiesta, music and dance was an evident ingredient in this year’s Xavier Days.

The Festival Night and iMove Concert, both showcasing visual and musical treats, kicked off the first night of the XUFD. And the Xavier Days’ soundtrack did not end there— the XU Main Lane also became a ground for non-stop music, dance, and pure fun courtesy of the several XU Soundtable, student, alumni and guest bands who rocked on in Batong Bitoon 2k12: A Festival Jam. While bands pumped up the volume on the lane, angelic voices evoked solemnity during the Christmas Carol contest held at the Immaculate 16

Concepcion Chapel. The choirs representing the various colleges serenaded holiday tunes to emanate the spirit of Christmas amidst the hustle and bustle of the festival fever, with the College of Nursing bagging the top spot.

Some activities during the XUFD held deeper meaning and purpose. One of these was Huni sa Mindanaw, an alternative concert that was a response to the celebration of the Mindanao Week of Peace.

Proving how well-rounded the XU community is, Ateneans harnessed their talent not only in music, but also in the art of dance. The university colleges participated in Kinauyokan: Atin-Neo Dance Festival, a showcase of “Neo” experimental, exploratory, and contemporary cultural dances. The competition hailed the Center for Integrated Technologies as champions while the School of Business and Management and College of Arts and Sciences came in second and third place, respectively.

Mornings at XUFD were also as eventful as they were at night. The Hataw XU Morning Dance Workshop evoked people to “Zumba” their way to fitness from six to eight AM on the third day of the XUFD. And of course who could ignore the adorable little Ateneans who strut their stuff during the Grade School field demonstration? Surely the older audience was delighted to see such young, promising talents at work.

Starry, starry nights The evenings of Xavier University have never been more festive. The sky lanterns released after the iMove concert made the ambiance most stellar. Participants and on-lookers alike were overwhelmed by the beautiful sea of twinkling lights which took off in remembrance of the hope and lives that have slowly been made whole again after the devastation brought by Sendong.

Vol. 39 No. 4 December 2012

Campus Feature

In the nights that followed, walk-in movies became a huge hit. The soccer field transformed itself into a nightly movie theatre with a full audience. The crowd lay under the starry sky and enjoyed blockbuster hits like The Lorax and Evan Almighty— for free.

The ultimate crowd favorite, though, is none other than the Horror House. Your XUFD experience isn’t complete if you ignored this.

Getting through the long lines is one thing; but being inside the horror fest is a whole different adventure. For people who couldn’t take the scare and the goosebumps-inducing rumors of people actually passing out after or during their horror house trip, there are other lighter alternatives such as the DoTA Tournament or the Tekken Tag Tournament 2 matches.

To wrap things up, XU bade goodbye to the alluring party on the eve of December 1st with people amassed in the XU Field for some hip-swaying and to witness the grand fireworks

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spectacle. The crowd, all one in tilting their heads up for a good view, was ecstatic as fireworks colored the night sky. With Katy Perry’s Firework playing on the background to match the moment, it was the perfect finale to biggest party Cagayan de Oro has come to know.

All Other Things The Xavier Days has gone on for quite some time now; some things remain as they are, while some change for the better. For starters, the plethora of stalls – from food, to drinks, to clothes and the popular photo booth – still greet the crowd, like they have always done in the past.

Quiz bees, sports and art activities remain in the itinerary. The speed dating and love booth also continue to be cupid’s assistants or cause of love quarrels and break-ups, depending on how you see it.

Uncanny things happened too, like seeing people walk around with humongous slithering

creatures on their necks. And despite the guards whistling with all their might as the clock struck 11, people still had a grand time during the X + SMART-XU Dance Party and Hip Hop Extreme Dance Contest and probably had stiff necks shortly after they gazed in amazement over the stellar fireworks display. *** Like all other sorts of celebration, the XUFD had its ups and downs; but despite that, there is no denying just how much people enjoyed this party. The university was filled with colors, lights, high spirits, contagious laughter and all sorts of merriment you can think about. With everything that transpired during Xavier Days, people have enough memories to cherish until it’s that time of year again when XU opens its doors for another round of meaningful celebration. C

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Opinion

Opinion

A year has passed since Sendong snuck like a thief in the night, ravaged, and left, taking with him many lives. A year has passed since the ones left behind picked themselves up and rebuilt their lives together. What has changed since then? What has not? What is there to look forward to? In hindsight, after all that we have been through, we keep wading forward against the rushing torrent we call adversity.

By Maria Therese D. Agcopra, Princess E. Tolentino, Lyle Justin A. Egay, Saharah Iman M. Alonto, Dharyl Jean A. Indino, John Kenneth E. Ching, Robert A. Villaluz, Jr., Nadine Hendrikka E. Legaspi, and Sam D. Garcia

Cover Story

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he question always goes, “Kumusta na man mo?”

It takes a lot to muster enough courage to say “Okay naman mi,” but Jennifer does, and so do other Sendong survivors who have found new home in resettlement sites. It’s been almost a year, but Jennifer and the others can still paint a clear picture of December 17 like it was a most recent memory.

She remembers that night vividly. Jennifer is still 23, quite young. So are her three children, who fought bravely for their lives when murky waters visited their house unannounced. It was a bitter struggle keeping the brood together when Sendong struck. It still remains a bitter struggle for Jennifer now, especially after she split with her husband because he couldn’t find a job to support their family. Other families also face the same dilemma of unemployment.

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What happened to “you and me against the world”? Jennifer managed a smile. Now, she works hard as a manicurist to keep up with demands of reality. She admits she can’t always rely on relief goods or financial assistance.

An older woman, Gloria, seconds the motion and states the obvious, “Kulang ra jud… Sauna jud kay halos kada adlaw, unya hangtod nagsenemana na dayon. Karon binulan nalang jud.”

Sendong was a tough opponent; and the reality these people face now is much difficult.

Gloria shares how it was like losing a dear friend during the typhoon. Her eyes are so full of conviction, saying she feels as though her friend is still alive. She’s not alone in her longing.

We all lost someone in one way or another.

Gloria is lucky to at least still “see” her friend in dreams. But much like her, we could only wish to see and hold them again even just for a while.

It’s a slightly different situation for Lola

Jocelyn. Aged and suffering from stroke, it is a complete wonder how she copes with this alone. She’s not living with her children who have been relocated in Calaanan while she remains in Xavier Ecoville. She does, however, receive regular visits from her sibling and occasional visits from journalists, much to her delight. Lola Jocelyn also shares the same sentiments with other residents, but in a way she sounds resigned. And despite her illness and the discomforting heat, she even lets out a laugh and jokingly asks for “pinaskuhan”.

It’s difficult to ignore the bitter circumstance that they’re all in. Although no one can rule out the slight hint of sadness in their voices, surprisingly, there aren’t that many tears anymore. After all the pain has been felt, all that is left now is hope and a fighting spirit.

They’re not Sendong victims anymore.

They’re survivors.

Vol. 39 No. 4 December 2012

Cover Story

The youth frolic around the area like playful happy children should. Families pray together for meals they’re lucky enough to still share with one another. New bonds have grown, some old wounds have healed. What we see now are people pulling themselves up together and working towards a better tomorrow. Life has blossomed again in these areas like beautiful beds of flowers on the first day of spring.

It’s been a year since it all happened, and Jennifer, Jocelyn and the other survivors are craving for change and for another chance to fulfill the lives they were so blessed to keep. *** Reminiscing Sendong Six hundred fifteen lives in Cagayan de Oro were lost, and thousands more were left homeless after the killer tropical storm. The city was in such a wreck that rekindling hope C

among the masses was a feat in itself. Traces of devastation were left everywhere— dead bodies reeking, broken structures unmoving, and people hurting over their losses.

So how are things after Sendong, really?

Although not everyone has fully recovered, especially with the 500 individuals still reported missing, it is good to know that everyone is in the path to recovery.

Around 5,000 families are still waiting for new homes promised by the local government.

Housing projects like Habitat for Humanity and Gawad Kalinga also do well in substantiating this goal. The two organizations equally divided the PHP500 million donated by San Miguel Corporation for Sendong survivors’ resettlement sites. In April, 1,600 houses have been completed and turned over to new owners.

Xavier University also did its share in the relocation efforts through Xavier Ecoville in

Lumbia. They have given at least 530 families temporary houses so far, with plans of transferring them to permanent ones before the year ends.

As such, some Sendong survivors in Xavier Ecoville view the tragedy last year as a “blessing in disguise” in light of all the help they received and the new life they started.

Because of Sendong, the Philippines is also one notch higher, at 99th, in the Global Adaptation Institute’s worldwide ranking of 176 countries’ resiliency to climate change. Pablo, published to be more severe than Sendong, became a breeze.

Sendong would always be remembered as the tragedy that both made and broke our city.

As it seems, it is in times of devastation when the Kagay-anons’ spirit of unity is exemplified.

Plight at Ground Zero Areas near riverbanks are considered the www.thecrusaderpublication.com

21

Cover Story ‘ground zero’ of the Sendong calamity. Casualties and damage in property were highest in these places and what used to be lively communities brimming with people now has a notable air of gloom as most of them are deserted— whether partially or completely.

Sitio Cala-Cala in Macasandig had it worst.

An urban poor community, it was home to around 400 households, all swept away by raging waters. It is now a grass-covered area with only one dilapidated two-storey structure left standing as a sign of earlier habitation.

Some residents in Balulang, on the other hand, have come back to live in the area although many houses were left abandoned and/or put up for sale. Subdivisions in Balulang— Villa Nena, Villa Angela, etc.— formerly had relatively uniform, one-storey houses. At present, many of those who decided to remain reconstructed their one-level homes to two or three-storey fortresses as a precautionary measure against future floods.

Another area, Barangay Carmen, is also considered as one of the hardest-hit communities. Its location at the heart of the metropolis offers a glimpse of Typhoon Sendong’s scope. Houses are located just several meters away from the river, thus receiving one of Sendong’s most destructive blows.

Even though the government has issued a statement prohibiting the residents to go back to flood-prone areas, many are still defiant. “Gusto mi muhawa diri pero wala man mi kabalhinan. Wala man mi lain balay mao mapugos gyud mi na magpabilin diri.

Duol ra sad sa eskwelahan sa mga bata ug sa trabaho,” a mother, who refused to be named, explains.

Survivors of the flood were promised to be given new homes. Yet, the distance from relocation sites to workplaces and schools remains a concern, making it enough reason for victims to return to their abodes despite the threat of another flash flood.

Other areas which were reached by the raging waters were Bonbon, Bulua, Kauswagan, Consolacion, Puntod, Macabalan, Agusan, Cugman, Gusa, Iponan, Lapasan and many others, all of which are low-lying barangays located near rivers and coastal areas.

“5 out of 5” Performance While the Kagay-anons were cast down over their losses, the world thought of ways to replace them. For instance, cash donations amounted to PHP389 million from the European Union and PHP38.5 million from the United States. A year after Sendong people are starting to question if these have been graciously given to those who need it, and if so, how.

In an interview with TheCrusader, Mayor Emano reported that his administration has provided 5,400 houses to the victims of Sendong out of the targeted 6,000. These houses were built in resettlement lands in Calaanan and 22

Crusader Publication has conducted an independent survey among the residents of Xavier Ecoville on November 21, 2012. The results are as follows: The

Naka-bangon na ba mo gikan Sendong?

Oo. Wala pa.

Hapit na.

Aduna ka ba’y plano nga mupuyo ug dugay aniang dapit hangtod sa pipila ka dekada?

Oo. Dili.

Depende pa.

Gakakuha ba nimu ang supporta na imung gikinahanglan sa imung pagpuyo diri sa ecoville?

Oo. Wala.

Wala Kaayo.

Indahag. He also mentioned plans of acquiring a 16-hectare land in Pagatpat for the construction of an additional 3,000 units and an 8-hectare land in Balubal for another 500 units. He emphasized that these free housing projects were his “greatest achievements” in terms of providing assistance to the victims of Sendong.

Aside from resettlement projects, his ongoing feeding program, which kicked off during the first day after Sendong, is another successful intervention to aid victims. Yet, he received well the idea of further assistance such as empowerment of livelihood projects like banig and pottery making, constructions of schools in relocations areas and even more feeding programs.

In an online report, the Department of Social Welfare and Development offered two types of shelter assistance: Emergency Shelter Assistance (ESA) and Core Shelter Assistance Program (CSAP). ESA is for families with partially damaged shelters while CSAP are for families residing in no-build zones such as Cala Cala, Isla de Oro, and Tambo. Aside from these, authorities have also initiated the Cash for Work Program

Maayo ba imong pakipaghalobilo sa imong mga silingan diri?

Oo. Dili sa tanan.

Dili gyud.

which enables the victims to earn PHP215 per day for rendering services such as construction, cleaning of evacuation centers and such.

Emano gave a rating of 5 out of 5 for the success of Sendong-related programs. He insists that the promises of his administration to the Sendong victims were actualized despite politicsrelated interferences.

Caught in the Crossfire Over 14,000 houses were damaged, if not completely destroyed, by the flood.

The city government partnered with various NGOs and private companies to provide resettlement areas for the victims of the flood.

These are the Cagayan de Oro Relocation Site Housing Project Phase II, II-B and III in Calaanan; Indahag Relocation Site Phase I and II; LGU-BERJAYA-GK Village in Camamanan; Canitoan Relocation Site; Xavier Ecoville in Lumbia; NASSA and SAC Caritas Village in Indahag; Calaanan Relocation Site; and Sittio Paglaum in Camaman-an. These formal settlements house the majority of victims who are on their way to having permanent houses.

Vol. 39 No. 4 December 2012

Cover Story

Naa ba ka’y plano nga mubalik sa imung pinuy-anan sa una?

Gasamokan ba ka sa mga tao na mag sige ug pangutana mahitungod sa Sendong?

Oo.

Oo.

Wala.

Dili kaayo.

Depende pa.

Dili.

Paminaw ba nimu nanag-tabang gayud ang gobyerno sa inyo?

Maayo ba ang pagtrato sa mga gadumala aning lugara sa inyo?

Oo.

Oo.

Dili.

Usahay dili.

Dili.

There are, however, various informal settlements that don’t get the assistance they need and deserve.

One such settlement is the hodgepodge of plastic sheets, kawayan, and tarpaulins that is in the Provincial Capitol Grounds. Over 30 families are housed there. The irony here lies in the handling— they are managed by the city government, led by Mayor Vicente Emano, yet the MacArthur Park and the Provincial Capitol are run by the provincial government led by Governor Oscar Moreno. It is an open secret that the two gentlemen are political enemies, as Governor Moreno has decided to run for City Mayor in the 2013 elections.

They were promised permanent houses by the city government, but were told that the formal resettlement areas, such as the ones in Calaanan, were to be prioritized. They were told to wait.

Sometime in June, two six-wheeler trucks sent by the City Government came to the Capitol Grounds to transport them somewhere else.

The residents, excited at the thought of finally getting new homes, were eager to leave. But the trucks left after one of the officers leading the C

residents had told the drivers that they already did have a place to move to— which none of the others knew they did. The moving trucks drove away unfilled.

It turned out that their previous leader had tied up with a religious leader to develop a scheme called the SAC— a ‘social action program’ that is said to provide the residents with free housing— as long as they apply and pay for the land. Many of the residents have applied for SAC, but others, like the current leader of the residents Manuel Gaguan, remain doubtful. “Gusto lugar jud nila na ang tanan jud dinhi maka-apply sa SAC para lugar grupo, kanang, volume gyud ilang makuha dinhi,” he says. Poor as they are, they still become susceptible to business trickery.

Councilors President Elipe and Nadya Emano had visited the area and were told that the survivors in the Capitol Grounds already had somewhere to move to. This led the city government to think that there was no problem with their relocation anymore.

“Mao ganing nag-ingon si Emano sa amo na ‘Unsa man gyud na inyong gisaligan diha na dili man mo mang-hawa?’” shares Gaguan.

The residents of the Capitol Grounds,

mostly from Consolacion, came to the area on their own, thinking that it was their right to seek refuge there. They eventually found out that it wasn’t going to be an evacuation center, but they moved there anyway. Gaguan has taken it upon himself to constantly follow up the City Government’s promise to relocate these forsaken victims. He has only been getting more promises and postponed dates so far.

“Naa gyud ni dinhi’ng lista-lista, ingon ko dili ko gusto aning magbunga ko sa akong ba-ba na Emano ko o Moreno ko. Muingon sila, aha man ko gapuyo?

Capitol Grounds. Kinsa tag-iya? Moreno, tinuod, pero kung ipangutana sad ko nimo asa ko nangayo’g balay, kang Emano. So sa duha ana dili jud ko magsambit sa kung asa ko. Dili nako na dawaton nang kung Emano o Moreno ba ko. Lisod na kaayo.

Murag pamulitika ba. Sa bagay, karon na panahon na-igo gyud mi anang ilang tawag na ‘crossfire’. Pero ako na gyu’ng gi-ingon sa ila na bisan ma-crossfire mi, sige lang, [maningkamot] gihapon mi, basin moabot na ang among kahinabang ug maluwas pud mi. ” With election season drawing near, it is these relocation centers, both formal and informal, that will be getting benefits, however ‘strategically’ timed. Gaguan and the Capitol residents are in a precarious situation where their loyalties— or lack thereof— will be put to the test. Everyone who has stayed in the relocation sites for a year now has the same hunger for permanent houses, assistance, and justice. They are picking themselves back up, but not enough to stand on their own two feet just yet— and are at high risk of becoming puppets.

The River Enterprise Arguably the most popular tourist attraction in the city, the river rafting industry admitted to being severely affected by Sendong’s havoc. The rafting business had to halt operations after the calamity, although they had become instrumental in saving the lives of many people.

Most of the rafting businesses had their warehouses flooded leaving their rafting equipment in bad condition. The number of guests also fell due to worries of safety.

Bon, a Bugsay CDO river guide shares, “Gamay ra kaayo ang mga guest adto, and ang uban ginabalibaran gyud sa mga companies kay for the respect gyud sa nahitabo ug sa mga nangamatyan. Ang suba pod, hugaw pa kaayo tan-awon, ga-brown pa ang palibot.”

But with the thirst for wet adventure, the rafting industry had only taken a short time of idleness before it regained the trust of its patrons.

“Okay na [ang mga guests], nibalik na. Dili pareha adtong paghuman gyud sa Sendong. Bali isa gyud to ka bulan nga wala gyu’y rafting halos,” says Bon. “Pero nianam ra siya’g balik pod. Pagka-summer ni arang-arang na siya,” he adds.

“Nag bag-o ang mga rapids syempre kay sa kakusog sa volume sa tubig, ang mga bato ana iya man gyud na masibug. Ang hitsura sa suba nag bag-o gyud,” www.thecrusaderpublication.com

23

Cover Story

the guide says. Despite having the routes modified by nature, he thinks that such change did more good than harm for the river’s rapids.

When asked about how safe rafting is today, Bon proudly claims, “Mas delikado pa ang magsakay ug jeep kaysa sa mag-rafting.” *** For the Second Time Mrs. Behaldes Nagandang, along with her neighbors in Tambo, Brgy. Macasanding, probably envisioned a better Christmas than this one.

Instead of preparing their homes for the holidays, they were cleaning their mud-stained houses and possessions. The street they live in was a muddy mess as well. Matronly women scrubbed the family’s clothes as their children scrubbed the furniture. Fathers and older brothers were busy moving the debris away from their homes.

The flood waters of ‘Pablo’ robbed their neighborhood of a worry-free Christmas. But there were no deaths and washed-out houses this time around, and because of that they are able to smile a lot more this year.

Mrs. Nagandang pointed out that their

24

neighborhood was better prepared for ‘Pablo’. She says that a fire truck was making rounds to alert residents of the impending typhoon hours before it hit the city. Furthermore, barangay officials went from house to house to rouse the residents to evacuate. These actions gave a lot of time for some to pack up and seek for higher ground, and for those who remained to brace themselves and keep their important possessions intact.

For her, it also helped that ‘Pablo’ did not surprise them as much as ‘Sendong’ did. She pointed out that the flood currents were much less than the deadly gushes of last year.

As much as they would want to relocate away from the risks of living near the banks of the Cagayan River, they took a liking to the serene and peaceful environment they have in Tambo. So instead of moving someplace else after ‘Sendong’, they used up much of their savings in order to build an extension above their front porch as a precaution to future flooding. It helped them immensely when the river swelled from accommodating the increased volumes from its tributaries in Bukidnon.

The tone of her voice gave off helpless

resignation as she shared how hard it was for them to regain their footing after ‘Sendong’.

Despite the fact that she and her neighbors were self-supporting families, they took it upon themselves in rebuilding their homes and restoring their lives. It took a toll on them physically, emotionally, and financially.

She also lamented that they didn’t receive as much help as what other victims were given.

During the aftermath of ‘Sendong’, word spread fast around their neighborhood of copious amounts of relief help for victims like them.

She shared how some neighbors were lucky to receive much from government and nongovernment donors alike. She only received a cash subsidy of PHP8,000 from the City Social Welfare and Development office.

Notwithstanding the problems they have faced, she feels happy knowing that her family is safe and secure after two storms. For her – and probably for many who survived ‘Pablo’ – it’s the best Christmas gift she received for this year.

“Zero” Casualties During the onslaught of the latest storm to

Vol. 39 No. 4 December 2012

Cover Story

hit us, the local government shot for that number successfully—at least, that’s what official reports say. Currently, there is talk of a single casualty within Cagayan de Oro when one trisikad driver was reported missing after being caught in the torrent.

According to an article in Gold Star Daily’s website, the body of Woodfe Zamora was found and extracted from the Biga-an Creek already in a state of decomposition. But of course, the government still refuses to acknowledge this, saying that he had drowned after the storm, not during.

Still, the margin between the respective death tolls of Pablo and Sendong is staggering; Pablo’s (international name “Bopha”) kill rate is nothing compared to the 615 reported casualties brought about by tropical storm Sendong (international name “Washi”) in the city. And this is while Pablo took the lives of 714 people as of press time in certain areas of Surigao del Sur, Compostela Valley, Visayas and Luzon.

The only other city that suffered no deaths under Pablo was Cotabato.

What made Sendong so deadly last year was

C

the fact that it came unannounced while most of the people here were sleeping. But this time, we were prepared. Families were relocated days before the storm hit Cagayan de Oro. As the water rose, all bridges in the city were closed to prevent any accidents from happening as people crossed. CDO Mayor Vicente “Dongkoy” Emano himself said that the Carmen Bridge was closed because it was “too old” and might break if vehicles were allowed to pass. Relief goods were also being prepared before the storm arrived.

In fact, the operations were so seemingly successful that XU had to halt its volunteer outreach program. During the storm, there were calls for volunteers to help out in the relief operations the next day, but soon enough the University committee for Pablo announced that they wouldn’t need them anymore.

While it’s comforting to know that the city didn’t go through a loss of life as widespread as last year’s, it’s too early to tell if the City of Golden Friendship is ready for whatever big storm is headed our way.

CDO may have passed the test of resiliency,

but soon enough, we’ll have to take a look at our consistency. *** Christmas.

How do we even begin to describe Christmas?

For some of the Sendong survivors Christmas may just be another red mark on the calendar. For the two-time typhoon veterans that had a brutal encounter with Pablo, Christmas may be high time to reconsider housing options.

“Pait japon among pasko karon,” Gloria says disappointingly. It’s an honest truth for them, that despite the rising establishments in the city proper, their progress remains slow. What’s more disheartening is that while Kagay-anons are beaming with enthusiasm over the city’s progress, the situation in relocation sites may slowly exit people’s thoughts.

However, like true survivors, the typhoonaffected people still maintain grasp of the truest meaning of Christmas despite their laments. It’s not all about the festive banquets or the kris kringles; it’s about the celebration of hope and the best gift ever given to us: life. C

www.thecrusaderpublication.com

25

Local Feature

By Marina M. Garcia

Design by Rico M. Magallona

A

t this time last year, I was about to finish my four-month stay as an exchange student in Ohio, USA. While I was there, I met Sam, a Filipino who studies here in Xavier University. Our friendship became something else to the point that I made him a promise: I would go to his country to visit him after our exchange programs end.

To be sincere, I had never been curious about the Philippines until I met him. What I could expect about this country was based on documentaries and the information I was able to find on the Internet. I was ready to find messy wirings on the street, awful traffic jams, reckless drivers, and a lot of people. Obviously, I didn’t find just that. Instead, I discovered a new land which opened my mind even more and which made me see the world from a different perspective.

Whenever somebody here asks me how I like the Philippines and I say that I really like it and it’s beautiful, I always get a funny smile and a face that seems to say “Oh, really?”. I guess you can’t appreciate what you have here, and you think that bigger western cities (and countries) are much better than yours. In my opinion, each place has its own appeal, and Cagayan de Oro is not an exception.

When I came to CdeO for the first time last March, I went rafting. From the middle of

26

the river, I was able to appreciate the marvelous landscapes of this region. I had never imagined something like this: endless coconut trees, small waterfalls, colorful blooming bougainvillea, etc. It truly looked like paradise! That was the moment when I fell in love with this country.

On the other hand, I was also able to see the remains of houses that were washed away during the December flood. Some of them were totally destroyed, leading into hundreds of scattered driftwood along the river’s path. That was my first real contact with Sendong.

Aside from the great landscapes, I find that Filipinos are exceptional people. I read somewhere that you always smile, no matter what; and in fact you do. I have to say that when I got here I was really scared. In Spain, when you get to a new place and you want to be friends with a group, you have to work hard to get in. I was afraid that Filipinos won’t like me for being different. However, they welcomed me as if they already knew me -- a genuine proof of what I saw when I first landed in Lumbia: “Welcome to Cagayan de Oro, The City of Golden Friendship.”

I’m very grateful to all those then-strangers that treated me as a friend from the beginning.

With them, I did my “firsts” here in the Philippines. I had my first motorela and jeepney

rides, my first taste of Filipino liquor, my first night at a karaoke bar, and my first time to eat street food (and no, I haven’t tried balut and I never will). They took part of what made me want to live here.

Since I had to go home after my first visit, I returned to the Philippines last August -- and for good this time. Moving here was a decision which didn’t take me long to make. The economic situation in Spain is not very favorable now, and I needed to start from scratch somewhere else.

On November 17, I started my Master’s Degree in English Language and Literature here at Xavier University. The only difference I’ve found for now is that you will have several quizzes during the semester, which I think is better than having just one final test. And so far, I’m enjoying my classes. *** Many people I know back home asked me why I would come to live so far away, to a country where they speak a language I can’t understand and with customs that are different to ours. My answer was that it’s not that different, that it’s a country worth visiting, and yes, “It’s more fun in the Philippines!” C

Vol. 39 No. 4 December 2012

Global Feature

G

reece’s unfortunate plunge into economic instability stems from a common case of impractical spending.

It’s a simple principle: live within your means— a common piece of advice which the Greeks didn’t pay much attention to when it was given to them.

In January 2001, Greece shifted currencies from Drachma to Euro hoping that a “powerful” currency would help save a weakening economy.

However, instead of driving it up, ascension to the euro further brought Greece down on its knees as it struggled to keep up with the Eurozone’s demands such as maintaining a budget deficit of no bigger than 3% as suggested by the Stability and Growth Pact (SGP). As of fiscal year 2011, Greece has exceeded their budget deficit by 6%, and even worsening the scenario with a staggering 165.3% debt-to-GDP ratio— when the maximum is only 60%.

However, Greece only triggered a bigger problem.

If worse comes to worst, Germany clearly has more to lose.

Eurexit We’re probably thinking Greece should just opt out of the Euro since it can’t keep up with its standards. That sounds easier said than done.

Germany and other Eurozone countries that contributed money to Greece’s economic restoration could lose a big portion of its investments. Greece’s economy might ultimately become history.

However, Germany’s chancellor, Angela Merkel, is encouraging Greece to stay. According to Merkel, “We would rather achieve a stabilisation of the Euro with Greece than without Greece, but this goal of stabilising the Euro is more important.” There is still much of a future of the Euro as the single European currency. The problem lies in countries failing to the meet the criteria stipulated in the Growth and Stability Pact thus the current economic rifts.

Where does this lead us?

Here isn’t a crisis involving separate tiny entities. Rather, it involves separate tiny entities clumped together to make up one massive economy—the third largest in the world, that is. Having one powerhouse crumble affects other economies just the same, especially the Philippines which remains reliant on trade and even assistance coming from these foreigners.

Our share of remittances coming from Europe would badly decrease should the crisis escalate. *** Greece has two years left to settle its own debts. The entire Eurozone is in pressure to provide long-term solutions to its economic loopholes which could inflict damage on other economies if not contained.

Greece has pulled the trigger. Our job now is to dodge the bullet.C

Sources: “Eurozone crisis explained: Q&A”, The BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/) “Q&A on the Greek Debt Crisis”, Bloomberg Businessweek(http://www.businessweek.com/) “The Euro: Economic & Monetary Union”, Institute for the Study of Civil Society(http://www.civitas.org.uk/) “Money crisis: How Europe’s debt headache affects you” The BBC(http://www.bbc.co.uk/) “Italians Say Goodbye to Ferraris as La Dolce Vita Expires”, Bloomberg(http://www.bloomberg.com/) “Cost of Greek exit from euro put at $1tn”, The Guardian(http://www.guardian.co.uk/) C

Photo: Getty Image(www.ft.com)

www.thecrusaderpublication.com

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Design by Kristoffer James Nambatac

Greece’s bitter picture Perhaps the modern Greeks take it from their ancient counterparts to live lavishly. Between 1999 and 2007, Greek employees saw an approximate 50% increase in their salaries. Six years into the recession, the party has come to an end as the country’s unemployment rate shot to 26% in September this year.

While other countries would deliberately ditch their fume-producing vehicles for environmental reasons, Greece had to trade their luxury cars mostly to salvage dying finances. In the last two years roads have been cleared off of more than 40% of Greece’s car population. The rising costs of fuel and road tax are encouraging people to ride bicycles.

Among other things, education and health sectors are taking the fall as Greek authorities continue to provide generous allotments to military developments.

Saving PIIGS The Euro was created with good intentions, the most basic being to provide economic and political integration among the 17 countries that agreed to it. This union has opened development opportunities for many Europeans. Today, it seems to be making way for opportunities to collapse.

Greece has until 2014 to deal with their deficits. As a solution Greek authorities have planned austerity measures since February 2010.

These include major budget cuts, labor reforms, and tax increases. Such desperate measures to keep the Greek economy afloat will choke the average citizen into deeper recession, thus violent protests.

But it’s not just Greece that’s going through one bad fiscal year after another. Portugal, Ireland, Italy, Spain are also Europe’s biggest SGP offenders. Their given acronym might sound offensive, but their record-breaking debts are worse. Italy has also taken austerity measures, cashing in on their automobiles sales (which have tripled this year) to pay off 1.9 trillion euros worth of debt.

The precipice of the Eurozone is a working domino effect. Where one is limping, the others shall come to the rescue to save the system from crashing altogether. Institutions such as the European Central Bank and the European Commission have proposed bailout funds to help ailing economies to level off the debt-to-GDP ratio.

This communal responsibility to help is taking a toll on stable countries such as Germany. Being the country with the stronger economy, Germany is pressured to contribute more to the bailout fund than its European neighbors. The cost that entails for them to support dying economies outweighs potential benefits. It is causing an uproar amongst German taxpayers who feel that they shouldn’t be burdened with solving other countries’ problems.

National Feature

roe A. Lozarita

By Nitzschia Cassiopiea Be

“Although we recognize that no film, painting, poem or song could stop a tank or overthrow a corrupt government, we believe in the power of art to incite emotions. And we believe in the part emotions play in fuelling the dreams of people.”

–­­ Active Vista Film Festival

F

Design by Arnell Jade A. Evangelista II

ilmmaking is a classic form of art which has long been an effective tool to invoke human emotions. For the past century, movies have been made to inspire, to educate, or to entertain the masses. This led to the growth of the filmmaking industry where many countries try to excel at.

Unbeknownst to the general public, the Philippines amusingly takes wonderful flight in Asia today through its indie films. Filipino directors and producers have been garnering one recognition after the other in many international film festivals.

Still, it is disappointing to know that the Philippines’ mainstream movies do not get as much recognition internationally. Today, heavilymarketed “Pinoy” movies are only known for dreamy fantasies or shallow plots.

Spice in Indie Films When the term “indie” is heard, we directly link it to the works of Coco Martin and Brillante Mendoza. However, there is so much more to know about this developing niche. The Philippine Cinema witnessed its blossoming just a few years ago.

From being mere forms of art and expression, indie films slowly surpassed mainstream ones by

being more critically acclaimed around the globe.

In fact, it’s quite ironic that low-budget films are the ones being streamed in foreign screens. Many Pinoy indie films like “Colorum” and “Dinig Sana Kita” have captured attention and garnered various awards from international film festivals such as the Cannes and Brussels.

What’s not to love? Aside from intricate plots, our indie films also boast of a realistic factor.

Most indie films depict actual stories from the Philippine setting, leaving impressions which cut right through the core.

Blandness of Mainstream Movies Compared to indie films, the mainstream movie industry is basking in mediocrity. Recent box-office hits are dominated with themes of love affairs, sex, and other promiscuous acts. Despite this dreadful reality, mainstream movies are still earning millions. Examples of which are “The Mistress”, “This Guy’s In-Love with U Mare”, and “Unofficially Yours”.

According to ABS-CBN News, “The Mistress” has grossed around PHP300 million worldwide. How do these typical films manage to earn such large profits?

In a joint study conducted by psychologists

Richard Jackson Harris (Kansas State University) and Christopher P. Barlett (Iowa State University), the various effects of sex on media have been pointed out. Filipinos are trying to adapt to this new, albeit provocative, spectrum in mainstream cinema, which is why some scandalized movies become so appealing.

On the other hand, Filipinos simply enjoy mainstream movies for the humor and entertainment they bring. While indie films try to tackle pressing issues in the country, Pinoy comedy and pantasya come in line with escapism – a simple respite from the everyday ills in our society. *** The difference between indie and mainstream films is largely dependent on theme and content.

As such, every Juan should have enough sensitivity to know which movies are actually worth the watch. Hopefully, we can critique every film we watch more maturely from now on. C

Sources: “2 Pinoy indie films win awards in Brussels”, the Pinoy. (http://thepinoy.net) “Philippine Independent Films Versus Mainstream Movies: Intellectual Hunger or Escapist Entertainment?”, StudyMode (http://www.studymode.com) “The Active Vista Film Festival is organized by DAKILA – Philippine Collective for Modern Heroism”, Active Vista (http://activevista.com/new/) “Effects of Consuming Sexual Media”, Kansas State University (http://www.k-state.edu/) “‘The Mistress’ earns P300 million worldwide”, ABS-SBNnews.com (http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/

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Vol. 39 No. 4 December 2012

Global Feature

By Princess E. Tolentino

H

ere are two names to remember: Barack Obama and Xi Jinping— just two people who rule supreme in two of the most powerful countries today.

Four more years It seems reelection has done more than keeping Obama’s presidency intact. According to a Dec. 10-12 report from Gallup, an analyticsbased consultancy firm, President Obama’s approval ratings are the highest since May 2011 at 54%. Aside from winning 303 electoral polls against Republican candidate Mitt Romney, Obama appears to have regained the Americans’ trust, even for a little, as he continues to rebuild a nation still reeling from the recession and decreasing national morale.

Attitude Obama is charismatic. It’s hard not to trust or follow this man. As Carl Alan Large, an American Politics teacher, puts it, “If I [were] going to have a pizza and a beer with anyone, I’d have it with [President Obama]. You can talk to him.

He’s a human being. They’re all humans, but he’s approachable so [a probable] reason why a lot of the Americans voted for him is because you can have a pizza and beer [with him] if you wanted to.”

His first term also molded him into a fighting politician; he wouldn’t just end as a beacon of hope in his 2008 campaign. In fact, he was so sure he would win this election, he reportedly wrote just a victory speech, but not for when he would lose. One word: boss.

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No more gloves In Obama’s first term, the Republicans refused to work with him to keep him from being reelected. With that out of the way, there’s reason to believe that while Obama didn’t necessarily win the support of the Republicans, at least they will now cooperate.

“I think Obama will go down as one of the better presidents the US [has had] in the 20th and 21st [centuries].” Large justifies.

A different kind of victory Xi Jinping, the newly appointed chairman of the Communist Party of China (CPC), is expected to become China’s head of state in early 2013.

Their case is very much different from America’s.

For one, USA is a democracy. China isn’t.

How they choose their new leader is by a certain committee, not by a democratic vote.

Second, unlike Obama, not a lot of people know Xi Jinping. “The truth here is that [Xi is] only well known by his comrades but the rest of the world know nothing about [him].” Pete

Gamba of the History Department comments, “I think the world should prepare in the same manner it dealt with the previous chairman, plus a little bit [carefully] because, again, we do not know much about this guy.”

He affirms, though, that Xi would not be too different from former President Hu Jintao.

The silver lining—or what looks like it In the international scene, China will still be aggressive, Gamba predicts. “For the Philippines, I think the claim for the West Philippine Sea would still be intense. I don’t think Jintao would put him there [if] he would threaten the existence of the communist party.”

But hope is still present even in the middle of all this anticipation. The people perceive Xi to be a reformist. He will inherit some problems from the previous administration which includes a dominant communist party with pervading bribery and corruption, poverty, and the peopl’e cry for freer political participation.

“Increased social freedoms have created a generation of Chinese who are more aware of their rights and more vocal about demanding them,” Christopher Bodeen said for Al Jazeera. *** We all know we shouldn’t expect too much so we don’t get disappointed, but in times when we need to empower people, great feats may come from hope. Call it “benefit of the doubt”. Call it what you want.

Hoping may not be the safest resort. But sometimes, it’s the better one. Or better yet, wish these two men luck. C

Sources: “Obama makes history, vows best yet to come”, AFP, Inquirer News (http://newsinfo.inquirer.net) “Best is yet to come”, AP, The Philippine Star (http://www.philstar.com) “The World Reacts to Obama’s Reelection”, The Daily Beast (http://www.thedailybeast.com) “Why Obama is surely facing a second term riddled with scandal and upheaval”, Yahoo! News (http://news.yahoo.com) “Fortunate One”, The Daily Beast (http://www.thedailybeast.com) “China’s new leadership led by Xi Jinping”, Aljazeera(http://www.aljazeera.com) “Hu Jintao, Chinese President And Communist Party Leader, Clears Way For Vice President Xi Jinping To Take Party Helm”, The Huffington Post (http://www.huffingtonpost.com) “Code Red: China’s Leadership Transition Begins Amid Pomp and Security”, TIME World (http://world.time.com) “As Hu Jintao Steps Down, Predictions For China in 2012”, PolicyMic (http://www.policymic.com) “Unemployment Falls to Lowest Rate in Four Years”, NPR (www.npr.org) “Obama Approval Up Slightly After Election”, Gallup (http://www.gallup.com) www.thecrusaderpublication.com

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Design by Arnell Jade A. Evangelista II

Not so fast, Mr. President There’s a lot to look forward to Obama’s next term— even on the negative. Now that the campaign is over, he can focus on his performance.

And he has several critics and political analysts to keep him focused.

Nevertheless, it’s not only the Americans who are hoping for a better second term. From the Middle East to Africa and Asia, leaders hope he will help fix their domestic troubles.

Large also predicts Obama will lower their unemployment rate and create more jobs in the US, which should affect the rest of the world.

And so far, his second term has gotten off to a good start with the unemployment rate dropping by 0.3%, the lowest in four years.

Local Features

By Micka Angela Victoria B. Virtudazo and Nadine Hendrikka E. Legaspi

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Design by Alvin Paul R. Yao

or a 13-year-old, Dante is a small boy. His head is slightly large. He has a bilateral cleft lip outside, and a bilateral cleft palate inside.

They’re openings or splits in the upper lip, the roof of the mouth, or both, that happen when budding facial structures in an unborn baby don’t entirely close. Among all the patients, he stands out as having one of the severe cases in the mission.

Bungi na, ngo-ngo pa.

But his brown eyes exude nothing but high spirits. He does chores at home and has never given his parents any headaches. He is frequently teased about his appearance by the kids in his school. He gets too angry and almost punches them, but his mother Aurelia tells him to never fight back.

“Basin pag-buot diay gyud sa Ginoo na in-ana siya.”

Healing smiles The tented assembly area houses children with beautiful eyes, high expectations, and broken, yet arresting smiles. Just like Dante and his mother who came from Zamboanga, many have gone all the way from far-flung areas in Mindanao.

November 10, 2012. It is the screening day for Operation Smile, a medical mission that gives 30

free operations to patients with cleft lips and cleft palates. Over 140 patients underwent a process, which involved checkups on their health and clefts, and speech tests to evaluate whether they are eligible to be operated on. Everyone is hoping to be part of those who would be given brand new, sunny smiles.

Unfortunately, getting checked was not a guarantee of undergoing surgery. To be qualified, one must only be in good health for the surgery.

Confusing cleft causes You may not know it, but your face and your smile goes through a complex process before it becomes the one you see in the mirror today. This is the secret pain of those who suffer from cleft lips and cleft palates—of Dante particularly. He is malnourished for he cannot eat as heartily as most children, and his deformity makes him and others like him subjects of teasing and insults which negatively affect their psychological development.

Clefts commonly take place as isolated birth defects but are also associated with many inherited genetic conditions or syndromes. In Dante’s case, many instances of the deformity have been found in their family history. “Naa na sa among lahi ang mga

bungi,” shares Dante’s mom. “Kaliwat sa iyang papa ug kaliwat pud nako.”

Researchers found that most cases are caused by an interaction of genetic and environmental factors.

Another known reason is being exposed to certain chemical substances during pregnancy, smoking cigarettes, drinking alcohol, and taking certain medications. To many, these are just facts which do not concern them. People with cleft lips and palates are seen every day. However, it is unknown to many that the deformity is a big contributor to high infant mortality rate in developing countries like the Philippines. In the country, oral cleft is among the top congenital defects affecting 4,000 babies every year, with 12 percent of them dying before the age of five.

Once upon a smile Dr. William Magee Jr., a plastic surgeon, and his wife, Kathleen, a nurse and clinical social worker, founded Operation Smile in 1982 when they traveled to the Philippines with a group of medical volunteers to repair children’s cleft lips and palates. During the mission in Naga City, the couple helped repair cleft lips and palates of those who did not have access to medical care. The need for this maintenance far Vol. 39 No. 4 December 2012

Local Features

exceeded what the mission could ever address. It was Christmas time when the Magees came back to the United States, and they called and tapped everyone they knew who could help raise funds and volunteer so they could go back to the Philippines.

Since its humble beginning, Operation Smile— owing to the help of steadfast medical volunteers— has now delivered more than 3.5 million widespread patient evaluations and over 200,000 free surgeries for children and young adults born with cleft lips, cleft palates and other facial deformities in over 60 countries. Their volunteers range from surgeons, anesthesiologists, pediatricians, dentists, nurses, assistants, students and many others, each also undergoing rigid admission processes to meet the foundation’s “Global Standards of Care”.

Operation Smile’s quality care does not only cover reconstructive surgeries., but also provide post-operation measures for any infections or complications. They check the patients after three months then subject them to further surgery if needed. They are also encouraged to take speech therapies to better their way of talking. Truly, the organization is committed to hold true to its principle.

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The Journey Home Operation Smile is now on its 30th anniversary.

This year, the organization marked the occasion with a series of medical repatriation missions designed to give back to the nation where this global medical charity was founded. This commemorative series of missions were held in the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Silay, Cebu, Naga, Manila, Cavite, Pampanga, and Cagayan de Oro. “This is one of the most successful and most organized missions we ever had so far. The team and the volunteers were really cooperative and initiative and really well-rounded persons. I couldn’t be any more proud,” says Rachel Egan, coordinator of Operation Smile Team Cagayan de Oro. “It brings people together from all walks of life and every corner of the world.”

The core idea behind Operation Smile—a whole community coming together to care for a child who cannot fend for himself—remains as powerful today as it did 30 years ago. As they continue to pursue this thrust across the global network, they shall bring more healing, leave more caring societies and help create a better world. In their medical mission in the city, 127 children were given with new hopes for a

better and happier life and future, and Dante is one of them.

Aurelia’s hope for Dante is he continues learning at school so that he can grow up to be a better person and find a good job. Dante wants to help the young children in Zamboanga and teach there how to love themselves regardless of the way they look.

“Gusto jud siya mag-teacher didto sa amo. Bahala ug pangit lagi daw basta kay makatudlo siya. Busa dako kayo among pasalamat sa ilaha [Operation Smile] kay tungod sa ila mabag-o na ang kinabuhi ni Dante. Dakong grasya gyud kaayo ni,” gushes Dante’s mother.

When asked if he was happy about his surgery, Dante, with a bandage over his mouth and nose, looked up and nodded as his brown eyes gleamed with delight. He himself has a few more surgeries to go through, but his path to recovery is enough to keep him hoping, fighting— living for reasons to smile. C Sources: “Birth Defects, Facts about Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate”, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (http://www.cdc.gov) “Fact Sheet: Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate“,American Academy of Otolaryngology — Head and Neck Surgery. (http://www.entnet.org) “Our History: Starting an organization that transforms lives”, Operation Smile Philippines. (http://philippines.operationsmile.org/) www.thecrusaderpublication.com

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National Feature

By Alve Jane B. Aranton

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onsidering the nonstop argument among those in the Lower House, top tobacco industries in the country, and people who smoke and drink, the Sin Tax Bill has remained brutally unsuccessful for the past 16 years. With the Aquino administration warming up to its return, will the controversial bill ever achieve the change it tries to assert?

Design by Haiko B. Magtrayo

The Dilemma In the latest MPOWER report by the World Health Organization, the Philippines was ranked as the top smoking country in South East Asia.

The average Filipino smoker consumes 1,073 sticks per year. Moreover, 17.5% of female smokers and 28.3% of male smokers are aged below 15. As a result, there is an estimated 10 Filipinos who die every hour from smokingrelated diseases. This would equate to 240 deaths per day or 87,000 deaths in a year, according to the National Nutrition and Health Survey.

As such, some legislators are hopeful for House Bill 5727—more commonly known as the Sin Tax Bill—to make its way into the

constitution and avert the health-related risks that come with the supposed “sin products”. With the current pricing of tobacco and alcohol in the country, the senate is convinced that the bill could be a solution to curtail consumption among the masses. Basically, the bill denotes higher tax levies for cigarettes and liquor; tax generated by the bill is a new source of profit for the government.

A minimum of PHP36-60 billion are set to proceed to the comprehensive health care plan of the country although there is still no clear consensus on the allocation of revenues. Sen. Ralph Recto who had lost to a dispute with Sen. Franklin Drilon, was highly criticized because of his meager proposition of only PHP15-20 billion for health care.

The Upshot The bill boasts of more promises that can be beneficial to the Filipino people. Aside from the emphasis on health care, tobacco farmers are to be allocated 15% revenue from taxes on tobacco products that will result to a stronger market competition according to sintax.ph. Philip

Morris Philippines and Fortune Tobacco Corp.

(PMFTC) say that this is only possible if the farmers’ revenues are lessened enough for the stakeholders. One general consequence to this would then lie on Filipinos who might not be able to stop smoking or drinking. They may have to seek inexpensive or smuggled goods, according to a statement by Sen. Bongbong Marcos released by GMA News online. *** In retrospect, 15 out of 24 senators have given their “ayes” for the Sin Tax Bill. Now it’s one step closer to the approval of President Benigno Aquino, III. As to whether we witness the contended change or not, one thing remains true of the Sin Tax Bill: it is worrying mostly to Filipinos who deliberately “sin”.C Sources: “Senate passes sin tax bill on 2nd reading”, The Philippine Star. (http://www. philstar.com) “Senate passes sin tax bill adding at least P12 per cigarette pack”, Yahoo! PH. (http://ph.news.yahoo.coml) “Philippines Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) FACT SHEET”, Department of Health. (http://www.doh.gov.ph) “Cigarette Tax and Price : Affordability and Impacts on Consumption and Revenue”, Southeast Asia Tobacco Control Alliance. (http://seatca.org) “Bongbong: Higher sin taxes may increase smuggling incidents in PHL”, GMA Network. (http://www.gmanetwork.com) “Will tobacco farmers lose their livelihood because of HB 5727?”, sintax ph. (http://sintax.ph/)

*while a report released by Philstar.com shows that effective January 1, 2013 32

Vol. 39 No. 4 December 2012

Global Feature

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By Micka Angela Victoria B. Virtudazo

hroughout history, humans have always argued over how the world really began.

There’s the Big Bang Theory, the Solar Disruption Theory, and even the story of creation in the Book of Genesis. But instead of disputing over how the world came to be, there’s something else we should be paying attention to— the Mayan Calendar, the item that is said to have predicted the end of the world.

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Another false alarm?

Tidal waves casting over a rupturing crust, and toxic rainfall turning the Earth into a big furnace— this is how people imagine the end of days. But the Mayan Calendar, a system of seemingly remarkable accuracy and complexity, never spoke of such cataclysm.

The Mayan Calendar never ribbed on how the termination would actually happen. What it does indicate is that December 21st could be what ancient prophecies term “the end of time”, and which many interpret to mean the end of the world—or at least the end of the world as we know it.

As the world nears the predicted date, the hype over the calendar continues to build up.

With the onslaught of one natural calamity after another, believers and non-believers are starting to rethink the plausibility of the predictions.

Needle in a haystack However, according to Joseph Robert Jochmans, the Hopis and the Mayans did not exactly state “the end of time” to mean “the

end of the world”. Rather it was said to denote a transition from one World Age to another.

No one knows for sure how the Mayan prophecies were interpreted this way but according to experts, passages from the Bible such as those from the Book of Revelations may have suggested the idea. The Mayans simply calculated the shift from one cycle to another and were in no way capable of foretelling future catastrophic events. *** Even with the different theories predicting our termination, we cannot know for sure how and when our day will come. But still, the Mayans did us a good deal in making the calendar. The Mayan Calendar, in its part, could serve as a warning sign reminding us that life is temporal.

It may not prove to be an accurate countdown, but at least to some measure it is telling us that we only have enough time in our hands to make the most of our stay on Earth. C

Sources: End of World in 2012? Mayan “Doomsday” Calendar Explained <http://news. nationalgeographic.com> 2012 End-of-the-World Countdown Based on Mayan Calendar Starts Today<http://abcnews.go.com> How the Mayan Calendar Works<http://people.howstuffworks.com> The Mayan Calendar <http://www.calleman.com/>

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Design by Francis Ryan O. Avellana

How it works The Mayan Calendar consists of three separate calendars: the Long Count which is used to track the universal cycle (2,880,000 days), the Tzolkin which is comprised of 260 days and determines the dates of religious events and festivities, and the Haab which indicates 365 days of the Earth’s revolution. The calendars run in cyclical time and must therefore complete a set of days before they can begin again.

The Mayans also made their calendar to have 18 cycles of 20 days. As both wheels of the Tzolkin and Haab rotate, the name of every Tzolkin day would correspond to a Haab position.

Both create a cycle of 52 years called the Calendar Round.

In addition, the Mayan time format is recorded as kin (1 day), uinal (20 days), tun (360 days), katun (7,200 days), and baktun (144,000 days). The Long Count calendar has 13 baktuns or cycles. The Mayan calendar is said to complete its

current Great Cycle on the 13th baktun, which is exactly at 13.0.0.0.0 Mayan time. When converted to the modern Gregorian calendar, this date points to 11:11 Universal Time on December 21, 2012, hence the myriad of doomsday prophecies surrounding this date.

Global Feature

By Kevin Paul P. Mabul

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Design by Janrick Carl T. Romales

ars have been fought throughout history and have undoubtedly shaped the modern world we now know. As the 21st century dawned, technology rapidly developed and hosted a new battlefield for a different type of war: those not fought with weapons, but with patents and lawsuits.

Arms Race Patents are a form of intellectual property granted by a government to an inventor to manufacture, use, or sell an invention for a certain period of time. Though its main purpose is to protect inventions and intellectual property from being “stolen”, the patenting system has been wildly abused.

Huge companies tend to do any of the four with patents: shell in cash from companies using its patents; block a product from entering a country; tire out opposition by paying for lawyers rather than engineers of innovation; and slow everyone down to monopolize the market.

The abusive use of patents is widespread in the smartphone industry since the introduction of the first Apple iPhone in 2007. As the competition to innovate increased, companies have been racing on who will make the next breakthrough against their rivals. They register their innovations for copyright, then wait for someone to trip over the wires and make the mistake—incorporate the smallest piece of patented technology into their products.

Exchange of Fire Nokia drew first blood in the war of patent lawsuits. In 2009, Nokia filed a complaint against Apple which it won for having the latter infringing its 3G and wireless technology. However, at the height of the Android software’s prominence

which according to Apple is a “stolen product”, Apple turned the tables and became the one doing the chasing. It started to run after those companies which incorporated the Google-found software.

Apple has not sued Google directly, but has settled in suing its partners—HTC, Motorola and Samsung among others—instead.

The most notable integrated Apple patents include but are not limited to: pinch-to-zoom, the bounce back scrolling effect, rounded device edges, rounded square icons against a black background, and twist to rotate. Samsung had been found to have infringed these, and lost $1.05 billion on August 24, 2012 in payment for the damages.

Samsung countersued, but it had left them not a nickel richer.

“We can sit by and watch competitors steal our patented inventions, or we can do something about it. We’ve decided to do something about it,” said Apple’s late chief executive, Steve Jobs, who was very strong in fighting for sole utilization of the company’s innovations.

At present, Apple lords over the smartphone patent lawsuits with its 142 filed court cases.

According to the consulting firm Kanzatec, three out of five court cases are of Apple’s, which correspond to 60 percent of the total lawsuits filed.

Patent lawsuits are not only present in the smartphone industry—they also exist in computer software. Microsoft released their latest operating software, Windows 8, last October 26. Weeks after the launch, it has already been filed directly with litigation. SurfCast, Inc. is suing Microsoft due to the OS’ Live Tiles feature—providing a snapshot of updates regarding certain information like

weather, local or international news, and sports without leaving the start screen or needing to visit websites. Until now, the case is still pending in court.

Aftermath Patents would allow companies like Apple to monopolize the market. Since patent-owning companies are the only ones allowed to use their apparently high-end technology, they can charge the consumers with high prices. Companies are also forced to do simple tasks differently for the sake of being unique, which may take its toll on the convenience of average users.

Nevertheless, patents do their job in protecting intellectual property rights. Aside from that, the patented basic concepts coerce companies to find more creative and innovative features; and when people are forced to work around a basic concept, they sometimes come up with something even better. *** Patents can both act as offensive and defensive weapons. They can protect or destroy a product through copyright. Companies may chase infringers but as long as development continues, patents and patent litigations will never cease to exist, as inventors and innovators try to get a tight grip on what they claim to have brought to life. C

Sources: “Microsoft sued over Windows 8 live tiles”, GMA Network (http://www.gmanetwork.com) “Fighters in a Patent War”, The New York Times (http://www.nytimes.com) “How patent lawsuits are shaping smartphone innovations”, The Next Web (http://thenextweb.com) “Apple, Samsung, Google and the smartphone patent wars- everything you need to know”, The Guardian (http://www.guardian.co.uk) “Smartphone Patents: The Never-Ending War”, Wall Street Journal (http://online.wsj.com) “Apple, Samsung Patent War Puts Future of Innovation At Risk”, Forbes (http://www.forbes.com) “Infographic: Smartphone Patent Wars Explained”, PC Magazine (http://www.pcmag.com)

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Vol. 39 No. 4 December 2012

Cora Contrabida

Lampoon

Surviving the End of the World: A Memoir

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ay 1: I actually believe that the world will truly end on December 21, 2012. So many events have convinced me that the Mayans knew their stuff all along. For starters, all the programs of the Xavier Days almost started on time. That never happens. Manny Pacquiao lost a fight. I never watch sports.

I’m just not sure how the world will end though. I call zombie apocalypse! I know I've said they're overrated but The Walking Dead is awesome. Think about it. It’s so much better than running to the CIT building to get photocopies because they moved all the way from the Aggies Satellite canteen, or having another Twilight book or movie. Or a 50 shades of Grey sequel. Or does it already have one? Oh goodness, no.

Day 2: They’re totally on to me. It's the sixth time I’ve been to Centrio this week buying things I need and don’t need (mostly the latter) before doomsday. I don’t want to blow my cover so I’ll just pretend I’m social climbing as well. Oops.

Oh no, don't worry, you over there with the neon outfit holding the Starbucks cup. I'm sure you look really hip and trendy and totally not pretentious but I can't see that since I have to cover my eyes or at least not look directly into your clothes to save my sense of sight. Also, it won’t count as social climbing if you aren’t spending your month’s allowance on stuff you don’t really need.

And you, mister with the colored pants?

Perfect! Just perfect. I'm very sure that the completely heterosexual group One Direction will be pleased to have you. That is not a compliment

by the way. I have nothing against color, man, seriously— just as long as they're not calling the attention of even people with color-blindness.

If that's the case, you know you've gone too far.

There you have it, advice from Cora Contrabida, the fashion expert. Not really.

Centrio is nice though. I like their pretty lights and park as well as their unopened restaurants.

What a treat!

Day 3: I've developed an odd fascination with jellyfish. I've read they can live forever unless they get eaten. I'm already working out a way to transform into one. Zombies don't eat jellyfish, Hurray! But even if they did, they'd get electrocuted. I am a vengeful genius. Them zombies be going down. What sound do jellyfish make?

Day 4: I’ve eaten the last pack of Magnum ice cream from my stash of social climbers’ food for the end of the world. I didn’t expect I would finish it all before the world’s end.

Good thing Pablo didn’t take any lives here in Cagayan de Oro (nothing the local government has not hidden from us, at least) now that there is a better, less devastating form of population control. Did you hear? The RH Bill has been passed. Hoorah! The only ones devastated now are the anti-RH clubs. Ha, take that! The intellectual pretenders and interlopers have won.

I'm pro-RH by the way in case you didn't get that.

However, my umbrella would’ve been so useful during both Pablo and also the zombie apocalypse. I’m pretty sure I can stab a couple of smug zombies with it. Stabba, stabba! If

only I didn’t give it up to security last Xavier Days. It would’ve at least protected me from people trying to give me free hugs that night.

YOU GUYS DON’T GRASP THE CONCEPT OF PERSONAL SPACE. BACK OFF MY COOKIES, I WILL FEED YOU TO THE ZOMBIES, I’M NOT EVEN KIDDING. (Looks around suspiciously) Sorry.

Day 5: I am running out of space to put all I’ve continued to hoard. My house has failed me many times already; I’m not even surprised anymore. Last year it was Sendong, this time again it’s Pablo. It was nothing compared to the former but boy was it intense. Was it? It was… was it?

What I know though is that it was like a rehearsed version of Sendong. It was fun to play Finn from Adventure Time while everyone else, including the local government, played “what-we-should’ve-done-last-year”.

It doesn’t change the fact that some of our loved ones passed or our properties damaged, but at least even just in make believe, we could relive Sendong and in some way make things right— in a way, correct our wrongs, and maybe undo regrets that sometimes haunt us to this day.

Thanks for giving this to us, Pablo. We needed that.

Day 6: All this anxiety is killing me. My teachers don’t seem to care that we will all cease to exist in a couple of days. I guess it’s back to the cupboard under the stairs for me and heaps of crud that is my school work. Goodbye cruel world. (Cruel world = social life) See you in the next life, I guess. C

Design by Rico M. Magallona

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Dear ate Charot, Ako ay isang sirena, Echos! Tawaga nalang ko sa pangalang Mario Tsuper or Tsuper, Mario. Naga edad ug dese otso anyos. Aduna gayod akoy dakong problema ate! Unsaon nako pag bulag ang 3in1 nga kape? Joke! Bitaw uy, seryoso nako. Ate ayaw ka shock ha? Nana koy baby, I’m going to be a fafa!

Ako big problem is dili nako lab ang gurl. And hey I just met her, this is crazy! palit kag baby? Ako ba siya i accept bisag sakit sa akong loob? wala ba akong loob? highest kaha ko sa among quiz? nganong mubaho kung siya mag yawyaw? nganong nakuyapan si pakyaw? is he alayer? amalayer? hay nako ate! just helped me.

P.S. mag request kog kanta nga stoney heart or pusong bako! este bato! ug kadtong kanta nga pasko na simbako! baboo!

Dear Mario, Aha naman ang gatas sa atong anak? joke! ako ma shock? normal rana uy.......what?! Nakaburos ka?!

Well, lisod kaayo na no kay ga school pa raba ka. Unya nalang na after school aron sayon. Echos! Aguy2x kusion jud tana imong bugan. Looy man ang baby ana dong kung walay mader. Just like me, broken family mi.

Broken ang ngipon pag ngisi. Mahal na raba jud ang pamaliton karon dong.

Labi na akong talent fee. joke! Ayaw sa lang jud na biyae imong gurl kay basin ma buang na daw mahimong si Erich ang unang aswang. Lisod jud kaayo na dong. Labi naning nag basa, galisod! murag grade 1 mubasa. Bitaw uy, just do your best and ask for guidance. Hala sige baboo!

Sa ulo nang nagbabagang baga!

Bagyong Pablo nianhi tungod kay giignan ni Sendong nga: “It’s more fun in the Phillippines!”

Hinayhay napalid sa bagyo, Nauga!

Problema? Tell it! I’ll ignore it! Echos! pwede ninyo i post sa pesbook just search atecharot.

Salamat for ever!

Usa ka lalaki nakilatan!

Ang cellphone na full charge!

Babaeng mababa ang lipad, manokon!

Usa ka lalaki niambak sa barko!

Iyang last words “Ako’y isang sirena!”

Ito po si Erwin Tulco! Nagugulat!

To join: photocopy this Kuristwist with your answers and submit your entry to TheCrusader Publication office at STC 302 with your name and contact number. Lucky participants will recieve limited edition collectibles.

Congrats sa mga winners sa last Kurisearch contest! Hurrah! Dawata ang usa ka sako nga bugas, luto na! Joke lang best! Get your prizes at TheCrusader Office STC 302. And the winners are... “Tantananan!” : Vizmanos, James Patrick and Roxas, Rakie.Congrats!!

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Vol. 39 No. 4 December 2012

By Ryan Avellana

Canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t sleep

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THESE STATEMENTS WERE OVERHEARD FROM PEOPLE AROUND THE CAMPUS, SOME WERE REPHRASED FOR PURPOSE OF CLARITY OR BREVITY.