The DEMOCRAT Volume LXV Issue No. I

The DEM

CRAT

THE INDEPENDENT STUDENT-PUBLICATION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF NUEVA CACERES (UNC) JUNE 2017 ONLINE NEWSLETTER VOLUME NO. LXV, ISSUE NO. I

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The DEMOCRAT Editoryal

The Independent Student-Publication of the University of Nueva Caceres (UNC) June 2017 Online Newsletter Volume LXV, Issue No. I

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Sa muling pagbukas ng Academic Year 20172018, hindi natin maitatanggi na lubos na nagbago ang ating unibersidad simula nang manungkulan ang bagong administrasyon. Mula sa pagbabago sa mga pasilidad hanggang sa pagbabago ng mga polisiya, hindi natin maikakaila na nagbago na ng bihis ang UNC. Ngunit kasabay ng mga pagbabagong ito, hindi pa rin nabibigyang solusyon ang mga pangkaraniwang suliranin na kinahaharap ng mga UNCeano.

Noong Hunyo 8, may mga silid-aralan pa rin na hindi pa tapos ayusin at hindi pa pwedeng gamitin ng mga estudyante. Tulad na lang sa Engineering Building, karamihan ng mga klasrum sa babang bahagi nito ay hindi pa maukupahan dahil sa nasabing “renovation� na nagdulot sa pagka-delay ng mga klase ng mga apektadong subjects. Kasabay din nito ang pabago-bago ng room assignment at class schedule na totoo sa bawat departamento at tunay na nagpapaabala sa pag-usad ng mga aralin. Iba pa rito ang mga insidenteng hindi pagpasok ng mga guro sa unang mga araw ng pasukan.

Oo. Dapat naman talaga na ating pinagtutuunan ng pansin ang pagbibigay ng mga magagandang pasilidad, ngunit nasasakripisyo natin ang pinakarason ng mga pagbabagong ating inilalahad – ang kalidad ng edukasyon para bawat UNCeano. Mas mainam kung noong buwan ng Abril o Mayo pa lamang ay sinimulan na ang mga nasabing pagkukumpuni, nang sa ganon ay mas handa ang mga pasilidad at guro para sa mga estudy-

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ante pagpatak ng araw ng pasukan.

Noong nakaraang Hunyo 29, may isang estudyante ang naaksidente habang nakasakay sa kanyang motorsiklo sa loob mismo ng UNC. Natumba ang kanyang sinasakyang motorsiklo habang paliko sa mabuhanging bahagi ng oval, sa tapat ng AMS Building malapit sa may flag pole. Hindi man naging seryoso ang natamong sugat ng estudyante, maiiwasan sana ang ganitong aksidente kung mas maagang nasimulan ang paglagay ng aspalto sa university oval at hindi kung kailan nagsimula na ang pasukan, upang masigurong mas ligtas ito para sa mga estudyante.

Sa araw-araw na pumapasok ang isang tipikal na UNCeano, hindi nya maiiwasang harapin ang mga suliraning nakakaapekto sa edukasyong kanyang hinahangad: sa mga araw na gigising siya ng maaga para sa kanyang alas-syeteng klase ngunit hanggang ngayon ay wala pa ring pumapasok na guro; sa mga araw na hindi niya maatim ang amoy ng nilalagay na aspalto sa daan; sa mga araw na nakakaantok ang pagtuturo ng guro sa tatlong oras na klase; sa mga araw na ingay ng kinukumpuning klasrum ang marirnig mula sa kabilang klasrum; at sa mga araw na pilit nyang iniinda ang init habang sumasagot sa pagsusulit.

Mas mabuti kung ating isasaisip na ang pagbabagong ating kailangan ay mga pagbabagong hindi eksklusibo para sa iilan kundi pagbabagong para sa lahat.

Kaya sa mga susunod na taong panunungkulan ng bagong administrasyon, aasa tayo ng mas inklusibong pagbabago sa buong unibersidad.

KLUSIB

The Independent Student-Publication of the University of Nueva Caceres (UNC) June 2017 Online Newsletter Volume LXV, Issue No. I

Bahagi ako ng isang tropa na nabuo at patuloy na pinapatatag ng naglalagablab na pagmamahal sa pagkain.

Mistulang naging misyon na namin sa buhay ang pagsubok sa iba’t-ibang kainan sa Naga, at halos walang araw na hindi nagkakayayaang kumain sa labas.

Dedma na sa panaghoy ng naghihikaos naming pitaka, basta’t mapunan ang mga pangangailangan ng sikmura.

At kung paglamon lang naman ang usapan, suki din ang tropa ng mga unlirice promo. Para kaming nakakakita ng liwanag sa dulo ng madilim na kweba tuwing maaaninag na namin si kuya na nagsasandok ng kanin, at saka may isang sisigaw with umaapaw na feelings, “Kuya!

Rice pa po!”

Kaya naman, sobra-sobra ang pagka-shookt naming lahat nang pumutok ang butones ng pantalon ko este ang

If you actually know how to use that word, you already know what happened to you. So if you’re one of those who do not and still insist on going forward: good luck to you, ‘cause this is dedicated to those, as we like to call ‘em, “kinain na ng sistema”.

These people, and by ‘these’ I mean including me, are the people whom you should be wary of suddenly stealing an earbud when in use, because most likely, you will be hearing something you simply will not understand. And frankly, neither can we. Or, they, ahem, we could be the people intently watching from our phones, expertly darting our eyes from the scene to the subtitles at the bottom of the screen to understand what our oppa’s and unni’s are saying. That’s how far the influence have come.

Indeed, South Korea’s entertainment industry has grown through the years and still continues to do so that it has now become renowned all around the world, gaining an impressive number of fans and aficionados. From their music to films, dramas, variety shows, and not to mention all those talented artists *wink*, S. Korea’s unique style of anything and everything has hooked a lot of people from all ages,

dito, hanggang ngayo’y ang pinagsisilbihan pa rin ng gobyerno ay ang mga mayayamang haciendero kaya naman napakabagal ng proseso ng pamumudmod ng lupang masasaka.

Kaya naman, hirap sa pag-unlad ang nasabing sektor. Kumpara sa mga karatig nating bansa, napag-iwanan na tayo pagdating sa teknolohiya at kalidad ng produkto. Panandaliang solusyon lamang ang hatid ng patuloy na pagaangkat ng bigas mula sa ibang bansa, at mas lalong hindi sagot ang pag-ban ng unli rice. Kailanga’y sumulong tayo sa pagiging self-sustaining sa pamamagitan ng pagpapatatag ng ating idustriya ng agrikultura.

Dumako naman tayo sa usaping bilbil. Kailangang intindihin ni tita Cynthia na ang kanyang panukala ay kontra sa masa at pagsisilbihan lamang ang mga kapitalista. Ang unli-rice promos ay kadalasang tinatangkilik ng mga nais mabusog sa mas mababang halaga, dahil mas sulit ito kaysa sa pagbili ng extra rice na kadalasa’y higit pa sa bente pesos ang isa. Wala rin ang problema sa mismong promo - ito ay nasa disiplina sa pagkain ng iba nating kababayan at sa kabuuang sistema ng merkado kung saa’y mas mura ang nakakatabang pagkain kumpara sa sinasabing healthy options. Mas pipiliin ng karamihan na tangkilikin

and different countries, thus creating the term “Hallyu Wave.” Even BIGBANG’s Taeyang has written a thesis for his masters degree about the effect of K-Pop in the international music scene.

But I’m not gonna wax poetic about all of that; let’s talk about K-Dramas, shall we?

At the beginning of the 21st century, the most prominent foreign shows, apart from films, to ever grace Filipino televisions had been those of the Mexican telenovelas.

When Asian dramas had been aired, however, Filipinos only watch them just you would any other show: because it is what’s on. It had truly began to gain attention when dramas, such as the Taiwanese hit Meteor Garden, or the Korean show Princess Hours, had been dubbed and aired. And then came Boys Over Flowers.

Since then, the momentum of Asian TV series had begun to incline into such heights that people don’t even wait for it to be dubbed anymore. In fact, most people prefer to watch it with subtitles; the better to hear the emotion right from the actors’ voices.

Now, watching K-Dramas have become somewhat of a lifestyle to others that those who do not share the appreciation look to us like we’ve sprouted a second head every time we gush about something that we’re watching. That, or look at us funny and shake their own heads

in resignation. But we ignore them anyway, right after fruitlessly trying to convince them that they should try watching it sometime, and, no, they do not all look alike, thank you very much.

Why can’t they just understand that some of these dramas are way better than what is sometimes aired here in the Philippines? Sure some of it could make you question the sanity of whoever thought it would be a good plot twist, like that drama entitled Scarlet Heart Ryeo, where you question why the writer and director could be so cruel to end it just like that after making you bawl your eyes out (Season 2 Jebalyo~), but that’s what’s fun about it; it’s the variety.

The popular drama Goblin, which have been aired in the Philippines have gained much attention. So much so that a KFC employee has become instantly popular due to his resemblance to Goblin’s lead male character played by Gong Yoo, also popularly known for his role in Train to Busan. The SongSong Couple?

Jinjja, need I say more?

Not to degrade the Philippines’ entertainment industry or anything, but in comparison, this field in our country is really falling behind.

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ang Php30 na hamburger kaysa sa higit sa Php100 na salad. Hindi rin lahat ay may kapasidad at badyet upang magkaroon ng personal na programa ng complete and balanced diet na kadalasa’y mayayaman lamang ang nakakagawa.

Mas mainam na pagtuunan ng pansin ang mga serbisyong pangkalusugan kung saan nakapaloob ang pagiging aksesable ng masustansyang diet, pagpapalaganap ng kaalaman at disiplina sa pagkain, at pag-monitor sa kalidad at dulot sa kalusugan ng mga produkto sa merkado.

Sa gitna ng diskurso ng tropa at pagkanta ng ”kunin mo na ang lahat sa akin, wag lang ang unli kaniiin,” nagdiwang ang aming mga puso at tiyan nang lumabas ang update na kuro-kuro lamang daw ang ban ni bes Cynthia at wala naman daw siyang balak gawin itong ganap na batas. Ito’y ipinahayag niya matapos makatanggap ng kaliwa’t kanang pambabatikos sa social media.

Minsan, may saysay at maidudulot din naman pala ang pagbabahagi online ng hinaing sa gobyerno at kahit simpleng pag-tweet ng #TriggeredSiAcoe.

That’s why, even though the industry has been existing for decades now, some would still consider it a “baby industry”. I mean, in YouTube alone, you could see videos dedicated to which Korean actors can deliver the best kiss scenes. You don’t see many of that, if any, with our own artists.

Anyway, I better stop with my rambling now. I still have to wait for the next subbed episode of that drama I’ve been watching.

Offhanded Remarks

riggeredSiAcoe

Ruby Jane L. Bandola

balitang ipinapanukala ni Senador Cynthia Villar na ipagbawal na ang unli-rice promos sa buong bansa.

Aniya, makakatulong ang ban sa pagresolba sa kakulangan ng bigas sa bansa. Bukod pa riyan, pangunahin din daw itong sanhi kung bakit dumadami ang obese o mga taong sobrang higit sa normal ang timbang.

Pag-check out ko ng The Democrat Facebook Page, nalaman kong triggered din pala ang mga friendship nating UNCeano. Damang-dama ko ang sakit at galit sa comment section ng #UsapangUNCeano na nagtanong kung pabor tayo sa nasabing panukala. Sabi pa nga nung isa, “pabor ba siyang tanggalin siya sakanyang posisyon?”

Ngunit kahit isantabi nating mga kanin lovers ang natural nating bias, klarado pa ring walang masosolusyunang problema ang panukala ni tita Cynthia, at magdudulot lang nga ito ng karagdagan pa.

Sa usapin ng kakulangan sa bigas, ang kailangang isulong ay mga reporma, subsidiya, at programa para sa sektor ng agrikultura. Kumpara sa mga panginoong may lupa, kakarampot lang ang napupunta sa bulsa ng mga kababayan nating mambubukid. Minsan pa nga’y hindi pa ito sapat sa pang-araw-araw nilang pangangailangan, kaya’t napipilitan silang kumapit sa mga pautang na kinalauna’y hirap din nilang mabayaran. Bukod

Vantage Point

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Opinion The DEMOCRAT

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aebak!

Precious Kacy D. Faraon

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The DEMOCRAT News

The Independent Student-Publication of the University of Nueva Caceres (UNC) June 2017 Online Newsletter Volume LXV, Issue No. I

UNC LGBTQ+ Org formed, spearheads first city-wide Pride March

BY GABRIELLE F. FULLANTE

UNCean LGBTQ+ community and straight allies marched their way in the history of Naga City as the first group to parade around the main streets of the city in celebration of Pride Month last June 28.

BOLDER PRIDE. The UNC-USG in cooperation with the Alliance of Sexual Orientations and Genders (ASOG) spearheaded the first ever UNC Pride Day guided by the theme “Live Free, Love Free.” The said historical activity was held on June 28, 2017, where different student organizations pledged support for the newly formed LGBT support group through commiting to organize educational programs, spark school-based advocacies for equality, and fight for mutual respect for all. (Photos and words by Johnell B. Cabusas)

“Sa halos sampung taong pananatili ko dito sa UNC, ngayon araw ko lang naramdaman yung pagmamahal sa mga LGBT member natin. Yung pagtanggap sa kanila bilang kapantay natin...”

UNC to serve as battleground for BUCAL 2017

Daraga National High School (SHS)

vs

Mariners Polytecnic Colleges Foundation (SHS)

University of Nueva Caceres (SHS)

vs

Naga College Foundation (SHS)

4:00 PM

The said tournament would take place from July to October with featured sports, basketball and volleyball, under two division levels: Intercollegiate and Senior High School. Alumni from every school would also partake in the event.

GAME PROPER - JULY 11, 2017 1:00 PM

Seven participating schools, Ateneo de Naga (ADNU), Partido State University, Naga College Foundation (NCF), Mariners Polytechnic Colleges Foundation, Unibersided de Sta. Isabel (USI), University of Nueva Caceres UNC, and a representative from outside Camarines Sur, Daraga National High School, will see action in the 2017 Bicol Universities and Colleges Athletic League (BUCAL) to formally slate on July 11 at the UNC Sports Palace.

Through scouting of new players and daily training, the Greyhound representatives prepare for the upcoming competition.

“I have 101 percent confidence with my team because it is one of my characters. I always stay positive,” Coach Alven Lumberio said. “The UNC’s standing today improved compared with last year’s so we’re all excited to see our team compete with others.”

BUCAL is a newly organized league founded

by UNC, ADNU, USI, and NCF, which aims to strengthen camaraderie between Bicol athletes and serve as a venue for sports development.

2:30 PM

BY TRISHIA MAE F. JOB

said the teary-eyed USG President Juvin Durante as he delivered his short message.

Seminars on Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expresion (SOGIE) and AntiDiscrimination Bill were conducted in the afternoon.

The first talk, SOGIE, tackled how to identify and differentiate various sexual orientations and gender identities. Speaker Niroshana Priyadarsana Sangasingha stressed how people should be careful in using different terms in assessing other people’s sexuality or gender.

More than that, he said that ASOG can realize their goals for the LGBTQ+ community in UNC if they continue to educate the students through more symposium and forums such as the those during the Pride Day, and this should not be the end but rather the start of a more empowered LGBT alliance.

Sangasingha is the current Punong Babaylan of UP Los Banos Babaylan, the premiere LGBT support group in UPLB. Atty. Arlene Alangco, on the other hand spoke about the Anti-Discrimination Bill and how it is possible that same sex marriage can be legalized in our country.

Unibersidad de Santa Isabel (College)

vs

Naga College Foundation (College)

5:30 PM

The first in Naga City, the Pride Day Celebration was spearheaded by the UNC University Student Government - Department of Student Welfare and Development Gender committee headed by May Banaag in cooperation with the UNC Student Congress, Federation of Student Organizations, Fraternitites and Sororities (FSOFS), Gender and Development Office and the Alliance of Sexual Orientation and Genders (ASOG).

ASOG is a newly accredited organization in the university composed of LGBTQ+ students and straight allies, founded by BS Architecture student Juan Miguel Bernardo.

The Pride Day Celebration featured daylong activities, kicking off with the pride march participated in by students from different departments, students from Ateneo De Naga University and Mariners Polytechnic Colleges Foundation, and Naga City Youth Officials. It was followed by a solidarity speech from presidents/ heads of different organizations.

University of Nueva Caceres (College)

vs

Ateneo de Naga University (College)

The Independent Student-Publication of the University of Nueva Caceres (UNC) June 2017 Online Newsletter Volume LXV, Issue No. I

News The DEMOCRAT

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College Dep’ts reach 1st Sem A/Y 17-18 population target, admits 4,317 studes

BY CATHERINE C. BUENA

Able to reach its target of 4,304 enrollees this first semester, actual population of the college department as of now is 4,317, as reported by the administration’s records on July 3.

The College of Engineering and Architecture (EA) leads the number of total enrollees with 1,243 followed by the College of Business and Accountancy (CBA) with 947 enrollees, and the College of

Education (CED) with 625. The actual number of enrollees in the different college departments are as follows: Graduate Studies (GS) – 588; Law – 321; Computer Studies (CS) – 298; Arts and Sciences – 147; Criminal Justice Education (CJE) – 98; College of Nursing – 50.

College Departments who were able to reach their target population were recognized and awarded during the Town Hall Meeting on July 1, 2017.

With the efforts of the Marketing and different college departments, the target is achieved. The overshoot in unexpected number of transferees also contributes to the increase of the population. Julio Ortiz, Marketing

Personnel, said the status of the overall enrollment this semester is positive and that the actual number of enrollees is 8,045 excluding the 35 students, who enrolled in refresher courses, and 36 TCP enrollees.

“This result was achieved with a little bit of effort by the marketing team and different department heads. Texts, calls and through social media, we did everything that we could to help us achieve our target,” Ortiz added.

However, the increase in the roster of enrollees, particularly in the Senior High School, has different effects this semester. The sudden change of room assignments caused

MOVERS 2017 calls student-leaders to articulate visions, deliver concrete actions

GEN Z LEADERS. UNC-USG innovates the 14th installment of Management of Organizations for Visible Effectiveness, Responsibility & Servce (MOVERS) which featured plenary and breakout sessions, team building activities, panel discussions, lecture-workshops and a culminating night. The said event was held on June 10 to 11, 2017 at the UNC Covered Courts with the theme “Leave to Lead, Lead to Live.”

(Photo and words by Johnell B. Cabusas)

BY EMILAINE ANNE A. CABRAL AND GABRIELLE D. FULLANTE

Aiming to train UNCean student-leaders to effectively articulate vision and deliver concrete actions in their respective organizations and to the university as a whole, this year’s MOVERS introduced a different form of leadership training through its various activities, plenary sessions, and breakout sessions.

A camp-style leadership training, it was conducted in more days (3 days, 2 nights) and compared to last year’s

MOVERS, it was held earlier.

“Compared kung ang MOVERS mangyayari nag-start na ang academic year, mas prepared na ang officers kung baga,” Juvin Durante, USG President said on the significance of conducting MOVERS in an earlier date.

Already on its 19th installment, it was held last July 10-12 at the UNC Covered Courts, High School Building, and grounds.

Headed by Alyssa Jae Agapito, Secretary of Workforce under the University Student Government (USG), MOVERS 2017 was made possible through the cooperation

of USG, Federation of Student Organizations, Fraternities, and Sororitities, and the UNC Student Congress.

The first day of the said training was marked by a keynote speech

by Fr. Danilo T. Imperial, where he challenged student leaders to practice leadership with KPT – Knowledge, Power, Trust, a guiding principle for everyone to be an effective leader.

“I want you to be leaders who mutually trust and reach out to each other. Kapit bisig!” he stressed further as he challenged studentleaders.

It was followed by two more talks given by Ms. Angelica Cadag, RGC from the University Guidance Center and Armin A. Fullante, Ph.D, Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs and Services whose talks centered on: Self Discovery and Integration; and Effective Management of Student Organizations and Activities and how important extra and cocurricular activities are in the lives of the college students.

Each seminar is followed by breakout sessions where participants are divided into small groups to tackle among themselves their reflections and learnings on each talk and how they can apply this in their respective organizations.

On its second day, Helenita Ruiz, CPA give talk on proper record keeping regarding financial transactions in an organization.

It was followed in the afternoon by the outdoor activities where

confusion in the minds of the college students.

“It’s fun because there are a lot of participants whenever there are school activities (regarding the increase in population of the university), but it also has a bad side wherein some students can’t avail different services that are being offered by the university.” Sheila May M. Nollora, BS Accountancy student, said.

“In the library, there are always a lot of students especially inside the Learning Commons (LC). There is also a problem regarding room assignments. Before, we have the CPA Review Room (CPARR) and can still use AMS 205 and 206 as our accounting laboratories. But now, we can’t use them anymore because of the senior high school,” she added.

Some college students aren’t used to transfer from one building to another just so they can attend their classes. It caused distress for some of them because the usual rooms that they can use before are now unavailable.

“Actually, I don’t directly feel any disadvantage of having a great number of population in UNC since I’m an ECE student which is hardly populated.” Trishia, an EA student, said. “But looking at papers [posted] on some of the EA classrooms indicating room transfers because of high school students occupying those rooms, I think college students are experiencing the kind of treatment which does not give justice with their paid fees, so I believe that UNC is not that prepared to accommodate more students,” she finished. campers are divided into groups to perform team-building activities.

A talk show type plenary session was held in front of the founder’s monument wherein former studentleaders, Allysa Sariba, Mary Acobera, and RJ Competente, shared their experiences and wisdom on how to be a good student-leader.

The last night of the camp was marked by a culminating activity where breakout session groups performed different talents incorporated with the lessons they’ve learned throughout the camp.

Finally, on the last day, classroom discussions such as Visual Design in Social Media, Income Generating Programs, Public Speaking, and Community Outreach Program with speakers Stephen Prestado, Corina Oliver, and Francisca Sabdao.

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The DEMOCRAT Features

The Independent Student-Publication of the University of Nueva Caceres (UNC) June 2017 Online Newsletter Volume LXV, Issue No. I

thus resulting to poor school performance. So, are spinners really an annoying toy or a therapeutic tool? It turns out, they can be any of those. Let see.

Origin of the Spinners According to Google Trends, fidget spinners have been more The fidget spinner trails a popular than Donald Trump and long line of toy trends, from the Kim Kardashian combined. Yet, traditional top, bey-blades, despite this remarkable yo-yo, and hula hoops popularity, the origin of to Pokémon cards the fidget spinner is and Pokémon Go unclear. “ H just recently, this um ........

A New York “ w H an beings ma fascinating stuff eu a Times story r n e b e in m urem ein gs t“H wue o get the majority’s indicated that m eeaanntt tto cre gos m h e t w , o attention. Whether houch,fe ta the fidget spinner d n f t e l, e e e o l fe l, , d h a c l , ann to or not with a hu oldth th started with a s.d gd nin holdtih gin medical purpose Florida inventor sg. s. or just for fun, we named Catherine find contentedness Hettingerfor. However, in doing such. People of a Bloomberg report different ages are turning negates that claim, further out to be the biggest fan of this making the issue immense as to array of devices that come in all who is really behind it. They’ve sorts of designs. only recently become vastly However, fidget spinners prominent in the past year. But come out to be more than just what are they? And what makes a toy. Some sites that sell them them so popular exactly? have made comprehensive health claims. Almost all of these medical Fidget Spinner: A rising star with sites said that spinners are no definite number of sides beyond it. They say that spinners can help mainly in relieving stress, Fidget spinner is defined controlling anxiety or even the as a small hand toy that usually symptoms of Attention Deficit has a star-like shape and three Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). weighted points. In the center of But at the same time, some the spinner is a circle school institutions have banned the “toy” for being excessively distracting; they say it diverts students’ attention

“

with ball bearings that allow the toy to spin with very little friction.

You can place the spinner on a flat surface—or hold it in your hand—and flick one of the points to make it spin. The toy continues spinning for up to a minute before it begins to slow down.

And as to what causes its vast trends comes in many ways.

According to Max Salientes, founder of fidget spinner brand Stealth Spinners, “There’s so much to do now and everything is much faster paced. This causes increased levels of stress and anxiety for both adults and children. It’s a new generation.

Fidget spinners provide a way to unplug from the rapid advances of the world and play with something predictable – the opposite of daily life in a sense.

When you apply force on the edges of a fidget spinner, you are almost certain that you will get the desired result”.

He added, “Human beings were meant to touch, feel, and hold things.

All this technology i n c r e a s i n g disconnects us from this world of physical touch.

In an increasingly disconnected world, I believe these sensations create a cathartic effect that helps us refocus while simultaneously lowering our stress levels”.

“

Too much like a toy, too less than a tool Therefore, as to what we want it to be is totally and definitely up to each of us, but it’s very clear that spinners are widely accepted in accordance with our society’s state of living.

Dubbed occasionally to be more than just a toy—it is also considered as a stress-relief tool, a classroom menace, a treatment for ADHD, and a possible solution redirecting to smartphone addiction, among other things.

Following the birth of traditional toys which were intended for no other things rather than for amusement, spinner is one of them except for those who assert its other uses.

Though there’s no scientific evidence to suggest that the toys offer legitimate treatment, that hasn’t stopped people from using them that way—or issuing rejoinders to those who would try to stop them. Others have celebrated the tool as a salve for smartphone addiction—a thing to keep their fingers busy so that they aren’t tempted to reach for that whimpering glass rectangle.

But, experts say “It’s not for everyone,” spinners may make it more difficult for some kids to focus.

Students with ADHD, for instance, get distracted very easily. If other kids have spinners out at their desks at school, the student with ADHD will likely be watching the spinner and not the teacher.

Someone’s own spinner may distract as well, especially if it’s new. Kids may impulsively stop their work to spin it. They may use the spinner as a way to tune out the lesson. Hence, a case to case basis of its real use is debatable but maybe of sense also.

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An Investi g Report ative on Fidget Spinner ’s Use

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Graphics by john michael caligan and mark john coloquit Page Design by Joshua James DiñO

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For as long as purpose aims for good, there’s nothing bad on it right?

Some might consider it too much and other might treat it also too less, fidget spinners may or may not be any of those things, but at their core, they are something more, and something stranger.

HA BL ON DA W ANI Features The DEMOCRAT

Page Design by Joshua James DiñO

as specified in the student handbook for a new organization.”

For an organization to be accredited they must have a membership of at least 25, plan of activities, an adviser, official logo, history of the organization, mission and vision statement, and constitution and by-laws.

Jimenea stated that the university supports the existence of the organization and respects diversity.

“ASOG, as an accredited organization, is the first time after several years.

Before Ayala came, a long long period of

UNC comes out of the closet

by Charlene Kris Borbe

In a university distinct with its two familiar colors –red and gray – one community proudly adds all the colors of the rainbow to its illustrious image.

The Alliance of Sexual Orientation And Genders (ASOG), the pioneer LGBT and supporters’ organization, is a newly established accredited organization in the university. According to Juan Miguel Bernardo, Founder and Chairperson of the organization, it took some time for the organization to be accredited.

“Actually, it is my last year’s advocacy, to form an organization for the LGBT students as well as for the supporters, then, I became busy when I shifted my course. And finally, I did already have time to form this organization. So, I think, it did take long for this org to be accredited,” he said.

They filed the accreditation papers last June 14 which was followed by an interview with the Dean for Student Affairs. On June 28, the university had its first ever #UNCPrideDay2017, and it was only then when the organization was formally launched.

Bernardo felt relieved with the process of establishing the organization but still hesitant. “After my interview with the DSA, I somehow felt relieved that finally, this organization is almost 100% accredited. At the same time, I also felt hesitant since there are still students who are not open to the LGBTQ Community,” he said.

ASOG was established to create a safe environment for LGBT members inside the university and that it’s about time to have such an organization.

“I believe that it is already time for our institution to accept the LGBT

community, and be open to them. I am also inspired by the campus-based organization, the U P Babaylan,” Bernardo stated.

He added that aside from establishing the organization to serve as a support system for the LGBT community, it also aims to uphold their vision of a discrimination-free campus.

“As I have said, I am inspired by UP Babaylan, who campaigns for equal rights. And I think that to have this organization in our university, it is the first step for us to be accepted and be free from any kind of discrimination. “ As to why the organization was accredited, Director of Student Affairs Kenjie Jimenea, said, “This was a long clamor already since last year when I assumed the DSA post, there was already a clamor for the office to consider an organization for the LGBT group and I am just very happy because finally this year, it materialize. Aside from the clamor, the organization was able to accomplish all the requirement

time there’s already an organization but namatay s’ya and finally, under this new administration, we were able to organize and we’re able to accredit the organization basically because we want to allow them to associate, and allow them to organize because that’s part of their basic right as students,” he said.

“We want also to celebrate diversity in the university by allowing them to have this group as an avenue for them to express their sentiments, their passion, their values, as members of the university community and this is also one way of saying to the world or to the public that UNC is respecting diversity,” he added.

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– female-to-female), or bisexual (attracted to both genders). One can also be considered asexual (no sexual attraction to anyone) or pansexual (sexual attraction is not limited to any particular sex or gender identity).

Meanwhile, Gender Identity refers to one’s personal experience of one’s own gender. Gender identity is associated with assigned sex at birth or can differ from it completely. All societies have a set of gender categories that can serve as the basis of the formation of a person’s social identity in relation to other members of society.

For instance, cisgender refers to a person whose sense of personal identity and gender corresponds with their birth sex.

A transgender or gender diverse person is a person whose lived experiences did not match their assigned sex.

A transwoman is a male to female transsexual while, a transman is a female to male transsexual. Queer, gender fluid or other categories refer to a sexual or gender identity that does not correspond to established ideas of sexuality and gender, especially heterosexual norms.

“We may be different, may it be the way we groom ourselves, the way we dress or obviously, the way we act, but one thing that I can say is that all of us, are equal,” Bernardo said.

For those who wish to join ASOG, everyone is allowed and even straight male and female students are encouraged to join and support the organization. According to Bernardo, the only requirement you need is, aside from being a bonafide college student of the institution, one should have a passionate heart and an open mind.

For the LGBT community, Bernardo wishes to leave you a friendly message.

“Being an LGBTQ+ is not a hindrance for us to do things. We are not different from others and should never be afraid to come out and fight for our rights. As long as we do not harm others, and respect each other then we will achieve our one common goal, to show that we are all equal.”

“

At the same time, I also felt hesitant since there are still students who are not open to the LGBTQ Community,”

‘SOGIE’ for newbie Some are still unenlightened about how to identify an LGBT person from another.

Stereotypically, one thinks that an LGBT simply refers to the third sex or all of its members are simply gays.

“SOGIE” is an abbreviation referring to sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. It has become one of the main reference term to describe the LGBT community.

Sexual Orientation refers to a person’s sexual identity in relation to the gender to which they are attracted; the fact of being heterosexual (a person can be attracted to people of the opposite gender), homosexual (attracted to people of the same gender; gaymale-tomale or lesbian

*You can reach the UNC ASOG organization and be a member through: FB Page: UNC Alliance of Sexual Orientations And Genders

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