October Issue 4 - A.Y. 2018-2019

OCTOBER 2018

VOLUME XLII ISSUE 6

NEWS

Colegio recognizes outstanding Letranites

SPORTS

OPINION

FEATURES

Another Wonder Within The Walls

Editorial: Change for All?

Dismal again: Aqua Knights struggle to finish season strong

Letran aims to make the Quadricentennial Celebration on 2020 a national event

BY RAYE SANCHEZ

The Letran community set their eyes for the monumental acclamation of Letran’s 400-year mark, 25 months from now During Relacion 3.0 last September 17, Office of Alumni and Public Affairs Director Ms. Jhennie Villar shared a glimpse of the plans for the nearing 400thyear commemoration.

She talked about the plans in store for the Colegio and the three-part timeline-countdown format for the 20-month long wait termed ‘20 Months to 2020: Letran Countdown to 400’ which starts from April 2019 up to the D-day November 2020.

Villar accorded the speech of Institute of Communication (ICOMM) Chairperson Mr. Laurenti M. Dyogi last Grandes Figuras awarding ceremony of wanting to “celebrate history by making the celebration part of » QUADRICENTENNIAL / PAGE 2

PHOTO FROM LUIS TAMONDONG St. Vincent Ferrer Building gets lit by fireworks during the final night of the Quadricentennial Year 2 celebration.

EBG blames manufacturer for St. Ferrer bldg elevator maintenance delay

PHOTO BY MIGUEL GARRA St. Vincent Ferrer Building elevator abandoned with an “out-of-service” notice printed in a bond paper.

BY RAILON DENIEGA

It has been a month since the elevator that serves San Vicente Ferrer Building has been closed temporarily, causing inconvenience to the students, faculty members, and ulitity staff of the Colegio.

Engineering, Buildings, and Grounds directress Prof. Ma. Nancy Balasan bared to The LANCE the reason behind this surprised inconvenience and their efforts in troubleshooting and fixing it.

“The only problem there is the [Cabin Operaring Panel] COP, hindi siya umiilaw. Meaning to say

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na kapag pinindot mo si one o si two, pwede kang umakyat, pwede kang bumaba, only that ay walang ilaw. So, I was the one na sabi ko i-close muna,” Balasan told The LANCE. Balasan shared that she has talked to the Swizz manufacturer Schindler’s officer for constant updates regarding its maintenance as the delivery of new COP Panel will take time as it will be flying off from overseas.

“But, Schindler, they are doing everything to expedite the spare part. They promised actually one week. Three days to one » ELEVATOR / PAGE 3

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Letran CPA exams passing rate worsens

BY TEEJAY OBSEQUIO

The Colegio, in the October 2018 Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Licensure Examination, fell below the 25.18 percent national passing rate, after registering a 20.34 percent passing rate.

The performance of the Colegio in the recent CPA exams is also below its previous registered 31.58 percentage passing rate last May 2018.

A total of 24 out of the 118 Letranite takers joined the new batch of Filipino accountants.

31 from the total number of Letranite takers are re-takers of the licensure exams, six from them passed on their another attempt to be an accountant.

STILL PROUD AND GRATEFUL A Letran scholar who is a passer and first-time taker of the accountant exams shared to The LANCE how passing it makes him feel both proud and grateful.

“Siempre sobrang proud and sobrang grateful kasi finally, nag paid off na yung hardships sa college plus sa review,” shared Chad Rusty Calpo.

Calpo also bared that during the first few months of his preparation to the licensure exams he balanced his time for Follow us on Twitter @thelanceletran

reviews and himself to fight the pressure to pass the exams.

“Nung mga unang months ng review, every Friday, after class, umuuwi ako sa bahay namin sa Cavite tapos babalik na ako ng Sunday. The very reason kaya ako umuuwi is kasi masyadong nakakapressure mag stay sa dorm, ayokong lamunin ako ng pressure,” he shared.

He added that his parents’ support has helped him achieve this feat.

Aside from his study-life balance, he also allotted a weekly devotion to St. Jude in preparation for the exams.

“Plus every Thursday, I make sure na mag se-St. Jude ako, and at least once every month, magsisimba ako sa Baclaran,” the new Certified Public Accountant added.

ADDED CHALLENGE: OVERCOMING EXAM ERRORS Calpo also shared to The LANCE that the takers were challenged during the CPA exams as it bared errors.

“Challenging pa for this batch kasi may mga errors yung exam, which makes it harder. May mga nag iiba ng pangalan sa problems, » CPA EXAMS/ PAGE 3

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More inside this issue: NEWS

» TURN TO PAGE 2

Colegio aspires to be drug-free, conducts drug testing

FEATURES

» TURN TO PAGE 7

La Naval 2018: A Pilgrimage to Our Lady of the Holy Rosary

SPORTS

» TURN TO PAGE 10

In the Limelight: A breakout into the taekwondo scene

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2

NEWS

NEWS EDITOR: TEEJAY OBSEQUIO LAYOUT ARTIST: XAMANTHA ASDISEN

Colegio recognizes outstanding Letranites

PHOTO FROM LMRS

BY RAYE SANCHEZ

Despite its sudden postponement due to inclement weather, the Colegio awarded students who stood out in academics and in extracurricular during the College Recognition last September 27 at the SC Auditorium.

The awards were given to outstanding students in athletics, arts and culture, leadership, and academics.

BEATO ANTONIO VARONA ORTEGA, O.P. AWARDEES Among the recipients of the Beato Antonio Verona Ortega, O.P. Award were athletes who bag awards during the National Collegiate Athletic Association Season 93.

The said award is given to teams whose performance in arts, sports, and athletics excelled in locally and internationally-recognized competitions.

Anthony Avila of the Flyweight

division and Raymond Avila of the Finweight division of the taekwondo team scored the gold.

Aldrin Sta. Ana, Reymar Mimes, and Arielle Ang also of the Taekwondo team were silver medalists.

Harvey Unico and Russel Galleon of the Track and Field team were gold medalist for the Pole Vault and the 200 meters separately. Galleon attained the silver medal for the 400 meter dash and 400 hurdles.

Neptali Pineda, Mark Sabarre, Leo Jeff Prince Orsolino, Melvin Sarao, and John-Fitzferald Cruz of the men’s badminton team achieved silver medals.

John Erick Gonzales, Noel Dinglasan, John William Manago, Benjiecer Lim, John Roiss Pasacula, and Jethro Gapas of the men’s table tennis team also scored the silver medals.

Lastly, Kristiane Eireney Lim, Trixie Catapang, Jovially Belle Bonzon, Hanna Ricci Tayad, Mary Rose Besabelle, and Rica Enriquez of

the women’s table tennis team were able to secure the second runner up award – bronze medal.

BEATO ANGELICO, O.P. AWARDEES Like Beato Angelico, O.P., the recipients have brought pride and honor to the Colegio for receiving external recognition for their exemplary performance in any cultural or artistic competitions.

Letran Singing Ambassadors (LSA) are among the recipient of the award. LSA has been known for their majestic performances inside and outside of the four walls of the Colegio.

Other awardees have produced documentaries that have caught the attention of national award ceremony Philippine Student Quill Awards – not a new thing when it comes to outputs produced by the students of the Colegio.

Awardees were Mega Radio 99.9 who produced “Tulay ng Nakaraan” and Arribuddy 102.3 who produced

“Roboman”.

Productions made by the alumni were also conferred during the recognition.

Included in the awarding were “Ilog Waga” by Jai Liwanag, “Wanted Kabataan: Bata, Pag-asa ka pa ba?” by Christian Bana, Leslie Boado, Angela Baltan, Dianni Baylon, Zilah Rama, Bea Conception, and Joanne Cruz.

Also part of the ceremony were “PWD – Parang Walang Disabilidad”

by Jannelle Cu, Angelica Domingo, Danica Gonzales, John Javier, Abbey Malvar, and Ezra Rama; “Kalyesa” by Francis Bordador, Denise Clemente, Crizreal Del Rosario, Niel Grant, Isolina Galvez, Rafael Manzano, Mikhaela Santos, and Deryll Villaflor; “Yaman” by Christian Bana, Alexandria Martinez, Charles Datuin, Den Marcus Policar, Rendezvouz Rivera, Esmeralda Bucog, Lezshel Cuenca, Ericka Dungo, Dianni Baylon, and Risha Fernandez.

Finally, “Nakauwi Na” directed

by Marvin Cabangunay and Jaynus Olaivar were also awarded during the college recognition. Their work entered Cinemalay 2017 and won the Audience Choice and Best Original Story awards.

PRES. MANUEL L. QUEZON LEADERSHIP AWARDEE This year, the Pres. Manuel L. Quezon was solely given to Mr. Rogie Nichole Aquino for having rendered exemplary services through leadership in student services that benefited entirety of the institution.

Aquino shared his surprise for finding out that he was a recipient of the above-mentioned award to The LANCE stating, “Noong nalaman ko na ako ang napili to receive the award, I was really overwhelmed since hindi naman ako President ng isang organization and I’m usually part of the support team.

At the end of the day, na-realize ko rin na everyone can be recognized regardless of your position or role.

It will all depend on your passion, commitment and humility. Being the recipient of the MLQ Award is not about being the best in your batch.

Colegio aspires to be drug-free, conducts drug testing

PHOTO BY ENRIQUIE AGCOILI A Letran student fills up her information before taking the surprised mandatory drug testing.

BY ETHANA RAMONES

As the Colegio aspired to be 100 percent drug-free, around a thousand freshmen and transferees undergo mandatory drug testing last October 1-5. The testing aimed to subscribe to the anti-illegal drugs campaign of the Colegio.

The Colegio through the Office of

Student Welfare and Development (OSWD) together with the Asia Pacific Medical and Diagnostics APMD Inc., spearheaded the drug testing at the third floor Student Center Building.

OSWD Directress Asst. Prof.

Catherine Sanchez explained to The LANCE the reason behind the integration of the drug testing in all

NSTP1 classes.

“The reason for choosing NSTP1 Classes as venue to introduce the surprised mandatory drug testing is because college students were easily to mobilize and track at their blocks, and these drug testing is part of Letran’s launch for drug campaign and spreading awareness,” Sanchez said.

The OSWD directress also said that the testing is a requirement for admission or student retention in the Colegio – an advocacy against illegal drugs.

The Letran Drug Board Council member Asst. Prof. Catherine Sanchez shared that the board have partnered with Asia Pacific Medical and Diagnostics (APMD) Inc. through a memorandum of agreement between the latter’s CEO Dr. Bernard Lirag.

On the other hand, District Mobile Battalion of Police Intramuros coordinated with OSWD on raising the awareness. A film produced by PNP Anti-Drug Festival was played during the NSTP1 classes.

The OSWD assures the confidentiality of the results to be handed to the tested students.

The department is cautious on the information being gathered as it prioritizes the overall well-being and reputation of the students.

For me, it’s about being the light that will further empower others and let them see their full potential.”

He also mentioned how a significant person pushed him to what he is today.

“I will never forget the challenge na binitawan sa’kin ng aking tinuturing na pangalawang nanay sa Letran, si Engr. Catherine Sanchez of the Office of Student Welfare and Development. Sabi niya, ‘Wala akong pakialam kung marami kang awards or kung ikaw ang pinakamagaling sa lahat, kung hindi mo mai-inspire ang iba to standout and to ignite their own fire within, you are nothing.’”

“With this, I thank Letran for the trust. I am and will always be a proud Letranista,” he concluded.

SAN VICENTE LIEM DELA PAZ, O.P. AWARDEES This award was handed to students who accomplished a general average of not less than 90 and a passing grade in all learning areas.

Karl Joseph Villarisco and Anthony Ian Reyes Rentoy were the receivers from the College of Engineering and Information Technology.

Meanwhile, Jenna Paula Olayres Rigon was the attainer from the College of Business Administration and Accountancy.

Villarisco was able to share how he was flabbergasted to have received the award stating, “ It meant a lot to me because I didn’t expect to receive the award. As a student assistant, I am just doing the best I could to have good grades in order to maintain my scholarship and yet with God’s grace He gave me more than what I asked for.”

He also told the LANCE how this is the first time to receive an award from the Colegio.

“This is also special because this is my first and hopefully not the last award I will receive from our institution. I am thankful and humbled that they acknowledged my hard work and it motivated me to push through the limits,” he shared.

QUADRICENTENNIAL FROM PAGE 1 history” while still aligned with the theme “Como el sol es tu gloria, sin fin.”

“The big idea is to make our quadricentennial celebration a national event,” Villar stated.

A few of the highlight activities include the countdown kickoff party entitled “We are Letran: Countdown to 2020” which will showcase a sneak peak of the upcoming grand celebration.

On National Historical Month on August 2020, the National Museum, with the help of the National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA), will recognize Letran as a national treasure to commemorate the humble beginnings of Letran founders Don Juan Geronimo Guerrero and Fray Diego de Santa Maria and to mark the Colegio’s role in history and in shaping the minds of young eminent men who helped the country’s conquest of freedom.

A tie-up with the Japanese embassy and the establishment of a war memorial in Letran for the Japanese will be in the colegio. A meet and greet of the sponsors will also take place.

To relive the Royal and Ecclesiastical identity of Letran, the Colegio will open its door to history, culture, and tradition.

Villar mentioned that they are determined to invite the Royal family and the government of Spain to help the Colegio in its campaign for a more globally competitive institution of learning.

The Letran community will attempt to form the largest human formation of the Quadricentennial logo to book a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records.

Finally, the most-awaited palatial honoring of the Quadricentennial year of the Colegio that will be jampacked with ceremonies, performances, entertainment and the likes.

Dyogi will spearhead the production.

Simultaneous to this is the inauguration of the soon-torise Quadricentennial building where the Letran community will gather in thanksgiving for the new facility. Alumni and government officials will be invited and a quick tour of the facilities will transpire.

Aside from the abovementioned events, various ventures are set each month as the celebration nears its course.

News

VOLUME XLII - ISSUE 6

3

Lumad students and delegates visit the Colegio

PHOTO BY MICHAEL ESTUPIGAN Lumad Bakwit students pose as they attended a ’salubungan’ event at the Salon de Actos.

BY RAILON DENIEGA

The Letran community welcomed the delegates of the Lumad tribe last October 2. The three-day-long visitation is part of the latter’s project – the Bakwit School. The visitation was initiated by the Save Our Schools (SOS) Network.

The Lumad delegates were fetched from Katipunan Parish Church before they attended the ceremony at the Salon de Actos.

The faculty and students of

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) together with the Colegio’s Vice President for Religious Affair and coordinator for Lumads Rev. Fr. John Stephen Besa, O.P. and Asst.

Prof. Jeremy Imbong took the lead for a welcome ceremony entitled as “Salubungan.”

DAY ONE: WARM WELCOME Political and Legal Studies Chairperson Asst. Prof. Clarita Rivera shared to the LANCE how her students welcomed our friends from

Mindanao.

“Iyong mga estudyante ko from PL1A, pinag-partner ko sa mga Lumad. Ang tawag ko roon ay ‘Buddy, Buddy.’ It is one way of showing that they are welcome here tapos pinaupo na sila roon sa Salon de Actos,” Rivera said.

Rivera set house rules for the Lumads as they will stay in the Colegio for three days and two nights at the Physical Education Rooms of Blessed Antonio Varona Gymnasium.

“Iyong mga Lumad, binigyan sila ng mga utility kit coming from CLAS, faculty, and students. Pagkatapos ay lahat ng meal nila from day one to day three, breakfast, lunch, snack, dinner, were provided by CLAS faculty members and students,” Rivera added.

Rivera highlighted that the faculty members’, students’, and the Lumads’ exposure to diverse culture have produced a communal bond and sense of belongingness in all of the parties present.

Furthermore, the Lumad Bakwit students attend an art expression activity at the Del Pilar Hall.

The activity kicked off with a getting-to-know phase for the

Letranites and Lumad Bakwit students.

The Lumad students also attended a post-card activity wherein they were asked to think of a significant person from their lives whom they have a conflict with. After which, they were tasked to write the name of the person in a provided paper.

“After nilang sabihin ‘yon, nag-sharing na lahat. And most of their sharings ay related sa discrimination, justice, tungkol kay Rodrigo Duterte, na sinasabi nila na bakit parang hindi totoo ang sinasabi ni Rodrigo Duterte na magkakasundo pero sinisira ‘yong eskwelahan nila, pinapatay ‘yong mga kaklase nila tapos kinakasuhan ‘yong mga teacher nila,” she added.

To holistically motivate and uplift our friends from Mindanao, they attended a ‘self-care bag’ activity where they draw at the provided canvas bags to express themselves.

The Lumads then shared their positive thoughts and made an encouraging statement about the warm welcome of different schools, some expressed their gratitude to teachers and students of the Colegio and most especially to Asst. Prof.

LISTeN to relocate Salon computers, cites ‘loss of parts’

BY TEEJAY OBSEQUIO

From applying revisions before submitting your paper to spending your free time researching for a paper in your class, the 12 units of computers at the Salon de Actos have got you covered since the student’s lounge opened in 2015.

However, last September these aid to our academic needs vacated the Colegio’s student lounge.

Letran Information Systems Technology and Network (LISTeN) director Asst. Prof. Henry Pahilanga bared that the 12 units of computers will be transferred following the suggestion of the Engineering, Building, and Grounds (EBG) department.

“We planned na ilipat with the EBG, na i-move siya sa taas ng Salon which is the [Aranzazu Building]. Inilipat namin siya sa taas, doon sa may likod ng Mama Mary,” he said The LISTeN director bared that the loss of parts was due to their department’s lack of manpower to supervise the computers.

Asked when will the computers be relocated: “May specification kasi when it comes to cable kailangan natin maging sigurado, pero kapag nakadating na yun ilalagay agad namin yung 12 allotted computers.”

The director also added that their office planned to replace and add computer units.

However, because Letran-Bataan asked them for “a lot of units,” the same dozen of PCs will soon cater again to the students.

SALON COMPUTERS ALTERNATIVE: LRC PROVIDES THREE FREE-TO-USE COMPUTERS For the meantime, the only computers freeto-use by the students are the three newly acquired computers provided by the Letran Research Center at the newly opened Research Productivity Room (RPR) at the Aranzazu Building.

“Since students and faculty [members] frequently need a room for research purposes, the Research Productivity Room is a very useful addition to the Colegio and yung mga computers ay from LRC talaga.” shared LRC Employee Research Coordinator Rance Abelgas.

Also, Abelgas boast that aside from these free-to-use PCs, the new productivity room which is open for all also caters back issues of Antorcha and Luz y Saber, chairs and tables for research purposes, electric sockets for charging electronic devices.

To add, the room also has a board room or a room for focused group discussions – provided upon the permission of LRC. The RPR opened its doors to the Letranites after the blessing of the Aranzazu Building last August 7.

LETRANITES LAMENT SUDDEN LOSS OF COMPUTERS Various users of the free-to-use computers shared to The LANCE that they were not informed that the computers will be temporarily removed to pave way to its relocation.

“Hindi ako informed, nagtataka nga ako nung una kung bakit nawala yung mga computers sa baba, marami pa naman gumagamit dun.

Madalas pa naman ako mag-edit ng mga requirements/activity,” Civil Engineering senior Ar Ar Jambalos shared.

A student assistant shared that he used to frequent the Salon computers. “Gumagamit ako dati sa lounge. Hindi na ngayon kasi di ko naman alam saan nalipat,” shared fifth year Accountancy major Michael Angelo Franco.

“Before ang ginagawa ko ay mag reaserch, gumawa ng ppt, etc. kaya madalas [nasa lounge ako], pero hindi ko alam na saan ito nailipat,” shared Engineering senior Juan Carlo Balagapo.

Jambalos also bemoaned LISTeN’s failure to advice the users about the planned development.

“Sana magpost or mag-announce ang [LISTeN] para maabisuhan ang mga estudyante na gumagamit ng nasabing computers,” the CE senior put forward. (with reports from Kathlyn Salazar and Hannah Heramia)

Sr. Fox shares various issues she encountered in PH

BY ENRIQUE AGCAOILI

Trying her best to speak in Filipino, Sr. Patricia Fox spoke out on various issues she encountered while she is in the Philippines, during the Fr. Pedro V. Salgado, O.P. Conference held at St. Thomas Hall.

Sr. Fox graced her talk narrating the injustices she saw from her travels in the rural areas – wherein a child died out of suffocation.

“Kung malapit siya sa mga health services, kung may pera naman ang magulang hindi dapat namatay ang batang yan,” she said. “Wala naman serbisyo doon sa liblib na lugar.”

THE BEST COMMANDMENT AND FOX’S CALLING Since Sr. Fox’s stay here in the country, she has been more highlighted by the media for her participation in demonstrations than her voluntary social work.

With this, she implied a biblical verse parallel to one of the 10

commandments – “love God and one another” – as her intent for performing voluntary deeds and opposing existing social injustices.

“Tamang mahalin ang kapwa tao,” she said. “Kung may oppression, kung may poverty, kung mayexploitation at kung hindi tayo sumama sa kanila. Kaya yan ang calling ko bilang madre at bilang tao.”

SR. FOX’S MIGRANT STATUS, OBLIGATION, AND FR. SALGADO The missionary nun emphasized that the Bureau of Immigration’s deportation order against her meant that people like her must only focus on the catechism, not on social issues.

“Ang misyonero, ang taong simbahan dapat catechism lang at pagtuturo,” she said. “Hindi dapat lalabas, hindi dapat makialam sa mga issues ng tao.”

In her disagreement, she emphasized that that is contrary to

Jerry Imbong for his hospitability.

The art expression activity was facilitated by Letran Psychology Society (LPS), Letran Legal Management Society, Letran Politicvs, and Ms. Giselle Manguiat of College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Before the Lumad delegates and Bakwit students capped off their day, they watched musical performances, documentaries, short films produced by the students of Institute of Communication.

DAY TWO: CULTURAL EXCHANGE The Lumad Bakwit student started their day by sharing their stellar crafting skills of bead bracelets to the select freshmen students of the Colegio.

Throughout the day, the social sciences faculty members of the Colegio led by Assoc. Prof. Racquel Espiritu showcased the rich historical nature of Intramuros by touring their friends from Mindanao.

The ¬¬Colegio’s faculty members accompanied the Lumads in a “Lakbay Aral” in key cultural places such as Fort Santiago, Bahay Tsinoy, National Commission for Culture and Arts, etc.

ELEVATOR FROM PAGE 1

week. So, we waited. That is noong September pa. Araw-araw namang tinatawagan,” she added.

Moreover, she assured that they are doing everything to fix the elevator as soon as possible. “We are doing everything. Hindi naman naming puwedeng bilhin ang spare part sa kung saan kasi sila rin naman ang magpoprovide. They are the one providing all the spare part. Pero hindi kami nagkulang everyday.”

The EBG directress hopes that the elevator will be back on its operation on October.

“Kasi they promised us three days to one week. Hindi kami nagkulang ng paalam sa kanila. Sila ang nagkulang sa amin.”

Balasan in her effort to prioritize the safety of the Letranites emphasized that it is better to close down the elevator that to risk it.

STUDENT’S EXPERIENCE Some students shared the inconvenience they experienced going to their classes while the elevator was out of service.

“Papasok kaming pawis, siyempre.

Sobrang pawis pag-akyat sa classroom,” Joshua Bohol, a freshman of Information Technology told The LANCE. Another students who has classes at the Mac Laboratory shared her experience.

“Nakakapagod kasi, hello, third floor.

Tapos minsan may bitbit ka pang mga gamit,” Cettie Elevado an Advertising senior shared to The LANCE.

CPA EXAMS FROM PAGE 1

PHOTO BY ENRIQUE AGCAOILI Sr. Patricia Fox talked about issues in the Philippines during Fr. Pedro V. Salgado, O.P. Conference.

the teaching of Jesus Christ. She only followed the ways of our savior.

As the said event is in honor of the late Fr. Pedro V. Salgado, O.P., Sr. Fox also shared her takeaways from the writings and teachings of the late Dominican, “Dapat ang puso natin ay doon sa mga tao at dapat nandiyan tayo sa mga tao,” she shared.

The Fr. Pedro V. Salgado, O.P.

Conference is organized by the Dominicans for Justice, Peace and Care for Creation led by Rev. Fr. Victor C. Calvo, Jr, O.P. as its promoter in honor of the late Dominican priest who died on July 9, 2017.

Rev. Fr. Calvo is the Athletics Moderator of the Colegio. He is also the prior of the Convent of St. John Lateran.

may mga magkakaibang dates, may mga negative na nakukuhang sagot pag sinolve pero dapat positive yung sagot,” he said.

The Letranite new accountant was grateful for the review that the Colegio has provided to the exam takers as it tackled newly added topics in the accountant exams that were not covered in Letran’s accountancy curriculum.

A Thomasian led the CPA exams with a whooping score of 91.83 percent. Meanwhile, the University of the Philippines-Diliman was again named as the top performing school in the CPA exams, achieving a 94.52 percent rate.

4

OPINION

EDITORIAL Change for All?

OCTOBER 2018

BELOW THE LINE Teejay Obsequio

@teejayobsequio eic.thelance@gmail.com

DUTERTE THE SOOTHSAYER

With the filing of certificates of candidacy, thousands of aspirants are hoping to obtain a slot in the May 2019 elections.

This is inevitable, but a number of them are celebrities. The thing with politics and celebrities have always been baffling, and even more so once you think about what they could really bring to the country.

Change, perhaps? That is not out of the question, of course. But because of them, our government tends to become a circus of clowns fooling with each other. Apparently, this happens because we let ourselves, well, at least some of our people, fall for their antics.

Certainly, being a celebrity politician stirs controversy. With that as a fact, several of our people run off the Commision on Elections (COMELEC) to file for candidacy.

The reason why could easily point out to them being sick and tired of these clowns we call politicians.

We have one as a president, so that counts as a factor for them to make a stand. Still, some of these aspirants emit a personality

not far off from being ridiculous enough for them to be called a laughingstock.

Having these people file themselves as candidates for the upcoming elections is just plain unacceptable. Then again, I wouldn’t be surprised that, if ever they do make it, people vote for them.

As scary as that sounds, it’s very possible.

In order for change to happen, it must start with us. Take Cesar Calagos Roca, a Bulacan native as an example. This elderly fish ball vendor happened to travel from Bulacan to Intramuros just to attempt to get himself a seat at the Senate.

According to him, he is fed up with the government we have. That statement of his alone, signifies a drive to change the ways of our government for the betterment of our people. It’s a small move, but a daring one that we all should aspire to make.

Will the Philippines ever find change in the midst of chaos is something that is yet to be answered. But let us remember this: there is change for all, if we get on it, and start acting right.

EDITORIAL BOARD SY. 2018 - 2019 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ASSOCIATE EDITOR MANAGING EDITOR NEWS EDITOR FEATURES EDITOR SPORTS EDITOR PHOTO EDITOR DESIGN EDITOR ART DIRECTOR Jeremy Guinid SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER Liam Mercellino NEWS WRITERS Reynalin Sanchez Angel Grace Untalan Katlyn Ventura Ethaña Ramones Railon Deniega SPORTS WRITERS Carl Danielle Argarin Hannah Heramia Miguel La Torre

TEEJAY OBSEQUIO LOUIE FAIZAL BAHAROM DANIELLE MACADANGDANG TEEJAY OBSEQUIO LOUISE NICOLE LIZAN JONASH DANNUG ASHLEY PARINGIT XAMANTHA JASDISEN

FEATURES WRITERS Dylan Afuang Jullian Desales Patricia Ramos Meilinda Malacat Angelica Joy Mendoza Alyssa Aguino Chantal Macaraeg PHOTOGRAPHERS Enrique Agcaoili Isiah Beltrano Ma. Kara Calamba Miguel Garra Angela Davocol Michael Estupigan Lance Yabut

NEWS TRAINEE Angelo Gamalindo PHOTOGRAPHER TRAINEE Abegail Granado VIDEO EDITORS Jeissa Maryce Domingo Aaron Salem GRAPHIC ARTISTS MaGell Tan Avery Lomiteng CARTOONIST Rumiel Casanova

Asst. Prof. Louie Benedict Ignacio, PhD. PUBLICATION ADVISER Published monthly, THE LANCE has its office at 3F Student Center Building, Colegio de San Juan de Letran, Intramuros Manila FOR COMMENTS, SUGGESTIONS AND LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Email us at thelance@letran.edu.ph

No matter how much we plan something scrupulously there will always be a single incident that could threaten or – worse – derail it.

Much more unfortunate for Harry Roque, who revealed that his desire to run in the Senate is “one year in the making.”

To add bitterness to the threat in Roque’s dream bid is the ironic fact that the same person whom he bent his principles for is behind the supposed derailment of his plan.

He even justified his act of going against his own proposition as “trabaho lang” in a comic relief filled interview at a late-night talk show.

The presidential mouthpiece was replaced even before he tendered his resignation. It seemed that there was eagerness for Roque to be replaced.

The exchange of thoughts of the two “naughty mouths” – the popular president and his now former spox has vividly revealed that his year stint in the Palace was used to prime the public for his dream post in the Senate.

Roque blurted out that his one year service in the Palace: “was to prepare me for what will happened a year later.”

FORGING HIS SENATE BID A year later, despite days of drama CINEASTE Louie Baharom

@iamLOUIE_ associateeditor.thelance@gmail.com

THE MTRCB AND THEIR FALSENESS Supposedly a power forged by the government during the late 1980s, the Movie and Television Review Classification Board (MTRCB) has faced controversy over the past few years.

Misusing their power is perhaps a great insult to artists, for their censorship doesn’t necessarily signal their righteousness, but rather, a false sense of conservatism. Their conservatism is one that goes overboard – an essential example being that of the case of their banning of local theatrical exhibitions of Schindler’s List in the 1990s for simply exposing two female breasts.

For such a film whose focal point is an important figure in history, they chose to ban the film just because of that one scene. If there’s anything that that signifies, it’s their failure to understand the meaning behind such scene which points to its context that probably went over their heads.

What’s most frustrating is that this board just chose to less comprehending of the art the artist has made — which has gone to become the standard definition of the MTRCB for filmgoers.

Following this fiasco, more and more films, both local and foreign, have gone under the MTRCB’s lens of falseness where films have gotten unjust or just inappropriate classifications which saw them getting ratings that doesn’t fit them well considering the nature of the films’ contents.

and indecision, the lawyer who used to fight for victims of human rights before his stint as the president spokesperson, filled his candidacy for Senatorial elections 2018.

Despite the executive leader’s claims that he will not win his desired bid in the Senate, he continued and claimed that the president supports him.

In spite of the narrative of the former Palace man before his filling, let’s not let him win out of pity. Pity the victims of human rights that he blindly betrays every time he defends the executive leader.

The senatorial aspirant may try to pull the sympathy card but let’s not be foolish of his acts.

His one year stint in the Malacañang has no doubt primed him from the Senate bid in terms of gaining the nation’s familiarity. Now, even more, that the spotlight has been on him few days before his bid.

In spite of his popularity, a person who bends his principles for another man is outright disgusting – undeserving of a seat in the Senate.

The very day that he took his role in the Palace last November 6, 2017, was the beginning of his betrayal of the human rights victims that he once fought for. Being associated with a president who does not mind blurting out killing a person during his mayorship is a clear treachery of his own propositions as a human right lawyer.

It is up to us, voters, now to accomplish the infamous president’s vision from the future – that Roque will not win a senatorial sit come 2019.

That scene from the future will be in truth if we will not let him do so.

Another classic case of the MTRCB’s falseness is that of their stamping of an initial X-rating to Jerrold Tarog’s ‘Bliss’. The film, supposedly featuring a scene showing full frontal female nudity, caught the attention of the Board enough to ban the film for public exhibition. Luckily, the film’s producers’ appeal for an R-18 was successful. Thank god.

Fast forward to October of 2018 where their conservatism and penchant for the misuse of their power still reigns. Just a few weeks ago, a film under the name of ‘Fisting: Never Tear Us Apart,’ was torn apart by the MTRCB. However, in this film’s case, it’s the film’s title that faced the Board’s unjust hands. Upon seeing the film’s trailer on Facebook, which is best considered an odd collection of images, the MTRCB took action to ask the film’s producers to take the word, “Fisting” out of its title.

The term, alluding to a sexual act, is what raised eyebrows for the MTRCB. Then and there, the film’s title was renamed, ‘Never Tear Us Apart.’ If there’s anything to learn here is MTRCB isn’t as comprehending as you think they are as a classification board. The issue here is that the film was stripped off of its freedom to artistically express, through the film’s title, what the film is hinting at. What makes the Board’s actions against this retitling is the fact that, the film contained barely anything that alludes to “Fisting.”

Maybe it’s just me, but I think it’s high time that we appoint new members who think more critically than those sitting in their positions, holding a power that they misuse. Let’s not let this, or other worse things happen again just for the sake of classifying art and “scrutinizing” what they contain and mean.

Opinion

VOLUME XLII - ISSUE 6

Knights Quoted MIND IN VOYAGE Danielle Macadangdang @danielleraye maned.thelance@gmail.com

THE FLAW IN THE PLAN It has been so good to see history played on the screen with the best cinematography and play of words that deeply describe the situation during that time period.

The success of ‘Heneral Luna’ and the premiere of its sequel ‘Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral’ had me and my friends engage in a deep discussion and argument upon watching the latter. Jerold Tarrog’s ‘Goyo’ truly captured my attention as me and a colleague managed to stay awake until the early hours of the next morning in discussing the movie while also doing our thesis.

The film in itself is a masterpiece – the impact of words, the unraveling of events, and the sacrifice of many made me realize the attitude of Filipinos.

It was very evident that, we, Filipinos BREAK THROUGH Louise Lizan

@louiselzn featureseditor.thelance@gmail.com

THE SUN RISES HERE It starts when waking up in the morning seems more of an obligation than a want, every passing minute was spent staring at the ceiling with no care in the world, and the next thing you know is you’re late for a class. It stars when nights are spent in contemplation rather than sleeping and relaxing, not letting a minute run without feeling remorse or nothing, there’s no inbetween.

It starts when nothingness consumes the mind, the body, and the soul. It starts when you feel it surging through your veins, affecting almost everything, make it too hard to move. It starts when it feels like the world is ending, and so will you.

But no matter how much a mess you are on the inside, it all remains the same on the outside.

The same person that’s fighting an endless FROM THE STRIPE Jonash Dannug

@jonashdcd sports.lanceletran@gmail.com

ANOTHER BASKETBALL RELATED OPINION Disclaimer: It’s just a coincidence that every time I think of something to write, a basketball related issue comes popping out of nowhere. Pure coincidence, I swear.

Before, the PBA Draft was an avenue for cellar-dwelling teams to finally boost their stock and be competitive. It was a legitimate event, a chance for them to keep up against the perennial powerhouses of the league. The annual event was supposed to turn a player or a franchise’s fortunes around.

However, in the past couple of years, the PBA Draft became nothing but a big JOKE. Yes, I typed that in all caps. I don’t even know if that’s allowed here. Anyway, rich teams broke the draft’s system by manipulating and taking advantage of smaller market teams.

have many great talents and also many flaws. Filipinos can be patriotic enough once someone from our motherland was recognized globally, but will be buried deep behind the history once the hype has died down.

It is a flaw that no matter what is at stake, men and women will cling to power to make it to the top. The film was a great conduit to address these kinds of problems. It was blinding to see that history was repeating itself in our very own present time, but we Filipinos fail to look closely and see what is truly happening.

A line from the movie reads: “Madalas, ang sigasig natin ay sumisilakbo, pero mabilis ring naglalaho. Sa bawat dagok, di inaasahang pangyayari, tayo’y natataranta at tuluyang nalilimutan ang mga tungkulin natin.”

It is true that we have this crazy kind of behavior? But why has our enthusiasm towards our country is like a match lit up bursting with unnerving energy at first and then slowly will die down into heaps of blackened ashes?

Today, people in power, stay in power.

The rich stay rich, the poor become ever so poorer. The land is in chaos, the flaw is still there, widening the gap between a rift that should never have been there at all.

war inside their head remains the cheerful, happy-go-lucky persona that they tried so hard to build, going about their school activities, attending classes, doing the same old routine over and over again. It’s also the same old person whom a lot of people have known as the kind who can smile, laugh and exchange stupid jokes – and no one would ever notice, and most of the time, once someone starts to do so, it’s too late.

It starts without a probable end.

It started with me, going through my One Direction playlist, jamming to their hits, and in just a snap, it hits me like a truck full of dead, lifeless puppies. Really, what’s more horrifying than that?

An unending series of feeling like nothing that even ‘Kiss You’ is playing on repeat has no effect anymore. It does nothing and it feels nothing, just leaves me in a coma that I will wake up from weeks later. It kicks me on the cold, hard ground and I just lay on it, making myself comfortable, even if it isn’t, and lying there until I feel like it is.

At every given moment, I feel like something is trying to knock on my door and soothe me into their own will, acting like an old friend, deceiving me that I somewhat need it inside my system, asking for time – and then it happens with me spiraling to another void of nothingness and self-pity,

For example, despite winning the Philippine cup in 2014, the Talk N’ Text Tropang Texters managed to land the second and fourth overall pick which turned out to be Kevin Alas and Matt Ganuelas-Rosser. Alas and Ganuelas-Rosser went on to help the Tropang Texters nab the 2015 Commissioner’s Cup championship.

In 2015, after topping the Commissioner’s Cup, TNT was able to trade seldom-used forward Larry Rodriguez for Blackwater Elite’s number one overall pick which turned out to be Moala Tautuaa.

Rodriguez was then curiously left out by the Elite during the dispersal draft between them and Kia Motors (now Columbian Dyip).

Crazy, right? But it doesn’t stop there.

Just last year, the San Miguel Beermen, despite winning two championships, managed to get the approval of then commissioner Chito Narvasa to trade Jay-R Reyes, Ronald Tubid, Rashawn McCarthy, and it’s 2019 first round pick to Kia Picanto’s first overall pick.

Why in the world would you give up the chance to draft once-in-a-generation talents like Christian Standhardinger and Kiefer Ravena for a bag of chips and coke?

Kia then justified their actions by saying they were going to play in an ‘unconventional’

Society is what society does. We have only the lessons of yesterday to learn for what we will do in the future. ‘Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral’ stirred discussion on the internet, actions that are easier said than done. We have failed to see that it is in our hands to see this country rid of evil, but it is also our doing that this country remains in the middle of chaos.

A Filipino has a might of the strongest Narra tree, but have a pride that even the strongest storm in the Pacific could not destroy.

Our flaws before has defined what we are today, but we only learned a fraction to what our stories are telling us. The flaw in the plan is that we did not halt and take it all in before going into the chaos.

But alas, we still have a chance. It should not take a hundred more biopics to tell us what really the problem is. We have a flaw – flaws even – and it shall never ruin the plan. The plan to take on tomorrow and bring our children and their children to a striving country with proper people to see it continue towards the top.

Our role to this country is still the same as much as those who fought for this country at the time of conquering countries and wars.

And we should have never forgotten the things that we owe to this land.

knowing that the sun would still be sleeping on me.

However, it also became one of the things I used to write for, and channeled whatever I’m feeling in the form of writing. From sad poems to angsty fictional stories, somehow, writing about it helped me learn and understand a bit of what I’m feeling and how can I get through it. Instead of bottling every little thing like I used to, I put it into words, no matter much of a mess it was, defusing myself every time I wanted to explode.

For a brief moment, it made me see the world in a different light, a light that I never wished others to experience.

It goes like that, for as long as I can remember.

I have no idea when will it end, but I know it’s getting better, knowing that the world is doing something to understand and lend a helping hand. I know that this will be a big step into making the world a better place, putting mental health into the spotlight – like it should be. It might not be visible to some, but is it just as real as any other illness in the world.

Because if it wasn’t for a different light here in the world, if I was still living in the dark – I wouldn’t have believed in a better world, I wouldn’t have believed that the sun will rise again.

way, and where does this ‘unconventional’ way has brought them? Five wins in 31 games.

The strong gets stronger while the weak remains weak. It has always been the song that the PBA dances to every year. Toptier teams getting blue-chip recruits while the weak teams settle for third stringers to complete their line-up.

This time though, things are bound to change as the PBA Board of Governors voted unanimously that come 2019, the number one overall pick can no longer be dealt and is exclusively for the worst squad in the league.

This is the right move for me, as it wills the PBA to the right direction. Maybe, just maybe, through this rule, the PBA will be fun to watch again and the level of competition will now be at par.

What makes this move excellent is that by implementing this, commissioner Willie Marcial and the rest of the PBA Board acknowledges the fact that there is really a problem in the draft system and that’s the most important thing.

Hopefully, one day, the PBA can finally weed out the teams that started this fracas.

Clubs that intend to join the league should be filtered, and teams that have no plans on being competitive should be kicked out once and for all.

5

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BY HANNAH HERAMIA

Last October 17, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) granted the petition of transport groups to increase the fare to P10 which will take effect in the first week of November.

While the hike may be a welcome development for drivers and operators affected by the rising fuel prices, the said increase sets an additional burden on the commuters. With the recent upsurge, some Letranites have shared their sentiments on the matter.

Angelique Faith Amargo 4th year Financail Management

“The jeepney price hike can be seen as a collateral damage to the economy’s struggle to adjust to the reformed tax law. Personally, I believe the government must either expedite financial assistance if they are to continue to implement TRAIN; amend the current tax law, or completely suspend it and fix the collateral damages, jeepney fare hike included. The welfare of all Filipinos must be taken into consideration anyway, not just the wealth maximization of the privileged.”

Emil Carreon 2nd year Political Science

“I know for a fact that many will sympathize with me when we raise our rants to lower the price of fare, this is because when prices are lowered, it is beneficial for us but not for the drivers.

It is not really whether we agree or not to this kind of change, these are merely chain reactions of the circumstance and present moment. Until such time that the price rate of other relevant and pertinent entities [become] lower, I certainly think that fare prices will also be lowered but the masses should adapt not merely to the regulation but to the circumstance.”

Kathleen Bolaños 4th year Communication

“It’s quite a shock for me as a commuter since recent din lang na-implement yung 9 php jeepney fare tapos magtataas na naman ulit. Syempre as a student, ang laking bagay na makakadiscount ako but on the other hand, it’s not just us, the commuters who will be affected of this but also the PUV drivers who are working for living.”

Enrique Agcaoili 4th year Journalism

“Hindi fair ang fare hike for drivers kung sa gasul pa rin ang ending ng kanilang kinikita. Fair naman kung magbabagsak ng presyo or magsususpend ng ilang taxes.”

Tricia Gajitos 4th year Broadcasting

“I do agree with the implementation of the P2 fare hike but I don’t think it will help drivers and operators to earn enough for their daily subsistence.

The price of fuel has been significantly increasing as well as other commodities.

Given the tax reform for acceleration and inclusion (train) law, drivers, operators and commuters all carry the burden of paying for overpriced and overtaxed fuel.”

VIEWFINDER

Letranites along with other Catholic devotees join the annual procession of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, La Naval de Manila.

PHOTS BY ENRIQUE AGCAOILI, KARA CALAMBA, AND ASH PARINGIT

7

FEATURES

Women Of Now: Fighting Off Sexual Harassment

Nightmare!

At The Colegio

FEATURES EDITOR: LOUISE LIZAN LAYOUT ARTIST: XAMANTHA ASDISEN

» TURN TO PAGE 8

» TURN TO PAGE 8

Museums And Galleries Month: Celebrating Through Underrated Museums Worth-Visiting » TURN TO PAGE 9

La Naval 2018: A Pilgrimage to Our Lady of the Holy Rosary

PHOTO BY MICHAEL ESTUPIGAN

BY PATRICIA RAMOS

Letran, being a Catholic institution of learning, is rich not only in saints and heroes but also in its special devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. This year, as we celebrate the month of the Holy Rosary, Letran also acknowledges the feast of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary of La Naval de Manila with the theme “MARIA: Huwaran ng Kabanalan.”

As one of the traditions in the Colegio, Letranites are once again encouraged to gather together in one of the most celebrated festivals in the Philippines. This tradition has been passed on from different generations with devotees still coming back to participate.

But despite it being one of the most celebrated occasions of Letran, many students are still not aware of the main purpose of this event.

Some students think of it as merely a parade where everyone is required to attend, especially in the procession, but it is much more than that. So, to enlighten our dear Letranites about the annual La Naval celebration, here is a short history of why Letran celebrates the feast of La Naval every year.

WHY LA NAVAL? The Philippines has withstood time and has faced wars that led the country to ruin, especially in Manila.

During this war, the Dutch reached the Philippines in their quest for alternative trade routes to Asia which eventually resulted in their plan of dominating the commercial sea trade of Southeast Asia.

Many attempts were made by the forces of the Dutch Republic to invade Manila but none made it successfully.

Under the title Our Lady of La Naval de Manila, Filipino Catholics claim that the Virgin’s intercession during the Battles of La Naval de Manila helped in the successful repulse of the invading forces from the Protestant Dutch Republic.

The Battles of La Naval de Manila happened in 1646 where a series of five naval battles fought in the waters of the Philippines. On April 9, 1652, the Archdiocese of Manila declared the five sea battles as a miracle after an intensive canonical investigation. This event in the history of the Philippines gave rise to the centuries-old celebration of Our Lady of La Naval de Manila.

THE HOLY ROSARY In the year 1214, the Church received the Rosary from St. Dominic who received it from the Blessed Virgin.

The story started when St. Dominic withdrew into a forest near Toulouse and prayed continuously for three days and two nights until he fell into a coma. Suddenly, our Lady appeared to him and said that the principal weapon in the warfare has always been the Angelic Psalter or what we call now as rosary which means “crown of roses”.

So, he rose, gathered the people together and began preaching when a sudden storm broke out which, according to the book De DignitatePsalterii by Blessed Allan de la Roche, was God’s means to spread the new devotion of the Holy Rosary.

Inspired by the Holy Spirit and the Blessed Virgin, St. Dominic fervently preached the importance and value of the rosary to the people of Toulouse until they embraced it.

AS A DOMINICAN SCHOOL Alongside other Dominican schools in Manila, Letran has been a part of the festivities of La Naval for many years with a

reason: that the Dominicans were the ones who started the praying of the holy rosary.

It is in our noble tradition to attend the La Naval mass and be part of the procession to commemorate the miracles that happened years ago. Mr. Dyun Zamora, head of Theology department, recalls how it was like back then and said that the La Naval participation of Letran evolve from merely following the carosa to having banners and standees which served not only as markers of each course but also as a means of professing their devotion to Our Lady of La Naval.

When asked about the significance of this feast to Letranites, Fr. John Stephen Besa, Vice President for Religious Affairs, said: “Ang importante lang naman dito kahit taon-taon ay nakikita pa rin ng bata yung relevance ni Mary sa kanilang buhay.

Pinanunumbalik natin yung debosyon ng mga bata lalo na ng mga students kay Mary.”

On the same note, he said that rosary plays a significant part in our life as Letranites because of our tradition of having a rosary in our pockets which makes this celebration even more relevant to the Letran community.

8

FEATURES

FEATURES EDITOR: LOUISE LIZAN LAYOUT ARTIST: XAMANTHA ASDISEN

Another Wonder Within The Walls

BY DYLAN AFUANG

There is always something to see, do, and eat for the people who frequent the Walled City--people of all ages, class, and race, even (what with the many tourists) – this is why one can always see a flurry of activity there.

And so recently, specifically in the tail end September, the City saw another attraction in its fringes: The Intramuros Night Market.

“We got the inspiration from traveling... We wanted to have something like Shilin Night Market in Taiwan or Dongdaemun in Seoul be put here in Manila,” says a representative from the market’s proprietor, The Wall, when asked how the Night Market came about. “Given that Intramuros is a historic place and is very popular to foreign visitors, we want this night market to be another go-to destination.”

GOOD FOOD As it is apparent in the name, this food and entertainment park (we’ll get to that later), situated in General Luna Street. corner Victoria is open every

day from 3p.m. until 12 midnight.

The food stalls that currently stand here serve an eclectic menu of dishes inspired from the local fare of other countries, and of course, the ultimate Instagram-perfect place for your #feedgoals, not only satisfying your stomach but also your aesthetic-self.

One of these foreign delights is ramen, which Manbee Japanese House will happily serve -- and for an affordable price starting at 68 pesos, as announced in the promotion on social media. Compared to the other restaurants that serve ramen in malls, at about 200 pesos and above, imagine how much you’d save here, and what other things you can get with what you’ve saved.

And surely, the Japanese staple will be as tasty both to your taste buds and budgets in equal measure. Another stall that serves Japanese is Sakurajima, but this time they plug Japanese street food as its specialty. Meanwhile, La Chica Bonita taqueria is there to answer one’s craving for Mexican food.

The West isn’t to be outdone, too; and those with rather large appetites and stomachs will love infiniwings

and, well, the wings served there--is an all-you-can-eat affair that comes in interesting flavors such as ‘blazing hot,’ ‘chili choco,’ and pesto, among others.

And of course, for those seeking a break from meat can also have seafood at Above Sea Level, Lastly, local fare such as isaw, sisig, kwek-kwek, and fishball will still have their place amid all the international food mentioned, and they can be found at the Mel-G Snack Shack booth.

All this talk about food, let’s wash it down, shall we? There are a fruit shake and a buko juice stand. Or to make things more interesting, we can wash it down with a bottle of beer that can be bought in a buyone-take-one free basis, or during the happy hours of 3p.m to 8p.m.

GOOD MUSIC During the grand opening of the Night Market, rock band Silent Sanctuary performed in its grounds, providing the guests with lively entertainment.

The market’s proprietors are currently looking for musical acts--which mean that any of us with talent can be one of the attractions as well.

Few celebrities also promoted the Market in anticipation of its opening— and that’s telling of how much they want guests going in the Market’s gates that was proven to be through as guests flooded at the moment they opened.

From what can be seen now, more people will surely visit.

The time the market and all its attractions are open is perfect for those de-stressing sessions after work or school with colleagues or classmates.

“In a few months’ time, we are bound to expand to having more shopping outlets and fun festival games to keep the hype up,” The Wall expresses.

It’s as if the place doesn’t hype us up already.

Women Of Now: Fighting Off Sexual Harassment

BY LOUISE LIZAN AND CHANTAL MACARAEG

Following the issue of Gretchen Fullido against sexual harassment inside the media industry, social media sites on the Philippines broke out into chaos – both support and shock alike flooding the networks as the reporter is the first Filipino TV personality to speak up and file a complaint in opposition to her co-workers.

This subjects to prove that anyone can be put through sexual harassment anywhere at any given time, and can also happen from the people who surround you.

However, the case is yet to be resolved for both sides have disparate justifications about the issue. The accused defended their side and explained that the exchange of text messages between them and Fullido was distorted which caused confusion. Ces Drilon, a veteran ABS-CBN news reporter, was also implicated of victim blaming by Fullido which the Drilon, later on, addressed that the statement the former said about her during the investigation had been distorted.

“I encourage and support women to exercise their right to come out with truthful stories of harassment and abuse and I would never belittle any of such move.” Drilon indicated in her official statement regarding the issue, exclaiming that she was also a victim of sexual harassment.

This matter in question, however, sparked a movement amongst citizens living in a world where everyone is vulnerable, and in a place, no one seems to feel safe anymore.

At schools, public and private places, and in the

workplace, may it be a man or woman, there is no running away from it. Everyone is a susceptible target and a probable victim of this unscrupulous act which remains prevalent in the society up until this very moment.

Although both genders are possible victims by sexual harassment, women are more affected by this on a wider margin.

Some people wonder why most women find it so hard to speak up about their own experiences and stories that involve sexual harassment. They ponder why some victims choose to suffer in silence instead of standing up for themselves and fighting back. It is because they are afraid of being blamed.

Blamed for something that they did not ask for.

“Dahil sa suot niya yan, kaya siya nababastos,” needs to come to an end.

It is so easy for people to conclude that these victims wanted it, assuming that they show interest and welcome unwanted advances just because of the way they dress and act when they only intend to express themselves. People are so quick to judge that they forget who the real ones are that need to be condemned. It is the perpetrator’s fault after all.

In today’s time, it is gratifying that more women found the courage to come forward, to stand up for themselves and to put an end to the misogyny that had been existing for too long. The women of now used their voice to spell out the harsh reality of living as a woman in this patriarchal society.

She is a woman. Brave is she.

Nightmare! At The Colegio

BY CHANTAL MACARAEG

Throughout college, it’s almost impossible coming out of the Colegio without a story to share.

Ranging from humorous tales from your friends to old horror stories passed down by your seniors with a little bit of myth or mischief mixed in along the way. But witnessing it firsthand with barely any time to escape, what has happened is sure to haunt your dreams for the next few days, weeks, or probably all the way up to graduation.

Grab your tin foil hats and spirit boxes because let’s get spooky.

1. THE CASE OF DIMINISHING SERVING SIZES If one visits the first floor of the student center, wails of students can be heard.

Sometimes if you’re close enough, you could actually hear their stomach growl. Rumor has it that it’s caused by the diminishing serving sizes.

Nobody knows where the extra food goes, and up until now, it remains a mystery.

When the staff visited the place, it was almost a ghost town. A stray cat would climb on the table as if they owned the place. Determined to prove that the rumors of diminishing food sizes are true, the staff ordered a meal from a tired-looking employee.

At the back, another employee watched us with hawk-eyes, daring us to say something.

A chill ran down their spine when the server began to put the food – and that’s where they realized they should’ve run when they got a chance.

Saying that the serving size got smaller was an understatement.

The look of shock, horror, and fear struck throughout the table. “This is ridiculous!” One of them cried out in frustration. There is nothing they could do other than consume the food. But it wouldn’t ever enough to fill them.

2. POP QUIZ No one is sure where it exactly originated. It just pops out of nowhere and attacks unsuspecting students.

It starts with a loud burst of “Get a ¼ sheet of paper!,” and ends in chaos.

Pop Quiz often attaches itself to a professor and rears its ugly head during class, another horrifying battle between the students and their professors. Truly terrifying, leaving students going out of the room with a stunned silence.

During a Pop Quiz attack, one is advised to stay calm to avoid further triggering the infected. First, calmly try to get the ¼ paper and a pen, which would be your primary weapons.

Once you acquire, proceed to attack in any manner you can. The best way to attack Pop Quiz is through Stock Knowledge and Advanced Reading.

Pop Quizzes come in all forms and sizes, ranging from a tiny 5-item one to a random, out of nowhere introductory quiz composed of 25 items and a Chinese proverb you must invoke upon your ancestors grave.

But they all have the same trait: the element of surprise and their ability to render their victims helpless.

The attack can last for as little as under 10 minutes, with the maximum time being 30 minutes. As opposed to popular belief, they’re actually semicommon. Minor subjects usually have the highest appearance rate of Pop Quizzes, averaging on 2-3 a week. 5 if you’re unlucky.

3. TERRIFIED-BY-KATHERINEMCPHEE.MP3 The room was silent. Several students would glance at the door

every once in a while, wondering what to expect.

None of them dared to speak above a whisper.

The doors opened and the room suddenly grew colder. You heard your seatmate gasp behind you as the seniors watched in horror on who walked in -- an infamous terror strutting their way towards the middle of the room.

You can feel the hairs on the back of your neck stand as they look around, their gaze much colder than the Student Center rooms on a fine day.

The room was already silent but even the whirring of the aircon is suddenly gone when they utter the words: “Good morning class. I will be your professor for this semester.”

When the seniors who passed this professor subject warned you that they’re downright terrifying, you didn’t expect to recite every single word that is synonymous to “SCARY”. As if their appearance didn’t make you almost pee your pants, the requirements were even scarier.

“No one is allowed to submit late.

There would be a short quiz at the end of the week to see how much you learned. Latecomers are considered to be absent. No talking, no sleeping, and most definitely no eating in my class. The use of mobile phones is discouraged. All requirements are to be submitted right before my class.

Am I making myself clear?”

Forget hell week. The whole semester being hell can consider it as a piece of cake.

If someone notices you make a sign of the cross before entering the room, please don’t ask. The devil is probably scared of them too. It was like having an out of body experience.

Oh wait, do you still have your soul at this point? Yes? Congratulations on having an immunity against Terroria Professorensis.

Worry not though, they’ll snap back to life after getting out of the class.

Hopefully, forever.

4. WHEN YOUR WALLET DOES THE HARRY HOUDINI THING This could be one of the worst things to happen to a student. You come to school with a full wallet, as full as your hopes and dreams for the day. But the moment you step in, it just… disappears. Poof. Gone. Nada.

No more money. It probably ran away with your zest for life too.

Just like Pop Quiz, they often come out of nowhere. But there is always the same warning sign for all Biglang Gastos: An upcoming event.

Everyone knows that a new event means you’ll have to hold on tighter to your wallets. When a Biglaang Gastos attacks, there’s nothing you can do about it. The best you can do is hope you’d come home with spare change in your pocket or transportation money.

There are more of these creatures roaming around in Letran. What makes them sound scarier than what they’re supposed to be is because we’re always caught off-hand. Pop Quiz in the morning and Biglang Gastos in the afternoon? You’re meeting Terror Professor today and they’re having a quiz? The only food you can actually afford now are the ones in the canteen and you feel the need to bawl on the floor because of the serving size? Just a typical day.

But it’s always the littlest things that get us the most. Sure that Pop Quiz was scary but you ended up scoring pretty well, putting you in a good mood for the rest of the day.

Maybe that Biglang Gastos was worth it. Your Terror Professor smiled? That must be a miracle, a retweet for good luck kind of thing.

Features

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Museums And Galleries Month: Celebrating Through Underrated Museums Worth-Visiting

BY MEILINDA MARIE MALACAT & RAINE CEPEDA

Ah, October.

The month of Museums and Galleries, places which serve as a sanctuary and a source of inspiration to many are being highlighted for displaying diverse culture and its marvels.

It doesn’t only give an excuse to all history enthusiasts to go over again their favorite museums and walk in awe in the halls that emits the air of bygone days.

However, not only do the underrated museums need attention – but it is without a doubt (and without distance) to put in here the newest museum in the umbrella of the National Museum: the National Museum of Natural History, but however, that’s for another time.

This is the moment to put into the spotlight some underrated museums within the bustling Metro.

BAHAY TSINOY MUSEUM Among all the other significant museums seated within the sumptuous walls of Intramuros, this ancestral museum unfolds the relevant contributions of the Chinese in the Philippine history through the course of time.

It features fascinating dioramas of the sangleys (how the Spanish called the Chinese) in early colonial days up to their settlement, including their lives as laborers and merchants.

A section beautified with alluring portraits showcases prominent Filipino-Chinese people in dominant fields such as politics and business. Delicate relics like pots, plates, and porcelains are displayed exquisitely within the extravagant structure.

Immersing in this tour, it can be undeniable how influential the Chinese are in painting the colorful narrative of the Filipino culture.

THE MONEY MUSEUM Within the complex of BangkoSentral ng Pilipinas, the nation’s monetary authority resides a haven for coin buffs and history junkies alike.

The Money Museum showcases an extensive collection of currency used throughout our country’s history. As repository and custodian of the country’s numismatic heritage, the Museum studies, preserves, and collects coins, paper notes, medals, artifacts, and monetary items found in the Philippines during its different historical period.

Designed to walk the visitor through a

number of galleries, individually dedicated to a specific historical period, the Museum visually narrates the development of the Philippine economy, alongside with the evolution of its currency.

Ironically, despite its name, the Money Museum is one of the few museums that are free of charge, though, in exchange, you have to go through a pretty heavy security.

METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF MANILA This title may not be interesting to some people but to those who are willing to see past its title would definitely know that this museum also deserves some audience.

Just a few steps away from the Money Museum stands the Met (as it’s popularly called), which houses a collection of precolonial and contemporary Philippine art.

The museum is divided into four galleries: The tall gallery, which holds a collection of artworks from different artists in Southeast Asia.

The upper gallery that exhibits modern and contemporary art in the Philippines, it has 5 sections: horizon, trajectory, latitude, sphere, and direction- metaphors that invite audience to be cartographers of the

contemporary themselves, charting their own course along, against, and beyond this rendering of the routes of the modern and the contemporary.

Sadly, the open gallery and basement gallery is not yet opened to the public but worry not, because even if with only 2 galleries on display, the Met will surely satisfy your modern artistic cravings.

MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART AND DESIGN If you’re a fan of bizarre masterpieces then venture into the streets of Malate, you will find a museum that doesn’t only appreciate the past but looks also to the future.

Housed within the campus of De La Salle – College of Saint Benilde School of Design and Arts, The Museum of Contemporary Art and Design or MCAD Manila serves as a hub for modern art.

From eye-catching paintings to complex sculptures, and larger-than-life installations and stirring performance art pieces, MCAD Manila has it all. Visiting MCAD Manila is definitely a breath of fresh air from typical museums as it showcases a large space for modern art.

Ready, set, scare: Horror films to binge-watch this Halloween

As Halloween draws near, it is without a doubt that the spooks is set to come alive.

Be happily terrified and savor the mark of the spine-chilling Month by watching this films that have surely branded in the genre of horror and in the definition of scary.

Warning though, we recommend not watching this film alone or in the dark as it is scaring even to the bravest heart. Remember to heed thy warning!

1. SCREAM Wes Craven’s slasher film will make every viewer too afraid to pick up the phone. Scream (1996) is undoubtedly one of the classics; it considered a film norm of the Halloween month.

It is fast, clever, undeniably bloody and full of surprises accompanied by a really comfortable cinematography that complements the motion of its overall. Craven’s film made the infamous screaming mask that one wouldn’t want to see outside of their windows on Halloween night.

2. HELLRAISER A fan of dead people coming back to life? Then Hellraiser will deliver.

This 1987 film directed by Clive

Barker is famous for Pinhead and the Cinobites. If one’s looking for a film that is gory and genuinely disturbing, then this film is right up to the alley. What is scary about the Cinobites, the antagonists of the film is that they can appear out of nowhere to hook you up, literally.

Gory, Bloody, and ultimately disturbing are the words that can define this film.

3. GET OUT Scared to introduce a significant other to your family? This film would probably try to deepen that fear more with a brilliant and original screenplay.

Get Out by Jordan Peele that gave a heart-pumping and mindblogging effect to those who have watched it that it was considered to be one of the biggest horror movies of 2017. It won numerous awards and recognition for its intelligent execution, even if it’s not as terrifying as all the horror films up to date. Get out is a significant smart horror that certainly needs to be viewed.

4. THE SHINING Here comes Johnny!

Even if one hasn’t watched Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining, Jack Nicholson’s face on the middle of

a broken door can be seen almost everywhere on the internet – and that’s from the 1980’s film, The Shining. It is one of the decorated films of the horror genre, it scary, innovative and unsettling.

While it is really a haunted house story it packs a ride and it doesn’t lack the creeps.

5. BLAIR WITCH PROJECT Can students please stop going through scary woods and not get themselves killed?

Directed by Eduardo Sanchez and Kevin Foxe, Blair Witch Project is said to have defined the Footage Cinematography of horror films.

With a brilliantly crafted, confusing and a real headache inducing plot plus another key ingredient of all horror films can possibly result in a chilling one and a half hour of a person’s life.

6. THE EXORCIST Fear seeps in a person’s mind when it’s based on a real story.

This is probably the scariest film of the list, even after all the surge of film adaptations of exorcisms.

William Friedkin’s The Exorcist is a definitive horror classic acted brilliantly by Linda Blair. If you think you’re tough then, please,

give this film a shot. This film is so scary that a person would want to sleep beside their parents to be able to sleep overnight. No judgments, of course.

7. FENG SHUI What year were you born?

Chito S. Rono’s Film Feng Shui is an excellent tale of a grim storytelling with suited everything.

The elements of this horror film from its cinematography to its actors complement each other that it fulfills a dark and ghastly picture of what the film is intended to be.

Though the film is far from perfect it surely lives up to its genre of horror. This will give a person second thoughts on looking to any reflective surfaces from now on.

8. A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET Sleep with one eye open from now on, if that’s possible.

A Nightmare on Elm Street

by Wes Craven is a real creative piece that takes horror to further heights, and that can also be a result to sleepless nights. The film is extremely a memorable film of crimson filled teenage murders. A deep compelling story adds to this film quality of goodness. And in

terms of its horror genre in overall, the film is bloody brilliant, a film of a nightmare filled with terror and claws.

9. THE BABADOOK If a child says there’s a monster in the house, then there probably is.

The Babadook by Jennifer Kent will just not scare the mind but also the deep roots in the heart. It is a film of feat in terms of the horror genre one can’t say that it is relatively new.

It’s dark brooding cinematography offer the mood of unsettling and of suspenseful quality.

10. REC Surely not most of the horror films don’t involve anything about media people, right? Wrong.

Rec (2007) is a Spanish film directed by Jaume Balaguero and Paco Plaza. It is fast-paced paired with the footage cinematography that adds disturbing and gutwrenching horror. Rec is a well put together film that can be added to the long lines of excellent horror films. It moves seamlessly that viewers of this film can expect a terrifying adventure within the confines of a small building inducing an exhausting claustrophobic feel.

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SPORTS

SPORTS EDITOR: JONASH DANNUG LAYOUT ARTIST: XAMANTHA ASDISEN

in the limelight A breakout into the taekwondo scene

BY HANNAH HERAMIA

difficulties of being a studentathlete. When asked on how she balances her time for both her life as an athlete and as a student, she said that devoting an equal amount of time to playing and studying plays a vital role.

“Pagdating ko ng Letran it was difficult kasi I need to be focused on both acads and training plus NCAA. It took me awhile hanggang sa I got used to that routine,” she shared.

Just like other athletes, she knows where her priorities lie, and what she wants to do in life. Having a set of goals pushes her to work harder and to be better, even if it means that she has to sacrifice rest and leisure.

“Tutulong ako sa family business namin after I graduate. Gusto ko din makatulong sa Letran Taekwondo Team, even if I am no longer a student-athlete of the Colegio just to give back what the team has given me,” she added.

It has always been sweet to emerge as the champion in any competition.

And this has been the goal for taekwondo player and NCAA 93 welterweight silver medalist Aerielle Ang, after making her mark on the collegiate mats and donning the colors of Letran to end their medal drought in last year’s Taekwondo Championship.

With an individual silver medal and a first runner-up finish to cap off Season 93, Ang is one of the most offensively capable players who look to provide the kick that could send the team to an eventual gold in the coming years.

HUMBLE BEGINNINGS It seems that the love for taekwondo runs in her family with Ang learning the sport at a young age. As almost all of her family members are adept in the martial art, the Pangasinan native eventually took the sport seriously as well.

“I started when I was in Grade 2. It started as a hobby naming magpipinsan until sa naging busy na sila hanggang sa ako na lang nagcontinue nitong sport until now,” explained Ang on how she started as a taekwondo enthusiast.

Of course, this martial artist never forgets her roots. Originally, she was introduced to Letran by the encouragement of her former teammate. She then gave it a try and attended tryouts prior to entering college until she was accepted by the institution as a walk-in recruit and was eventually awarded an athletic

PHOTO FROM AERIELLE ANG

scholarship.

Much like any other athlete that competes in the collegiate level, she is no stranger to competitions that highlight the skills of a martial arts player. She mentioned that her most notable achievements are represented by the numerous medals that she has received from competing in several tournaments.

SEEKING CONSISTENCY Ang believes that success has two implications. Not only is she expected to do extremely well in sports, she is also obliged to excel academically, in order to bring pride to the Colegio on and off the mats.

A fourth year student majoring in Operations Management, she comprehends all too well the

COMPETITIVE RENAISSANCE Now on the final leg of her journey, Ang gathers her composure just as a determined competitor would do before the impending battle. Victory or otherwise, what matters most to her is the support she receives from her teammates, family, and alma mater.

“This last season, I promise my team and our coaches, na sama sama kaming aangat. Walang maiiwan.

I also promise na this year kahit kapos sa ensayo, pipilitin ko manalo para sa kanila to bring honor,” she ended, and what could be sweeter than that?

Dismal again: Aqua Knights struggle to finish season strong

PHOTO BY MICHAEL ESTUPIGAN UNDERWHELMING. The Aqua Knights concluded their season with another subpar campaign.

BY MIGUEL LA TORRE

The Letran Aqua Knights capped off their NCAA Season 94 campaign in a subpar manner after finishing eighth, a spot lower compared to their dismal Season 93 finish.

Dan Christian Layba swiped one silver and two bronze medals in the backstroke competition. Stephen De Jesus bagged two bronze medals as well in the butterfly contention. Joaquin Bayan and Kyle Santos each have one bronze, for breaststroke and

freestyle respectively.

These recognitions are the silver lining in the Aqua Knights’ Season 94 campaign as they settled for an eight finish.

Head coach Rommel Ayie Alcantara blamed their lousy finish to the lack of

preparation time. “’Yung training namin maikisi rin kasi.

Nag start kami July na tapos September ang competition and medyo kapos din sa scouting,” he explained.

“Medyo marami ang gawain sa school, hindi sila [players] training nang maayos.

Maraming conflict eh, anim ang graduating ko,” the rookie coach added.

Team captain Nathaniel Ramos also shared the same sentiments, saying: “This season really hit the team hard. We prepared for the season very short. We had a very limited time to prepare and most of us are jammed with school works. Also, with the addition of our new coach, our team would have to adjust in the new program,” he said.

“Preparation for the season is a main factor that could have made our season better. We really didn’t have that much time to prepare,” the Marketing Management senior added.

However, despite their underwhelming campaign, Alcantara bared that his target will be Season 95.

“For this year kasi medyo late na ako nag start eh, so kapa-kapa pa lang pero ang target ko is Season 95,” the former assistant coach said.

Ramos didn’t let this season get the best of him too, looking into it as a way to learn and improve.

“I didn’t see anything wrong about this season in fact it’s a great opportunity for the team to strive harder and be hungry for next season. I’m proud of my team even though we didnt achieve our target place this season atleast i know that we played our hearts in every swim,” the captain said.

The women’s team stayed in eight overall while the juniors team, on the other hand, moved up to seventh place; one place higher than before.

Sports

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Five Letranites receive Player of the Week plum was named co-player of the week together with King Lion Robert Bolick who dropped 50 points that week against the Arellano University Chiefs.

PHOTO BY ANGELA DAVOCOL OUTSTANDING. Bong Quinto and co. bagged the PoW award in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament.

BY CARL ARGARIN

The Letran Knights are having an excellent run this season. However, the Intramuros-based squad’s fine play cannot be attributed to just one player. Letran proved its depth after five Knights bagged the NCAA Press Corps Chooks-to-Go Player of the Week award in the elimination round.

JP Calvo, Bong Quinto, Jerrick Balanza, Koy Galvelo and Larry Muyang delivered big time performances to lift Letran to a

VOLLEYBALL FROM PAGE 12 exposure ng team.”Other facets that he pondered on are strength and conditioning, factors that they might have lacked last season.

Nonetheless, these adjustments will not be a problem to the team with the guidance of head coach Brian Esquibel--who had recently been a part of the coaching staff for the Philippine team in Asian Games.

New beginning As the competition draws near, both teams are making all the necessary preparations for the upcoming matches on the court in order to improve from last year’s finishes.

Recovering from last season’s nightmare, new faces from both teams will welcome this year’s

LETRAN F.C FROM PAGE 12

solo third spot while sporting a 13-4 record.

LEADERS STEPPING-UP After losing their season opener to the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA Altas, JP Calvo took matters into his own hands and dropped 16 points against the San Sebastian College Golden Stags to give Letran its first win of the tournament. Calvo was the first recipient of the weekly plum.

The Knights went on a slump, losing back-to-back games against

NCAA volleyball tournament.

However, this did not affect their focus as Sison assured that their team is more prepared this time and will be better in terms of skills. He shared, “Lahat ng bagong players namin kalat-kalat pinanggalingan.

Ang masasabi ko lang lahat sila malaki matutulong sa team.

Nakakatuwa lang kasi medaling makinig ang mga bata.”

The Letran Knights hope that the upcoming season will mark their rise after their winless campaign. Sison affirmed, “Mas nag double time at nagsipag kami ngayon sa training kasi ginawa naming basis ‘yung last season namin at ayaw naming maulit ‘yun dahil may goal kami ngayong season.”

On the other hand, the Lady Knights as of press time have not released an official line-up.

Head coach Michael Inoferio then shared that he and his

successful in bringing back the Seniors team after failing to do so in the past years.

Now that he brought back the Seniors team, his task is to make sure that the team is competitive enough to go toe-to-toe with rival schools.

Velasquez will be fielding-in a team composed of rookies to banner their comeback.

TENNIS FROM PAGE 12

hindi na kagaya dati na relaxed.

Forty-five minutes jogging tapos three to five sets of plyometrics,” he added.

For this season, San Jose promised nothing than a top

perennial contenders San Beda University Red Lions and Lyceum of the Philippines University Pirates. Luckily for them, Bong Quinto was up to the task as he put up two consecutive triple-double performances to sweep their last two games of the first round against the Mapua University Cardinals and the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals.

Quinto was the second awardee from Intramuros after averaging 11.5 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists during that span. He

coaching staff are already planning who will be the possible team captain for the upcoming season.

It is not a rare sight to see players come and go each season as senior middle blocker Rhosselle Urriza pointed out, “As one of the seniors in our team, nahirapan kami nung una dahil ‘yung team naming ngayon is mostly composed of rookies so kailangan talaga nabuuin ‘yung team. Kailangan lahat mag adjust, bata ka man o senior ka sa team.”

Amid all the struggles both the Knights and Lady Knights went through, the teams will bounce back in Season 94 as they hope to get a good start to their season with a new system.

Letran volleyball teams are set to get back on the court on November 14, 2018, Wednesday, at the FilOil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

“We are the only team wherein all of the players are first years. We are the youngest, smallest, least tactically-sounded team,” he said.

“Since we offer the least privileges to our football athletes, we have to be creative and realistic. But we have a 5-year plan to be very competitive. Our recruitment choices change every year. It is again about building our own football culture and philosophy,” Velasquez added.

finish, saying: “Mapa-promise namin is makakapasok kami ng Final Four, titibayan namin.

Hindi nakatulad dati na lahat ng singles player, bumibigay,” he said in confidence.

“Final Four tapos gagapangin nalang namin hanggang championship. Kaya naman,

sinasabi rin ng ibang school na malakas angLetran,” he added, as they received praises from their competitiors.

The Letran Tennis Team is scheduled to kick-start their Season 94 campaign on November 29, at the Rizal Sports Complex.

OFF-COURT PRESENCE Entering the second round of the NCAA Season 94, Letran lost the services of Jerrick Balanza who is then facing the biggest battle of his career. Balanza was diagnosed with a brain tumor in the temporal lobe of his brain.

However, the latter played a vital part in Letran’s victory against Arellano as he served as the Knights’ inspiration in the 9982 victory which is why the NCAA Press Corps decided to hand him the weekly plum in September to become the third Letranite to bag the award.

The 21-year old wingman was averaging 7.6 points 2.6 rebounds and 2.2 assists in the first round of the season.

NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK With Balanza out, another Knight filled in for his spot, and this time it was Koy Galvelo who cherished the limelight. Galvelo finally got his rhythm and took home the recognition as he led Letran to two straight victories and averaged 15.5 points per game against EAC and the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers in the last week of September.

Letran head coach Jeff Napa’s previous statement about Galvelo was finally proven true, “Hindi ba I told you that he’s a very important player?

Hindi siya bangko.

Kailangan lang niya ng confidence

talaga,” he said.

As for Galvelo, he’s only doing his job which is to help his team in any way possible.

“As a rookie, syempre kailangan mag-step up. Tapos yun nga, sa pagkawala ni Jerrick [Balanza], kailangan talaga ng suporta. ‘Yung mga teammate ko, sinasabi na kailangan talaga naming tumulong,” On the other hand, Larry Muyang outmuscled his competition in Letran’s biggest victory in the elimination round to become the fifth player to nab the player of the week award.

Facing a hulking Mike Nzeusseu of the LPU Pirates, the 6’5 juggernaut bullied his way inside as he finished with 23 points and 16 rebounds on almost perfect shooting night 11of-12 shooting from the field to go along with four blocks in Letran’s 80-79 victory last October 7.

Muyang credited his teammate Jerrick Balanza for the surprise visit which gave them the energy and inspiration they needed to pull off the huge win.

“Nung una, ‘di ko napansin si Jerrick tapos bigla rin nya akong tinawag kanina. Tapos parang biglang nabuhayan ako ng dugo kasi sabi nga ni Bong, yung kapatid namin nanonood,” he said.

Team captain Quinto commended the rest of the team for helping them achieve the feat. “Hindi namin makukuha yung mga ganyang bagay kung hindi dahil sa mga kasama namin,” he said.

“Lahat kami sa team, players of the week. Sobrang proud ako sa team namin ngayon. Sobrang laking privilege sa akin na makasama ko silang lahat,” he added.

Chess team settles for sixth place

PHOTO BY ENRIQUE AGCAOILI SUBPAR FINISH. The Letran chess team settled for a sixth place finish in the NCAA Season 94 chess tournament.

BY MIGUEL LA TORRE

After placing fifth last year, the Letran Chess team slid to a lowly sixth overall slot to finish their National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 94 chess tournament.

National Grand Master Coach Roland Perez rued his team’s lack of experience as the reason for their downfall.

“Ang kulang is experience. Nag succumb sila sa pressure. Sa chess kasi, ang nagbibigay ng pressure is ‘yung time. Once na well-experienced ka na, composed ka. Just like in any other sports,” the veteran coach explained.

“Number one is meron kaming number of tournaments na dapat salihan. Meron kaming performance goal and activity goal. Dapat before the NCAA, lumakas na ‘yung rating system namin,” he added.

Despite the subpar finish, Perez is making no other move but up, filling the void that has affected the team.

“Instead of doing the daily trainings

that they do, kailangan meron kaming number of tournaments din na kailangan malaro and meron akong pinapagawa sa kanila na they actually have to do every day,” he said.

“Actually, we have a group chat and I give them grades. Nagkaroon lang kami ng two weeks na pahinga but now, balik na kami sa training. Actually nung nakaraan lang, may sinalihan kami na tournament; that is to give them further experience,” he added.

On the other hand, the Juniors chess team failed to defend their crown as they came short against the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA Altas in the final four.

Perpetual went on to win the cup while the young chess team from Intramuros settled for the third place.

“Ang dami naming missed chances actually. Karamihan ng players ay rookie.

Dalawa lang ang natira sa champion lineup. Lalo na sa seniors, isa lang ang veteran tapos parang alternate lang namin,” said Perez.

Sports The Lance

SOAR HIGH. Letran volleyball teams aim to bounce back in Season 94 after lowly finish in ‘93.

Letran volleyball teams brace for NCAA Season 94

BY HANNAH HERAMIA

With the basketball season coming to a close, this is where indoor volleyball season takes the floor as it has been one of the highlights in the latter parts of the NCAA. A fresh start will allow teams to

build on their progress as Season 94 will be a new opportunity for the Letran volleyball teams to redeem themselves after settling in the lower half of the league in the previous years.

Hungry for a Final Four finish, both teams will do all in their power

to avoid another lackluster season.

FLASH FROM THE PAST The Letran Knights concluded Season 93 in a disappointing tenth place with nine straight losses in the elimination round while the Lady Knights, on the other hand, ended

Young Letran F.C vows to be competitive despite lack of training facility

their campaign in seventh place with a 3-6 win-loss slate, ahead of EAC Lady Generals, Lyceum Lady Pirates, and Mapua Lady Cardinals.

Spearheading the hunt for glory in the upcoming season for the men’s team is Zechariah Sison--the skipper will be relying on a very

PHOTO FROM THE LANCE FILES

young supporting cast to fill in the holes left by the loss of key players.

Sison mentioned last season’s lapses, “Mas kailangan pa namin ng communication sa loob at labas ng court, tiwala sa isa’t isa at » VOLLEYBALL / PAGE 11

Letran tennis team puts premium on conditioning ahead of Season 94 campaign

PHOTO BY ASH PARINGIT MOTIVATED. Letran’s collegiate football team commences their training on solid ground.

BY MIGUEL LA TORRE

Despite the lack of proper training facility and equipment, the Letran Manila F.C looks to make noise in the National Collegiate Athletic Association(NCAA) Season 94 as they are set to hit the grass on November 20, at the Rizal Sports Complex.

Without a proper field to train on, the young Knights had to be creative, and took advantage of the grass fields atop the walls of Intramuros.

“Mas nakakadagdag kasi sa skill kapag sa grass nag te-training. Actually bawal dun, pwede tumakbo pero bawal gumamit ng bola. Kaya 6 am kami nag te-training para wala masyadong tao,” team captain Xryll Sese explained.

Despite the lack of logistics, Sese believes that their determination and drive will be the key to their campaign.

“Hindi naman kasi siguro sa lugar ‘yun, nasa determination at drive pa rin na mag training. ‘Yun ‘yung nag momotivate sa amin despite of the

circumstance,” Sese added.

Another struggle that the team had to endure is their familiarity with each other, as most of the team is composed of first-timers.

“Lahat kasi kami bago so ‘yung iba, mabilis ma-offend. Ang ginagawa namin is ‘yung bonding namin, nakikipag close kami sa isa’t isa, kinikilala namin lalo para ganahan mag laro,” Sese said.

Still, even with these unfortunate circumstances, Sese assures that the team will be competing at a very high level.

“Hindi ako makakapag promise na makakapasok kami sa Finals pero sa tingin ko, since nakikita ko naman paano maglaro mga teammates ko, kaya naming makipag sabayan sa mga teams,” Team Captain Sese said with conviction.

Letran F.C head coach Xarex Velasquez, who was a member of the 1999 championship team, was

» LETRAN F.C / PAGE 11

PHOTO BY ANGELA DAVOCOL TOUGH GRIND. Letran tennis squad added more practice time in preparation for Season 94.

BY MIGUEL LA TORRE

The Letran tennis team finished fourth last season after falling behind great rivals College of Saint Benilde in game two of their twice-to-beat match-up.

Benilde went on to win the championship in the final round.

Former team captain Ivan Valenzuela together with partner Vincent Gelaga has already departed Letran while singles ace Carl Ubalde transferred to CSB. Singles player Hilbert San Jose is named the new captain and groundstroke-doubles stalwart John Mark Alvarez is included back in the line-up after suffering from a gruelling

wrist injury.

To correct their mistakes last year, Coach Rojo arranged a new training routine to help his team for the upcoming season. “‘Last year, Monday, Wednesday, at Friday ang training namin. This year, everyday na. Puro plyometrics tapos meron kaming tinatawag na on-court training.

Pinagsasabay na naming para maka-iwas [sa] cramps,” he said.

San Jose, who is filling a big void left by Valenzuela, shared the same insights and rued the lack of time to prepare last season.

“Ang mali kasi last season is ‘yung lower body at right arm.

Napansin ko kasi last year, sa 3rd set kami nadadali palagi.

Kulang kami sa preparation at conditioning,” San Jose explained, as majority of the team’s matches went downhill during the third set.

The team is giving more premium to body conditioning to address the issues that hampered their campaign last year.

“Ang paghahanda na ginagawa namin is mostly drills and conditioning. ‘Yung body tapos workout, gym. Lahat ng footwork drills, more lower body conditioning tapos mas mahigpit na kami sa plyometrics, » TENNIS / PAGE 11