The Luzonian Broadsheet 2017-2018 by The Luzonian

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@daelmseuf

Volume LXIX | Issue 1

August-December 2017

University President receives Asia’s Education Excellence Award

Official Publication of the Collegiate Student Body of Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation, Lucena City

An Autonomous University

Luzonian The

NOW YOU SEE IT

he MSEUF alloted a total of P2.7M to roll out huge innovations in IT services in keeping with the mission to provide ease and convenience in ICT services expected to be seen and felt in school year 2017-2018.

P2.7M-worth tech innovations to roll out this school year

According to Dr. Jose Tan, Jr., director of the Information and Communication Tehnology Department, his department rolled out the big IT projects including the reinfrastructure of the campus network that are vital to carry out the innovations and projected developments in the campus IT.

Mara Angeli E. Cadiz & Sophia Margarette R. Caagbay

Data center fortified The biggest allotment is the establishment of the Data Center and the reinfrastructure of the campus network costing a total of P1.2M. It includes the University-wide deployment of fiber optics and the data cabinet installment to the new location of the ICTD office, the library, strategically located in the center of the whole University. The innovations will establish an open and more reliable telecommunications network. Compared to the past system, fiber optics technology will allow a more reliable internet access from different buildings straight up to the data center. A data cabinet is a high-end data storage but instead of constructing a data center, a data cabinet can suffice all the data an organization like MSEUF holds. Dr. Tan also displayed the approved topology of the new campus network showing that every corner of the University will be given efficient internet services that could also contribute in the realization of the upcoming Universitywide IT projects. The innovations are expected bring about improvements in doing research and other academic processes such as enrolment and viewing of grades.

FOLLOW STORIES

ON PAGE 2

photo by:

Ervien Roxas CONFIGURING THE SECURITY. The safety of MSEUF IT systems is now assured as one of the ICTD technicians configures the P1.2M-worth security project purchase from Sophos providing Unified Threat Management.

FEATURES

Hon. Sen. Tobias C. Enverga Jr. file from ICTD EVERYONE IS NOW CONNECTED. The proposed fiber optic topology of the campus network shows that the Data Center (at ICTD office) is literally in the “center”of the University giving more convenient IT services, expected to be felt in the current school year.

in memoriam

“A tireless advocate for the Filipino community and people with disabilities, and founder of the Philippine Canadian Charitable Foundation.” - Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau

NEWS

EDITORIAL

DEVCOMM

SPORTS

9 academic programs vie for LEVEL III

Quality education: A work in progress

Your easy access weekend getaway

The recently concluded accreditation visit of the Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities-Commission on Accreditation (PACUCOA) is said to be the most extensive the University has done with nine undergraduate academic, including two graduate programs, vying for Level III and the Basic Education program for Level II.

The K-12 implementation is in its second year of operation. The first batch of fresh graduates from the senior high school program will soon graduate. The perceived effects of additional two years in high school that the Department of Education has been buzzing about will soon be seen.

In the noise of class requirements, work pressures, and many other hustle and bustle that we feel, we’re all looking for weekend getaways that can take us away from the sight of the to-do-lists and the feeling of pressure or stress. We all wish that amidst all the hustle and bustle, there’s an escape button to run away from all matters causing us headaches and sleepless nights.

Banyuhay dancers sweep awards in Quezon Gold Cup

Team MSEUF, composed of 11 Banyuhay dancers, swept awards in the latest Quezon Gold Cup Nov. 5. Schools all over the province participated in the event at SM City Lucena.

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The Luzonian

August-December 2017

New CAFA building under way Sophia Margarette R. Caagbay & Ada Loreen De Castro

he construction of the College of Architecture and Fine Arts (CAFA) new building with a tag price of P 19.5M started Oct. 2 replacing the former parking garage of school buses. CAFA had been sharing a building with the College of Computer Studies (CCS) for a long time since the early 1990s. But the long wait is soon over. The new twostorey CAFA building is expected to be occupied in 240 working days. Amenities and facilities of the new building are the typical academe structure with lecture rooms and laboratory intended for artistic and architectural requirements. The new building adjoins its own parking space compared to the other academic buildings inside the main campus premise. Other than that, its structure is no different from the other buildings with bricks with a mixture of white paint adjoining its parking space in front. The foundation of the building is strong with 700PSI hollow blocks costing around P32-P36 per piece. Materials for

photo by:

John Andrew Jeremiah Pacalada

BUSY BUILDERS. Workers are busy as the construction of the new CAFA Bldg. is expected to be done in 240 working days per contract.

CAS student participates in nat’l literary workshop Carmela Miranda

abriel Carlos “Abel” Cribe, an English major in the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), was selected in the tenth year of the Palihang Rogelio Sicat (PRS) in Tacloban City, Leyte May 23-29. He was also chosen for the second Amelia Lapeña-Bonifacio Writers Workshop (ALBWW) on Oct. 6-9 at the Oracle Hotel and Residences, Katipunan, QC. Cribe was one of the seven chosen for poetry for PRS. Six other young writers were selected for story and two for essay. The PRS is a nationwide search organized by the UP Department of Filipino and Philippine Literature, along with the UP Sentro ng Wikang Filipino. This year, UP Visayas-Tacloban campus hosted the yearly call for budding literary geniuses. Writing workshops and lectures highlighted the event. Novelist Eros Atalia delivered the key address. Richard Gappi, a poetjournalist, lectured on Panitikan sa Panahon ng Kalamidad (Literature in the Times of Calamity). Meanwhile, UP Professor Joey Baquiran shared his take on modern poetry even as Choi Pangilinan talked about popular literature and criticism. Jerry Gracio presented the local and national language’s importance to create literature. Dramatist Reuel Aguila and fictionist Jimmuel Naval, together with UP faculties, facilitated the writers’ workshop. Later in October, Cribe took part in the ALBWW featuring five poetry suites, six stories, and a one-act play from twelve writers. The UP Institute of Creative Writing organized the writing workshop. This year’s ALBWW focused on the works of young adult literature and Panitikang Pangkabataan with award-winning fictionists and playwrights Dean Alfar, Christine Bellen, Mina Esguerra, and Vim Nadera serving as panelists and teaching staff. Cribe continues his quest to conquer more literary milestones after publishing his literary compilation, Kapag Naibig at Iba Pang Tula. His advice for aspiring writers like him: “Huwag silang matakot

na ilabas ang kanilang mga akda. I-expose nila ito, ipabasa, ipakritik para sa ikauunlad ng panulat. At huwag ding matakot sumulat. Huwag puro isip lang. Huwag puro plano lang. Isulat ito. Ika nga. Shut up and write.”

the construction are provided by Jack Built. Many CAFA students are delighted with the construction of their new building. It would be of much help to their technical development as the new Architecture and Arts facility will be housing new amenities and laboratories fitted for their professional needs. CAFA requested a new building to attract more enrolees, a factor for its approval, according to Engr. Ramelito Calupig. The design professionals behind the new CAFA building are Ar. Raul M. Villanueva, Civil Structural Engineer Rafael Peter Villadiego, Professional Electrical Engineer Isidro S. Morales and Sanitary Engineer Lourdes Añoso Quevada. Engr. Lourdito S. Abela is in-charge of construction.

CBA snags Cantata win from CAS Jay Mel Nicomedez

he College of Business and Accountancy (CBA) sang their way to the championship of the annual inter-department choral competition, Christmas Cantata, held at AEC Little Theater, Dec. 7. With five entries this year featuring College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), College of Business and Accountancy (CBA), College of Education (CED), College of Engineering (CEng’g), and College of Tourism and Hotel and Restaurant Management (CTHRM), the traditional choric competition lit up the Christmas festivities of the University. Singing Gary Valenciano’s classic ‘Sana Ngayong Pasko’ as the contest piece and performing choice piece ‘Hark the Herald,’ CBA ended the dream of a threepeat title of the CAS to win this year’s competition. Following the champion is the brightly dressed CTHRM who performed a Filipino Christmas song and last on the podium in the millennialthemed performance is the CAS chorale. The MSEUF Concert Singers set the program rites to welcome the new MSEUF

Alumni Association Inc. President, Felix Versoza, who spoke about the essence of Christmas and University President, Madame Naila Leveriza who delighted the audience with her talk on the status of the University. Competition was adjudged by Fr. Dandi Parafina with Mrs. Estella Mylene Villanueva and Engr. Ramil Aguilar. In the same event, Ms. Mabel Granada, the master of ceremonies, announced the turn-over of free matriculation of Sharlane Thea Dimalibot sponsored by the MSEUFAA Inc. This year’s Cantata was organized by the Office of the Vice President for External Affairs, Office of Scholarships, Job Placements, and Alumni Relations, MSEUF Alumni Association Inc., and the University Collegiate Student Council.

photo by:

Wyeanne Gamboa

A BUSINESS FOR MUSIC. CBA Cantata performers sang Christmas carols to the audience for their gift of gold and joy.

from page 1

NOW YOU SEE IT

P2.7M-worth tech innovations to roll out this school year

Apart from the fiber optic University-wide reinfrastructure project, ICTD will work on other important developments. Dr. Tan gives the details.

Security level up Threat management against hacking and other online threats has been creating fuss these days. The University even upgraded its security walls by using Sophos. To match the security features, the University allotted P 1.4M for the purchase of Sophos, a British security software and hardware company, providing the University with UTM (United Threat Management) used as a firewall, an antivirus, and an anti-hacking technology protecting files and systems. In addition, the University now has its own Data Privacy Officer, ICTD Director Tan. This is in compliance with the Data Privacy Act compelling organizations collating personal data to abide with the Act to protect the privacy of the members of the organization (in MSEUF’s case, the students, faculties, employees, etc). The Data Privacy Officer is tasked to explain the provisions of the Data Privacy Act that each must be aware of. The University is likewise looking forward to full compliance with the Act by having a privacy impact assessment and drafting its own Privacy Manual in 2018.

Online enrollment: Long lines no more It is among the Envergista trends that during enrollment, long lines snake around the Registrar’s Office for students to be enlisted in the programs for the semester. First, they have to go to their respective colleges to get their class schedules. If they lack or need to enlist other unavailable courses, they have to

liaise with other colleges to get a course. Next, they need to have the courses chosen assessed. Then, they also go to another line to pay up. Finally, they have to queue for the registration form. Long lines and queuing during enrolment days will soon be over. Enrolment is now accessible using computer monitors. Students do not have to queue in different long lines during enrollment. The ICTD will soon implement online enrollment to bring students ease and convenience. Moreover, as students register in their accounts in the online enrollment system, they can choose subjects to be enlisted. The system can generate a slip that could be used to pay over the counter in banks or have a bank transfer mode in an online account with the soon-to-be partner banks. Eleazar Salanda, project developer of the proposed online enrollment, said that the system is slated to operate by 2018 but they are still in the process of negotiation with banks to be accredited in the payment feature and with the Registrar’s Office to finalize important registration matters.

RFID: The tech kick-off Among the new changes in the University is the RFID (Radio Frequency Identification). Upon entering the University, students’ parents and guardians are informed that their wards have already arrived. The same goes when one leaves the University. The RFID became operational starting the first semester of this year. It was even used and was simultaneously operational in other affiliate MSEUF campuses.

RFID was proposed mainly for security purposes as parents and guardians are notified of their children’s whereabouts. The current RFID has unique security features read by an ID scanner. As for the notification, an ordinary SIM sends the message of arrival and departure of 8000 students one by one. In its first year of operation, it was noticeable that some notifications came late to the parents/guardians. Dr. Tan explained that this is because a single mobile SIM sends all the notifications taking a notification to be successfully sent in 10-20 seconds. In total, it would take 13 hours to notify all arrivals. To alleviate the problem, ICTD proposed to have more mobile SIMs to send the notifications. Currently, ICTD is in the process of using two mobile SIMs to send the notifications. The office assured that even though the notifications may be received late by parents and guardians, the times of arrival and departure indicated in the notification are guaranteed to be exact.

announcements. Some 5000 out of 8000 mobile numbers are already confirmed, while the rest are blank and wrong numbers. SMS Blast has the same technical procedures as the notification in RFID. The difference is that the registered numbers would be the students’ contact numbers instead of their parents’. ICTD is sending a message of confirmation to every Envergista for them to update their mobile numbers with the ICTD database so everyone is requested to visit the ICTD Office so the latter could start the regular operations of the SMS Blast.

SMS blast: Info at your fingertips

being asked about what he felt with the changes ICTD had accomplished and will still be accomplishing. In its first year of operation, some of the innovations might not be at their 100% peak performance but all of these dwell on advancing the Envergista experience that they truly deserve. It is very heartwarming that the hope of innovation is becoming real. Indeed, change is coming and ICTD’s effort are aligned to the mantra: #nowyouseeIT, Dr. Tan said, in the objective to be more relevant and of better service to all stakeholders.

Most of the recent announcements did not reach students on real time because they were posted in the internet and in the Facebook pages or groups and not every Envergista has access to the media. Basically, mobile devices are good avenues for information dissemination especially during class suspensions, announcements, and calamity or emergencies. Currently, the ICTD is collating confirmation of students’ mobile numbers to be used in SMS blast

Change management Change is indeed inevitable. These technological advancements will soon become operational through the efforts of the ICTD. “We want to improve…

sayang ang IT kung di naman pakikinabangan,” Dr. Tan stated on

Envergans win 1st place in IMA video contest, earn global recognition Mara Angeli E. Cadiz

SEUF-Lucena takes pride in winning the first-ever Institute of Management Accountant (IMA) Certified Management Accountant (CMA) worldwide video contest awarded during the IMA-CMA Annual Convention on June 17-23 in Denver, Colorado, USA.

I Will Earn It was the product of MSEUF’s College of Business and Accountancy students Patricia Adora Alcala, Monique Eballa, Angelo Manzano, and Alexis Paul Rodriguez. This was in collaboration with alumni, Fernando Tiu Jr. and chief accountant Carlito Rodriguez. The concept of the video entry entailed the story of a student overcoming challenges

towards passing the CMA Examination. I Will Earn It depicted how one can win over time constraints, fears, disappointments and selfdoubt to reach their dreams. This was in line with the CMA theme You’ve Got To Earn It reflecting one’s sacrifices and hard work to earn the pride and prestige of having IMA credentials.

Student winners received $2,500 cash and all-expenses paid tickets and hotel accommodations in Denver, Colorado, USA together with the Wiley CMA Excel CMA Review Course Scholarship, providing them with comprehensive online materials for the next CMA Examination. The Filipino winners got a standing ovation in the awards rites.

WINNING PIECE. One

of the scenes in the piece created by Envergans that won first place in the IMA video contest, an international competition.

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Volume LXIX | Issue 1

MSEUF undergoes extensive PACUCOA accreditation

Nine academic programs vie for Level III John Rover R. Sinag

he recently concluded accreditation visit of the Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities Commission on Accreditation (PACUCOA) is the most extensive the University has ever done with nine undergraduate and graduate academic programs vying for Level III and one for Level II. The academic programs include Accountancy, Industrial Engineering and Master of Arts in Education which were visited for first Level III reaccreditation. Other programs comprise Information Technology, Criminology, Computer Science, Civil Engineering, Hotel and Restaurant Management, and Doctor of Education which underwent Level III reaccreditation visit. Meanwhile, the High School Department was also visited for Level II first reaccreditation. Dr. Esther Vedaña headed the accreditation team together with other accreditors from various colleges and universities namely Dr. Eduardo Dela Cruz, Dr. Bernardino Malang, Dean Paulino Pioquinto, Dr. Flocerfida Amaya, Dr. Ligaya Braganza, Dean Ernesto Serrano Jr., Mr. Michael Harold Pagsuyuin,

Dr. Elizabeth Malabanan, Dr. Christopher Manaois and Engr. Ronaldo La Torre. There is no exact date for the formal announcement and certification that the said programs were already accredited but according to Engr. Luzviminda Sinapilo, director of the Office of Quality Improvement (OQI), there were positive feedbacks from the accreditors during the closing session. She also stated that the accreditors were impressed with all the areas visited and evaluated. The accreditation visit lasted for three days, Sept. 28-30, where the Office of Quality Improvement took charge of the coordination of different colleges and their respective deans and faculty for the mounting of the exhibits and the scheduling of the activities during the visit.

photo by:

EMRC

SCRUTINY BEFORE PROMOTION. Dr. Eduardo dela Cruz, PACUCOA accreditor, inspects exhibits presented by different colleges eyeing for Level III reaccreditation. Dr. Benilda Villenas, vice president for academics and research, was on hand to assist him.

Up for reinvention

AutoVote soon to change student elections Mara Angeli E. Cadiz

MSEUF hosts several competency tests

or many years, the paper ballot has been the way of electing University Collegiate Student Council (UCSC) and Department Student Council (DSC) officials. But as pushed through by last year’s UCSC, automated elections (AutoVote) will soon be a feature of the electoral process.

The speed and ease of information technology is set to benefit the electoral procedures. This has been verified with the success of the reinvention from manual voting to electronic voting as the COMELEC will now utilize the PCOS (Precint Count Optical Scan) machines that eased the voting process by ballot shading, speed of counting, and early proclamation of winners. AutoVote is set to eradicate the tedious processes of voting, canvassing, and making manual reports in the UCSC-DSC elections. The system has the automatic

features to record, count, and canvass votes while abiding by the rules and regulations suitable to the University’s election setting. Just like the manual elections, the electronic voting will still be manned by Comelec officers-in-charge. They will be in charge of generating electronic election reports. There will be three interfaces along with the AutoVote system: USCOMELEC Interface (for the over all in-charge of student elections), DSCOMELEC Interface (for the persons in-charge in

a departmental level), and Student’s/ Voter’s Interface (for the voter’s access). In a research proposal on automated elections presented by Professors Raymond Bermudez and Donnabell Hernandez of CCS, the pilot testing of AutoVote yielded a “very much attainable” over-all mean in terms of usability, efficiency, maintainability and adaptability. The year prior to the proposal for automated elections was approved, the student council members pushed for the amendment of the electoral code.

HSLKP, top accredited student org

OSO awards recognition certificate

Top 10 Student organizations SY 17-18

Ivan Chris Mabilangan

s the first fraternity founded in the University celebrates its 60th Anniversary, the Honor Society of the Lambda Kappa Phi again lives up to its motto, “We Shall Not Fail,” retaining its supremacy as top accredited student organization for two concecutive years. The Office of Student Organizations awarded the certificate during Student Organization Day where all recognized student organizations obtained accreditation after a stringent assessment process. Garnering 99.55% grade from the panel, HSLKP or known by its members, Phians, secured its reign as the organization with Best in Compliance and Performance. “We’re not actually working to be number one. We’re just being Phians,” Ace Rodson Igloria, the current grand monarch of the HSLKP said. Seventy percent of the final grade came from the actual compliance and performance, which was judged for a period of time beforehand. It was divided into the following: Membership and Retention, 10 points; Team Building/ Fellowship, 10 points; Training/Workshops for development of Members, 10 points; Regular in-Campus/Signature Projects, 20 points; Community Outreach/Extension

Program (outside the campus), 10 points; Special Projects, 10 points; Attendance to Student Assemblies, 5 points; Attendance. The remaining thirty percent was judged by the accreditation team, composed of guidance counselors Liandro Serrano and Marco Casino, and the campus Chaplain, Fr. Ramil Esplana. “This year’s accreditataion means that the University still supports and upholds legitimate fraternities depicting the true essence of excellence in brotherhood,” reiterated Prof. Raymond S. Bermudez, adviser of HSLKP, after three fraternities/sororities composed the top 10 student organizations. The awarding of Certificates of Accreditation and Top Ten Best Performing Student Organizations took place Aug. 31

Last year, the 2016-2017 council was successful in propelling the technical reinvention of the electoral process with AutoVote. This year, the current council looks forward to bringing about the revisions to the electoral code to include the rules on online campaign. Indeed, the electoral process continues to transform to adapt to the changing needs of the student body, students remarked. Indeed, the wave of the future is ICT, student leaders added.

at the AEC Little Theater. According to Maria Isabel Granada, prefect of discipline of the Office of Student Organizations, the awarding aims to recognize student organizations that actively pursue their mission and vision while following the rules of the University and the requirements of the Commission on Higher Education. The awarding ceremony, together with the accreditation, composed the first half of the Student Organizations Day. The other half was the Leadership Enhancement and Advancement Programs (LEAPS). Meanwhile, 51 organizations were reaccredited this year. The figure is 5.56% lower than the previous year that had 54 student organizations recognized.

SOCIETY OF THE 1 HONOR LAMBDA KAPPA PHI DELTA OMEGA 2 KAPPA SORORITY 3 CBAACADEMICCIRCLE UNIVERSITY 4 ENVERGA BANAHAW 5 OF BUSINESS 6 COUNCIL STUDENTS LEAGUE OF 7 CAS QUIZZERS 8 MSEUFACADEMICCLUB TAU GAMMA 9 RHO FRATERNITY MATH 10 TECHNOLOGY CLUB JUNIOR PHIL. ASSOC. OF MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTANTS

Students celebrate Senior High School Day; millennial leadership development discussed

Alexandria Marie Factor

pproximately 2,800 senior high school students participated in the symposium on leadership, values enrichment, and career choices during the SHS Day at the Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation Gymnasium, Nov. 22. Four resource speakers talked about the youth’s passion, taking charge of the future and using social media.

The SHS Day aimed to develop the students’ leadership skills to prepare them for their chosen career in the future, to discuss values they need to develop for the future and the responsible use of the social media. Various speakers were invited to give talks in the symposium. Atty. Geoff Lyn D. San Agustin and Rev. Fr. Warren Puno took

charge of discussing the development of millennial leaders to the Grades 11 and 12 students, respectively. “Find your passion. Be very good at it, and you will rise. You have to make sure that you’re good at what you’re doing.” Atty. San Agustin said. Meanwhile, Reina V. Pasumbal, principal of the MSEUF Basic Education

Department, talked about choosing a career which she showed through a powerpoint presentation. In addition, Dr. Jose B. Tan, director of Information and Communications Technology Department, taught the students how to use social media, particularly Facebook, responsibly to be an effective social media consumer.

“Kung magpopost ka sa FB, dapat kaya mo itong gawin sa totoong buhay,’’ Dr. Tan emphasized. The Office of Student Affairs headed by Director Rosario Rago organized the activity dubbed as Werpa Envergan, Lodi Kita. G11 students attended the morning while G12 the afternoon session.

Kevan Laurenz Muzares & McKinly Revilla

anuel S. Enverga University Foundation-Lucena served as the site of several major examinations for the first semester of school year 2017-2018. On October 21-22, the National Achievement Test (NAT) aimed at determining the academic levels, strengths, and weaknesses of students and the University of the Philippines College Admission Test (UPCAT) were simultaneously held at MSEUF. Around 938 senior high school students from private and public schools participated in the National Achievement Test. Students from the International School for Better Beginnings (ISBB), Maryhill College, Sacred Heart College, St. Anne College of the Pacific, MSEUF Candelaria, and MSEUF Catanauan took the examination which started from 7:40 am until 12:00 noon. The UPCAT was conducted at the Rodolfo B. Abadilla (RBA) Hall from 6 am to 5 pm. It is the 15th year that the MSEUF was designated one of the regional centers for the administration of UPCAT.

“Naging maayos at walang problema ang nangyaring exam sa maghapon, well organized”, said Director Rosario Rago, the coordinator of the UPCAT for MSEUF. Likewise, the University served as accredited learning provider in Lucena City for the Certified Tax Technician (CTT) examination on June 30. Fifty (50) examinees passed in the first installment, in cooperation with the Philippine Association of Certified Tax Technicians (PACTT), Inc. The TESDA competency examination for bookkeepers was also held at the University. The University is slated to serve as the testing venue for the Junior Achievement (JA) Philippines’ Registered Marketing Professional (RMP) certification program for marketing students who are about to enter the job market and the Registered Business Professional (RBP) Certification program which was conceptualized to fill the need for skilled business graduates. Lastly, MSEUF also served as one of the testing centers of the Department of Education for the National Achievement Test (NAT) where the grade 11 students took the examinations.

Ambassador and Ambassadress of Goodwill 2018 Pageant

De Leon, Macaranas prevail in regional contest McKinly Revilla

photos by:

Alexis Paul Rodriguez

POSE OF VICTORY. Ambassadors De Leon and Macaranas displayed goodwill as they flashed their winning form.

anuelyn Micko Macaranas and Christian John de Leon, BSA-III, proved that they were the best among the rest as they were hailed Region IV-A’s Mr. and Ms. Ambassador and Ambassadress of Goodwill 2018. The duo won in a pageant held in the Recoletos Centennial Gymnasium in Silang, Cavite on Oct. 1 where different universities in the region vied for the crown. The National Federation of Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants (NFJPIA-Region IVA) organized the event as part of the general assembly. Macaranas and de Leon were the only representatives from

Quezon Province. It was not easy getting the crown, according to Macaranas, who said, “Even if you fall, do not be afraid to stand up tall and straight.” The AOG pageant was not the typical pageant. “It was an instrument of realization that we can make a change for the better. Not only has it given me the chance to help but also the opportunity to grow as a person and as a servant.” shared de Leon. In the end, aside from bagging the title Mr. and Ms. AOG 2018, they also got the Epitome of Benevolence award for their proposals Barya, Lakbay Aral para sa Ita and Aral at Saya, Kwento ng Pag-asa. Macaranas likewise won the Best Panel Interview while De Leon bagged the Best in Theme Wear, People’s Choice, and Sponsor’s Choice awards.

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August-December 2017

2 Envergans qualify for Regional TOSP awards

Lagman advances to national finals Sophia Margarette R. Caagbay

rby Lagman, a cum laude graduate of the College of Arts and Sciences, made it to the shortlist of the top 30 national finalists for this year’s Search for the 56th Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines (TOSP).

“The best way to achieve your goal is to turn your passion into reality and create a positive change,”Lagman stated. That is the reason why he thinks he was chosen one of the few finalists. Lagman was one of the four regional awardees from the Calabarzon Region. Other awardees are Daniel Joseph Pisano and Victorena Diesta, both from University of the Philippines-Los Baños, and King Martin Agoncillo from De la Salle Lipa. Meanwhile, Ericka Joy Orig of the College of Business and Accountancy qualified as finalist for the Calabarzon Outstanding Students Regional Search Program. The 12 Calabarzon regional awardees underwent a formation program on Aug. 4-7 at the Lyceum International Maritime Academy.

photo by:

WOW Batangas

MOMENT OF ANTICIPATION. Arby S. Lagman (second from left) was one of the 30 National Qualifiers for this year’s 56th Search for the Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines. It was a breathtaking moment for him to be called as last awardee who will represent the region in the National level of the TOSP.

Election side stories Side Story #1:

Gonzales heads COMELEC COMELEC members were appointed to supervise this year’s student council elections. A new chairman, Associate Professor Dennis Gonzales of CCLE, headed the electoral board. As one party questioned the board’s competence, the role of the COMELEC became very vital in this year’s election as it faced a number of complaints and disqualification cases. In the end, the COMELEC reaffirmed its decision over electoral matters and stood by its judgment as irrevocable.

Side Story #2:

The rematch This election was a rematch between EAGLE and CAUSE parties and their presidential and vice presidential bets Jomelyn Trinidad vs. Abhraim Ranuda and Rannielle Ivy Barrios vs. Ace Rodson Igloria. Trinidad and Ranuda sugged it out in the secretary-general position where Abra won. Barrios and Igloria battled for the auditor’s post where Barrios prevailed.

Side Story #3:

The online dispute In spite of the filing of the Certificate of Candidacy (COCs), there was still no final list of candidates released by the COMELEC. This became very crucial for both EAGLE and CAUSE parties as the alleged “early campaign” was raised through the substitution of display photos. A private message was even shown to substantiate that there are efforts to do “early campaigning”. A perpetual disqualification case against the entire slate of CAUSE party was filed by the EAGLE Party.

Side Story #4:

Face-to-face with Atty. Jay The matter regarding the online dispute had reached various authorities. It even came to the desk of Atty. Jay Ilagan, University legal officer, where EAGLE President Jomelyn Trinidad and CAUSE President Abhraim Ranuda traded arguments. EAGLE was asked whether it was pushing for the perpetual disqualification case against CAUSE. In the end, the case was dismissed due to lack of reference to the current Election Code.

Side Story #5:

11 of 15 CAUSE UCSC candidates fill offices

CAUSE dominates UCSC-DSC elections

Resolution After the twists and turns of this year’s election, the current council, a blend of officials from both parties, looks forward to setting aside their political biases and partisan differences. The student body deserves better activities and programs this year, President Ranuda said.

4 UCSC officers EAGLE Party

John Andrew Jeremiah Pacalda

he MSEUF collegiate student body elected its student representatives Sep. 21 with a miting-de-avance between CAUSE Party and EAGLE Party Sept. 19 heating the election season. The oathtaking of the newly elected officers took place the day after the election.

Abhraim “Abra” Ranuda of CAUSE Party won the presidency of the University Collegiate Student Council with 1270 votes versus 738 of Jomelyn Trinidad. CAUSE Party’s Dominique James Miralles, secretary-general, and Ryan Chris Espayos triumphed over EAGLE’s Ciara Jane Dinglasan and John Patrick Real, respectively. EAGLE’s Rannielle Ivy Barrios won the vice presidential post with 1075 votes. She triumphed over CAUSE’s Ace Rodson Igloria who garnered 942 votes. Meanwhile, Melvin Alas-as of EAGLE Party gained the auditor’s position against Krizia Aila De Castro with a mere 4-vote lead.

Alviña Bolo of CAS, Arcel Denise Valdepeña of CBA, Odessa Ordanza of CCS, Jasmine Angela Charyl Jus of CCLE, Andrew Salvador of CED, Renzon Pagkatipunan of CETD, Mark Andrews De Rama of CME, Patricia Anne Lagdameo of CTHRM, Joseph Emilio Diamante of CAFA and Siena Kathleen Placino of CNAHS constituted the collegiate representation of different colleges. All of the college representatives came from the CAUSE Party except those from CNAHS and CME. Departments also voted for their respective student councils. Some 2,085 Envergans cast their votes for this year’s UCSC-DSC elections, one of the lowest voter turnouts in years.

27%

UC SC

11 UCSC officers CAUSE Party

73% 34 officers

21 DSC officers CAUSE Party

University President receives Asia’s Education Excellence Award

anuel S. Enverga University Foundation (MSEUF) again proved its global commitment in propelling quality education as President/COO, Madame Naila Enverga-Leveriza was recognized with the “Award for Outstanding Contribution to Education” at the 8th Asia Education Excellence Awards in Le Meridien, Sentosa, Singapore Aug. 2.

Independent, Appointed, Parliament

DSC

1 officer EAGLE Party

Chief patron of CMO Asia, Andrew Kelly, said in an interview that the award is given to individuals who have made a difference and created a positive influence in the lives of others, for the quality of their work, outlook, reach and ability to become catalysts of social change through excellent and effective leadership, sacrifice, vision, innovation and transformation. CMO Asia in partnership with CMO Council, its strategic partner, and its research partner, Stars of the Industry Group, presented the awards. Nominees underwent a strongly researched process.

The panel of jury was Dr. Harish Mehta, founding member of NASSCOM, India’s association of software and services companies; Dr. Arun Arora, India’s leading business newspaper former president and CEO of The Economic Times; Nina Woodard, an American Human Resource consultant and Andrew Kelly of CMO Asia, a global network of top marketing decision makers. The award is a continuing thrust to inspire the University to make global waves and nourish positive social changes through education, the panel said.

Department off campus activities

Accountancy student qualifies for AYLC 2018

CTHRM joins, bags awards at 28th Philippine Travel Mart

John Rover R. Sinag

he 28th Philippine Travel Mart (PHILTOA) was a three-day showcase of airways, tourism packages, travel care and transportation facilities in celebration of the country’s travel and tourism industry. The event showcase ran from Sept. 1-3 at the SMX MOA Arena, where CTHRM students won in various events. The PHILTOA also highlighted the Visit ASEAN @ 50 Golden Anniversary celebration presenting more than 50 tour offerings across the country. The mart featured cultural events such as a cultural dance competition, harana ng kundiman, eco chorale, patimpalak ng kasuotang Pilipino and the Philippine Tourism Quiz Bee. EU Lucena’s bet Eun Yung Lee won the second place in the quiz bee category. Winning in the patimpalak ng kasuotang Pilipino were Aimma Jafree Mohammad who won the third place for the female category and Mark Spencer Abadilla who triumphed for the top spot in the male category.

Election Code soon-to-be revised Due to the case that happened prior to the election, elected officials approved the revision of the Election Code. According to UCSC President Abhrahim Ranuda, the current council looks forward to incorporating provisions such as online campaign and its jurisdiction in the current Election Code. The amendment is highly important and timely.

The formation program consisted of team building and panel interview that also shortlisted the regional representatives for the national level of the competition. The National Screening Assembly was held Nov. 25 at the RFM Corporate Center in Mandaluyong City. Out of the 77 regional awardees and national nominees all over the country, only 30 were selected as this year’s national finalist. TOSP is a national award-giving body under the RFM Corporation, headed by Jose Concepcion Jr., The TOSP seeks young role models of the country who personify academic excellence, exemplary leadership and deep sense of social responsibility, all anchored on good moral values.

s. Ambassador of Goodwill Januelyn Mico Macaranas of the College of Business and Accountancy made it among the 80 delegates to the 2018 Ayala Young Leaders Congress (AYLC) out of the shortlisted 167 finalists. Prior to her selection, two other CBA students were also in the shortlist: CBA Chairperson Johanna Rose Aman and QFJPIA VP for Communications and Mr. AOG 2018 Christian John de Leon. Annually, sponsor Ayala Foundation, Inc. looks for outstanding student leaders with a track record of effective leadership who possess a strong love for country, a sincere desire to serve Filipinos, and a passion to bring about change in the society among nomiees from higher education institutions throughout the country.

Lunaticon 2017

‘The L’ assoc editor’s Beterano wins= national literary competition award Carmela Miranda photo by:

SMRC

CREATIVE FOCUS. Although competing against other veteran writers, Caagbay was laser focused in the midst of finishing her masterpiece.

ophia Margarette Caagbay, LIACOM IV, won the LunatiCon 2017 with her piece, Beterano on Oct. 29. The literary competition took place at the Venture Space PH, Mandaluyong with the theme: Isang Lupain ng Sining at Damdamin.

Caagbay’s Beterano was among the winning compositions in this year’s installment to mark General Antonio Luna’s heroism with the theme LunatiCon. Actor, enthusiast, and Los Lunaticos Bravos founder John Arcilla said naantig ang damdamin ko with Caagbay’s piece. Caagbay received a Heneral Luna stuffed toy awarded to the top 5 finalists, the Koronang Laurel, Gawad ng kampeon sa

patimpalak sa panitikan and cash prize for her winning piece about war veterans. Los Lunaticos Bravos (LLB) and TBA studios organized the yearly installment of Gen. Antonio Luna’s birthday commemoration. It is a convention with a competition celebrating Philippine history and culture. Local artists are invited to showcase their excellence in arts and literature.

to represent Calabarzon in nationals Fritzjay Labiano

Maria Rizza Tutor

iss Young Enverga Senior High 2016 Angeliemay Alpay from ABM strand is off to the nationals after being enthroned as Calabarzon’s Bb. Kalikasan 1st runner-up 2017 on Nov. 18 in Amore International School Gymnasium, Cavite.

o motivate the MSEUF’s future architects, CAFA took part in this year’s ArchiNext School Tour 2017 Oct. 6. The school tour was directed towards inspiring young champions to unleash their potentials and take on new challenges as they journey to success.

Among 40 finalists from various schools division in the region, Alpay’s confidence, beauty and wit marked a spot, together with other two lady finalists, to represent Southern Tagalog region in the upcoming Bb. Kalikasan 2017 national finals to be held Feb. 9 next year. “From all of the Divisions of Region IV-A Calabarzon, I am so honored to have this title and to represent my University as well as the Division of Lucena City,” Alpay shared in her Facebook post. “I honestly prayed to win the title of Bb. Kalikasan 2017-Region IV-A Calabarzon, and when I won the title all I feel is gratefulness.” “I feel blessed for what I’ve got and for what God gave me,” she expressed her appreciation in an interview. Alpay also pronounced that she spent the semestral break to prepare for the pageant all by herself. In two and a half weeks of preparation, Alpay won the heart of the judges with her confidence, poise, projection, and intelligence. “I felt nervous and it’s a natural feeling every time I hear people saying things confidently about their candidate’s good performance. I really felt pressured and there was a time that I wanted to

CAFA students were challenged into a bigger pool of possibilities through inspirational talks given by notable and experienced architects. Architect Manalo I. Merhan, one of the team behind ArchiNext, imparted that the purpose of the event is to breed inspiration, passion, and dedication among students. As part of the school tour, students were encouraged to join the HCG’s Young Designer Competition (AYDC) with the theme Sibol: a community-based recovery home for drug dependents. The designing competition is a two-part program that also entails giving scholarship grants to architecture majors. This is in partnership with United Architects of the Philippines (UAP) and Council of Deans and Heads of Architecture Schools in the Philippines.

Educators convene for 8th Regional STC McKinly Revilla

MA 7 News Anchor Pia Arcanghel-Halili gave a talk on Communicating Across Generations while Cory Quirino shared her thoughts on Wellness and Physical Literacy. The seminar focused on how communication and wellness inspire people to lead and act as leaders. “Communicating Across Generations cum Wellness and Physical Literacy.” Messages from MSEUF Vice President for Academics and Research Dr. Benilda Villenas and College of Education Dean Joselina Baylongo emphasized the role of future teachers in developing 21st century learners. The MSEUF Concert Singers led the singing of the National Anthem and the doxology. P a r t i c i p a t i n g schools gave impromptu intermissions. Mr. Dexter Villamin hosted the congress.

see my mom’s presence, to rebuild my confidence,” she added. In the question-and-answer portion, candidates were asked through a picture analysis. Alpay responded to a picture illustrating land pollution and her explanation was “land pollution... is the deterioration of earth land surfaces by misusing land sources through industrial, nuclear plants, sewage treatment and wrong disposal of plastics and garbage... I believe that environmental protection is not a burden, but a source for innovation!” Likewise, she urged everyone to work together as one global community to engage in a social movement for environmental protection, consume water and energy responsibly, and use technology and natural resources for future sustainable development. Before competing in the regional arena, Alpay previously bagged Lucena City’s Bb. Kalikasan 2017 and ran away with special awards such as Bb. Karunungan, Bb. Talento, Bb. Nailsplash Choice Award, Bb. Friendship and Best in Creative Costume.

photo by:

OPMB Worldwide

A FLOWER IN BLOOM. Miss Young Enverga Angeliemay Alpay stood out as she waltzed her way to the center of the stage. With a gown studded in flower designs, she promoted nature to the whole region.

MSEUF-UTAR student exchange program,

extended to two weeks Sophia Margarette R. Caagbay

very year, Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation (MSEUF) students take part in an international exchange program with Malaysia’s Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR). MSEUF’s Cultural Learning and Exploration Tour placed 15 college students in a short course of one week in Kampar, Perak, Malaysia to learn Malaysian culture and local life. The contract between the partnerships of both universities has been extended for another 5 years. This year’s batch, 14 college taking Malaysian classes on the first The exploration trip was held students, eight BS Accountancy, and second day; educational visit to in Pangkor Island on the sixth day three BSBA-Financial Management, Han Chin Pet Soo and BP Healthcare through island hopping, snorkeling two BSBA-Management Accounting group at Ipoh; Perak trip on the and other beach activities. and one LIACOM-Psychology third day and cultural exposure on In Kuala Kangsar, the group and Financial Management were Malaysian dance, cuisine and exhibit visited mosques and museums and granted the opportunity to join the on the fourth day. houses as well as the railway station, cultural exploration tour program, On the fifth day, group the town hall and the high court in July 3-10. discussions and final projects were Ipoh, Perak to gain knoledge of The delegates were the first presented. Patricia Adora Alcala Malaysian history. batch to stay at WestLake Villas, the and Alyssa Mae Daclis placed first, On the last day, the delegates newly and only high-rise building Sophia Margarette Caagbay and went to tourist spots, the Central at Kampar Town, hosted by UTAR. Monique Eballa second, and Jamaica Market and Petronas Twin Tower in All the expenses in Malaysia were Ramos, Denise Valdepena and Ivy Kuala Lumpur. shouldered by UTAR, except the Joy Reanzares third. Certificates The student exchange program allowance and airfare. were awarded in the afternoon and is open to all colleges for students The delegates experienced the first LED Festival of UTAR ended looking to improve their English UTARian life in two days through the night. language skills, learn more about

Six accountancy students ace Asset XV John Andrew Jeremiah Pacalda

ix senior BSA students from Enverga University showed their domination at this year’s Asset XV: The 15th Accountancy Students’ Seminar and Extra-Curricular Training , Oct.2630, at the One Tagaytay Place Hotel Suites, Tagaytay City, Cavite.

Twelve students from MSEUF Lucena landed in the search for Top 100 Accountancy Students of the Philippines. They are Patricia Adora Alcala, Karla Ann Alfonso, Mara Angeli Cadiz, Karen Cuevas, Alyssa Mae Daclis, April Ann Del Rosario, Ryan Chris Espayos, Shanny Camille Inoy, Alexa-Rose Laduan, Joanne Paguio, Trecia Mae Rafa and John Marthin Reforma. Alcala, Alfonso, Cuevas, Espayos, Laduan, and Rafa made it to the top 50. EU Lucena ranked second in terms of the most number of delegates next to the University of the Philippines. Delegates had corporate tours in Makati on the first day. Citibank and Shell Corporation were among the companies visited. The next day, Enrico Libunao of Ayala Land shared his expertise on building rapport with clients and

photo by:

NFJPIA R4A

TRAINING WHILE DOMINATING. Envergan Ryan Chris Espayos inquire from the speakers what a maximum learning experience is amidst the competitive atmosphere of ASSET XV.

UCSC

To unleash future leaders,

Council spearheads annual LTS Mara Angeli E. Cadiz

Alpay bags 1st runner up in regional Bb. Kalikasan

CAFA studes participate in ArchiNext

GMA 7’s Halili advised her audience to “think before you click. THINK is actually an acronym which means being true, helpful, inspiring, necessary and kind whenever we communicate.” Meanwhile wellness guru Quirino said, “Be better, not bitter” and be “Warriors not worriers.” She stated that educators must continually develop a culture of confidence among their students. Educators in Region IVA convened for the 8th Regional Student Teachers Congress. The theme of the conference was

news

The Luzonian

Volume LXIX | Issue 1

ifferent campus leaders convened for this year’s Leadership Training Summit (LTS) with the theme “Driving Breakthrough by Unleashing Future Leaders” organized by the University Collegiate Student Council (UCSC) on Nov. 24-25.

One hundred eleven college student council leaders from different MSEUF satellite schools in Catanauan, San Antonio, and in the main campus, Lucena, gathered in the summit. OSA Director Rosario Rago started the seminar series on the first day by talking about responsible and committed leadership. Alumnus and former student council president Giovanni Alejandro Losloso spoke about “Leadership and Leadership Communication” while Francisco Maaño

Jr. presented the importance of prioritizing academics. A socials night after the breakaway dinner concluded the first session. The second day of the summit featured a spiritual talk by an alumna, Robessa Joy Altamerano. Another alumnus ended the series with a discussion on “Disaster Risk Management” followed by a dialogue. The group agreed that leadership is a tremendous responsibility. To cap the summit, the student leaders joined a game called “Amazing Race.”

Joy Pinaroc-Alcala of Proctor and Gamble talked about establishing a personal brand. They also simulated interviews and had an open forum about life, career and everything in between with the representatives of Punongbayan and Araullo. A talk on taxation and advisory facilitated by SGV’s Aaron Escartin, kicked off the third day. The mock board Examination concluded the week-long series of activities. Laduan was part of the winning team for case competition. Alfonso also triumphed as part of the quiz bee’s winning team. UP Diliman’s Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants (JPIA), in cooperation with partner accounting firms and corporations, initiates the selection for the country’s top 50 accountancy students to inspire future professionals and give them a glimpse of the real world of work.

1st Solid Waste Awareness Management Seminar held Mara Angeli E. Cadiz

“M

SEUF: My Community, My Family” was the theme of the recently conducted Solid Waste Management Seminar organized by the University Collegiate Student Council, Nov. 15.

The seminar was part of the leadership development programs slated by the student council. The whole day event had two environmental talks in the morning and garbage bin design contest in the afternoon. Ms. Juliet Aparicio, a member of Tanggol Kalikasan and Lucena City’s Solid Waste Management Department, talked about solid waste management. Dr. Maria Lucila M. Baroro, vice president of Student Development and Wellness for External Linkages of Sacred

Heart College, delivered the other environmental talk. The event aimed to raise awareness about the significance of solid waste management, its effects on the environment, and the role citizens must play in order to improve environmental cleanliness and overall sanitation. Among the specific topics were waste segregation, reusing and recycling. College students, University faculties and employees participated in the SWM seminar.

To become a delegate, the applicant must submit his copy of grades, photocopy of passport, and filled out application form. These are the requirements needed to be submitted to be part of the Cultural and Exploration Tour. other cultures, and explore places. Having international students on campuses overseas reaffirms stronger people-to-people connections, a critical element in sustaining tight bilateral relationships. The student exchange is part of the University’s internationalization program.

University hosts annual PGCA Convention Sophia Margarette Caagbay

he 4th Annual Convention of the Philippine Guidance and Counseling Association (PGCA)Quezon Chapter with the theme “Advocating Change, Healing Lives” was held Nov. 29 at the AEC Little Theater, Lucena City. For this year’s annual convention the talks were about the PGCA updates such as Journeying and Counseling Millennials, Developing Guidance Program and Current and Future Directions in the Counselling Practice. National PGCA President Dr. Shake Guevarra-Hocson and National PGCA Auditor Dr. Niño Jose Mateo attended the convention. The assembly is a yearly activity to update the current issues in guidance services and related phenomena to the guidance counselors and practitioners and allied professions such as professors and SPED teachers. Some 57 regional participants attended, mostly recent registered psychometricians, bigger from last year’s attendance. The PGCA was organized by the officers led by chapter president OSA Director Rosario Rago, Liandro Serrano (secretary), Daizelene Jabrica (treasurer) and Joana Fe Panganiban (assistant auditor).

opinion

The Luzonian

August-December 2017

Quality education: A work in progress T

he K-12 implementation is in its second year of operation. Soon enough, we will be meeting the first batch of fresh graduates from the senior high school department. We will soon have the measure of the positive effects that the Department of Education has been trumpeting about. Educarion officials say that the graduates will possess competencies and skills relevant to the job market. They are even assumed to be employment-ready and globally competitive as soon as they graduate. We have apprehensions about these claims.

These possibilities can be validated by the fact that the Philippines is internationally challenged when it comes to education. Our country was among the few in a 10-year educational cycle before the K-12 program was implemented. Quality education remains a question in the country if we go by the results of international achievement tests. Our graduates who lack two years of education compared to international competitors are at a disadvantage because they need to go back to school and study more or spend more time in practice to qualify for the same job that they are eyeing in the global market. To address these disparities, the government implemented the K to 12 program that is hoped to train and develop 21st century learners who will be more globally ready to compete. The government was likewise motivated to support this educational reform by bringing in the Senior High School Voucher Program, a financial aid paid to private schools for students to avail of the opportunity that the additional two years in high school present. Nevertheless, this reform needs to be more sweeping by adding up the right mix of important factors that interplay in the making of quality education: infrastructure and facilities, faculties, and teaching materials. As a premier University that has roots in providing education, empowerment, and excellence, our University takes pride in offering all the senior high school strands in all tracks - ABM, STEM, GAS, HUMMS, AD, Sports and TechVoc. Indeed, the University takes the lead when it comes to pioneering senior high school education in the whole province. The University even trained Senior High School teachers in the entire province and in the Calabarzon Region. But here lies the beef. For every success are sacrifices and some compromise. Students had to face classroom compromises. College students were limited in their use of some Education and Multimedia Resource Center (EMRC) units because they are currently used by Senior High School students as their classrooms. Take note, college students are paying audio visual fees but their chances of using them became minimal since the facilities were opted to be prioritized for Senior High School student use. On the other hand, a number of SHS students also had a hard time looking for their rooms for the right subjects because of abrupt changes in schedule. With high hopes of achieving excellence by providing all strands in the SHS program, some essentials were compromised. The quest for quality education and good employment does not end with just the Senior High School educational program. It extends to the collegiate department to provide these SHS graduates, the specialization they deserve. We are missing out the point if we gloss over these. We should not compromise quality. Implementing every strand is optional and having this lead to implement all strands entail much effort in establishing facilities, training faculties, and developing materials that should be congruent with the holistic goal of education, empowerment, and excellence in all areas of the University; be it in basic education or in the collegiate department. The culture of development must not be a competition between the Senior High School versus the college levels. Who is more benefited? Who is more well taken care of? Who is more prioritized? Who is paying more? Additional facilities should have been operational by now to address the holistic needs of all students. Both departments truly deserve the use of the best facilities the University has to offer. These are our tools in discovering and learning more. Through these facilities, we can be great deliverers of confidence and knowledge that we can apply as we take on the corporate and other worlds. More planning on scheduling should likewise have been done to provide ease to faculties and convenience to students. Flexible time frames for SHS and college students should have been implemented to adapt and complement each other’s needs. Faculties today divide their time addressing the new curriculum for the reformatting of the collegiate department to adapt to the SHS program. They are lined up with

numerous trainings to be fully equipped for the upcoming challenge. In all honesty, we are still in the lookout for more faculties so that our current faculties do not get overburdened balancing their collegiate and SHS teaching loads. The interests of the students - both SHS and college students - should be balanced. It should not be a question of who is more prominent or who is more in number or who is more provided by the government because the promise of quality education is the University’s commitment to all of its students. Regardless of year level or specialization, we all deserve an equal shot at the opportunities of quality education that we can acquire in the University. Students came to this academic institution with one goal in mind: to learn and in the long run, to land a good paying job. The administration and the faculties also have that same vision for us: to provide learning and to produce graduates that are well educated, empowered and ready to take on their own paths of excellence. These ideals would not be possible if we continue to delimit the services and facilities that should be entitled to all. This chase to development does not end with the basic education, or even with its additional years through SHS. It ends with producing professionals through the collegiate education. Educators, the administration, and most especially, the national government should always keep this in mind.

euPULSE T

We do not want quality education to be compromised. We want everybody, senior high school or college students, to receive excellent education. This is what the University strives to be. Let it be. The Philippines should look at this educational challenge in a holistic sense. As far as developing the basic education program, the Department of Education and the Commission on Higher Education should also look into developing the facilities, faculties, and materials provided for the collegiate students. The government should look into bridging more students to get into college, not just providing them tickets to finish Senior High School. In this way, we can ensure that more Filipino graduates can take on better jobs, provide better for their families, and have bigger chances of helping our country develop. Quality education does not happen in a snap. Development does not take place overnight. The University and the country that we are in are both works in progress.

PHOENIX

he Luzonian conducted a random survey among MSEUF senior high school students about their perceptions in the implemention of K-12 program in the Philippines.

Is the implementation of the K-12 program successful in the Philippines?

Editorial

As far as developing the basic education program, the Department of Education and the Commission on Higher Education should also look into developing the facilities, faculty, and materials provided for the collegiate students.

Do not let others define us, what we can become as individuals: be the Lilith or Eve of our own garden.

Mara Angeli E. Cadiz

Lilith or Eve?

c0me from a small family: a mother, a father, and a brother who is 17 years younger than I am. Father died a few years ago leaving Mother to fend far all three of us. Mother played the role of both being a provider and a nurturer. That was not easy, was it? Raising a family is one of the biggest challenges someone might encounter. Giving your family a good life is another story, a harder one.

34.55% 58.18% 7.27%

YES UNCERTAIN Of the 55 respondents, more than 50% believe that the K-12 curriculum was successfully implemented.

In this process of getting through everyday and stumbling over debts, death and challenges, we changed. Pressure came crumbling within, my chest pounding hard, ready to explode any moment. There were moments when we seemed to become someone we did not even recognize. We are compelled to do matters unusual to us. We missed the moments of just having fun. Most often, having fun was not an option. This transforming effect of life reinvented the way my family and I lived. My mother became my father and mother at the same time. I unleashed my motherly instinct on my little brother. I truly miss edthe fun part of life but I was astounded with how we were able to hurdle our own battles. Women nowadays are tough rather than timid. Most have been among the ranks of top leaders and achievers. This is a true reminder that femininity is not synonymous to inferiority. This is becoming a far different picture of what others used to think about women. There used to be points in HIStory that women were expected to just stay at home, do the chores, wait for the husband to come, and take care of the children. Women were not fit to reach universities, to get a professional job, and even to take political offices. Women were not

even allowed to vote. A male child was much preferred than a female. A female one would be traded in hand to wealthy families to get more power. HIStory perfected his way firmly enshrining the machismo. There was a Jewish myth about Lilith. According to the myths, she was the first female created together with Adam, of the same material and of equivalent rank. But because she refused to be in submission to Adam’s dominance, she chose to walk away. Then came Eve, she was created from Adam’s rib designed to be a “supplementary helper” in safeguarding the creations and was expected to be in submission with her partner. Whether the myth is true or not, the myth still presents the duality of femininity: to strive to be in equal rank or to become the complementary partner. We are given choices to be what we want, to be or to choose the path we wish to go. We should not let others define us,what we can become as individuals: be the Lilith or Eve of our own garden. Our perceptions have changed through time. Mothers can also be good providers while being great nurturers at the same time. Raising a family is not dependent on just the father alone. It is a collaborative effort. And if you are a single parent, it is a great opportunity to show

that you can do both at the same time. Yes, it will not be easy. Nothing really is easy when it comes to raising a child or a family. Juggling our roles as a parent, as an individual, or as a professional would never be easy. It is a posted challenge and you must go for it. Grab the opportunity to learn. Savor every moment that you are becoming a better version of yourself. At times, you would be afraid and would crumble in thinking of a hundred ways of how you can fail. But, keep in mind that there are a thousand more ways of how you can succeed. No one can tell you that you are just a girl and will be constricted by boundaries. Change is indeed inevitable and is a continuous cycle that most of us have apprehensions about. My Psychology professor, Sir Marco Antonio Rodas, said that we must not fear change but rather grow with it. Welcome the presence of pressure and make mistakes. Cherish every learning. May everyone have that open-minded thinking to have reverence for personal development regardless of gender or social status. May everyone accept and embody the change that they always wanted for themselves. At times, just like the phoenix, we may be charred by the ashes but never forget to rise again.

opinion

The Luzonian

Volume LXIX | Issue 1

EXCO GIGATORIS

ublic Pforum

We truly need an internet connection that can cater to the current population that we have.

John Rover R. Sinag

Incognito connection

onnection is very much essential these days. Internet connection, in particular, is among the necessities we truly need. As students, we do our researches and projects with the help of online resources. We even sometimes interact with our classmates and professors more in group conversations than in reality. The latest trends and news are likewise made easily available through the internet. Information is already there in a click. The benefits the internet provides are as wide as its range: immeasurable. More than the social media that most of us are into, we could not deny the fact that internet connection had been opening doors and opportunities for learning. This learning helps us become more productive and divert our spare time to other things that we need to do. But these opportunities are limited by the slow internet connection and other barriers. A concrete example of this is our limited accessibility of internet connection in the campus. In the previous years, speaking in IT terms, the bandwidth of the University’s internet connection is about 14 megabytes per second. In addition, every time we are connecting, we need to login to our account. An account is only limited to 1 gigabyte data per day. It’s pretty sure that we can’t maximize the use of this internet service due to the small amount of bandwidth plus the limited data usage; given that there were almost 5000 students enrolled who probably shared the connection. But…that was almost two years ago! Fortunately, we’ve finally upgraded! From 14 mbps, we are now currently enjoying the 100mbps bandwidth and we

can freely access it any time without any login system nor any data usage limit, but do we really feel these changes? As the Information and Communications Technology Department (ICTD) improves our internet connection, several changes were also applied and affected the way we connect to the internet. Unlike before when we could connect in any available Wi-Fi in the University since a password was not needed, we can no longer do that now. Today WiFis in different offices and departments are limited to faculty or employees since they are already secured and a password is needed for connection. So, we need to locate the available public Wi-Fi for students for it is not available anywhere. Yes, we upgraded, but we don’t really feel it. The upgrade became ephemeral to its end-users, the students, because the available public Wi-Fi is not at all times and at all places really available to the students. Thus, the developments deemed and benefits aspired did not materialize for the students. I am not questioning the ICTD for its

actions since they are still in transition and adjustment period. The department also has new head or Director. Moreover, ensuring Wi-Fi connections in our University is not their only job. They also maintain the computer laboratories throughout the University. They are also in-charge of the newest Radio Frequency Identification (RFID). ICTD needs much attention for it plays a vital role in steering the technological advancement of our University. Nonetheless, this should also be realized by the concerned departments and authorities. A campus with better internet connectivity is something that all of us faculties, administration and students - can all be proud of. This can benefit all of us, particularly our goal to enhance research productivity in the University. We truly need an internet connection that can efficiently and effectively serve the current population that we have. The drive for improvement must be holistically faced by the academe because the benefits to be received will not be felt by just a few students or University employees. All of us can benefit from here.

Do you think the RFID serves its purpose? Why or why not? Hindi. Hindi kasi lahat ng estudyante ay isinusulat ang contact number ng mga magulang nila. –Unica Hija Okay lang, at least informed ‘yung mga parents if nakarating ba ‘yung mga anak nila except lang ‘yong mga sariling number nila ang nilagay. Kaloka. –JFBA Sagabal lalo na kapag marami kang dala tapos nasa kailaliman pa ng loob ng bag ‘yung ID mo. –chubbybunny22

APHORISTIC Sophia Margarette R. Caagbay

…it’s satisfying to see that the amount we pay for is going somewhere.

Are we getting what we are paying for?

tudying in the University entails great effort from our parents. Some students even work hard while studying just to put themselves to school and earn a degree for them to have a better future. To us, education is a prized possession not everyone is able to get. But on the other side of the coin, higher education institutions delivering education are also in the service business. And as a service business, we are their clientele. As the cliché goes, the customer is always right. In a service business, you have to reinvent your service to meet the preferred taste of your customers. They should feel that what they are paying for is worth the service you can provide. But not all of that scenario happens in reality. Every enrollment we pay chunks of money to be enlisted. Be it cash or installment – the money that we pay is a representation of our parents’ fruit of labor. To some, it is a semestral effort to ace one’s subject and gain an academic scholarship. Every semester we are bound to pay our tuition and miscellaneous fees. I have no problem paying for miscellaneous fees though, until I cannot’t utilize the facilities I paid for. Is it just really me? I mean, because of cost-cutting (that we have been repeatedly talking about in this newspaper), the facilities we pay for seem to be illusive. Yes. We. Don’t. Deserve – to enjoy the residues. Residues? Yes, residues. The residues of the MSEUF facilities we could make use of. I mean who’s having their classes at St. Bonaventure Student Center almost 2 years ago? For most of us, it’s just either a passing campus facility or a student hub. Why can’t college students use the EMRC anymore, when we paid for it? This scarcity of audio-visual technology is being a nuisance to some of the classes by borrowing projectors which sometimes aren’t working, causing delays in classes. There are also few projector units in other colleges that if all of them are booked,

you’ve got no choice but to settle with the oral discussion. Whose department isn’t scrimmaging for classrooms available in the campus? This classroom shortage isn’t really a novelty because we lived and endured it. But should we stay silent? I mean, the marketing tactics is robust just to entice all of us to experience the Envergan education but are the facilities ready to cater to all of us? Aside from these few cited infrastructure shortcomings, let us look at the quality of services rendered. I have read a lot of the rants of college students about instructors/professors giving extra merit to the SHS student causing college to be waived aside. If not, the teaching treatment is not encouraging at all to pursue scholarly studies. Is this the quality and competitive education we paid for? Psychologically, this is not healthy. The learning environment and the teaching style affect learning. We do understand the side of our instructors and professors: they have many teaching loads at a reduced salary. We still long for well-guided teaching and not simply issuance of instruction to guide us in our studies. I’m not igniting a rivalry but prioritizing SHS over college with the use of the facilities we paid for isn’t just fair. It’s like donating the blood and sweat of our parents’ labor to SHS students. How unfair would that be for us, college students? Recently, there have been upgrades

The Luzonian Editorial Board and Staff MARA ANGELI CADIZ Editor in Chief

IVAN CHRIS MABILANGAN Managing Editor

SOPHIA MARGARETTE CAAGBAY Asscociate Editor

JOHN ROVER SINAG Layout and Graphics Editor

by the Information and Communications Technology Department with regard to our internet facilities. However, did we feel it when there are only few hotspots to enjoy these perks because other connections are secured? We also paid for that, didn’t we? Why deny their use from us? Nonetheless, it is satisfying to see that the amount we paid for is going somewhere. I mean there are a lot of construction being started out – even if they are taking too long. But at least, the amount of money we pay for is right before our eyes. Which is, sort of good news for me and to all of you, too. As I always believe that taking baby steps is fundamental, I do hope that these shortcomings will be addressed to deliver better education and school-related facilities, even step-by-step for the next batch of students in the next academic years. Inasmuch as there will already be college freshmen next year, there is no reason why the use of the EMRC and other spaces will not be possible; thus, striking a balance and forging a wholesome academic experience for our investment. I believe that education is a very vital tool for one to take on the contemporary world to succeed. The knowledge that is attained through education opens many doors of opportunities reflective of the school’s excellence and globally competitive standards; therefore ensuring a remarkable Envergan education.

JOHN ANDREW JEREMIAH PACALDA Business Manager ADA LOREEN DE CASTRO Online Media Manager

KENNETH KIER REYES KYLE CADAVEZ Cartoonists

Okay na sana kasi hindi naman palagi narereceive ng parents ‘yung text. Haha #ShareLang. –MAAA Medyo okay na kaso minsan late ang text so di agad narereceive tapos ang dami pang pabebe mag-tap! –ms.liitcutiepie No, because RFID is for all the students of Enverga but only Senior High ang binigyan ng seminar about the RFID. –AMOJI Yes, kasi namomonitor kung sino talaga napasok. Dapat `yong RFID ma-develop pa na mamomonitor kung ilan pa ang tao sa loob ng campus –ilovedoms Oo naman kasi ‘yung purpose niya na mamonitor ng aming mga magulang kung napasok kami ay okay naman pero di maiwasan na may konting delay. –PepeEater Opo dahil pagkuha ng ID andon na tapos, high-tech. `Yon nga lang kaso late –NyxKnacks Di ako nagta-tap mali kasi yung number nung sa akin. At saka nadaan sa gate3. Bakit kasi wala sa gate3? –Ilovegenrev Opo dahil nagtetext sa nanay ko. –Balanakayo Oo, kahit na minsan nakakatamad magpa-scan, okay na rin yun para malaman ni momshie na pumapasok ako araw-araw. Hehe –ughhh Hindi effective, kasi tatlong araw halos bago dumating ‘yung notification sa tatay ko. –JAJ QT Hindi, kasi ‘yung iba po ay number nung boyfriend nila or number nila mismo ang nakalagay –Diday Actually, para sa ‘kin hindi, kasi late dumarating ang message –Pogi Hindi naman s’ya effective kasi ‘yung text late dumating minsan umaabot pa ng two days. Bago mareceive, tsaka halos ‘yung ibang students di rin naman nagsaswipe eh. Kaya malaking DI EFFECTIVE YAN –CAFA Hindi effective!!! Bukod sa late na dumating ‘yung message, may mga times pa na hindi na talaga dumadating. So, ano pang purpose nun, di ba? –XXX Yes, because my parents became more aware. They do not need to worry if I entered the school or not. –May 2019 CPA Yes, because it is functional and it gives security to the students. It provides assurance to the guardians that the students are inside the school premises. –MECutie No, kasi ‘yung iba ang contact number ay another phone nila so wala rin. –LilyCruz No, because the school wanted security…more security measures can be enacted other than just tapping the ID scanner and the RFID mechanism will inform yourself that you’ve entered the school premises. –IvyAguas Medyo hassle, saka hindi s’ya professional tingnan. At hindi tulad ng RFID ng ibang universities. Parang defeated ‘yung purpose ng autonomous status –Tod Still unclear kasi ang dami pang adjustments. Siguro let’s wait for more na lang.- lolita

JHON ANGELO VIRTUCIO MCKINLY REVILLA KEVAN LAURENZ MUZARES CARMELA MIRANDA MARIA RIZZA TUTOR Staff JAY MEL NICOMEDEZ ARIANA JULIA TADIOSA ERIKA MARCA FRITZJAY LABIANO ARON GREY ENRIQUEZ MICHAELA ELAINE AZORES REANA ZARHYNE PALAD Apprentices

ALEXANDRIA MARIEL FACTOR ANGELICA RAGO GIANA MAE LICOTO CHRISTINE MAE FRIAS RIKKI MAE VILLA EDCEL JUSTINE CABAYLO CHRISTELLE MAAÑO KYLE ANTHONY NIOSCO EDCEL JUSTINE CABAYLO BETHRINA IRA CARREON IRIS GEM MAGDAONG Apprentices RAYMOND BERMUDEZ DEXTER VILLAMIN Technical Advisers

opinion

The Luzonian

Stat analysis DATA CRAFTED FROM THE REGISTRAR’S OFFICE ENROLLMENT SUMMARY

August-December 2017

he onset of the Senior High School Program to complete the 12-year year basic education cycle in the Philippine educational system changed the demographics of higher education institutions. In the Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation for one, the student population was greatly altered.

John Rover Sinag

STUDENT POPULATION TODAY WITH SHS

STUDENT POPULATION BEFORE SHS IMPLEMENTATION

2,871

1st Year 387

6,492

2nd Year 522 3rd Year 1516

1st Year 2,018

4th Year 1201 5th Year 265

3rd Year 1,411

3,891

Grade 12 1247

Grade 11 1624

AY 2015-2016

2nd Year 1,674

AY 2017-2018

5th Year 216

4th Year 1,140

707 + 990 (STEM)

1218

620+ 734 (ABM)

1058 214+ 27 (GAS) 639 (HUMSS)

426 + 32

352

(SPORTS)

648

539

399+ 122 (HE) 32 250+ 170(ICT) 170

213+ 157 (AD)

302

225

CED

CCS

CTHRM

CBA

CNAHS CAS

CAFA

CME

CENG

LAW

356

AY 2015-2016

246 93

College IGSR

IGSR

Senior High School

LAW

website

626

313 43

CENG

CME

CAFA

CAS CNAHS CBA

JUGARSEGURO

The L

</Soon to be accessed>

AY 2017-2018

106

77 CCLE

681

641

CTHRM CCS

CED

CCLE

I believe that we must assert our autonomy.

Ada Loreen C. de Castro

To be or, not to be, that is the question “T

o ensure the well-being and safety of all the students in higher education and guarantee the quality of their learning and exposure” is what the Commission on Higher Education stated in CHED Memorandum Order No. 63 Series of 2017 entitled Policies and Guidelines on Local Off-Campus Activities. Yes, I am pleased and grateful that CHED is concerned with the safety of every student, but is it wrong to walk outside the campus gates and explore what the “outside world” has to offer?

CMO No. 63 s. 2017 is a Joint Memorandum Circular from the CHED Memorandum Order No. 17 Series of 2012 indexed as Policies and Guidelines on Educational Tours and Field Trips of College and Graduate Students. While the memorandum allow students to travel to different parts of the city, region and even the whole country, the memo also requires students to submit many requirements just to be allowed to participate in out-ofschool activities. I am president of an accredited organization and I can truly relate to this matter. Our organization wanted to have an outreach program with out-of-school youth in St. Ferdinand Cathedral.

But among the requirements that each participating student must accomplish to be allowed to have an activity are notarized parent’s consent, medical certificate, CHED Memo, parent’s consultation meeting, registration of vehicles for the transportation of the group, certification of the person in charge, and insurance policy. The long list of requirements just to organize activities or even to participate in the activities of other schools has greatly crippled many organizations this academic year. To be honest, as students and members of student organizations, we cannot maximize our potentials in organizational activities since the load of

documentary requirements is hampering us. We also need to balance our time with our academics and other priorities that there are events we chose not to organize, or participate because we are falling short in accomplishing all the documentary requirements prescribed by the CHED memorandum. I believe that the traditional parent’s consent is enough to inform guardians of a school event, especially if the distance of the destination is like travelling from school to a mall. Can that notarized parent’s consent save one’s life in times of accidents? Are the certifications I’ve just mentioned earlier enough to exempt

an outdoor activity from the chances of having accidents? Does a notarized parent’s consent hold the school not guilty if there would be such occurrence? Safety can be attained by other means such as continuous maintenance of the vehicles that we use whenever we’re having out-of-school activities or checking the vehicle before it gets on route. The purpose of the activities and the opportunities they can offer for student development are essential that should not be taken for granted. As an autonomous University and despite the numerous accreditations that we had already gone through, I believe that we must assert our autonomy.

For a ride

SHS Envergans go crazy

Giana Mae C. Licoto

Check every logical and reliable science book and it will say we, humans, are technically part of the animal kingdom. So, it is almost impossible to be surprised when a large group of students turn into wild animals gone savage just when they are about to get a ride home. It is not a pretty sight and can simply cause every one of us a lot of trouble, really. One dilemma is that this problem is rooted from the number of enrollees of Senior High School students that reached a peak this school year. Even better, majority of these thousands are dismissed from class in times that are really close to each other; some are even of the same class schedules. Thus, they result to difficulty getting home early. With thousands of students, leaving school at nearly the same time to go home in the city or in the neighboring municipalities, the scramble is on to get a ride between 5:00 to 5:30 in the afternoon. By the time they get home, the sun has set, and the darker the skies have become, the more dangerous it becomes to stay out. In the case of Francheska Dela Cruz,

a Grade 11 Humanities and Social Sciences student, it can possibly take about one and a half hours for her to arrive in her home located in Sariaya, Quezon after class. Now, the worst part is if there is heavy traffic. She claims that it takes her approximately two hours or more before she reaches home. It may be true that we do have school buses but then again, the impact becomes negligible when only thirty to forty students can sit or ride per vehicle? By the time these buses return from the city proper, it’s already pretty late. Although it can be convenient in small groups, the case here is that there are thousands of enrollees just for the Senior High School department alone. True, there are jeepneys available lining near the campus gate to take students to their destinations. But an average jeepney can accommodate a maximum of 20 people. However, what creates a problem is that most of these jeepneys cut their trips up to the nearby mall only. With luck, some jeepney drivers take their passengers to the city proper but this is another story of hanging on to one’s patience. The traffic is simply horrendous

and students sit in the traffic snarl for hours. Needless to say, the traffic is not really the University’s fault anymore. However, they deserve to know that when students are dismissed from their classes at nearly the same time, it can really become a hassle for everyone. Plus, the terrible traffic outside the proximity of the school that has stranded people for hours because students from other schools are dismissed at the same time. So we all end up meeting in the middle of traffic. In the end, we can all agree that the tight schedules are suffocating and the struggle just to get a ride home (add the heavy traffic to that) is a problem that needs to be looked into. What we may need are just some slight alterations at least in the class schedules because this will allow us all to move freely and arrive home earlier. After all, we all want to get home after a tiresome day at school. Nobody wants their patience tested and be treated like the typical wild beast in the forest just because we want a seat, right? Oh yes, the daily struggle is real - to get a ride home.

commentary

xperiencing the struggles of being a Senior High School student and an Envergan all at once is simply a blessing and a curse in one package. Sure, the blessing is gaining life-altering lessons from these experiences and all that. The terrible curse, however, is having your level of patience constantly tested in the struggle to get home early after class without having to fight (sometimes literally) for a seat in jeepneys.

photo by:

Sophia Caagbay

THE STRUGGLE IS REAL. Every 5:30 in the afternoon, this is the common scenario as both college and SHS students struggle to get a ride home.

opinion

The Luzonian

Volume LXIX | Issue 1

Quality over quantity

Analysis

Jay Mel Nicomedez

s one of the biggest educational institutions in the province, the University caters to the largest senior high school (SHS) population in Quezon province offering senior high school tracks, except agriculture and fisheries. Top up tuition increased by 5% or P1,300 for Grade 11. For Grade 12, top up fees totalled P4,000 due to laboratory subjects. Let’s analyze this. In spite of the tuition top up from the government-issued voucher, the University still pushed for cost cutting. Finance officials of the University say that cost cutting is still needed because the tuition paid by SHS students do not match the twice-a-year tuition paid by college students. In short, cost cutting was necessary because in spite of warm bodies, the University literally lost a huge chunk of its tuition revenues from the lack of new college students. As part of cost cutting, the University management reduced the number of outsourced personnel saving several millions of pesos that somehow reduced the losses. However, there is a downside to the reduction of outsourced personnel. We noticed that the entire campus is no longer as spic and span as it used to be. Leaves falling off the trees are not immediately swept and collected. Garbage bins are not regularly emptied causing trash to spill over, so unsightly for many of us students. Recently, the University trained a batch of Senior High School teachers that required some

Watch out Envergans for the

Outlook

: S E U SS I T X NE o

y m a nd iii

ng da n. k a ia na zon l u a isy e L Op g Th n an k i t ni pa m pa

dael magazine

rooms to be switched and some Senior High School classes to be moved to other facilities like the St. Bonaventure Student Center. How can we call St. Bona a ‘classroom’? The switching of classrooms may hamper students’ academic performance. Next year, a new batch of Grade 11 students are expected to come. Alongside is the entrance of new college freshmen. Is the University ready to accommodate the incoming batches of students? While a two-storey new building is being constructed for the architecture and fine arts students, the new structure is earmarked solely for them. The expected entry of new Grade 11 and new college students is not configured in the plans and specifications of the new structure. The University must be prepared for the next academic year or it might find itself swamped by enrolees with no ready infrastructure for them. In the end, the University must always put the welfare of the students as a priority: quality over quantity. The University think tank had better start planning as early as now to get the facilities ready for the expected new entrants, lest its vaunted quality and excellence take a dive.

DAUNTLESS John Andrew Jeremiah Pacalda

In your JAJ-mental eyes T

he fashion of hair dyeing, piercing, and having tattoos is already seen and evident over the years here and even overseas. However, these new fashion fads are prohibited in the educational institutions, having colored hair or having multiple piercings or having tattoos is frowned upon. Do they really matter? Do they really affect the student’s educational performance? Does having dyed hair, sporting tattoos or multiple piercings define one’s total personality and identity? Hair dyeing, piercings, and tattoo can be included as forms of artistry, selfexpression, and style. Of course, when we see someone walking down the hallway with green, purple, or red hair, we become mind-boggled simply because color looks so different. It also seems like we’re knocked for six when we see someone with multiple piercings on their ears, or any part of their face. Just seeing an enormous tunnel hole in their ear leaves us dumbfounded. Yet, there’s always something holding us back in this kind of circumstances, which is the conservative mindset of our elders, and our culture. It is quite saddening that some narrow-minded individuals look at people with dyed hair and many piercings as shallow individuals or persons with wronged history. Honestly, I think the people who look at them with so much judgment are the ones who are shallow and have wronged history. Aesthetics is one avenue where one expresses his/her perception of beauty, most importantly, the definition of one’s identity. As cliché as it sounds, beauty

The L resurrection The Luzonian had been inactive for a year and a half. Its last broadsheet release was back in 2013, Dael magazine was in 2012, and the newsletter, Andamyo (the literary folio), and Envergan (the foundation magazine) came out two academic years away. New faces and old newshounds constituted this year’s Editorial Board and staff faced with the challenge to revive and re-establish the guts and glory The Luzonian used to be identified with. The road to resurrection was not easy given the fact that the new set of writers and editorial board were only assembled in the latter part of October. At the end of the semester, the challenge is to deliver a physical broadsheet to its stakeholders. Nights became extensions of days. Editorial board meetings and press work went on till dawn. A bunch of apprentices offered their helping hands. Some staff and apprentices disappeared. Only a handful struggling souls were left. But the heart of the publication lies with the commitment burning from the passion of those who chose to stay and be part of the challenge. Their spirit was driven by accepting the challenge to bring back The Luzonian that the student body truly deserves. The fact that you are now holding this broadsheet is a joyous proof that we’re finally resurrected and an optimistic outlook that you’ll soon be holding other issues that we’ll soon be working hard for. To all of those who doubted, this broadsheet is for you. For all the dreamers, keep the faith. To God be the glory! This success would not have been possible without the passionate commitment of the hardworking staff, apprentices, and editorial board. We truly thank the guidance of our technical advisers, and help from our alumni, OSA director, and VPs for Academics and Research and External Relations. Today, as you hold a copy of this broadsheet, The Luzonian truly extends its gratitude to the men and women behind this resurrection.

is in the eye of the beholder. Beauty is something personal and subjective. We have our own ways on how to express ourselves and as long as we don’t overlap with the exercise of others’ rights, we’re doing nothing wrong. Society has long been dictating people what’s good or not, or what’s likeable or taboo. Norms have been compelling people to bend in order to be accepted or desired by the general public. Nevertheless, always keep in mind that uplifting one’s individuality through artistry and selfexpression is highly important than just being accepted. We might try to please others over and over again but in the end, we cannot still please everyone. So why bother, right? I believe that the best thing to be liked by others is equated with the prerequisite to like and love yourself first. Feel free to express oneself in any form of artistry. Never be discouraged by what other people say or how they judge you. Your body is the greatest canvas you can show the world. Whatever it is that you do with it, you’re still the artist behind

Work, work, where? Ariana Julia Tadiosa

The greatest sense of beauty that you can give is being truthful to your self-expression. your greatest masterpiece. No matter how others define their own points of aesthetics, believe in oneself and fear no self-expression if it means no harm to others. The greatest sense of beauty that you can give is being truthful to yourselfexpression. Remember that piercings, tattoo and hair dyeing no matter how unique they may seem still lies in yourself. Get real. And for the narrow-minded persons, we live in a modern society. Embrace liberality and have an open mind so you can understand more. Why not express yourself, too, instead of making a fuss about them?

ork immersion is one of the core subjects in the Senior High School curriculum. It is intended to help the students venture outside the four corners of their classrooms into the real world to initiate them to experience their field of specialization. According to the Department of Education, work immersion specifically aims to let the students gain relevant and practical industrial skills under the guidance of industry experts and workers, appreciate the importance and application of the principles and theories taught in school, enhance their technical knowledge and skills, enrich their skills in communications and human relations and develop good work habits, attitudes, appreciation and respect for work. Students welcomed the curricular development. Finally, SHS students can go out and experience the outside world and and do on-the-job training. However, the teacher-advisers said the work experience will be done in the University to ensure student safety and to guide the work immersion program closely. The advisers explained that it will entail less expenses and at the same time the students will be immersed in realworld work settings in different areas of the University, instead of going to the different establishments in the city. Wouldn’t the students be at a disadvantage here as the plan seems to dilute the essence of the immersion? While no part of the DepEd guideline clearly states where the immersion may be held, it will perhaps be a much better learning experience for students to be independent to do their jobs and to be able to see their dream jobs in action. It is also a concern that the two hours per day isn’t sufficient to immerse themselves in their respective areas. The learning experience that may be provided inside the University isn’t that half bad because SHS students will see professionals working in the school premises. Needless to say, if we want students to act as mature adults, they should be treated the same way. The University can collaborate with some of the establishments outside the school, and advisers can monitor their behavior and actuation. As for the issue of safety, the advisers can escort the students to the work immersion venues, but give them some latitude, some room for independence. After all, they are students of Manuel S. Enverga University, and if these students are able to survive actual work conditions on their own and learn valuable lessons and experiences during the immersion, it will be their pride and the Enverga identity they will carry. Work immersion outside the University may well give the Senior High School students the best education they can get outside the hallowed halls of MSEUF. Why don’t we give the SHS students a chance to fly out of the coop and wing their way back - tested and more experienced?

features

Envergan lodi

The Luzonian

August-December 2017

A beginner’s guide to

Maestra Personal data privacy exerpt from “30 Ways to Love Yourself Online” from privacy.gov.ph

Do not log in on personal accounts on free or public wifi.

Lock your device.

Diba kapag mahal mo, aalagaan mo? Leaving a laptop or cellphone unlocked is like leaving an open purse, which hackers are more than happy to take advantage of.

Install an ad blocker to lessen browser pop-ups.

Minsan, mabuti nang umiwas, bago ka pa masaktan. Extensions like AdBlock Plus, available on Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox, prevent popups from appearing and notify you if these seem malicious while you browse.

Install an Anti-Virus… and update it.

Hindi porket nakuha mo na, iiwan mo na lang sa ere. New viruses are being created all the time, so simply installing an anti-virus program doesn’t cut it. It is important to update the programs to keep up with new and emerging threats.

Have you been Powned?

Baka biniktima ka na nga, hindi mo pa alam. Check out https://haveibeenpwned.com/ PwnedWebsites to see if you’ve availed of compromised services online. If, by any chance, you have, change your passwords immediately.

Hindi lahat ng libre at willing magpagamit ay dapat gamitin. Open networks make it very easy for people to peek into your activity and accounts, and the people you share the network with may also be using compromised devices.

‘Wag masyadong loyal sa isang password, para mo na ring sinuko lahat agad-agad. Having different passwords on multiple accounts makes it harder for hackers to guess them.

Make sure there is an https in the browser address bar.

Sa umaga’t sa gabi, sa bawat minutong lumilipas, ito ang dapat mong hinahanap-hanap. The S after the HTTP stands for “Secure,” which means the data being sent between your browser and the site you are on is encrypted.

Never use the same password on multiple accounts.

Don’t click on popups or virus warnings.

Kahit marupok, wag basta-basta magpauto. These warnings are now called “scareware,” which are fake security alerts telling you to click a link to download software to remove the virus in your computer. The links, however, contain viruses.

Create strong passwords.

Pumili ng password na talagang ipaglalaban ka sa mga hacker. Strong passwords are at least 12 characters long and contain a combination of upper and lower case letters, numbers, and if possible, symbols.

Always log out of browsers.

Matuto ng malinis na pamamaalam, lalo na kung hindi naman talaga sa ’yo…ang laptop. Google Chrome has a unified log in system, which logs you into the browser even if you only log in through the e-mail, so don’t forget to log out. Or better yet, use Incognito mode.

TIP

Dreaming is a passport to one’s objective. This had been this person’s mantra in reaching the zenith of her success as an educator. Her humble beginnings started when she finished college at the University of the Philippines Los Baños with a degree in BS Development Communication in 1995. She was among the pioneers of the academic organization, UP Alliance of Development Communication Students (UP ADS). She graduated from the University in 1999. UPLB has fully equipped her with the tools she needed in order to ace the corporate world. But most importantly, it was where she met her greatest life tool, her husband and soon-to-be father of her children who’s also a UPLB student (Veterinary Medicine) to be exact. She used to dream working in the metropolitan, particularly in advertising jobs. But her drive was diverted in another calling: education. She took her master’s degree in Public Affairs at UPLB but shifted to MAEd English in Enverga University where she now teaches. To continually grow in the field of education, she pursued her doctorate studies in Reading Education at Philippine Normal University (PNU). Propelling herself in developing her career was not easy. Her road to finishing her PhD was not easy; it was totally difficult given the fact that she was balancing her priorities and responsibilities as a teacher, a wife and a mother. Eradicating a task in her to-do-list is indeed a struggle. In improving her career, she tried her best to sustain everyday attendance in her classes. Preparing her materials and class activities is another story of struggle. Continuous research and attending trainings must also be done to continually develop her methods and her style of teaching. She remarked that the hardest part of developing her career was to finish the doctorate degree against all odds. The burden of putting herself through studies was intense. She shared that students must not always choose the easy way out. Difficult roads might bring you many challenges. Time will test you through. You will go through hardship and you might even lose yourself in the middle but the reward lies in the end. You will see that you’re a far better version of yourself. You will see that you’re an improved individual fortified by the challenges that shaped you into your development. The easy way out is easy but the development it brings one is also less. More gains might compel more struggles but you should not settle for less. As for her fellow professors that are also aspiring to reach their ideals as educators, she likewise advises not to settle on what you have now. Always push yourself to the limits. Believe that you can achieve more. An educator is a person of limitless potentials. Educators shape the minds of their students. They also incite learning. They are guides of students to their future endeavors. But personally, educators must also shape themselves as individuals, continually learn and guide themselves to reach their full potentials. These words of inspiration had been this educator’s anchor in dreaming and working for her objectives. Her struggles had already paid off. She’s now reaping the fruits of her labor as she was awarded 2016 Outstanding Faculty of the Year. She emerged from the selection’s tight process from the demo teaching, interview and deliberation as adjudged from a professor’s education, community service involvement and research with flying colors. She’s now at the apex of her success as an educator. But she’s not wishing to be part of the administration, it’s actually not the position that she’s aspiring for. She’s rooting to stay efficiently and effectively as a classroom teacher. To win the hearts of her students and become part of the successful metamorphosis of her students is her goal. The power and responsibility to become part of a student’s development as a person is the best part of becoming an educator. She looks forward to sustaining the balance of being a transformative educator, a devoted wife, and a nurturing mother. She is Maria Azela Tamayo, 2016 Outstanding Faculty of the Year.

TIP

“

Believe that you can. Dreams do come true.”

rivacy is an important matter, that each and everyone of us hold dear. As we expose ourselves via social media, we share a part of our individuality. But the internet universe is vast and unpredictable. The information and the slice of ourselves that we share online can be at risk. Thus, the country now implements a Data Privacy Act to protect you from the perils of sharing your information. The Act likewise raises people’s awareness on protecting and loving oneself online. The following are some of their beginner’s guide in protecting your data privacy:

Mara Angeli E. Cadiz

Pass this on.

Help your loved ones love themselves Show your love to friends and family by introducing them to good personal data privacy practices to keep them safe off and online.

Titibo-Tibo: The story behind the LSS Sound check

“

ove can change people’s perspective in life.”

Last song syndrome (LSS) is what it felt like repeatedly listening to the music. Among these days’ prominent LSS is Moira dela Torre’s interpretation of the song, Titibo-tibo. The title itself is quite controversial and very LGBT catchy. But actually, the song is not about being a lesbian. The song projects the story of a boyish girl who started to reinvent herself into becoming more ladylike after meeting and eventually falling in love with a guy. The guy in the end likewise fell in love with the storyteller, the girl who used to be Titibotibo. The song presented an eccentric love story depicting how love changed and reinvented an individual. This story was told in a very catchy breezy way that made this song very LSS-worthy. The melody and tone of the song complements its catchiness. It’s very easy on the ears and a stress reliever. Additionally, Moira dela Torre’s singing style added a breezy element because it’s very unique and not-your-ordinary type of song. Titibo-tibo won this year’s Himig Handog Love song, one of the prominent song writing tilts in the country, aiming to reintroduce Original Pinoy Music to the current generation. Composer Libertine Amistoso shared that the story behind the LSS was rooted from her personal experiences. She even shared that,

Aaron Grey Enriquez “What is in your heart, is what you will feel.” Girls usually endure peer pressure to look and feel feminine according to society’s dictates. Some feel that there’s pressure to be liked and sought after by your crush or ideal guy. A boyish-girl would not come out of the shadows if she stays titibo-tibo because she’ll just be seen as one of the boys, the best buddy type, not the girlfriend material. It is good that the storyteller in the song was liked by the person she liked. But not everyone’s love is requited. Some fall into the peril of liking someone secretly over the years ending up with that person they want wishing to be with the ideal girl, the campus beauty queen type. Some fall into the peril of lost hopes waiting for the person they like to love them back. Some fall into perils of not betting on love at all. As you can perceive in the song, reading between the lyrics, the song tells us to be brave and to face our fears. The society may dictate on you and on what you should be; but in the end, it is still you who will decide for yourself. You may wish to join the greater number or stay loyal to your individuality. You can stay in your titibo-tibo zone or become another person. Because in the end, destiny does not just happen. Sometimes, you’ve got to be the one who makes the first step. And in love, we are sometimes misguided in making the first move doing something to give motive to the person we like. The first move is loving oneself. Liking and loving yourself so that you can contain so much love enabling you to share it with others.

The werpa phenomena Jay Mel Nicomedez

“A

ng wika ay araw-araw dapat umuunlad at nagbabago…iyon ay palatandaan na aktibo at buhay ang wika.” These are words from National Commission for the Culture and the Arts (NCAA) National Chairperson Virgilio Almario.

The highly evolving Filipino society is always up to what the trend is. Language and culture are two social entities enormously diversified by the millennial generation. As a result, words like werpa, lodi, and petmalu, have come to existence but if you are thinking that these kinds of words are just recent, you are wrong. Contrary to the belief that such words are recent in our history, you are wrong because even in the Spanish era modifying language was very rampant. It may not be used back then as it was used today but the history of today’s millennial words can be traced back then. You may take Marcelo H. Del Pilar’s pen name or pseudonym as an example. Del Pilar used “Plaridel” as his pen name to avoid detection by Spanish officials. Also, in the dark ages of history, such words remained popular and kept on evolving. In fact, words like ermat or erpat were popularly used in the martial law era and words like chibog and chugi became popular in the 90’s. With such, you may ask how and why do such words even exist? According to University of the Philippines Linguistics professor Jay-ar Igno such words are called tadbalik – words that are played and jumbled. From there, language change and modification progress constantly. We can take gay lingo or bekimon as an example of a major language

movement in our country. In an essay written by Ronaldo Baytan, he described the rise of gay lingo as “turning the source of their oppression, their desires, into the very source of their self-affirmation.” Thus, we can see that language change is not only caused by some random stuff of boredom but a form of social uprising. Looking back at the Spanish period to the early 2000’s, language change can be seen as a manifestation of social change and social problems and status that are currently happening in a particular society. In an interview, Prof. Igno added that, “Ang pagkakaroon ng mga ganitong salita product siya ng creativity ng tao. May kakayahan tayo magcreate o makabuo ng expression na produkto rin ng nag-eexist na salita.” Also, Roy Cagalingan of the Komisyon ng Wikang Filipino justified that, “Kung mula tayo sa panahon ng ‘erpa’, panahon ng ‘yosi,’ panahon ng ‘batsi’, o kung anuman ‘amats,’ bumabalik lang ang fashion sa ibang panahon.” Truly, change is one thing that we cannot stop. However, we cannot just stop with the change that has happened or is happening because such changes are the things that make us who we are. Just like the ever-evolving feature of language, we must not

forget the past, but also treasure the present, and dream about what tomorrow might offer. As a result of language evolution and the Filipinos’ imagination, new words will continue to emerge not only in the social media but in the various sectors of Filipino society. Let’s take a look at the best tadbalik words of Gen Y.

The Luzonian

Volume LXIX | Issue 1

Down memory lane with UTARians Sophia Margarette R. Caagbay

“I had learned a very different culture from the Philippines and the educational system from MSEUF. That was a valuable experience through the cultural exchange program. “

t was the first time that MSEUF hosted UTAR delegates twice this year, the first one was on Feb. 5-12 and the second one was on Sept. 24 to Oct. 2. Both batches had different itineraries during their first week of cultural exploration tour hosted by the College of Business and Accountancy (CBA).

Traditionally, the delegates of the Philippines accompany the UTAR delegates. Both batches experienced class immersion in their respective programs. They all also visited the Kamay ni Hesus Grotto Shrine, Kamayan sa Palaisdaan, Basilica of St. Michael Archangel, Yema Cake Factory and Lambanog Distillery. Luckily, the first batch this year experienced and celebrated with us Envergans in our annual Foundation Week. They took part in the debate competition and graced Ms. MSEUF 2017 as VIPs. They also had off-campus tours in Enchanted Kingdom and areas adjacent to Tagaytay City. For the recent batch, although they did not take part in the Foundation Week, they experienced the usual and awesome student life in EU. They visited historical landmarks in Manila such as Rizal Park, Intramuros and the National Museum. It was an unforgettable experience to meet the UTAR delegates so let’s read about what they felt as “What I have experienced through this they visited our humble home. Philippine culture exchange study tour can be summarized by using these THREE simple words: memorable, grateful and enjoyable. Memorable – The night when we had a culture exchange moment with fellow friends in the University, we “It’s a short and sweet trip for me. I am able played games and shared thoughts plus had a nice to bring great memories back home in Malaysia. BBQ (supper or dinner) together. There were some During the week, I learned about Philippine culture other memorable moments, too. But this is the and delicacies through the MSEUF program. I am one of the moments that I felt I enjoyed the most. also really grateful to the lecturers and students Grateful – I got to know fellow MSEUF students. of MSEUF for being so kind and helpful to us They are friendly and kind to me. They gave me full throughout the trip.” guidance, suggestion, and opinion for everything I asked. Enjoyable – when learning the traditional dance. Although I do not know how to dance, I did Cha Muh Wen enjoy and gave my full cooperation. That’s all I (Bachelor of Engineering would like to say. Thank you for giving me such a (Hons) Civil Engineering) chance for me to express my feelings.”

“During my stay in the Philippines, I received the warmest hospitality I ever had in my life! I made new friends and they brought me bundles of joy and made sure that I won’t get bored during my stay. They tried their best to make me feel comfortable and yes, they did it and even the locals made me feel like I’m home! People said that the Philippines is well known for the crystal clear sea water, islands and the amazing sunsets. But for me, in addition to them, people are the most beautiful in the Philippines.”

Peik Chew (Bachelor of Marketing (Hons))

“It was a wonderful experience and I would venture to say, the best trip I’ve ever had. The hospitality of Filipinos is incomparable to the rest of the world. You all are the most kind and friendly people, extremely welcoming and curious, but also respectful.”

“It was an unforgettable memory for me to travel to MSEUF. It made me feel like being home during the trip being treated so warmly by Envergans. During the trip, I had taken my first ride of jeepneys and tricycle. It was so special because we needed to pass the money from the back to the front to the driver. In addition, I also really enjoyed learning the traditional dance of the Philippines even though it was so hard for me. Other than that, I spent a very good time mingling with Concert Singers. I’m amazed by their singing talent. It was so fun learning the traditional song “Bahay Kubo”. Philippine delicacies are also one of the things that I miss. They are all so delicious especially the yema cake. I hope I could have it in Malaysia, too. Thank you so much for all MSEUF friends who skipped their classes just to accompany us throughout this trip, their presence has made this trip more pleasant and remarkable. Lastly, thanks for giving me such a wonderful memory. I hope l could visit MSEUF again if possible.”

Su Rou Low (Bachelor of Social Science (Hons) Psychology)

Geng Hong Chow (Bachelor of Science (Hons) Actuarial Science)

“I’m totally impressed by MSEUF students, not only with their achievements in academics and co-curricular activities but also their good personal character. They are friendly, caring and always positive thinkers in worst situations. Most importantly, they face people with sincere smiles, which I think is the most important element that bonds people together. I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge all MSEUF students and professors who gave us a warm welcome, who brought us to explore attractions in the Philippines and to try tasty Philippines foods. A big thanks to all of you because meeting you all made my first travel abroad experience become more memorable and complete! I would definitely love to pay a visit to Philippines, especially to MSEUF again!”

Tan Zhi Yi (Bachelor of Business Administration (Hons) Banking and Finance)

The cozy feel of the city Sophia Margarette R. Caagbay

photo by:

Sophia Caagbay

“Overall activities that we had are well planned by MSEUF especially cooking and dancing sessions. They are very interesting for me. Besides that, I appreciate all of the committee members of this study tour to bring us to have nice food like Jollibee, buffet in the first day, the roasted chicken and the cheese cake. Last but not the least, the album prepared by MSEUF is really valuable. Thank you to Dean Paz, lecturers and committee member. Thank you, Sophia.”

Alex Wong Wen Cong (Bachelor of Engineering) (Hons) Civil Engineering)

“It is my pleasure to visit MSEUF in Lucena, Philippines. It is indeed an eye-opening experience and I got a lot out of it. I gained a rich understanding of another culture and came to better understand my own culture. I made new friends who helped me understand life through “new eyes”. I am truly grateful for this opportunity. Thank you.” Loh Phui Nying (Master of Engineering Science )

“Throughout this trip, I have met and made many new Filipino friends. It was beyond my belief and expectation that we were connected to each other almost immediately. I think maybe we had the same instant recognition in our unconscious level, where we were able to share laughter, jokes and tears with one another. I really appreciated the friendships that I have made with the Envergans over a week. Because of the amity between us, I was able to understand and learn better the culture, norms and values of the Philippines. It was definitely a great experience for me to create such memories with the MSEUF.”

Yeong Phik Wei (Bachelor of International Business (Hons))

It is a lifetime wonderful experience learning with friendly MSEUF students full of interesting culture and event. Very fun and I enjoyed every moment with you all.”

Lock Wei (Bachelor (Hons) of Electronic Engineering)

“In my University life, I have been to several exchange programs. Yhe Philippines has the most unforgettable moments. Why? 1) Enthusiasm -students here are EXTREMELY friendly, which has a big difference compared to my country, since I’m a city boy. Most people I meet put themselves first more than the other. 2) Food -the food is amazing, especially exotic food, and my favorite is..... BALUT!!! 3) Scenery -there is this high place in Tagaytay, where you can see a spectacular bird’s eye view of a volcano. 4) People -the students here are very talented; they can either dance or sing and you can find them anywhere.”

Lai Jia Shern (Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) Chemical Engineering)

Lee Jade Seng (Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) Civil Engineering)

Envergan lodi

Gan Zi Lei (Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) Civil Engineering

features

“Mabuhay Envergans, Ako si Kate. I visited MSEUF this early February and it became an unforgettable experience in my life. I never regretted my decision to pay a visit to MSEUF. It is far more than what I expected. I like the environment and culture in Philippines, but what inspired me more was the people there. I always believe kindness is a language where the deaf can hear and the blind can see. I always appreciate that MSEUF students were too kind and friendly to me. I became really close to them within my short stay there. Friends are about sincerity, not about nationality. Thank you MSEUF and my friends gave me a wonderful stay in the Philippines. Salamat ” Kate Ong (Bachelor’s degree in Psychology)

By the platter

newly risen café situated in the heart of the city is Ryu Pub x Bistro, a Lucena branch originating from Lucban Quezon. At first glance from the outside, Ryu looks like those usual café-like feels with its line of cupcakes, cashier with espresso machines, cutesy and chic-like interior with a makeshift stage at the center for performances. Nothing new, right? But we should always bear in mind that cafés are made to be tweaked. Is that bad? No. When you step inside the café it will give you a Manila-feel like ambience with the interior’s luxury. Everything seems to be organizedbut-we-are-playing-messy interior giving off artsy-craftsy cozy vibes. At first, you will be really impressed but at the back of your head it’s just a normal cafélike bistro with a well-planned out interior. But that is until you discover what’s upstairs. The 2nd floor shows off themed-contemporary-vintage-like subparts greeted by an indoor garden-themed set. On the left side from the stairs is a set of table with a bookshelf giving study-area vibes followed by a couple of blue one-seater couches between a wood table. On the right corner is a minifunction hall. Furthermore, an imposing big chair probably designed for intimate conversations with homey-like vibes followed by themed park space where there are three tables of Snow White with their cutesy form parallel to a makeshift platform housing four round tables where you have to take off your shoes to sit. (I would love it better though if there are fishes to massage your feet for a soothing feel). Nonetheless, Ryu is simply spectacular. A café not withstanding the saying “Don’t judge a book by its cover.”

FROM STUDENT LEADER TO SHS TEACHER

Faculty’s new guy Sophia Margarette R. Caagbay

new heartthrob from the faculty of the College of Arts and Sciences: quick-witted, handsome and funny – who’s your bet? I guess you can’t go wrong with this one: Arby S. Lagman, the Senior High School Teacher I, who causes floods of confession in social media from his adoring students. Sir Arby finished cum laude in the Bachelor of Science Degree in Environmental Science program last year in the University. He has been a consistent figure in the dean’s list and roll of academic scholars. During his University days, he was an active student leader. He was the President of the MSEUF Graduating Class 2017 and overall committee head of the University Collegiate Student Council SY 2016-2017. He even took the presidential posts of CAS League of Quizzers, MSEUF Research Club, and MSEUF English Club. More than leadership, he also works for the welfare of his fellow Envergans and outsiders through his active volunteerism in the various community services programs of the College of Arts and Sciences fostering environmental awareness. His passion for excellence and community service has paid off as he garnered various recognitions. Some of those that he got during his undergraduate years were Enverga University’s Most Outstanding Organization President of 2016 and one of the Top 20 National Finalists in the Search for Jose Rizal Model Students of the Philippines 2016. He was also recognized as one of the Ten Outstanding Students of Lucena City 2017 (Magik FM Galing Award) and Most Outstanding Achiever in Campus Leadership 2017. Recently, he was chosen regional awardee for the Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines (TOSP) 2017 for the Calabarzon Region. He even advanced as one out of four Region IVA awardees who will compete in the national search. Just recently, he was picked one of the 30 selected for the national finals search. As a student, balancing his organizational participations, it was not easy for Arby. But in the end, he prevailed over his trials and still managed to rise academically. He graduated with Latin honors but more than his academic awards, the experience he has earned in the process are priceless gems that he cherishes as he starts his professional career. Now, the poster boy serves the University as a teacher to senior high school students. His accomplishments as a student and now as a national awardee are paths that his students can always look up to. He is a complete example of how to weigh and balance participating in extracurricular activities while being great at one’s academics. This is indeed a struggle that each of us students face. As a student, Arby had already reached the climax of his ideals but as a faculty member, he’s still starting it out. We are pretty sure that with his attitude and indomitable spirit in developing himself, Arby will soon make a name as an educator. While Arby Lagman still continues to kick in and make a name enough to inspire his students to take the roller-coaster ride of their own like what he had, and will continue to have, he strives to be a role exemplar to the new kids on the block as he once was.

features

Envergan lodi

Adore a legacy Sophia Margarette R. Caagbay

he shines like a diamond. Her personality is so brilliant that she can lift your blue days. She talks with confidence and assertiveness. Her words are off to assure you with security: “Ah sige, ako bahala. Send ko mamaya. Check mo, kaya mo ‘yan. Go lang. Next time na lang ulit. Baka hindi pa yan para sa ’yo”, and most of all, “Marami pa naman d’yan. Don’t cry over spilled milk. Bawi ka na lang para walang regrets uli sa huli” – making herself a woman of value and conviction. Majoring in a tough course – BS Accountancy – this girl aces her subjects despite having plenty of activities up her sleeves. Patricia Adora G. Alcala is indeed a complete epitome of a jack-of-all-trades. Graduating valedictorian from high school, Adora continues to build her milestones with unending interesting stories and adventures in college. She became The Luzonian’s editor in chief in her sophomore year, followed by her selection in Region IV-A’s Elite Circle of Student Leaders as well as election as secretary in the Philippine Association of Administrators of Student Affairs. Currently, Adora is the Junior Vice President for Publication and Communication in the local EU-JPIA chapter while holding the Vice President for Leadership Development and Socio-Civic Involvement in the NFJPIA Region IV-A Chapter. She’s also part of the prestigious 2017 Ayala Young Leaders Congress joining the top 80 student leaders nationwide, an Aboitiz Scholar and one of the top 50 accountancy students nationwide in ASSET XV. The jackof-all-trades also aced the NFJPIA-R4 as an Outstanding Youth Leader, ASEAN Foundation Model ASEAN Meeting 2017 Most Diplomatic Delegate and Top 100 Markprof Delegate. Her dose of talents never seem to run out. She was Ms. JPIA 2016 1st runner-up and Miss CBA’s Little Empress 2016. She also won the intercollegiate Online Strictly Business Quiz. Singing is also her talent as she has won singing stints on campus. Likewise, her talents outshone others in the NFJPIA-R4 Got Talent 2017. Internationally, she was part of the winning team of the Institute of Management Accountants video contest awarded recently in Denver, USA. Maybe you can see her around or she’s out there representing the school in nationwide contests. But simply, this superwoman is a marvelous daughter to her parents bringing pride, honor, and joy. She is also a great and reliable friend to count on. The L got an inside snap with this achiever’s mind and heart. “I was clueless as I entered college. I thought I would be living my college life simply but I was wrong. I still pursued my other interests. I’m a person who does not let opportunities pass. I know what I want, then I start to make plans and aim for something and do the best during the process. I’ve experienced so many struggles and I believe they have refined my abilities.” “It was like a domino for me. My biggest stepping stones helped me knock my other goals. I tend to always appreciate the outcome. I look at the brighter side. I acknowledge my mistakes and learn from them,” she added. “The privilege that I have is not given to everyone that’s why I don’t want to take them for granted. One achievement leads to another. I always think that everything matters. Whatever happens, just keep going. People might doubt you, but there will be ones who will always believe in you. If it’s really your passion, the hardships will always be worth it.” Beyond what Adora has reached, she kept her character. Her total personality never fails to encourage and to inspire more people to write their stories extraordinarily and to leave their own legacies. Adora, she’s truly adorable.

The Luzonian

August-December 2017

Hon. Sen. Tobias C. Enverga Jr. “A

tireless advocate for the Filipino community and people with disabilities, and founder of the Philippine Canadian Charitable Foundation.” - Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau

in memoriam

Honorable Senator Tobias C. Enverga Jr. set foot in Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation in January. We had a chance to come face-to-face with Enverga’s pride. At age 61, Senator Enverga looks younger than his age with his wide engaging smile and friendliness. He strides with confidence and bravura - secretly eliciting giggles from his high school classmates. It was indeed a shock for the University when his passing while on a parliamentary trip to Colombia was reported in November. No less than Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau led the memorial in his honor and was quoted saying, “Senator Enverga was a tireless advocate for the Filipino community” whilst “serving Canada in every aspect of parliamentary work with deep love,” another colleague George Furey, speaker of the Canadian Senate, added. Senator Enverga started his career in a Philippine bank after earning an economics degree. He left the Philippines in 1981 and flew to Canada where he started as a mailroom worker. In hopes of promoting himself, he took a course in information technology that advanced him to project manager at the Bank of Montreal where he worked for more than 30 years. In 2012, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper appointed him to the Canadian Senate. Prime Minister Trudeau

photo from

Senator Tobias C. Enverga Jr. Youtube Channel

Sophia Margarette R. Caagbay

described him as one who had a “strong advocacy to promote the values of multiculturalism, diversity, and inclusiveness.” It’s his advocacy that caused him to still look back from where he came from. One of the proofs was flying from Canada to honor his great late father Dr. Tobias Y. Enverga after whom the alumni building of MSEUF was dedicated. In addition, he supported the creative writing workshop which was also named after his father Palihang Dr. Tobias Y. Enverga Sr. of the CAS League of Quizzers in partnership with Kataga-Lucena (Panitik). Considering the heights where Senator Tobias was, he still had his feet on the ground as he talked and greeted people as if he was one of them during his visit to MSEUF. He hobnobbed with the students , the employees and the faculty as if he had known them all his life. Senator Enverga’s humble heart reached out to the Palihang Dr. Tobias Y. Enverga Sr. backing his late father’s passion for literature by awarding certificates to the participants in behalf of the Senate of Canada. Furthermore, he showed his deepest and most genuine support by giving a standing ovation after the PDTYES fellows performed the award-winning poetry pieces of his late father. It’s truly inspiring how far Senator Tobias Enverga, Jr. has gone with his advocacies. MSEUF is lucky for these honors Senator Tobias had bequeathed before the heartbreaking news broke out Nov. 16. His office said that he “passed away unexpectedly” on Thursday morning “with his beloved wife, Rosemer, by his side.” In a press release, his office stated, “It is with heavy hearts and great sadness that we confirm the passing of the Honorable Senator Tobias C. Enverga Jr., senator from Ontario.” The senator died unexpectedly during his parliamentary trip to Colombia according to CBC News. Prime Minister Trudeau offered his condolences to his wife Rosemer and three daughters, and to his friends and colleagues as well. The prime minister further expressed his heavy heart for the loss of one of his “parliamentary families” in a social media site, where netizens also shared their grief at his passing. MSEUF shared its deepest and most heartfelt condolences to this sad news by dedicating memorial mases and nine-day novena in his memory on Nov. 21-29. Even his supported project PDTYES expressed its solace in social media. Senator Tobias is truly a man of the people that even his colleagues in the House of Senate expressed their admiration for his dedication and for his work as a senator. Speaker of the Canadian Senate George Furey said, “Of his many contributions, Senator Enverga will be most remembered as a fierce advocate for persons with disabilities and a tireless champion for multiculturalism. He was respected by all of his colleagues for his kindness, his warm sense of humor, and his unparalleled work ethics.”

What’s app

Wordscapes: Word quizzes at your fingertips O

Kyle Anthony Niosco

ne of today’s trending apps, popularly known as ‘Wordscapes’ is not just a game to have fun but is also an instrument to discover and widen your English vocabulary and to release your boredom at the same time. Wordscapes is played by answering blank at times especially when my schedule is light,” she crossword puzzles, supplying the appropriate words said. that would fit in given blocks from a set of jumbled The same is true with with Reana Zarhyne Palad letters. The player must complete the words needed to of HUMSS 1B2 who enjoys playing Wordscapes for get to the next level where each has 16 rounds. learning and entertainment purposes. People nowadays, especially students, appear to During off periods, many students are hunched be always busy with their mobile gadgets not because over their mobile phones furiously sliding the letters they surf the net in different social networking sites to form words on their gadgets to play Wordscapes. such as Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram but are “The game just challenges me to avoid hitting having fun playing games on their mobile phones. the clue lamp every time I hit a snag,” an enthusiast Among the prominent entertainment and gaming app narates. is the What’s App’s featured Wordscapes. Let’s hear Students often play in a group so that they could out some comments of self-confessed Wordscapes easily solve the puzzle. Some prefer playing alone but aficionados. will eventually ask friends for help to crack a word. Maria Phiana Abary, a senior high school student Others would rely on the lamp hint box to get clues for of MSEUF from STEM 11-B10, finds the game app very the mystery word. helpful because she has learned a lot using it while Wordscapes is a cheap and effective game. It taking away her boredom since she started playing it. could be easily downloaded from Google Play Store for “With this game, different words are learnt that free using android gadgets. So install it and make your add up to my vocabulary. It also removes my boredom playing time also a worthwhile learning time.

TOO BAD photo from:

GDH Youtube Channel

“

reel talk

TO BE GENIUS Rikki Mae Villa

f you don’t cheat, life will cheat on you.” This is the rationalization of those who are caught cheating or who have become congenital cheaters when asked for an explanation on why they persist with their dirty trick.

Close your eyes. Breathe in. It is time to lift the first page of your test booklet and begin conquering the challenge. With a pencil in your hand, shading the best answer…is it possible that you could ace the examination without committing the act of cheating? A movie inspired by real-life news of students cheating on the SAT was released recently. Nattawut Poonpiriya’s Bad Genius is acknowledged as the highest grossing film in Thailand this year, as well as the most profitable Thai film distributed worldwide of all time so far. Chutimon Chuengcharoensukying in her brilliant acting as Mentor Lynn, a scholar math genius in a prestigious high school, invents a system of hand signals, based on certain piano pieces, and uses them to send answers during examinations. The cheating business rises to international levels, particularly on the STIC exam - standardized test for University admissions, which earns millions of baht. Bad Genius gives a picture of a school-society with students of unequal status. A straight-A student earns money from letting others copy his answers and uses them for daily living. But, a student from a high status family uses his money to improve his academic performance while cheating.

Once you get and copy the answer, you feel like it’s over because you finally touched the peak of success. We definitely understand that cheating is against the rule. But the real question is what or who pushes us to commit this contagious but heinous academic crime? Students cheat for self-satisfaction to obtain a high score. According to Amy Novotney, one of the biggest drivers of cheating in schools is the increasing amount of pressure on students to succeed academically. Maybe some students have high hopes of becoming a part of the academic scholars to put themselves through school. Some students have grade quota or maintaining grade for their courses that if they fall short, they could be transferred to another degree program. Several studies confirm that students who are more motivated by their peers make them more likely to cheat. Some may say that they do it to be cool and appreciated by other members of the class. Class geeks tended to be more accepted if they would be the geektype who shares their ideas during examinations. Those that refuse to become tagged as selfish. The more we expose ourselves to cheating, the more the act transforms into a habit. We become used to it that if we are not able to study before taking

an examination, we are most likely to rely on our seatmate’s answers than just leave the answer sheet blank. Psychological research has also shown that cheating actually changes a person’s sense of right and wrong; hence, after cheating, some students stop viewing the habit of cheating as something wrong. The movie poses a challenge to everyone. Maybe the movie became a hit, because it is very relatable to many. As students, we’re not always coming in the University prepared for an examination, quiz, or recitation. And this is where the challenge presents itself. Are you going to panic because you’re close to a dead end? Or would you choose to be “resourceful” and use other sources that might be available? Are you going to be enticed by the temptation and just give in and look at other classmates’ work? Life is a series of losing and winning; however, in the scheme of the cheating business, everyone could benefit. Again, take a deep breath. Ask yourself. Is cheating really your ticket to have good grades? Is cheating your way to achieve success? Do you consider yourself great when you are actually just a duplication of another person’s hard work? Think. Choose. The real world does not condone or reward cheaters. Not all the time.

features

The Luzonian

Volume LXIX | Issue 1

Agimat:

ure t l u c e g a t in v A in a modern s

Envergan lodi

ociety

Jay Mel Nicomedez & Ariana Julia Tadiosa

mulets have been part of civilizations as well as religions and belief systems. The are cultural artifacts. Reading anthropology and sociology, amulets bring us a clearer view of cultural differences as well as their firm yet diverse universality. Amulets and other entities with the same nature serve as a barometer in defining one’s cultural orientation and richness. However, in trends of societal discourse of intellect in the post-capitalist era, amulets are constantly fading, or in other perspective, becoming technologically diversified. In Philippine cultural history, anting-anting is associated with the Filipino system of magic and sorcery utilizing talismans, amulets and charms. Amulets are characterized as objects protecting its owner from danger or harm, while a talisman’s objects are made to attract good fortune and other favorable options. Such objects were popularized by films like Nardong Putik, Pedro Penduko, Panday, Darna and others which protected the hero or heroine from evil entities by having one. Historically, it had been used much earlier by Katipuneros and guerillas who fought during wars, believing that they warded off bullets and other weapons. In the Philippine occult tradition, an agimat is usually accompanied by a small book of magic incantations which must be recited during Good Friday or a certain special date to attain the amulet’s full power and benefit. It can also be reactivated by giving offerings to a certain figure during the Holy Week. In Dolores, Quezon, a municipality located at the foot of Mount Banahaw and home to pilgrimage and worship, the anting-anting remains part of the living culture that is engraved in the everyday life of people living there. Abode of the mystical Mount Banahaw and anting-anting, culture and industrialization is slowly inavading the place as the municipality derives most of its income from tourist guiding as well as selling crafts and handmade souvenirs. However, the anting-anting industry of Dolores is not handmade anymore because makers of anting-anting there are now using advanced tools. Cultural progression or diversity is now being felt in most areas of Dolores. From there, cultural diversity or progression embraces new technology. In this regard, technology is not a barrier towards preserving one’s belief and culture but a stepping stone towards its development. At this juncture, the most relevant perspective with regard to such cultural heritage is that the belief system in anting-anting holds a big part of the Philippine society. In an interview, Christopher Joseph Takeda said that anting-anting

“symbolizes us.” Bringing anting-anting out of the context of Filipino culture will create a ripple effect on other social institutions. Philippine society, particularly the church, cannot deny the fact that, at a very sensitive standpoint, such cultures and belief system shaped us. Thus, anting-anting belongs to a wider scope of the society. In a functionalist perspective, anting-anting cannot be and must not be forgotten in our social context and system. Edjieson Hachaso added that anting-anting “can influence some things,” meaning that there is really a deeper connection between anting-anting and the society and by that, it “can make the religious aspects even more pronounced.” It is a cultural symbol that manifests in people’s lives. Eddson Guerra explains that belief in the anting-anting is passed on through generations. But as the anting- anting may differ in form, usage, or origin, they will always be tied to each other by one simple word – faith. Whether these items are what they claim to be or hoaxes perpetuated for profitable causes by those who made them, faith, alongside these devices have shaped and will continue to reinvent Filipino culture, beliefs and perspectives.

Up close and personal

with Ms. Enverga

Ivan Chris Mabilangan

“

ecause as part of today’s youth, I believe that I am a perfect fit for setting an example and becoming a guide in giving importance to nature as early as possible for their age.” These are the words from a Miss Earth contender from Lucena City.

But these words are not just from Miss Earth Lucena City, she’s also our reigning Miss Enverga 2017 --Shaina Louise Kim. Miss Enverga 2017 continues to inspire fellow Envergans to follow her footsteps as an embodiment of discipline and beauty. In a conversation, The Luzonian got the opportunity to be up close and personal with her.

The L: What’s your inspiration in winning pageants? Shaina: My inspiration is the opportunity for learning. More than the experience and the crown that I will get, whenever I am on stage…I always feel that after a stint I will be learning from the experience. When I represented our college in the Miss Enverga pageant, I was the only one who was willing to join. I was struggling with time but my compelling drive to join and win the pageant did it for me.

The L: What’s your environmental advocacy when you joined Miss Earth?

Shaina: My environmental advocacy is to promote or implement community-based sustainable tourism. The growth in tourism must be balanced with environmental preservation. This is essential. We must work together to sustain both. We must look after the welfare of our resources. I pushed for this advocacy as Miss Earth because we need to take care that the future generation can still enjoy the beauty of our surroundings.

Mr. A-lister Carmela D. Miranda

man looked up to by many, driven and passionate to grasp his dreams… His hard work has opened many doors for him. His name speaks of triumph – MELVIN D. ALAS-AS. Good-looking? Definitely. Hidden behind his usual worn eyeglasses anchored atop a sharp nose are brown-black eyes speaking of many secrets contrasting with his good boy look. Melvin is wistful, shy, and mysterious. Reserved when you first meet him, give him more time and he will open up to you. It can be difficult to pick out a man like him from a first impression. Like a lamp who does not speak but rather introduces itself, Melvin gained prominence through his achievements. He was champion in various local interorganizational quiz bees, IIEE Math Quiz National Finalist, a member of various organizations and the team captain of the Engineering Academic Team since 2015. But despite his roster of organizational obligations, he still manages to be a consistent academic scholar. To name his recent achievements, he currently holds the Auditor post in the University Collegiate Student Council. Melvin also made another milestone on Aug. 6, 2017 as he hurdled the Professional level of the Career Service Examination pen and paper test. He garnered a score 89.88 placing him on top 5 nationwide and top 2 in the regional level (out of a total of 25,127 examinees, representing 10.98% in the total of 228,917 examinees). He is family oriented, his inspiration and motivation being his elder sister, Elisha Marie Alas-as, who encouraged him that apart from getting a civil service eligibility, it is also a good practice for his licensure examination. Melvin thinks that CSE questions are similar to academic tests but time pressure and nervousness are the factors making the examination extra different. He advises that learning should be balanced before taking the test because it is composed of different subjects. Personally, he revealed that English is his major struggle, especially in the word analogies. The easiest part would be the numerical part having enough practice from his competitions, and of course, the program he’s in. Melvin takes time feeling secure enough to embark on his next adventure. His drive and passion gives you a hint that he’s up for another round of adventure in the world of test taking - the engineering licensure test.

photos by:

EMRC

The L: How was your journey behind the pageants?

The L: What do you feel when you’re up onstage?

Shaina: If you’re chosen as one of the delegates, your responsibilities as a candidate will commence right there and then. If you’re representing a town or province or city, you have to be the best representation of it. You have to be presentable at all times and contain yourself. The challenge is to make everyone curious and interested about you and the place you’re representing.

Shaina: I feel that I am living my dream to meet many people. It is very fulfilling that I got the chance to share my personality and talents to the crowd. I love doing pageants because it is very fulfilling to hear the crowd cheer for me. It is also very challenging. Maybe that’s why I pursued this.

The L: What’s your advice to other people aspiring for a beauty title?

The L: How did your academic program shape you as a person?

Shaina:: Always take care of yourself and all will follow. Discipline yourself, focus on your goal, and never let your guard down. Set your priorities straight. Always be grateful.

Shaina: My experience in pageants and my program correlates in shaping me as a person. My confidence has been fostered in my studies as a tourism major and my pageant experience.

Dolores in spectrum Ariana Julia Tadiosa photos by:

Alexis Paul Rodriguez

The L: What do you tell people behind your success in pageantry? Shaina: : At first, they’re shocked. They doubted that I could make it since I am studying at the same time. I also just turned eighteen at that time. However, their support did not falter. Up until the end, they supported me and I am forever grateful for that.

What lessons did you learn from your childhood/ growing up years? Shaina: : To be strong, positive and stay who you are as possible. I always remember my Mother who always tells me even up to now, “Always be down to earth.”

Center stage

f there’s one thing that most people love, it is the taste of home. Kataga Lucena did just that by giving us a Quezonian experience with the production of Dolores: Ang Pagsusuob.

The script and storyline of the play was written by Carlos Palanca awardee Marco Antonio Rodas. He’s a professor at the College of Arts and Sciences and a Quezonian himself dedicated to promote the region. He co-directed the play with Eddson Guerra. Dolores is greatly influenced by a mystical place called Sta. Lucia at the foot of Mount Banahaw. It is known as the cradle of mysteries. It tells the story of Rene who went to Dolores, Quezon to retrace his place of origins and to ask permission to marry. Rene and his gang of highly urbanized friends and their professor found themselves in a situation where they discover having arrived at a most auspicious time. Rene, along with his aloof grandfather, must rediscover hidden family secrets to save their lives. The technical team did such a great job in providing us with a thrilling experience in recreating the scenes in the play, starting with the

eerie atmosphere before the show that set the tone for the mystery that would unfold. The dimly lit theatre, along with the extra chilly atmosphere and the enchanting music gave the viewers an idea of what will come next. Within three hours, the story took us to a series of twists and turns that pulled the strings of our emotional turmoil as the scenes switched from light romance to the much heavier and thrilling paranormal scenes including the elementals. The play also took a very millennial approach as it recreated scenes and languages that suited the younger audiences. Overall, kudos to those who have worked hard in giving audiences an experience and a run for their money while fulfilling their artistic pleasure. And just like what Lauro said, “Nauna ang pag-ibig sa Diyos. Ang pag-ibig ay diyos ng lahat ng diyos.” Dolores has proven that we always seek the real meaning of love.

S RED T RIBBON O P The Luzonian

Mara Angeli E. Cadiz

A red ribbon signifies raising of awareness and making action towards HIV/AIDS cases over the globe. Many of us lie behind the shadows of what HIV/AIDS is, tending us to become hasty about jumping into conclusions about what it is about. Because we are unaware of it, it’s easy for people to create prejudices against people with HIV/AIDS. But the fight to seek a cure must not stop. People must use media avenues to become stewards against this disease. We must fight the virus, not the person with HIV/AIDS. We must stop the stigma. We got an inside story on how the infection runs and interplays in a person’s life but out of respect for their privacy we will not disclose the profile of the source. Our inside source gave us the steps on how to battle this “death note” and most importantly, how to live with it.

Battling the ‘death note’

Step 1:

Step 2:

Knowing the fast facts

Lack of awareness had kept many people inside the box. Because of this, most people fall into the peril of judging persons with HIV/AIDS and discriminating against them. To debunk these common notions, let the source educate us by clarifying some points that one needs to know about HIV --- what’s myth and what’s reality. HIV cannot be transmitted through saliva, hugging, sneezing, kissing, sharing food, insect bites and sweat in contact with an HIV infected person. It can only be passed on if the infected body fluids (reproductive organs’ secretion, blood, and breastmilk) would get into another person’s bloodstream. These can be transmitted through unprotected sex, pregnancy (in case of an infected mother bearing a child, giving birth, or breastfeeding), injecting drugs with a needle carrying an infected blood in it and infected organ transplants and blood donations. Like most illnesses, HIV does not choose between types of people. The infection can be passed on to anyone. It’s just that some people become more vulnerable in getting the infection because they are more often engaged in the aforementioned lifestyle where they can get the infection into their bloodstream. Getting an HIV is also not a death sentence. Not everyone has the same level of HIV predisposition, and everyone can reduce their risk of infection. It is highly recommended to commence the fight against this disease by having yourself tested. This way, you will know what remedy you can seek to improve your condition.

016

2012

2010

008

NUMBER OF NEWLY DIAGNOSED HIV + PER DAY IN PH:

Most of us can be confused about what HIV is and how it is similar or different from AIDS. Many think that terminologies can be interchangeably used. But honestly, they’re two different things. In order to fight this disease, it is fundamental that we should know what it is. Avert.org shared the difference between the two. HIV is a virus attacking a person’s immune system and that if it’s undetected and untreated, a person’s immune system would be entirely destroyed. Meanwhile, AIDS refers to a set of symptoms and illnesses that occur at the very final stage of HIV infection. Being detected as having HIV in the early stages and testing regularly by accessing treatments available can keep one alive even with HIV. The immune system is our body’s line of defense against illness. HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) directly attacks the immune system making one having it become susceptible to more diseases since their immune system is weakened. If HIV is left untreated it can take up to 1015 years for the immune system to be totally damaged but this varies depending on the age, health, and lifestyle of a person. AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is the advanced stage or late-stage of HIV. When the infection had gone much advanced, and if left untreated it can cause death to the person who is ill.

2014

7 1 0

26 30 SHARING OF INFECTED NEEDLES

23%

MODES OF TRANSMISSION OF HIV AMONG CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS, JANUARY 1984— MARCH 2017 (N=1,571)*

MOTHER-TO-CHILD TRANSMISSION

SEX WITH BOTH MALES & FEMALES

Devising your battle plan

“It’s really important to always take an HIV test if you think you are at risk of having it.” The symptoms vary individually. Some even do not have symptoms at all. It’s not the kind of disease where you’ll evidently see the physical deterioration in the early stages. You’ll just notice the difference if the infected person reaches the AIDS level. So taking the guts to have yourself tested is really a prerequisite. In our country, we now have free HIV testing centers offered by the Department of Health. Also, we do have rapid testing in our country where you will know your status in just an hour. Confidentiality would likewise be maintained throughout the process of testing. Confidentiality is very much valued when it comes to testing because those that are undetected would choose not to be treated because they are afraid of the stigma and prejudices of judgmental people.. Once you know your status, you can now move forward to knowing how you can wage a frontal battle against the disease through medical treatment.

Currently, there is no cure for HIV and AIDS yet. But researchers are looking into more possibilities of finding a cure for it. After knowing that you’re positive, you’ll be advised to go into a treatment --- anti-retroviral therapy (ARV). With this treatment, it tries to suppress the virus into lower levels. Consistent treatment can put one’s HIV level to minimum to the point that it seems to be undetectable although you still have it. Confirmed cases also have access to this treatment as the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (Philhealth) provides an outpatient HIV/AIDS treatment (OHAT) package. Annual reimbursement is set at P 30,000 annually. Inclusive of the OHAT are the medicines, drugs, laboratory examinations, and professional fees of healthcare providers. CD4 (Cluster Difference 4) is a level determination test that can also be availed through the OHAT, along with the test for monitoring of the ARV toxicity. The ARV is said to be effectively saving infants who got the infection from their mothers once implemented immediately upon birth. It was also able to sustain the lives of people living with HIV. Of course, as suggested, a healthy lifestyle and proper nutrition greatly benefits a person living with HIV.

AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH AN HIV POSITIVE STUDENT

Living with the stigma

The L: What would you want to tell the public about your condition? Source: Battling HIV is not easy. Judging and gossiping would not do any good. It would be better for people to use their energies into actively helping people like us. There are so many ways in helping the advocacy of making people aware of what HIV is all about. The more people who are informed, the less prejudices we’ll experience. More people can come forward to testing centers and have themselves checked. Hand-in-hand, we can work towards fighting against HIV. I am truly thankful that avenues like this happen. It is very important to spread the word and together tie the red ribbon.

The L had the opportunity to interact with a student diagnosed with HIV. Here are some of the responses from the person who lives forever with the stigma.

The L: How is it like to live with HIV? Source: It is very difficult and life changing at first. The moment you discover you’re infected changes everything in your life. I felt afraid of dying and what other people, especially my family, will say and feel about me. But you need to jump out of the eerie thought that you will die. I said to myself that I needed to look for more the reasons why I should live. Then, I started researching and educating myself on how this goes. I tried all means of treatment and overhauled the way I live my lifestyle. At this time, what I want to leave when my time stops ticking is awareness so that people can prevent being infected, so that those undetected wil know their status earlier and that they may work on their treatment earlier. I try to continually hold on to hope despite all the hardship.

The L: How did you battle the stigma? Source: Of course, you cannot please everyone. You cannot change what they think about you. All that you can do is to make them knowledgeable about it so they can have more information to avoid judging you. Not everyone who has this disease is a person who had had a multifaceted love affair and sex life. There are many myths and misconceptions that should be debunked in the minds of narrow-minded people. Battling the sickness is much more manageable rather than pleasing and changing the perspective of people about HIV-AIDS.

The L: How will you assess the level of help you’re getting from the government? MALE-FEMALE SEX (F)

52% MALE-FEMALE SEX (M) MALE-MALE SEX

Knowing your status

7% 4%

HIV

Step 4:

Step 3:

Debunking pre-conceptions

THE

henever we hear of “red ribbon” we often think of something delectable, scrumptious cakes and pastries. But the “red ribbon” I am about to share with you is not that red ribbon you have in mind.

IGNORANCE STIGMA

THE THE

THE

TIETHE

August-December 2017

Be educated. Get involved. Spread the message.

advocacy

The L: How were you able to manage to have a positive outlook about this despite your condition? Source: Much of the motivation comes from my family. Their support, love, and undying care for me make me look forward to the positive side of it. It is very vital that in this battle against HIV, you’re equipped with so much love and support from the people dear to you.

Source: Government, I think, is doing what it can do for us. Legislation wise, there’s a law providing for the protection and awareness about the infection (RA 8504 - The Philippine AIDS Prevention and. Control Act of 1998). There are also forms of assistance in Philhealth benefits, free testing centers, etc. But I think it is going to be more effective if there are also more information dissemination campaign efforts from the government so that more people will be educated on what it is all about - how they can help out and how to stop the stigma little-by-little.

features

The Luzonian

Volume LXIX | Issue 1

PASSING THE KEY OF RESPONSIBILITIES OF CAMPUS LEADERSHIP

Man of the hour: Abra and his UCSC term plans E

lected UCSC President Phian Abhraim “Abra” Ranuda rolled out the programs and platforms of the CAUSE Party as he takes over the reins of the presidency this academic year. Abra remarked that he believes that one year is not enough to actualize the programs for the council and the student body. Among his plans is the reinforcement of the monthly meeting series between student organizations and the different department student councils. The UCSC is also arranging for EU merchandise to sell as fundraising machinery of this year’s UC. He looks forward to creating more platforms for student welfare and awareness. Massive

Continuous progress is the vision of this year’s council.

information dissemination and upgrading the UCSC hotline are vital startegies to attain the goals, according to Abra. He plans to install two to three LCD monitors in strategic areas that can be used for public service announcements and information dissemination. Continuous progress is the vision of this year’s council. The new officers also aspire to increase the beneficiaries of the scholarship program and move for the amendment of the current Election Code to make the provisions relevant such as the online campaign during the election season and automating the electoral process. But attaining these goals will not be easy, Abra admitted. He said that he needs to settle the internal differences in the council to kae it work more harmoniously and efficiently. “I will promote unity in spite of our diversity. I will strive to break political barriers. When there’s too much politics, it impedes development,” Abra said. He cited the openness and willingness of UCSC vice president Rannielle Ivy Barrios to work in tandem with him. He said that his learning curve as UCSC president began last year when many challenges kept his feet on the ground and taught him to stay humble. “There’s always pride in humility,” Abra noted Abra wants his term remembered as the year that the Envergan spirit awakened in all. His peg for his term is: we transformed Envergans into an empowered studentry and led a student body in critical collaboration.

photo by:

EMRC

e all play different roles in our lives: as a student, as a child to our parents, as an organization member, or as a dreamer. The different roles that we play entail responsibilities. Part of the role playing job is to balance all of the roles that you play. There will come a time that you’ll feel that odds are going against you. Actually, that’s part of the training of becoming a lodi.

photo by:

Alexis Paul Rodriguez

Jugang and the term that was... Mara Angeli E. Cadiz

“F

ulfilling, not always successful but the journey was worthwhile.” This was how former UCSC President Joanne “Jugang” T. Paguio described her term as UCSC president in 2016-2017.

Paguio served the University Collegiate Student Council for three years - as councilor, secretary-general and on her last term, as president. But she confessed that her term as president was quite different and trying compared to her two years prior the presidency. Internally, partisan politics sometimes tainted some aspects of their term as student council officers. To make her councilmates’ differences gel was indeed a challenge. Commitment issues were also not easy to resolve. But in the end, she noted that a clear vision breaks barriers and it is highly important to build a family more than just a team. Their vision to come up with a successful and remarkable term as student council drew them closer to one another and made them reach for their objectives. She can never forget the crumbs of learning that she had as student council president, especially the Sine Panitik. Being jolly and always optimistic, she shared that “We were too positive.” Decision making as president of the council was a great responsibility and accountability to face. She fell short in weighing the negative possibilities that could happen. In the end, she realized that flexibility, quick wit and strong will can never let one’s spirit down despite the hardships. This has been the mantra that she’s spreading among the people in the council. Despite these differences, she takes pride in how her term created an impact in the University. Among the

milestones that she considered were the close communication ties with the students. They achieved it through monthly meetings with organizations and department student councils (DSCs). It was also a relief that automated elections will soon be operational. The UCSC Aid, an online FAQ, should also be promoted, according to her. Avenues like these are useful in fostering empowerment among students. It was worth it that she was part of the positive change the students and future students can experience. Every student council term hopes that its term would be remembered and felt by their bosses, the student body. She looks forward that this year’s set of council officers will initiate continuous activities and projects that will develop Envergans. Essentially, she wishes for a solid student council, united in spite of differences, in the service of the student body. Lastly, she expressed her appreciation and gratitude to the men and women behind last term’s milestones. The success and the knowledge gained would not have been made possible without the cooperation and hard work of her councilmates. Truly, the experience that she had as president of the council has brought positive change in her and will continue to be remembered as she creates other legacies and histories to remember in her lifetime. Like other former UCSC presidents, she will remember this leadership experience for a long time.

Sophia Margarette R. Caagbay

Nakaranas ng matinding pagsubok noong nakaraang taon lalo na sa major subjects. Naging zombie kaya iniwan ng jowa. Maswerte ang mga Aries sa 2018, babalik ang ex mo – para magpasamang mag-travel.

Scorpio (October 23-November 21) Nobody, nobody but you…

All Scorpios are beauty and ‘unos’ – except for you.

Sagittarius (November 22-December 21)

Prof: Cover your papers!

Hindi ka niya mahal, kung hindi yung test paper mo tuwing exam.

Leo (July 23-August 22) Ang Jollibee branches sa EU

Taurus (April 20-May20) Open-minded ka ba?

Pabibo ka ngayong taon, at pabibo ka pa rin sa mga susunod. Ikaw ang dakilang Jollibee. Kaya naman pabida rin ang grades mo. Congrats!

Masipag ang mga Taurus kaya nagnetworking. Bumalik sa pag-aaral pero puro INC kaya mag-o-online business na lang sa 2018.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) Libre! Libre!

‘Yung matagal mo nang ka-MU, nag-confess sa ’yo na ‘yung best friend mo ang gusto. Nagpasalamat sa pagpapakopya mo dahil nakapasa siya. Next year daw uli.

Two-faced b*tch ang mga Gemini kaya marami silang friends. Sa pagtatapos ng taon, dapat na ilibre mo ang mga friends mo kung hindi friendship over sa 2018. Wala ka ng makokopyahan sa Math.

Libra (September 23-October 22) Try and try until…you die

Capricorn (December 22-January 19) Sleeping Beauty

Yung binabawing grades ‘nung midterms, hindi nagbago kaya uulitin mo sa 2018.

Aquarius (January 20 to February 18) ThesisIT

Cancer (June 21-July 22) 555

Kung bagsak ka sa mga subject mo ngayon, huwag mangamba singko uli ang mga ‘yan sa 2018.

Virgo (August 23-September 22) Hopya

g k

Mara Angeli E. Cadiz

Ang iyong kapalaran sa 2018 Aries (March 21-April 19) Priorities first…

TO W O H BE A LODI

Decision-making as president of the council was a great responsibility and accountability to face.

Mara Angeli E. Cadiz

Sa sobrang talino ng mga Aquarius, hindi na sila nag-defend. Next year na lang daw pag handa na ang panel. May bonus na scholarship pa para sa June-July 2018 dahil hindi naka-graduate.

Sa dami ng iyong requirements, the stars predicted that you’ll sleep tomorrow and you’ll wake up next year.

Pisces (February 19 to March 20 Flat-chested – not

Dahil boobs is lifer than grades, now is the good time to take a photo of Pia Wurtzbach’s boobs and staple it on your chest. Next year, isa ka nang ganap na dalaga. May bonus na uno pa sa Euthenics!

It’s really hard to strike a balance between priorities. As I have mentioned, the odds are not always in our favor. Flexibility is the key. Longterm planning is important. But more than the planning, it’s the guts and perseverance to win against the odds that makes a plan successful. If you’re not that type of person who opts to plan, that is fine. Just take the flow and ride the waves. You see, people sometimes miss the fact that all of us are different from one another. So whatever advice people try to give you, those pieces of advice might not work on you. So the best thing to do is to educate yourself from others but always make those nuggets of advice your personal brand. Make your own story. Assessing one’s strength and weaknesses is a plus…it makes you gauge what you can and what you cannot do. Develop what you can and keep believing that the line between what you can and what you cannot do is just a leap of faith. Be brave to take on challenges. Be brave to try the things that you thought you cannot do. Do not let fear take away your keys to opportunities. In this way to become a lodi, there could be tough times trying to test you. People around you might be hard on you. You too, can be hard on yourself. But do not live on with the hatred, yes, it can be motivational but it’s not easy on the nerves. Choosing what things to remember is also a good thing. Keep negative thoughts out of your mind and positive thoughts in practice. This is very hard to practice in reality but just keep on trying. It’s worth it. There are also God-given blessings in the persona of the people around you. Show them that you care genuinely. Value their presence. Spend time with them. You should keep in mind that life holds an hourglass and you’re completely unaware of its turns. Cherish every moment. Have fun. Live well. No matter how short life is, live it well. Telling people is easy. You can just put positive thoughts into words. But living it in practice is the harder thing. Sometimes, it’s very difficult to practice what you preach. But it’s sufficient that you try. So the best suggestion, I think, to become a lodi is to try to believe that you are, and you can do it in your own special and unique ways. So, I think that the first step in becoming one, and most importantly is to believe in your best instrument --- yourself --- and your capacity to have faith in what you do. Let’s live well and be our own lodi in our own special way.

Booze basics for dummies Mara Angeli E. Cadiz

e cannot deny that social drinking is a part of growing up. It’s very rare that a person is not even invited or has not experienced drinking in an occasion whether it is a family event or a night out with your peers or friends. There are lots of reasons to agree or to enjoy the booze galore. Be it over a broken heart or just having fun or getting to know groups of people or celebrating a milestone. They say that in too much booze we find ourselves facing our inside persona with no inhibitions. We become the braver versions, cooler versions, and tougher versions of ourselves. But there are also tons of reasons to refuse. It may be tomorrow’s hangover that you might be afraid of or going home unaware of which way’s home or missing out the tasks that you need to do. But shying away from the invitation, bars you to the advantages social drinking can bring you, like getting new friends, learning from conversations, and having the feeling of being socially accepted. So, here are some booze basics that can help you gauge your social drinking. First, there are the so-called spirits (gin, vodka, tequila, rum, whiskey, brandy) and there are the alcoholic drinks (wine and beer). Spirits are stronger than alcoholic beverages in terms of Alcohol by Volume (ABV). Standard spirits have ABV range of 35-40% alcohol while beer has only 5% and wine has 11%. Usually, spirits are often mixed with non-alcoholic ones to hide away the taste of alcohol; thus, making them easier to drink and faster to consume. Examples are the classic gin pineapple, gin pomelo, Empi with juice or

iced tea as chasers. The tip is to watch the pace of your drinking speed. Do not be in a hurry to finish your drink or to take the drinking rounds at a faster pace. Take it slow and easy. Cherish the conversations with your friends and families in between. Get a chance to get to know everyone in the table. It’s a benefit of social drinking that you should exhaust. When you’re drinking at home, mix drinks yourself to make you stay in control. When outdoors, always try to be the tanggera/tanggero because it makes you gauge the shot according to your capacity. It won’t do you any hassle if you read the bottle before drowning yourself with the booze. Keep in mind the prior mentioned lecture on ABVs. Track your shots and gauge what you can. Drink only according to your capacity. Do not be the mighty show off drinking all the shots and filling in your glass with too much. In the end, everyone will be sober and you will be the only drunken person they get to bring home unconscious or worse, nauseated. If you’re off to travel after a drinking session, always reserve a clear mind to drive or to commute. Safety must be your priority. Social drinking can be your advantage if you know how to use it wisely. Business persons are aware of this: a drink can seal a deal. However, drink moderately.

literary

The Luzonian

August-December 2017

Beterano Literary Champion in Los Lunaticos Bravos’ Patimpalak ng Panitikan: Pagsulat ng Tula (National Scope) Sophia Margarette R. Caagbay Duguang bukang liwayway sa haraya ng kahapon Ala-alang ‘di nawaglit, binabanderang paghamon. Bagama’t inuulyanin, markadong init ng basyo: Wagayway ang watawat sa lipi ng Pilipino. Gatilyong laan sa hapon, lumilipad na burador Mula Bataang-pueblo, kinipkip sa Korehidor. Pisi ng Perlas Puwerto, nilusob, saklot ang norte Saksi ang layang nakitil; sa dangal ang pag-abante. Nilisan na ang digmaan, sa hawla ng pangyayari, Binusabos ng dayuhan sa ’ting sariling pag-aari. Bangungot ang nakalipas; ngunit tugon sa dinanas: Mga sundalong lumaban, kahit ang puso ay manas. Libong buhay ang puhunan, sa sigwa ng pumupukaw Tumatahip sa sundalo ang dugo’t pawis na halaw. Bumibigkis sa anino ang kalayaang natamo Markadong himig ng sugat sa bisig ng beterano. Tuluyan silang nilipas, parang kalawang na boga. Inantandang paalam ba ang nililimot na petsa? Mananatiling tahimik o luha sa takipsilim? Para sa markadong gisi: bayaning handog sa’min.

Tulay Sophia Margarette R. Caagbay Tuwing ika-labindalawa ng Hunyo taun-taon ay nakikita ng tindera ng gulay na nakapuwesto sa kaliwang dulo ang dalagita sa kanang dulo ng tulay - nakatayo roon. Madalas, malayo ang tingin. Minsan, nakayuko sa ilog. Para sa mga nagdaraan sa tulay na nakakakita sa kanya ay iisipin siyang baliw - kuru-kurong magpapakamatay siya. Ika-labindalawa ng Hunyo taong 1989, ikalimang taon ng pagbisita ng dalagita sa tulay. Kapansing-pansin para sa tindera na mas kakaiba ang ikinikilos ng dalagita habang nakatayo sa markadong puwesto nito: hindi nakatulala sa malayo o nakayuko sa ilog – may tangan siyang papel at doon nakapako ang tingin. Pagkatapos ay magpaparoo’t parito, titigil at uulitin ang pagtitig; paulit-ulit siyang ganoon. Mabilis na umakyat ang dalagita sa balustre ng tulay “Ang babae! – Tumalon ang dalagita. Humahangos na tumakbo ang mga nakakita patungo sa kaliwang dulo ng tulay. Bigo sila nang makarating – bumagsak ang duguang katawan ng dalagita sa batuhan. Tila binuhusan ng malamig na tubig ang mga nakasaksi. Ang iba ay bumaba upang mas kumilatis. Napansin ng isa sa mga bumabang lalaki ang papel na hawak ng dalagita. Kinuha niya iyon at binuksan. “Danilo.” Basa niya Ika-limang taon na ang nakakaraan mula ng tayo ay maghiwalay. Taun-taon ay ginugunita ko ang masasayang araw ng ating kabataan. Natatandaan ko pa ang paglalaro natin sa bahayampunan. Natatandaan mo ba ang habulan, sumpyang, at iba pang mga laro natin kasama ang mga kapatid natin sa bahay-ampunan? Inilalayo tayo nitong munting mundo sa putukan at kaguluhan sa bayan. Musmos tayong sinasamyo ang ating kabataan. Ika-labindalawa ng Hunyo 12 taong 1984 ipinagdiwang natin ang iyong ika-labingtatlong kaarawan. Magdadapithapon nang tumakas tayo sa bahay-ampunan patungo sa parang malapit sa ilog. Napapabalitang gagawan iyon nang tulay. Habang samyo ang malamig na hangin sa parang ay malayo ang hinahayon ng ating isip dala na rin siguro ng maagang pagkamulat sa pagkasalat. Mula sa pangangarap na pumasok sa mataas na paaralang sekundarya kapag natapos ang batas militar hanggang kuwento ng isa’t isa na nagdala sa atin sa bahay-ampunan. Parehong kasapi ang ating mga magulang sa kilusang Hukbalahap – parehong ring nasawi sa pakikibaka. Ipinapapatay ng gobyerno ang sinumang tumaliwas sa pamumuno ng pangulong Ferdinand Marcos. Nangako tayong magtataas din ng plakard at bibigyang hustisya ang kabiguan ng ating mga magulang. Bago tuluyang magpaalam ang araw, napag-usapan rin natin ang makapanindig-balahibong pangyayari sa ampunan. Unti-unti ay nawawala ang ilang mga kapatid natin sa pagdaan ng panahon. Hindi na sila natatagpuan. Nagsimula ito ng i-anunsyong gagawin ang tulay. Ngunit walang takot na nanantili tayo sa batuhan. Umiilingiling tayo sa kwentong-balbal na dulot na iyon ng tinatawag na sipay. Nagpatuloy tayo sa pag-uusap hanggang mapagdesisyunang maglaro hanggang sa isang iglap ay wala ka na… Wala akong nagawa. Danilo, marami na akong inabot para sa mga pangarap natin. Sumapi ako sa Maralitang Pilipino upang makibaka para sa hustisya. Kilusan ito ng mga tibak na lumalaban sa gobyerno upang mapatalsik ang pangulo sa puwesto. Taong 1986 nang magwakas ang batas militar. Tapos na ang malagim na diktadurya. Ngunit, mali ako. Ngayon ay paulit-ulit akong binabalikan ng gabing huli tayong nagkasama. Nagsimula ito noong isang gabing galing ako sa parang upang gunitain ang aking kaarawan. Naglalakad ako pauwi nang… harangin… a-at h-halayin a-ako ng… p-p-parak. Sinubukan kong lumaban ngunit wala akong nagawa. Pinili ko na lang balikan ang mga multo ng kahapon sa aking gunita upang takasan ang kababuyan ng aking kasalukuyan. Nagtataguan tayo ng bigla mo akong iniwan. Hinabol kita habang iyak ng iyak. Pinilit mo akong magtago. May umaaligid kamo sa parang ngunit nagpumilit ako. Isinama mo ako at tumakbo tayo. Pilit mo akong pinatahan bago itinago sa isang malaking katawan ng puno. Ang sabi mo huwag akong gagawa ng ingay. Lumayo ka. Umatras ng umatras hanggang bigla ay… may parak – at dinakip ka. Bago ka nagpumiglas ay nakita ko pang inilagay mo ang iyong daliri sa iyong bibig habang nakatingin sa pinagtataguan ko. Hindi ko naiintindihan ang nangyayari pero alam kong dapat akong lalong magtago. Kinagat ko ang kamay ko kasabay ng panlalaki ng mga mata. Binigwasan ka sa ulo ng isa sa tatlong parak. Walang malay na isinilid sa sako na kanilang binitbit. Naglakad sila papalayo. Tahimik at maingat akong sumunod. Buo ang loob na hindi ka iiwan. Ililigtas kita. Humantong ang mga parak sa umpukan ng mga manggagawa. May mga saku-sako rin na naroon at doon ka nila inihagis. “Buo na.” Anang isa sa mga parak. “Simulan nang gawin ang tulay. – “Lolo Nilo?” Nanginginig ngunit maingat na tiniklop ni Danilo ang liham, inabot ang tungkod at tumayo.

Para sa Lumang Pier ng SOLCOM A Palihang Rogelio Sicat 10’s Fellow Entry (National Scope)

Gabriel Carlos T. Cribe

Mamahalin na Lamang Kita A Palihang Rogelio Sicat 9’s Fellow Entry (National Scope)

Tulad ng langis, Galing sa pabrika Ng niyog at Inasalubong Ng mga tanker Na barko, Na dating nanalaytay Sa ‘yong mga tubo, Nanatili ka Sa ibabaw Ng tubig-alat: Parang talabang Nabubuhay kahit Hitsurang patay. Nanatiling nakatayo Ang ‘yong mga paa Kahit ang mga brasong Dati’y magakakapit Ay kinain na Ng kalawang At nagkangwawala Sa gunita. Giniba man Ng ilang bagyo Ang helipad Sa uluhan mo

Nanatili ang tikas Ng iyong tindig Sa sahig ng dagat. Patuloy kang nalikha Ng ingay Kahit ilang taon Nang nananahimik ang pabrika Sa t’wing may mabisitang Mulanayin o estrangherong Nabibighani Sa rikit mong Bihira ang nakakikita Ngunit hindi nawawala. Kasama ako Sa mga napamangha mo, Kahit na Maraming maraming beses Na akong dumalaw Sa ‘yo – nananatili, Nanatili kang bago sa ‘king Balintataw, Kahit, Niluma ka na’t nilimot Ng ‘yong panahon.

Mark Bringel mamahalin na lamang kita. Hindi na ako maghihintay ng sagot mula sa ‘yong bibig sa t’wing tinatanong ko ang pasya mo sa ikinumpisal kong pag-ibig. Hindi na rin ako magpapalampas ng mga dumaraang dyip upang patawarin ang aking sarili makasabay ka lang sa pag-uwi. Hindi na ako makikinig sa binabasa mong manga kahit maluha-luha na ako sa antok makausap ka lang sa telepono. Hindi na rin ako magdaramdam sa mga pagkakataong nililimot mo ako sa pagiging abala mo sa ‘yong mga plates at parang wala ako sa guhit ng palad mo. Marami akong susulatin, marami pa ang nangangailangan ng aking tula at pansin – silang mga sekyung sinipingan ng antok sa nadaraanan kong RCBC katabi ng McDo, silang mga nagpriprito ng mga tuhog-tuhog sa tabi ng dating Gemini Bakery, silang mga magsasakang umani ng bala mula sa Kidapawan sa poder ng isang Lala Mendoza, silang mga dispatser na nagbabanat ng lalamunan sa sakayan ng SM papuntang Bayan, vice versa, silang mga kargador pasan-pasan ang planggana ng mga isda sa Agora, silang carwash crew, na laging nakaantabay sa tapat ng Citta Grande silang mga kapitalistang magluluklok ng Coalfired Power Plant sa Atimonan, Quezon, silang mga baliw na naghahanap ng sarili sa mga lansangan, silang mga Badjao na nanlilimos ng awa sa mga ilang kanto, silang mga traysikel drayber na nag-aapuhap ng buhay sa pasikut-sikot ng Lungsod ng Lucena… bukod sa tulad mo, bukod sa iyong mamahalin ko na lamang, araw araw. Natitiyak ko, gaya nang sinasabi ko at pipilitin kong gawin: higit kitang iibigin kapag nililimot ko.

Volume LXIX | Issue 1

Rebellious ghosts

Mara Angeli E. Cadiz

Let our fingers intertwine As I reach out for your hand Strong arms pull me gently As I rise from the ground For I am where you left me When you kicked me in the gut Long before you let me Kiss you in the dark For my passions are as poisonous As what they truly say But death is something you need To live beyond dismay To feel nothing, need nothing A cold but open eyes Roam the earth with freedom Alone from all the lies.

Alaala Bakit ikaw pa? Bakit ang agap naman yata para mawala ka Mga bakit na ang sagot ay nanatiling tahimik. Pikit mata kong kinakalimutan ang mapapait na nakaraan. Hangin na kay lakas, ngunit di na kaya pang balikan. Uhaw at sabik sa haplos at yakap mo Ngunit sa imahinasyon na lang mararanasan ito. Pinipitas sa hardin ay magagandang bulaklak Kaya pala pinitas ka sa amin agad agad. Ang buhay ko noon ay parang kalderetang luto mo Naglalaban ang linamnam at anghang nito. Ngunit ngayon anghang na lang ang nalalasahan Kasi ikaw ang kulang sa hapag kainan. Mahirap ba talaga maging anak? O mas mahirap ang walang tumatawag sa ‘yong anak? Salitang pinakamasarap na musika sa tenga Musikang hindi napakinggan, hindi napagsawaan. Maswerte kayo dahil kasama n’yo sila sa araw araw Habang ako nagbubulagbulagan, at hinahagkan ka sa larawan. Naaalala ang gabi na puno ng kandila at bulaklak Habang ikaw ay nakaunat sa aming harap. Parang Pieta, pero ako ‘yung may buhat sa aking ina. Ngunit walang dugong umaagos na makikita Tanging luha sa mga mata at pinitpit na puso ang nadarama Parang isang bangungot, at sana naging bangungot.

She

Ivan Chris M. Mabilangan

Jia Ilagan

literary

The Luzonian

A cup of coffee Aron Grey Every morning I smell her strong coffee Until our paths crossed – where the sun rises, I tasted the tainted coffee on her lips. Angels sang in heaven, time slowed its phase; I’ve dreamt of hopes and possibilities, From a smile written on her lips My heart ne’er beat like this Who knew we’d share a cup of coffee Everyday she makes an espresso to awaken my mind and body. She stirs our cup with all her heart; Her taste is all I really love: forever. I drank all of her – her sweetness, bitterness Everything. Until I drowned. When the sun shone that day, Her coffee tasted “I am sorry.” I thought I was her coffee, but I’m her bag of tea The favorite coffee turns poisonous cup of tea After savoring all of me, she left to love a new aroma. I don’t want to wake up when there’s cup of espresso… The smell of our love but left me unflavored Though it kills me, I’d still choose our coffee ‘Cause I’ve fallen deeply with her coffee beans. And madly, for she taught me to drink a cup of coffee.

Silakbo: Alay kay Gat Andres at Katipunan Jay Mel Nicomedez I. Giting mo ay wala sa dugo At wala rin sa iyong isip Ito’y galing sa pagkabigo Ng bawat matang nakasilip II. Tapang mo ay wala sa bibig At wala rin sa iyong puso Ito’y galing sa kapit-bisig Ng mga tabak at ‘yong sulo III. Talino mo’y wala sa utak, Sa medalya at sertipiko Ito’y nasa iyong paghatak Sa mga nais na matuto IV. Dangal mo ay wala sa ngalan At wala rin sa iyong misyon Ito ay nasa ‘yong pagharang Sa kabigua’t dilusyon

I envy this person’s success. I look up to her so much. At times, I hate her, her being the perfectionist that she is. But, I am in awe of how she manages to become like this. She started her travails to seek out her dreams at a very young age. She came from a family with ten children, eldest child, and had to look over the other younger siblings. The family that she came from lived a very meager lifestyle. It was not even enough to put every kid to school or to feed them with their needs. At an early age, she was sent away to work as household help to some relatives and went home during weekends to help her mother do some handicrafts and household chores. This way, she was able to put herself to school. From elementary to high school, this routine came recurring over and over. She could not send herself to college because expenses would be greater. So she skipped some few years by working at a city department store, actually, the first that it was in Quezon. She worked her way up from becoming a grocery attendant fixing tin cans by the supermarket to heading the agricultural department. She learned a lot from the people she worked with. There were many times that she was called out stupid, made mistakes, and rose up from them. Months nearing her resignation, because she’s soon planning to get into college, a fire in the employees’ dormitory burned her dreams down. She still went on believing and chasing her dreams. She found someone who sponsored her collegiate studies. She went back to doing household chores while studying Business Administration, Major in Accounting in the same University and major that I’m in now. Mind you, the course is indeed hard especially if you don’t have a 100% time to battle with readings and solving problems. Four years of hard work and sleepless nights paid off as she graduated as part of the Accounting Honors class. She tried some jobs afterwards: an office personnel in Makati, an allaround secretary in an accounting firm in Sariaya, and even tried overseas in Singapore. She opted coming back home and started a family of her own with her best friend, who was an accountant in the firm that she used to work with. Family life was not easy for them, there were also other problems that they dealt with. Accountants were not paid as much as they were today. They lived simply and happily. They seemed to pull enough a better living for their family. But, death snatched their happy ever after. Her husband died. She was left to raise the family on her own. She was at it again, starting all over again. Being a father and mother at the same time was a far harder thing than putting yourself to school. You had to take care of yourself, make a living for the children, and still nurture your family into its development. Eleven years had gone by. I saw that woman in much pain and more sleepless nights. Persevering, I saw her sweating out a lot just to make her family’s life better. I witnessed her falls and I admired how much she tried to get up from them. From that barrio girl who had so little on her table, I saw a woman who has overcome a lot to chase her dreams, hurdle every shortcoming, and make her ideals real. Success, as it may sound cliché, is not winning but rising every time we fall. I often hear that from her. At this point, I know that she’s still not that kind of person that you think she is whenever you hear of the word “successful” because most people think that someone who’s successful is filthy rich or phenomenal or a CEO. But I believe that she’s very much successful in my own definition of what success is: battling your own demons, fighting for what you envision, and continuing the process over and over again. Now, she’s a woman of great conviction, a struggling entrepreneur, a single mother, a person of much faith, a work-in progress, and someone I know that won’t ever give up --- my spectacle of motivation, my mother. I know that she might have been pulled by the thought that she had to change her life from being a barrio girl, with a meager living and lots of siblings to support, into someone who can be self-sustaining and can be of great help to ensure her family’s well-being. That drive to reduce the poverty and unease and that incentive of having a good life propelled her into dreaming and making her dreams a reality. The need to provide her family with the basic needs, to seek out stability, to get a degree, to make herself and her family happy, and to provide herself fulfillment have also compelled her to become who she is today. It can likewise be her biological instinct as a parent to provide her children a good life and survival that moved and inspired her everyday. Our love-hate relationship revealed our disparities: that she worked her way up while I got here being provided the things that I need. She always values time and I value how to make that time, a good time. I love adventures and she prefers security. But despite the thousands of differences that make us who we are, at the end of day, she is still a woman I highly look up to. At times, I envy her ways of becoming efficient and being street smart. But the real deal is that I want to be like her or just half of what she had become. Her ability to juggle family life, work, household and her service as a catechist is something that I wish were genetic. She is the target and she is the motivation. Challenge posted. Challenge accepted.

news

The Luzonian

August-December 2017

CCS renamed CCMS

To offer upgraded IT courses Ada Loreen C. De Castro

s most of the academic departments prepared for the new curriculum alongside the K-12 transition program, the College of Computer Studies (CCS) changed its name to College of Computing and Multimedia Studies (CCMS) in line with its upgrade in Information Technology courses to be offered in SY 2018-2019. From the generic IT courses, CCMS will now have specialization programs that would provide more focused learning among students. “Since IT is a very broad area, having specialization gives graduates assurance of being more expert in their chosen field,” Dean Rodrigo C. Belleza, Jr. said. Together with the faculty members and industry partners, Dean Belleza spearheaded the revision of the curriculum from having two specializations in each course. BS in Computer Science (BSCS) now has specializations in Data Science and Software Engineering. BS in Information Technology (BSIT) now offers specializations in Web and Mobile Development and in Network Management and IT Security while the BS in Information Systems (BSIS) offers specializations in Service Management in BPO and Business

NEW SPECIALIZATIONS IN NEWLY UPGRADED IT COURSES

Analytics. Lastly, the newly crafted course, BS in Entertainment and Multimedia Computing (BSEMC) has specializations in Game Development and Digital Animation. Curriculum review by the College of Computer Studies’ academic board has been conducted and stakeholders have come up with new academic programs focusing on market demands. The teaching force of the College of Computer Studies is capable of teaching the new programs based on the faculty’s postgraduate degrees. Since the demand is high, Dean Belleza is expecting a bigger enrolment increase in the college in the new popular multimedia programs. The college is one of the few CHED Centers of Development in IT Education with level III PACUCOA accredited programs, proving itself a powerhouse in IT education.

BSCS

Software Engineering Data Science

news bits

CBA hails new CPAs Ivan Chris Mabilangan The College of Business and Accountancy (CBA) welcomes a new batch of Certified Public Accountants (CPA) who took the examination on Oct. 7 and Oct. 15. Karl Andrew Cabesuelas, Sunshine Sarmiento, and Carl Joseph Dagos passed the October 2017 CPA board exam registering a 23.08% passing percentage for the University. The May 2017 CPA board exam yielded ten CPAs from MSEUF Lucena with a 50% passing percentage surpassing the 35.14% national passing percentage. CPAs Kevin Aycardo and Trisha Ann Reforma were also added to the roster of AICPAs (American Institute of Certified Public Accountants). Carlo Gregorio, CPA was an addition to the list of Certified Management Accountants (CMA) while Catherine Bejer, CPA, is a certified reassurance accountant by the Bermuda Insurance Institute.

CAFA produces 10 architects Mara Angeli Cadiz Ten architects from MSEUF passed the June 2017 Licensure Examination for Architects. Total passing percentage garnered by all takers is 53.33%, 40% for first takers with an overall performance of 50%. The roster of new architects is composed of Stella Joy Anne Angulo, Johanna Bibit, Junieca Camacho, Laarni Shyr Chavez, Mariflor Cortez, John Patrick Diokno, Rose Ann Limbo, Michael Angelo Mercado, Shim Asbre Christian Reines and John Benedict Tan.

CED welcomes new librarians Ivan Chris Mabilangan Five out of six Envergans passed the Librarian Licensure Examination held Sept. 19 and 20. The test takers had an overall performance of 83.33%, exceeding the national passing percentage of 60.29%. Anjelica de Los Santos, Darnyll Joshua Jaromahum, Cristian Mendoza, Imee Michelle Perez and Jalene Xena Tibayan, who are all first takers, garnered a 100% passing percentage. This year’s passing percentage hiked by 9.65% from last year where 14 examinees from MSEUF posted a 73.68% passing rate.

Also, faculty members are topnotch as most of them are graduates or in the dissertation stage of their doctorate degrees in IT. Prominent certifications of faculty also contribute to the competitive edge of the college such as CCNA, MTA, IBM, NC III, etc. Dean Belleza also said that the college is ready for the upgrades of courses for it already established laboratories and equipment needed in each specialization. “Starting January, we will be promoting the new courses to graduating senior high school students.” Any track can enroll in any of our upgraded courses as they can be fitted with the large IT demand in the local and global industry,” he concluded.

photo by:

Rodrigo C. Belleza Jr.

PROPERLY EQUIPPED. Students of CCMS work on their project using stateof-the-art equipment in laboratory classes.

BSIS

BSIT

Business Analytics Service Management in BPO

Web & Mobile Development Network Management & IT Security

BSEMC

Game Development Digital Animation

CEng generates 81 new engineers Ivan Chris Mabilangan

he College of Engineering has 80 new engineers from different Engineering specializations after passing their respective board exams.

Thirty-one civil engineers passed in the latest PRC release. Six registered electronics engineers of this year’s October 2017 exam, 12 new mechanical engineers in the Sept. 28-29 board exam, 17 licensed electrical engineers in the Sept. 2-3 exam, and 14 new geodetic engineers completed the roster of newlypassed engineers. The college also recognized 19 registered Electronics Technicians (ECTs) who passed in October. The new civil engineers are Engr. Gino Antonio Abdala, Engr. Geraldine Arabaca, Engr. Gioco Araya, Engr. Edgardo Ayala, Engr. Bella Balandan, Engr. Rulkin Ruiz Cabangon, Engr. Maricar Dapula, Engr. John Paul Del Mundo, Engr. Deena Descargar,

Engr. Mark Steven Enriquez, Engr. Francis Ray Faller, Engr. Dianara Gajo, Engr. Jay Garcia, Engr. Jessa Mae Gomez, Engr. Bernadette Laude, Engr. Darwin Lodo, Engr. Rafael Mindanao, Engr. Marlowe Mundin, Engr. Jovet Nadera, Engr. Kimberly Ann Olayres, Engr. Christian Joseph Patayon, Engr. Jerson Perez, Engr. Jerwin Pernia, Engr. Ma. Almira Joyce Rea, Engr. John Carlo Rivadulla, Engr. Zamantha Grace Sales, Engr. Aileen Sambrano, Engr. Albert Tagon, Engr. Antonio Santiago Talaga Jr., Engr. Kelvin Amiel Valdepeña, and Engr. Alyssa Vasquez. In addition, Engr. Jeremie Batanes, Engr. Alyssa Nicole Maaño, Engr. Denise Vien Morong, Engr. Fernand Remojo,

Engr. Henezy Tan, and Engr. Eugene Thomas Villanueva passed the October 2017 Electronics Engineering Board Examination. Comprising the new mechanical engineers are Engr. Francis Bolala, Engr. Nhiel Borja, Engr. Vincent Lawrence Dizon, Engr. Daniel Lecaniel, Engr. John Ace Maninang, Engr. Juvit Moldon, Engr. Mark Vincent Monteclaro, Engr. John Lorenz Quijano, Engr. Reymark Rafer, Engr. Mark Jason Reyes, Engr. Joemar Rivera, and Engr. Jasper Rosales. The September 2017 new mechanical engineers are Engr. Alfredo Abustan Jr., Engr. Jike Alcain, Engr. Charlene Amarillo, Engr. John Dominique Braga, Engr. Alexis Caceres II, Engr. Richard Mark Camonias,

Gallegos tops SPLE

Alumnus triumphs in Middle East Mara Angeli E. Cadiz

nvergan alumni made waves worldwide in various international certifications and examinations.

Engr. Jun Agustine Arnigo Gallegos II, BSEE-ETEEAP batch 20142015, topped the Special Professional Licensure (SPLE) for Registered Electrical Engineers (REE) in the Middle East in the examination given Sept. 1-3 in testing sites in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Oman, and Israel.

Fellow engineers Marvin Balasabas and Vincent Cantara also passed the SPLE for Mechanical Engineers and Engr. Mandy Vicente (BSCE-ETEEAP) likewise aced the SPLE for Civil Engineers given in September in the Middle East. The Special Licensure Examination (SPLE) is given by the Professional Regulation Commission, in cooperation

with the Philippine Regulatory Boards, to professional and skilled Filipino workers. The examination is given to architects, public accountants, dentists, electronics engineers and technicians, nurses, master plumbers, electrical engineers, master electricians, and professional teachers that are based in the Middle East.

CBA nails Certified Tax Technician exam Patricia Adora Alcala

S Accountancy and BSBA Management Accounting students of the College of Business and Accountancy dominated the first installment of the Certified Tax Technician (CTT) national certification exam June 30 in MSEUF Lucena.

The certification is provided by the Philippine Association of Certified Tax Technicians, Inc. (PACTT). It is the first attempt of the college to field bets in the CTT exam. Representatives from PACTT came all the way from their head office in Bicol to provide the exam to the takers in MSEUF. As part of PACTT’s program, the representatives conducted several seminars regarding Tax Code and tax practice on June 17 and 24. The

organization’s Chief Operating Officer Omar Erasmo Ampongan himself discussed certain updates of taxation in the country. Students that finished their taxation subjects - income, business, and transfer taxation - are eligible to take the exam. The passers are required to apply for membership to be granted their certificates. The certification is renewable every five years and entitles the members free

seminars sponsored by the organization anywhere in the Philippines. This is to continuously update and enrich their knowledge in taxation. CBA Dean Paz Bobadilla integrates certain national certification exams to the undergraduate programs aside from CTT such as the NCII Bookkeeping of TESDA and the like. This aims to equip and increase the competency level among students even before they graduate.

PRC releases September 2017 LET

Engr. Paul Jonrowe Concha, Engr. Sharmaine Cortas, Engr. Mark Nel Inojosa, Engr. Mark Anthony Lopez, Engr. Harold Jasper Lubiano, Engr. Lorrena Nuez, Engr. Glan Bren Ogaña, Engr. Philip Ocampo, Engr. Lemuel Parco, Engr. John Patrick Sepillo and Engr. Kenneth Sio. Engr. Arnold Belison, Engr. Nonilon Caagbay, Engr. Carlito Durian, Engr. Sheniel Rishia Espinosa, Engr. Antonio Micelle Escalona, Engr. Vicente Inojosa, Engr. Jason Lopez, Engr. Sandy Sergio Lota, Engr. Jay Victor Pacaigue, Engr. Joseph Nicole Olave, Engr. Maria Elaine Pardilla, Engr. Patrick Soriaga, Engr. Ricardo Villaflor III and Engr. Renato Zabella are the new geodetic engineers.

Lavarez hits PhilSAT’s 5th place Mara Angeli E. Cadiz

earl Kimberly Q. Lavarez, CPA and BS Accountancy alumna, landed the 5th spot in the Philippine Law School Admission Test (PhilSAT) on Sept. 24 with a rating of 87.857. She is the only top ten qualifier from Quezon Province. Lavarez passed the second batch of PhilSAT, sharing the fifth spot (87.857 rating) with six other examinees from UP Manila, UP Los Banos, De La Salle University Manila, Ateneo de Manila University, and St. Louis University. PhilSAT is a standardized set of aptitude tests measuring the academic potential of one to study law. Effective school year of 20172018, Bachelor of Laws or Juris Doctor aspirants are required to take the PhilSAT as a prerequisite for their admission. The Center of Educational Management, Inc. was accredited to administer the operation of the PhilSAT. Communication and language proficiency, critical thinking, verbal reasoning, and quantitative reasoning constituted the examination.

CED’s passing rate, higher than national’s

> 26.33% 54.31% 46.37% >

John Rover R. Sinag

ELEMENTARY

30.26% MSEUF, Lucena overall passing rate

National overall passing rate

SECONDARY

MSEUF, Lucena overall passing rate

National overall passing rate

he College of Education of Enverga University Lucena recognized 46 new licensed elementary teachers where 41 were first takers and 5 were repeaters attaining an aggregate of 30.26% passing average. There were also 63 new licensed secondary teachers comprising 49 first takers and 14 repeaters reaching a 54.31% overall passing rate. The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) released the results of the recently concluded Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) for the September 2017 batch of examinees where 21,198 elementary teachers out of 80,509 examinees (26.33%) and 49,626 secondary teachers out of 107,020 examinees (46.37%) successfully passed the board.

It was further announced that of the 21,198 elementary teacher passers, 19,581 were first timers and 1,617 repeaters. For the secondary teachers, 41,180 passers were first timers and 8,446 repeaters. MSEUF Lucena’s passing average in elementary and secondary education is higher by 3.93% and 7.94%, respectively, compared to the LET September 2017 national passing percentage.

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The Luzonian

Volume LXIX | Issue 1

Quezon-Bicol Expressway (QuBEx): The easy way to the South Mara Angeli E. Cadiz

ravelling is fun but facing it with traffic snatches away some of the fun parts. Good thing, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is implementing the construction of the Quezon-Bicol Expressway (QuBEx) making travel to Southern Tagalog and to the Bicol Region easier.

According to its project description, the QuBEx project will start in Pagbilao, Quezon and end in the existing Maharlika Highway in San Fernando, Camarines Sur. The project will have an indicative length of approximately 180 kilometers and will be an alternative option of travel from Quezon and the Bicol Provinces. With QuBEx, there could be faster and more developed alternative for commuters to use since the original road being traversed by the people will go through the poblacions

photo from:

dpwh.gov.ph

of the different municipalities. The highway also gives a safer and more direct route to the provinces of Bicol since the original route traverses the mountainside and other fragmentary roads. Trade of goods is likewise expected to be more convenient since delivery of goods to and from these areas can be done in a shorter time. Thus, QuBEx is envisioned to take the development of Quezon and the Bicol provinces at a faster pace. QuBEx comes after the SLEx-TR4 project the reason behind the construction underway at the Diversion Road, Lucena City. The 13.1 billion

SLEx-TR4 project aims to make travel from Metro Manila to the Southern Luzon provinces faster and safer. At the moment, DPWH is in the process of devising the particulars of QuBEx’s feasibility study while acquiring rights of way and finalizing the funding. The feasibility study is expected to be accomplished in the third quarter of 2018 at the maximum. Hence, it’s good thing to know that we have something good on the road that we could look forward to.

Diversion

photos by:

John Andrew Jeremiah Pacalda

road version 2 0 .

Mara Angeli E. Cadiz

iving in Sariaya, we usually traverse the phenomenal Lucena City Diversion Road whenever we’re off to school or to the Grand Central Terminal. I can fully commiserate with fellow commuters who are often running late because the Diversion Road traffic is simply terrible. It has caused so much hassle for ordinary commuters like us though I know it is much more of a bother for those driving through long lines in the Diversion Road.

In the afternoon, after the 5p.m. mark, most office personnel from the government offices and the private sector converge in a rush to board buses and jeepneys to the town proper of Lucena City. When the commuters spill out of the offices, the traffic gridlock begins. Recently, traffic jam intensified due to the ongoing road widening and bridge construction in the area and in almost all municipalities leading to the Lucena

Diversion Road. The latest is the project that spans 419 meters starting from a section of Dumacaa Bridge ending to Iyam Bridge. Although a new byway going to Lucban and Tayabas was constructed, the constriction stayed. The construction underway in the Diversion Road is part and parcel of the SLEx Toll Road 4 (SLEx TR4) project. The total project cost is said to hit P13.1 billion, P230 million of which is directed towards

the ongoing construction. It is a PPP or Public-Private Partnership with South Luzon Tollways Corp., a unit of San Miguel Corp. The project is expected to be done by midyear 2018. Despite the current traffic jam, it is a heartening to know that relief will come soon. Version 2 of the diversion road promises to accommodate more vehicles. Every commuter like me looks forward to the easing of traffic. That would make Diversion Road Version 2 worth the wait.

SOLCOM relaunches media fellowship events

‘We look forward to better relationship with media’ – Brig. Gen. Ravina Mara Angeli E. Cadiz

Diversion road construction is ongoing.

The new face of the city Jay Mel Nicomedez

hree – yes, that’s the number of city halls that have been constructed for the city of Lucena since 1910, and the newest one was built and inaugurated recently. The new city hall designed by Architect Felino Palafox Jr., costing P320 million, stands along the Maharlika Highway Diversion Road.

photo by:

SolCom

PR TALK. Across lunch tables, Brig. Gen. Ernesto Ravina, Jr., deputy commander of the AFP Southern Luzon Command, assures media personnel of harmony as he briefs them of SOLCOM’s objectives amidst issues between free speech and national safety.

he AFP Southern Luzon Command (SOLCOM) reaffirmed its intent to improve its relationship with media practitioners in a fellowship lunch, Nov. 24, in Queen Margarette Hotel.

“Upang lalong palakasin ang ugnayan ng Solcom at ng mga mamamahayag at sabay-sabay nating pagtulungan ang mga isyu, ang matibay na ugnayan ay magdadala sa kapayapaan”, Col. Teody Toribio, current Solcom spokesperson, told the press in his opening remarks. Publication editors, television and radio station journalists met in a media fellowship initiated by the AFP Southern Luzon Command. The AFP is proud of the diminished number of CPP-NPA partisans in the province now, Solcom Deputy Commander Brig. Gen. Ernesto Ravina, Jr., reported. The army top brass also emphasized the importance of inculcating awareness of issues among the youth as academic press editors in chief were similarly invited to the event. Vigilance must be a collaboration

between the military personnel and the civilians. The youth must not be swayed by the Left’s propaganda of a better future. Col. Toribio also stressed that tight family bond and communication are very important to prevent impressionable young people from being recruited by the Left. Journalist King Formaran raised a question on why the CPP-NPA keeps coming back to Quezon Province. He suggested that local government units (LGUs) must lead the initiatives against the CPP-NPAs and not be their benefactors or protectors. Despite the stringent fight against destabilization efforts, the military clarified that members of Bayan Muna and other cause oriented groups can still join rallies and exercise their freedom of expression, as long as their actions are

within the law. Solcom also noted that Quezon province is Number 1 in the formation of reservists. The province is now a point of reference for other provinces when it comes to reservists. The uniformed personnel also feels happy that their salaries have been adjusted. As public service, the military personnel is holding cyber-security and awareness seminars to educate the people. Similarly, they are conducting loan caravans in support of military workers and veterans. “We strongly believe that the youth is the hope of the future…makakaasa kayo na ang kasundaluhan ng Southern Luzon Command ay magiging kaagapay ng lehitimong media at ng mga kabataan,” Col. Toribio concluded.

Not just only exhibiting class and luxury, the 9,000-square-meter new Lucena City Government Complex serves as a “one-stop-shop” for all the Lucenahins that are tired of travelling from one office to another to get documents or to transact with the government. Also, the new government complex complies with being environment-friendly as 70 percent of its walls are open windows that collects natural light, circulates ventilation and welcomes renewed nonchalant air for reduced usage of the air-conditioning system. From the rooftop, a panoramic sight of Mt. Banahaw and Tayabas Bay can be seen. Lastly, one outstanding feature of the structure is that it was designed to endure a magnitude 8 earthquake, instead of just 7 as required by the National Building Code, and 300 kilometers per hour wind speed, instead of just 200 kilometers per hour. The two-year construction of the complex started in February 2015 and ended in March 2017. Particularly situated in Barangay Silangang Mayao seven kilometers from the city proper,

the construction of the city hall is expected to ease vehicular and pedestrian traffic and overcrowding in the city proper. Numbers show that up to about 300 to 400 cars park most of the time near and around the old main city hall located in Barangay 5. This contributes to the huge vehicular-traffic congestion in the city proper. However, before the hype of the celebration for the construction of the new government complex, controversies about the lack of the budget of the local government and the capability of the local government to build such edifice circulated. Surprisingly, amidst doubts and questions, the construction went through and stands as the epitome of the city – a symbol of unity, progress and development, and will to move forward.

photo by:

Arlyn Galapia Bagasin Opiz

The new city hall stands majestic.

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The Luzonian

WATCHLIST:

August-December 2017

A retrospective take

on Lucena’s drug war Jay Mel Nicomedez

8 10 8 10 6 10 6 10 6 10

Lucenahins believe that their barangay conducts regular, official, and legal drug operations and urgent, purposive, and legally comprehensive anti-illegal drug activities in the barangay. Lucenahins believe that their barangay has conducted informative seminars that can educate people on drug abuse and fully informed people on the concept of dangerous drugs, their consequences and legal penalties. Lucenahins believe that the drug campaign helped decrease crimes. Lucenahins believe that their barangay has effectively rehabilitated drug personalities.

Lucenahins believe that their barangay has efficiently encouraged drug abusers to surrender.

Reliving History:

Perez Park Restored Jay Mel Nicomedez

fter a year of massive planning and restoration, the provincial government of Quezon inaugurated the 5,000 square meter Block 1 of Perez Park at the Provincial Capitol complex that was first established 90 years ago on Dec. 4. The restoration project aimed to bring back the role of a park in the public and community life where families visit to sit on the grass, to stroll or simply share stories. Or, listen to public concerts and watch performances by artistic groups. The restoration project tried to retain the old features of the park to preserve the memories and the historical ambiance, such as the slides and the see-saw in the center that were the same ones first built in 1927 after the lot was donated by Don Felimon Perez, the former governor of the province of Tayabas, as Quezon was called then. The park is inviting to families whose idea of bonding together in a safe open space is to while the time to sit, relax and make small talk or trade jokes and stories while partaking of food that they themselves prepared and wrapped for their little feast. Perez Park is one of few existing sunken parks in the country. It was named after former Governor Don Filemon Perez who donated the land for the construction of a public park 90 years ago. The idea of a public park was inspired by his travels and education abroad. After concluding his degrees in engineering, he returned to the Philippines where he was egged by friends to run for public office. As soon as he was elected, he started incubating the idea of a public, open space for a park where people can sit or walk around amidst refreshing surroundings. In 1927 he bestowed seven hectares of land on the park project, and built his legacy to his kababayan “making it one of the biggest and most beautiful parks in the Philippines next to Luneta and Rizal Park” (based on a book published in 1987) and the second largest park in the country after Luneta Park (based on 1994 documents).” Netizens lauded the park restoration project saying that “it brings back the memories when life was gentler, simpler and more laid back.”

photo from:

shamelessprotocol. com

he Philippine political and social landscape has transformed since Pres. Rodrigo Roa Duterte took office. He was the first Mindanaoan to become Philippine president and the first official elected from the local government to the presidency. In this regard, local government issues have been brought to nationwide attention and were addressed as national issues such as drugs and criminality.

The Philippine National Police’s (PNP) intensive drug operations popularly known as Oplan Tokhang and Oplan Double Barrel resulted to the surrender of over a million drug users nationwide. In a smaller scope, one major drug operation in the City of Lucena in 2014 seized a drug pusher with 1.4 million pesos worth of shabu in Barangay Ibabang Dupay. In 2015, The Lucena City Police Station (LCPS) nabbed a drug pusher in a hotel in downtown Lucena and in July 2016, over 900 self-confessed drug users and pushers surrendered to the Lucena City Police Station. In a research conducted by students from the Humanities and Social Sciences (HumSS) track headed by Jay Mel Nicomedez with Joshua Dale Pura, Michael Brian Cadao, and Jeorgina Jito, the raging illegal drugs issue was investigated and other relevant issues connected with it. The research assessed the problem, evaluated the dynamics and the dimension of the problem and proposed solutions to address the problem prior to assessment and evaluation. The study also assessed the drug supply and demand reduction, rehabilitation, retribution, and deterrence. Data were achieved through massive and systematic data gathering by means of survey and interviews. The researchers clustered the barangays of the city into four. The study showed a decline of drug supply in the selected barangays studied. Most of the people strongly agreed that their respective barangays did regular, official, and legal anti-drug operations. They likewise agreed that their barangays arrested drug personalities if there were any found.

Most were also aware that there were drug dens that have been closed down due to proven drug activities and strongly agreed that the anti-drug operations while done with haste were within reason and observed due process. Many also agreed that if there were drug personalities found, officials immediately filed a case against them backed up by evidence. The data explicitly showed that the respondents agreed that each barangay implemented visible drug operations. However, a discerning number of people wondered why in spite of arrests and seizures recorded drug confiscation was very low. With regard to supply reduction efforts, the city scored 4.03, or good. It also showed that most of the respondents strongly agreed that their barangays initiated seminars about drugs that raised the awareness levels in their barangays. Similarly, there was a very high consensus that the barangays’ effort to conduct seminars about drugs met the government’s drive to bring drug education to the grassroots. The city scored 4.23, or very good. With regard to deterrent efforts of the barangays, the study concluded that most of the respondents agreed that cases of murder, rape, robbery, and other typical crimes were reduced and the cases were resolved properly. The Philippine National Police likewise reported that as of September 2017 there was a general decrease on crimes by almost 8%. In this regard, the solved crime rates increased in the perception of the general public which resulted to 3.98 rating, or good. Furthermore, it showed that most of the respondents agreed that drug users, if any were caught, were remanded

to rehabilitation facilities. for treatment They noted that almost 3,000 individuals of the surveyed barangays surrendered to the government’s Oplan Tokhang and Oplan Double Barrel. The general consensus among the respondents is that their respective barangays are doing efforts in rehabilitating self-confessed drug addicts in the barangay in rehabilitation facilities scoring 3.92, or good. Also, the study revealed that most of the respondents agreed that drug addicts surrendered through the Oplan Tokhang and Oplan Double Barrel operation. The local government conducted a regular batch-by-batch of MASA MASID, a program that enables drug surrenderees to be watchdogs of other drug active individuals. In general, the general public strongly agreed that their respective barangays conducted retributive programs scoring 4.23, or good. Lastly, the study showed that most of the residents believe that population is a factor when it comes to the effectiveness of the campaign against drugs. The respondents also believe that their barangay used their resources properly for fighting drugs. The barangays believed that the people themselves are crucial in the effectiveness of a drug campaign and that their barangays allotted resources to fight the drug menace, scoring 4.20, or good. The overall rating of all the barangays is 4.10. This means that the effectivity of the drug campaign among the selected barangays of Lucena is effective or good. This shows that the general public of Lucena City is working in collaboration with the government’s drive against illegal drugs.

In focus: Bagong Lucena public market (An investigative report) From THE LEVEL OF SATISFACTION OF THE VENDORS AND CONSUMERS OF THE BAGONG LUCENA PUBLIC MARKET (An Undergraduate Thesis of Myhna Alfon, Mary Jane Buenaventura, Maria Angelica Endiape and Trecia Mae Rafa)

ublic markets have served varied purposes to communities. Being a labor-intensive establishment, a market requires a number of workers for it to operate efficiently and effectively. Public markets do not only offer goods to its consumers but also job opportunities to its vendors. Without the consumers and vendors, public markets cannot function well.

A public market caters to its consumers and vendors who pay rent to do business. It is therefore important to look into the possible problems and shortcomings in its management. A comprehensive investigative report was conducted to offer improvements for the enhancement of the operations of the Bagong Lucena Public Market. On May 28, 2014, the three-decade old public market in Lucena was razed by fire while festivities were being held for the culmination of Pasayahan sa Lucena a few blocks away. The whole block of the public market building burned to the ground. . The fire was put out with the help and cooperation of firefighters from Sariaya, Tayabas, Pagbilao and Lucena. Over 300 market stallholders were adversely affected by the loss of the old public market. After the tragedy, the vendors temporarily sold their products on the side streets. The government provided stalls for the vendors while the New Public Market was under

Facilities The vendors are satisfied with the Bagong Lucena Public Market’s facility and infrastructure as it fairly provides them enough space making it comfortable to conduct their business operations. They are also fairly satisfied with the ventilation, water supply, and public comfort rooms.

photos by:

John Andrew Jeremiah Pacalda

Market security With regard to emergency equipment, the vendors are quite unsure if there are any available equipment in case of emergencies and disasters such as fire extinguishers and fire alarms inside the Bagong Lucena Public Market. The vendors are also unsure if there are first aid kits that can be used to tend to people who may figure in accidents or who may be hurt. With regard to readiness, no safety precautions like fire drills or orientations on what to do during national disasters have been made prior to the vendors’ settlement in the Bagong Lucena Public Market. However, there are enough security personnel inside the New Public Market that ensures the safety and well being of the people in the area who can respond to people in need of help. There are also CCTV cameras which are used to monitor the vicinity.

construction. In October 2016, a state-of-the-art public market building was opened to serve the public. Today, the vendors are experiencing the ambiance of the new public market building where they transferred last year. Due to the re-construction of the new public market, adjustments occurred affecting the community of Lucena in different ways. The reconstruction of the Bagong Lucena Public Market has improved the establishment and the vicinity compared to the old market that was burned down. However, there are still certain issues that need to be addressed and much can still be done to enhance its management. A group of business education students conducted a descriptive research on theBagong Lucena Public Market that formed the basis of this report. The investigative report found out that:

Stall management The positioning of stalls attained by stall holders by draw lots has decreased the number of customers for some vendors. In terms of profits, the vendors are able to reach their desired profit within the established market hours for each day but the rent expense causes a dent in their income. Some of the vendors still have their usual customers or suki but others have lost theirs because they cannot be easily found in their new location.

Customer experience The consumers can shop safely in the Bagong Lucena Public Market as there are enough security personnel and CCTV (Closed Circuit TV) cameras provided by the management to ensure their safety. The classification of the vendors into sections make it easier for the consumers to shop and the things they buy from the Bagong Lucena Public Market are of the quality that they are looking for or what they used to buy in the old public market. The consumers are somehow dissatisfied with the customer services given by the Bagong Lucena Public Market, mainly because of the route and lack of parking spaces. Most of the consumers are satisfied with the overall operations that the new public market is providing the general public.

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The Luzonian

Volume LXIX | Issue 1

Your easy access weekend getaway:

Quezon Province Sophia Margarette R. Caagbay

photos by:

Google Images

n the noise of class requirements, work pressures, and other hustle and bustle, we’re all looking for weekend getaways that can take us away from the sight of the ‘to do lists’ and the feelings of pressure or stress. We all wish that amidst all the noise of the madding crowd, there’s an escape button that we can push to run away from human concerns causing us headaches and sleepless nights.

But do you know that we do not have to go anywhere else just to see wonderful places and have an adventure to remember? The ultimate travel stress reliever and serenity that you’re dreaming of is just within the vicinity of our province. Just recently, Quezon Province was hooked to the Department of Tourism (DOT)’s Destination of the Year 2017 backstopped by the success of the annual Niyogyugan Festival. But all over the province are all-around natural destinations topped by exotic foods, pristine white sand, little known magnificent falls, and historical places that you can explore to discover and experience Quezon. Three to four hours of land travel from Manila will take you to our province for a visit. But our fellow kababayans in Quezon may not be aware of the wonders our province has to offer. To all aspiring travellers and adventure seekers, here are a few spots that you should try: Nature at its best is what you can see from our prime virgin beaches and white sand sites such as Mauban’s Cagbalete Island, San Andres’ Alibijaban

Island, Pagbilao’s Kwebang Lampas, Padre Burgos’ Borawan and the long stretch of beach of Jomalig, Quezon itself. If you’re opting for a resort, you can also visit the famed Villa Escudero in Tiaong that will welcome you as you enter the province from the metropolis in the boundary of San Pablo City and Tiaong, Quezon. Batis Aramin in Lucban also has good amenities for sports and fun activities for tourists and other visitors, plus you’ll get lovely cold weather to boot. But if you’re not the beach-type seeking kind of tourist, the province has more to offer. During the summer season, feel the explosion of colors juxtaposed against rustic life in the Pahiyas Festival in Lucban. Tayabas also stages its Mayohan while Sariaya displays the Agawan Festival. The festivals are reflective of how people in this part of the country value farming and blend it with reverence for San Isidro Labrador, the patron saint of farmers. Pasayahan in Lucena City is also a feast to experience. In the middle of the year, every August, Lucena City also celebrates Niyogyugan Festival in celebration of the province’s prime product – coconut. All towns participate in a booth exhibition to show visitors their products.

If you’re up to heritage adventures, you can try visiting Sariaya’s ancestral houses or take a snap of the historical Malagonlon Bridge in Tayabas City and Iskong Bantay watchtower in Atimonan. Kamay ni Hesus in Lucban also holds healing masses and has a wonderful depiction of important biblical events. The province also boasts of magnificent waterfalls like the Balagbag Falls, Aliw Falls, Bantakay Falls, Gapas Falls, Aloco Falls, Hinaaan Falls, Salacan Falls, Lumilay Falls, Dahoyhoy Falls, Hagdan-Hagdan Falls, Alitap Falls and Bisbis Falls. Locals say that there are more waterfalls in remote villages of Barangay Cagsiay II and Cagsiay III, near the boundaries of Real, Paete, Lumban, Kalayaan, and Cavinti. Meanwhile, the nearby town of Sampaloc boasts of Hangga or Maapon Falls, Buho Falls and Asedillo Falls. The Quezon experience would not be complete without trying out our local delicacies, longganisang Lucban, pancit habhab, chami, budin and pinagong. Make sure, too, that you take a swig of our famous lambanog. Indeed, being DOT’s Destination of the Year entails much more than just the recognition. To find out why, why not experience the destination yourself and let Quezon Province enthrall you.

Real to reel: Front Row features CLQ outreach program in national TV T

he CAS League of Quizzers (CLQ), more than a quiz ambassador, is also a tireless advocate of environmental and social issues.

Recently, we saw CLQ bag multiple awards from their community collaborations. The most up-to-date was the Bata sa Bintana episode in the Front Row GMA Public Affairs documentary film that won a gold medal in the Human Concerns category at the 2017 New York Festival World’s Best TV and Films Competition held in Las Vegas, USA on April 25 and a finalist of Save the Children Media Awards 2017 that renamed the episode to Liwanag sa Bintana. We learned about the poignant child who suffers from severe malnutrition worsened by poverty and the mental breakdown of his father. His mother earns less than what the family needs but since the documentary film his quality of life improved. In October 2016, the CLQ discovered Zoren Asiane, popularly known as the bata sa bintana through Jasper Ace Escobinas’ photograph posted in social media. According to Escobinas, he was with fellow member Melody Garin and his adviser Gilbert Garcia roaming around the community extension adopted community Brgy. Barra when they came across an old-looking skin-andbones kid named Zoren whose simple joy is peeking from the nipa window of their home to watch other children play and the world go by. Zoren could barely stand, much more walk, because he was so emaciated at that time due to severe malnutrition. In this heart-rending situation, the CLQ called attention and support for Zoren. GMA’s Front Row, one of the many who caught the plea for help, became one of the major turning points for the Bata sa Bintana. The show documented Zoren and raised awareness about his condition ensuing the support and bringing in help from viewers.

Enverga’s helping hand

Sophia Margarette R. Caagbay

The overwhelming response from the public brought significant changes in Zoren’s life. Individuals here and abroad, many of whom refused to be named, extended their help. Today, Zoren’s condition has improved. He has learned to walk, to venture out of his nipa hut to play, and even to ride a bicycle that he learned from books. More than these, Zoren’s life has completely turned sparking a new hope that there is more beyond the window of his nipa hut. From being Bata sa Bintana, Zoren now stars in Liwanag sa Bintana, a new documentary film by Front Row on the improvements in Zoren’s conditions. Aside from Bata sa Bintana, CLQ was also cited for its environmental advocacy winning in the Ten Outstand Youth Organizations 15 (TAYO) award in the Photos of Happiness, Environmental, Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation Category for a tree planting project in the CES adopted communities. More than these endeavors, CLQ has other programs that address contemporary society’s issues and problems. Indeed, CLQ’s unending quest to help is bringing positive effects that are touching the lives of many.

Professionalism

Service

Mara Angeli E. Cadiz & John Rover Sinag

photo by: photo from:

Ma Janet Geneblazo

Frontrow facebook page

Dengvaxia and the basics

from World Health Organization’s FAQ on Dengvaxia and its use

What is dengue?

What is dengue serostatus?

Dengue is an illness caused by a mosquito-borne virus, for which there is no specific antiviral treatment. The global annual incidence of clinically apparent dengue has been estimated at about 50-100 million cases, predominantly in Asia, followed by Latin America and to a lesser extent Africa.

Serostatus refers to whether a person has experienced a dengue infection in the past. A seronegative individual has not had a previous dengue infection. A seropositive individual has had a previous dengue infection with at least one serotype. A person may not know whether he or she was infected in the past, because many dengue infections are clinically unapparent.

What is severe dengue? Severe dengue is a relatively rare but serious complication following dengue infection due to plasma leaking, fluid accumulation, respiratory distress, severe bleeding or organ impairment. Severe dengue may be life-threatening, but early diagnosis and prompt and judicious fluid replacement therapy can decrease fatality rates to far below 1%.

What is Dengvaxia (CYDTDV)? Dengvaxia (also referred to as CYD-TDV), developed by Sanofi Pasteur, is a live recombinant tetravalent dengue vaccine, based on the yellow fever 17D vaccine strain. It is the first dengue vaccine to be licensed.

What was WHO’s position on the use of Dengvaxia?

he University has organized numerous activities to hone its studentry to their full potentials. But most essentially, we think that one of the best things we have here is breeding the value of volunteerism in the hearts of the students

The University has made a mark in educating and training students. Over the years, its alumni have established their presence in both the public and private sectors. Many have become captains of industry and leaders of their professions. Education that we have here is top of the line. Faculties and the programs are at their finest. But the most remarkable achievement that MSEUF has achieved is imparting and growing the value of volunteerism in the hearts of the students. Without this, all the other greatness take a back seat. All departments, even the student organizations, have their community

extension services (CES). The College of Business and Accountancy’s (CBA) lecture series is just one example. Accounting students share their knowledge in basic accounting to high school students and CBA professors to small businessmen. The College of Computer Studies (CCS)’ Cyber ESkwela is also extending teaching service on-the-go to different communities. They teach basic computer knowledge to communities. This November, students and faculties collaboratively taught Adobe Photoshop and Microsoft Excel to children of 4Ps parent leaders. The beauty of the concept behind sharing the knowledge is that the

knowledge that students acquire in the University transcends its walls. The things they had imparted inspire people to take a leap and explore the wonders of entrepreneurship and empowerment. As part of the community we’re in, we become social actors in making a better society. As an academic institution, we create legacies. More importantly, the University and its departments breed professionals steeped in service. Hand-in-hand, we are creating catalysts of positive change. Little by little, we are transforming and creating a better society.

The decision of whether to introduce a new vaccine in a country is a decision of governments, not of WHO. However, WHO provides recommendations in the form of position papers to help country decision-making. This position paper presents a conditional recommendation on the use of the vaccine for areas in which dengue is highly endemic as defined by seroprevalence in the population targeted for vaccination. Seroprevalence refers to the proportion of people in a population who have already been infected with a dengue virus, i.e. the proportion of seropositive individuals. Based on the difference in performance of Dengvaxia® in seropositive and seronegative individuals, seroprevalence thresholds were considered the best approach to define target populations for vaccination.

Sanofi says:

What went wrong

“The analysis confirmed that Dengvaxia provides persistent protective benefit against dengue fever in those who had prior infection. For those not previously infected by dengue virus, however, the analysis found that in the longer term, more cases of severe disease could occur following vaccination upon a subsequent dengue infection,”

In 2016, the Department of Health (DOH) implemented its Dengue School-based Immunization Program initially administering Dengvaxia to hundreds of thousands of Grade 4 pupils over areas in Central Luzon, Calabarzon and National Capital Region. The Philippine government spent P3.5 billion on the program, funded by sin tax revenues. As of this year, DOH has already paid this amount in full to Sanofi. DOH Undersecretary Gerardo Bayugo said a total of 789,000 dengue vaccine doses remain unused in warehouses, with each dose costing P1,000. Authorities are currently probing the deaths of Christine Mae de Guzman and Anjielica Pestilos that were claimed to be due to severe dengue after they were vaccinated with Dengvaxia as part of the DOH mass immunization program. Cases were filed against the former administration that approved and enacted the mass immunization program.

Released from Sanofi’s official statement Nov. 29.

sports

QUEEN Ivan Chris M. Mabilangan

The drill for discipline

he Philippines face poverty, corruption, lack of employment, poor education standards and other problems for which we, citizens, sooner or later will face the consequences. And as an individual who cannot do much, it’s better to begin with ourselves. To better the society, we must start the culture of change in us. Among those that we do not recognize as a problem but of great significance is physical fitness. No matter how we face them, dealing with fitness often takes a great mass of discipline. Filipinos are among the least physically fit people in Asia. According to Sun Life Financial Asia Health Index, the company which conducted the survey, this can be attributed to three main reasons: lack of time, lack of personal motivation and existence of “distractions” in modern life. However, there is no excuse for being physically incompetent. Lack of time implies two things. One involves doing things that are so important that one cannot allot spare time for something like exercise. This is reasonable to a certain extent. The other one, however, is that we prioritize useless things more than our own well-being. Of course, people can argue that the first case applies to them more than the second does. It cannot be denied that modern times require people to dedicate a huge amount of their time at work. Then again, these sacrifices in time should bear productive results. True enough, according to the World Bank’s latest edition of Global Economic Prospects, the Philippines is the 10th fastest growing economy in the world. It is expected to grow between 6.5 to 7.5 percent in 2017. On the other hand, Transparency International and the Global Competitiveness reports that the Philippines is less competitive and more corrupt. This shows that good economy does not equate to being more productive. Most countries, such as China and Japan, have more physically fit citizens and yet are busier and more productive than we are. Productivity is the key in this argument. Ignorance and lack of action can never justify lack of time. Secondly, the existence of online timewasters is far worse an excuse. This involves unnecessary checking of Facebook accounts, playing long hours of online games, etc., which implies lack of focus on the tasks at hand and differences in prioritization of goals among Filipinos. On the average, Filipinos spend 8 hours and 59 minutes every day on their electronic gadgets. That is according to social media consultancy We Are Social and the social media management platform Hootsuite in their report “Digital in 2017 Global Overview”. This puts us as the people who spend the most time online in the world. Inability to prioritize or keep schedules is one of the symptoms of Internet Addiction Disorder. This lessens the time which can be allotted to physical exercise, especially for busy students and workers who have to spend countless hours beating deadlines in school and in the field. These “distractions” cannot be justified as well. As a form of rest, sleep is the best form after or between daily tasks. As a recreation, physical activities nowadays are down to sitting in the couch all day playing Mobile Legends or Candy Crush. Spending time in these online timewasters can be replaced by other more beneficial habits such as outdoor activities and exercise. Finally, there is the lack of motivation. While there are many theories about what causes it, this implies either lack of dedication to one’s goals or lack of objective overall. It all boils down to individual persistence to do what has to be done. As cliché as it may sound, “Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration.” Our long struggle for change must begin with sweating it out to make a difference. You may not feel up to it, but as long as you continue to do it, you will get the results in the end. Discipline spells the difference between a goal and its actualization. Discipline, as an aspect of Filipino lifestyle, affects not only individual interests such as physical fitness, but the accomplishment of societal goals as well. We do not need to begin by solving the most complicated problems our country currently faces. We should start with something simple: discipline in physical fitness, discipline in ourselves. Having somewhere to begin with is simple. We have the Internet, which, instead of being an obstacle, can be a valuable source of information about daily exercises we can do at home, at school, and at work. Once we know what we should do, it’s just a matter of doing it on a regular basis, something that requires discipline. Filipinos can make up excuses for not being able to improve their physical fitness, but it mirrors the fact that we are not disciplined enough to do what we have to do. Discipline in physical fitness should not be thought of as a consequence of having more time, lack of tempting entertainment, and more personal motivation. Instead, it should be perceived as a starting point for solving problems which require the same solution.

Snap shots

Mr. & Ms. SHS Intramurals 2017 Marvic Joshua A. Villaverde ICT Grade 11

Sheryll B. Cabaddu HUMMS Grade 11

photos by:

EMRC

The Luzonian

August-December 2017

Intramural games on halt I

t was finally confirmed. The college intramurals will be moved to the latter part of next semester. That was the consensus of the college deans in a University Council meeting. The reason was the tight schedule due to the external audits and certification vists. The Luzonian thinks this is not enough justification to reset the games. School intramural games are held “to instill in young citizens a proper appreciation of the importance of physical development hand in hand with mental development in individual and social activities.” In conducting sporting events, MSEUF opens doors of opportunities for the best athletes in the University to compete against other players in the country. According to MSEUF Sports Coordinator Darios Virrey, the main purpose of the Intramurals as internal sports is to select representatives for external sports, particularly the Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA) slated by the end of the year. However, these principles do not seem to be prioritized due to various factors. This resulted to various inconveniencies on the part of the students that left a gaping hole in the plight of school sports and cultural standing as a whole. Most players sent to the PRISAA come from the victors of the viable justification, after all. It is a scenario being encountered not Intramural Games. As such, recruiting good players becomes difficult only by autonomous universities like ours but other higher education because of the lack of a testing ground for aspirants to compete institutions as well. Adjustments could have been done to fit school against one another. Although there are sports categories such as internal sports in the academic calendar. basketball, which still have former players who can compete for the Moreover, the lack of participants and budget simply means that incoming chapter meet, it cannot be denied that new talents who if the usual grandeur in which we stage our usual intramurals is not have the potential to win national recognition are being deprived of feasible, an alternate version can be executed. Such compromise may the opportunity to compete against other athletes. Besides, many consist of quicker, shorter matches with less audience, a consequence of seniors have already graduated, leaving vacant posts in their respective the announcement being made only a week before to make adjustments categories, particularly in swimming, athletics and racket sports. for the time and the venue constraints. The MSEUF Intramurals is planned to be held in April 2018, the Needless to say, even if the version prioritizes results more same month the National PRISAA meet is scheduled to happen. By then, than grandeur, as long as it allows for the accomplishment of the it will be impossible to send recruits anymore. So we ask, what is the intramural’s purposes, it will be more productive and worth the effort. point of the Intramurals? Will it be just for formality’s sake? Besides, delaying it to next semester does not give the Games more The delay is understandable, given that the K12 program is just players competing against one another. It just avoids a problem that having its first batch of Grade 12 graduates this school year. Various could have been solved through minimal compromise and quick action. activities are in line as well, such as the Senior High School Intramurals. As a University, we are expected to have a level of competency that The lack of budget due to the minimal number of college students may most sporting events require. Yes, it may be reasonable to compromise have hindered the regular schedule, too. in this early stage of the new curriculum, but let the consequences of As the postponement implies lack of participation in external this delay serve as a lesson for future decision making. sports in the tertiary level, this year does not seem to be as favorable as In the end, opportunities are being taken away from students, the previous and the next years where a new batch of college students opportunities to prove themselves capable in their chosen sports, are expected to beef up the depleted ranks of the college athletes in the opportunities to demonstrate the Enverga values of fair play and University. sportsmanship learned in class. We are an autonomous University, so But with the right amount of planning, the sports office could have we must explore all the avenues for the total development of students. foreseen the impending workload and could have adjusted the schedules With competent management, sporting opportunities should remain to the best benefit of the student body. Having a busy workload is not a open to us students.

Sports editorial

Yes, it may be reasonable to compromise in this early stage of the new curriculum, but let the consequences of this delay serve as lessons for future decision making.

STEM[pire]: rising powerhouse

Sports analysis

Jay Mel Nicomedez

ith the addition of new students competing in the Intramurals, the 2017 season of the SHS Intramural Games witnessed a massive shift in the sports standing. The previous three clusters that competed for supremacy have become four and not only that – the change is very much felt.

Last year’s champion Cluster III has been put down by last year’s runner-up, Cluster I, in a very overwhelming manner. However, the story is not about how Cluster III lost the crown but a focus on how Cluster I conquered a young dynasty. In the medal tally sheet, it can be seen that almost all competitions that had been won by Cluster III last year were stolen by Cluster I. Under a very elaborate look, it is not only a shift of power and the rise of an army but a tactical move by the Sports Coordinator of Cluster III to Cluster I. If that were the yardstick, it really reformatted the landscape not just only for this year but in the future. Cluster I edged its adversaries in the racket and ball games as well as in the cultural competitions – the fields Cluster III used to dominate To analyze further, let us create a simulated scoring where gold is equal to three points, silver to two, and bronze to one. Initially, in the racket games, Cluster I dominated with 63 points which is very far from its greatest

competitor, Cluster II that salvaged only 38 points. At a closer look, Cluster I swept the table tennis doubles which gave them the icing on the cake in the racket games. Secondly, Cluster I flooded the ball games, being this year’s volleyball men and women, and men’s basketball champions, totaling 51 points, a huge divide from Cluster IV’s 23 points as runner-up. Finally, Cluster I stole the thunder from last year’s victorious Cluster III, a feat thought to have favored the cluster most unlikely to win it. Even if Cluster I posted a slight edge over Cluster III, 22-20, to win this year’s cheer dance and hip-hop competition and stamped its class in the board games to make a clean sweep of men’s chess to score 13 points, it was not enough to water down Cluster 1’s lead. Over-all, Cluster I stood tall at the top of the podium with 193 points. Its greatest rival, Cluster III, stepped close to the champions, garnering 100 points. The new Cluster IV fought its way to the top as a dark horse, scoring 76 points even as Cluster II found itself at the bottom with 74 points.

EUJPIA snags QFJPIA’s bronze M

SEUF Lucena’s Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants (JPIA) snared the bronze in this year’s QFJPIA Sports Fest and Palaro ng Lahi held at MSEUF Lucena Covered Court on Sept. 24.

The school’s basketball girls team nailed Maryhill College (MC) in the first match advancing them to the next ball game against Sacred Heart College (SHC). Darla Ienne Maliksi and Mhyna Alfon worked as force on the inside consigning the SHC girls down to the third spot. The final match was a face-to-face with Southern Luzon State University (SLSU) girls. The team needed a defensive stop as Mary Grace de Luna of SLSU seemed unstoppable. EUJPIA team appeared listless - they were playing not to lose. Eventually, never say die did not work for

the EUJPIA basketball girls team that finished second. Rayzel Janine Ricafort, BSA-III, smashed her way to the third spot in the badminton girls match losing to the MC bet. BSA Seniors Yana Marie Logatoc and Karla Ann Alfonso won over the war of words in Word Factory leaving behind the duo of Calayan Educational Foundation Inc. and Maryhill College in second and third places, respectively. The Enverga Lucena players recovered their groove in the Palaro ng Lahi matches pulling with much agility to leave the SHC JPIAns eating

Mara Angeli E. Cadiz

dust in the Tug of War game. But SLSU got the better of the Enverga girls who surrendered to the state university to settle for the second spot in the Tug of War. In another edition, quick-witted strategy in the Patintero outstripped both SHC and EU Candelaria, making the Enverga Maroons the Patintero champ to advance to the regional games in December. In the end, EUJPIA ranked second runnerup over other local chapters in Quezon province. Its Candelaria counterpart placed first runnerup while SLSU emerged as this year’s over-all champion.

sports

The Luzonian

Volume LXIX | Issue 1

HSKLP moves Black and White to its 30th year photo by:

Jhon Angelo Virctucio

John Andrew Jeremiah Pacalda

BATTLE FOR ALL AGES Youth and veterans alike line up to test their skills and compete for board glory. The silence further intensified the focus of each combatant who also had to maximize the time in their chess clocks.

s the dark clouds hovered over Lucena City, the 60-year-old Honor Society of the Lambda Kappa Phi (HSLKP) colored the Activity Center of the Pacific Mall Lucena by initiating and hosting the Black and White Chess tournament on Nov. 4-5. The HSLKP opened the tournament to all the chess enthusiasts in Lucena City and nearby cities and towns. The chess tournament was divided into three categories: Elementary, Secondary, and Open Tournament. With boiling adrenaline, Chiara Vendiola slayed about 30 kings to top the Elementary Category as Albert Jr. Dimaranan landed second. At the same time, Rafael Dionisio conquered more or less 30 kingdoms to emerge the champion in the Secondary Category as Daniel Cajegas claimed the second spot. The open tournament transformed the Pacific Mall into a warzone as young

STEM reigns supremacy in SHS Intramural Games Kyle Anthony Niosco

and adults, boys and girls, students and graduates, all gathered for the most awaited category. Reb Michael Adonis took down 105 crowns in his hunt for victory in the Open’s battlefield. Jun Salazar emerged with silver and Rommel Reblando received bronze. HSLKP also awarded special awards and crowned Jethro Dino Aquino as the “Top Kid Player”, Eduardo Veluz and Renzelle Pasamba as “Top Senior Player” and “Top Female Player,” respectively. Phian John Christian “Eddie” Nave, served as the chairperson of the event. The honor society looks forward to making the Black and White Chess Tournament a national event.

First ever in the University

PSITES spawns e-sports tournament Jhon Angelo Virctucio

lazing in white and orange, the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Tigers – Cluster 1 prevailed after clinching 48 gold, 13 silver, and 3 bronze medals in the Senior High School Intramural Games at Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation. The Tigers cleared badminton singles after capturing three gold (Boys A, Girls A and B) and a silver (Boys B). Cluster 1 also dropped two gold (Girls) and four silver (Boys and Mixed Divisions) in the doubles category. The men’s basketball team of Cluster 1 also reigned with five gold. Garnering 6 gold apiece, the men and women volleyball teams claimed the championship. In lawn tennis, Cluster 1 also exhibited spunk after outwitting other cluster with two gold (Boys A and Girls B) and one silver (Boys B). They also struck in the doubles category with two gold to tie with Cluster 2 (Accountancy and Business Management). STEM put on a show in Table Tennis,

notching a total of eight gold and two silver in the singles and doubles bracket. Meanwhile, the cluster had been overtaken in taekwondo with registered three gold (Boys/Girls) and three silver (Boys/Girls) by the red team (Humanities and Social Sciences). Meanwhile, Cluster 3 won four gold, three silver, and three bronze. Although falling short, Orange still chipped in two gold, one silver and two bronze medals in chess in four boards each in both boys and girls Division. With loud shouts and cheers, the Tigers managed to stand out in the cheering competition, earning the first place finish with six gold and garnering

three gold in Hip Hop Contest. The orange-bannered group also proved that they have beauty and brains in the Mr. and Ms. Intramurals where representatives Roi Vincent Merca and Lyzza Veracruz were crowned both first runner up. In the end, Cluster 3 (HUMSS/GAS) finished second with 10 gold, 22 silver and 26 bronze. The violet team (Cluster 4), composed of ICT, Arts and Design, and Sports tracks, registered seven gold, 15 silver and 25 bronze medals, bagging the third place photo finish ahead Cluster 2 with six gold, 21 silver and 14 bronze.

he Philippine Society of Information Technology Education (PSITES) marks the history of e-sports as it held the first ever University-wide DOTA and LOL Tournament on Nov. 17.

Cluster 1 conquers ball games;

amasses 22 golds in Intrams photo by:

Jhon Angelo Virctucio

John Rover Sinag

C 11

BRONZE

GOLDS

BRONZE

BALL GAMES MEDAL TALLY

SILVER

BRONZE

SILVER

CLUSTER 1 CLUSTER 2 CLUSTER 3 CLUSTER 4

sports feature

: portson! Sgame Mara Angeli E. Cadiz

luster 1 ruled as it preyed on its opponents to bag 22 golds, never giving any chance to its adversaries to pick up gold at the 2017 Intramural Ball games, Aug. 29-31. Cluster 1 led the ball games Cluster 4 six silvers and Cluster topping basketball (boys and 3 digging in for six bronzes. girls) and volleyball (b/g). Cluster 1 sealed its lead Clutching first place in with a total of 22 golds after boys basketball, Cluster 1 finishing off the volleyball punished other teams with a girl’s category with six golds . five-gold lead in the medal Trailing is Cluster 2 with tally. six silvers, and Cluster 4 with Cluster 2 placed second six bronzes. and bagged five silvers even as Cluster 4 showing off Cluster 3 landed third with five eagerness to clutch gold landed bronzes. second overall with 11 silvers Cluster 1 trounced and 11 bronzes. basketball girls and extended Cluster 2 rebounded third its lead by five golds. Cluster 4 with just one silver medal lead added five silvers and Cluster against Cluster 3. 2 added five bronzes to its Cluster 2 bagged six collection. silvers and 5 bronzes overall It also ruled volleyball while Cluster 3 trapped five boys amassing six golds, silvers and six bronze.

hiny gold medals are off to side stage as is making waves these days. Do you know that e-sports champs are spinning massive million-dollar wins as spectators worldwide watch them battle? The competitors are not just the computer geeks you think about. They’re well-trained and driven professionals. Matches and tournaments in e-sports matches, like other sports, are gaining sponsors, coaches, teams, and high-end training facilities. Tickets to matches are easily sold out. Training is long and hard and not-yourordinary type of practice. It entails much from the mental logic revealing tactics and strategies e-sports fans exhilarate about. Most of us have this notion that an athlete always has to be totally physical. But e-sports is prominent these days engaging us to ponder and rethink traditional sports. If you’re new at this, let’s keep you aware of some matters you need to know about the sport itself.

ELECTRONIC EXCITEMENT. CCS team Seekaynum stare at the screens as they wracked their minds in the 5v5 LOL match against CETD’s The Sperm Cells.

“This event was intended to promote not only the game but the sportsmanship it brings,” Ada Loreen De Castro, PSITES president said. “Let’s give them enjoyment but at the same time, develop their teamwork,” she added. With minds poised to battle, scores of e-sports enhtusiasts joined De Castro as she opened the two-day tournament. The first day featured the Dire and Radiant waging a war in the DOTA Tourn and the second day for the LOL players to showcase their talents and clash for the ice cream. Team Tarubikal from the College of Engineering prevailed and emerged victorious in claiming the title as the first ever DOTA tournament champion punishing Seekaynum to bump them off in the championship game. Before the championship game, Tarubikal ruined Blue Waffle in the first round and devastated the BML to earn

a spot for the best three. At 4:00pm mark, the only teams remaining in the tournament were Tarubikal, Seekaynum and Suck My Meta. Suck my Meta was eliminated by two consecutive losses from the two other teams. Also, another team from the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics strand, The Sperm Cells, rampaged as they colored the map red and destroyed Seekaynum in the championship game on the LOL tournament clutching the victory with their towers untouched. Students from different departments (both senior high school and college) joined the tournament. In the past, the e-sports tournament of the PSITES is open only to CCS students. “But now, let’s share the enjoyment, thrill and the teamwork not only to the CCS but to the whole University,” De Castro added. The PSITES is planning to make the tournament a university-wide event.

It’s your ‘out of the league’ kind of sport.

Unlike other athletes playing a single sport, e-sports is not bound by a set of rules of a single sport. Athletes of e-sports can compete in a variety of games professionally. It also draws varied levels of viewers and prize pool. In 2015, The International convened players for a prize pool of more than $18 million. In the same year, BlizzCon World Championships in World of Warcraft Arena held out a prize pool of $250,000.

Players are a lot like traditional athletes.

It’s a worldwide sensation.

Yes, they’re not shooting hoops in courts or running around for warm ups, but e-sports players are just like traditional athletes. They spend hours of training on their own and as a team. They even watch footages of game matches to study other teams’ gameplans and formulate tactics and methods to defeat them. As with the training, like other traditionals, they also retire over some time due to injuries. Some, to name a few, are carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow, trigger finger and nerve-tingling neck pain rooting from long hours of practice and competing in the game proper itself.

e-sports had its roots in the late 1990s in Korea but had spread over the world. Today, Asia is currently leading the e-sports market with over $321 million in revenues. Countries all over the world also come to compete in global tournaments. With the aid of streaming platforms, viewers can easily tune in to the game itself anywhere in the world. A leading platform in the gaming community, Twitch, identified that users spend more than 79 million hours a month just to watch the gameplay.

You can visualize a lucrative future.

e-sports will soon become a $1.2 billion market. The industry is flooded by players, coaches, sponsors, game creators and advertisers. Enormous prize pools in game tournaments are the clearest evidence of its lucrative future like the traditional sports such as basketball or football where lead players enjoy handsome salaries and lucrative advertising contracts.

e-sports is not just gaining prominence in other parts of the world. The Philippines is even a venue for game enthusiasts. In fact, the country will soon be hosting 2018’s first DOTA 2 Major. Fallout Gaming (FG) and Purpose Win (PWEL) is currently organizing the tournament to be held on Jan. 19-21, 2018 at the Philippine Arena. “Emerging Worlds” tagged the worldwide tournament featuring a $1 million-prize pool and recognition as Valve Major. You might think that e-sports is not your traditional notion of what a sport is. But discipline and professionalism wise, e-sports is another sport to watch out for. Come to think of it with Filipinos gravitating towards e-sports we might even capture the promising possibilities and reap the bounties of the lucrative e-sports pot prizes.

Sports

SHS Intramurals 2017

Official Publication of the Collegiate Student Body of Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation, Lucena City

An Autonomous University

Medal Tally

The Luzonian

Data crafted from USCAC official results Erika Marca

August-December 2017 Volume LXIX | Issue 1

@daelmseuf theluzonianmseuf@gmail.com

SWAY AND SLAY

Banyuhay dancers sweep awards in Quezon Gold Cup Ivan Chris Mabilangan

eam MSEUF, composed of 11 Banyuhay dancers, swept awards in the latest Quezon Gold Cup, Nov. 5. Higher education institutions in Quezon province participated in the event at SM City Lucena. For the standard categories, the pair of Holden Andrew Villapando and Bea Andrea Almoreda waltzed two 3rd places in Grade E Waltz and Youth 3 Dance categories. The duo of King Benedick Sante and Chiara Fae Virtucio graced the championship win for Youth 3 Dance, Youth 5 Dance and Grade E Viennese Waltz. “This is actually the first time we joined the Gold Cup. We didn’t expect that we would win. That’s because we performed against veteran participants who used to be top competitors. Then again, we put our best foot forward in order to dance as best as we could.” Virtucio stated. Also dancing their way to the championship, Bea Andrea Almoneda and Emmanuel Jusua Del Rio grabbed the first place in Rising Star 3 Dance and Rising 5 Dance categories. Vying in the Latin

photo by:

Zedric Subol WALTZ IN FROZEN COLORS . King Benedick Sante and Chiara Fae Virtucio sway while caught mid-dance that blurred the colors of their background, helping them bag one of the three gold medals at the Quezon Gold Cup.

INSIDE SPORTS

Quezon Collegiate Basketball League championship

MSEUF Wildcats dominate CEFI Cougars on extension, 105-101 Jhon Angelo Virctucio

laying on extended time, the MSEUF Wildcats aced the do-or-die game in the Quezon Collegiate Basketball League against the CEFI Cougars in a dramatic finish 105-101 at the MSEUF Gymnasium, Nov. 3-5.

The Cougars displayed tremendous offense as they punished the Wildcats with a 10-point lead with just three minutes remaining on the clock. Niño Emmanuel De Chavez managed to escape and shot beyond the arc twice to decrease the lead to just four points. At the intensive 48th minute mark at the end of the fourth quarter, the Wildcats extended the game after denying a win to the Cougars pushing a 99 all-ball game. After two to three minutes of extension, the Cougars forfeited the match as they walked out of the hard court, with almost all of its players graduating from the game, ending the game with a 105101 score in the ceiling, The Cougars’ coach was also awarded a technical for trash talking and banned five meters from the playing court.

At the first game of the best-of-three championship round, the wily Cougars successfully painted the league with an 11-point lead. The rules have been set that the Wildcats must create at least a 12-point lead in Game 2 to deny an early loss and extend the league to Game 3. The Wildcats at the last minutes of Game 2 only earned a 10-point lead against the Cougars. With time closing to 0:00 mark, Raymund Capistrano of the Wildcats managed to dash and finger roll two points to secure a 12-point lead to seal Game 2 for the Wildcats. “Muntikan naman na talaga, e haha. Buti na lang nailay-up ko yun naging 12 points din ang lamang,” Capistrano said in Filipino. For the past years, the Cougars and the Wildcats were locked in tight rivalry for the crown.

THROUGH THE LENS

CHAMPION

CLUSTER 1: STEM (ORANGE TEAM)

categories, Wilbert Joshua Aurellana and Liezl Villadiego got 3rd place for Grade E Cha Cha Cha. Villadiego also captured the first place in Paso Doble and Samba with another partner, Carmelo Arnel Tiama. The Villadiego-Tiama duo also aced the Rumba landing them in 2nd place. On the other hand, Tiama in another pair with Melyssa Franciejean Rivera garnered 3rd place in Youth 3 Dance and 5th place in Rising Star 3 Dance. The last of the dancing partners, Mark Zedric Subol and Katrina Mae Acosta, won the 4th place in Grade E Jive and became a semi finalist in Youth 3 Dance. “We plan to participate in the coming years. There may be no cash prize, but at least we’ll get priceless experience which will be useful for our future career,” the dancers said.

HSKLP moves Black and White to its 30th year

STEM dominates SHS Intramural Games

annering white and orange, the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Tigers–Cluster 1 prevailed after clinching 48 gold, 13 silver, and 3 bronze medals in the Senior High School Intramural Games at Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation.

PSITES spawns e-sports tourn

P GAME PLAY HUDDLE. The MSEUF Wildcats Basketball team plan their final strategy to totally dominate the fight against the CEFI Cougars in the Quezon photo by Collegiate Basketball League Championship,Nov. 5, at Darla Maliksi the MSEUF Gymnasium.

hilippine Society of Information Technology Education (PSITES) marks the history of e-sports as it held the first ever University-wide DOTA and LOL Tournament, Nov. 17.

photo by:

SHS INTRAMURALS 2017 CHEERDANCE COMPETITION

2ND PLACE

CLUSTER 3: GAS & HUMMS (RED TEAM)

3RD PLACE

EMRC

4TH PLACE

CLUSTER 4: ICT, HE, AD, SPORTS (VIOLET TEAM) CLUSTER 2: ABM (BLUE TEAM)