TOLENTINESTAR
FIRST SEMESTER A.Y. 2014 LXIX No.4
THE OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF NEGROS OCCIDENTAL - RECOLETOS MEMBER, COLLEGE EDITORS GUILD OF THE PHILIPPINES
TRUTH AS IT HAPPENS
KDISASTROUS? to 12: UNO-R prepares for K to 12's surge
photo by CHRISTELLE VILLARUZ
by JOHN LESTER ALMOSA
"A tsunami will be coming in the 2016."
OF BEATS AND TWISTS. Luisa Medel National High School majorettes pose with confidence as they clinched this year’s Drum and Bugle Competition Championship title.
UNO-R LitMus champs proceed to NOPSSCEA by Neska Centina and Alyssa Marie Arceño
Showing their different skills and talents, different college students from each department clashed in the Intercollegiate Literary-Musical Competition held at the University Main Lobby during the U-Week celebration, Sept. 11. This year’s LitMus adhered to the NOPSSCEA theme in order to give the winners ample time to prepare for the said contest. The whole day activity kicked off with a series of events in the English category. This includes Oration which was dominated by Artian Eden Thea Aboso
Faculty Performance Appraisal goes online by Danielle Francis Olsen
FACULTY PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL/2
Christopher Weber wowed the audience with their rendition of Jessa Zaragoza’s Bakit Pa in Vocal Duet. Meanwhile, Group MTV and MTV Live defending champion COED didn’t make it to the runners-up with CIT’s Jet Lag for Group MTV and Beyoncéinspired performance from CAS for MTV live as champions. CEN pulled a winning lock-andpop performance, toppling defending champion CB&A down to third place in the Hip-hop competition. “Having seen the performances of our winners, I think we are all very ready for the NOPSSCEA,” LitMus chairman, Dr. Ma. Elena Doruelo said. The winners for the said events will represent the University in the upcoming NOPSSCEA Literary-Musical Contest which will take place sometime in November. “We aligned this year’s LitMus to the NOPSSCEA’s theme because we are preparing for another level. We will not only be preparing for the University Week talent and skills edition but also for the next level which is the NOPSSCEA . We have to be ready for this said competition,” said Doruelo.
REED Dept officially ends Catholic Faith Festival by Maegan Fruto
After a two-day celebration of the Catholic faith, the University Religious Education (REED) Department officially concluded the Catholic Faith Festival 2014 at the University Gymnasium, Sept. 26. The Festival was officially bannered “Enhancing UNO-R Catholic Culture in the Year of the Laity”, stressing the strengthening of faith and showcasing talents of UNO-Rians. “This is one way of glorifying God,” REED Days Chairman, Dennis Madrigal said. Throughout the history of UNO-R, the Festival was the first time for the REED Department to hold and organize a culminating activity of faith and Catholic way of life. An enthronement of the University’s patron saints was done at the earlier part of the afternoon, with each saint
assigned to different colleges: Our Lady of Consolation (CBA), St. Augustine (CAS), St. Ezekiel Moreno (COEd), St. Thomas of Villanova (CIT), St. Michael the Archangel (CCJE), St. Elizabeth of Hungary (CNAHS), meanwhile, Niño was carried by the ReEd teachers, respectively. A cultural show giving tribute to Filipino resiliency and faith in God highlighted the afternoon. The faculty, staff, and students danced with the rhythm and jive of the different festivals in the province: REED and Campus Ministry, Sinulog Festival; Engineering students under Ms. Mary Jane Eranista, Pinta Flores Festival; students of Ms. Leah Garbanzos danced and interpreted the seven days of creation through their modified Masskara Festival; Mr. Dennis Madrigal’s students, Pasalamat REED DEPT OFFICIALLY/2
UNO-R PREPARES FOR/5
Mabugat tops MTLE; UNO-R is 8th top performing medtech school by NESKA CENTINA
“We are UNO-R and we are number one!” This was Patrick Joseph Amunategui Mabugat’s introduction after his aim of making a name for the University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos was realized having topped the Medical Technology Licensure Examination conducted by the Professional Regulation Commission on Sept. 13-14. Mabugat scored 90.90 percent and brought home the honor and pride of being the number one among the successful 2,986 out of 3,615 Medical Technology examinees. “This should be a signal to them [Manila schools] that we are coming MABUGAT TOPS MTLE/5
photo by ALEJO ANTONIO MONDEJAR
To make the faculty performance evaluation faster, more accurate, and more efficient, the Research Planning and Development Office (RPDO) launched the Online Faculty Performance Appraisal (OFPA) program during the University Week celebration. Faculty evaluation is conducted every semester to assess the faculty performance of the teachers and is a way for students to inform the University Administration of their level of satifaction of their teachers’ performance. Instead of the manual method of evaluation, as used in the previous years, the RPDO went online for the first time, utilizing the students’ UIS accounts. “One problem with the manual evaluation is the delayed submission of the accomplished forms by some of the college departments, which also caused a delay in releasing the results, so it came as an idea that it would be better if we would go online,” said Angie Tijing, RPDO Staff. In line with this, the Saint Ezekiel Moreno Laboratories 2 and 4 were used to accommodate students who would evaluate their teachers
proving to the crowd her oratory skill and proficiency; expressing her cleverness, Raxel Ann Gonzales outwitted other participants in the Impromptu speaking contest; CAS’ Riza Mae Tambis bested her rivals in her Maleficent inspired Character Impersonation. In the afternoon, the events were a showcase of literary skills expressed in the native tongue, Filipino. The events included Talumpati where CAS bet John Kaye Delostrico delivered his piece with his fluency in the Filipino language, fellow Artian John Dale Salazar also stood out with his gestures and facial expressions in Binalaybay while CNMP’s sophomore, Michelle Marie Panzo convinced the crowd with her stand on the K-12 issue in the Impromptu Filipino. On the other hand, students staged their vocal and dancing prowess in the Musical event in the latter part of the day. Proving their musical worth, the CNAHS dominated the Kundiman category; on the other hand, CB&A was hailed as the best in the Vocal Solo category. CNAHS’s Eira Mae Goopio and Karl
This was how University President Fr. Emeterio Buñao, OAR, put his view regarding the anticipated tremendous impact of the approved Enhanced K to 12 Basic Education Program. As he expressed his contentions of the program, Fr. Buñao stressed the threats the program poses to every tertiary educational institution and the possible deaths it brings to some of the private schools. This came following the implementation of the said program, which adds another two years (Senior High School) to the previous 10-year basic education system to provide sufficient time for mastery of concepts and skills that would prepare students for higher education. This will result to a two-year [2016 and 2017] drop in college enrollees, alarming the University and prompting it to draw strategic plans and devise alternatives in order to stay afloat. Anticipating a 30 to 40 percent drop in enrolment and 40 to 50 percent decrease in revenues by 2016 and 2017, the University prepares to strategically position itself and find ways to continue its operations. “We are looking at the 2016 school year, and we knew that way ahead of time even two years ago when there was already a kind of government approval that the program is going to be carried out with two years additional in high school,” Fr. Buñao said. He also added that the University is tying up with all the Recollect schools in the country as part of the Recollect-wide preparation for the possible impact the K to 12 program will create. Meanwhile, the University has created several working committees that gear towards creating synchronized positioning and drafting strategies and plans to prevent the massive effect of this government move. The University looks at the idea of rechanneling its personnel as one of the strategies that could combat the threats posed by the new education program when it takes effect on 2016. This form of retrenchment would allow extra college professors to take loads and teach in the University’s High School Department for grades 11 and 12, allowing the institution to cut costs and give hopes to the members of the academe to continue
living their passion. The University also plans to widen its High School Department’s capacity to cope with the possible loss of revenue as a result of decrease in college enrollees. “There is the idea of offsetting, what we lose in college, we will gain in Grades 11 and 12,” Fr. Bunao said. “If we lose 2,000 students in college, we’ll try to bring in two thousand students in Grades 11 and 12,” he explained. He also added that the University is drafting a Memorandum of Agreement with schools who will not open Senior High School to send their products to the University, serving as its secondary clients. On the other hand, the University is
KINDLING FAITH. Mr. and Ms. UNO-R 2014 Riljun Mayagama and Peah Angelica Diamante lead UNO-Rians in lighting the candles to symbolize their burning Catholic faith.
TOLENTINE STAR IS THE OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF NEGROS OCCIDENTAL - RECOLETOS
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NEWS TOLENTINESTAR
VOL. LXIX No.4
OCTOBER 2014
Library installs e-books, infotainment; visitors statistics increases
photo by JOSE MADISON CRAMPATANTA, JR.
by roan hope ocaban
A BRAVE SOUL. A UNO-Rian takes the challenge of donating a bag of blood.
Blood donation reaches 48 bags by Maegan Fruto
A total of forty-eight 450-cubic centimeter bags of blood were collected in the university-wide bloodletting activity as part of the University-Week, Sept. 9, at room SA101. The collected blood have fifteen type A bags, 14 of type B, another 16 bags of type O, and three type AB. The said activity was bannered with the theme, “Paghalad sang Kaugalingon, Kalipayan, Katilingbanon”. “The blood donation drive served as an avenue to emphasize charity, volunteerism, and public service, but is a thorough and intricate process,” Wendy Mijares, RMT, and staff of the Red Cross said. Mijares also said that they make sure that the donors are physically and mentally fit to undergo the process, because they do not want to put the donor’s life at risk. Also, they affirm the blood being donated is clean and does not contain any diseases that may be transmitted to another person. Before donating blood, a donor must undergo a series of screening and interview before the actual blood transfer.
He must also satisfy the requirements preset by the organizers: (1) he must be at least 18 years old, if minor, he must not be allowed to donate unless with parental consent; (2) he must fill out a blood interview sheet which includes the donor’s personal data, medical history, and a waiver; (3) and the pre-screening. If a donor satisfies all requirements, he then will be subjected to a three to five-minute of actual blood transfer. “There is no braver heart than a heart of a volunteer; that’s why this activity is important,” May Anne Reoyan, RN, volunteer Nurse said. “Donating blood is like extending someone’s life, which is not only beneficial to the part of the donor, but also to the whole community as well,” Dr. Rosiemar Reyes, former University Physician and now a CCJE part-time Instructor. In line with the University’s thrust in helping save lives, the event was realized through the collaborated efforts of the Philippine National Red Cross Negros Occidental-Bacolod Chapter, RC Youth UNO-R Chapter, medical technology students, volunteer nurses, and other medical practitioners in the city.
PICE-SC holds 5th Bridge Building Competition by John Lester Almosa
To apply the theories learned by the students in structural analysis and design, the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers – Student Chapter (PICE-SC) held its fifth annual Bridge Building Competition at the University Main Lobby, Sept. 9. Fifteen groups, composed of five to six members, joined the competition which was open only to the 4th and 5th year Civil Engineering students. Each group was given 4 hours to construct a miniature bridge structural design with their desired height and a span length of at least 60cm. A 10cm-wide vehicle must be able to pass the entire length of the bridge. “We encourage the students in this particular competition to work in a group and be able to come up with a design and a bridge that is not only strong but economical and pleasing to the eyes,” said Engr. Owen Martir, head of Civil Engineering Department. After the bridge construction, the bridges were tested and judged using the strength-to-weight ratio. “The bridge will be put in between two tables and the weights will be put at the center [of the bridge], after which, the weight that the bridge could resist will be measured. After getting the weight it [the bridge] can resist, the bridge will be weighed and their ratio will be calculated,” said PICE-SC Adviser, Engr. Joenard Urbanozo.
Urbanozo further explained that it is not necessary that the bridge has high resistance, and it is still variable to the weight of the bridge. With a strength-to-weight ratio of 47.13, Team Ten bested the other competing groups, proving their great logical and arithmetic skills. “Actually, we did not prepare. Our preparation is just on-the-spot. One designs the bridge while we tie or bind the sticks tightly using yarn to make the bridge sturdy,” Joemar Lozada, member of the winning team said. The “Ang The Team Daan” landed 2nd place with a strength-to-weight ratio of 43.68 while the “Team Pole Run” ended 3rd place with a strengthto-weight ratio of 39.65. Meanwhile, to include the architectural aspect of the design, which was lacking in their analysis and design subject, the organizers decided to have a special award for best in aesthetics for this year which was bagged by the “Team Pura” who made a bridge with an arc-shaped truss. According to PICE President Joebert Valdez, this event was conceptualized not only to apply all the concepts they have learned and to let CE students feel what it’s like to be an engineer outside the classroom but also to develop strong camaraderie among the members of the society.
Festival. Individual and group winners in the different activities were also awarded with a certificate of recognition and a cash prize. “All the efforts were paid off, these are for the Lord and I’m very happy that everything went successfully as planned,” said Rev. Fr. Moral, overall chairman and Vice President of Religious Affairs. Moral also said that he is looking forward to equally successful REED Days in the succeeding years. “Cooperation and faith are the main reasons why all of these were
pushed through and we expect to have more activities to come for the betterment and improvement of Religious Education,” he added. Madrigal added that they really thank God for giving them the opportunity to have this activity. They thank the students, the teachers, the benefactors, the parents, and everyone for their allout support. The results of the different events are all posted in http:// r e c o l e t o s d e b a c o l o d h i s t o r y. blogspot.com/.
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REED dept officially...
card which can be availed of in any counter in the library. “As of now, we have downloaded 52 titles of business express press e-books. This e-books are into business and financial management and other business related subjects,” Dela Cruz said. She added that they also downloaded some titles on chemistry and biology. Moreover, another marketing program implemented by the library is the Infotainment, located at the third floor of the building which began last July. Infotainment which combines information and entertainment is arranged depending on the national theme that is celebrated every month.
“This is to encourage users to disseminate their gained knowledge from the sources of information provided by the library and to promote the available books, periodicals, multimedia, and other sources of library to the UNO-R community,” Dela Cruz said. Meanwhile, as of June to September this year, statistics showed that the number of visits by the students in the library increased by 9,158. From 78,429 the number of visiting students improved to 87,587 distributed into: 77,734 undergraduate students; 996 Graduate; 771 Faculty; 870 Outsiders; and 6,910 Law students.
artists of the University which aims to inspire students and give the UNO-R community a brighter view of being in the field of performing arts or being an artists,” Teatro Rekoleto alumnus, Oliver Dondonay said. The different artists performed various primary pieces like modern and contemporary dancing, acting, and singing with the Kulay Pikata. KDC alumna and ABS-CBN dancer Saicy Aguila was also present during the show and shared her talent in dancing with the
students. “A University will not be complete without Cultural Arts, that’s why it is important to have this kind of event or show. For it does not only entertain the audiences but it also promotes the kind culture we have in our province,” said Rev. Fr. Cornelio, OAR Dondonay also added that this activity served as a throwback and at the same time a get-together for him and for his batch mates who were once part of the UNO-R Center for Performing Arts.
Free medical consultation and blood sugar level testing were conducted among the janitorial and security staff in the University at the Greenheart Hermitage, Sept. 11. College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences (CNAHS), in collaboration with the University Community Development Office and the University Clinic, sponsored the medical mission. “Although we have been actively taking part of this annually, this is the first time that CNAHS actually sponsored the U-Week medical mission. Together with the Nursing Department, we also have Pharmacy and Medical Technology students from our own college to assist with the activities of this project,” said Jean Sombero, CNAHS outreach coordinator. Forty-six registered recipients received medical services provided by the students and faculty members of CNAHS who participated in the event. “One of the purposes of the medical mission is to provide medical services to those who cannot afford so we had the janitorial services and the security guards as our primary recipients, but we also
catered some of the students who came for consultation,” said Sheila Arnibal, CNAHS Dean. Another target of the project is to monitor who among the recipients have possible hypertension and diabetes to help them manage the diseases and have proper follow-up at the clinic. The beneficiaries were also encouraged to bring any of their family members and relatives to avail of the same medical services. “Aside from the limited time that we had to prepare, we chose these groups of workers because we found out that they do not have regular check-ups, and since they are working with us, we need to make sure that they are checked in terms of their medical conditions so they can also serve us well,” added Arnibal. The procedures of the said activity included a random blood sugar testing, consultation with the doctors and dispensing of free medical drugs which were collected out of various donations. “We have antibiotics, vitamins, and other drugs to give out to patients depending on the results of their consultation,” said
Lilibeth Hablo, University Nurse. The patients were given medical consultation by University Physician Dr. Sebastian Tabuga, Dr. Rosiemar Reyes, and Dr. Wenrol Espinosa. Alternative medical therapy of acupressure from the Philippine National Association of Acupoint Practitioners (PNAAP) were also offered to the patients. Most of the chief complaints coming from the patients were body aches and muscular pain but no cases of any serious medical problems were recorded all throughout the course of the activity. “By providing medical services for these janitors and security guards and making sure they are under proper medical conditions, they could give excellent services for the University in return,” said Roseminda Lamig, CNAHS outreach coordinator, adding that the mission is also for the benefit of the University. CNAHS has preliminary plans to collaborate with the University Clinic to extend the scope of next year’s medical mission to tap external beneficiaries, possibly from outside of Bacolod.
by Danielle Francis Olsen
Phoenixes don’t just fly; they can also conquer the dance floor. The College of Education Blue Phoenix dominated this year’s Mass Dance Competition during the annual U-Week celebration opening ceremony held at the university gymnasium last September 8, 2014. After a series of dance numbers performed by each of the colleges, featuring the most popular modern dance songs, COED participants were declared victors, receiving a six thousand pesos cash prize. “We really feel so happy and blessed to have won. We didn’t expect too much since we knew it was going to be a fierce competition but we just gave our best throughout our performance. We give our thanks to God for this great
achievement,” said Audolfo Yasay, COED governor. The College of Arts and Sciences was awarded first runner up, followed by the College of Information Technology as the second runner up, taking home four thousand and three thousand pesos cash prize respectively. One of the challenges for this year’s mass dance was for the contestants to come up with their unique dance numbers using the most popular dance moves, including ‘WakaWaka by Shakira’, ‘Gangnam Style by Psy’, ‘What Does the Fox Say by Ylvis’, ‘Low by Akon’, ‘Super Bass by Nicki Minaj’ and ‘Jai Ho by Pussycat Dolls’. Ma. Joselina G. Basa, Opening and Closing Activities Coordinator, admitted that one of the constraints for the contestants this year is that they were
given less time to prepare for their respective performances. “I would say that one of the improvements this year is the burst of colors. I was surprised that the contestants were able to prepare such colourful presentations considering that they were given a very short time to practice,” said Basa. Special awards were also given to the most unique and most colorful performances, given to CIT and CAS respectively. Consolation prize of Php 2,000 was also awarded to other contestants for their participation. The program ended with the most popular modern dances throwback led by the different college governors on stage which set the crowd and audience on a dancing frenzy.
throughout the U-Week. After logging in their UIS accounts, students could evaluate their teachers in four primary areas—Classroom Instruction, Classroom Management, Personality Traits, and Language Facility. “One disadvantage using the manual evaluation is that classes were disrupted because the students had to pause and do the evaluation, another is that not a hundred percent of the students and the subject matters were evaluated,” said Dr. Mona Freda Secondes, RPDO Director. The RPDO only required each college department to have an evaluation of at least more than half of the subject areas in the previous years. “If the faculty had nine subjects, we
required each department to evaluate at least five, so somehow the number of samples we gathered were not that representative,” added Secondes. Through the new online evaluation, the RPDO aims to remove the delays in gathering and processing data, lessen the working load, make a more complete and accurate evaluation and make it more representative of the students. One restraint in OFPA’s progress is there are many students who do not know their username or password in the UIS and there are those who do not have internet access. “Somehow, because we are working with the MIS, this is like hitting two birds with one stone, a try-out for the online evaluation and a way for the
MIS to know that there are still a lot of students who do not access the UIS,” said Secondes. The RPDO is now also able to monitor and identify who among the students have not yet evaluated their teachers and together with the different college departments, reminds the students that they are required to do the online evaluation. Students who have not yet engaged with the OFPA are not allowed to see their grades in the UIS. The RPDO plans to come up with other techniques to encourage students to do the online evaluation, possibly reopening the IT laboratories again to provide internet access to the students and continue running the OFPA for the next semesters.
Coping with the fast paced technological advancement, Fray Luis de Leon Library installed 14 brand-new electronic books to accommodate the needs of the students. “The gadgets offer fast processing of electronic book applications, for it is really intended to be used for such,” Director of Libraries, Shiela Dela Cruz, MSLIS, said. Each device is properly secured with security magnetic displays to ensure the safety of the gadgets and would make it easier for them to track and check the said devices. The e-books can be accessed by all college students provided that they surrender their IDs and fill out an e-book
OBRA concerts UNO-R performing artists
by Cherry Mae Cordova
UNO-Rians gathered and filled the University gymnasium as alumni of the UNO-R Center for Performing Arts— Kasadyahan Dance Company, Koro Rekoleto, and Teatro Rekoleto—performed together in a concerted show, September 9. The show was named OBRA: A Tribute Performances, from the collaboration of students and alumni performing artists of UNO-R. “Obra is a once in a lifetime concerted performances of the different cultural
CNAHS medical mission caters to janitors, security by Danielle Francis Olsen
COED conquers Mass Dance Competition 2014
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Faculty Performance Appraisal...
TOLENTINE STAR IS THE OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF NEGROS OCCIDENTAL - RECOLETOS
FEATURE TOLENTINESTAR
VOL. LXIX No.4 artwork by NORMAN BALDOMAR, JR.
photo by JOSE MADISON CRAMPATANTA, JR. and NEVIN CRAMPATANTA
OCTOBER 2014
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PARTAKING THE
journey IN THE
YEAR OF THE
LAITY
Uncovering Agri’s Best by THERESE AMOR PANZO
Behind the exterior and fabrics of the University, dwells different foliage of crops and farm animals that will surely feed your eyes with delight. Where can one find it? Delve deeper in the campus and you will find yourself in awe looking at hectares of land lush with greeneries, creatures of various sounds and sizes, and the soothing coolness of air which caresses our senses – these are few of the feel-good moments one could experience at the often unvisited place located at the back of the premises of our University, our very own ‘Agri’. The Agriculture Department of the University has been known for excellence and competence in the field of agriculture. In the province, our University is just one of the few institutions that offer agricultural programs. As we step forward the modern world, the technology we have used before must also be updated. In conformity, the Agri Department has patterned some of their facilities, building a better foundation of agricultural concerns that our community needs nowadays. Just this year, Corazon G. Acaba, DVM, MBA-Health Program, and a part time instructor at the department, donated lay cages and an Egg Machine with 60 heads of layer hens or ready-to-lay chickens. “This is a project that would augment our lecture in livestock and poultry production. Also, this is for entrepreneurial purposes,” said Dr. Acaba stressing the purpose of the machine she donated. According to her, with the 60 heads that are erratic, the machine can produce an average of 52 eggs daily having an estimated number of 350 eggs per week. Then the eggs will be consumed by employees and the money will be deposited to the intended Agriculture Fund. “This is a self-sustaining project. The school no longer buys feeds for the chickens, the chickens themselves (with the income from the eggs) buy their own food,” Dr. Acaba shared. However it’s in nature that one steadfast advocacy, no matter how noble the purpose, will still be bombarded with trials. One problem that hampers their earnings is the inconsistency of the egg production. Due to the sudden change of climate, the estimated eggs laid decreased by 10 and even slumped down to 40. “Before, we raised flourishing chicken (free range chickens-‘layaw’) and then
when I had my leave, they died. So I have to revive the project,” she recalled. Now, the department plans to produce their own poultry line of chicken and is going to name it “Recoletos String”. Aside from venturing in egg production, engaging in solid waste management is another idea of the Agri-people, letting leaves and other biodegradable wastes rot in a chamber, leaving them there for months. The African earthworms or what they call ‘African Night Crawlers’ will eat the wastes. These worms excrete dung that they call “casting”. After 2-3 months, the wastes will decompose and by that time the casting is ready and will serve as the fertilizer for the soil. “We are also doing a soil analysis. A sample soil from the Agri is submitted for laboratory testing,” Dr. Acaba shared. The Value Chain Analysis of organic soil production in UNO-Recoletos School of Agriculture is a project that aims to recognize where, and how each value is added at each stage the soil undergoes. They will examine the activities and the expenses at each stage of this chain, from the procurement and collection of daily wastes up to its eventual sale of finished product as Recoletos Organic Fertilizer. “The use of our very own fertilizer helps us a lot. This is one of the breakthroughs that we have,” she further adds. Another distinguishing development is the improvised process of livestock production. The Agri department now uses artificial insemination for their pigs. At present, they have five pigs: four sows (female) and a boar (male) in their piggery. As defined by Dr. Acaba, “Artificial insemination is the process where the semen of the boar is transferred to the female artificially. No need of natural mating.” Working hand in hand, some of the student assistants assigned at the Agri undergo trainings in artificial insemination. Now, the old bloodlines have been replaced by new breeds of pigs that were bought last May of this year. “We are revising the brand. By the time, we will be expecting productive, desirable, disease-free, disease-resistance, and a good quality line of pigs,” adds Dr. Acaba, hoping
for a healthy outcome of the pigs that are about to be born this October. Also, the manure collected from the piggery are put into a mixture and sold to buyers. These buyers would usually come over to purchase at the University. At the end of each semester, students of the Agriculture Department are required to make a business plan. Implementation of these plans serve as a manifestation on what they have learned from their subjects on beef, dairy, poultry, and livestock production. “The students have to be researchoriented and entrepreneurially skilled,” she emphasizes. As the K+12 program nearly approaches affecting the tertiary system, colleges and universities must clearly have preparations for this. Schools offering vocational programs like agriculture-related courses will be of interest to students. UNO-R is one of the few institutions who can provide this venue for aspiring students. To make this possible, the need to be updated of helpful technologies will empower the goals of each department particularly the Agriculture. “This will be the destination for students of K+12 for agriculture voc-tech courses. Somehow, from the continuing developments here at Agri, we can revive the name of agriculture,” Dr. Acaba proudly shares. According to an overview of the Philippine British Business Council, Philippines is considered as an agricultural country, where our agriculture is considered as the main driver of the economy. Philippine Agriculture is divided into four sub-sectors; namely, farming, fisheries, livestock, and forestry. These sectors make up 20 % of the country’s gross domestic product. Agriculture is one aspect that is usually discarded, not knowing that this is where the stability of our country is rooted. The challenge lies at the concerned hands that are ready to cultivate and share their time, knowledge, and skills for the enrichment of agricultural business. For the meantime, UNO-Rians and visitors are all welcome take a full blast visit at the University’s very own agricultural sanctuary.
by Danielle Francis Olsen
I
t is a universal truth that we are living in a world where immorality and injustice are prevalent nowadays. Every day, we are bombarded with much horrible news that does not only transgress the laws set by humanity, but also those given by God. Corruption, dishonesty, and the like, make us feel scared or afraid. What is more terrifying is that, some tend to slowly or totally lose their faith. Worse, they blame God to whatever happens to them. Instead of blaming anyone or anything, we must take action or make a difference. We may not have any power, we may be just ordinary individuals, but we can do something. That is what is stressed in the Year of the Laity. As UNO-R celebrated its U-week last September 8-12, 2014, everyone in the academe did their part, for the activity to be successful. Focused on the theme, “Journeying in the New Evangelization in the Year of the Laity,” roles and obligations of each Catholic member were reemphasized through a variety of activities like poem and essay writing, poster making, search for Mr. and Ms. UNO-R, and many more. Rev. Fr. Cornelio Moral, OAR, Vice President for Religious Affairs said that the theme to this year’s U-Week is very essential not only to those who have offices in the church but especially to common members. “Since UNO-R is a Catholic university, we are enjoined to participate in the Year of the Laity; everyone should partake in spreading the Good News of the Lord,” he added.
LAITY-Defined
The Laity are members of the Catholic Church. They are people who are not ordained but are obliged of priesthood (lay priesthood). Documents of the Second Vatican Council presented the roles of the laityto preach or be a lay person, which is a vital function in strengthening the Catholic beliefs and principles. The Laity come from different walks of life, and even age. Young or old, affluent or not, each is important. The theme of the Year of the Laity“Choose to be brave, called to be saints, sent forth as heroes,” gives a manifestation that it does not matter either one is powerful or weak, as long as he participates in the drive in the edification of Catholic faith in a
society where morality is just taken for granted, especially what we have observed nowadays. We must be the beacon of light shining in total darkness and be the salt to the world. Not letting the evil to weaken our faith through acts of kindness and righteousness makes us responsible laity of the church and children of God. We must stand indignant and brave, being the ones who will cow those that plan to scare us. Then and only then are we worthy to be called Disciples of Christ.
U-Week: Keeping the Faith Ablaze
As the University held its U-Week, having the opportunity to refurbish and proclaim the Good News would never be an understatement. The activity was not only a time to showcase talents or bond among students, faculty and staff, but it also opens doors to those who have gone astray and encourage the inactive Christians to turn back to God. It is the time to deepen Catholic beliefs and live the UNO-Rian core values – SIMPLE (Service, Interiority, Marian, Prayer, Love, Excellence). Moreover, to honor the feast of the University patron saint, St. Nicholas of Tolentine, the theme paved way for the UNO-Rians to become stewards of Catholic traditions and affirmed that as the world gets more sinful, they will not give their faith up. We cannot evade the problems that sadden and weaken us, but we must stay firm in our belief as we continue our journey towards New Evangelization, not only in the Year of the Laity, but also in the years to come.
More than just a jungle of diverse animal species
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by JOHN LESTER ALMOSA
earing khaki short-sleeved polo and black shorts with hand and leg pads to maintain his balance and composure, Mr. Elik Divino slowly strolled over his aquariumed fish and caged cockatoo before sitting down in his mansion to talk about how passion saved his life.
The fuel to his desire Since he was a kid, Mr. Divino has had an innate fondness with animals. “I love animals,” he happily shares as he reminisced how half of their vast yard became a playground for their chicken, while the other held their cars and different pieces of equipment. His love to collect animals started when their car technician gave him a “banatan”, a green ground dove during his grader years which he carefully kept. His fondness for collecting animals grew day by day until he unconsciously made it a hobby. Though his secondary education in Manila and short program in America have temporarily stopped him from doing what
he loves, the connection and satisfaction of his heart with animals have never wavered. He went back to Negros after a couple of years and laid concentration to his first love – collecting animals – where a number turned out to be a great deal of different animal species. The challenge to his life “I am a self-proclaimed athlete,” Mr. Divino recalled with a bitter-sweet smile as he talked about his memories of teenage years before his life went on-the-rocks. As a health-conscious individual, he is very particular on his food intake and has a very strict discipline when it comes to preventing vices – lifestyles that made diseases seem impossible to rule. But unexpectedly, Mr. Divino, a healthy and active man suffered from stroke that forever left a scar in his heart and a dent in his life. His eagerness and inspiration to wake up every morning with his family and his animals gradually disappeared, and so did his reasons to continue living. “I felt useless,” he expressed as he narrated his condition after he suffered
It has also been a spot for some foreigners, well-known veterinarians, and hobbyists like Dr. Nielsen Donato of “Born to be Wild”. For an individual, a hobby is just a venue where one seeks comfort and satisfaction, but for Mr. Divino, it is where one learns to love, finds contentment, and discovers the true reasons of his being.
The fulfillment of his heart After recovering from stroke, Mr. Divino focused on handling and breeding his beloved animals where he continues to find pleasure and contentment. Every roar, every chirp, and every sound reminds him of his purpose and makes him realize how worth living his life still is. “My happiness is for them to be comfortable for the rest of their lives,” he shared, looking at “Manong”, a now sevenyear-old white cockatoo he bought for himself after his recovery. Now, the Zoo has already received several acclamations for having one of the 50 rarest birds in the world and has been home for the many unique and endangered animal species.
TOLENTINE STAR IS THE OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF NEGROS OCCIDENTAL - RECOLETOS
photo by JOHN LESTER ALMOSA
The protector breeder of Negros and the founder of El Toro Zoo – a jungle of diverse animal species nested in the silent grounds of La Castellana – has escaped the verge of death through the help of his passion and love for animals which started as a mere hobby where he seeks comfort and pleasure.
from stroke. He neither can walk nor simply stand and just lay flat in his bed helpless the entire day. Unable to cope up with his pain, he decided to end up his misery. As he pointed a gun on his head, one of his colleagues in the zoo saw him and tried to stop him by giving him advices, yet he never listened until he heard the words that would totally affect him and eventually change his perception about life. “Sige, pakamatay ka da kay makalamatay man ni ang mga sapat mo. Sin-o ni mapakaon sa ila?” Those words hit his heart and have made him realized what makes his life still worth living – his animals who rely and depend at him.
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OPINION TOLENTINESTAR
VOL. LXIX No.4
EDITORIAL
OCTOBER 2014
Pointing names and naming fingers
have the patience to tolerate the slow internet connection. But sarcasm aside, to think about it, better slow than none at all. Here’s another issue. Does the University look unattended? Yes, but don’t we implement the CLAYGO. How many of us actually tidy up our own clutter much less clean up others’ mess? Is it really that difficult to do? Or… Hasn’t been the information disseminated accordingly? Bearing the name “student government”, it’s safe to conclude that the SSG is expected to bridge the gap between the students and the administration, which they are apparently trying to do. However, while trying is good,
it might not be good enough if students evidently still look misinformed about some systems in the University. Yes, efforts are made, and yes, it’s difficult to govern a population of thousands of students in seven colleges in a humongous University. But, it shouldn’t stop at just trying. So what’s the catch? Everyone should stop naming names and pointing fingers. Issues that arise from the student body, among students sectors themselves, between the students and the admin, and between the student government and the admin are everyone’s responsibility. Yes, it’s the administration’s responsibility to address students’ needs because the students do pay for quality education. But, it’s also the students’ responsibility to meet their financial obligations to the University and to be vigilant enough to get themselves informed and avail of the services and facilities the University offers. Very importantly, the student government must act as the bridge that links the students to the administration. Everyone is responsible. The administration must reach out more to the students. The students must know their responsibilities along with their rights, and the student government must keep the connection firm and strong. It’s a triumvirate anyway. Caution: Excellence would fall off the cradle if one of the cradle’s three legs is crippled.
Remember, that we, as human beings, are all the same. What makes us different from each other is the way we think, the way we value everything, the way we see every detail, small or big, about everything. Yes, it is difficult to keep socializing with others who believe in something we don’t believe in. However, it is more difficult to keep a relationship with the people whom we have gotten used to because they may have
concluded that we have changed. They are the people who only communicate with us if they need us. They are the people who don’t care about us. To socialize is natural to us. It is our given habit to keep friends and to find more or even lose them. Socializing does not guarantee us of keeping important people with us forever. But, with it, we could keep them with us for a long time.
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arning! Beware of the barrage of unwarranted questions. Academic year 2014-2015 is halfway over. And, what have we, the UNO-R community, actually achieved? How many issues have been forwarded to the governing body of this institution in the past years? How many student offenses have been observed? How many solutions have been offered? How many Editorials and Buckles have actually been printed just to address students’ pleas, to disseminate the admins’ apparent plans, and to publish the student government’s interventions? Countless. That’s how many. Although, whose responsibility is it anyway? Increasing tuition and miscellaneous fees, unsatisfactory facilities, and unclear systems. If one would ask students of all their concerns in the renowned Cradle of Excellence, the answers would all sum up to the three mentioned above. Yes, fees are necessary, and indeed, the country’s economy might really push any institution to increase fees. But, now and then you would hear students’ complaints, usually beginning with What’s wrong with the facilities? followed by What happened to my laboratory fees if we can’t use the laboratory? finally leading to Where did my miscellaneous fees go? Yes, the LCD TVs installed
artwork by NEVIN CRAMPATANTA
in all the rooms are certainly a huge help to the students and the teachers, but a handful of those screens malfunction from time to time; plus, cords are either insufficient or damaged and frequently delivered to the classrooms late. Some rooms still have chairs that could accidentally kill a student either with by getting tetanus or by falling off from it. Recently, flooding is understandable, yes, especially during rainy days, but, flooding on the second or third floor? Must have been a storm surge. Nonetheless, here’s one explanation that might actually answer, if not, give clarity to these issues. How many of us do
actually pay our tuition fees on time? Yes, we can blame it on the economy. But, accounts must be settled on time because exams are given on time (or else, NP will be noted on our bluebook cover), because teachers have to be paid on time, and because facilities have to be installed on time. It’s truly unfair to complain on something that we ourselves are partly responsible for. Where do the miscellaneous fees go? Fees are appropriated for the services and facilities students are supposed to avail of and benefit from - facilities most of us seem to never even care about. Computer laboratories actually get rusted waiting to be utilized by only a few who
Understanding Us, Somehow
BIG EYES JESSAN CABUNSOL
editor-in-chief
jessancabunsol@gmail.com
To state that somebody doesn’t know how to maintain a relationship with the masses around him is like supposing that that someone has no allies. Being connected with the people around us does not necessarily mean having great times with them. Sometimes, we get connected with them because we hate them. What I mean is that we play the love-your-enemies thing to know more about them, especially their mistakes. That is already socialization or, at some point, a mere business. I am not yet sure how definite our relationship with others is. That is why it is inappropriate to say to others that they don’t know how to socialize. Who are we to say that because, in the first place, the moment we say that to someone means we are not socialized with him. And, how good is it to post a status against someone on Facebook without specifying that person? What’s the point of it? Well, the point that I see is that those people who make allusive comments just want to oppose what someone (who sometimes doesn’t recognize that the commentary was intended for him) has said and tell the people in the virtual world that they got wit and word. With it, they will feel good because others show agreement and that makes them they really are. And that is when communication starts. When we meet with others, we adapt
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What makes us different from each other is the way we think, the way we value everything, the way we see every detail, small or big, about everything.
to what others are rather than what we truly are. That’s where friendship comes in. We share different aspects of life. We laugh at each other’s experience. We hate the same thing. We have accommodated each other’s way, thoughts, and flaws. However, as time moves along, in spite of the friendship or any other relationship, we still get surprised by the characters of the people we have gotten used to. And we tend to reject them when we actualize that they are not like us as we presume. Moreover, there are times when we set out to turn down others based only on what we hear from others. Those kinds of people may not be close-minded but are afraid to know the truth. I am not saying that all human beings do that. There are some who have control of immersing themselves in different groups. Only a few of them whom I know have balance of understanding and accepting others, whether they are favorable to us or not. Yes, we change. We change because we socialize. We meet people from different walks of life. We hear different opposing opinions for the same issue. Socializing with the people around us is the most effective and influential learning experience. That is why we understand the opinions
of others. However, that does not necessarily mean that we must accept and adopt their opinions or what they believe in.
TOLENTINESTAR
THE OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF NEGROS OCCIDENTAL - RECOLETOS EDITORIAL BOARD
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FINANCE AND INVENTORY
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DESK EDITORS
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TECHNICAL EDITORS
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STAFF WRITERS
JOHN LESTER ALMOSA ALYSSA MARIE ARCEÑO CHRISTIAN JOHN ALOTA VALERIE ANNE BUENCONSEJO NESKA CENTINA JANE PAULINE DOLOCANOG MAEGAN FRUTO JAMIE JELLE GUINO-O JIEZL MARIE HUCALLA JANELLE GAY MARANDE ROAN HOPE OCABAN DANIELLE FRANCIS OLSEN CRISTITHA SIPULAN
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artwork by ANAMAE LACHICA
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TOLENTINE STAR IS THE OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF NEGROS OCCIDENTAL - RECOLETOS
OPINION TOLENTINESTAR
OCTOBER 2014
Equality Calls: Aching of Partiality and Favoritism
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VOL. LXIX No.4
Same Old Clichés
A student’s life is far from being easy. By merely thinking of all the work and things that are to be done, it would make you feel dizzy and instantly stressed. It’s the point in time when you will appreciate how important sleep is. Sleep is precious they say, and it’s damn true. But at the end of the day, after seeing the product of your sleepless nights, especially when it is done with full passion, diligence, and hard work—it’s heaven. You will feel like crying after seeing how good your work is; at the back of your mind, you’d be saying ‘I think I will be receiving a high grade!’ But, what if it still turns out to be no good to your teacher? Irritating? How much more after knowing that objectivity is far from his vocabulary? Favoritism is one hell of a disease that corrupts the objective foundation of every relationship. It’s a source of discord whether in families, industries, and even in classrooms. O n e
could say that it is almost inevitable, especially in classrooms, for a teacher not to have a favorite student—a teacher’s pet. It’s almost part of a student’s life. It is when your teacher gives much obvious attention to a particular person giving him special treatment in any possible way, obviously ignoring the ethical foundation that an educator should first uphold. I am not coming from a perspective of a jealous student often neglected, but who at the back of his mind, is also a pet-wannabe. I am coming from a person almost always having a bad day due to some bias and unfair judgment which I always receive undeservingly. Teachers above all else, should be the perfect embodiment of objectivity. They should be role models to their students on how to properly uphold the principles of objectivity and fairness. Aside from being educators, they should also practice equal footing to each of their students. All their credentials and worth will all be rendered pointless and the very essence of them, being teachers, would all be questioned, if in the first place, their values and ethics are all not well-founded. Admit it or not, there are many students
who don’t give their all in their performance at school. They don’t study and perform in class very well. But at the end of each class, you’ll see them with the teacher, offering every help they could think of, coupled with flowery and flattering words that are even incompatible for the teacher. These students rely mostly on their pasipsip skills in order to stand out among their classmates. The teacher, knowing them as the most industrious, would give them high remarks despite the fact that they don’t excel academically. Students, on the other hand, should act accordingly. They should also think whether they are doing what is right and appropriate. They should also weigh the situation and not completely succumb to being a teacher’s pet. The blame should not only be shouldered by the teacher, but should rather be shared with the student accomplice. It is a two-way crime that involves the efforts of both parties. Thorough self-inquiry should be done to, at least, avoid this unfair and unethical act. Reflect inside and out on whether the course of your actions could, in some way, lead to such. Ask if you’re doing the right thing or not. You should recall and review the code of ethics and demeanor. Be reminded of what you should do because after all, further conflicts and disputes which are caused by such acts should be avoided.
artwork by VAN JERWIN VERGARA
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No surrender Agreement ONE DECEPTION CHERRY MAE CORDOVA
editorial assistant for human resource cordovacherry@gmail.com
“It is the duty of the United States personnel (military and civilian) to respect the laws of the Republic of the Philippines...” Respect for Laws, Article II of the United States Philippines Visiting Forces Agreement. The recent news about the woman transgender Jeffrey “Jennifer” Laude, a resident citizen of the Philippines, who was allegedly killed by a US service member named Joseph Scott Pemberton, drew a lot of attention from the media and from the different sectors around the country and in some parts of the world, due to the issue of custody. The custody of the prime suspect Pemberton, who is taking part in the US-RP VFA as a US service member. But the issue of custody should not be the only concern on this incident. The Filipino people and the Philippine authorities should also look in the biggest factor in this issue - the Visiting Forces Agreement. The agreement is somehow getting in the way between the Philippine domestic law and justice. It is clearly stated in several sections and articles of some of our country’s republic acts that the Republic of the Philippines has the duty to prosecute a person present in the country - “regardless of citizenship or residence” of such person accused of committing crime. Our country should exercise jurisdiction over the suspected
Keeping Pemberton inside of the US Military vessel after being pointed as the primary suspect in killing Laude is already a great offense against our Republic.”
or accused persons, whether military or civilian. The Philippine authorities knew about all these, but because of the US-RP VFA, the process of prosecution is getting or is being delayed. In consequence, justice delayed can become justice denied. The Philippines, where inside its own premises happened the killing of a transgender by a suspected visitor, is expressly mandated by law to prosecute the accused before its own very courts. Brutally killing a transgender woman, who also is a human person, is a serious crime of concern to the LGBT and Filipino community as a whole and must not go unpunished by our own courts. It is clearly stated in the Article II o f the US-RP VFA that
personnel from US, whether military or civilian, should pay respect to the laws governing our land. Keeping Pemberton inside of the US Military vessel after being pointed as the primary suspect in killing Laude is already a great offense against our Republic. If the VFA is really of great relevance to both of the contracting countries, and if authorities are really honest to the agreement, they will respect our laws and let Pemberton face the consequences of his crime, if he really is guilty. If he is innocent of the accusation, let him undergo due process under the jurisdiction of our country. The crime happened in our country, the suspect is the visitor, and the victim is our citizen. So why question the custody? Let the accused undergo the prosecution under the Philippines’ criminal justice system and try to review that VFA.
artwork by NEVIN CRAMPATANTA
From page 1
Mabugat tops MTLE... for them. They should hold on to their topnotch students and teachers because we are going to defeat each one of them” exclaimed Mabugat as he hopes to uplift his alma mater’s name against the biggest schools in the country. The University President, Rev. Fr. Emeterio Buñao, OAR said that UNO-R has already got a spot among the universities in the Philippines that offer a program in medical technology. “Before, Manila used to get the name, the title and all that. But now, it’s coming out with UNO-R in the list of topnotchers and we are also hoping that we can sustain it. By that, the faculty members will be inspired and will continue what they have been doing,” said Buñao. The faculty members of the MedTech
Department were also overwhelmed of this year’s result considering that other MedTech schools are very competitive. “Of course, we are very happy and overwhelmed with the result. Although we know that we will top the board but we are not really expecting that this time, we will be the number one,” said Fatima Medel, head of the UNO-R Medical Technology Department. Medel expects that more students will enroll in their department since they are already acknowledged as one of the best performing MedTech schools in the Philippines. “Maybe it’s not only probable; for sure there will be an increase in our enrollment. Then if more students will enroll to us, we will also have more probable topnotchers later on,” she said. On the other side, UNO-R garnered a
96.05 percent passing percentage, and was this recognized as eighth in the top 10 list of top performing schools in Medical Technology in the whole of the Philippines. “The top eight (school performance) is being maintained because we belong to the top performing schools in the Philippines,” Medel added. “We like it to be 100 percent. We want everybody to pass but we cannot avoid the reality of it because examination sometimes does not only depend on the preparation but there are also occasion that you are not in the condition. We just hope that next time, everybody will pass,” Buñao comments. Buñao adds that the university will be encouraging those who did not make it to this year’s board exam to take a second try.
by JOE B
cordovacherry@gmail.com
artwork
JOHN KAYE DELOSTRICO
senior editor
ERT VA LDEZ
Teachers above all else, should be the perfect embodiment of objectivity. They should be role models to their students on how to properly uphold the principles of objectivity and fairness. ”
BOLA-BOLA
ON RUSH THERESE AMOR PANZO
newspaper feature editor
thereseamor_31@yahoo.com
Seven months and counting, the obnoxious smell of the 2016 National Election has been felt earlier than the Christmas holiday in our country. The primary concerns? Government officials up to the presidential wannabes have been bombarded with issues and allegations; issues that seem to be monotonous and predictable especially at the height of the few months towards another ‘judgment day’. When you take a good observance on this, these are same old stories of politicians having massive property, unexplained wealth, endless corruption, and the sort. But what makes one of these issues interesting is that one of the many issues is concerned with the second highest official in the country, no other than our own Vice President Jejomar Binay. Binay who has been stereotyped of his good reputation and unwavering service as the longest serving Mayor in the history of Makati City and currently the next to the highest leader in the country was accused of the overpricing some of the buildings in Makati during his term and the recently alleged P1.2-billion agricultural estate at Rosario, Batangas. Accusations have been hurled against him by former Makati Vice Mayor Ernesto Mercado, who used to be an ally of the Binays, citing the 350 hectares of land which include an air-conditioned piggery, greenhouse for imported and local orchids, horse ranch, fighting cock farm, mansion with a resort pool and a British Palace Garden that comprise the so-called “Hacienda Binay”. On the other hand, Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV, one who led the probe into allegations on Binay’s case, had also been thrown claims by VP Binay on the previous issue of him having eight luxury cars. Trillanes has been consistently asserting that Antonio Tiu, a businessman and was said to be the owner of the hacienda on paper, is one of VP Binay’s dummies to conceal his corrupt ways. At present, this hot issue gets exciting as each day unfolds. More evidences and accusations are hurled from both parties. But to VP Binay? This generates him publicity. Whether it’s good or bad publicity, this exposes him to the knowledge of the general public knowing that he has been vocal about running for presidency in 2016 elections. Much more, in most surveys, he is still leading in the potential presidential position. But why put so much concentration on this? These are just usual corrupt issues which are prevalent in our government now. Of course, VP Binay’s whereabouts
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Come to think of it, same questions of unending plight towards good governance yet remain an unreachable legacy.”
draws Filipinos into different comments of the story. It is understood that we should have access to absolute information as to whether he really deserves to be the next president. But how can we be sure we are being fed with the right information? How can we be assured of the veracity of facts since they keep on pointing fingers as to who the culprits are? Can we really trust again the same people who were reared in the same environment that is known of long rotten corruption cases? Remember, the definition of politics nowadays can be misleading. Come to think of it, same questions of unending plight towards good governance yet remain an unreachable legacy. As much as we desire, we don’t want to be stuck forever in this predicament. Yes, we all want change, but the challenging thing about change is that stepping up beyond our boundaries make things more unpredictable. The year 2016 seems to be so near, yet so far away. Last minute changes and decisions could alter a political scenario because of just one hot issue at a critical moment. What I worry about is whether we can still brace ourselves for what’s to come for the next months? Who would line up next to these allegations? We still have seven months and these months are long enough to maintain our composure to these discerning issues. Nevertheless, we can have all the days of the months up to the election date to think about whom we will write on that confidential paper that will carry out our future for the next hopeful years to come. This time it could be better than the previous one. Or perhaps the same set up, new allegations under a new administration.
From page 1
UNO-R prepares for...
not yet talking about tuition fee increase at the moment; though they consider it a possibility for its operation is highly dependent on its revenues. The plans and strategies of the University are possible solutions to the anticipated problems the new education program will bring. According to Fr. Bunao, there are still
TOLENTINE STAR IS THE OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF NEGROS OCCIDENTAL - RECOLETOS
a lot of researches to be done to finalize and concretize the proper actions the University will take in response to the various problems that the said program will bring. “The platform is already prepared, but what we call the mitigating things about this platform still to be worked out,” Fr. Bunao said.
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OPINION TOLENTINESTAR
VOL. LXIX No.4
OCTOBER 2014
ANALYSIS
UNO-R
Mga Lubak sa Daang Matuwid
SPEAKS
nina Cristitha Sipulan at John Kaye Delostrico
A
pat na taon ang nakalipas, sumailalim ang bansa sa panibagong administrasyon; panibagong pamumuno; panibagong lider. Kasabay nito, ang pagpasok sa panibagong yugto sa buhay ng sambayanang Pilipino. Noong panahong iyon, magkakahalong saya, lungkot, at pagtatanong ang nasa puso at isipan ng mga Juan at Juana na ang tanging nais ay ang pag-asenso ng ating mahal na bayan. Sa mga taon ng kaniyang paglilingkod, ang ating pangulong si Benigno “PNoy” Aquino III ay matagumpay na napabilib ang taumbayan, na ayon sa kaniya, ay ang kaniyang mga boss. Teka, nabilib nga ba?
Sa
K+12, magiging maayos nga ba? usaping edukasyon, marahil ay
PAT AN RAM NC EVI by N wo rk art
Seguridad sa EDCA Ang Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement o mas kilala bilang EDCA ay isang kasunduan sa pagitan ng Estados Unidos at Pilipinas na nagtatakda ng mas pinatibay na balikatan ng mga armadong pwersa ng dalawang bansa. Ito ay nilagdaan ni Philippine Defense Secretary, Voltaire Gazmin at US Ambassador sa Pilipinas, Philip Goldberg nito lamang ika28 ng Abril. Magtatakda ito ng pagsang-ayon ng Pilipinas na magkaroon ng matagalang pagtigil sa mga Pilipinong base militar ang mga Amerikanong sundalo. Ayon kay Dr. Julio Jude Rosales, isang propesor sa UNO-R, ang EDCA ay isang pagbabago lamang ng naunang kasunduan sa pagitan ng Estados Unidos sa nagdaang 50-taon patungkol sa bilateral na kasunduang militar sa EU. Ito ay modipikasyon ng Visiting Forces Agreement na magbibigay daan sa pwersang Amerikano na magsagawa ng mga military exercise kasama ang AFP. Sa parte ng Estados Unidos , sila ay magkakaroon ng prebilehiyo na gamitin sa Pilipinas ang mga barko at iba pa nilang kagamitang pandigma. Maaari rin silang makapunta sa kahit na anong parte ng bansa upang mapadali ang pagoorganisa ng kanilang mga pwersa. Kung pagbabasehan ang lahat ng mga nakasulat patungkol sa kasunduang ito, mababango at mabubulaklak na mga kadahilanan ang iyong mababasa. Yaong puro magagandang bagay ang makukuha ng dalawang bansa. Ngunit kung iisipin, maraming mga bagay ang maaari rin nitong pinagbatayan; lalo na sa mga sitwasyong nagaganap sa mga panahon ngayon. Lumagda ang Pilipinas, hindi kaya dahil sa takot nito sa kung anumang maaaring gawin ng Tsina? Hindi kaya desperado na ang Pilipinas pagdating sa mga usapin ng seguridad? Hindi kaya lumagda ang Estados Unidos dahil bahagi ito ng kanilang planong palawakin ang kanilang teritoryo? Hindi kaya nais na naman na ipasailalim ng mga Amerikano ang ating bansa? Pumasok din ba ito sa iyong guni-guni? Hindi ba’t maaring ang isa sa mga ito, ay posible?
compiled by ALYSSA MARIE ARCEÑO photos by JOSE MADISON CRAMPATANTA, JR.
ng ating pangulo? Hindi kaya nabubulagan lamang ang pamahalaan at gusto lamang makipagkumpetensya sa ibang mga bansa pagdating sa mga usapin ng edukasyon? Ayon kay Bayan Muna Representative Neri Colmenares, ang K+12 ay nagsasanay ng mga mag-aaral upang kalauna’y maging mga Overseas Filipino Worker o OFW. “Oras na ituon natin ang sistema ng ating edukasyon sa pandaigdigang kalakaran, ang sariling pangangailangan ng bansa ay nagiging pangalawa na lamang. Ito dapat ay unang tumugon sa mga pag-asenso ng ekonomiya at lipunan ng ating sariling bansa,” dagdag pa ni Colmenares na kita sa mga mata ang pagkadismaya sa pagpasa ng K+12. “Marangal ang mga naisin ng K+12 dahil magsasanay ito ng ating mga kabataan; madali silang makahahanap ng trabaho dahil dito. Ngunit, dapat ang ating pamahalaan ay matagal na panahon itong pinagplanuhan dahil sa kaakibat nitong mga gastusin. Malalagay din nito sa panganib ang posisyon ng mga guro’t propesor dahil mawawalan sila ng mga asignaturang ituturo sa taong 2016-2017 o 20172018,” wika ni Rosales.
TA
Kontrobersiya. Batikos. Pamumuna. Marahil kung itatala sa isang malinis na papel ang lahat ng mga natanggap ng ating Pangulo, ang mga salitang ito ang mangunguna sa listahan. Sa dami ng kaniyang mga kritiko, hindi maiiwasan ang mga ganitong mga pahayag. Sinasabing walang perpekto sa ating mundo. Lahat ng mga bagay, hayop, o tao man, ay puno ng mga sala at kamalian. Bilang pagtumbas sa ng lahat ng ito, ang ating mahal na Pangulo ay walang mintis sa pagpapasa ng mga panukala, kasunduan, at batas para sa ikauunlad ng ating bansa. Pero teka, para sa ikauunlad nga ba? Batid nga ba natin ang kahalagahan ng mga programang ito? Hatid nga ba’y kaunlaran o kapahamakan sa ating mga Pilipino? EDCA. K+12. DAP. Ilan lamang ito sa mga programa at kontrobersiya sa ilalim ng kaniyang administrasyon na tumatak sa ating mga Pilipino. Aminin man natin o hindi, ang mga epekto at implikasyon nito, kung hindi man natin agarang batid, ay unti-unti na nating nararamdaman. Ngunit bago pa man ang lahat, halina’t ating batirin ang diwa at pahiwatig nito.
What can you say about this year’s University Week celebration?
nangunguna sa listahan ang Pilipinas sa talaan ng mga bansang gumagamit pa rin ng lumang kurikulum na nagtatakda sa mga mag-aaral na bumuno ng sampung taon ng edukasyon — elementarya, sekundarya, at kolehiyo. Kung pagbabasehan ang mga mauunlad na mga karatig nating bansa, nahuhuli na tayo. Bilang tugon dito, nilagdaan ng pangulo ang programang K+12 na magtatakda ng karagdagang dalawang taon sa batayan ng edukasyon sa bansa. Dala ito nang pagnanais ng ating bansa na magkaroon ng mga mas bihasang mga mag-aaral at lakas paggawa matapos nilang makapagtapos. Ayon sa talumpati ng ating mahal na pangulo noong ika-24 ng Abril 2012 sa paglunsad ng K+12 sa palasyo ng Malakanyang, “Naninindigan pa rin po tayo sa ipinangako nating pagbabago sa edukasyon: ang gawin itong sentral na estratehiya sa pamumuhunan sa pinakamahalaga nating yaman: ang mamamayang Pilipino. Sa K to 12, tiwala tayong mabibigyang-lakas si Juan dela Cruz upang mapaunlad—hindi lamang ang kanyang sarili at pamilya—kundi maging ang buong bansa.” “Baka makatipid pa nga sila. Kung sila ay nag-aaral sa public schools, sa halip na sila ay maglaan nang pang-tuition sa kolehiyong pribado, pwede nilang ipagpatuloy ang kanilang pag-aaral sa public schools for 2 more years. Dahil nalagdaan na ng Pangulo, pwede na maglaan ang gobyerno ng budget sa public schools para sa grades 11 and 12,”sabi naman ni DepEd Secretary Bro. Armin Luistro sa isang panayam. Ngunit sa kabilang banda, isa ang sektor ng edukasyon sa may pinakamalaking badyet na inilalaan bawat taon. Isa itong napakagandang pagkakataon sa mga buwaya sa gobyerno na muling magpalobo’t magpabigat ng kanilang mga bulsa. Hindi kaya ipinasa lamang ito upang magkaroon na naman ng panibagong huhuthutan ang mga buwaya sa pamahalaan? Hindi kaya ito’y bahagi lamang ng pagpapabango
DAPat managot Hindi madaling alisin sa mga puso’t isipan nating mga Pilipino ang bilyon-bilyong piso na naibulsa ng Pork Barrel Queen na si Janet Lim-Napoles mula sa kaban ng ating bayan noon lamang nakaraang taon. Mistulang nag-iwan ito ng isang malalim na sugat na panghabambuhay na magiiwan ng marka. Rason ito upang maging mas lalong mapanuri at mapagbantay ang mga Pilipino sa mga usaping patungkol sa kaban ng bayan. Sa kasalukuyang mga kaganapan, naharap ang pangulo sa mga batikos at pamumuna matapos niyang isawalang bahala ang pagproklama ng Korte Suprema na ang Disbursement Acceleration Program o mas kilala bilang DAP ay hindi naaalinsunod sa ating saligang batas. Iginiit niyang ipagpatuloy ito dahil sa mga kabutihang naidudulot nito sa ating bansa. Kasabay nito, ay ang ilan marahil sa mga pinakamalalaking kaganapan na gumimbal sa kaniyang panunungkulan. Tatlong magkakaibang impeachment complaints ang inihain ng kaniyang mga kritiko sa dahil sa paggamit niya ng DAP. Masisisi ba natin ang mga taong ito sa paghahain ng reklamo? Hindi ba’t kagaguhan ang patuloy na pagpapatupad ng mga bagay na naideklara ng Korte Suprema na hindi naaayon sa ating saligang batas? Lalo na kapag ang taong ito, ay walang iba kundi ang Ama ng ating bansa. Marahil, isa itong parte sa ating paglalakad sa naunan na niyang naipangako na matuwid na daan. “Walang perpekto sa mundo.” Humahanga ako sa sinuman ang nagsabi nito. Hindi dahil naging sikat sa buong mundo ang mga salitang nanggaling sa kaniya, kundi dahil sa katotohanang kalakip ng mga simple ngunit matatapang na salitang ito. Natural lamang sa mundong ito na magkaroon ng mga pagkakamali—isa itong masalimuot na parte ng buhay. Ngunit, ang mga epekto at implikasyon nito, ay nananatiling nakabase sa kung paano ito tatanggapin ng tao. Sa bawat pagkakamali, isang bagong pinto ng pagkakataon upang umunlad at umasenso ang maluwag na nagbubukas; nasa tao na lamang kung ito’y kaniyang papasukin, o muling isasara. Hindi ligtas sa mga ganitong bagay ang ating pangulo. Sa katunayan, dahil sa
Patricia Joy Lagansoa BSMT I Sa 10 years ko di sa UNO-R, subong lang nga Uweek ang pinakaboring kay wala di mayo ulubrahon. Feeling namon sang classmates ko ang gin kadto lang di namon sang Uweek ay ang attendance.
Mark Luie Libuna, BEED-General II Sadya kay damo palagwa-on kag damo nagkadto, pero mas nami last year.
Ma. Cirila Limpañgog, BSChE I Sadya kag ka-interesting sang mga booth and boring lang guid ya sang carnival kay ka-diutay sang mga rides.
Ryan Dominic Obligado, BSCrim I Ang law-ay lang sa U-Week kay hambal sang mga magulang ko may Octopus Ride, subong ya wala. Ang nami lang nga part sang Uweek amo ang wala klase.
Nerme Dawn Cañete, BSMC IV Para sa akon, ang U-Week successful man although may iban man nga mga event nga indi successful because they lack participation from every individual. May mga event man nga nami but wala nakasatisfy sa gusto sang students – they’re craving for more, although the SSG thinks it’s good. Kulang quality control sang events.
JJ Jumayao, BSED III Ka-boring kay lain ya sang nagligad nga tuig nga buta pa na da ang park. Subong ya, kalaka na sang mga tawo. Boring pa guid ang mga decorations. Daw indi mo ma-feel nga U-Week.
Christine Gulmatico, BSMT II Ka-boring kay wala man mayo ulubrahon. Sang first day medyo boring pero okay naman ang the rest of the days kay ang carnival gataya-taya naman, ang LitMus nami, tapos ang Mr. Ms. UNO-R nami man.
Ria Mugar, BSPharma III Tsaktuhan man lang pero mas boring kung i-compare last year kay wala man kami di may gina-himo kag medyo hipos. Mas nami last year kay bisan diin ka magkadto may music, may live band sa atubangan ka Engineering Building, kag mas lively.
Jessalie Gomez, BSAct IV Okay lang kay damo tawo but mas damo sang last year, eh.
kaniyang posisyon, mas mataas ang tsansa na siya’y mapuna sa kahit na maliliit niyang mga pagkakamali. Ang apat na taon na siya’y nagsilbi ay hindi sapat na basehan sa kung gaano niya napaunlad ang ating bansa. Oo’t maraming mga anomalya ang nagsulputan sa kaniyang
Ang ini nga bahin para lamang sa mga estudyante nga gusto magpabutyag sang ila mga hibubun-ot ukon reklamo nga ila man gusto ipalab-ot sa mga nasa-aran. Ang Buckle nagapadayon sa pagbaton sang nagaka-angay nga mga isyu. Kung gusto mo mapalab-ot ang imo mga reklamo batok sa administrasyon, sa kapareho nga mga estudyante, ukon sa wala labot nga katawhan, indi guid magpangduwa-duwa nga ipadala ina sa Tolentine Star (buckle.tolentinestar@gmail.com), may ngalan man ukon wala. Gani, sa wala pa dira mamurag-muragan sa ila katulugon kag sa mga wala pa naigu-an sang bato nga halin sa langit, magbugtaw na kamo kung indi niyo gusto mabatyagan ang kasakiton sang nagapadayon nga paghanot sang...
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Buckle
Wi-fi
ni KALISUD kag KALIPAY
Klaro pa sa sinag sang bulan ang nakalista sa statement of account nga tatlo ka gatos ang ginabayad ta para sa internet connection. Galing, daw ang gadgets ta na lang ang mang-indi sa kahinay sang pagconnect. Daw mas dasig pa ang tubod sang tubi sa mga drinking fountain nga ara sa UNO-R. Hustisya man tani ang sa kadasigon, mas hapos tani kung mag-research kami sang assignment namon kung dasig ang pag-connect.
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photo by NEVIN CRAMPATANTA
PE Play Demo
Baw, ano naman ni ang nabatian ko nga daw nabuslot naman ang bulsa sang mga first year sang sila ginpasaot? Seis siyentos? Ay abaw! Para na sa costume? Galalain pa guid to sila gani kay “pongee” lang man ‘to kuno ang tela. Ang tuod? Bulawan na guro ang mga hilo nga gingamit panahi ay? Ukon sa diin naman nagkadto ang kwarta? Hmmm. Bato bato sa langit, ang tamaan ‘wag magalit.
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School Bus
administrasyon; ito’y normal at hindi maiiwasan. Hayaan natin siyang matapos ang kaniyang buong termino, marahil, sa oras na iyon, maaari nating masabi, kung tayo nga ba’y naihatid niya sa tuwid na daan o sa daang walang patutunguhan.
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Canteen
Aysus! Amo na to ang bag-o nga canteen nga ginaekspektar sang tanan nga makasolusyon sa kagutok sang isa? Huya man ta! Kung magbisita ka sa daan nga canteen, may nagbag-o haw? Daw amo man gihapon ang kagutok? Kay ang ginaekspektar sang kadam-an, may mga daku nga kalan-an kag palamahawan ang mapwesto ‘to sa bag-o. Galing, ang guwa, puros mga gamay nga estante lang ang makita. Daw mas daku pa to gane ang ginakupar sang faculty lounge nga de aircon sa kilid. Maayo pa sila, hindi pagpamalhasan kung magkaon, hindi gutok, hindi pa gahod. Sige ah! Estudyante na lang ang maintsindi ah! Total, kami man lang ang gabayad sa ila.
O? Maayo man kay gin-usar na ang Recoletos school bus. Daw kami na lang ang mahuya ba. Mas kinahanglan siya guro sang garahe no? Kay daw didto naman lang to siya ya pirmi. Ang dapat nga pirmi ginausar sang mga estudyante kung may official nga laktan ang UNO-R daw ginalangawan na lang kay nakaparking lang pirmi. Sa bilog guro nga kabuhi sang estudyante, swerte na lang kung makasakay ka kaisa. Ang sakit ‘di nga batyagon kun diin ayhan nagakadto ang ginabayad namon? Ato sa parkingan ginbayad para sa accommodation ya? Ay maintenance gali.
TOLENTINE STAR IS THE OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF NEGROS OCCIDENTAL - RECOLETOS
ENTERTAINMENT TOLENTINESTAR
OCTOBER 2014
VOL. LXIX No.4
HOROSCOPE By K
COMICS SO SLOOOOOW
7
by NEVIN CRAMPATANTA
artworks by VAN JERWIN VERGARA
ARIES (March 21 - April 19)
Lumakad papunta sa gitna ng University Park at sumigaw ng Darna! Lucky thing: Muriatic Acid
TAURUS (April 20 - May 20)
Makipagdebate sa teacher mo kung ano ang nauna. Manok o itlog? Lucky thing: Blue Book
NOON AT NGAYON
by VAN JERWIN VERGARA
GEMINI (May 21 - June 20)
Tingin sa kaliwa, tingin sa kanan. Ang una mong makitang nakatingin sa’yo ang magiging soulmate mo habambuhay. Lucky thing: Arinola
CANCER (June 21 - July 22) Mag-ingat sa paglalakad. Isa sa mga sumusunod sa’yo ay holdaper. Lucky thing: Pako KINALBO!
by ANAMAE LACHICA
LEO (July 23 - August 22)
Bisitahin ang FB profile ng ex mo. Magbaliktanaw. Masaktan. Mag-inarte. Ouch! Lucky thing: LoomBand
VIRGO (August 23 - September 22)
Titigan ang araw hanggang maiyak. Tanungin tapos ang babaeng naka-green kung ano ang silbi mo sa mundo. Lucky thing: Relo de puldo
LIBRA (September 23 - October 22) Sa susunod, ipakarton ang grocery para hindi mahirapan. Lucky thing: Exam Permit
CROSSWORD PUZZLE
SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21) Ang batang kumakain ng gulay ay mahaba ang buhay. Lucky thing: Tuxedo
by JOSE MADISON CRAMPATANTA, JR.
HORIZONTAL 1. African earthworms 2. Plans to come up with other techniques to encourage students to do the online evaluation 3. Free range chickens 4. Topped the MTLE 5. Is conducted every semester to assess the faculty performance of the teachers 6. A once in a lifetime concerted performances of the different cultural artists of the University 7. African earthworm wastes
December 21) Bilhin ang lahat ng hayop sa pet shop. Pakawalan at bigyan ng kalayaan. Humayo kayo mga kauri ko! Lucky thing: Foundation
CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 19) Gumising ng 3 am. Kumain ng ice cream. Matulog ulit. Lucky thing: Nokia 3310 PISCES (January 22 - February 18) Magmuni-muni. Itanong sa kaibuturan ng buong pagkatao, DOTA ba o Ako? Lucky thing: Pan de sal medical therapy of acupressure (abv.)
8. Another marketing program implemented by the library 9. Number of registered recipients who received medical services
10. Mass dance competition 2014 champion 11. The team with a bridge strength-toweight ratio of 47.13
AQUARIUS (February 19 - March 20)
Bakit ngayon ka lang dumating sa buhay ko? Lucky thing: Wedding Gown
by ANAMAE LACHICA
Spot the 10 Differences
VERTICAL 1. Special awardee for best in aesthetics who made a bridge with an arc-shaped truss 2. 450 cubic centimeter bags of blood collected 3. Back-to-back champion in the 3rd Social Science Quiz (abv.) 4. Donated lay cages and an Egg Machine with 60 heads of layer hens or ready-to-lay chickens. 5. Drum and Bugle Competition 2014 champion (abv.) 6. Proposed name for the chicken poultry line 7. Association who offered an alternative
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 -
TOLENTINE STAR IS THE OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF NEGROS OCCIDENTAL - RECOLETOS
photo by JOSE MADISON CRAMPATANTA, JR.
SPORTsTAR CAPTURE THE ENERGY, CAPTURE THE DRAMA
INTENSE GAME. UNO-R Rams booters battle against four-year defending champion USLS Stingers.
Stingers slay Rams in NOPSSCEA Football Championship; 1-0 Once again, the Stingers proved that their sting hurts more than the Rams could handle after defending their title and proving their worth in the NOPSSCEA Men’s Football Championship, 1-0, at the Ayala Football Field, October 18. The Stingers, despite the bashes and the insults received from their opponent’s supporters, remained focused and concentrated on bringing home the bacon. “Bashes, criticisms, and insults are part of the game, but we assure that after the game, these things also end,” defended Rams Coach, Carlo Torbela. In the first half of the game, both the Stingers and Rams showed competence and executed their own strategies to strengthen their offense and beef up their defense. However, at the last part of the first half, Rams’ goalkeeper made an own goal after the ball hit his shoulder and went inside the net, giving a score to the Stingers.
Before the game ended, UNO-R had made many attempts but did not successfully score for the team sealing the score in 1-0 for the first half. At the start of the second half, the Rams became more aggressive while the Stingers suffered several injuries against the impact on play. “The aggressive type of play is the strategy of the team, but it was only made into play in the second half,” Hargie John Bagioro, UNO-R Rams Team Captain. As the pressure built up, a commotion between the teams heated up due to the raging tension and the strong mindset of the players to make a goal. “My teammate was covering the ball when he was accidentally hit by the opponent; however tension heated up due to emotions of both teams and the weather,” narrated Joel Bedia, Jr., Stingers Team Captain. Nevertheless, the Stingers succeeded in defending their ground
and the Rams failed to score for the second half ending the game in a flawless 1-0. “The aim to defend the title helped us to win the game, because losing the game means more criticisms,” Bedia said. “By the end of the first half, the team has figured out the strategy of the Rams and used it against them by the start of the second half,” said Nene Lazarito, USLS Stingers coach, adding that since summer, the whole team was practicing after eight of our players graduated. “The team [the Rams] lacks experience and practice since the field is not available to be used by the team and the equipment arrived last week,” Torbela said. The Stingers has held the title for four years now, and would again, represent Negros Occidental in the WVPRISAA, hoping to grab the title again as the National PRISAA Champion.
CAS lab in-charge ties football match, 4-4 by JOHN LESTER ALMOSA
Scoring four goals, the College of Arts and Sciences’ laboratory in-charge led the Team Faculty and Staff in a friendly football match against the Order of Augustinian Recollect Fathers at the University Football Field, September 10. With agile pace and strong stamina, Raymond Goyon cut the lead and tied the game, 4-4, preventing the OAR fathers to bag the championship once more. Team OAR, headed by Team Captain Rev. Fr. Walthrode Conde, pulled the lead on the first half, 4-1, with the magnificent two quick goals of Rev. Fr. Charlie Orobia, OAR, of the San Sebastian College-Recolletos, Cavite City.
On the other hand, the tables turned when the Team Faculty and Staff managed to get back in the second half with the three consecutive goals of Goyon. Rev. Fr. Dexter Palagtiosa, OAR attempted to score in the last two minutes but failed, leaving the game to a draw. “It’s okay [the game] since it was just a friendly match, but the fathers are really good. They have better stamina than us,” Goyon said. Meanwhile, Fr. Orobia said that this [the game] is actually part of their program which aims to develop not only the physical aspect but also their teamwork and community life.
The event was organized as part of the total concept of the University Week Celebration to develop camaraderie and unity between the employees and the religious administration. “In the eyes of God, we are brothers in the community, so we play and don’t mind whether they are priest and we are faculty,” Christopher Taclobos, dean of the College of Engineering and Team Captain of the Team Faculty and Staff said. “The idea is that we are part and partial of the U-Week… we can express our oneness with the student and the university community that we created,” University President Rev. Fr. Emeterio Buñao supported.
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL UNO-R RAMS NOPSSCEA 2014 WINNERS!
photo by ALEJO ANTONIO MONDEJAR
by VALERIE ANNE BUENCONSEJO
WINNING GLANCE. Kenneth John Ramos and Thea Nicole Azuro sway and project as they amaze the judges.
UNO-R rules NOPSSCEA Dance Sports; Azuro, Ramos qualifies in WVPRISAA by VALERIE ANNE BUENCONSEJO
It takes two to win the championship. With their perfect moves and turns, UNO-R Latin American and Modern Standard Dance Sport representatives danced their way to the top, besting six other pairs during the Negros Occidental Private Schools Sports Cultural Educational Association at the USLS Coliseum, September 12. Kasadyahan Dance Company members Thea Nicole Azuro and Kenneth John Ramos ruled in the Latin American Category tailed by the Visayan Maritime Academy and Colegio San Agustin-Bacolod as the first and second runners-up respectively. “We are happy because this is our last year in the University and we are able to make it as champions,”Azuro said. Ramos is a first timer in the said event and Azuro was last year’s representative for which she was awarded as first runner-up. “Actually, it is a challenge because in UNOR if it is exam week it is really exam week but we are able to balance our studies and practices,” Ramos said. Azuro and Ramos rose as the
TOLENTINE STAR IS THE OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF NEGROS OCCIDENTAL - RECOLETOS
crowd’s favorite as they were cheered by various schools at the start of the first dance despite the few UNO-Rian supporters mostly from KDC. Latin American dancers danced with the rhythm of Samba, Cha-cha, Rumba, Paso Doble and Jive in the elimination and the final round of the said competition. On the other hand, Fabe Rose Batidor and Kervin Villarias landed in the first-runner up slot for the Modern Standard Category, tailing La Consolacion College as the undefeated champion and Colegio San Agustin-Bacolod as the second runner-up. Modern Standard Category competed in the beat of Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Viennese Waltz and Quickstep to choose this year’s champion. “They [Azuro and Ramos] are more prepared, their timing and energy is okay and I like their overall look,” Cherry Clarice Parcon, one of the judges said. Azuro and Ramos will represent Negros Occidental in the upcoming WVPRISAA in Latin American Category.