The Augustinian, May 2014 (Features Fold)

FeaturesFold AugustiniAn the

The Official Student Newspaper of the University of San Agustin • Iloilo City, Philippines

Volume LIX Number 3 • May 15, 2014

Pope of all, Hope for all “A few more hours and a flight of stairs more to go,” *lola Carmen patiently reminded herself, pushing the pain of her quivering knees aside.

It has been three decades since she braved the devotee crowds that filled the streets of Iloilo City of then Pope John Paul II’s visit. She was amazed at how an ordinary chapel with a seating capacity of roughly one thousand people could accommodate so much more. lola Carmen couldn’t wait to reach the relic displays to intimately pay her respects to the remnants of a Pope she only had the chance to worship from afar.

Habemus Papam!

How much do we actually know about our popes other than just their names, or the white smoke being puffed out at the Sistine Chapel that signals a conclave vote outcome? These Holy, highly, honored individuals are evidence that it is possible to still impact lives all over the world, in every generation, even after one’s last breath.

Newly canonized Popes, St. John Paul II and St. John XXIII’s sacred relics were scheduled to visit Iloilo City from May 20 to 22, where it was ushered by a motorcade to the University of San Agustin, the first Catholic university in Western Visayas’, chapel to be displayed.

A welcome mass was celebrated by Jaro Archbishop Angel N. lagdameo, and the chapel remained open for masses, vespers, catechesis and veneration from 7am to 9pm for the duration of the stopover. Thousands of devotees from Iloilo and the surrounding regions swarmed the chapel to welcome, get a glimpse of and honor the vestiges.

Relinquo Derived from the latin phrase “I leave”, according to an article on “Church Teaching on relics” given by rev. William Sanders in the Arlington Catholic Herald, a relic is “a piece of the body of a saint, an item owned or used or an object which has been touched by the tomb of a saint”.

During the visitation, the relics were comprised of St. John Paul II’s blood stain, hair strands, papal zucchetto and part of his cassock, in addition to St. John XXIII’s funeral cassock imbued with bodily fluids. Blessed Ivan Merz’s finger bone was also displayed. These Sacramentals were brought to Iloilo courtesy of the office of the Vice Postulation for the canonization of Blessed Ivan Merz which organized the public exposition and veneration of the Pope’s relics. These precious gifts from our Holy Saints are said to be miraculous.

John-know what I mean?

The Twentieth century was filled with wars and innovations. Modernization brought about an array of jargons, figures of speech and often, misunderstanding. leaders, including those in the church, were needed. In a world obsessed with innovations and discoveries, people’s faith in God tended to wane. These two “Johns” lived up to their names in sharing the grace and mercy of the lord.

Pope John XXIII was originally born Angelo Giuseppe roncalli. He replaced Pope Pius XII in 1958 at the age of 76, and remained as Pope from 1959-1963. Pope John XXIII wanted the whole world to be able to understand God’s word in Twentieth Century lingo. Therefore, he moved to revise the Code of Canon law and convened the Second Vatican Council during the 1960s which introduced the roman Catholic Church into the modern world and vice versa. As a result, modern music and local languages, English included, replaced latin prayers and chants in various churches. He was said to be the ember that started a new age for the Church. remembered for his always smiling face and fatherly tenderness, Pope John Paul II, born karol Jozef Wojtyla, replaced Pope John Paul I in 1978 at the age of 58, until his death on April 2, 2005.

He is known to have the second longest pontificate

in the history of the church, lasting 27 years. As the “most traveled pope”, he relentlessly thought of his subsequent journeys with long-range goals and devotions in mind, one of them was molding the youngsters of our generation into children of God. St. John Paul II was the first non-Italian pope in 455 years. The idea of organizing a World Youth Day, which is still presently organized and celebrated, was his.

Their time drew societies closer to the church and greatly increased catholic numbers through social media expansion and technology.

Popular and beloved by the people, both were canonized together as saints last April 27, 2014 by Pope Francis in St. Peter’s square.

Crowned as most cordial Bearers of the relics, called custodians, admitted that “of all the places the relics went to in the Philippines, the visit at University of San Agustin was the most organized, most prayerful, most solemn veneration in the whole country,” shares Mhark Dominic M. Macaranas, Archdiocese Campus Ministry for City Schools.

Visitors of the relics bore witness to the realities of these saints’ faith.

Even though their religious encounters only lasted for a few intimate minutes, they were capable of generating marvels.

The first ever papal visit by Pope John Paul II in Iloilo City happened in February 20-21, 1981, almost 30 years ago.

“Amidst secularizations, modern temptations and trends, it seems that faith, the church, our saints and even God have become irrelevant to people. The sight of people swarming the church proved me wrong. I was beyond touched by the resiliency of the Visayan people,” confessed Macaranas, “they were proof that church and faith still matter.”

Sacrifice Suffices People from all walks of life became common and ordinary before the saints, especially before God. For instance, in order to avoid injuries and to accommodate devotees with disabilities, there was initially an area reserved where PWDs simply had to wait for the relics to be brought to them. Yet despite the difficult conditions, none of them gave in. The elderly and disabled devotees managed to find their way through the crowd just to get a glimpse of the sacred relics.

Cloistered monks who barely even stepped out of their monasteries were already out waiting

“Amidst secularizations, modern temptations and trends, it seems that faith, the church, our saints and even God have become irrelevant to people.”

usa pub ILLustRatIoN / aNNe CaTherINe D. maLazarTe

By AYAH DANICA v. GRANADA

on the streets.

Churches and Catholic schools not initially part of the itinerary were given a chance to venerate. There was no VIP treatment in crowds like these.

Carpe Diem Who else is better certified to teach us to “seize the day” than the one elected, for life, to be one of God’s most trusted servants? What was meant to be a three-day rest period for the relics of the saints, turned into a three-day manifestation of the Filipino’s undying and overwhelming faith.

Not all of us may be eligible for sainthood, but we are all capable of doing saintly deeds; doing everything with love is one of them.

lola Carmen wasn’t the most religious or saintly person around, yet as she reached the relic displays, she was moved to tears. To lola Carmen, Pope John Paul II’s legacy was not just based on the number of countries he’s visited, his assassination miracle (and the forgiving of his assassin), or the fact that he’s had one of the longest pontificates in papal history. His greatest accomplishment was his impact on the generation of the youth - a youth that lola Carmen herself was a part of. our patron Saint Augustine describes love as having “the hands to help others…the feet to hasten to the poor…the eyes to see misery and want…the ears to hear the sighs and sorrows of men.” These saints did all that, and more. St. John XXIII and St. John Paul II saw in every person the image and likeness of God and showed us that there’s no such thing as a life not worth living. *Not her real name

CAMPUS LIFE

On why we can’t say goodbye Articles on Page B2-B6

SPECTACLE

to All the Boys i’ve Loved Before Article on Page B6

SPECTACLE

everyone’s favorite reptile Article on Page B5

Valediction

Augustinian the

The Official Student Newspaper of the University of San Agustin • Iloilo City, Philippines

Finding Chicken Little

Beyond Ink and Paper

RAZOR EDGE

IMPETUS

adrian_attacks@yahoo.com

ric_liboon@yahoo.com

RAY ADRIAN C. MACALALAG, BSCE ‘14

“Why force them to live a life of mediocrity as students when they can grow and become brilliant, wellrounded professionals in the future?”

To set things straight, the University of San Agustin was my second choice in getting my Bachelor’s degree. I could still remember my plans of studying in another university that I loved based in Miag-ao, Iloilo. My mind was already set; not until circumstances (like getting very expensive tuition in the school’s bracketing system) led me to decide to enroll in the Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering (BSChE) program of this prestigious Catholic university.

During the last week of May 2009, my high school classmate and I enrolled together in the College of Engineering and Architecture. He was the first one in line, followed by me. When the professor asked him what course he was taking, I overheard another professor worrying that there were no freshmen enrolled in the BSChE degree yet. This meant only one thing – that I could be the one and only freshmen in that course! So, I took a five-minute decision to take the Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (BSCE) program, the same degree as my high school classmate.

(This is a confession. As a graduate of the BSCE degree, I can say I never made the wrong choice, though.)

Still in the process of moving on with a wild

beginning for my college life, I took the challenge of applying for a slot in the USA Publications. As a managing editor in my high school publication, I thought everything was going to be easy – but it wasn’t. Though I passed the qualifying examination and earned the position of Associate Editor, I never expected to pass the exam because it was entirely different from what high school was. Maybe, just maybe, it was destiny that made me fall into this place.

If you happen to see me around campus when I was still a student, I was a bubbly little guy with slightly spikey hair or a semi-Mohawk (sometimes just messed up), wearing a pair of glasses, and a usual smiley face when I hang around with the people whom I call, “friends”. I never found myself as the “Chicken Little”, until I joined the USA Pub. I had to work hard to prove my worth when I became Managing Editor the following year, and eventually Editor-in-Chief. I juggled jobs beyond my assignments. I sacrificed most of my studies, even my family duties at times, just for the USA Pub to keep up with its reputation as the best, not just in the region, but RAZOR EDGE Page B6

Sa Simula’t Sapul

ric martin libo-on, bmls ‘15

“It was rather a worthwhile experience that we all shared. It was somewhat larger than life and it was something else.”

For the last time, this priceless space that my beloved publication has allotted for me must be deserved by every Augustinian and to the people who shared their life stories through my pen and turned my personal insight to a social impact.

I am not good with farewells. Neither am I fond of goodbyes. Yet the harsh truth that keeps on coming right in front of the unfamiliar eye is that, no matter how you hold on to something, everything ends and the irony of life comes to play when it turns a new leaf.

Cliché as it may sound, it’s the beginning of the end. Should this be my final piece for the USA Publications, it will forever be enough and this brief writing will always suffice.

Pardon the cliches, but truly, writing this article to formally close my three-year journey with this 86-year-old Publication can get me a little sentimental as I recall the last day of Applications when I signed my name, became a senior writer, Wall newspaper editor, and eventually, Editor-in-chief.

The USA PUB has never been perfect, but you can always count on us. Being a member of this team is not just about writing. There is more to creative layout, proof-reading or to meet hefty

demands and deadlines. It was a rather worthwhile experience that we all shared. It was somewhat larger than life and it was definitely something else.

My stay with the USA PUB was an amazing flight of highs and missteps and these are some of my realizations: Everyone has a story. From the grand to the mundane, I witnessed first-hand encounters and treasured life-changing experiences that only the USA PUB can offer. And the best part was sharing these moments with passionate people who eventually became my friends, who I treated like family.

Through the Augustinian Mirror, I was able to meet and feature the lives of Nong Terre, the man who escaped death, Nong Rodolfo, the roadside cobbler of Guanco street, Nong Arnel, the side gate barker of the campus along with sons Daniel and Golden who were born just across the University, and Nong Rafael, the longest serving custodian of San Agustin. To all of these outstanding individuals, thank you for your time and for letting me inspire others through your unique stories.

IMPETUS Page B6

Thinking Themes, Creating Dreams

BILL POSTER

POLYGON

jersonelmido@rocketmail.com

wlizada@yahoo.com

JERSON E. ELMIDO, BS HRM ‘14

“Salamat sa paglagay ng kulay at pagbuo ng aking kwento.”

Malaki ang naging epekto ng aking dating karanasan bilang kawan sa mga restawran sa pagpili ng aking kurso sa kolehiyo.

Nakakalibang kasi ang industriya ng Hospitality at naging inspirasyon ko ang aking pangarap na makapagtayo ng sariling resort balangaraw. Pinili ko ang Unibersidad ni San Agustin dahil tumubo ang interes ko sa institusyong ito noong ako’y hayskul pa lamang. Aktibo kasi ako sa aming pahayagan bilang manlilikha ng mga dibuho kaya naisipan kong sumali sa USA Publications upang maging isa sa kanilang mga iskolar. Ngunit nalaman ko na walang bakanteng posisyon ng tagaguhit nang mga panahong iyon. Napilitan akong subukan ang kanilang pagsusulit para sa mga manunulat. Kahit sabihin mang O.A., napalundag ako sa tuwa kahit nasa kalagitnaan ako noon ng daan nang ako’y mapabilang sa pinaka-premiyer na organisasyon sa buong Unibersidad. Doon na nagsimula ang masasayang araw ng aking buhay kolehiyo.

Kasing-laki na ng mga butil ng bigas ang aking mga pawis at nararamdaman ko na pumapasok ang nakakasulasok na amoy ng katabi ko sa aking ilong dahil sa matinding siksikan. Pahirapan ang pilahan kahit saan maging sa bilihan ng uniporme’t mga aklat, sa pinagbabayaran ng matrikula, sa kantina, at kahit sa opisina kung saan nagpapa-enrol.

Ganito man ka masalimuot ang naging sistema ng aking pakikipagsapalaran bawat semestre sa

Unibersidad na ito ay hindi matatawaran ang aking mga masasayang alaala kasama ang aking mga guro’t kaibigan.

Walang kasing tamis gunitain ang mga karanasan ko sa loob ng San Ag mula sa mga hiyawan sa mga konsiyerto, palabas, at isports hanggang sa mga simpleng pagmasid-tanaw sa mga magaganda at makikinis na dilag na dumadaan sa harap ng Blanco at Aguirre.

Masaya naming ipinagmamalaki ang aming mga mamahaling sasakyan na naka-parking sa labas ng Alumni Building ngunit ang katotohanan ay pamasahe lang sa dyip ang aming dala. Noong first year ako, naranasan ko ang mahingian ng papel at mahiraman ng bolpeng hindi na isinasauli. Magastos pala. Kaya sa sumunod na taon, ako naman ang nanghihingi at humihiram.

Laging basa ang aking medyas tuwing tag-ulan sa San Ag. Naranasan kong ibalot sa supot ng plastik ang aking medyas ngunit dahil mumurahin ang plastik at madaling mabutas, amoy patay na daga ang aking paa pag-uwi galing sa eskwela.

Ang aking pinakamamahal na pares ng polo barong at slacks na sa sobrang pagmamahal ko ay hindi ko na nagawang palitan mula first year hanggang gumradweyt ako. Ang totoo, wala akong perang pambili ng bago kaya para akong binalot na chorizo pagdating ko ng third year.

Kuripot akong uri ng estudyante. Kahit na BILL POSTER Page B5

wilhelm c. lizada, Bmls ‘15

“And beyond what I expected are gifts that this organization had given me; a cozy place to stay, a group of genuine people with diverse perspectives in life.”

I’m a very simple student, I must say; not too flabby, small, not too skinny nor tall; not too geeky or even included in the campus’ handsome fleet. I just go to a college where everyone seems to be very busy; more writings, more quizzes and a day of sitting session.It wasn’t til I signed an application sheet that changed my tough, dreary, academic life into a twisting wholesome world of paper works, interviews, a life-changing framing of ideas, vibrant themes and an elite group which I truly consider my second family-the USA Publications.

For more than three years that I’ve been part of this admired team of the university, I learned so many lessons that would help me in my dayto-day survival in college. I can truly say that the USA Pub did not just mold me to my greatest strengths, but it trained my well-being in facing the realities of life through my experiences, skills and the wisdom that I apprize most.

As a manner of thanking my fellow Pubpips for the unending spirit of solidarity and unity in formulating themes into world class timepieces, I would like to dedicate my farewell message to them. Here’s to the six brilliant themes which

brought back the grandeur of the 86 year-old student press corps of the university.

When I first walked into the doorstep of the publications office as an apprentice writer, I wondered, “What could I redeem for such valuable service?” And beyond what I expected are gifts that this organization has given me: a cozy place to stay, a group of genuine people with diverse perspectives in life whom I could spend time with, scholarships for promising ones and a bunch of free food - like all the time.

Redemption was the first ever magazine theme that opened my mind to an array of norms and standards of being a Pub pip.

Numbers marked my stay in the Pub as I definitely accomplished several articles that tested my ability to communicate with prominent individuals. Countless interviews in and out of the university have embarked me in a journey which I really enjoyed. My biggest appreciation goes to the undying patience of our moderators who, in a way, did not just oversee our articles into fine perfect outputs, but also passed on POLYGON Page B5

B2-B3 Volume LIX Number 3 • May 15, 2014

Kaleidoscope of Pub Memories

Of Dealines and bye-lines

IN YOUR FACE

A-BOMB

jesannyyap07@gmail.com

ayarrsg@gmail.com

JESANNY I. YAP, B MLS ‘15

“People most often than not, tend to see us as top caliber individuals, with complex personalities and high-end point of views who seclude themselves in their own world... But I’d like to rebut that notion.”

Behind every issue of the Augustinian tabloid and The Augustinian Mirror magazine is every Pub pip’s story of hours staring blankly in the computer screen, deliberating on what sensible story to put together, of days spent editing and proofreading articles just to assure quality control in every write-up, and weeks of waiting before the conceived ideas can finally land on every Augustinian student’s hand.

People most often than not, tend to see us as top caliber individuals, with complex personalities and high-end point of views who seclude themselves in their own world (read: office). But I’d like to rebut that notion. We are no different from every other student from different walks of life, driven together by the same burning passion to write and advocate excellent campus journalism for the common good.

Our unique individuality makes us a dynamic family. We’ve got beauty queens, artists, student leaders, musicians, athletes, academic achievers, debaters, and future board topnotchers, just to

name a few.

Every now and then I can still hardly imagine how my life has changed a lot since my admission in the USA Publications. Being an editor-in-chief of my highschool school paper back in Aklan, I’ve always wanted to pursue my passion for writing in college, but never did I imagine being a part of the most-influential and widely-read student publications in Western Visayas.

As a Pub baby appointed as the Associate Editor during my Freshman year and at the same time being enrolled under the MLS program, I had to struggle adjusting to schedules where classes demanded more time in the laboratory. But being in this family, I realized, is more than just throwing yourself into writing down your thoughts and producing quality articles, it entails versatility.

I distinctly remember how I always find myself being tossed around in the air and letting my inner cheerleader out every team building event, iN YOUR FACE Page B6

In Memory of a Memory

ayah danica v. granada, ab lit ‘14

“It would be cliché of me to say that a flyer to join the prestige, awardwinning and official press corps of the university got my attention, but that’s what actually happened.”

“Writers are crazy. Thank God we are growing in numbers.” -Dr. Isidoro M. Cruz I never really considered myself a writer – or crazy. I practically eeny-meeny-miny-moe’d a decision I had the possibility of regretting for the rest of my life. I chose to major in Literature, because hey, why not? I loved to read. I wasn’t much of a writer. Yet. I tried to blend in by spending my days like any “normal” freshman would. I followed the routine of sleep-eat-school-eat-sleep. But that was before I discovered the university had so much more to offer. It would be cliché of me to say that a flyer to join the prestige, award-winning and official press corps of the university got my attention, but that’s what actually happened. And I am more than thankful I took a second look at it, and gave it chance.

With no previous journalistic experiences, I became a “pubpip” as a sophomore as part of the first batch to take in apprentices. Apprenticeship was the year of beginnings, basics and slowly belonging. Then the next two years, as a senior

writer and literary editor, flew by –a little too fast.

In my three years pubpip, I’ve had moments where I thought I could no longer come up with the exact, or any, words at all. I’ve mixed up my priorities, challenged myself in terms of time management, experienced writers block at its finest (along with the many distractions along the way) and just like most writers –was just plain lazy, and for that, Ayahpologize dearest EICs. Technicalities aside, the pubpips and our beloved office have not only replaced the library as my hangout place for free periods, but served as my little safe haven. It was our parttime theater, arcade, living room and where we had mini fiestas and siestas, and embarrassingly, where most of us sometimes “emoted” over a discourse or low test scores. But more than that, it was our home.

To my moderators, Ma’am Gladys and Mommy Cornel, thank you for the academic guidance (and often, not-so-scholarly chika and advice ). You have never failed to keep your pub A-BOMB Page B6

Click, Pick and Print

KATHERSTONE

anne catherine d. malazarte, BS FA ‘16

a.kuriz_95@yahoo.com

HAWKEYE

Thongenn lanz b. patiam, bsfs ‘14

lanzpatiam@gmail.com

“I never expected to dwell in your niche before the world told me that there’s really no such thing as coincidence. ” This valediction, I write it not to cut off my ties, but to speak of a memory about a family, one of the most beautiful encounters I had, about you pub pips.

Forgive me. I was never the kind of darling who would act how I think. I was shy and distant.

That time, I did not know where to place myself; I always found myself a little lost belonging to an elite group of excellent students. I am an artist. I thought and felt differently than you. I was more sensitive, in a way, I guess. But you comforted me and made me feel that I would become a part of your beautiful family.

I never expected to dwell in your niche before the world told me that there’s really no such thing as coincidence. I remember that time when I stood in front of your office minutes before someone told me that they needed an artist. I was not enrolled yet for I was merely a high school graduate, fresh from the farm. You were curious as to how I knew that you needed an artist for the publication. I too, was surprised. I was not prepared. Maybe, life wanted me to cherish and enjoy time. Perhaps that’s why we met.

And now, I’m not sure if I really want to finish this valediction, because I believe that this is not goodbye.

To Nong Wil, thank you a bunch for being the first person who made me so comfortable

in the group that I now call “my family.” You saved me from isolation. Nong Ray and Nong Jerson, this must be a cliché, but words are not enough to express my gratitude for all the things you’ve done for me. To Nang Joey, your astounding beauty sometimes made me shy to approach you, but you never fail you give me your dashing smile every time we would meet, thank you. To Nong Ric and Nang Jes, I just love seeing you together. To the other pharma babies, Nang Marylex and Nong Dan, keep smiling and continue making people realize that life is, indeed, a really fun ride.

Nang Ayah, thank you for your tears, for making me realize that art is capable of moving hearts. Nong Joel, thank you for your cool personality, you’re like home to me. To Nong Lanz, I still believe that we geeks shall rule the world in the future, let’s prepare for that. To “Tol” Nang Joyce, thank you for sharing your experiences with me; you’re such a cool girl.

And to the other pub pips, I give you my love and gratitude. Thank you for trusting me and letting me use my artistry into something more productive for the two years I’ve been with you.

Thank you for another beautiful encounter.

You will always be a beautiful story that I will keep in my memory; because memories recover history.

“Being able to hold photo shoots and grabbing other opportunities made me realize that all of this made me happy, and it was for the Pub.” “You don’t take a photograph, you make it.” Ansel Adams Me? Write? Well that’s new. Some people may know me for taking the photos for the USA Publications. Yes, most of the photos you see in the Augustinian and the Mirror, were courtesy of yours truly. I wasn’t much of a writer, so I didn’t usually put my thoughts into words. I did it through photography. All I knew was how to click. This is both a first and a last for me.

I enrolled in the university as a Bachelor of Arts student, major in Foreign Service in the College of Arts and Sciences. Photography was not an interest of mine, yet. I was just a typical Artian student with a laid-back attitude, who usually stayed at the good ol’ Batibot tree or anywhere with the company of classmates.

It all changed though when I started engaging in photography. I attended classes, joined photo shoots, and walked around the streets of Iloilo to capture anything from morning til’ night, just so I could improve my craft. Things changed when I saw a USA PUB poster mentioning that they needed a photojournalist.

I applied for the position of photojournalist simply as an enthusiast, with no idea what I was

really signing myself up for. I filled-up a form, took the exam, and passed even though there were only two of us vying for the position. Yes, I’m talking about you, “Bud”.

My first year was definitely a rough start.

Covering events and keeping track of deadlines were some struggles among others. Having been promoted to photography editor, winning awards and being able to engage in campus journalism all in the span of a year was definitely one heck of a ride.

Then on my last year, things remained the same; there were just more things to experience.

Being able to hold photo shoots and grabbing other opportunities made me realize that doing all of this made me happy, and it was for the Pub. The USA PUB is truly something. Behind every article passed, every picture published, I genuinely had fun. Two years were, indeed, worth it.

Now, this part will definitely be filled with appreciation and gratitude to a handful of people.

To my family, for all the support you provided all throughout these years, thank you. I know that there were some instances where we didn’t get HAWKEYE Page B5

Valediction

Augustinian the

The Official Student Newspaper of the University of San Agustin • Iloilo City, Philippines

My Office is Just a Few Steps Away!

Goodbye-ala-Marylex

TRAILBLAZER

BLUED

bro.miah@yahoo.com

marylexsumatra_3658@yahoo.com

jeremiah john p. vardeleon, BSBA ‘16

“We inspired many Augustinians to gather not just in times of glory but also in times of crisis.”

Thomas Babington Macaulay, an English historian, once implied that the power acquired by the media has become seemingly coequal with the three branches of the government.

Since then, the press is being looked upon as the people’s watchdog against corruption and other irregularities in the government. A free and dynamic press is undeniably a potent force to check abuses of the officials in the executive, legislative, judiciary and even in the business sector. (p. 15 Basic Journalism Handbook by Filemon V. Viduya) In this farewell message, I would like to thank my family at the USA Publications (USA Pub) for the training, camaraderie, and wisdom I learned from this prestigious organization. What I learned from the USA Pub will undeniably help me function more efficiently as the newlyelected USA Student Council President. In fact, aside from the skills I acquired in preparing for better speeches, articles, communication letters, and the like; I can truly say that the USA Pub has equipped me with a more valuable armament i.e. the imprinting realization that a great power lies within a well- informed student body.

During my two-year stay at the USA Pub, I was privileged enough to be part of the invaluable milestones in the life of the 86-year-

old Publication. Just as I am writing this message, I remember the times when thousands of Augustinians reacted overwhelmingly to a “single” word in an article. I saw countless authority figures in the university who had to shape their decisions based on the present reality echoed by our organization. I was also there when we inspired many Augustinians to gather not just in times of glory, but also in times of crisis. Most importantly, I am also proud to be a living witness to the countless Augustinians whom we have inspired to do more than what was expected of them.

As a result, I keep on telling myself that, had I not been given a new role in the university, I will still choose to be part of the USA Publications, that is, for the sheer reason that it can immensely move people and the future to change for the better.

With this, I say with great conviction, that the various Student Publications are key contributors in assisting our university. Most especially in these critical moments when the K-to-12 program of the Department of Education will create a significant enrollee drought which will affect the regular operations of our Alma TRAILBLAZER Page B6

It All Started With a Joke

marylex g. sumatra, bmls ‘15

“There are many ways to say goodbye — more than there are languages to utter it, even.”

After 4,406,400 seconds, five tea shops slash coffee shops and countless cups emptied; here I am, still writing the first part of my valediction, still unsure on what to write and how to write it.

Unlike the usual stuff I write in my assignments as a writer in the publications, writing a valediction has no structure, no specific topic and has too many strings attached.

Maybe it was just those strings that made it so complicated to say those supposedly-simple words. Those strings that tangled into a messy bunch of memories formed by every second that I stayed at the Pub, its imperfections made it even more perfect, and even harder to let go of.

But since I started this already, I might as well finish it, right?

There are many ways to say goodbye — more than there are languages to utter it, even.

Adiós, adieu, ciao, addio, la revedere, ade, tot ziens, adjö, hej hej, do svidaniya, zegnaj, sbohem, sayonara, zài jiàn, joigin, annyeong, paalam, selamat jalan, ayo. I’m not even linguist, so why bother? I just copied this from the net just for you to know that there are different ways for you to say goodbye. However, I find it fitting to remember my first moments in the pub as I

encapsulate my last moments on this page.

Coming from neighboring island of Negros, I didn’t know where to start. I have a set of friends in the classroom, but something drew my attention towards the poster that was posted in almost every hallway of the university— because everywhere I went I always stumbled upon that poster.

As I stared at the poster, one thing was for sure: I wasn’t aiming for the scholarship nor the extra credit and I couldn’t expect to be friends with a free-spirited group of people. I expected my mentors to be the usual nerdy-type you get whenever you hear the word “PUBLICATIONS”.

But having passed the series of tests and interviews, I was surprised that the tables turned the first time I took it, as apprentice newbies were introduced to the Pub family. We, myself included, have suddenly become the silentnerdy-type as we all faced the loud and wild— in many different ways— senior pub staff. It took me months to be confident with them and to be honest, I have a silly confession. It’ll be between you and me *wink wink*. My first BLUED Page B6

Legen-wait-for-it SOJOURN

SABERTOOTH

Christine joy a. saber, BS PHARMA ‘14

DANIEL P. ABUTAS, Bmls ‘15

daneabutas_24@yahoo.com.ph

saber.christinejoy@gmail.com

“Books, papers and pens were always our weapons in fighting a not-so-violent war.”

Mickey-mickey, “Spoons”, IQ test… these games were just few of the many to mention etched-in- my-mind moments with the Pubpips.

As written in The Augustinian Mirror Volume LXXVIII Issue Number 2 page 13, “It’s more fun at the USA Pub”. Indeed, my experience was evidence that it is really more fun being a member of this prestigious organization.

You may wonder how these people behind the USA Pub could make being writers a fun job even if it appears to be a “boring” job. Books, papers and pens were always our weapons in fighting a not-so-violent war.

As a member for almost 3 years, I could hardly say,” I thought the members of this org were so serious, but I was shocked. It never crossed my mind that they could be more hilarious than me.

I can never forget that one summer when I was taking my first year classes. I cracked a joke at my friend to try taking the qualifying exam offered by the USA Pub. We actually took the joke seriously. We took the exam and were clueless about what would happen next.

The results were in after a few days of waiting.

Fortunately, I passed, but my friend didn’t. I’m not saying this to prove to you that I was more brilliant or luckier. Of all the reasons I was in the Pub, I’m happy that it was her. To Jennifer Nufuar, the most “M” President of Pharmacy 4A, I would not be able to make it without your

optimistic outlook that we, too,could be just as good as other writers.

To my Mama, Papa and Big Bro’s, who we’re shocked as to why I got involved in this organization, thank you for the love and support.

To my partner, Ba, thank you for accompanying me in making my article in the mag. Also, for the love and care you had given me. I hope this will be forever.

To my best buds, Lera and Cyb, thank you for all the surprises, money-lending, epic revelations, house-to-house, and 1-2-3-4 moments.

To my team Iba, thank you for all the neverending ‘timber’, food trips and laugh trips, I couldn’t have imagined my research life without you as the best people by my side.

To Pharmacy 4A, bear in mind to always dream big because we will reach it all together, firm and undivided.

To the CPMT, especially to all the faculty and staff, thank you for giving your students a “never-give-up” perspective.

To my Pub-buddies and “megs”, Joel, Resty, PapAyah and Stephanie thank you for our chikas.

May you continue to give love around.

To the “Team K” (whom I don’t know how or why they came up with the name) Ric, Wil, Jes, Lex and Daniel, thank you for all the SABERTOOTH Page B5

“My stay there may have been temporary, but it was enough to change something in me – a good kind of change.”

I’d have to write a two-part novel if I had to sum up my stay in the pub, let alone all the happy experiences we’ve had and the laughs we’ve shared. For two years of being in the pub, going with the cliché, I have learned a lot. My stay may have been temporary, but it was enough to change something in me - a good kind of change.

I started out as an unofficial apprentice photographer, having been asked by Nong Ray to cover for the Intramurals, particularly the Cheerdance Competition in 2012. He said he needed extra help with the documentation of the different events. From there, the once less-thanan-amateur photographer became a full-fledged amateur photographer. I learned my lessons first-hand that greatly molded me to become the photojournalist I am today. It was just incredible.

To tell you honestly, I took the Pub entrance exams to apply as a writer with my friends, but I wasn’t able to make the cut. Since most of my friends got in, I had to go with them, even if I wasn’t a Pubpip. Then they encouraged me to apply as a photojournalist, which I did. It was awkward at first, feeling out of place, a fish-outof-the-fishbowl kind of feeling. Over time, I was able to connect and establish a bond with them that I never knew would be forever.

Being with the USA Pub was amazing. It is far more than just the passes given to us during events or the [cool] uniforms that we get, but more of the

camaraderie and friendship we have shared. They have become my support group where I was able to share my thoughts and express my feelings. You get to think that you have this group of people who will always have your back, who will sometimes fight your battles with you if they have to, and where I also found inspiration and love. We have been through a lot, through good times and bad, we had each other. We have had our fair share of fights, arguments, misinterpretations, but I always believed it is what made us stronger, aside from the team building activities that we do.

I thank my fellow Pubpips for an awesome journey. I’ll be missing a lot of things, from the lechon we get every Patron Saint’s Day, to the free ice cream we hand out to random people in school every University week, not to mention the games we play in the office with the aftermath of almost broken shelves, cola spills on the floor and an overall disorganized office, to name a few. To the ones left behind, don’t fret. Me and the others who will be exiting the pub will always be here.

Continue to live the legacy of the 86- year-old USA Publications, and keep the fire for campus journalism burning. To the moderators ,whom I had the pleasure of being under, thank you for the guidance, motivation and the support that you have given me. My sojourn at the Pub will now be a memory I get to keep forever.

And one more thing: DARY!

Spectacle Augustinian the

B4-B5

The Official Student Newspaper of the University of San Agustin • Iloilo City, Philippines

Volume LIX Number 3 • May 15, 2014

GODZILLA VS. M.U.T.O. G O D Z I LLA ( 2 014 ): MOV IE REV IEW By thongenn lanz b. patiam

IN 1954, a creature emerges from the ocean after a bomb was detonated during a secret nuclear test witnessed by the US Armed Forces. They named the creature Godzilla.

In 1999, Dr. Serizawa (Ken Watanabe, The Last Samurai) and his team discover an ancient skeleton in the Philippines bigger than anything

SABERTOOTH From B4

kawalang-hiyaan.

To the model student, Nong Jeremiah, thank you for the kindness you’ve showed, the religious talks and for all the latest in and off-campus updates you’ve shared.

To the beautiful girls and boys who will continue the legacy, always nourish and nurture our beloved USA Pub. To my Manang Joey, Nong Ray and Nong Jerson, I just realized that you were the coolest mentors I’ve ever had, thank you for all the moments.

To the USA Publications, I guess this will BILL POSTER From B2

ang photocopy ng mga mamahaling libro ay natitiis kong hindi bilhin. Habang nasa klase ay matiyaga akong nakiki-usiyoso sa photocopy ng katabi ko at, salamat kay Santo Agustin, nagagawa ko namang maipasa ang aming mga pagsusulit at takdang-aralin. Lagi akong inaantok sa klase lalo na kung hindi ako nakapag-almusal. Simple lang ang aking pormyula diyan. Iyuyuko ko ang aking ulo ng 45 degrees hanggang hindi makita ni Prof ang nakapikit kong mga mata. Iguguhit ko ng dahan-dahan ang hawak kong bolpen para kunwari ay nagsusulat ako ng mga sinasabi ni Prof. Hindi ko namamalayan, pagkatapos ng sandaling pag-iidlip, ay magugulat ako sa workof-art na aking mabubuo sa aking notebook!

Puwedeng ipa-frame at ibenta sa mga subasta bilang abstract art. Pero ang pinakamabisang gamot sa antok ay ang mahuli ka ng iyong Prof at pagtawanan ng iyong mga kaklase. Tuluyan kang magigising sa gulat at kahihiyan.

Ang dami kong nakasalubong at nakilalang

known to live during a collapsed mine incident.

Attached to the skeleton are egg sacs; a majority of which are fossilized. One, however, has hatched and heads course to the Pacific, targeting a coastal Japanese nuclear reactor. It destroys the reactor, which leads to the demise of the wife of head engineer of the reactor, Joe Brody (Bryan

be the last article that I could offer you. I have no more deadlines to comply with. I’ll miss you.

Others might stereotype us as a boring group, but they have no idea how much you have made my college days more fun and full of unexpected memories.

To the University of San Agustin, I will spread my wings and soar high like an eagle to reach my dreams, always carrying with me the morals you’ve embedded.

Lastly, to Almighty God, thank you for all the countless thoughts and experiences you had blessed me with. Forever, I’ll keep them in my heart, in my mind and in my life. I’ll always treasure these unforgettable memories with me. tao sa aking buhay kolehiyo. Mga kaklaseng magaling sumipsip sa guro na parang linta, may mga bad influence na nagyayayang pumunta sa CR at pagkatapos ay lumiliban sa klase, may mga tahimik pero sa kalagitnaan ng semestre ay tumigil dahil nabuntis, at meron namang sasamahan ka tuwing recess para may kasalo kang kumain ng binili mong French fries.

Ang sarap gunitain ang mga alaala kaya tuwing dumadaan ako sa daang General Luna o Jalandoni lulan ng dyip ay hindi ko matiis dumungaw sa bintana ng sasakyan at tingnan ang pinakamamahal kong Unibersidad. Salamat sa Panginoon, sa mga pamilya ko, sa aking pinakamamahal na mga kasamahan sa USA Publications, USA Bookstore, USA GIASA, mga guro ko, mga tagapayo ko, mga kaklase ko, sa mga crush ko, sa mga nakaaway ko, sa mga butihing sekyu, sa mga kaibigan ko, sa mga hindi ko kilala pero nginingitian ako tuwing nagkakasalubong kami, at sa pinakamaunawaing espesyal na tao sa buhay ko. Salamat sa paglagay ng kulay at pagbuo ng aking kwento.

Cranston, Breaking Bad).

Fifteen years later, Joe is still skeptical if what happened was really an accident, so he decides to search in the quarantined zone in Japan with his son, Lt. Ford Brody (Aaron Taylor Johnson, Kickass). There, they discover a huge cocoon that is about to open, unleashing a giant monster, and

POLYGON From B2

further knowledge, expertise and passion in the field of journalism onto us.

My college years wouldn’t have been fulfilled without the nurturing care of the best Pub crew. Well, I personally thank my Pub family for bringing me up with much motivation, building my strength, confidence and the willPower to conquer every obstacle that life gave me. Although sometimes rejected letters and shredded outputs came into sight, pulling me Down and Dirty, my Pub family did not hesitate to help pull me up and maintained my optimism in my career as a writer and as a student.

Having said these, I am proud to admit that the USA Pub has turned some of my dreams into reality. Within just three years, we managed to bring back the magnificence of an organization HAWKEYE From B3

along all too well, but we got through it. I will definitely be a bearer of good things for you.

To my FS classmates, thanks for letting me capture your every angle, good and bad.

Kidding. Four years with you guys was great and we definitely need to start a new destination elsewhere before we get to see each other again.

To my Artian friends, don’t worry because I have the same opinions about you guys. I definitely respect you all.

To the USACAP, thank you for letting me become the Vice President for these past two years. Leading you guys was an honor. Do not forget to keep on clicking and improving.

To all of my teachers, I know I’ve been good at some points, and I do hope that you enjoyed my company as your student. It would be nice to

then Godzilla gets involved.

It’s now a race for time for Ford, as he must now head back home, warn and rescue his son and wife Elle (Elizabeth Olsen, Old boy) as another creature wakes up and wreaks havoc as it targets San Francisco. Things are going to get ugly as an all-out giant monster brawl begins with these two giant creatures and Godzilla.

In this reboot of the classic tale of the Japanese giant creature, it retells the origins of Godzilla in modern times as a terrifying force of nature. With its razor sharp reptilian back, breathing out blue fire and its iconic monstrous roar, it only proves why Godzilla is the king of monsters. Director Gareth Edwards, being familiar with sci-fi and monsters in his first film released in 2010, Monsters, gives life to Godzilla back to its original form. Unlike the version released in 1998, the studio took time to revamp Godzilla to its original form bringing what the giant monster looks like in the big screen. Two creatures to pit with Godzilla were also added to the mix. The director and design team looked for inspiration from other Godzilla films and other sci-fi creatures and carefully reflected on what makes them so iconic in what comes in the form of enemies for this iconic beast.

The director makes good use of human interest and picks out a wonderful cast. Dr. Serizawa’s character shows how arrogant and selfish man can become when the forces of nature interfere –and as the creatures’ plans to destroy everything in its path is set out. Every one of their moves revolves around his word.

Joe on the other hand, tries to find out what really happened; strongly believing that it was not simply an accident. Best known for his role in Breaking Bad, Cranston sets the gritty tone of why we should be fearful of what lies ahead.

Ford Brody, portrayed by Aaron Taylor Johnson, is a lieutenant of the US Army. Unlike his role in Kickass, Ford garbs himself in an army ensemble instead of a superhero suit, and is ready to put his life on the line for the safety of his family. Elle, portrayed by Elizabeth Olsen, plays the role of a nurse in San Francisco who waits for the return of her husband, Ford.

The movie disappoints, in a way, by setting up its viewers with the action build-up. Patience is required since Godzilla actually doesn’t show up until the next half hour of the movie. We only identify the situation by the way the characters describe it, rather than the scenes. Behind all the special effects, the director managed to deliver an ambitious and memorable return of the giant monster. The moving human drama, thoughtprovoking scenes, brawl of giant monsters is capable of being in par with the classics.

Godzilla is an entertaining spectacle of the return of the “King of Monsters”. Definitely a movie recommendation for boys –and girls –who want to relive their reptile-loving childhood days.

whose name has remained honored through the years. The era of the theme, Rocking the Ages bridged other college publications within the walls of the university to join hand-in-hand in promoting camaraderie and empowering each departmental pen with voices that speaks in behalf of the student body.

Now that I come to my final leg as an associate editor of this prestigious organization, what I can leave to the people, who until now partake their role as minds of the Pub, are the memories that they will surely experience in one way or another in their journey as senior editors.

We may be walking different paths now, but our world as writers and creators of masterpieces will continue wherever we may be. All we can do is give our best shot and relish every remarkable ride as we face our chosen paths towards reaching our dreams Into the Future. see you all again in the next few years.

Now, time for the individuals who made these past two years wonderful and awesome with me: Ma’am Confesor, Ma’am Cornel, Nang Leslie, Sir Jeff, Genessa, Nang Feb, Nong Louie, Nang Tinay, Nang Joey, Nong Ray, Nong Jerson, Nong Jeremiah, Ayah, Tol Joyce, Joel, Mara, Mary, Wilhelm, Daniel, Jessany, Ric, Marylex, Hyacinth, Stephanie, Resty, Ting, Edrylle, Seulgi, Rochelle, Christine, Kath, Jade and for anybody else that I failed to mention. Man, that was long.

But thanks again guys for everything while I was with the pub. Our moments will never be forgotten.

As I reach the end of my thank you and farewells, I also wish to start fresh. Here’s to a humble beginning. My memory card is now full of these memories I get to keep. Thank you, and that’s all folks!

Spectacle Augustinian the

B6

The Official Student Newspaper of the University of San Agustin • Iloilo City, Philippines

book review

Unrequitedly yours, REV IEW ON JEN N Y HAN’S TO AL L TH E B OY S I’V E LOVED BEFO RE

By AYAH DANICA V. GRANADA

“If love is like a possession, maybe my letters are like my exorcisms.”

Could a lost love letter possibly also bring back a lost love(r)?

Lara Jean Song has never had the courage to openly confess her true feelings to her crushes.

Instead, she chooses to write each boy a letter about how she feels, seals it and keeps it in a box under her bed. After all, Lara Jean believes that those letters were for “when I don’t want to be in love anymore. They’re for goodbye. Because after I write, I’m no longer consumed by my allconsuming love...My letters set me free.”

At least that was her take on “love” before she discovers her box entirely empty; letters all mailed out to their recipients by someone that IN YOUR FACE From B3

or how we became writers-turned-couturier for every COPRE competition or magazine cover production.

Time is fleeting, and no amount of writing skills could put into words the memories of my three-year stay in this prestigious organization.

With every journalistic tilt, I am forever grateful to my mentors who’ve always believed in my capabilities. To our previous moderators Nang Joey, Ma’am Cornel, and especially to Ma’am IMPETUS From B2

Be a Team Player. In life, there will always be people who have better thoughts, concepts and ideas. We should listen, learn from what is shared and accept it. It is not about getting what you want, but it’s sharing the stage with the team as a whole.

The USA Publications will not be where it is now without the guidance, patience and support of our dear moderators. Ma’am Confesor, Ma’am Cornel, Nang Joey and Nong Jeff, thank you for everything. And to all of my Pub seniors that will always be remembered, my heartfelt thanks.

Once a Pubpip, always a Pubpip.

No guts, no glory. Take risks and stand up for the things that you believe in. Take a leap of faith and in every given chance, pursue a dream.

Follow your passions and fuel each desire. At first, I was teeming with apprehensions before signing up on that last day of applications, but every waking day with the USA PUB molded me into a better person, clearing my doubts and inspiring me to face my fears, one day at a time.

To my immediate family at home, thank you for the unconditional love and support in everything that I do and I hope that I made you proud.

Jesanny, Daniel, Marylex, Wil and Jo I

definitely was not her. Five boys from Lara Jean’s past, including a summer love from camp and her big sister’s boyfriend, Josh, start confronting her about her once unrequited feelings for them – simultaneously. Everything she’s only had to courage to write down has instilled with her a kind of fearlessness she never knew she had.

The plot thickens when Josh receives his letter. Lara Jean is left with no choice but to save face, in order to safeguard her relationship with her sister –and her sister’s relationship with Josh. She pretends to be dating one of her letter recipients, Peter Kavinsky. They agree on a dating “contract”.

Then, the sham relationship starts to feel “real”, and whether it goes downhill or up from thereon out, will be your decision as a reader.

“When I write, I hold nothing back. I write like he’ll never read it. Because he never will.

Every secret thought, every careful observation, everything I’ve saved up inside me, I put it all in the letter...”

For a book revolving around love letters, it was pretty disappointing not to have read any of the letters in their entirety. All the reader is provided with are “Dear *insert crushes’ name here*” instances which can hardly even be considered excerpts. One aspect that I really appreciated in the book was the strong instilment of close family ties and upkeep of Korean culture in Lara Jean Covey’s family. Her relationship with her sisters, Kitty and Margot, accurately captured all the ups and downs of sisterhood and the special bond between female siblings. There is just something about having a female companion since birth, and for life, that only those with sisters can understand.

The story itself could be considered a standalone novel –if you don’t mind being clueless about her happily ever after and was satisfied with the drama. You might also like Jenny Han’s The Summer I Turned Pretty or Burn for Burn, which are both parts of separate trilogies. On the other hand, those who plan to give this book a chance (and end up loving it as much as I did), we have great news: yes, it will have a sequel. P.S. I Still Love You, is not bound to hit bookshelves until June 2015. In the meantime, let’s get to writing those love letters, shall we?

Confesor, who has always extended her motherly support. To my seniors, Manangs and Manongs who patiently helped us improve as the best writers we could be, we owe everything to you.

To my interviewees, who entrusted their life stories not only to me, but also for the world to read and be inspired. With great confidence, I know that the Pub babies will continue to paint the journalistic skies in colors of red and gold and uphold the same legacy that was handed down by our forepubpips, that in turn, we now pass down onto the next generations.

couldn’t survive this school year without you.

Thank you for being with me through the thick and thin of all things.

To my Junior Augustinian family in High school and to all of my mentors, I will forever be indebted.

Sir Eric, Atty. Panes, Sir Bandojo and Sir Toledo, past and present debate masters, I will never waste this opportunity to thank you for the gift of debate, wit and eloquence. Debate sa Bombo, PRISAA and St. Augustine’s Cup will always be memorable.

To my beloved College of Pharmacy and Medical Technology, thank you for that once in a lifetime chance to represent our department and for giving me one of the titles that I will forever cherish. Ma’am Deanna, thank you for always believing in me.

USA PUB ’14, I’ll miss working with you, guys. You are all good writers and we have an amazing team of photojournalists. Our friendship will be for keeps. To the next batch, go beyond where we left off and prize every second as a Pubpip. Shine.

And to you, my dear reader, my love and gratitude. Thank you for supporting the USA Publications in every endeavor and taking the time to read (or scan) my final article down to the very end. God bless you. See you around!

A-BOMB From B3

babies whole and united.

To my Ate Joey, nothing will ever compare to the girly time, academic advice, life talks and sisterly secret sharing *insert shrieks and footstomping here* that we had. Kuyas Ray and Jerson your expert artistic and technical guidance, brotherly tendencies, care and protection have made me feel safe in many terms.

To our MLS “babies”, our “all for one, one for all” troupe, thank you for the endless inside jokes. Our symphonic, multi-octave laugh trips will be greatly missed.

To our not-so newbies, it is a privilege to pass on to you the legacy we’ve all built and been part of together. I hope you feel as welcome in this family as I did. I still do.

To Kat, for bringing our words to life with artwork only you have the ability to create and for being the first artist whose work moved me to tears. I’m sure I’m not your only fan. Our BLUED From B4

assignment in the Pub was a DISASTER, as far as I can remember, it was about DOTA2 and it was a paired-assignment. Since I was only an apprentice then, I was paired with one of our Senior writers who was as down-to-earth-shy as I was. I was too afraid to approach my pair and it resulted with her writing her own version and me writing mine. In the end, I didn’t have the guts to give it to her and I just apologized for not helping. My point is, I learned my lesson there and I tried to correct it. I learned to stand on my own two feet and be responsible enough to gather information from credible people – in short, I was able to get out of my own safety shell.

Honestly speaking, I am really thankful to the pub, for they opened my eyes to the reality around me. After writing two articles about Iloilo and countless back-and-forth trips to the City Hall, I was able to witness and appreciate the city’s beauty. I was able to see firsthand, how people cope after major calamities strike when I went to an evacuation area in Negros Oriental.

Furthermore, I experienced embarking on a journey to find a stranger, with merely an address we got from the internet to guide us. Lastly, I was able to feel the thrill of our very own school activities when we tried to juggle it in between TRAILBLAZER From B4

Mater for up to five years (beginning year 2016) according to Rev. Fr. Frederick Comendador O.S.A, the University President.

This event must once again gather all the Augustinians – especially the student body and the various departmental publications – to partake in this noble mission of saving the work of many academic and non-academic personnel, sustain the university’s developmental efforts, and most importantly, to attract as many students as possible to receive a Catholic Augustinian education.

Furthermore, I would like to emphasize that it is not true that WE – the students – are powerless in the future fate of our alma mater, because there is an eminent and untapped force, RAZOR EDGE From B2

in the country as well. I don’t know if I have done enough. I just did my best for the organization that I love. I did not do it for myself, nor for the position. It was all for the greater good.

I could still remember some of my mentors telling me to devote more time to my studies.

There were even times when I thought of leaving the USA Pub just so I can be a normal student, but I just loved the organization too much to go.

It was where I found the true meaning of being a student. Every time people tell me that it was a close call in graduating with Latin honors if I left the USA Pub, I would always reply, “Ok lang mam/sir ah. Ang malahalon nag-enjoy ako sa college ko,” with a very happy and contented face.

On a separate note, I would like to ask some people to do something for the school which we in the USA Pub, have tried to address for over five years. Please do ponder on these thoughts: The USA Cafeteria is still the same after a multitude of articles calling to students and faculty to throw their garbage in the designated places. It’s not the personnel or staff of the cafeteria who has problems, it’s the “private school” mentality that students have that’s keeping them lazy.

Students should be encouraged to join extracurricular activities and should not be punished

photojournalists, for making memories last, not only for us, but for your photo subjects as well.

To my best friends, Steph and Ju, thank you for the corny-ness, for being harsh when times called for, and for the unconditional love.

To my family for the constant support, and my Heavenly Father, having spent time with this group has been a blessing in itself. Thank you.

I have finally reached my deadline – my last byline. Being a pubpip was beyond just the medals and awards, the field trips and contests, the recognition and privilege to be the voice of students, or the scholarship. You have exposed, and saved, me from the wonders and vulnerabilities of the “outside” world. In you, I have found more beauty and meaning behind words. You are the reason between these set of lines, and more. Thank you for the journey. I can’t wait to see where our issues take us (no pun intended). Life may take us down different roads, but I’ve already found a home in the words and pages we’ve created together. our free time just to cover it, enjoy it, and at the same time, attend our classes.

The Pub has really changed me. When I say “Pub” it doesn’t just refer to the hollow office at the second floor of the Alumni building. For me, the “Pub” means the office, plus the moderator, plus the coolest set of people I worked with for the past three years. To my mentors, I know we have our ups and downs but in those moments of hardships we see the light of truth that will lead to into becoming a better person. To the “pub babies” who inherited our title, keep the fire burning and pass on our own “pub legacy”. To our readers, thank you for always appreciating our works by emptying our newspaper/magazine stands, even though we always find our works crumpled and discarded everywhere in the university. Nevertheless this inspires us to do better in our craft. Lastly, thank you to the person currently reading my valediction, thank you for bearing with me, this will be my last published work in the Augustinian and I am just plainly happy that you gave me time and I am happy to share my valediction with you. With this I bid “mizpah” – “a sort of good-bye without saying good-bye… for he said, the Lord watch between me and thee when we are absent one from another.” (From Cassandra Clare’s Mortal Instruments) if and only if, each and every student of the university will realize and endeavor by heart to share their Augustinian dreams.

To my fellow Augustinians, do not be afraid to share your talents and skills because this decision will undeniably broaden your horizon in discovering many untold adventures, treasures, and genuine friendships with many fine people in the university – just like what I experienced at the USA Pub. To my colleagues and the future staff of the USA Pub, just remember that I am just a few steps away. I hope that you will continue to give strength to the USA Student Council in guarding the interest and promoting the welfare of the students in the university. God bless all of you and may you inspire everyone to consistently fulfill their roles with integrity, honesty, competence, dedication, and professionalism. by terror professors when they are absent. They bring home pride to the University, yet some professors failed to support these exceptional students. The University has talented students.

Why force them to live a life of mediocrity as students when they can grow and become brilliant, well-rounded professionals in the future? Not all lessons can be taught inside the classroom.

This “Chicken Little” is now a rooster and is now signing off from its five years of serving the students through the USA Pub. Thank you to everyone who was part of my life as a college student. To the pub moderators: thank you for the patience and the hard work you had in guiding us to where we are now. To my pub seniors whom I will never forget (and I sure wish I won’t be forgotten by them): you were the ones who made me stay this long for the USA Pub, thank you. To my pub brothers and sisters, you guys were the best in turning me into a rooster. To my pub batch mates (including those who graduated a year earlier than me): thank you for being so supportive. To the remaining staff members: keep the fire burning, the journey doesn’t end here, I’m at your back. To my family and friends, thank you for everything that you did for me. And to everyone else whom I did not specify, you were not forgotten. I have to save my words as this article is already about 900 words at this point.

Thank you!

CampusLife Augustinian the

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usa pub photos / Thongenn lanz b. patiam, mara elaiza a. flores , mary joshyen e. pabalinas

Volume LIX Number 3 • May 15, 2014

USAPUB

2014 SENIORS Over the years, the official student press corps of the University of San Agustin has been true to its core to deliver responsive, developmental and research-based quality publications.

On its 86th founding anniversary, twelve Pubpips, including 5 graduates, from the Class of 2014 shall bid farewell after their stint as campus journalists of the red and gold insignia. As they pass on the responsibility to the next batch, the legacy of the Augustinian pen shall continue to soar in greater heights and students shall have the liberation to express and to voice-out thoughts and concerns through responsible Augustinian campus journalism.

(Photos / USA YEARBOOK OFFICE)

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Augustinian the

Something more from the streets by thongenn lanz b. patiam

Street photography is a form of image documentation. The photographer documents what he sees, which are usually photos showing the common people’s day-to-day activities. But, there’s more to it: it is conveyed through unforeseen and random actions that lead to a ‘Decisive Moment’, a poetic duration, and a moving instant.

Volume LIX Number 3 • May 15, 2014