The Augustinian, September 2009

Hail, the new “Political Messiah”

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A Sister’s Love

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issn 0115-9226

Excellent Campus Journalism for the Common Good the Official student newspaper of the UNIVERSITY OF san agustin iloilo city, philippines

VOL. 55 NO. 2

august 16 - September 30, 2009

Sorgon places 3rd in 2009 Med Tech licensure exam 100% of Batch `09 pass

Sorgon

UNIVERSITY of San Agustin BS Medical Technology (BS MT) graduate Raymund Joseph Sorgon ranked third in the September 2009

licensure examination for medical technologists.

He had a rating of 87.00 which was only 0.50 and 0.10 behind the national first placers (from the University of Santo Tomas and Manila Central University) and second placers (from Angeles University Foundation and St. Louis University), respectively.

In addition to Sorgon’s feat, 100% of the Batch 2009 BS MT graduates who took the examination passed.

Aside from Sorgon, the 30 new Augustinian medical technologists are Kathrine May Abelita, Kristine Marie Amara, Maricar Joy Barcelon, Fritz Adrian Cancan, Mary Grace Chan, Ryan Clamor, Blessing Dilla, Darlene-Mae Elisterio, Krystle Shayne Fernandez, Shanalyn

Gallego, Christine Garingalao, Xz Gela, Loreen Genona, Chad May Labos, Roderick Jetrone Lagoc II, Jessa Lim, Neldie Luceño, Vicenta Montehermoso, Patrick Palmares, Ronald Perillo, Rodely Poblacion, Razhel Anne Rivas, Syra Ross Saavedra, Ma. Kristina Josefa Santacera, Ma. Caressa Sibonga, Daryll Sulleza, Thessa Mae Surmieda, Jo Ann Tolosa, Harry Al Villaruz, and Roxanne Vio. Feedbacks from examinationtakers, however, were that the said test contained many questions that were not encountered in their review.

In fact, according to College of Pharmacy and Medical Technology (CPMT) Dean Victoria Sustento, the matrix for the board examination released by the Medical Technology Regulatory Board (MTRB) was not followed.

In an interview with The

By Ray Adrian Macalalag and Mia Rose Emboltura

Augustinian, Sustento stressed that there are two types of things to know – the must-knows and the nice-toknows. She said the board examination for Medical Technologists contained more nice-to-know questions than must-knows. In this, Sustento said, “What is it that they [MTRB] really want the Med Tech students to know?”

Sustento expresses gratitude Appreciative of the Batch 2009 BS MT graduates, Sustento said, “I am proud of their efforts. I am congratulating them for what they have done for themselves and for the College.”

Sustento also expressed her thanks to the faculty of CPMT for laying down the foundations of the course, teaching the students the rights skills and guiding them in their review classes.

“The same expression of gratitude is likewise given the USA Administration for their support and to all the parents for their trust and confidence to the College,” Sustento added.

Dean challenges freshmen With the achievement of the Batch 2009 BS MT graduates, Sustento told The Augustinian that she challenges the freshmen B Medical Laboratory Science (B MLS) program (the new name of the BS Medical Technology program) to equal or even surpass the accomplishment of the new batch of medical technologists from the University.

Sustento is positive in her statement, considering that 16 of the B MLS freshmen are University entrance scholars (students who graduated as high school valedictorians or salutatorians).

Student orgs co-sponsor For Freedom

By Mary Leslie Eregia and and Social Justice Diam Queenie Permocillo IN pursuit of freedom and social justice, 12 student organizations, in cooperation with the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Philippines Office, conducted a four-day political education project, “For Freedom and Social Justice,” from September 28 to October 1, 2009.

Spearheaded by the Arts and Sciences Student Council, in partnership with the USA Student Council, Social Science Club, Kabataang Pangarap ni Rizal (KAPARIZ), Political Science Club, Junior Diplomats Corps, USA. MassComm.Net, USA ICTS, Upsilon Phi Sigma (USA Chapter), USA Publications, Samahan ng Bagong Kabataan (SBK), and Alliance of Political Science Students in Iloilo (APSSI), the said project showcased forums and an exhibit (with 32 panels) on “Modern Political Systems and Social Democracy in Germany”.

The University of San Agustin was the sixth school in the Philippines to host the said German organizationsponsored project.

On September 28, the exhibit in the Urdaneta Hall was opened after the ribbon cutting ceremony led by Rev. Fr. Pederito Aparece, OSA (Prefect of Students) and forum guest speakers Dr. Wolf Preuss (former member of the

German Ministry of Development and Cooperation, Social Democratic Party of Germany), Percival Cendana (chair of the AKBAYAN Citizen’s Action Party of the Philippines), and Atty.

Benjamin Gengos (representative of the Liberal Party of the Philippines).

Guided walk-throughs were arranged for Augustinian students and those who came from other universities in Iloilo City, namely, the University of Iloilo, Western Visayas State University, Central Philippine University, and Western Visayas College of Science and Technology.

Immediately after the opening program on the 28th, a forum on the “Role of Political Parties in Modern Political Systems” was held at the President’s Conference Room. Preuss, Cendana, and Gengos served as resource speakers.

In coordination with the First Time Voters (FTV) association, the steering committee of the joint project organized a caravan and media events calling young people to register for the 2010 national elections on the morning of September 30.

Capping “For Freedom and Social Justice” on October 1 was a forum on “Youth on the National Situation” with Juana Change as guest speaker.

Troubadours top 2009 NAMCYA regionals

By Ronald Sorrilla

THE USA Troubadours topped this year’s NAMCYA (National Music Competitions for Young Artists) regional choral contest staged at the Division of Iloilo City Social Hall, August 29.

Composed of 24 singers, the chorale, led by Mr. Arne Lubasan, conductor, emerged victorious over other groups from Western Visayas.

With this feat, Lubasan told The Augustinian, “We again achieved supremacy in the field of choral

competitions,” adding, “For more than 10 years of topping the slot for the NAMCYA tilt, our group has proven that the University of San Agustin can be above the rest of the choral groups in the Philippines.”

Before advancing to the regionals, the Troubadours, together with other NAMCYA aspirants, had undergone eliminations wherein they sent their audio-video recorded performances to the NAMCYA Secretariat.

Continue to page 2

Attorney Benjamin Gengos, Dr. Wolf Preuss, Percival Cendana and Rev. Fr. Pederito Aparece, OSA (from left to right in the photo) lead the ribbon cutting ceremony of the 32-panel exhibit on Modern Political Systems and Social Democracy in Germany, September 28.

LT members go mainstream in Cinema One indie

By PIETROS VAL PATRICIO

IN contrast to their routine of performing campus-based theatrical plays, Augustinian thespians, alongside other Iloilo-based freelance actors and actresses, were chosen to do lead cast roles with actress Rosanna Roces in an independent film

by Ilonggo directors.

After the auditions and other screening processes in July led by director Oscar Ruben Nava who is a Mass Communications program faculty member in the University, the production staff and crew of Wanted: Border selected four members of the University of San Agustin Little Theater (USALT) and its artistic director, Edward Divinagracia to participate in the said movie.

The USALT members who were given cast roles include current elder man Peter Paul Deocos, former guest actress Sunshine Teodoro, Edrelita Sebio, and Christopher Tan. “It was quite a milestone for us to be part of such a big project and work with mainstream actors and actresses,” shared Little Theater alumnus Kristoffer Rhys Grabato in an interview with The Augustinian during the film’s press conference at the Red’s Bar & Steakhouse, Smallville Business Complex on September 9.

Grabato also said that the University’s theater group had all the qualifications needed for the film which required theatrical experience

from actors and actresses.

Moreover, the script for the said film, written by Ilonggo filmmaker Ray Defante-Gibraltar, was declared one of the five national finalists in the 2009 Cinema One Originals Digital Movie Festival held earlier this year.

The film’s story focused on a group of people seeking refuge but ended up having a horrible nightmare, revealing black ironies and bitter realities related to society’s stereotyping mechanisms.

The abovementioned film grant and contest are organized annually by one of the country’s top movie producers, aiming to diversify and promote imaginative showing in Philippine cinema.

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The Augustinian

NEWS

august 15 - september 30, 2009

University hosts Sarah Geronomo concert

By Mary Leslie Eregia

2 colleges go eco-friendly on Patron Saint’s Day

By Josefa Maria Castro

WHILE other colleges feasted on battle of the bands and the like, the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) and the College of Business Administration and Accountancy (CBAA) came up with eco-friendly contests during the university-wide Patron Saint’s Day, August 28.

On the “Artian Night” held in front of the Rada Hall on the said date, the Arts and Sciences Student Council (ASSC) presented the outputs of the mascot-making contest, where all courses in the CAS competed in creating human-size mascots made entirely of recycled materials.

According to ASSC Prime Minister Daisy Dawn Macahilo, the said contest was geared to develop the Artians’ creativity, make them aware of environmental issues, and involve them in recycling and in the formation of the “holistic human person”.

The Political Science Club eventually topped the mascot-making tilt with their mascot named “The Spartan”.

On the other hand, the CBAA, on the same date, held a search for Miss Eco-nature 2009 in front of the Aguirre Hall.

In the said pageant, contestants were made to paint trashcans of their department. Aside from wearing their school uniforms and long gowns during the final night, the contestants also wore a “basura attire” which were pulled together using recyclables.

In an interview with The Augustinian, Alvin Ngo, president of the Junior Institute of Business Administration and Accountancy (JIBAA), said, “The Miss Eco-nature 2009 was JIBAA’s step to help save the environment.

It is a call to all Augustinians to start reducing, re-using, and recycling materials.”

Cheryll Chin, a senior Accountancy student, won the Miss Eco-nature 2009 search.

CEA leads symposium on Green Architecture

By DIAM QUEENIE PERMOCILLO

THE College of Engineering and Architecture (CEA), in cooperation with the UAP Iloilo (Hamili and Marikudo chapters), led a symposium on Green Architecture on September 18, 2009 at the USA Training Center.

Themed “Save the Planet, Save the World, Stop Global Warming, Go Green!”, the symposium on Green Architecture expressed its concern with the ecological system and its mission of renewing without exhausting the environment. Its concept of “appropriate technology” hopes to promote health, beauty, and permanence adapted for a specific locality.

In relation to the idea of “appropriate technology”, a formulated “Green Mark” (rating system used in the Philippines) with three components, namely, energy and water efficiency, environmental protection, and indoor environment quality, was presented.

With Arch. Miguel Guerrero III as guest speaker, the symposium also tackled the principle of sustainable development which means meeting the needs of the current generation without impairing the future generations’ ability of achieving their needs.

In the symposium, Guerrero stressed: “Green Architecture advances its energy savings into profit and its healthy environment into productivity.”

“Architects are like God, they can create or destroy but we still have to build with nature,” he added.

The said symposium which was attended by students from the University’s CEA and Western Visayas College of Science and Technology (WVCST) lasted for two hours.

Peñaflorida chosen as speaker for general assembly of student orgs

By Aljun Padisio

ATTY. Jobert Peñaflorida was chosen was guest speaker for the general assembly of recognized student organizations within the University held on August 15, 2009 at the USA gymnasium.

Peñaflorida graduated Summa Cum Laude in BS Accountancy from the University of San Agustin. A recipient of the SGV Gold Medal of Excellence for obtaining one of the highest national ratings in auditing, he was also awarded the Most Outstanding Graduate of his batch in college.

He likewise graduated Magna Cum Laude in the College of Law of the University of Iloilo.

In the assembly wherein Peñaflorida was inspirational speaker, Augustinian student leaders were sworn to office.

With the theme “A Beacon of Communal Unity for the Society,” the gathering aimed to unite different student organizations from the elementary up to the tertiary level, including recognized fraternities and sororities.

The said general assembly was organized by the Office of the Prefect of Students, the office of Co-Curricular Activities, and the USA Student Council.

Augustinian, CoC u r r i c u l a r O ff i c e Coordinator John Paul Petrola (who was also the University coordinator for “The Next One”, along with Ms. Fely Caturas) said that the concert’s purpose was not necessarily for the University’s profit, but for the Patron Saint’s Day celebration and the avid fans of Sarah Geronimo to be entertained.

“The money obtained [from Sarah Geronimo’s concert] is not important.

What’s important is that the people who watched the concert had smiles on their Singer Sarah Geronimo caps her concert with this faces, indicating that expressive gesture. they really enjoyed the IN line with this year’s Patron Saint’s concert,” Petrola said.

Other than songs from Geronimo, Day celebration, the University of San Agustin (USA) hosted Sarah “The Next One” also featured song Geronimo’s “The Next One”, a major and dance numbers Mark Bautista, concert which was part of the singer- Simon Wood, the G-Force dancers, actress’ nationwide concert tour, held Mark Herras, and Jimmy Marquez.

The stage that Geronimo and at the University’s gymnasium on her co-performers used was designed August 21.

As host, the University gained based on the request of the concert 10% of the said concert’s total sales, producer and it took three days for it aside from the PhP 100,000.00 to be completed. The sound system, obtained for the gymnasium’s rental. on the other hand, was shouldered by In an interview with The the Salonga Sounds of Cebu.

Prior to the concert, the University, in cooperation with RMT Concerts & Events Production, had undergone specific preparations for the threehour concert, starting with the school gymnasium where the event was held.

The gymnasium was re-painted and there were cleaning services in all sections of the University.

Petrola clarified, however, that re-painting the gymnasium was not solely done for Geronimo’s concert.

“The gym was not only re-painted for Sarah’s concert, but also for the feast day of St. Augustine, and as part of the gym’s maintenance,” he stressed.

Petrola’s office and the Office of the Prefect of Students scheduled briefing sessions with ushers and usherettes for the concert (which started at 8:30 PM), as well as with security and traffic personnel, to ensure the smooth entry and exit of people in the concert’s venue.

For emergency cases, ambulance units and first-aid kits were made available in case any untoward incident happens during the show.

Security plans were likewise prepared and assigned to guards on duty that night.

When asked for a post-concert evaluation, Petrola said, “Sarah’s concert in the University was a successful one. It was attended by approximately 5,000 persons from all walks of life. It was definitely a spectacular and star-studded event,” adding, “I hope the audience enjoyed the show as much as I did.”

CAS, USA Pub pay tribute to Ma’am Amor

By PIETROS VAL PATRICIO

“WOE to us all! Mabuhay to Ma’am Amor! Her genius shall live forever!”

Thus said former USA Publishing House Managing Director John Iremil Teodoro in his inspirational message read by Prof. Jigger Latoza in a gathering honoring the achievements of former Liberal Arts dean, Dr. Amorita Rabuco (known as Ma’am Amor to many) held at the USA Training Center, September 1.

Spearheaded by the College of Arts and Sciences faculty and staff and the USA Publications, in cooperation with the University Center for Research and Publications, ...Continued from page 1 After the screening process, only the USA Troubadours and the University of St. La Salle-Bacolod took the regional slots for the college level choral competition.

In the regional round, however, the Troubadours left its competitor, the University of St. La-Salle-Bacolod, as first runner-up.

The USA Troubadours performed these songs during the regional contest: Ilay Gandangan (arranged

by Delarmente), The Battle of Jericho (their chosen piece arranged by M. Hogan), and Jubilate Deo (the contest piece arranged by Mendelssohn).

The Troubadours’ first successful attempt in NAMCYA was in 1996 national chorale contest where they landed third. In 2002 and 2005, the group also made it as runner-up.

“We have fingers crossed to make it to the top in the national level which will be held on November 14 at Cultural Center of the Philippines.

In the nationals, the Troubadours will be singing Cloudburst by Eric Whitacre and Cordero de Dios by Jerry Dadap Jr. as their chosen pieces

Mass Communication.Network and the Literary Circle, the said tribute was initiated as a response to the ailing state of the former Liberal Arts dean who has been battling with breast cancer for several years now.

Generally supervised by the current CAS Dean Isidoro Cruz and event coordinator Noel de Leon, the homage had inspirational messages read by former students and colleagues of Rabuco. Excerpts, quotes, and stanzas were read from Rabuco’s books entitled The Green Ink and The Lo-a, among other collections. To add color and life to the affair, the USA Troubadours

and USA LittleTheater members performed song numbers and monologues, respectively.

Rabuco was the second lay person to become dean of the College of Liberal Arts (currently the College of Arts and Sciences), serving the College from 1993 to 2004.

Known for her vast contributions in scholarly research that led to the development of the University’s literary and theater arts scene, Rabuco also held the directorship of the now-defunct University-based Regional Center for Public Management which was funded by the Canadian International Development Agency.

Members of the USA Troubadours pose for a pictorial in front of the University Student Center.

while Pambansang Dalangin by Lutgardo Labad, will be their contest piece.

With the theme “Creating an Environment of the Spirit and the World through Music and Arts”, the 2009 NAMCYA regional choral group contest was co-sponsored by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and the Cultural Center of the Philippines, headed by Chair Veronica Tapia-Merk, Secretary-General Dr. Ramon Acoymo, and Program

Director, Luz Corazon Roque.

The NAMCYA was founded in 1973 under the Marcos administration in the Presidential Proclamation No. 1173, which declares the period between November 26 and December 12 every year as National Week for Young Artists. It encourages young artists to excel in music composition and performances and to preserve, develop, and promote Philippine music as an art and as a handmaid of cultural development.

NEWS

august 15 - september 30, 2009

The Augustinian

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USA Rotaract Club launches literacy program NCCA finances music training for elementary teachers

By JEFFERSON MAGBANUA

THE University of San Agustin (USA) Rotaract Club, together with its mother organization, Rotary Club of Iloilo (Rotary International 3850) and the Rotaract Club of the University of the Philippines in the Visayas, launched on August 22, 2009 a literacy program to help address the city’s illiteracy problem.

Since the said date, the USA Rotaract Club members, including volunteers from the University’s Kabataang Pangarap ni Rizal (KAPARIZ), the USA Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC), Students of Donato M. Pison Memorial School in Brgy. San Rafael, Mandurriao listen and the Psyche Cell, have attentively to the Rotaract Club lecturers. been visiting the Donato M. Pison Memorial School in Brgy. have committed themselves to, the we will make sure that we’ll be San Rafael, Mandurriao on a weekly Rotaractors used their personal able to sustain it through active basis (every Saturday) to teach grade money to facilitate this literacy volunteerism.” schoolers basic English grammar, program.

Alera also said that literacy is When asked what motivated him one of the four major concerns that spelling of English words, and reading to push through this initiative, USA the Rotary Club of Iloilo and the comprehension.

With the guidance of Mr. Lloyd Rotaract Club President Jesse Robin Rotaract Clubs under them would Celis and other English teachers, the Alera said, “It’s nice to see children want to address this year.

Rotaractors have been using LCD amazed of learning how to read “Water, hunger, poverty, and projectors and computers to make the and write properly in English. This literacy - these are the pressing motivates me and other members of problems our club wants to solve in students’ learning more efficient.

Exemplifying the spirit of the Rotaract Club,” adding, “Despite our own little ways,” Alera told The “service above self” which they the lack of funds for the program, Augustinian.

By Allin Joy Emboltura and Ronald Sorilla

THROUGH the PhP 100, 000.00 assistance fund of National Commission of Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the University of San Agustin Conservatory of Music conducted a three-day music training for elementary teachers, September 2 to 4..

Attended by teachers from the Division of Iloilo Province, Division of Iloilo City, Division of Passi City as well as MAPEH majors and Music students of the University of San Agustin, the said seminar-workshop was held at the Rev. Fr. Santiago Ezcurra, OSA choir room and USA Conference Room The seminar-workshop aimed to expand the participants’ knowledge on music fundamentals and methodologies for teaching music, develop musical skills in group performances and instrument playing, and enhance students’ competencybased music experience.

The said workshop was divided into four areas namely, Basic Musicianship, Instructional Materials, Teaching Strategies, and Performance (Classroom Singing and Beginning

Choral Instruction).

The speakers for the music training were officers and members of the Philippine Society for Music Education, headed by their president, Dr. President Leticia del Valle; Dr. Mauricia Borromeo, former Dean of the College of Music of the University of the Philippines; Mr. Armin Comon, Music Instructor of the College of Music and Performing Arts of the University of St. Paul’s Manila; and Mr. Arwin Tan, Professor of Music, College of Music, University of the Philippines-Diliman and Conductor of Novo Concertante Manila.

The training was the USA Conservatory of Music and NCCA’s attempt to respond to music teachers in Iloilo’s need of more training in music, considering that they had minimal training on such.

“There are only a few trained teachers who are equipped with skills and musicianship to teach the children.

This is why we give training programs like this in different places. Hopefully this will upgrade the teaching of music in elementary schools,” del Valle told The Augustinian.

Legaspi: ‘No politics or religion should block our way’ Bio dep’t conducts talk on

By PIETROS VAL PATRICIO

Legaspi

“NO politics or religion should block our way [in the quest towards the “Heavenly City”].”

This statement made by Dr. Nora Legaspi, a political science professor, summarized the message of her special talk entitled “St. Augustine’s City of God in Relation to Political Philosophy,” a Patron Saint’s Day lecture organized by the Societas Philosophorum (the University’s AB

Philosophy course organization) and the Humanities Department, under the leadership of its chair, Prof. Abraham Pinuela.

The said lecture held at the USA Training Center on August 28 tackled St. Augustine’s famous work The City of God, a philosophical piece that was geared to liberate mankind from greed, hatred, and sinfulness in the pursuit of building a just and humane society, free of evils and in harmonious co-existence with God. In the lecture, Legaspi contrasted Abel and Cain - the former being a testimony of the “Heavenly City” and the latter a representation of the “Earthly City”.

Legaspi further said that St. Augustine was by no means a political thinker as the concept of “City of God” may appear to be equivalent to an institution of a state to some.

She emphasized that it is rather a

way of life and a spiritual guideline on community building, a Christian philosophy on society.

Talking about the political aspect of the “City of God”, Legaspi said that it implies the unity of the visible Church and the state for common goals to be realized. In this context, she said: “The Church is a mere hospital while the state can either be a force of evil or good,” adding, “Real peace can only be attained by seeking unity in diversity.”

In her final remarks, Legaspi cleared that the “City of God” can only be realized if civil society pays respect to orderly peace, relate to God through their neighbors, and work for the cause of the common good.

Hosted by Prof. John Cabales of Societas Philosophorum, the said event was attended by students and faculty members, mostly from the College of Arts and Sciences.

Augustinians gather in football field for salo-salo

By EMMANUEL BARCELONA and DONNA ISABELLE FRESNIDO

FOR the second time in the University’s history, all the colleges gathered in the USA football field to celebrate the salo-salo as a community on August 28.

In the previous years, the salo-salo was held at the colleges’ respective parks.

The idea for the venue was put forth by Prefect of Students Rev. Fr. Pederito Aparece, Co-curricular Coordinator John Paul Petrola, and University of San Agustin Student Council (USASC) President Noreen Mae Orquinaza.

According to Orquinaza, changing the venue to the field was congruent with the Patron Saint’s Day theme, “Saint Augustine: A Beacon of Communal Unity for the Society”.

“We wanted to present something new, as well as to showcase the talents for everyone to see. We need more University-wide activities to pull the students together,” she added.

Formal planning had begun by the third week of July, and was presented

by Petrola to the recognized student organizations. Two more meetings

with college presidents followed.

A stage was set in the center of the field, surrounded by the seven colleges and departments, and

Augustinian students bond together in the salo-salo held during the Patron Saint’s Day celebration, August 28.

proper waste disposal

By PIETROS VAL PATRICIO

RE-USE, reduce, recyle and refuse.

These four environmental terms were stressed during the symposium on proper waste disposal which was spearheaded by the Department of Biological Sciences on September 16.

In the lecture delivered by Judith Salubre, regional Solid Waste Management Project officer of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Environmental Management Bureau, strong emphasis was given to proper waste segregation in a campus setting, its costs and benefits, as well as the challenges that students, teachers, and school administrators face in implementing such program.

After Salubre’s lecture at the USA Training Center, the Cleanest College competition was launched.

The said contest wants to engage Augustinian students in cleap-up drives in their respective colleges.

In the open forum, Krizzia Zaldivar, USA Student Council secretary general, said, “The plans for a comprehensive waste management and disposal system for the University cafeteria have already been visualized by previous Student Council administrations but they never fully pushed through these plans because of the high financial cost and the structural changes [in the Cafeteria] that had to be considered.”

Before the symposium ended, documentary films on the present state of the University’s garbage disposal management and waste management proposal for the USA Cafeteria and an environmental advocacy film on ecological and urban sustainability were shown to the audience. Students of the Environmental Science class of Prof. Ma. Delsa Gange, chairperson of the Department of Biological Sciences, prepared the video presentations.

other duly recognized University organizations in their designated areas. Microsal provided the sound system and constructed the stage.

Forty thousand pesos was the overall cost for the expenses during two days, twenty thousand pesos of which went to the stage and sounds.

The funds were provided by the USASC, seeing that there were no sponsors.

A mass was offered in honor of Saint Augustine in the Gymnasium prior to the salo-salo program.

The program was hosted by four

students from four of the colleges in the University. Each college sent its representative for the games the USASC sent.

In case of rain, the alternate venue for the salo-salo was the corridors of Aguirre, Gamboa and Blanco Halls.

When asked about whether there would be a salo-salo at the same venue, Orquinaza disclosed initial plans of having a dinner salo-salo with a variety show, to be capped by fireworks.

“I hope it will push through for the students,” said Orquinaza.

In the first issue of The Augustinian, it should be noted that Mary Leslie Eregia, a BS Medical Laboratory Science (BS MLS) freshman, is also one of the nine

new members of the USA Publications.

In the same issue of The Augustinian, Atty.

Juana Judita Nafarrete, dean of the College of Law and College of Nursing Dean Sofia Cosette Monteblanco were reappointed as deans and not newlyappointed.

4

OPINION

The Augustinian Prodigy “With more or less seven months left, the best thing Ms. Arroyo should do is to repent for all the lies that sealed and concealed her Cabinet.”

Jefferson Magbanua P residential A n t i - g r a f t C o m m i s s i o n e r J a i m e J a c o b ’s resignation and Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo and Cabinet Secretary Silvestre Bello III’s expression of preference for Liberal Party presidential bet Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III over administration candidate Gibo Teodoro revealed a deep undercurrent of discontent on President Gloria Arroyo’s leadership. With these turn of tides, some solons and executives concluded that everthing within the Arroyo Cabinet is not well.

But that is an understatement.

All has not been well within the Arroyo Cabinet since she assumed the presidency. Needless to say, everything has not been well since Arroyo succeeded, or to be exact, seized the presidency from President Joseph Estrada. And she is making it more unwell by attempting to curb the freedom of speech of government officials, especially that of her cabinet secretaries – a feat so unsurprising since she has always been trying to curb freedoms, including the right to life and liberty, of all Filipinos since she occupied Malacañang.

The abovementioned defections are simply the latest signs of the leadership cancer that appear (and isn’t new) in the Cabinet of the self-proclaimed messiah that is Gloria Arroyo. Like a cancer patient who is in a stage of frustration, she

Novice “There is no problem that cannot be solved by open communication.”

Allin Joy Emboltura

Women in the early ages together with the children and old people are second class citizen of the society.

Women’s life before were focused on home and family. Some of them were deprived of education because according to their parents they will just get married and serve their husband and future children. In return, their husband will be the one to provide all the family’s needs. They should love and take good care of their children, and especially their wives.

As time goes by and the people become more civilized, things changed. Female children were sent to school, they were allowed to interact with other people and modern women were into job. Some of them were even breadwinners of their own family. The couples work hand in hand to provide their family’s needs.

If changes caused freedom to some women, it caused harm to others. If the women before were taken good care by their husbands, nowadays, many of them were now maltreated by their husbands.

Rachel “Che” Tiongson was one of these unlucky women. Early this September, another issue bombarded the reputation of former Ilocos Sur governor and presently National Security Adviser Undersecretary Chavit Singson. It was reported that he hurt her common-law wife Tiongson upon discovering that she was cheating on him. Singson caught her with another man in the townhouse

august 15 - september 30, 2009

No strings attached shrugged them off. The 2005 Hyatt 10 resignations embody what was a bigger symptom. But the president then wasn’t frustrated yet as she is now; she was merely in denial. And so she denied other big symptoms like the NBN ZTE deal, the “Hello Garci” scandal, etc. As the leadership cancer in her Cabinet is fast approaching the fourth stage, no political trickery or machinery could save her from death in politics. Her end is getting near as the 2010 elections are getting underway.

With more or less seven months left, the best thing Ms. Arroyo could do is to repent for all the lies that sealed and concealed her Cabinet.

She should make peace not only with civilians in Mindanao who suffer from trauma due to militaristic combats, but with the God as well to whom she had sworn to give honest and dedicated service to the Filipino people.

The president should leave things in good order in the country and make a graceful exit, thus earning a little respectable place in history.

If she doesnt’ heed the warning, defections will surely come from public officials who, with their clear conscience, could no longer tolerate serving a corrupt administration, and who believe there is a better place for them where their freedoms will not be suppressed.

No warning, threat or bribery can stop conscientious people in turning away from an illegitimate administration. Yes, cowards and cheats sometimes do win, but only those who are gaining from the current administration and who think they will not have the same opportunities in the next administration or believe

that thay aren’t competitive enough for any other job, will continue to rub Ms. Arroyo’s back. A modern political Exodus will take place. This time, Ms. Arroyo is no longer the messiah.

Malacañang’s warning that officials who cannot spport Arroyo’s candidate should resign is another abuse of power. Imagine a Cabinet which is in comatose due to a stage 4 cancer still imposing political threats. It should be understood that Arroyo doesn’t own the government like she owns businesses that do not reflect in her Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Being in the government, officials aren’t deprived of their freedom of speech. Despite the social crises that we are facing, the Philippines is still a democracy with freedoms of speech, expression, and opinion. Arroyo has been devising mechanisms to eradicate these freedoms but, unfortunately for her, she has not succeeded.

Warning Cabinet officials to keep their political preferences is another abuse of power. The Executive Secretary, who initiated this warning, has not kept to himself his political preference for Vilma Santos, as Gibo Teodoro’s running mate. So is he now in the best position to tell his fellow Cabinet members to keep their preferences to themselves?

To others who want to join the bandwagon with Romulo, Bello and Jacob: Do not be afraid. There is no state happier than a state where you are free to voice your opinions and desires. After all, the government should listen to our opinions and desires for it to be truly democractic.

Let’s just have no strings attached to our government leaders.

Hands off

that he had rented for her. And this issue was confirmed by Singson to be true. A complaint was filed against him by her live-in partner for hurting her.

The case is now under investigation, and the result may take too long to be released. The latest report, however is that Che had withdrawn her complaint.

Many other issues were raised because of this event. Who should be blamed for the tragedy that happened to their family? Singson or Tiongson? Should Singson be removed from public office for him not to influence the result of the investigation? To whom should the public believe? Who could be telling the truth? There were many questions, queries, and arguments. Filipino people were divided. Some were into Singson’s side and some sympathized with Tiongson.

There is an act defining violence against women and their children, providing for protective measures for victims, prescribing penalties therefore, and for other purposes.

This Act is known as RA 9262 or the “Anti-Violence against Women and Their Children Act of 2004”. It is declared that the State values the dignity of women and children and guarantees full respect for human rights. The State also recognizes the need to protect the family and its members particularly women and children, from violence and threats to their personal safety and security.

It is very clear that Singson has violated this act. Okay. Let’s put ourselves on Singson’s shoes. Of course upon seeing your wife with other man you would be full of anger but it is not a ground that you would beat up your wife to the extent that you had almost killed her. It is a fact that women are weaker than men. But

with this idea, man should not abuse woman because it is also a fact that men can’t live without women. Who would bear their sons and daughters?

Who would raise them to be better individuals? Who would keep their home in order? Who would prepare food and office clothes for them?

Women play a very important role in men’s life. They deserve to be respected and loved.

There is no problem that cannot be solved by open communication.

If you have the love and respect for your wife you can’t even lift a single hand hurt her. It’s because you love her and most of all you fear God. Man and woman were created by God to love and help each other and not for the man to beat his wife.

It is but proper that a public employee under investigation should have a leave and undergo standard procedure. You can only remove a government employee once a proper administrative case has been decided against him. Let him go on leave, charge him with administrative and/ or criminal case, let the proper courts decide it, then fire him from his job once he is sentenced accordingly.

It’s not just good that everything is being spilled out into the public. It’s like a top-rated telenovela wherein everyone should watch each episode.

It is feasted upon by many useless spectators. It just gives militant organizations and politicians another issue to ride on for publicity. The issue after all is a problem between a man and his wife. If the wife sues her husband, then let the courts decide it.

It is not also good for their children.

Seeing their parents arguing and destroying one’s name in television is like a nightmare to them.

Together!

The University of San Agustin is hurrying up in revamping its curriculum and facilities and improving the faculty academic qualification for another shot at applying for autonomous status in 2010 or 2011. Hence, as of this writing, physical plant improvements such as the covered walkway in the Administration building, airconditioned main library and two Instructional Media Centers as extensions thereof, among other developments, were accomplished.

According to the new criteria of CHED under Chairman Emmanuel Angeles, a school must earn 200 points for it to be granted the autonomous status. To gain 200 points, the school must have programs with Level IV, III, II PAASCU accreditations, programs with Center of Excellence or Center of Development status, Institutional Quality Assessment through Monitoring and Evaluation (IQUAME), and international recognition.

Our University got 50 points only for its seven Level II PAASCUaccredited programs. Considering this low rating and the new criteria, we still have a long way to go before regaining another autonomous status. But the good thing is that the administration is not relaxing, after being pressured by the Board of Trustees in their May 29, 2009 meeting.

The Augustinian is saluting the consistent pace of developments that our administrators are keeping track of. While the initial improvements show strength and plausibility, we, however, want other specific areas of concern to be given immediate solutions.

First, the comfort rooms without water. It is a fact that male and female comfort rooms in the University run out of clean water. For sanitation and cleanliness’ sake, we hope that the administration would prioritize having decent-looking and clean comfort rooms with water in all our school buildings. Perhaps the PAASCU evaluators already made recommendations for this problem but necessary as it is for life and for health, there should be clean water in our comfort rooms. While we cleanse our souls with the water of life, we should also cleanse our bodies to make them more dignified.

Secondly, schedules of classes must be re-evaluated. While it is true that learning also takes place outside the classrooms, the students’ learning in this University take place most of the time in the classrooms. There are many classes held at lunch time or late in the evening, indirectly resulting to poor concentration and learning on the part of the students. We are not suggesting that students’ notso-good performance can be directly correlated to holding classes on the said hours. We are merely presenting the general picture of what usually happens in classes held on these hours. While we are using only 10% of our brain cells (according to studies), our brains could not function well when our stomachs are empty due to inconvenient class schedules.

And, finally, there should be quality control in the academe. If the University wants to uphold excellent Augustinian education, there must be a stringent entrance examination process for new students and students with consistent and numerous failing marks and “letter grades” must not be accepted. Yes, education is for all, but if we want excellent education, the Universtiy should not only put a high premium on teacher qualifications and trainings and curriculum enhancements, but on choosing its students as well. A good University starts with a few great minds.

In the effort to save the repute of the University of San Agustin, we understand that the teachers and the students of this University should join the administration in its campaign for another autonomous status.

Through this, we can exemplify the essence of unitas or unity, one of the three core values that Saint Augustine wants us to live up to.

The road towards another autonomous status may be rocky, but we can make it if we consider unity as a strength. We are all in this undertaking. Together!

Editorial

OPINION

august 15 - september 30, 2009

Certified: sound-proof

Modus “With due respect but how sure are they to say that it will make a big difference?”

Ray Adrian Macalalag I am the start. I shall… “Ako Mismo…”

This is a dramatically strong phrase for a not so dramatic cause. It is making a stand and taking real action for the causes you believe in – the causes that we Filipinos can pursue to make a positive change for our motherland.

Dog-tags have been popularized by this cause. Its sounds are like bells shouting that we have hope for our nation. Nevertheless, as we see different people showing bewilderment in their personal cause for supporting “Ako Mismo,” we might wonder if the shouts of its bells are really for hope.

At the outset, since this cause has been duly endorsed by prominent people on television, the people especially the youth have been craving to wear the red and black metal plates worn by its endorsers. We can see in public places that the people, be the ones jeopardized by poverty or the wealthy ones, wearing it. As you ask them why they wear it, rest be assured that most would say that it’s “uso.”

Organizers never stated that their dog-tags are for us to be “in.” As it is stated on what “Ako Mismo” is all about, “it is a movement where you can show your patriotism and compassion, and make these traits infectious.” Is there patriotism and compassion when its infectiousness became a fashion trend among the

people?

Secondly, the cause is not clear for it transparently stated that “Ako Mismo” will entirely depend on us.

We ourselves are entirely dependent on each other. We cannot just let another fad depend on us that easy because in general, a lot of Filipinos are losing their hope.

“It’s about an action that eradicates hopelessness in every Filipino.” Eradicating means that something eradicated gets totally gone. Our hopelessness is caused by many factors. Does that mean that if we can eradicate hopelessness in every Filipino, we will no longer have illusive problems?

Hunger and famine are starting to rise in the Philippines due to natural calamities and industrialization. How far can we eradicate hopelessness in times that we don’t have enough pesticide to prevent community developers from consuming our rice fields? In addition, just a piece of garbage depletes the ozone causing global warming.

Corruption may not be an epidemic in other countries but we are tormented by this as it becomes an infectious type of stage four cancers in our political leaders. It is a fact that stage four cancer leaves you hopeless for a cure.

Hopelessness cannot be eradicated in every Filipino if our move is for ourselves only. At this point, we might doubt if the shouts of our dog-tags are true enough that they are for hope.

As a final point, the cause stated,

Just comparing

Naivety “What if this only stone of ours melts or softens? Will we just be drowned in that ocean of fire?”

Mia Rose Emboltura In the late 2000, nursing as a course and profession had been earning its popularity not only throughout the country but also in the world. Being in demand, many rushed in enrolling in different nursing schools. First thing in mind (lets face the truth) – money and if not the opportunity that awaits here and abroad. As a matter of fact the enrollees in the University in the College of Nursing reached its peak population in the year 2004-2005.

I can still remember when I was in first year, there were 18 sections in the Level 1 and it was overwhelming. But now, were down to 12 and the Level 1

sloughed off into 8 sections. I wonder what had caused these extremes in the present history of the course.

Being a nursing student is never, ever, an easy challenge. There are so many perils that we have to go through. The undying paper works drains up our minds until its last drop. The exhausting day and night duties eat up almost all of our body’s energy reserve added up by dealing with some uncooperative clients/ folks which depletes our patience.

The lessons to study in almost 6 inchthick books and demanding clinical instructors, most often discourage us to go on.

Our wings are gradually burned by the boiling lava of deliberations, beneath a single stone which is our only place to repose against its tongues of flame. Our wings, being our dreams, can take us until how

THE

augustinian Editors-in-Chief

“It’s sure to make a big difference.”

With due respect but how sure are they to say that it will make a big difference? The Filipino today is just playing merely blind and is just acting positively looking behind their embittered lives.

People have resorted to robbery, prostitution, and homicides. All that causes them to do so is lack of money for food, shelter, and education. It is a fact that they do not want to commit such crimes. But would you be comfortable seeing only table salt and leftover rice on your table every night – eating only one yet still incomplete meal a day?

Is it comfortable to think of a lot of installments and type a bunch of promissory notes – degrading yourself asking for extension of dues?

Perhaps difference means a different thing in their vocabulary.

Even so, what difference do they say? Is it looking at the Republic of the Philippines being first among the Southeast Asian countries? Even by just arranging Southeast Asian nations alphabetically, the Philippines will not be the first by any means.

Probably the difference they want to imply is gazing at the Filipino like stars exploding supernovas, becoming black holes constantly looking for light to suck in.

With millions wearing the “Ako Mismo” dog-tags who are unsure of their cause, and just thinking of their personal benefit, the Philippines will remain a sound-proof room with millions of ringing bells that cannot be heard from the outside.

Managing Editor Associate Editors Senior Writers

Staff Writers

Photographer Staff Artist Circulation Officer Moderator

Pietros Val Patricio Jefferson Magbanua Donna Isabelle Fresnido Aljun Padisio Ray Adrian Macalalag Mia Rose Emboltura Emmanuel Barcelona Mario Ivan Gonzales Allin Joy Emboltura Ronald Sorrilla Josefa Maria Castro Diam Queenie Permocillo John Palma Josh Von Iron Tondo Mary Leslie Eregia Noel De Leon Nicole Fernan Caminian Sheena Capindo Erwin Sustento

The Augustinian is the official student newspaper of the University of San Agustin.

It is published six times a year by the USA Publications with editorial office at Room 38, 3rd Floor, Gamboa Hall, University of San Agustin, Gen. Luna St., 5000 Iloilo City. Comments, suggestions, and contributions may be sent to the Editorial Board through the email address pubpipol@usa.edu.ph.

high? What if this only stone of ours melts or softens? Will we just be drowned in that ocean of fire?

The words’ “you failed” give us second thoughts in proceeding with nursing, then the word “deloaded” is the often most dreadful word that we never wanted to hear. For us, it would mean different dilemmas. If you are really eager to finish, then you’d better be prepared to transfer to another school, to be an irregular student and/or if not, shift to another course. Though hard to accept, but we must wait again for another time to continue and sacrifice further to reach that dream.

Sometimes looking though these hardships, I wonder why things always need to be different. Comparing a nursing student to students taking up other courses is like comparing water and air. Though the same as element, yet totally poles apart. A nursing student needs to bring almost all of his books, while other students only need to bring a ball pen, or a notebook or a calculator and sometimes none at all.

The first has a very hectic schedule up to his neck while the others have a relax schedule. The first is lucky to cater a mere six hours straight sleep but for the latter, it is the shortest.

After a night or a day of duty, a nursing student has to attend 1 or more classes and stays up to 7 o’clock in school while others leave the campus at 3 pm. Everything seems to be absurd in our case while we

The Augustinian

Ang driver at traffic aide Hindi ko maunawaan kung bakit ang mga batas ng Pilipinas ay nakasulat hindi sa pambansang wika natin kung hindi sa wika ng mga banyaga?

Isang araw sa mainit na tagaraw, habang papauwi ako sa Tigbauan ay nasaksihan ko ang isang pangyayari na naging dahilan kung bakit naisulat ko ito.

Sumasakay ako sa jeep mula sa Shell Station sa Molo malapit sa plasa. Nang handa nang lumakad ang jeep ay pinara kami ng isang traffic aide na humuli sa driver at tinikitan ito. Ito raw ay lumabag sa batas trapiko. Naunawaan o nabasa man lang ba ng pobreng driver kung ano ang batas? Naisip ko lamang ang katanungang iyan dahil misan akong pumasok sa law library ng unibersidad. Sa pagbabasa ko ng mga aklat hinggil sa mga batas ng Pilipinas ay napansin ko na ang mga ito ay nakasulat sa Ingles at hindi sa Filipino na pambansang wika natin. Bakit kaya nakasulat ang mga iyon sa wika ng mga banyaga?

Ganoon na ba tayo ka-obsessed sa mga Kano na mukhang anemic na labanos na kahit sarili nating mga batas ay nakasulat sa kanilang wika? Para ba sa kanila ang mga ito? At dahil nakasulat ang mga ito sa wikang banyaga na tanging ang mga abogado lamang at mga taong may pinag-aralan ang makaunawa (kung minsan hindi pa nga), paano na lamang ang karaniwang Juan dela Cruz na kadalasa’y “no read no write”?

Ang ating mga batas ay nilikha para mapanatili ang kaayusan sa ating bayan. Maaabot lamang natin ang kaayusang ito kung mayroong pagkakaunawaan sa pagitan ng ating pamahalaan at mamamayan. Kung ang ating mga batas ay nakasulat sa ating sariling wika, higit itong mauunawaan ng karaniwang tao.

Kung naiintindihan ng lahat ang batas, siguradong alam nila kung ano ang tama o mali.

Ang ganitong pag-uugali ng mga Pinoy ay dahil sa tinatawag na “colonial mentality,” kung saan inaakala nila na ang mga bagay na may kaugnayan sa mga banyaga ay mas magaling o mas maganda.

Ang mga Espanyol, Amerikano, at Hapones ay nag-iwan ng mga pagkilalang sila ay nakalalamang.

Hindi kaya “colonial mentality” ang dahilan kung bakit hindi pa rin umaasenso ang ating bansa?

Makikita natin ang “colonial mentality” sa halos lahat ng aspeto ng ating buhay - sa ating kinakain, need to have all the rationales behind everything. We have been tiring ourselves so much. We sometimes make our lives so complicated yet; it can be as simple as 1 plus 1.

Yes, of course we have chosen this career and there’s no turning back. We will be handling lives and everything should be taken with utmost care and confidence. And we are about to embark on a very taxing profession. But don’t we have at least the right to catch our breath between

5

Bibliophile “Ang ating mga batas ay nilikha para mapanatili ang kaayusan sa ating bayan.”

Emmanuel Barcelona sinusuot, winiwika at ikinikilos.

Marami sa atin ang mahilig kumain ng mga imported na delata, nagsusuot ng mga “signatured clothing” na gawa ng Gucci, Nike, Addidas, Levis, at iba pang mamahaling mga kasuotang likha ng mga banyaga.

Marami rin sa atin ang mahilig magaral ng English, Korean, German, French at iba pang wika. Halos hindi nga natin saulado ang ating sariling wika. Mas mahilig pa tayo sa mga kalakal na gawa sa ibang bansa habang kinakalimutan ang sariling atin. Iilan lang ba ang nakakilala ng mga bagay na gawa sa Pilipinas? Sa maikling sabi, mas mahal pa natin ang mga bagay na gawang banyaga kaysa sa sariling atin.

Isa pa pala, ilan pa ba ang nakakikilala sa ating mga bayaning nagbuwis ng buhay upang makamit lamang ang mithing kalayaan?

Kapag tinanong mo siguro ang ilang tao tungkol sa buhay ni Gat. Jose Rizal marahil dalawang bagay lang ang kanilang masasabi, na siya ang may-akda ng Noli Me Tangere at El Filibusterismo at ating pambansang bayani. Pero tanungin mo ang iba kung sino si Brad Pitt, pwede mo na itong itala sa isang mahabang talambuhay niya. Nakakahiya na Pinoy ka halos wala kang alam sa sarili mong kasaysayan at kultura.

Naisip ko lamang na marahil ang “colonial mentality” ang pinakamatinding pamana sa atin ng ating mga mananakop. Siniguro nila na mananatili tayong lugmok sa pusali kung paano nila tayo binuhay noon.

Subalit may magagawa naman tayo upang makaahon sa pusaliang kinalugmukan natin. Maari nating simulan ito sa paggamit ng Filipino sa ating mga batas at sa pagtangkilik ng sariling atin. Sa pamamagitan nito, higit nating maunawaan ang ating mga tradisyon at kultura, lalo na ang ating mga sarili. Para sa akin, ang Pilipinas ay bata pa at ito ay nasa estado ng pagdiskubre sa kanyang sarili. Tulungan natin siya.

Siguro kung ang batas natin ay nakasulat sa Filipino at hindi sa Ingles, maiiwasan sana ang away sa pagitan ng awtoridad at mga mamamayan. Hindi pa sana nag-away ang driver at ang traffic aide sa tagpong aking nasaksihan at sana kaunti na lang ngayon ang kriminalidad sa Pilipinas. those schedules and heaping works?

Realizing the dream of being a nurse wouldn’t be impossible if circumstances and precipitating factors are just favorable. But before dipping our feet into something we thought it was it, we must know first how it would be affecting us. If we could not cool the lava, we could at least make it warm rather than hot. As to what Florence Nightingle believes, a warm environment is a factor in a person’s healing.

6

FEATURE

The Augustinian

august 15 - september 30, 2009

Hail, the new “Political Messiah” Can Noynoy come out of his parents’ shadow?

By PIETROS VAL PATRICIO

Senator Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III flashes the Laban sign after the death of his mother, former president Corazon Aquino.

LIKE his parents, he never envisioned himself running for the highest position in the land. But due to recent circumstances of fate, accompanied by the overwhelming support of political friends and the Filipino masses, Senator Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III finally gave his nod to run for the upcoming 2010 presidential elections. But as he is now faced by doubts and questions, how credible is Noynoy after all?

As a graduating political science major, it is indeed quite overwhelming to witness the rise of a potential leader backed up by the masses, based not on his wealth, power or fame, pardon me, but purely on his “good intentions” and the “heroism background” of his political forbearers – quite a remarkable phenomenon for a country historically tormented by the absence of good leadership. Even great icons of good governance like Grace Padaca of Isabela and Fr. Ed

Panlillo of Pampanga have decided to back out voluntarily from the presidential bid to strengthen their support and urge for Noynoy to run for the nation’s highest post. But it was only after the withdrawal of Liberal Party leader Senator Mar Roxas from the race last September 1 for his sake that he was finally persuaded into running for president almost a month after the death of his mother, the late former president Corazon Aquino. Indeed, a matter of pure coincidence.

After all, Roxas has already poured in millions these past months for his aggressive campaigns in the upcoming elections. And even the whole nation thought he had the keen desire on becoming the country’s next head of state. Apparently, presidential aspirants can also unexpectedly come out with surprises. But many have been questioning lately, what exactly prompted him to do so? And why all

public bidding. As an active member owned by his mother’s clan as well the big fuss about Noynoy?

The move to bid the only son of the Genuine Opposition, he also as his great support for the pending of two great heroes as the possible played a key role in preventing the Reproductive Health Bill, which successor to Gloria Macapagal- present administration from amending has been greatly condemned by the Arroyo’s controversial nine-year the existing Philippine Constitution. Catholic Church.

In a recent press release, he stated: reign eventually gave birth to the He is a leading figure in the Liberal so called PAGBABAGO (Change) Party being its present Vice Chairman “Gusto kong maging presidente, movement and even revived the and having previously served as its hindi lamang ng mga mayayaman legendary “L” – for Laban (Fight) Secretary General for nearly three kundi pati na rin ng mga mahihirap, – hand sign among the masses in years. He was also House Speaker presidente ng lahat [I want to become an attempt to unite all people of the of the 13th Congress from 2004-2006. president, not only of the rich but also country including Noynoy’s former During the 2007 senatorial elections, of the poor, a president of all].” He political enemies and all factions Aquino has already been popular further added that his bid is entirely within the Liberal Party that occurred among voters by landing sixth out of for the country alone and not for his after the 2004 election fraud scandal the 37 candidates for the 12 vacant personal sake.

Many argue that with his present of Arroyo’s administration. It became seats garnering more than 14.3 clear to all after Roxas backed out of million votes accompanied by the image as an alternative presidential his intentions of doing so were clean endorsement efforts of his younger candidate and anti-trapo politician, and that there were no foul intentions sister, TV host Kristina “Kris” Noynoy has sparked an enormous involved since he claimed it to be the Aquino. So far, he has remained very flame in the country’s political arena hardest decision he has ever made in much his own man out of his parents’ in recent years. If this circumstance his political career. Many critics claim silhouette. To look at the much would really pave way for a new era of that with this recent stint, a Filipino brighter side of it, he has never been political maturity in the Philippines, Obama in the person of Noynoy involved in any corruption scandal then we might as well be living in one has now took the center stage of the throughout his entire political career. of the most exciting moments of our Philippine political arena basing on He has also topped every imaginable time. Well, let’s see. all the recent attention given to him. presidential poll shortly of after But does being a direct descendant of his announcement of candidacy. Photo credits: two heroic figures already qualify one However, he also has many issues http://philippinesfunwall.wordpress. of becoming an efficient leader? Do to face such as the controversial com/2009/09/01 • http://www.noynoy.ph/ release/3_30_07.php genes alone determine one’s integrity Hacienda Luisita empire in Pampanga towards good leadership?

Quite often has Aquino been reminded by fellow politicians to step out from the shadows of his parents.

His political achievements may not be too promising but his eleven years of extensive experience at the House of Representatives and the Senate proves his credibility as a public servant. Among his major efforts during his time at the Philippine Congress was his initiative to make requiring the procurement of the petroleum, oil and lubricants requirements of the Armed Forces of the Philippines be done through Aquino greets his supporters in one of the crowded streets of Metro Manila.

Pasintabi sa mga Bumabasa

By Mia Rose Emboltura

“Mi, sandali lang. Andyan na ba si Sir? Hindi ko na talaga ito kaya!” “Ay naku Deh, itakbo mo na iyan dali!”

Puspusan ang kanyang takbo. Sana nama’y umabot pa– ang pasabog.

Sana’y hindi na kumalat sa kung saan-saan, sana naman. “Ano ba kasi ang mga pinakakakain ng babaeng ito?”

Iyan ang isa hindi ko malilimutang linya ng aking kaibigan. Nakakahiya man ngunit, oo, totoo ito. May pagsusulit kami noon sa isa naming asignatura. Ala-una na ng hapon at ang lahat ay halos tensyunado na at kinakabahan. Akala ko ang sinabi niya ay biro lamang. Inakala kong dala lamang iyon ng kanyang kaba sa aming pagsusulit. Kung minsan kasi, isa ito sa mga normal na tugon ng ating katawan sa mga stimuli na nagdudulot sa atin ng mga matitinding emosyon. At isa na rito ay ang di-maiwasang biglaang pagdumi. Ngunit hindi pala. Totoo pala ang pakiramdam niyang iyon.

Pagdating niya sa palikuran, dalidali niyang pinanaog ang salawal at Continue to page 7

FEATURE

august 15 - september 30, 2009

The Augustinian

7

A Sister’s Love

By Mary Leslie Eregia

“Most babies are accidents. Not me. I was engineered- born to save my sister’s life”. How often does one come across a person saying this line? How often does one encounter a genetically-modified human being, much more a person created only to save another’s life?

From the best-selling novel of Jodi Picoult, director Nick Cassavetes (The Notebook) brings on-screen an immediate audience-grabber film coupled with tear-jerking impacts, melodramatic sounds and rich experiences about family life that leaves viewers hanging on to their seats with mouths agape as they journey through the ups and downs of a crisis-stricken family situated in

the blazing heat of modern-day Los Angeles, California.

The film’s “hook” is 11- year old Anna Fitzgerald (Abigail Breslin) who suddenly makes a stunning declaration to stop donating certain body parts and other tissues to her 15- year old sister Kate (Sofia Vassilieva) who has been diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukemia since birth. Conceived through in vitro fertilization, Anna was referred to as a “Donor Baby”genetically-modified to match her older sister so she can donate parts of her body to prolong her sister’s life. As Kate’s condition continues to worsen and eventually leads to her renal failure, the prospect of giving her own kidneys to Kate scares Anna

because she knows that she will be unable to live the life she wants i.e. to take part in extra curricular activities like cheerleading, soccer, and even motherhood.

Knowing that she will be forced in one way or another to donate her kidneys, Anna sues her parents for medical emancipation and the rights to her own body, through the help of renowned lawyer, Attorney Campbell Alexander (Alec Baldwin). As the case goes to a hearing, flashbacks of experiences detail the strong relationship between the sisters Kate and Anna, as well as the effect brought upon by Kate’s illness which affected her entire family, especially her siblings (Jesse, her brother, who had dyslexia, committed to drugs and other vices due to their parents’ lack of attention; Anna on the other hand, feels that she isn’t being treated fairly by their parents and eventually questions why she was born to the world). Romance blossoms in the air as Kate has her own share of the so-called “love bug” in the form of Taylor (Thomas Dekker), another cancer patient whom she meets in the hospital. Their relationship is only short-lived however, after Taylor dies unexpectedly a few days after the hospital’s “prom”, where they made love.

As the hearing proceeded, it turns out that Kate does not even want Anna’s kidney and would have preferred to die so she requested Anna to file for medical emancipation, and refuse to donate her kidney, after their mother Sara (Cameron Diaz), refuses to listen to her predicaments. This was revealed to the court by Jesse (Evan Ellingson), their older brother, since he also knew of the sisters’ plan.

...Continued from page 6 umupo. Humugot ng todong lakas, at, iyon na - nasipaglaglagan na ang mga bomba. “Hay sa wakas!”

Naligayahan siya. Nailabas na niya ang kanyang “sama ng loob”. Ngunit sa laki ng kanyang pagkadismaya, napag-alaman niyang, walang tubig. “Ay naku, Inay ko po!” Kawawang Deh, wala na ngang pambuhos, wala pang

pampunas.

Mabuti nalang nakapa niya ang kapiranggot na papel sa kanyang bulsa. Alam niyo na kung ano ang susunod. Nang makalabas na siya, lumingon siya sa lahat ng direksyon, “Nawa’y walang may makakita sa’kin…” “Kung hindi, naku! Patay ako ne’to.” Sa kabutihang palad, wala nga…

Ganito kalimitan ang eksena sa ating mga palikuran o mas kilala sa tawag na Comfort Room (CR). Tadtad ng mga sulat ang dinding, pinto at salamin, barado, mahirap i-flush at marumi.

Mapa-plastik na bote, sapot ng mga pinagkainan, kendi at pati sanitary napkin ay kompleto.

Hindi rin naman mawawala ang mga gripong tila napagkamalang manibela ng dyip na bumabagtas sa kahabaan ng liku-likong daan ng Kenon. Imbes na tubig ang lumabas, kalawang ang kakapit sa iyong mga kamay. At ang pinakalaganap sa lahat–ang kasalatan sa tubig.

Ang mga gusali tulad na sa Mendel (Science), Aguirre at Gamboa ay iilan lamang sa may pinakamadalas gamitin na mga

palikuran. Dahil narin sa humigit kumulang 8000 populasyon ng ating unibersidad na gumagamit ng mga palikuran araw-araw, humantong na nga sa ganito kalala ang sitwasyon. Ang ilan sa mga kubeta sa Gamboa ay hindi na nagagamit dahil sa nakapatong na saku-sakong plastik na bote.

Sa Aguirre naman ay halos abot sa kabilang kanto ang amoy na umaalingasaw. Samantala, ang sa Mendel naman ay mahirap e-“flush” ang mga kubeta at kulang na kulang sa tubig.

Mahirap para sa atin ang sagutin ang tawag ng kalikasan kung ganito ang mukha at sitwasyon ng ating mga palikuran; masangsang, at nanlilimahid sa lahat ng uri ng dumi.

Marami ang nagtatanong kung bakit kulang ang supply ng tubig.

May sira ba sa mga linya ng mga ito? Hindi pa naman ramdam ang pagdating ay panahon ng tagtuyot?

O sadyang may kulang na hindi natin alam? Ang matrikulang ibinabayad ng mga estudyante, bahagi nito ay napupunta din sa mga serbisyong ito ng unibersidad. Marapat lang na kanila itong mapakinabangan.

When Sara eventually stopped fighting Kate’s decision, Anna did not push through with the operation and Kate in the long run died at the hospital, with their mother in her arms. After the court proclaims Anna’s winning the case, the Fitzgerald family move on with their lives, putting the memory of Kate forever imprinted on their hearts.

“My Sister’s Keeper” is a certified four-hanky weeper, although it also has its weak points- The ending of the movie being the first major disappointment (for those who have read the book). In the novel, Anna is involved in a car accident which leads to her death, and the survival of Kate who served as the recipient of all Kate’s organs. On the other hand, the film portrayed the exact opposite: that it was Kate who died, and Anna who’d lived. Another is the omission of Julia, Atty. Campbell Alexander’s love interest, therefore downplaying the role of Judge, Alexander’s service dog. The role of Jesse was also changed from being a drug bust of the police force in the novel to getting an art scholarship in New York since he went back to school, as indicated in the film. The original location of Rhode Island was also replaced by Los Angeles. The ages of Anna and Kate have also been adjusted from thirteen and sixteen in the book respectively to eleven and fifteen in the film.

Still, these weak points are covered by the screen story crafted

by Cassavetes and the pool of writers which had captured the essence of the characters and presented the themes and ideas of the movie in a clear, coherent fashion. It maintained a lowkey style amidst the heart-breaking emotions it set upon the viewers.

The performances of the cast are across-the-board and undeniably two-thumbs up. Cameron Diaz who is best known for her roles in romantic comedies and lighter themes, showed how dramatic an actress she can be in taking the role

of Sara, which requires too much range and depth. She showed her versatility as an actress in portraying the role of an almost-lunatic mother who would do everything to save her ailing daughter’s life. Alec Baldwin delivers a finely tuned portrayal of a lawyer who has a reason to pursue the case not just because of fame and glory, but the way he feels for Anna, since he is also undergoing the same thing. Abigail Breslin and Sofia Vassilieva display a natural bond in their portrayal as sisters, without a hint of overacting in either performance.

Also, the portrayal of Vassilieva and Dekker as cancer patients looked unusual with their bald heads and with no eyebrows. For Vassilieva, nose bleeding, vomiting and skin exuding a bluish color really brought out the disfigurement caused by the illness yet she still managed to look and live like a normal teenager. Outstanding performances are also credited to Jason Patric and Joan Cusack for playing the roles of Brian Fitzgerald and Judge De Salvo, respectively.

As a whole, “My Sister’s Keeper” is a usual disease-of-the-week movie that has been completely overhauled into something more intelligent and perceptive. The mood set is ultimately sad but nevertheless, moments of joy and enlightenment can still be seen along the way. Like all tearjerkers, this movie enables us to think about our loved ones and persons close to us, who are either living or have passed away. It gives us time to reminisce on memories of loved ones that have long gone from our minds and are ready to resurface once again.

And in the solitude of a blackened space, it gives us permission to cry our hearts out.

Photo credits: http://coratcoretnyaella.wordpress. com/2009/08/04/movies-im-craving-towatch/ http://www.fanpop.com/spots/my-sisterskeeper/images/6793828/title/sisterskeeper

8

SPORTS/NEWS

The Augustinian

august 15 - september 30, 2009

USA hosts ILOPRISAA ’09

Internal committee shows updates

By Josh Von Iron Tondo

Ensuing the meeting of the cultural coordinators and coaches on September 18, 2009, the Augustinian committee tasked to prepare for this year’s ILOPRISAA (Iloilo Private Schools Athletic Association) Meet came up with the schedule of venues and events for the literary and sports competition to be accommodated by the University.

Five of this school’s facilities will be utilized for the said event.

The University Conference Room will be the venue for the elementary and high school Spelling Bee, the library will be for the

Mathematics Quiz Bee – elementary and high school divisions, and the Nursing review center will be for the Current Events-elementary for two consecutive days.

The Philippine Folk Dance, Contemporary Dance, Dance Sports, and Mutya at Ginoo ng PRISAA tertiary divisions will be at the University gymnasium on the seventh day of the event.

On the other hand, the University auditorium will be a venue for a number of competitions the whole week of ILOPRISAA. It will be the site for the Declamation in English

and Filipino, Vocal Solo – Classical and Pop, Vocal Duet, Oration and B i n a l a y b a y, E x t e m p o r a n e o u s Speaking in English and Filipino, and Guitar Solo.

During the meeting, a new set of guidelines for academic and cultural contest were proposed by Dr. Ernesto Garin of Great Saviour School. The said proposal, however, is still subject to the decision of the PRISAA Board said USA Co-Curricular Coordinator John Paul Petrola.

ILOPRISAA 2009 is themed “Youth Empowerment through Education, Culture, and Sports.”

USA reaps awards in 33rd Milo Marathon

By Ronald Sorrilla

RESULTS OF MR. AND Miss INTRAMURALS 2009 SPECIAL AWARDS Avon

MS. Intramurals

CBAA

Face Value Sanicare Tropicana Glamorous (Alta Moda) MINOR AWARDS Production Number Playsuit

MR. Intramurals

CN CN CBAA CBAA

CN CN CAS CN

MS. Intramurals

MR. Intramurals

CBAA CBAA

CN

Sportswear

CN

Interview Congeniality MAJOR AWARDS 4 Runner-up 3rd Runner-up 2nd Runner-up 1st Runner-up Mr. & Ms. Intramurals

CN HS

Elem Elem

MS. Intramurals

MR. Intramurals

CEd CAS PMT CN CBAA

CAS CBAA CEA Elem CN

th

Math and Physics Society makes comeback

By Ray Adrian Macalalag

Professor Eva Zaldivar (third from left), chair of the PE Department, receives the plaque of recognition for the University in the awarding ceremony of the 33rd Milo Marathon regionals, August 23,

University of San Agustin garnered two major awards in the 33rd Milo Marathon Regional Eliminations on August 23, 2009.

USA Physical Education Department endorsed the activity to PE 101 students to participate in the event. The USA delegation had 1,432 runners but only 863 finishers took the slots, making the University the first runner-up in Inter-School Team Running Competition and winner of the Biggest School Delegation award.

School representatives received trophies and a cash prize of PhP 10,000.00.

More than 7,000 runners in Iloilo alone took part in the following events namely, 21K, 10K, 5K Fun run, and 3K distances respectively. Major streets of Iloilo City were closed to facilitate the event which started in the Freedom Grandstand. The same place was the venue of the awarding

ceremonies.

Aside from the running stints, participants from other institutions competed in the cheerdance competition. West Visayas State University (College of PESCAR), bagged the top award in the college category while the Iloilo Central Commercial High School won in the secondary level.

The National Finals will be held in Manila on October 11. Winners in both men and women divisions will pocket the top prize of PhP 75,000.00, and will be named Marathon King and Queen. Runners-up will receive trophies and Php 50,000.00 each.

The Milo Marathon has been the longest running event which started in 1974, then headed by Milo executives Rudy Biscocho and Cricelda Marte (race organizers), Patricio Gocong (AVP and Milo Sports events executive), Dennis Austriaco (Nestle

SVP and business executive manager).

With the support of the Department of Education through Dafrosa Zagala, the participation of institutions were maximized and the promotion of healthy lifestyle were heightened, involving more people in sports.

The success of the event was realized through the efforts of the teachers in PE Department under the chairmanship of Prof. Eva Zaldivar.

“Engaging in sports develops not only one’s physical aspect but the totality of human development, covering social, psychological, and intellectual factors. The Milo Marathon will serve as a medium in encouraging the people to love sports,” Zaldivar stressed.

AFTER being dormant for more or less two years, the USA Math and Physics Society (USA-MPS) became active again, holding several activities on September 28 to 29.

The search for the flag-bearers of the University of San Agustin for the Regional Statistics Quiz was conducted by the USA-MPS through an elimination process on September 28. Students from the different colleges were invited to take a statistics examination and through which the top five will be representing the University. The five students who topped the examination were Mary Leslie Eregia and Karlo Jay Laud of the College of Pharmacy and Medical Technology, Kenneth de la Cruz and Roy Castro of the College of Business Administration and Accountancy, and Jomaila Garrido of the College of Engineering and Architecture.

To p r o m o t e t h e s t u d e n t s ’ interest in mathematics, especially in algebra, the USA-MPS organized

the first Inter-college Algebra Quiz Bowl on September 29 at the USA Student Center. The quiz bowl was topped by the College of Business Administration and Accountancy, composed of Roy Castro, Jeric de los Reyes, and Kenneth de la Cruz. Joshua Rey Javellana, Jomaila Garrido, and Ian Gabriel Tranco of the College of Engineering and Architecture placed second while Karlo Jay Laud, Shawn Marri Gallego, and Andre Karl Faculin of the College of Pharmacy and Medical Technology ranked third.

On that same day, September 29, the first On-the-Spot Poster Making Contest was also held. The contest was won by Kristine Joy Nillo (BSCE 1) of the College of Engineering and Architecture.

The USA Math and Physics Society eyes for more activities this coming February with advisers Prof.

Pilar Arguelles and Dr. Rojane Deleña and the society’s president, Ramuel Borja (BSEd 4).

BED repeats cheerdance victory

By Josefa Maria Castro

THE Basic Education Department (BED) emerged as champion for the second year in a row in the universitywide cheerdance competition held at the USA Gymnasium on August 29, 2009.

Ranking second to the BED in the said contest was the College of Nursing (CN) while the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), was declared as second runner-up.

This year’s cheerdance champion was trained by Ms. Sherina De la Cruz, a Physical Education teacher of the High School Department.

Aside from bagging the top plum

in the said competition, Sharmaine Serafica, a junior high school student of the BED also won the Best Cheerleader special award.

There were eight competing teams, each composed of 30 dancers and 10 lifters. They were given seven to 10 minutes to perform their entire routine.

The competing groups displayed an array of gymnastic movements with the use of various props. As the final activity for this year’s Patron Saint’s Day celebration, the contest started at 1 PM on the abovementioned date.

Basic Education Department (BED) dancers showcase their flexibility during the cheerdance competition held at the USA Gymnasium, August 29.