The Varsitarian

The Varsitarian
Founded 1928
The Official student publicaTION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS
Campus unfazed by flu virus
University-wide class suspension ruled out
By MARY Athena D. de Paz and Adrienne Jesse A. Maleficio
The A(H1N1) flu virus has arrived in UST, but Thomasians are not taking matters sitting down.
READ THE SIGN. Students were not allowed entry into the San Martin de Porres
Building for a couple of days, due to a confirmed case of A(H1N1)
Following a new Department of
Health memorandum, the school has
modified its preparedness plan against
the flu virus, refusing to immediately
suspend classes and operations in
infected areas.
Four Thomasians have gone down
with the virus as of June 24, prompting
school officials to shut down four
buildings for at least a week.
As per government protocol, the
patients were not identified. Health
Service director Maria Salve Olalia
said they were now “recovering.”
Despite the four cases, Secretary
General Fr. Isidro Abaño, O.P. said
there would be “no university-wide
suspension of classes in compliance
with the DOH directive.”
Olalia said three of the patients
had traveled abroad while the fourth
one from the Faculty of Engineering
was supposedly infected by a friend
from another university.
Health authorities insisted that
the flu virus was mild, noting that
85 percent of the more than 720
patients in the country had all been
cured. The lone fatality—a 49-yearold congressional worker—died of
a lingering heart ailment, the DOH
said.
The DOH argued that there was
no sense in suspending classes in
case of a community-level outbreak
because students would be out in the
community anyway.
The better approach, it said, was
to keep patients on self-quarantine for
at least 10 days.
“If cases arises to Level four
or confirmed community level
transmission, schools need not suspend
class except when unusually severe
illness simultaneously manifests in
a large number of ill students and/
or school staff,” it said in its revised
guidelines for schools.
Shutdown
If a lone student got infected, the
agency said officials should suspend
class only for the class or block
involve. The patient then was advised
to seek medical treatment or stay at
home.
The DOH came up with the new
memorandum in response to concerns
that the steady increase in the number
of flu cases might soon paralyze
classes.
School officials shut down the
St. Martin de Porres (medicine) and
Roque Ruaño (engineering) buildings,
gym, and the fourth floor of the
carpark building where the College of
Accountancy is located.
St. Martin and Roque Ruaño
were closed on June 22 and were to
open on June 29 and 30, respectively.
Main Building ‘slowly deteriorating’
By Jilly Anne A. Bulauan
THE UST Main Building, the Philippines’ first earthquake-proof structure, is
qualified to be proclaimed a natural treasure and a UN World Heritage Site,
but the University should work for its nomination before it’s too late.
Speaking at the formal opening of classes last June 15, Architecture
Dean John Joseph Fernandez warned that the “focal point of the campus”
is slowly deteriorating.
“The Main Building is currently experiencing a slow process of
deterioration due to its age, drastic environment changes and numerous
interventions that were done in the past,” Fernandez said in his Discurso
de Apertura at the Santissimo Rosario Parish Church.
He cited repairs at the Faculty of Civil Law, Office of the Vice Rector,
and the Public Affairs and Alumni Affairs offices that led to “unacceptable”
interferences, which are contributing to the building’s deterioration.
This is shown by falling debris, which prompted the installation of
bollards connected by chains around the building to ensure the safety of
those around, Fernandez added.
Despite the changes, Fernandez said the Main Building along with the
Central Seminary can still be listed as World Heritage sites of the United
‘V’ launches online
breaking news
Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (Unesco).
There are eight Unesco heritage sites in the country, four of them
Baroque churches like the San Agustin Church in Intramuros, as well as
the Banaue Rice Terraces, the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National
Park, the historic city of Vigan, and the Tubbataha Reef Marine Park.
“It is the right time for the University to start moving for the listing
of both structures as World Heritage sites and as National Treasures,”
Fernandez said
It is a “pity” that Far Eastern University has already been nominated
to the Unesco Asian Heritage list as having the most Art Deco structures in
one campus, ahead of UST, he said.
Such an honor for UST would be a “legacy that future Thomasians
could be proud of,” especially if it coincides with the quadricentennial
celebration of the University in 2011.
Designed by the Dominican engineer Fr. Roque Ruaño, O.P., the Main
Building was one of the first structures erected on the España Street campus,
built in 1927 to accommodate expansion as the original Intramuros campus
had become overcrowded. The University moved to España completely with
the destruction of the Walled City after World War II.
Main, Page 10
Studes told: Go easy on parties
By Danielle Clara P. Dandan
By Jilly Anne A. Bulauan
YOU DON’T have to wait for the next Varsitarian
issue to get the latest UST news. The paper
now has breaking news on its website (www.
Varsitarian.net).
The first breaking news stories appeared on
the Varsitarian.net when the University opened
the school year last June 15 with the Misa de
Apertura, and the discovery of the first confirmed
cases of Influenza A(H1N1) virus in campus.
Stories were flashed online just a few hours after
the events took place.
The website will also contain information
regarding Varsitarian’s extra-editorial activities
such as the V Fiction Workshop, Inkblots National
Campus Journalism Fellowship, Ustetika Literary
Awards and Pautakan quiz contest.
The paper has also created social networking
sites in Multiply and Facebook to reach Thomasians
even beyond the University borders.
The archives section will also continue to
provide previously published articles.
LIVE simply, don’t party.
The Office of the Secretary General
has banned acquaintance parties and other
student-organized events outside the University,
instructing student councils to practice “simplicity
of life” in collecting membership fees and even
in selling “identity” shirts.
In a memorandum issued last May 28,
Secretary General Fr. Isidro Abaño, O.P. said
the University needs to conserve resources amid
economic difficulties.
“Students, through the local councils, are
allowed to sell only one college shirt starting
academic year 2009-2010 priced at not more than
P150,” the memo stated. “Membership fees to be
collected by recognized student organizations
must (also) not exceed P200.”
The Students Organizations’ Coordinating
Council (SOCC) said it had notified all university
organizations prior to the release of the memo.
“We have actually discussed these new
guidelines during our Leadership Training
Seminar held last May 18 to 20 in Laguna. And
although some may not agree with the guidelines,
(the organizations) really could not do anything
about it,” said SOCC President Maria Cecilia
Cruz.
Cruz said outreach programs by individual
organizations, although not strictly prohibited,
were also discouraged since the University had
its own community development program.
Recognized student organizations may
only hold two minor and one major fund raising
activities. A fund raising activity is considered
minor if the amount to be raised will not exceed
P9,999.99. Otherwise, the activity is a major
one.
The ban on student events outside the
campus was ordered after a Thomasian committed
suicide last March during an affair organized by
a student organization at the Fernandina Suites
Hotel in Cubao, Quezon City.
Studes, Page 10
Accountancy was also scheduled to
resume classes at the end of June. The
gym was set to open on July 2.
An official of the Accountancy
student council told the Varsitarian
over the phone that the college’s flu
victim was a student. No other details
were given.
The Varsitarian learned that
another patient was a female athlete.
A memo from athletics director
Francis Vicente read: “All trainings
will be suspended from June 23 to July
2…(Only) selected basketball players
and Salinggawi dancers are allowed to
have their trainings.”
Finally, soap
Fear of the flu virus prompted
school officials to finally provide
soaps in toilets. Until the virus scare,
they were a rarity especially in toilets
for students.
But still hard to find are
napkins despite their necessity in the
observance of the so-called “coughing
and sneezing etiquette.”
Olalia said the Facilities
Management Office had instructed
colleges and faculties to provide
basic necessities in comfort rooms in
their respective buildings to keep the
virus at bay.
Campus unfazed, Page 10
A(H1N1) shelves
freshmen tour
Illustration by R.I.M. Cruz
Photo By EMIL KARLO A. DELA CRUZ
Manila, Philippines
Manila,
Philippines
www.varsitarian.net
Vol. LXXXI, No. 1 • July 1, 2009
THE UNIVERSITY has modified the
annual Thomasian freshmen orientation
as cases of A(H1N1) virus in the campus
continue to rise.
The traditional Thomasian walk was
also subject to approval of the Secretary
General.
Public Affairs director Giovanna
Fontanilla said the orientation was moved
from auditorium to classrooms to avoid
congregation of student crowds in an enclosed venue.
“This may also be a good act because
it would raise a highly interactive audience
between the class adviser and the students,”
Fontanilla said.
She added the Public Affairs Office
would be giving out compact discs containing video presentations of UST History and
Quadricentennial plans to all faculties and
colleges to be used as tools for “virtual”
orientation.
Arabella Arquiza said, Office for
Student Affairs assistant for organizations
said the University administration has
not approved social-gathering events as
of the moment to comply with the social
distancing precautionary measure.
“The Office decided to limit events
A(H1N1), Page 10
The
Varsitarian
news
2 july 1, 2009
Danielle Clara P. Dandan, Acting Editor
No more Spanish, Japanese for Tourism
By Darenn G. Rodriguez
T H E C O L L E G E o f To u r i s m a n d
Hospitality Management welcomed the
new academic year with a curriculum
revamp that scrapped Spanish and Japanese
subjects in the first year level and renamed
its B.S. Tourism course to B.S. Travel
Management.
The new curriculum will have a
combination of Tourism and Hotel and
Restaurant Management (HRM) subjects
so that the students could apply for
managerial positions, Acting Dean Ma.
Cecilia Tio Cuison said.
It will also offer four additional
subjects namely Tourism and Hospitality
English, Tourism and Hospitality
Ethics, Professional Cookery, and Hotel
Operations and Administration.
Tio Cuison said the additional English
subject would be beneficial for students
when they deal with foreign clients in the
future.
“We already coordinated with Dr.
Madrunio of the Department of Languages
about the specialized English subject for
Travel Management students,” Tio Cuison
said.
The difference between Hospitality
English and the minor subject English
classes is the former is more specialized
English in the tourism field.
The 18-unit foreign languages course,
which replaced Spanish and Japanese is
“more inclined to fit the present needs of
the tourism industry,” she added.
Last January, the college was elevated
after three years of being an institute
carved out of the College of Education in
response to the tourism industry’s growing
manpower demand.
No to Ched memo
In 2006, the Ched issued memorandum
order no. 30 which gave a chance to Tourism
and HRM students to obtain certificates
after a year of study, instead of a diploma
after four years.
UST opted not to follow the
memorandum thoroughly because the
ladderized program is not yet available in
the University.
“We did not comply with the memo
thoroughly since we do not have exit points
every after year level where students could
have a chance to be employed even before
graduating provided they pass a special
exam,” Tio Cuison said.
“However in reality, based on our
perception, students who passed the exam
might not be ready for the industry since
they can still be considered minors,” she
added.
Civil Law dean up for high court
By DANIELLE CLARA P. DANDAN
ACTING Civil Law Dean Roberto Abad has been included in the
shortlist of candidates to fill up two vacant seats at the Supreme
Court
Abad, a practicing lawyer, was first nominated by the Judicial
and Bar Council (JBC) to replace Associate Justice Ruben Reyes
last January, but failed to make it to the shortlist. Sandiganbayan
Presiding Justice and Civil Law professor Diosdado Peralta replaced
Reyes on February.
This time, Abad is vying for one of the two vacant seats in the
15-man high tribunal left by Associate Justices Dante Tiñga and
Alicia Austria-Martinez.
Abad said five other nominees submitted by the JBC were all
“very competent.” Asked who were his toughest rivals for the post,
Abad pointed to Sandiganbayan Associate Justice Francisco Villaruz
and Court of Appeals (CA) Associate Justice Josefina Guevarra
Salonga, describing the two as among the “most outstanding
lawmen” of the land.
“Actually, most of them are very competent. But Villaruz and
Salonga are the most outstanding on the list,” Abad said.
Abad has been in charge of Civil Law since Dean Alfredo
UST opens
amid flu fears
By JENNIFER ANN G. AMBANTA
ACADEMIC YEAR 2009-2010
opened Monday, June 15 amid a call
for unity and collaboration ahead of
UST’s quadricentennial, in opening
ceremonies marked by a departure from
centuries of tradition due to the swine
flu pandemic.
Fr. Quirico Pedregosa, Jr., O.P.,
head of the Filipino Dominican province
and University vice chancellor, called
for “unity amid diversity” among
administrators, faculty members, and
students in his homily for the Misa de
Apertura or opening mass.
“Work together for peace, justice
and unity,” Pedregosa told the crowd
at the Santissimo Rosario Parish
Church, adding that he looks forward
to "joyous" festivities for UST's 400th
year in 2011.
He encouraged the Thomasian
community to work for the common
good and “allow the gifts of the Holy
Spirit within us to reign.”
The opening of classes in UST was
moved to June 15 as a precautionary
measure following the outbreak of
the influenza A(H1N1) virus in the
Philippines.
During the mass, members of
the Academic Senate did not join the
liturgical procession, and, along with
the faculty, were not required to wear
academic gowns.
“Academic robes were not worn
... as a preventive measure to avoid
the saturation of the atmosphere in
the chapel,” UST public affairs chief
Giovanna Fontanilla said.
Students and others who attended
the mass were given cardboard fans
which bore reminders on how to
combat the novel flu virus.
Benipayo, a former solicitor general and election commission
chairman, suffered a stroke in 2007. His acting status is expected to
be lifted by the end of June.
Aside from Abad, Villaruz, and Salonga, other Supreme Court
nominees are CA Associate Justices Martin Villarama Jr., Remedios
Salazar-Fernando, and lawyer Rodolfo Robles.
Asked for his position on moves by the House of Representatives
to convene a constituent assembly to amend the 1987 Constitution
without the Senate, supposedly to keep the President in power, Abad
said he wanted to keep an “open mind.”
“I do not want to say anything about it because if by accident
I am appointed to the Supreme Court, they might say I am biased. I
might give a prejudicial statement so I want to keep an open mind,”
he said.
But during an interview with the JBC in February, Abad
said he favored charter change to shift to a parliamentary form
of government from the presidential system, to make lawmaking
more efficient.
Abad faced tough questions from then Justice Sec. Raul
Gonzalez, who asked him questions over the Visiting Forces
Agreement and
Civil Law, Page 10
Thomasian researchers feted
By Adrienne Jesse A. Maleficio
TWO RESIDENT Thomasian researchers
were named “research fellows” by the society
of researchers in the Philippines during its
20th anniversary last May 19 at the Centro
Escolar University in Manila.
Emily Tan and Allan De Guzman were
named “research fellows” — the highest
distinction given by Philippine Society for
Educational Research and Evaluation — as
a tribute to their significant contributions
for the advancement of educational research
frontiers through numerous publications.
In fact, one of Tan’s works titled
“Research Experiences of Undergraduate
Students of a Compulsive University” was
published in the International Journal of
Teaching and Learning in Higher Education
last year.
Tan said the study was intended to
provide information on the experiences of
Tan and De Guzman
undergraduate students.
“Our contributions were geared towards
improvement of research management and
mentoring. We aimed to enhance the research environment for the improvement of
thinking, research, communication, writing,
presentation and relational skills, as well as
some personal values,” she said.
De Guzman, meanwhile, received the Jasper Research Award given by the Government
of Canada and the Southeast Asian Ministers of
Thomasian, Page 10
Mandurukot nadakip sa loob ng campus
Ni Cliff harvey c. venzon
HINDI lubos akalain ni Anne Celine Marquez, ikalawang taon sa kursong B.S. Chemistry, na
mapapasakamay pa niyang muli ang nawalang mp3 player na nagkakahalaga ng P25,000 nang
ipatawag siya ng UST Security Office upang kumpirmahin kung pag-aari niya ang nakuha sa
isang pinaghihinalaang magnanakaw.
Sinampahan ng kasong pandurukot si David Notarte, 34, residente ng Sta. Cruz, Maynila
sa Manila Police District (MPD). Kapag napatunayang nagkasala, ikalawang beses nang
makukulong si Notarte sa parehong kaso.
Sa sinumpaang salaysay ni Marquez sa sa istasyon ng pulis noong Hunyo 17, araw kung
kailan nawala ang kanyang mp3 player, nasa baggage counter siya noon ng isang bookstore
sa Dapitan nang mapansin niyang bukas ang kanyang bag, ngunit pinagsawalang-bahala
lamang niya ito.
“Pero nung manghiram sa akin `yung kaklase ko, at hindi ko na makita (ang mp3 player),
doon ko na nalaman na nawawala na pala,” ani Marquez.
Ayon kay Rommel Bronyo, isang laboratory assistant sa College of Science na tumayong
testigo sa krimen, oras ng pahinga niya noon nang makita niya si Notarte na nagbubukas ng bag
ng isang estudyante kaya’t dali-dali niya itong ipinagbigay-alam kay Joan Robidillo, isang
Mandurukot, Page 10
2009 CANNES Film Festival Best Director Brillante Mendoza grants
the press an interview during his testimonial dinner organized by the
Varsitarian last June 2 at the Tan Yan Kee Student Center.
J.C.A. BASSIG
Journalism majors lead ‘V’
A JOURNALISM senior is the Varsitarian’s new editor in
chief, leading a diverse staff on the 82nd year of the country’s
premier and most respected Catholic campus paper.
This marks the first time in 10 years that a journalism
student was named the paper’s chief editor, after Journalism
junior Christian Esguerra in 1999.
Emil Karlo de la Cruz is joined in the editorial board by
Managing Editor Prinz Magtulis, also a Journalism senior. De
la Cruz and Magtulis are formerly Circle Section editor and
news reporter, respectively.
Journalism seniors Mark Andrew Francisco and Sarah Jane
Pauyo were named editors of the Filipino and Features sections,
respectively. Danielle Clara Dandan is acting News editor,
while junior Jeremy Perey was named acting Sports editor.
Jonathan Eli Libut of Asian Studies and Alphonsus Luigi
Alfonso of Legal Management were named Circle and Special
Reports editors, respectively.
Medical Technology senior Alena Pias Bantolo from the
Faculty of Pharmacy was appointed Science and Technology
editor, while Nursing senior Quinia Jenica Ranjo was named
Witness (Religion) Section editor.
Marian Leanna Dela Cruz of the College of Education
was named Literary editor, while Paul Allyson Quiambao, a
third year Architecture student, was appointed Photography
Editor.
The complete roster of Varsitarian’s 82nd batch are as
follows: Jennifer Ann Ambanta, Jilly Anne Bulauan, Adrienne
Jesse Maleficio, Darenn Rodriguez, and Cliff Harvey Venzon
(News); Charizze Abulencia, Mary Athena de Paz, and Lester
Babiera (Sports); Andrewly Agaton, Rose May Cabacang, and
Alexis Ailex Villamor, Jr. (Special Reports); Julienne Krizia
Roman (Science and Technology); Mika Rafaela Barrios, Rose-An
Jessica Dioquino, and Robin Padilla (Literary); Ronalyn Umali
(Features); James Talon and Maria Joanna Angela Cruz (Circle);
Florench May Corpuz and Camille Abigael Alcantara (Witness);
Ma. Karla Lenina Comanda and Kacelyn Faye Paje (Filipino);
Lester Babiera, Josa Camille Bassig, Giannina Nicolai Melicor
and Mark Jonathan See (Photography); and Fritzie Marie Amar,
Rey Ian Cruz, Carla Gamalinda, and Jasmine Santos (Art).
Joselito Zulueta, editor and editorialist of the Philippine
Daily Inquirer, professor of journalism in the Faculty of Arts and
Letters, and holder of the Irwin Professorial Chair in Literature
at Ateneo de Manila, is still the Publications Adviser.
Felipe Salvosa II, associate editor of business daily
BusinessWorld, was retained as assistant publications adviser.
He teaches Business Journalism in Artlets.
This year’s Selection Committee was composed of Artlets
professor, Philippine Daily Inquirer reporter and former
Yuchengco Media Fellow Christian Esguerra as chairman; Dr.
Jaime Romero, assistant to the director for publications at the
Office of Public Affairs; College of Science professor Anna
Maria Gloria Ward, and two lawyers — former Varsitarian
managing editor Adrian Montemayor of the College of
Commerce and former Varsitarian editor in chief Eldric
Paul Peredo.
This year’s staffers went through competitive qualifying
and specialized examinations as well as panel interviews and
extensive training.
Varsitarian
sci-tech
Alena Pias P. Bantolo, Editor
July 1, 2009
Influenza scares through the ages
By Julienne Krizia V. Roman
EVERYONE in the world may have
contracted it at least once in their
lifetimes, but history itself shows
that the flu can become more than
just a yearly guest. The influenza
virus—particularly Influenza A—has
already caused four flu pandemics in
history: that of the Spanish flu, the
Asian flu, the Hong Kong flu, and
this year’s A(H1N1).
T h e e f f e c t s of t h e s e f l u
pandemics are greater that of their
seasonal counterparts: they can cause
death tolls as high as the number of
casualties of world wars.
because the virus may have already
mutated to other strains, such as the
virus responsible for the succeeding
Asian and Hong Kong flu pandemics,”
Coronel said.
The Spanish flu was more severe
than its modern descendants. The flulike symptoms of the disease came
suddenly and progressed rapidly to
hemorrhaging, respiratory failure,
and in some instances, death. As a
result, doctors often misdiagnosed the
flu for other diseases that presented
the same symptoms, like cholera or
dengue fever.
The effects of these flu pandemics are more
than what their seasonal counterparts can
do: they can cause death tolls as high as the
number of casualties of world wars.
1918-1919: Spanish Flu
In an article, pathologist Jeffery
Taubenberger described the influenza
pandemic of 1918 to 1919 as the
“mother of all pandemics,” saying that
all influenza A pandemics since that
time have been caused by descendants
of the 1918 or Spanish f lu virus.
Through antigenic shifting — the
abrupt and major change of influenza
A virus into a more infective strain —
the 1918 virus produced the subtypes
of the H2N2 and H3N3 viruses that
caused the subsequent Asian and
Hong Kong flu pandemics.
Dr. Remedios Coronel of the
UST Hospital’s Infectious Diseases
department said the Spanish f lu
appeared during the time of the First
World War and more soldiers died
because of the disease than the war
itself. The Twentieth Century Atlas
put the death toll during the First
World War at between nine and 16
million, a small number compared to
the almost a hundred million victims
of the Spanish flu pandemic.
The Spanish flu came in three
waves from 1918 to 1919. Coronel said
its disappearance may be attributed to
viral mutation.
“No new cases followed, probably
Coronel said the global spread
and severity of the virus could have
been caused by the war and the
movement and crowding of soldiers
at that time.
“The lack of protective equipment
and the inability to produce a vaccine
may also have contributed to the
spread,” Coronel said.
1957-58: Asian Flu
The Asian flu was caused by a
variant of the avian or bird flu virus
inf luenza A(H2N2) that was first
identified in China, Singapore, and
Hong Kong.
T he book “T he Bi rd Flu
Pandemic” by Jeffrey Greene and
Karen Moline said the Asian Flu
was caused by an inf luenza virus
normally found in wild ducks. The
virus transferred to humans when it
combined with a pre-existing human
inf luenza strain, since inf luenza
viruses are capable of jumping from
one host species to another.
“The flu virus can re-assort its
genes thus enabling easy transmission
from birds to humans,” Coronel
said.
Despite the high number of
infected people, the symptoms of
Asian flu — fever, runny nose, cough
and sore throat — were known to be
milder, and the death toll of one to
four million was lower compared
to the Spanish flu. Advancements
in medical technology also helped
identify the virus, allowing the
creation of vaccines.
1968-69: Hong Kong Flu
The Hong Kong Flu was first
discovered in Hong Kong in July
1968, with the then British colony’s
crowded city centers enabling the
virus to spread rapidly.
Coronel said the inf luenza
A(H3N2) virus killed a million
people.
Still, the disease was considered
to be milder compared to the
Spanish and Asian flu pandemics.
The Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention in the United States
specu lated t hat t he
decreased severity
of the disease’s
symptoms may
be because
the 1968
and the
1 9 5 7
vir uses
possessed
the same
“ N 2 ”
antigen. This
allowed those who
were previously
infected by the
H 2 N2 v i r u s
to produce
antibodies
for t he H3N2
vir us, which
me a n s le s se r
susceptibility
of those who
had Asian flu
to the Hong
Kong flu.
Department of Health, around a
month since the first case of A(H1N1)
was discovered in the country.
“The human influenza A(H1N1)
is caused by a subtype of the H1N1
Inf luenza virus mutation of four
known strains of the virus infecting
humans, birds and pigs,” Coronel
said.
It takes seven to 10 days for a
person with the H1N1 flu to manifest
symptoms such as fever, cough and
muscle and joint pains.
While it is highly contagious,
H1N1 flu should not be a cause for
panic, Coronel said.
“The H1N1 flu is actually a very
mild disease with a mortality of only
0.5 percent. Treatment for H1N1 flu is
really nothing different compared to
the seasonal flu,” she added.
2009: Influenza
A(H1N1)
A s of Ju ne 24,
2009, the World Health
Organization has recorded
a total of 55,867 confirmed
cases of A(H1N1) flu in 99
countries around the world.
In the Philippines alone,
727 cases have reported by the
3
Illustration by Jasmine C. Santos
The
The H1N1 f lu can be treated
by antivirals such as Oseltamivir
or Zanamivir, and if necessary,
confinement in a negative pressure
isolation room.
To prevent the spread of the
disease, Coronel said it is ver y
important for travelers to follow the
quarantine guidelines prescribed by
the Health department, especially if
they just came from countries with
confirmed cases of the H1N1 flu.
“Those with symptoms must do
self-quarantine,” she added.
C oronel a l so st r e s se d t he
importance of observing proper
personal hygiene such as washing
hands and covering the nose, as well
as “coughing etiquette.”
Illustration by R. I. M. Cruz
Staying disease-free during the rainy season
By Julienne Krizia V. Roman
Health Secretary Francisco Duque III has described dengue
WHILE inf luenza A(H1N1) has become the world’s
as “a medical emergency” because a person can die with just
immediate health concern, students should not forget
one bite of a mosquito.
that there are other diseases to watch out for as they go
Sy m pt om s of t h i s d i s e a s e
about their daily activities in the
include headache, high-grade fever,
University this rainy season.
and nose and gum bleeding.
“Dengue fever, typhoid fever
“It is advisable to immediately
and leptospirosis and influenza
consult a doctor once the early signs
are the most prevalent diseases,”
of this disease are experienced,”
said Dr. Ma. Salve Olalia, UST
Olalia said.
Health Service director.
Gastroenteritis and diarrhea are
Influenza has three types —
brought by thyphoid fever, which is
A, B, and, C — but all produce the
caused by the bacteria Salmonella
same symptoms of fever, muscle
typhi.
and joint pains, runny nose, and
Olalia said st udents eati ng
cough. People can catch the flu
in eateries are most prone to the
by simply staying in crowded and
disease. “Students should check
poorly ventilated places.
health per mits and staff health
Dengue hemorrhagic fever,
certificates of food establishments,”
on the other hand, comes from the
she said.
bite of Aegis aegyptii and Aegis
THIS BITES. Dengue -carrying mosquitoes are just one of the things
Last year, students complained
albopictus mosquitoes, which
Thomasians need to watch out for this rainy season.
of food poisoning after eating at
breed in stagnant water. The
a restaurant along V. Concepcion.
Health department recorded a
Photo from www.wikimedia.org
Tests later showed the street’s water
total of 62 cases of dengue during
the first four months of the year.
supply had been contaminated by E. coli bacteria, prompting
the Health Service to remind students to check if restaurants
there complied with sanitation standards. Later tests declared
the water supply of V. Concepcion free of E. coli.
Meanwhile, the initial symptoms of leptospirosis may
be deceiving.
“It is often misdiagnosed as influenza, (except that)
symptoms may include vomiting, jaundice, and diarrhea,”
Olalia said.
One can get leptospirosis by eating contaminated food
and by walking in flood waters with an open wound.
All these rainy season diseases are preventable if certain
practices are observed, Olalia said.
“Practice proper hand washing and hygiene as to not
spread the infection, strengthen the immune system through
a healthy diet and drinking plenty of fluids, and minimize
being around crowded areas,” she advised Thomasians.
In the University, it has become a yearly exercise to
destroy the hotbeds of dengue carrying mosquitoes before the
start of the school year. Last summer, roads were renovated
and elevated to prevent floods.With Reports from Alena
Pias P. Bantolo
The
Varsitarian
opinion
4 july 1, 2009
Editorial
Health
is a personal
responsibility
UST NOW has its first cases of influenza A(H1N1) virus. With
more than hundreds cases nationwide and still counting, it
was just a matter of time for A(H1N1) to strike the University
campus despite a massive information campaign and tough
precautionary measures.
The confirmed UST cases were all students, prompting
University officials to shut down four University buildings,
including the gym. Students from the Medicine, Engineering,
Accountancy buildings were also placed on “automatic”
quarantine, barring them from entering other University
buildings up to June 30. We credit University authorities for
the quick response.
But UST cannot afford to suspend classes every time a
new case is discovered, considering A(H1N1) symptoms are
mostly mild and treatment is no different from that required to
cure the seasonal flu. One government official even compared
it to sore eyes.
Indeed, UST officials have decided that only a “partial”
class suspension would be declared in such an instance. A lone
case that has already been placed in quarantine should not
dictate the movement of everybody else.
As much as the University wants to keep Thomasians
safe from the virus, health is a personal responsibility. It is
also the obligation of a person with flu-like symptoms to take
the necessary measures or seek medical help. It is selfishness
for someone to spread the virus out of carelessness, or even
stubbornness.
Just like the Department of Health, the University can only
do so much. It can disseminate as many red fans as it could to
students, but in the end, it is up to them to follow the health
advice. It can ask security guards to wear masks, but it cannot
impose the same thing on students.
It was not a failure of the UST administration that the virus
is already in campus. UST had moved the opening of classes
even before the Commission on Higher Education postponed
it nationwide to June 15. But it must be understood that the
University is a public place, and with people around Sampaloc
going in and out of the campus each day, we are lucky to have
only a few cases as of the moment.
The discovery of the first Thomasian cases should not be
a cause for panic. The Health department has been reiterating
the “mild” nature of the A(H1N1) virus, and the high recovery
rate of those infected, now at 80 percent. Even the World
Health Organization had been very cautious before declaring
a pandemic, noting that only 0.5 percent of those infected
worldwide died as a result.
The fear of the virus was brought about by its contagious
nature. Given that, people should start using their commonsense
whenever new cases are disclosed by health authorities to the
media. These reports do not intend to alarm us, but rather
help us plan to prevent the virus from spreading into our own
communities, while continuing our day-to-day activities.
The Varsitarian
Founded Jan. 16, 1928
Emil karlo A. de la cruz
Editor in Chief
PRINZ P. MAGTULIS
Managing Editor
dANIELLE CLARA P. DANDAN Acting News Editor
JEREMY S. PEREY Acting Sports Editor
aLPHONSUS LUIGI E. ALFONSO Special Reports Editor
SARAH JANE P. PAUYO Features Editor
MARIAN LEANNA T. DE LA CRUZ Literary Editor
MARK ANDREW S. FRANCISCO Patnugot ng Filipino
QUINIA JENICA E. RANJO Witness Editor
ALENA PIAS P. BANTOLO Sci-Tech Editor
JONATHAN ELI A. LIBUT Circle Editor
PAUL ALLYSON R. QUIAMBAO Photography Editor
News Jennifer Ann G. Ambanta, Jilly Anne A. Bulauan,
Adrienne Jesse A. Maleficio, Darenn G. Rodriguez, Cliff Harvey C. Venzon
Sports Charizze L. Abulencia, Lester G. Babiera, Mary Athena D. de Paz
Special Reports Andrewly A. Agaton, Rose May Y. Cabacang,
Alexis Ailex C. Villamor, Jr.
Features Ronalyn M. Umali
Literary Mika Rafaela A. Barrios, Rose-An Jessica M. Dioquino,
Robin G. Padilla
Filipino Kacelyn Faye L. Paje
Witness Camille Abigael P. Alcantara, Florench May C. Corpuz
Sci-Tech Julienne Krizia V. Roman
Circle Maria Joanna Angela D. Cruz, James C. Talon
Art Carla T. Gamalinda
Photography Lester G. Babiera, Giannina Nicolai P. Melicor,
Mark Jonathan C. See
FELIPE F. SALVOSA II
Assistant Publications Adviser
JOSELITO B. ZULUETA
Publications Adviser
Letters/comments/suggestions/contributions are welcome in the Varsitarian. Only
letters with signatures will be entertained. Original manuscript contributions must be
typewritten, double-spaced, on regular bond paper, and should include a signed
certification bearing the author’s name, address, year, and college. The identity of
a writer may be withheld upon request. The editors will not be responsible for the
loss of materials. Contributions must be sent to The Varsitarian office, Rm. 105,
Tan Yan Kee Student Center Bldg., University of Santo Tomas, España, Manila.
Illustration by F.M.C. Amar
When swine flew
I’VE ALWAYS had a
soft spot for artworks (read:
“frustrated artist”), especially for
editorial cartoons. There is just
something beautiful in fusing
text and drawing to show a
satirical stand. If given a choice,
I would rather choose an editorial
cartoon than an opinion piece,
mainly because in an editorial
cartoon, all it takes is one look
to get an idea of how others see
a relevant or not-so-relevant
issue (again, read: Halili-Kho).
Perhaps a huge part of an
editorial cartoon’s appeal comes
from being so simple, and yet so
relevant and encompassing of an
issue. And I’m guessing a small
chunk of its charm comes from
the cartoon’s humorous, and
sometimes grotesque, portrayal
of politicians and villains we
love to hate.
----As I was scanning the
latest issue of the Inquirer, I
happened to chance upon a
gripping editorial cartoon about
the swine flu pandemic.
In the cartoon, a businessman
Though the flu is gaining
strength in numbers, it would
seem that the University has
decided not to submit to its
bullying anymore.
was shown standing on a ledge
outside the top floor of a building.
The man looked like he was
about to jump (you can see he
was nervous due to the enormous
sweat drops emanating from
his head), and for good reasons
too.
Inside the office, a caricature
of the grim reaper is seen holding
his signature weed cutter. Death
seems to be egging the man
to jump to his doom to the
pavement below, where the man
would end up like a splattered
fly whacked with a very heavy
newspaper roll (the one you get
on Sundays, with the additional
“kiddie” supplement inside).
The cartoon labeled the man
as “economy,” the pavement
as the impending “recession,”
and death as the “swine flu”
virus. Clearly, it showed how
the swine flu scare had affected
the Philippine economy and
perhaps directed it to a possible
recession.
The recent A(H1N1) scare
had indeed stunted our economy
of any progress it could have
achieved. Efforts were poured
into curing the flu through
expensive medicines, as well as
health advisories that also cost a
hefty sum.
Despite the Department of
Health issuing statements that the
swine flu was not that deadly and
that there was no need to panic,
people still decided otherwise.
The opening of the school
year had to be postponed, and
up to this writing, there are still
schools which haven’t resumed
classes yet, for fear that the
flu might be in the guise of a
student.
Uncharacteristically, I was
saddened to hear the news that
classes would be postponed even
in UST. Little did I know that the
suspension of classes was just the
beginning.
Because of the infamous
“ahini,” (which is the term I hear
students, and even professors,
use nowadays, given that the
proper name is a tongue twister)
the University administrators
had to sacrifice a few things,
much to the student’s chagrin. A
cartoon in the front page of the
latest Varsitarian issue showed
When, Page 10
The solace of its challenges
IN HIS book “Asian Power
and Politics,” the late Chinese
political analyst Lucian Pye
discussed the development of the
political culture of the People’s
Republic of China, which seems
to be comparable with the culture
I have learned to live with in the
Special Reports section of the
Varsitarian.
The impact wrought
by Western contacts and the
political turmoil at the start
of the 20th century provided
China the impetus in building
a more competent and stable
political culture. Thus, through
many years of revolutions and
economic reforms, and in spite of
foreign criticisms, China’s foreign
policy is anchored on a strong
consciousness of its history.
A s th e in v e s tig at o r y
arm of the Varsitarian, the
Special Reports section seeks
to provide the Thomasian
community with fearless, nonbiased, and timely reportage
of special issues. However, the
section is always faced with
challenges particularly when
Confucianism became an
integral part of the Chinese
traditional and contemporary
guiding principles of
governance
insufficient data are acquired
due to uncooperative sources
and other problems. But despite
the travails, the section’s writers
have learned to turn problems
into opportunities in order to
come up with critical reportage
on sensitive issues.
Moreover, the section’s
respect for its superiors and editors
remains vital just as China’s
filial piety from its Confucian
philosophy remains a strong
characteristic of cohesive Chinese
society. Hence, Confucianism
became an integral part of
the Chinese traditional and
contemporary guiding principles
of governance, which resulted in
the present economic progress and
political stability of China.
According to Pye, it is not
wise to question the superior’s
conduct — “the subordinate
must instead ponder on deporting
themselves according to the rules
of ethics they have been taught in
the hope that their commendable
conduct will shelter them from the
wrath of parental authority.”
The Special Reports section
has always been very patient
with its uncooperative sources
and critical superiors regardless
of ideological and personal
differences. The section’s writers
have also viewed their filial piety
as a significant manifestation of
their dedication and loyalty to the
student publication.
China’s story of endurance
is very different from any other
civilization the world has heard.
Likewise, the Special Reports
writer must not only be good in
written communication; but also
be independent, dynamic, patient,
and versatile.
For this academic year, I
am tasked to lead a new section
that is very far from the nervewracking pressure of the Special
Reports section. But no matter
how long or different the mile I
am currently running in may be,
I would still want to reach the
finish line with the people I started
with here in the Varsitarian
— my Special Reports team. I
am very thankful that those two
years of being overworked and
undercompensated, as well as
receiving some flak, have paid off
in building my endurance when it
comes to life’s challenges.
The
Varsitarian
opinion
July 1, 2009
Rumor-mongering in the time of AH1N1
T H E Z O M B I E - T H E MED
movie I Am Legend made me
fascinated with the zombie
apocalypse as well as with the
possible end of the human race
through nuclear war.
Recently, I stumbled
upon the Shelter Management
Manual, which illustrates how
to build and manage a good
fallout shelter. In the sixth
page, something caught my eye:
“Keep shelterees informed…
This will help prevent rumors,
which could adversely affect
morale and shelter management
control.”
Similarly, in an earthquake
poster seen in government
offices say something like
“don’t spread rumors.”
Gossip has been our diet
from the day we are born until
the hour of our death. When
babies nowadays get their first
breath of life, they’re greeted
by their mothers, as well as
outgoing text messages from
family members. Ditto with
death. An example was Francis
“Francis M” Magalona’s death
some months ago—it was so
hard to think of the Philippine
hip-hopper as dead and gone.
Though everyone has the
faculty for critical thinking,
rumors become packaged in
a deal so believable that they
sound real. In truth, many
rumors hardly ever have any
substance in them, not to
mention concrete evidence. The
victims of pyramid scams were
Though everyone has
the faculty for critical
thinking , rumors
become packaged in a
deal so believable that
they sound real.
mostly induced to join because
of rumors and gullibility.
What made it worse was
that pyramiding institutionalized
the spreading of rumors by
promising money. Rumors
spread like wildfire, and
this is the most dangerous
yet most useful aspect of
rumors, depending on your
side of course. During the
impeachment trial of former
President Estrada, my parents
and teachers were continually
loading up our Nokia 3210’s
to keep track of the trial. One
author mentioned that if it were
not for the cellphone, EDSA
Dos would not have become
reality.
When nuclear war is
imminent, people should not spread
rumors because they sow panic.
But to write about the AH1N1
outbreak, people should be more
discerning of what they hear.
In the AH1N1 advisory
in the Varsitarian’s last issue,
even the staff members of the
publication felt the apparent
scare of the virus. During
the Varsitarian’s out-of-town
editorial planning, we got wind
of schools closing down to
check the spread of swine flu.
It created panic.
Rumors flooded my
cellular phone’s inbox about,
involving the epidemic’s spread.
Among these rumors were 24
Far Eastern University students
reportedly getting infected
and some La Salle students
contracting the virus. By far the
most believable case was the
UST Commerce student victim,
who even had a name.
These rumors create
much panic. Though official
government announcements
were made by the Department
of Health (DOH), people still
did not heed their warnings.
Health Secretary Francisco
Duque III mentioned that there
were no vaccines against swine
flu, but in an article by the
Inquirer last June 21, I was
surprised to see that the Bureau
of Food and Drugs would
start its crackdown on anti-flu
vaccines that give the wrong
impression that they protect
against AH1N1.
Another such paranoia
that people have gone into
is wearing masks. I cannot
blame those who wear for
their “better safe than sorry,”
attitude. But Duque and DOH
said that AH1N1 is not airborne
and is mainly spread through
mucus or saliva, hence the need
to cover your mouth and the
prohibition against spitting. It
seems that a scrub suit or lab
gown and a box of latex gloves
is a more promising investment
for health.
These rumors have
become news. In an age when
information travels fast and
when word of mouth, text,
blogs and online videos all
seem to be the quickest source
of information, becoming to
a degree, credible over time,
it seems very hard to sift
through the dust to find the
truth. Everyone seems ready to
believe everything they hear,
except the DOH and the World
Health Organization.
That’s why despite their
warped sense, the Shelter
Management Manual and
the government poster seem
practical and sound. Don’t
panic. Don’t believe everything
you hear. Be critical.
WANTED: Vision
More people nowadays
seem to own big and expensive
square pendants.
It seems that everyone is
buying Digital SLR, but for all
the wrong reasons. It is now
becoming a fashion statement;
people would only own Digital
SLR just for the trend rather
than the deeper purpose of
this technology. In short, the
essence of photography has been
forgotten...
----My life as a photographer
began when I was in third year
high school. My friend literally
dragged me to a photojournalism
seminar in our school. I got
interested when he suggested
I join the documentation team.
At that time, I did not know
anything about photography.
I had to start from scratch. Bit
by bit, I learned more about the
New-look
Nowadays, it would seem
that everyone is buying
Digital SLR, but for all
the wrong reasons.
art by looking at eye-catching
photos by renowned landscape
photographers Marc Adamus
and Galen Rowell. I fell in love
with the way they used light to
portray the beauty of nature.
I remembered that, as a
kid, I saw a set of clouds that
were positioned in a way that
they spelled “SIN.” My skill
in photography progressed as
From page 11
rebounder Dylan Ababou (15.4 ppg and 6.6 rpg), Season 70 rookie
revelation Khasim Mirza, and big man Christopher Camus will all
have to step up.
Sophomore Allein Maliksi is back from an ACL injury.
“(They) have really matured,” Jarencio said of his veterans.
“Their minds are set on winning.”
The coach has high hopes from rookies like Jeric Teng, Darry
Green, and Aljon Mariano. (See sidebar)
“These boys will be a big help to the team,” he said. “They
know how to play, read the game, and react on particular situations.
They’re smart. They know how to work the system.”
No promises
This season’s Tigers are generally healthy unlike the injuryplaque crew of last year.
Credit goes to professors and interns from Sports Science, who
facilitated weight training and plyometric (an exercise designed to
produce fast, powerful movements, and improve the functions of
the nervous system) for the team.
“I will not promise anything. But I’ll make sure that we are well
prepared this season and we won’t let victory slip away that easily,”
Jarencio said.
I connected and applied that
childhood experience to my
present life. From then on I began
to be attracted to God’s grandeur.
Sunsets, rays of light, rattling
waves and star trails became the
highlight of my stock photos.
I read from a book that “the
best camera ever made is the
eyes,” and I’ve applied that to
my whole photography career. I
have fashioned 10-250mm lens
out of my eyes. Before I take
a shot I visualize how the shot
would end up.
In the end maybe I made the
right choice. Though not admitted
to Advertising during my first
year, I am definitely enjoying
my life as an Architecture student
and a Varsitarian photographer.
I guess interest and career really
meld well, though I never really
got the chance to be a CFAD
student. For me attending
photography workshops and
buying expensive gears is not a
must, all you need is your vision
and passion, and this will set
you apart.
This indeed proves that
anyone can do anything, given
the right aptitude and the right
timing, just like combining the
right aperture and right shutter
speed.
When swine flew
a bunch of freshmen eager to
enter the Arch of the Centuries
to finally be inducted into the
University. However, a giant
“swine” wielding a picket blocks
their path, thus preventing them
from participating in this age-old
rite and becoming true-blooded
Thomasians.
Plugs aside, the cartoon just
showed how gravely the virus
can affect everyday activities,
and even traditions, within
the University. Already, four
buildings have been temporarily
quarantined, thus making it hard
for affected students to catch
up on their studies. I have also
been hearing vile rumors that
there wouldn’t be any sembreak
this year, due to the fact that
the academic year needs to be
stabilized. Who knows what else
the flu may affect. Cancelation
From page 4
of concerts? Paskuhan? Org
Weeks? Hopefully not.
It is indeed looking to be a
grim year for the University, as
A(H1N1) cases escalate every
minute and it shows no sign of
letting up.
Still, I can’t help but echo
Fr. Rolando De la Rosa’s words
during last year’s graduation
rites. “Be Hopeful,” the Rector
said, adressing the fresh batch
of graduates. His words seemed
very timely especially with the
crisis the University is currently
facing.
Though the flu is gaining
strength in numbers, it would
seem that the University has
decided not to submit to its
bullying anymore.
Gone are the days of
paranoia, when the whole campus
shall be quarantined for every
5
ARTICLE
Suspended animation
WILLIAM Faulkner said about
writing, “Everything goes by the
board: honor, pride, decency. If a
writer had to rob his mother, he
will not hesitate.” He further said,
not without humor, that the “Ode
to a Grecian Urn” might be worth
any number of old ladies.
Faulkner would be amused
to know that aspiring writers
everywhere have “stolen” snippets
of everyday life for a budding
story. This is especially useful,
since people in general cannot
remember absolutely everything
that happens in a day. Many an episode I have done so
myself, pen and paper in hand, recording that fleeting retort
or that witty comment by some passerby, only to forget it.
Always being seen with a notebook like it was an
appendage is unusual enough, without people knowing what
is in it. In fairness to the people I “hound” material, I do not
write their sentences word for word. I guess what I really
record are the ideas behind their words, the mood, the feel.
I only take their exchanges down because the words inspire
me, much as how a great book not only makes someone turn
its pages, but also compels that person to put the book down
and start writing. But this is where I fail as a chronicler:
how do I retell the entirety of the person’s ideas, without
saying things as he did? The replication of another person’s
A writer does not bait with solid,
irrefutable facts. He baits with words that
evoke striking images, which will make the
reader remember his own experiences.
thought is impossible—I might be looking down the same
busy intersection as my friend, but we would be thinking
different things. What I am recording is my experience of
these moments, not the other person’s, even if I write my
friend’s opinion on harrier drivers.
Science fiction writer Samuel Delany says it isn’t really
my job to take note of every glance and sigh that occurs in
one moment. In a recent interview, he bemoans the fact that
most of the time, memories in stories are nothing more than
testimonials of previous events.
For instance, Delany says, when a person tries to recall
an event, he would only manage to do a few seconds’ worth
of reminiscing. The present, he says, will always intrude—
which is why a character remembering three months’ worth
of memories while walking down a street is illogical.
“What I object to,” he says, “is the scene whose only
reason is to serve as the frame for an anterior scene because
the writer has been too lazy to think through carefully how
that anterior scene might begin and end.” In reality, flashbacks
only last anywhere between half a second to ten seconds, and
Delany tells budding writers to keep that in mind.
The lesson here is that although a book is presented
in a neat little package, one page after another leading
to a conclusion, fiction is “an experience on the order of
memory—not on the order of actual occurrence.” The writer
is tasked with telling you a story, not with recounting events
as they happened like a trial witness. A writer does not bait
with solid, irrefutable facts. He baits with words that evoke
striking images, which will make the reader remember his
own experiences. Human memory, after all, is unstable—they
are stocked with no rhyme or reason, with some memories
combining, and some disappearing altogether. This, in effect,
gives the reader a ‘false memory’—he remembers things that
did not happen to him. Delany says that the writer’s job is to
“make that unreal memory as clear and vivid as possible.”
Give the readers the power to recall the picturesque view on
top of Mt. Banahaw, or the curse of remembering a grisly
shoot-out in Tondo.
It doesn’t matter, then, if I write moments down to the
last hair, or if I just make a sketch of what happened. What
matters is how I present those memories, how I make them
fall in place one after the other, spinning them together until
they become real, false memories.
instance someone coughs or
sneezes. Precautionary measures
will still be taken though.
The University has followed
the Department of Health’s
guidelines in dealing with a
confirmed case. Since UST is a
big community, only the building
with a suspected case shall be
quarantined for the first instance.
On the second instance, however,
only the infected classrooms and
the students in the class shall be
quarantined.
Still, this is a good direction
for a University that is on a
path to recovery from the virus.
There is still a chance to regain
lost ground and bring back the
traditions and events that makes
college so memorable.
As a final note, I ask
students suspected of carrying
the flu strain to be responsible
and humane enough to quarantine
yourselves. Do not wait until an
official calls your attention, or
until you become the fuel for
rumor.
Being lax about the flu is
also a great sin during these
times. Though it is not deadly,
the flu is highly contagious; just
one carrier could infect thirty
people in a cramped classroom.
Other than that, I urge every
student especially the freshmen
to go out, explore and experience
life within the University. Just
watch out for picketing pigs.
The
Feat
6 july 1, 2009
Sarah Jane P.
Get ‘em all here. Finding places to eat, buy supplies at and unwind are many for Thomasians on a shoestring budget with these holes-in-the-wall just a stone’s throw away from UST.
to
by ronalyn m. umali
V
Photos by J.C.A. BASSIG
A Thomasian’s Guide
holes-in-the-wall
ONE LESSON most Thomasians
learn the hard way is that University
life can be a tad expensive, thus the
need for practicality.
It pays to be street-smart and to
save up some money for a rainy day
(or for when a busload of handouts
need to be photocopied). Thus, the
Varsitarian has compiled a map
for the cheap finds on food, school
supplies and hang-out places around
UST that get you through while
savoring the bittersweet life in the
University.
Cuisines for less
With sizzling meals playing a
big part in a Thomasian’s diet, its
no wonder a place like Almer’s had
become so popular.
Located along Alfredo Street near
Dapitan, Almer’s has been a famous
haunt for carnivores for 17 years now,
mainly due to its sumptuous sisig.
The restaurant recently went
through a major renovation, putting
up air-conditioners and revamping
the whole second floor, nonetheless,
this did not affect the food prices—
sizzling meals with rice and mashed
potato still cost the same price, with
the cheapest at P45.
“We started the renovation a
month ago to give our customers a
more comfortable place to eat with
exceptional service,” manager Joel
Delos Reyes says.
following.
For a chance to experience eating
with Thomasian athletes, try dining
at Lopez Canteen just across P. Noval
gate. With 48 years in the business,
the restaurant is one of the oldest
eateries along the University Belt,
according to owner Teodora
Lopez.
Lopez is famous
for its combo
spaghetti and
combo
palabok
served
with puto
at P55 each.
It also offers
combo meals
of viands and
rice, with a side
dish of either
fried lumpia or
vege t a ble s , fo r
P65. Breakfast and
meriendas are also
served for as low as P20.
For the on-the-go Thomasian on
a tight budget, Lovelite is the place
to be.
Located along Asturias Street,
Lovelite lures customers in with its
cheap prizes and aromatic smell of
All it takes is a little courage and daring
to go out and explore the streets
surrounding the University.
If you’re tired of eating Filipino
food, then Pasta Plates the place to
be.
The place may be cramped
with only seven tables available but
the walls adorned with paintings
and pictures as well as the brewing
aroma of herbs and spices, will surely
stimulate your senses.
With meals priced as low as P50,
Pasta Plates has surely attracted a
frying patties.
Burgers and hotdogs could come
as low as P29 while a foot-long and
rice combo would fetch about P38.
You’ll surely be satisfied with the
huge serving of rice accompanied
with overflowing gravy.
“Many students like it here
because of the cleanliness and
affordable prices. And if they need
to photocopy some notes or have
something ring bound, we
can also accommodate that,”
says Lovelite proprietor
Leonor Datuluna.
If you’re feeling a bit
adventurous, then its time
to par take in the street
foods lining Asturias and
V. C onc e p cion s t r e e t s
near Dapitan and P. Noval.
These stalls offer less than
P20 merienda like quail
eggs, calamares (deep-fried
squid) fish balls, siomai and
banana-que.
Dig in. Students want their meals fast and inexpensive and they get it here in a restaurant near
Asturias Street.
Supplies anyone?
Students need not go to
the mall for expensive school
supplies—the area around
UST offers the same quality
items at a much cheaper
price. Asturias Street, for
example, is peppered with
Illustration by F.M.C. Amar
Feel-at-home eateries
A few steps away from Dapitan
gate is the famous V. Concepcion
Street which houses an array of homestyle restaurants such as Auribel,
Merries, Pasta Plates and Hapag
Kainan.
Auribel offers delectable Filipino
dishes like caldereta and pork chop for
as low as P40.
Customers can hardly tell what
their favorite dishes are because the
restaurant alters its menu everyday.
“We never repeat our menus. If
we served Adobo today, it will take a
while before we serve it again so that
our customers would have different
viands all the time,” says UST alumna
Auribel Coronel, one of the owners of
the eatery.
The restaurant also serves free
juice in every meal, perfect for students
in a shoestring budget. Apart from
affordable food Auribel looks to be a
comfortable place to dine, boasting a
60-seat capacity, air-conditioners and
flat screen television.
One of the oldest eateries in V.
Concepcion is Merries, which has
filled the grumbling tummies of
students for 20 years now.
Originally a merchandising shop
along Laong Laan St., Merries had
become an eatery since it moved to
its current location. The eatery is
famous for its Adobo, Barbeque, and
Giniling (ground meat) says owner
Merrie Cayabyab. Meals are as low
as P20, with half orders if you are on
a tight budget.
Just beside Merries lies Hapag
Kainan restaurant, another hole-inthe-wall that offers authentic Filipino
cuisines served in frying pans and
clay pots.
Students can either buy half
orders of viands (for as low as P18) or
whole orders for less than P50.
school supply shops that are both
varied and easy on the wallet.
Located at the ground floor of
R&F Building, Trixie’s Boutique in
Asturias sells basic school supplies
like paper, pens, notebooks, folders,
envelopes and some art supplies for
as low as P6.
“Most students buy their school
supplies here because it’s cheaper
compared to other stores,” says Trixie’s
personnel Jun Abijayan.
The shop also sells first aid and
dissecting kits, lab uniforms, gloves,
and even surgical masks. A syringe
costs around P8 while a lab uniform
costs P230.
Two stores away from Trixie’s
is Miranda Bookstore. Apart from
school supplies, Miranda also has
science-related materials, gadgets
and medial supplies. Students taking
up science-related courses are often
seen inside, buying animal specimens
like preserved frog skeletons or cat or
frog brains.
The store also has a wide range
of books, notebooks, folders, and
envelopes sold at reasonable prices.
Replacing an old T-square and
templates? Fret not for just along P.
Noval St. rests Joli’s which has been
the all-time merchandising shop for
Architecture and Fine Arts students.
Joli’s holds school supplies and
art decors for making “plates.” Also
inside the store are heavy pieces
of equipments and machineries for
printing and tarpaulin-making. Basic
supplies like a one-fourth illustration
board costs around P15 while a hold
press costs P50.
Due to its cheap prices and
services, the store is often jam-packed
with customers. Despite this, students
like Katrina Taruc and her friends still
frequent the shop.
“Joli’s has special edition books
that other stores do not have,” she
says.
Cyber shops with perks
Online games and social
networking sites are a big no-no
inside the campus. You’ll just have
to do away with the computer rentals
around UST, some of which offer
student discounts and promos.
Nit rohub in Ast urias offers
computer rentals and services for as
low as P5 for 15 minutes of Internet
surfing. Three-hour computer rental
costs around P40, much cheaper
compared to other computer shops.
Membership in Nitrohub entails perks
such as discounts on scanning services
and computer rental.
Its sister shop, Nitrogig, also has
some freebies for its members. Located
along P. Noval, it has ring binding
services for P40, with lamination
and typing job services at reasonable
prices. Unlike other computer shops,
membership in Nitrogig and Nitrohub
is free.
I-chill offers printing for P2 per
page while computer rentals are P20
per hour from 8 a.m. to 7p.m. From
7pm onwards, rental goes down to
only P15 per hour.
If you are up for an easy-going
sport, try visiting Dapitan Billiard
Hall at the corner of Navarra Street for
a game of 8-ball. With a whooping 18
pool tables and loud afternoon music,
this place can enjoyed by both skilled
and first-time players with 15 minutes
of pool action costing only P10.
With just enough cash stuffed
in your pocket, going to the mall
and spending plenty of money seem
unnecessary especially when you
can have what you need for less. All
it takes is a little courage and daring
to go out and explore the streets
surrounding the University.
Varsitarian
tures
agosto 31, 2007
Pauyo, Editor
July 1, 2009
Y
OU GRAB a cup of latte in your
favorite spot at the coffee shop,
turn your iPod on and open the
thick book in front of you. Finally, you’re
ready to study.
Others may perform a different ritual.
They stare at the ceiling, seeking to block
all thoughts unrelated to the task at hand.
They make the sign of the cross, take a
deep breath, then start reviewing.
Students employ different, and
sometimes absurd, learning strategies,
but which of them really work and which
ones are just plain silly?
Three guidance counselors from the
Faculty of Arts and Letters have given
their insights on the do’s and don’ts of
studying.
Know your learning style
“Know the reasons why you want to
achieve good grades so you know what
your anchor is,” guidance counselor
Lalaine Lachica tells the Varsitarian.
She says people have their
own learning style, meaning some
are receptive to auditory, tactile or
kinesthetic, visual and mixed learning, or
a combination of these methods.
Hard subjects first
Procrastination infects not a few
students, who later resort to cramming.
Experts say cramming lead to mediocre
output. Lachica encourages students to come
up with a “to-do” calendar.
“As a college student, use your free
time wisely,” she says.
As you prepare for an exam, knowing
which to study first would also help. For
Guidance Councilor Regina Atinaja, it is
ideal to start with the hard subjects first
before proceeding to the easier ones.
She explains that one’s energy decreases
while studying, and by knowing which
subject to give priority to, energy is properly
used.
But it is still best if one would “study
at least two to three days before the exam to
avoid cramming,” Atinaja says.
Find a perfect spot
It could be your bedroom, the library, or
any place you want, as long as its conducive
for studying. Atinaja says that the place
should be well ventilated and lighted to
make studying more comfortable.
Keep all the materials at hand before
studying. Looking for a pen or a book while
‘Know the reasons why you want
to achieve good grades so you
know what your anchor is’
Auditory learners learn best through
hearing and easily pick up the lesson by
listening to the professor’s lecture.
Visual learners absorb the lessons by
looking at images or visual aids.
The tactile or kinesthetic learners like
to move a lot and make good use of their
hands while studying.
The last type of learning style, mixed
learning, is best exemplified by those who
often use a highlighter when studying.
Not only do they use their hands but they
make use of their eyes as well.
By identifying which learning style
fit them best, students will be able to
determine their strengths and amplify
their retention of facts, according to
Lachica.
Lester g. babiera
The
7
Keys
to
Studying
in the middle of studying would cause one
to loose momentum and focus. Playing
music is also advisable for those who
cannot stand too much silence. But it still
depends on the student’s learning style.
“If you’re memorizing something, you
should have concentration,” Atinaja says.
Be in good shape
Your body should be always
in good condition especially when
studying. For the brain to function
properly, one should eat right.
Guidance counselor Maryfe
Roxas cites a study saying that
glucose stimulates and energizes
the brain. Though a long list of
foods may do just that, Roxas
says that studying at least
one week before the exams
will help students retain the
lessons in their memory.
There are also popular
food supplements and
memory enhancers that
students take before
or during exams.
However, Atinaja
warns that taking
these drugs “may
have positive and
negative effects.”
She explains
that one may just
experience a “placebo” effect, the idea
that a medicine works when it actually
doesn’t.
Lack of sleep is also strongly
discouraged. Staying up all night causes
mental block and sleeping anxieties
among students.
“If you do not sleep enough, you
[might just] fall asleep during the exam.
At least allot seven, if not eight, hours of
sleep before the exam,” Atinaja says.
Be in a study group
More heads are better than one. This
especially applies to learning.
When students do not understand
the lesson, it may be better to study in
groups than to study alone. This way, one
may ask about a certain topic he or she
does not understand, and the group may
give a helping hand.
Students can also borrow studying
materials such as handouts and readings,
from the group which will greatly help
during the examinations.
But group studies are not applicable
to everyone. Lachica says that there are
those who work better and are more
comfortable when they are alone.
If all else fails, do not hesitate to
seek help from your local guidance
counselors and student organizations.
Just remember to always relax, take a
deep breath, and pray. M. J. A. D. Cruz
More than just a string
by James C. Talon
TALK about turning misery into
opportunity.
Two Thomasians didn’t fret
when school officials required
students to wear their IDs on
campus all the time.
D o m i n i c k G a l a u r a n of
Engineering and Vincent Chua of
Fine Arts knew they didn’t have to
sacrifice their fashion style—their
“porma”—over it. So they came up
with something not exactly novel:
UST lanyards.
The strings were not their
inventions, but the uniquely
Thomasian character of
their designs—
the black-gold,
black-white
colors—
made their
“GoUste”
lanyards a fashion must-have these
days.
“Why not we make the wearing
of IDs more fun?” Galauran argued.
Crossing to the mainstream
In 2007, Galauran and Chua
created the lanyards initially for
members of GoUste.com forum, a
social networking site for Thomasians.
Back then, the vibrant lanyards were
originally not for sale but were simply
used to help promote the site.
To the duo’s surprise, the lanyards
suddenly became a hit to students.
“The business boomed, a lot of
students were attracted to our designs,
even those from the other colleges and
universities,” Chua said.
This positive reaction prompted
Galauran and Chua to toy with the
idea of creating personalized lanyards
for the different colleges.
I n itial desig ns were made
together with GoUste.com founders
Jasper Wamar, Nico Orellano, and
Allan Paul Valera, who funded the
first batch of exclusive
lanyards.
By 2008, Galauran and
Chua were all set to sell their
lanyards, in a cozy booth during
the Engineering Week. The first
college lanyard, which is also from
Engineering, only consisted of the
words “Faculty of Engineering” printed
next to the University’s name.
“Lanyards have already made
their way to the campus, but lacked the
life and the color,” Galauran said.
Not surprisingly, the duo sold as
many as 1,000 pieces of lanyards a
week, at P100 each.
“The vibrant [lanyard] designs
keep the students from getting tired
of wearing their IDs,” Chua said. He
added that these lanyards make the
students noticeable both in and out of
the campus.
They’re lanyards are also durable
enough to support flash drives, cell
phones, and even a PSP.
Chua and Galauran’s initial success
sparked a demand for lanyards catering
to different colleges such as Tourism
and Hospitality Management, Fine
Arts, and Engineering. The University
also ordered for 15,000 plain lanyards
along with the freshmen IDs. However,
the task of creating corporate-looking
designs proved to be an arduous task for
both since they were more comfortable
with wacky designs.
Lanyard revolution
With students hanging these
colorful laces around their necks,
one glance could easily reveal which
college, course, and even organization
the student belongs to.
Ac c ord i ng t o P rof. Luci la
Bance, director of the UST Guidance
Department, lanyards were initially
used in promoting different companies
before they became a fad in UST.
Wearing lanyards spread like
wildfire inside the campus since
students are required to wear their
IDs at all times.
Quite unexpectedly, the lanyard
revolution had positive effects on the
University’s image as well.
“By wearing UST lanyards,
students also advertise the University,”
said Bance. “It is an indication of
their loyalty and it encourages proper
behavior especially when one wears
it outside the campus.”
Apart from advertising the
University, a lanyard can also be an
effective tool for promoting
an event.
For instance,
Nikko Gomez,
president
of the
Commerce
s t u d e nt
council, used
the lanyards to
advertise the college’s
75th anniversary last
year.
Marice Cruz, president
of the St udent Organizations
Coordinating Council (SOCC),
proudly wears her organization’s
slogan on her lanyard. The thick
surface apparently allows for bigger
texts.
Pauline Chosa, president of
the Nursing Student Council, wears
hers for a special reason: “we
affixed the University’s name in
our lanyards so that we will be
identified as students from a center
of excellence.”
Others like Catherine Mae
Mendoza, president of Fine Arts
student council, want to sell
new lanyards to raise money for
charity.
Dominick Galauran shows off one of
the many lanyards he co-designed with
friend Vincent Chua.
MARK JONATHAN C. SEE
The
filipino
8 ika-1 ng Hulyo 2009
I
Mark Andrew S. Francisco, Patnugot
A PANAHON kung kailan
ginagapi ng kasamaan ang
kabutihan, kailangan ng mundo
ng isang bayaning magliligtas
sa s angkatauhan na walang
hinihinging kapalit o pagkilala.
Pinatunayan ito ni Bob Ong
sa kanyang ika-pitong libro,
ang Kapitan Sino (Visprint Inc.,
2009), kung saan sinasabi niya
na ang bawat isa ay may likas
na kakayahang tumulong at
maglingkod sa kapwa gamit ang
sariling abilidad.
Si Ong ang nasa likod ng mga
akdang ABNKKBSNPLAko?! at
Bakit Baliktad Magbasa ng Libro
ang mga Pilipino na kinagiliwan
ng mga mambabasa dahil sa
magaan nitong tono at nakakaaliw na pagsasalarawan ng mga
pang-araw-araw na gawain ng
mga Pilipino. Ang mga akda ni
Ong ay nagsimulang sumikat sa
Internet kung saan una niyang
nilathala ang kanyang mga sulatin
sa website na Bobong Pinoy.
Isinara ang naturang website
Bigyan mo na rin ako ng tubig.”
Wala naman akong masabi kasi iniinom ko na
ang tubig ko. Pagkatapos lagyan ng tubig ang
basong pinag-inuman ko at iabot ito sa kanya,
lumabas na `ko ng bahay at hinintay si Ate.
Paglabas ng bahay, pumara si Ate ng pedicab.
“Sa Simbahan ng Quiapo ho.”
Wala pang sampung minuto, nakarating na
kami sa simbahan. Iniabot ni Ate ang bayad bago
kami dumiretso sa underpass.
“Dito ka muna. Sandali lang `to,” sabi ni Ate
pagbaba namin sa hagdan ng underpass. Tinungo
niya ang gitnang bahagi na napaliligiran ng mga
poste. Maya-maya lang ay nakumpleto na
silang magkakabarkada, at mabilis na
sinimulan ang kanilang “pagpupulong.”
Ate. “Alam mo na kung anong gagawin mo, ha?”
Tumango na lang ako.
Inulit na naman nila ang mga pinaggagagawa nila
kanina. Lumapit sila sa kung sinu-sinong mga
tao na kusa namang ibinibigay ang mga damit at
pagmamay-ari nila. Matapos sa Quiapo, naisipan
naman nilang pumunta ng España. Mas marami
raw doon. Kahit na may ideya ako kung ano ang
tinutukoy nilang mas marami, pinili ko na lamang
‘wag itong kumpirmahin kay Ate. Dating gawi
ulit sila kahit umaambon.
Habang pinagmamasdan ko sila’y bigla
namang lumakas ang pagkabog ng puso ko.
Iniisip ko na baka naman pagod lang ako kaya
ako nagkakaganito. Pero naisip ko rin naman na
wala naman akong ginawa buong araw kundi
Salikutan
Ni M. K. L. COMANDA
Lahat sila mukhang seryoso.
Matapos pa ang ilang sandali ay
narinig ko silang naghiyawan, at
tumingin sa akin si Ate para sundan
ko sila. Lumabas kaming lahat ng
underpass at tumambay sa plaza
sa gilid ng simbahan.
Iniwan ako ni Ate malapit
sa lugar na pinagtatambayan nila. Sa
pagmamasid ng grupo nila Ate, nakakita sila
ng isang lalaking naglalakad sa ilalim ng araw.
May earphones sa mga tainga, at ang isang
kamay nama’y nasa loob ng bulsa ng pantalon
niya. Sinenyasan si Ate ng isa niyang kaibigan
at nakangusong itinuro ang lalaki. Tumango si
Ate at nilapitan ang lalaki. Kaswal niya itong
inakbayan. May binulong siya dito na ikinalaki
naman bigla ng mga mga mata ng lalaki.
Napangisi naman si Ate habang kinukuha ng
lalaki sa bag niya ang cellphone niya para iabot
kay Ate. Ilang saglit pa’y may kinuha ito sa bulsa
niya, at inabot rin kay Ate ang kanyang iPod at
mga papel na pera niya. Matapos nito’y umalis
na si Ate at kaswal na nagpaalam. Kinawayan
niya pa ito’t binigyan ng matamis na ngiti.
Nagpaulit-ulit itong nangyari, pero sa
halip na si Ate, mga kabarkada niya ang mga
lumalapit sa mga tao sa iba’t ibang lugar na
pinuntahan namin. Sa totoo lang, dapat sanay na
ako sa sistemang ‘yon ‘pag sinasama ako ni Ate.
Kaso lang, sa tuwing makikita ko kung paano
mamumutla ang mga nilalapitan nila, kahit ako
ay hindi rin mapakali.
Maya-maya pa ay naisipan na rin nilang
kumain sa karinderya sa kanto ng Carriedo. Binili
lang ako ni Ate ng kare-kare at kanin, at may
kasama pang bonus, isang Coke Sakto!
“Ano, okay ka naman ba?” tanong ni Ate,
sabay subo ng kanin.
“Okay lang, mas marami naman siguro
akong mapapala sa’yo ngayon. Kahit mainit,
okay lang,” sagot ko naman.
“Mabuti naman. Kaso medyo matagal pa tayo
dito. Ayos lang ba talaga sa’yo?”
“Ang kulit mo naman, sinabi na ngang oo!”
“Oo na, kumain ka na lang diyan.”
Yoon lang ang naging usapan namin ni Ate
habang kumakain at hanggang makalabas kami
ng karinderya.
“Mga tsong, dating gawi tayo, ha!” sabi
ng isang kabarkada ni Ate. Bumulong sa akin si
maglakad, maupo at kumain, kaya bakit naman
ako mapapagod? Makalipas pa ang ilang sandali
ay nakapulupot na naman si Ate sa isang lalaki.
Pero sa pagkakataong ito, biglang namutla si Ate
sa halip na ‘yung lalaki. Nung tinignan ko iyong
mga kabarkada niya, namutla rin sila, at isa-isa
silang nagtakbuhan papalayo. Saglit na natigilan
si Ate, at saka kumaripas ng takbo. Sinenyasan
niya akong sundan siya, at nang makahabol ako
sa kanya, saka lumakas ang buhos ng ulan.
“Gusto mo bang maglaro ng taguan-pung?”
Natigilan ako bigla. Taguan-pung sa gitna ng
lumalakas na ulan, at sa unti-unting tumataas na
baha?
“Nababaliw ka na talaga Ate!”
“Junjun, bilisan mong tumakbo!”
“Binibilisan na nga eh, nakakaasar ka naman!”
“O sige, ikaw ang taya! Hanapin mo na lang
kami, hindi naman kami ganoon kalayo.”
Nag-iba sila ng direksyon, habang palingonlingon sa likod. Lumingon din ako at nang makita
ko ang lalaki, bigla akong kinilabutan. Bukod sa
mukha na siyang galit, may dala-dala pa siyang
baril. Sa likod niya’y may mga lalaking kasinglaki niya rin, at may mga dala ring baril, at sa
likod nila’y isang kotse ng pulis. Bakit naman nila
hahabulin si Ate, samantalang hindi siya kriminal
o pugante – mukha lang talaga siyang pokpok?
Maya-maya pa’y lampas-tuhod na ang baha, at
hanggang sa mga sandaling iyon, hindi ko pa rin
mahanap si Ate at ang mga kaibigan niya. Nainis
na ako.
“Ate, buwisit ka talaga kahit kailan! Dapat
pala, saka na lang tayo magtaguan-pung `pag
tapos na yung mga assignment ko! Ako na nga
lang `tong kinaladkad mo dito sa pesteng lugar na
`to, ikaw pa `tong namememerwisyo!” Sigaw ko
sa gitna ng malakas na buhos ng ulan.
Tila nakisabay ang ulan sa galit ko kay Ate
sa sobrang lakas ng pagbuhos nito dahil hanggang
balakang ko na ang tubig-baha.
Kahit nakakapagod, patuloy kong sinugod ang
baha. Kailangan kong mahanap si Ate, kundi baka
hindi na ako makauwi. Kaya naman patuloy kong
sinuyod ang bawat sulok ng España. Hindi ko
pa rin sila nakita. Tanging mga batang ginawang
swimming pool ang tubig-baha ang nakita ko.
Pagtingin ko sa paligid, hindi ko na alam kung
saan ako napadpad. Sa sobrang paghahanap ko
kay Ate ay hindi ko na pinansin kung nasaan ako.
Marami pa ring mga bata, kahit na mukhang
Mga dibuho ni Carla T. Gamalinda
NAYA ako ng magaling kong Ate sa Quiapo
dahil magkikita raw sila ng mga kabarkada
niya. Bukod sa libreng pamasahe at pagkain,
bibigyan niya pa raw ako ng pera at siya pa ang
gagawa ng mga takdang-aralin ko. Dahil sa mga
magandang pangako niya, nagpauto naman ako.
Sa totoo lang, hindi ko maintindihan
kung bakit lagi akong karay-karay ni Ate
saan man siya pumunta kahit na lagi naman
kaming nag-aaway. Hindi siya natitinag sa
paglalakuwatsa kahit na pulbusin na siya ng
mura nina Nanay at Tatay. Dahil nga sa pagsama
ko sa mga lakad niya, nakakasampung liban
na ako sa eskwelahan, samantalang wala pa
ngang dalawang buwan mula nang pumasok
ako sa Grade 4. Ang masakit doon, wala
na nga kaming ginagawa `pag umaalis
kami: bukod sa panonood ko sa kanila
ng barkada niyang magkulitan, wala
pa akong napapala sa mga lakad namin.
Minsan ko na ring naitanong kung bakit
ba ako ang paboritong kaladkarin ni Ate,
samantalang apat naman kaming
magkakapatid. “Wala, trip lang kitang
isama,” Ito lang ang parati niyang
sagot sa akin. Ewan ko ba. Likas na
yatang abnormal ‘tong kapatid ko.
Mabilis akong nagpalit ng
damit, at siyempre suot ko muli
ang damit na lagi kong isinusuot
kapag aalis kami ni Ate – ang
paborito kong punit-punit na t-shirt na
may nakalagay na mukha ni 50 Cent,
katerno ang pantalon kong maluwang
sa binti.
“Junjun, ang baduy mo talaga!
Mukha ka pa ring dugyutin. Isuot mo
na lang ‘yung t-shirt na nasa ibabaw ng
kama ko, ‘yung pula,” sigaw ni Ate habang
naglalagay ng pulbos sa mukha.
Asus, ang yabang niya. Eh siya nga,
kuntodo make-up. Bukod sa mukha na siyang
kamatis sa pula ng mga pisngi at labi niya, mas
asul pa sa karagatan ang talukap ng mga mata
niya. Ang buhok naman niyang hanggang balikat
ay nakapusod sa maliliit na berdeng tirintas.
“Ate, mukha kang ‘pok-pok’ diyan sa
hitsura mo. Baka naman sa Malate tayo at `di sa
Quiapo pupunta,” kantiyaw ko sabay kuha ng
kamiseta sa kama. Agad naman akong nagpalit
ng damit.
“Tukmol ka talaga! Pasalamat ka nga’t
binigyan kita ng bagong t-shirt diyan. Palibhasa
mukha kang gusgusin ‘dun sa isa mong t-shirt.
Saka may bago kang tsinelas, nandoon naman
sa may pinto. Sa sobrang dami ng ibinibigay ko
sa’yo, baka lumagpas na `ko ng langit niyan.”
Kung sabagay, totoo ‘yung mga sinabi niya.
Wala man siyang ibinibigay kina Nanay at Tatay,
siya naman ang sumasagot sa mga pang-arawaraw naming gastusin, pati kuryente na nakajumper sa kapitbahay namin at supply ng tubig
namin. Kamakailan nga lang ay binilhan niya ako
ng bagong uniporme sa school. Kaya naman iba
ang pagtrato nila Tatay at Nanay kay Ate kahit
may pagkamaldita siya kung minsan kumpara
sa iba sa amin. Kung tutuusin, siya naman talaga
ang pinakapinakikinabangan sa bahay.
“Asa ka pa, Ate. Baka nga hindi ka pa
papasukin ni San Pedro sa langit niyan.”
“Buwisit ka talaga!”
Kumain ako ng dalawang pandesal sa mesa.
Mahirap nang umasa sa pangakong treat ni Ate,
kaya mabuti na rin ang busog. Kasing kunat kaya
ng tinapay sa almusal si Ate. Habang naghahanap
ako ng baso para lagyan ng panulak ko, paulitulit akong tinapik ni Ate.
“Hoy, bilisan mo at mag-aalas dies na.
S
Varsitarian
mas kaunti sila kaysa dun sa mga nakita ko
kanina. Napansin kong mayroon silang pinagpipiyestahan
kaya’t nilapitan ko sila. Baka naman may
nagpapasikat, sabi ko. Pero habang papalapit ako
nang papalapit sa kanila, napansin kong hindi
naman mukhang hayop ‘yung pinagkakaguluhan
nila, kundi isang taong palutang-lutang.
Namumutla man ay kitang-kita ang malakamatis nitong mga pisngi at labi na unti-unting
naglalaho dahil sa tubig. Litaw na litaw din ang
asul na kulay sa talukap ng mga mata niya, at ang
maluwag na pagkakapusod ng kanyang buhok.
Baka nagtuturo siya ng paglangoy sa mga batang
`to. Sa kalagitnaan ng paghihinuha ko, nasilip ko
iyong mukha nung taong lumulutang.
“Nagawa pang maligo sa baha nitong
buwisit na `to!”
Dali-dali kong nilapitan si namumutlang
katawan ni Ate na duguang lumulutang sa
tubig-baha. Bakas sa mukha ni Ate ang kirot
na mistulang nagmula sa pagkasapul ng ng noo
niya ng kung anong bagay. Tumingin-tingin ako
sa paligid, at naaaninag ko sa isang kalapit na
karinderiya ang lalakeng may baril na lumapit kay
Ate kanina. Ni anino naman ng mga kabarkada
ay wala.
Tinitigan ko nang mabuti ang katawan ni
Ate. Sa isang kamay, hawak niya ang pitakang
iniabot sa kanya ng lalaking inakbayan niya
kanina, at isang maliit at kinakalawang na
kutsilyo sa kabila.
Alam ko na ngayon kung bakit niya ‘ko
kinakaladkad sa mga gimmick niya. Kasabay
ng malakas na pagbuhos ng ulan, unti-unting
pumatak ang mga luha ko sa pisngi. Ang dugas
niya talaga.
Kapitan Sino ni Bob Ong
Sariling kabayanihan
Ni LESTER G. BABIERA
noong 2001.
Sa kanyang pinakabagong libro,
pinakilala ni Ong ang mekanikong
si Rogelio Manglicmot bilang si
Kapitan Sino, ang superhero na “mas
matibay pa sa orig”.
Hindi nakatapos ng pag-aaral
si Rogelio dahil sa hirap ng buhay
kaya para makatulong sa kanyang
mga magulang na sina Mang Ernesto
at Aling Hasmin, nagkukumpuni
siya ng mga sirang kagamitan sa
kanilang naluging tindahan sa bayan
ng Pelaez.
Namana ni Rogelio ang isang
kakaibang kapangyarihan mula
sa ama at sa pamamagitan nito ay
nakakatulong siya sa pagtugis ng mga
masasamang-loob at sumagip sa mga
taong nangangailangan.
Tulad ng mga sikat na superhero,
mayroon ding sidekick ang bidang
si Kapitan Sino sa katauhan ni Bokbok na siyang nag-engganyo kay
Rogelio na gamitin ang kanyang
kapangyarihan upang makatulong
sa kapwa.
Isa sa mga binigyang-diin ni Ong
sa Kapitan Sino na hindi nabigyan
ng diin sa mga nauna niyang libro
ay ang kuwento ng pag-iibigan. Sa
pagmamahalan nina Rogelio at ng
mananahing si Tessa, ipinakita niya
ang tamis ng pag-iibigan na tagos
sa panlabas na anyo ng tao ang
dahilan.
Tulad ng mga nauna niyang
akda, magaan ang wikang ginamit ni
Ong sa Kapitan Sino na hinaluan ng
mga “banat” na tiyak na magbibigay-
ngiti sa mukha
n g
m g a
mambabasa
sa kabila ng
pagtatalakay ng
ilang paksang pulitikal at moral.
Bukod sa katatawanan at
pagmamahalan, itinampok rin ng
Kapitan Sino ang mga “trapo” o
tradisyunal na pulitiko na may mga
pansariling hangarin sa likod ng
magandang pakikitungo ng mga
ito sa mga mamamayan. Bukod
dito, ipinakita rin ang kasakiman
ng tao sa materyal na bagay kung
saan handang gumawa ng masama
makamit lamang ang inaasam.
Sa unang tingin, aakalain ng
mambabasa na mababaw lamang
ang istorya ng Kapitan Sino dahil tila
pambata ang konseptong superhero
nito. Ngunit kung susuriing
mabuti, hindi lamang puro super
power at bakbakan ang nilalaman
nito dahil bagaman tila pambata
ang mga aral na matututunan dito –
gaya ng pagiging mapagkumbaba
at malinis na pagtanaw ng utang
na loob – naging mahusay rin
naman ang pagkonekta ng mga
aral na ito sa seryosong pulitikal
na sitwasyon ng bansa.
Marami man ang mensaheng
nais iparating ng may-akda, ang
pagtitiwala sa sariling kakayanan
at paggamit nito sa wastong paraan
upang makatulong sa kapwa ang
pinaka-umangat sa lahat.
Sa kabuuan, ipinakita ng
Kapitan Sino na sa lumalalang
sitwasyon ng bayan, ang tanging
lunas ay ang makabagong
superhero na matatagpuan sa
ating mga sarili. Tulad nga ng
sabi ni Rogelio, “Hindi hawak
ng tao ang buhay, pero hawak ng
tao ang kapangyarihan para hindi
pahirapan ang ibang tao.”
The
Varsitarian
Witness
July 1, 2009
Quinia Jenica E. Ranjo, Editor
9
St. Paul of Tarsus
By Camille Abigael P. Alcantara
TWO MILLENNIA have passed since
St. Paul was born and yet his works
continue to strongly influence the world
today.
As such, Pope Benedict XVI
dedicated 2008 as the “Pauline Year,” a
year meant to emphasize the significance
of St. Paul’s teachings in the present
time.
This June 29, the Pauline Year
comes to an end with the Pope delegating
seven cardinals as his special envoys
for its closing ceremonies in different
Pauline sites around the world—Spain,
Jerusalem, Malta, Cyprus, Turkey,
Greece, and Lebanon. This day also
celebrates the feast of St. Peter, the first
Bishop of Rome.
The celebration was proclaimed
by the Holy Father “in order to listen
to St. Paul and learn today from him,
as our teacher” as stated in his homily
for the opening of the Pauline Year last
June 2008.
As part of the commemoration for
Paul the Apostle, a series of liturgical,
cultural, and ecumenical events, as well
as various pastoral and social initiatives,
have been organized in different parts of
the world throughout the year.
In the Philippines, an ecumenical
prayer service held at the Araneta
Coliseum last January 25 became
the highlight of the celebration of the
Pauline Year in the country, in line with
the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul. It
was attended by the three main Christian
groups in the country, namely the
Roman Catholics, the National Council
of Churches of the Philippines, and
the Philippine Council of Evangelical
Churches. A mass was also held with
the participation of the Catholic Bishops
Conference of the Philippines.
Main Pauline groups in the
Philippines were active in the celebration
of the patron saint’s year. The Society of
St. Paul and the Daughters of St. Paul
can both utilize the media to spread
their patron’s message, while St. Paul
de Chartres has schools here in the
country.
In UST, the “Apostle to the
Gentiles” was also the inspiration for
this year’s Theology Week last April
with the theme “Journeying with St.
Paul Today.”
The Manila Cathedral will hold a
Eucharistic celebration in honor of the
Pope’s Day with the Feast of St. Peter
and the closing of the Pauline Year in
According to Rivera, St. Paul’s
great contribution to Christianity was
providing the religion its “watermarks”
or distinctive features that separate it
from Judaism. He described the saint as
a great theologian of the early Church,
together with St. John the Evangelist.
He added that the issues St. Paul tackled
many years ago remain relevant in the
present time, principally the issues on
evangelization. In evangelizing people,
he first integrated himself into their
culture such as the Romans and the
Galatians, thus his title as “Apostle to
the Gentiles.”
“St. Paul would preach in the
synagogue to Jews, but only a few
St. Paul’s great contribution to
Christianity was providing the
religion its “watermarks”
June 29 with Archbishop Gaudencio
Cardinal Rosales, D.D., as main presider,
and Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines
Archbishop Edward Joseph Adams,
D.D., as homilist.
Still significant
“The devotion of a year for St. Paul
raises questions such as his year of birth,
a possible encounter with Christ, and
foremost, the importance of St. Paul in
the Church,” said Fr. Efren Rivera, O.P.,
associate professor of Scriptures in the
Faculty of Sacred Theology. He stated
that it is the first time in Church history
that such a year is celebrated.
would believe him. He would then turn
to Gentiles who were interested,” Rivera
said. Poverty and charity, women’s
dignity, the charismatic movement, the
meaning of suffering, and youth issues
were also other important topics St. Paul
tackled, which all remain significant
today.
Pauline spirit in UST
With his undying devotion to
the building of the Church and in
bringing people closer to God, St. Paul’s
contributions have reached the heart of
the youth. Rivera cited Timothy as a
known example of this.
Timothy was a young disciple
from Lystra, now known as Turkey. In
St. Paul’s second visit to Lystra as part
of his missionary tour, he was impressed
with the young man’s faith that he
decided to make him his companion in
his missionary work.
His works and teachings remain
important, even to the youth of this
generation. In UST, overseeing
Thomasians and visitors alike is a
group of three statues known as the
Tria Haec located on top of the Main
Building. Tria Haec, meaning “these
three,” represents the three virtues
of St. Paul—faith, hope, and charity.
This is also a shortcut to the popular 1
Corinthians 13:1-13.
“Being the motto of the University,
these three are the core values that guide
Thomasian education,” Rivera said.
Besides the virtues in Thomasian
education, the Tria Haec reflects the
University’s tradition of following St.
Paul’s theology. According to Rivera,
this tradition traces back to St. Dominic
de Guzman, the founder of the Order of
Preachers (O.P.). The Dominicans run
UST since its establishment almost 400
years ago.
It was said that St. Dominic de
Guzman, the founder of the O.P. had
a vision where St. Paul handed him a
book of his letters while St. Peter gave
him a preacher’s staff. Also, his two
favorite scriptures were the Letters of
St. Paul and the Gospel according to
Matthew.
Miguel de Benavides, the founder
of the University, was also influenced by
St. Paul. He was a disciple of Bartolome
de las Casas who was a champion of the
rights of indigenous people, especially
of Native Americans. He fought against
slavery and for the rights of the natives.
Rivera said that De las Casas’ work was
Pop goes the Pope with new website
FOLLOWING the introduction
of its own YouTube Channel, the
Vatican has launched its newest
webpage www.pope2you.net
featuring different applications
to bring the Gospel to the
technology savvy generation.
In his Message for the 43rd
World Communications Day last
January, the Pope encouraged
the young people to take on the
responsibility of evangelization
in the digital world. However,
he stressed the responsible use
of new technologies in fulfilling
this mission by giving utmost
attention on the quality of the
content disseminated through
these media.
Pope2You serves as an
online hub for four functionalities
of social network, electronic
media and other web portal
services.
The site includes the Vatican
YouTube page introduced in
January, where users are given
access to videos and audios of the
Holy Father’s pastoral activities
and other news on the Catholic
Church.
Aimed at broadening the
Pope’s audience, the online
portal links the users to the
Pope2You application in the
famous social network Facebook
that allows users to receive
messages of the Pope through
electronic postcards. Users can
create and send these postcards
containing the Pope’s images and
excerpts from his writings to their
friends. They can also start and
join discussions to interact with
others across the world.
In a report by the Catholic
Photos courtesy of pope2you.net
PHOTO COURTESY OF GOOGLE IMAGES
Apostle for all seasons
A picture of St. Paul, Apostle of the
Gentiles.
inspired by the teachings of St. Paul
especially the apostle’s stand on equality
wherein he preaches that we are all one
in Christ.
Missionaries of today can also
derive their inspiration from St. Paul
by being charismatic as he was. Rivera
emphasized that they can create
charismatic communities by setting
good examples and by practicing the
faith.
Finally, Rivera said that the Tria
Haec serves as a reminder to Thomasians
about St. Paul’s teaching of “primacy
of charity.”
“They should try to put the message
of the Tria Haec (1 Corinthians 13:1-13)
into practice,” he said.
Vatican launches own
version of Wikipedia
THE NEW interactive portal of the Vatican City “Pope2you.net”
uniquely features “WikiCath,” a webpage that contains some of
the Pope’s inspirational messages on how the youth should view
cyberspace. But the page should not be mistaken for Wikipedia.
org, an online encyclopedia whose contents are supplied by users.
Here are some of Benedict’s thoughts on cyberspace:
• In today’s computer world, the word “digital”
refers to everything that is represented by numbers or
works by manipulating numbers. But the Pope has gone
beyond the technicalities of the “digital age,” saying that
this concept is not merely an instrument to serve its purpose
but rather a means to create deeper relationships among
people who use anything digital in their everyday lives.
• The probability of finding “real friends” online is not
anymore impossible, as long as people remain true to themselves
and to the people they deal with. Although there are limitations
in technology, the Holy Father encourages everyone, especially
the youth to maximize the features of online services such
as blogs, social networking sites, and even cyber chatting
in “building a true and veritable online Christian witness.”
News Agency, webmaster Fr.
Paolo Padrini noted that what is
on Facebook is an application
intended for sharing and not a
profile of the Pope.
“The Pope obviously does
not need a profile to introduce
himself,” Padrini said.
Another feature is a mobile
platform for iPhone, an internetconnected gadget that works as
a camera phone and a portable
media player. The iPhone
application, sponsored by the
Catholic news service H2O
news, offers free download of
news from the Vatican in video,
audio and text formats available
in nine languages including
English, French and Chinese.
Users can also download
videos, accompanied by
transcripts, and audios available
on the Vatican’s YouTube
channel in an iPhone-compatible
format.
On the other hand, the youth
can have an easier grasp on the
Pope’s message for the 43rd
World Communications Day
through the interlinked web
pages called WikiCath.
This application is available
in five languages which serves as
a useful tool for personal reading.
It outlines the key concepts
contained in the Holy Father’s
2009 message accompanied by
annotations and suggestions on
how to put the Pope’s teachings
into practice.
Internet users can also
promote the Pope2You project
through a feature called Gadgets,
which links them to a page that
offers free download of desktop
wallpapers and banners they
can use in their social network
profiles.
The Vatican portal, sponsored
by the Pontifical Council for
Social Communications, is meant
“to communicate the message of
Benedict XVI for the 43rd World
Social Communications Day,”
Padrini said.
He said that people are
responding very well with more
internet users setting up the
Facebook application.
Since its launching, Padrini
reported that the website received
an approximate of 50,000 daily
hits and 100,000 virtual postcards
exchanged. Florench May C.
Corpuz.
• Through the internet, interaction is more utilized.
Nowadays, it is easier to exchange thoughts, ideas, and opinions
using the internet, but this should not serve as a cause of disputes.
• The quality of online content should always be
taken into consideration. Communication goes beyond
transmitting messages; one must remember that
the content of the message is what’s important.
• The distance among countries is not anymore a
limitation. With the use of online services, it
is now easier to promote solidarity and
a deeper understanding of different
cultural beliefs and customs.
• Lastly, the advantage of
using the features of digital age
should also focus on the sharing
of the word of God and not just
information-dissemination. Andrewly A.
Agaton
The
Varsitarian
limelight
10 july 1, 2009
Tomas U. Santos
By R. I. M. Cruz
SINTOmas
By Carla T. Gamalinda
Towazinos
Main
By J.C. Santos
From page 1
The Main Building cost P1.5 million.
From January 1942 to February 1945, 10,000 Americans, British
and other nationals were interned in the building, with the campus
converted into a concentration camp by Japanese forces.
The Main Building, one of the popular landmarks in Manila,
is known for its unique architectural design but often mistaken for a
church because of the cross atop its tower. Statues by Italian Sculptor
Francesco Monti, a faculty member in the College of Architecture
and Fine Arts, were installed between 1949 and 1953.
Arch of the Centuries, not qualified
The Arch of the Centuries, transferred near the España entrance
from its original site in Intramuros, may have also been qualified as a
World Heritage Site, if not for violations of some “purity” rules.
“When it was lifted from its original location, rules were already
violated,” Fernandez told the Varsitarian after his speech.
In terms of “purity,” the part of the arch that faces the España
gate is only a replica, and the one behind it is the original piece “so
one cannot be sure of its authenticity,” he added.
However, Fernandez admitted that moving part of the arch
helped it survive the times, and the focus should be on conserving
heritage instead of demolishing it.
“(Conservation) is possible, doable, achievable and more
profitable in the end. Let us conserve our heritage, preserve our
culture and preserve our Thomasian icons,” he said.
Mandurukot
From page 2
civilian guard, na tinimbrehan ang
kasamahang gwardiya na si Samuel Castro
upang manmanan ang suspek.
“Nang makarating sa Dapitan gate ang
suspek ay kinapkapan namin ang kanyang
mga bulsa at pinabuksan ang kanyang bag
kung saan namin nakita ang ang isang
32GB Silver Apple Ipod Touch, kaya’t agad
naming dinala sa opisina ang suspek,” sabi
nina Robidillo at Castro sa kanilang mga
sinumpaang salaysay.
Thomasian
From page 2
Education Organization for his paper “Creating Space for Legitimate Participation of Youth in Education for Sustainability through Service Learning:
Toward a ‘liberatory praxis’ for Pedagogy of Sustainability.” It is a study on
the impact of a changing education landscape on sustainable development.
The event saw the launching of the Asian Journal for Educational
Research and Synergy, a brainchild of De Guzman, with Commission
on Higher Education commissioner Nona Ricafort. With reports from
Darenn G. Rodriguez
A(H1N1)
From page 1
such as concerts to (prevent) the spread of the flu,” Arquiza said.
Activities lined up by the office were also affected because of the
growing influenza alarm.
“ComServe, an environment awareness forum, was moved from June
10 and 11 to July 30 and 31 while Recruitment 101, a yearly event of
student organizations to hire new members, has not been scheduled yet,
Arquiza added.
Classes in the St. Martin de Porres and Roque Ruaño buildings were
suspended, while the fourth floor of the Alfredo M. Velayo Building was
banned from students after four Thomasians tested positive for A(H1N1).
Jennifer Ann G Ambanta
Sa pamamagitan ng phonebook sa “Ipod”
nalaman ng mga otoridad kung sino ang
nagmamay-ari nito.
Nakumpirma ng Santo Tomas E-Service
Provider na taga-College of Science nga si
Marquez.
Itinanggi naman ni Notarte ang akusasyon
at sinabing ibinenta lamang sa kanya ang mp3
player.
“Hindi po totoo `yon. Ibinenta lamang sa
akin yan ng isang Mark Anthony, isang Nursing
student, sa halagang P5,000 tatlong araw na ang
nakakaraan,” ani Notarte sa Varsitarian.
Ayon kay Eric Magundayao, acting
deputy commander ng Security Office, hindi
maiiwasan ang pagpasok ng mga magnanakaw
sa campus.
“Kasi ang paalam ni Notarte ay pupunta
lamang sa ospital para magpa-check up. Ang
iba sasabihin naman ay kakain sa isang food
chain sa loob (ng UST) o kaya pupunta daw sa
simbahan, kaya hindi talaga natin sila ma-momonitor isa-isa,” ani Magundayao.
“Kaya pag nanakawan sila, ipagbigay alam
agad sa kahit na sino mang gwardiya na malapit
sa kanila.”
Ikinulong ang suspek sa MPD Station 4
sa Sampaloc.
Civil Law
From page 2
the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. “I think you
should read on this more,” Gonzalez was quoted telling
Abad.
During the interview, Abad said the Right of Reply
Bill in Congress does not mean prior restraint and is “not
a transgression of the freedom of the press.”
Campus
From page 1
Booths were also set up in building lobbies informing
Thomasians on how to effectively combat A(H1N1) and
provide free access to alcohols and other forms of sanitizer.
With reports from Danielle Clara P. Dandan, Prinz P.
Magtulis and Cliff Harvey C. Venzon
Studes
From page 1
Mixed reactions
The new order drew mixed reactions from University
organizations.
Joyce Reaño, Journalism Society president, said it
would be “a relief” for the society not to have acquaintance
parties anymore given economic conditions.
“There are other ways to hold acquaintance parties
without exhausting resources too much,” Reaño said in a
letter to the Varsitarian. “An alternative would be that the
general assembly and the acquaintance party be rolled into
one event to save funds.”
But Reaño expressed dismay on the ban to sell society
shirts. “When you apply the principle of economics in
the current crisis, the ideal set-up is that students should
purchase. I do not think there is anything wrong with
selling shirts because the students always have the choice
of not buying them,” she explained.
Diane Agutaya, a member of the Elementary
Education Society of the College of Education, said it
would be convenient not to buy shirts anymore.
“Considering the present economic challenges, it
will be a good way to lessen unnecessary expenses,”
Agutaya said.
The
Varsitarian
sports
July 1, 2009 11
Jeremy S. Perey, Acting Editor
Tigresses unshaken amid changes
From page 12
Buenacosa, JR Gregorio,
and Season 71 MVP
Marichu Bacaro, UST still
have veterans Paula Jean
Bombeo, Dominique Ann
Leonardo, Katrina Gail
Fermin, Mikko Obrador,
and Mary Silva.
The Tigresses’ are
also expected to get steady
contributions from threetime UAAP scoring leader
Rina Mary Laud and
sophomores Lora Dela
Cruz, Rizzie Gale and
Lore Rivera.
Newcomer
Mary Galicia,
a high leaper
with impressive
athleticism,
is a welcome
addition to the team, and
so are sweet-shooting
Marian Stephanie
Mejia, branded as a
“petite but fearless”
newbie, is also
anticipated to play
big this season, and
Cebuana slasher
Juvelyn Andaya.
“ We h a v e s i x
rookies this year, and I
really need the leadership
from veterans,” Amos
said.
With the departure of Season 71
MVP Marichu Bacaro,
who will step-up and
carry the Tigresses back
to the Promised Land?
photo by PAUL ALLYSON R. QUIAMBAO
Tigers fall
From page 12
took the driver’s seat through a thirdchance basket from Ababou, 31-29, with
4:39 left in the clock.
Lyceum, however, answered back
with a 12-0 run, 33-43, led by Eder
Saldua’s effective shooting from the
stripe before a split free-throw by Mirza
ended the period at 36-50.
The halftime break did not seem to
help the Tigers as Lyceum brought with
them their first-half momentum in the
third quarter, drilling consecutive baskets
for a 21-point edge, 36-57.
UST’s Clark Bautista then entered
the scoring picture with a jumper, 7:14
minutes left in the period, bolstered by a
lay-up from Camus to cut the lead down
to 17 points.
Amit
From page 12
Bautista and Maliksi tried to heat
things up for UST with their combined
field-goal shooting but the opponents had
an answer to their every attempt. Lyceum
fired consecutive baskets once again,
jacking up the lead back to 20 points.
Toward the end of the period, UST’s
Aljon Mariano nailed outside baskets to
trim the lead to 13 points, 56-69.
The Tigers fought back in the fourth
quarter but Lyceum showed better poise
and kept the lead.
Maliksi, the lone person who scored
in double figures for the Tigers, churned
out 17 points while Villamin led Lyceum
with 14 markers.
Aristeo “Putch” Puyat shouldered
not only her allowance but also
sponsored her competitions
abroad.
After this grim stage in
her life, blessings began to rain
down on the Thomasian pool
master. Just in time to remedy the
financial problems that caused
her brother to quit schooling, she
got another lucky break in the
2009 JBETpoker.net Women’s
World 10-ball Championship,
where she bagged 1st place and
$20,000 cash prize.
Unyielding
Usapang Uste
NOON pa man, namamayagpag na
ang UST sa larangan ng palakasan.
Bago pa man maitatag ang
University Athletics Association of
the Philippines (UAAP), kabilang
ang UST, kasama ang University of
the Philippines at National University,
sa “Big Three League” noong unang
bahagi ng dekada ’30. Mula taong
1931 hanggang 1934, hinirang ang
UST Glowing Goldies (na ngayo’y
Growling Tigers) na kampeon sa
men’s basketball sa pangunguna ni
Herminio Silva, noo’y miyembro ng
RP Team na lumaban sa Far Eastern
Games nang taong 1934 at naging
tagasanay rin ng Goldies.
Sa kasikatan ng liga, isinilang
ang UAAP noong 1938 kasama ang
Far Eastern University bilang ikaapat nitong miyembro. FEU rin ang
itinanghal na kampeon sa basketball
sa pagbubukas ng UAAP.
Nang sumunod na taon, nakamit
ng Glowing Goldies ang kanilang
unang kampeonato. Sa isang hindiinaasahang pangyayari, pinaghatian
ng mga koponan ng UST, UP at
FEU ang kampeonato sa UAAP
men’s basketball matapos silang
magtabla.
New-look
From page 12
The void is particularly big with the departure
of Cruz. He ended his three-year campaign
with 837 points and 671 rebounds in 1,530
minutes of action.
Cuan was UST’s Shaq from the freethrow
line, but was a reliable court general. Allera,
Canlas, and Taylor all combined for 18.3
points per game and 14.4 rebounds per game
last season—a decent showing from role
players.
Also out of commission are Carlos
Fenequito, Emilian Vargas, and Jackson
Wong.
What’s now left of the Tigers is a
precarious mix of old hands and promising
rookies.
Last season’s second leading scorer and
New Look, page 5
Despite the constant blows
on her life and career, Amit’s
positive outlook helped her roll
with the punches.
Pleased that women’s
billiards already resurrected
from its dead phase, Amit is
pressing to join a competition in
the United States after copping
her world title.
“Although it is not a world
title bid, what I’m after is the
fulfillment of representing the
country,” Amit said. She noted
that the most fulfilling part of
her recent win was hearing the
Philippine National Anthem
played.
Apart from giving her an
unbending spirit, billiards also
instilled a sense of discipline and
self confidence into Amit.
“You have to learn how to
value yourself. If you have selfesteem, then you’ll have self
confidence,” Amit said.
And after years of
wondering what’s in store for
her, she finally came into a clear
understanding.
“Hindi Niya (God) binibigay
‘yung todo, pampasabik lang.
You have to do your part in order
to succeed,” she said.
From page 12
Rushdy Hadi
Jersey No. 13
Height: 6’3”
Position: Forward
PBA/NBA icon: Dwayne
Wade of Miami Heat and
Jayjay Helterbrand of Ginebra
Kings
Without doubt, Hadi’s intimidating size and
stature would spell impending doom for his opponents.
This 19-year-old former Colegio San Agustin slotman
made it to several Mythical Five slots in interbarangay leagues. He is also a defensive menace and
a sweet shooter off the dribble.
Jerick Teng
Jersey No. 16
Height: 6’2”
Position: Guard
PBA/NBA icon: His
dad, Alvin Teng of
San Miguel
“Love for hoops” runs in the blood for this son
of ex-PBA standoff Alvin Teng. Aside from bagging
the Most Valuable Player crown in the Tiong Lian
cagefest, the 18-year old ex-Xavier school stalwart
also exhibits decent ball-handling skills, perimeter
shooting and defense.
Aljon Mariano
Jersey No. 10
Height: 6’3
Position: Forward
PBA/NBA icon: Lebron James
of Cleveland Cavaliers
Attacking the basket without hesitation is
this 16-year-old daredevil hailing from San Beda.
Mariano, who made it to the National Capital Region
Mythical Five of Nokia National Basketball Training
Center D-League, possesses a deceptive passing
ability. This Manila-based hot shot is deadly from
the perimeter.
Darrel Green
Jersey No. 5
Height: 6’3”
Position: Center
PBA/NBA icon: Lebron
James of Cleveland
Cavaliers
Green, 20, is a big steal from Sta. Clara
International Academy, known for his rebounding
and aggressive play in the shaded lane. He showed
intensity during the Tigers’ off-season games.
photo by Lester g. babiera
have produced,” Amit said.
Being sacked from the
team also meant an end to the
benefits she received from the
government, a big blow to her
family’s financial instability
which started to wobble in
2007.
“I had monthly allowance
and monthly supply of vitamins,”
Amit said. “It was already a big
thing for me.”
Luckily for her, the chairman
of Billiards and Snooker
Congress of the Philippines
Last year’s fall
The twice-to-beat
Tigresses missed the chance
to meet Far Eastern University
in last year’s finals, after
succumbing to the University
of the Philippines Lady
Maroons in the Final Four.
They had to settle for third for
the second year in a row.
“ We w e r e t h e o n l y
team who defeated the Lady
Tamaraws last season, and
we could really have a (good)
chance of claiming the Season
71 championship if we got into
the finals,” Amos said.
Despite a rookie-laden
roster, the Tigresses finished
second to the De la Salle
Lady Archers in the Metroball
championship finals last
April.
But the absence of
mainstays denied them title
repeat in the Private Schools
Athletic Association (PRISAA)
meet during the same month.
‘Small but fierce’
‘Cinderella story’ ng UST sa UAAP basketball
Wa l a n g n a g - a k a l a n g
makakatuntong ang Goldies sa huling
yugto ng paligsahan. Ito ay dahil
sa hindi maganda ang ipinakitang
laro ng koponan sa unang yugto ng
palaro na nagdulot ng kawalan ng mga
taga-hanga at taga-suporta nito. Ang
mahinang loob din ng mga manlalaro
ang nagtulak sa noo’y tagasanay
nitong si Jose Rodriguez para iwanan
sila. Agad naman siyang pinalitan ni
Silva, na noo’y tagapamahala ng UST
Gymnasium.
Iba’t-ibang pagsasanay ang
ipinagawa ni Silva sa mga manlalaro.
Kasama na rito ang mga bagong
estratehiya sa pakikipagtunggali sa
loob ng court. Bunga ng matinding
pagsasanay, mas matibay, mas magaling
at punung-puno na ng lakas ng loob
na mga basktetbolistang Tomasino
ang napanood sa ikalawang bahagi ng
paligsahan.
Naging mabagsik na sentro ng
Goldies ang dating bugnuting guwardiya
ng court na si Fajardo Vertil. Naging
mas matulin naman ang maliit na
forward na si Pacifico Arsenio, habang
ang dating numero unong sentro na si
Salvador Siao ay naging maaasahang
forward. Naging matatag at mahinahong
guwardiya naman si Enrique Novales.
Marami rin ang nakapansin sa galing
sa pagdadala ng bola ng kapitan ng
koponan na si Gabriel Fajardo.
Maganda ang ibinunga ng paggabay
ni Silva sa koponan. Nagawang ilampaso
ng Goldies ang FEU, NU at UP na
nagbigay daan sa 4-2 na pangkahalatang
puntos ng UST para mapantayan ang
Dibuho ni J.C. Santos
FEU at UP.
Dahil sa sunod-sunod na mga
gawaing pampalakasan noong taong
iyon, napagdesisyunan ng mga
tagapamahala ng UAAP na tanghaling
triple-tie champions ang FEU, UP at
UST.
Dala na rin ng magandang
pagsasanay, naiuwi ng Goldies ang
kampeonato nang sumunod na taon
nang walang kahati sa titulo.
Maihahalintulad sa nangyari
noong 1939 ang pagkapanalo ng
Growling Tigers laban sa Ateneo Blue
Eagles noong 2006 upang maiuwi
ang kampeonato. Iinilarawan bilang
“Cinderella Story” ang naging laro ng
UST mula umpisa hanggang sa maging
kampeon sila. Hindi naging maganda
ang ipinakita nila noong simula,
ngunit sa paggabay ni Pido Jarencio
na naglayong buhayin ang apoy sa
damdamin ng mga basketbolistang
Tomasino, naghari ang UST laban sa
Ateneo sa ikalawa’t ikatlong laro ng
best-of-three finals series.
Sa kabuuan, ang UST ay nagkamit
na ng 19 na unang titulo sa UAAP men’s
basketball team. Ang UST lamang
din, sa buong kasaysayan ng UAAP,
ang nakapagkamit ng tatlong titulo ng
kampeonato sa lahat ng dibisyon
ng basketball sa loob lamang ng
isang taon. Naging kampeon ang
Growling Tigers sa men’s division,
UST Tigresses sa women’s division at
UST Tiger Cubs sa juniors’ division
noong 1994.
Bilang patunay sa
pamamayagpag nito, nangunguna
rin ang UST sa listahan ng over-all
championship ng UAAP. Unang
beses makamit ng UST ang titulo
noong 1958 at sa kasalukuyan,
may hawak na itong 36 na titulong
pangkalahatang kampeonato.
Kacelyn Faye L. Paje
Tomasalitaan:
Sawong (pangngalan) – kubo o
dampa sa bundok
Halimbawa: Tumuloy sila sa
isang sawong nang abutan sila ng
takipsilim sa pag-akyat ng bundok.
Sanggunian:
The Varsitarian: Tomo XII
Blg. 17 Enero 25, 1940
The Varsitarian: Tomo LXIX
Blg. 7 Nobyembre 13, 1996
T h e Va r s i t a r i a n : To m o
LXXVIII Blg. 5 Oktubre 5, 2006
SP
Amit is first Pinoy
world pool champ
The Varsitarian
Founded 1928
RTS
Vol. LXXXI, No. 1
www.varsitarian.net
July 1, 2009
photo by PAUL ALLYSON R. QUIAMBAO
By MARY ATHENA D. DE PAZ and LESTER G. BABIERA
THE FIRST thing she did after pocketing the last ball was to sit down. And then, everything began
to sink in – she had just made history.
photo by Lester g. babiera
UST’s Rubilen “Bingkay”
Amit will forever be remembered
as the first female Filipino cue
artist to win a world champion.
She trounced 48 of the world’s
best to capture the World 10-ball
title at the SM City North Edsa
last June 2 to 6.
“I didn’t think of the winning
TAKE A SHOT: Amit aims for number one.
part when I was on the game. My
mindset was to play the game the
way I practiced it,” said UST’s
College of Commerce’s top cue
master in 2000 and 2001.
Starting with dad
A m i t , a 2 7 - y e a r- o l d
accountancy graduate, was
introduced to the pool table by
her dad in their home province of
Cebu. Eventually, her father and
daughter’s billiard quests outside
their home prompted Amit’s
mother to buy them a table.
She wanted them home
without keeping the young Amit
from her budding pastime.
That early Amit knew
billiards for her was serious
stuff. Soon she was a fixture in
tournaments in her elementary
and high school days.
College, though, gave her
a bit of reality check. With
a relatively tough course in
accountancy, she had to leave
the sport for a while and focus
on school work.
“Accountancy required a
lot of studying and it was really
stressful,” she said. “My classes
were from Monday to Saturday,
and though I had free time on
Sundays, I’d rather rest than
play,”
But billiards wouldn’t take
a back seat for long. From a
university standout, she would
later join the national team.
Teeter-totter career
Just like the uncertainty of
a billiards game, Amit’s career
was a teeter-totter of success and
disappointments.
Eight years back, the limited
opportunities for a skilled female
billiards player made her think
of temporarily working as a call
center agent. But having been
tapped to the national team
and later join the South East
Asian Games (SEA Games),
she abandoned the idea and went
back to her favorite game.
Her stint with the national
team was unexpectedly cut
short after she, along with her
teammates, were fired despite
their sterling performance during
the SEA Games.
“ We h a d a s t u n n i n g
performance during the SEA
Games, which is the basis of our
standing in the national team,
proven by the medals that we
Amit, Page 11
New-look Tigers vow tough UAAP fight
By MARY ATHENA D. DE PAZ
THE BIG boys are gone, but if there’s one thing
this season’s Tigers are not lacking, it’s fighting
spirit.
Coach Pido Jarencio described his wards
as one hungry pack whose intense desire could
make up for their relative inexperience as a team
and low ceiling.
But conscious of the handicap, he made no
prediction on whether UST could finally make
a return trip to the Final Four and ultimately get
the job done.
“Even if we’re undersized, these players
are fighters—they refuse to quit,” he said in
Filipino.
Jarencio was apparently getting his confidence
from the way his crew performed in pre-UAAP
tune-ups during the summer. He particularly saw
promise when UST, fielding a small lineup, barged
into the finals of the 2009 Millennium Basketball
League (MBL).
The MBL was no inter-barangay tilt. It’s the
real deal where the Tigers got to compete with
ex-PBA stalwarts. At the very least, Jarencio said
the experience was invaluable.
“(The players’) advantage is their heart. They
keep on fighting. They have pride and they refuse
to lose,” he said.
The ghosts of the recent past are not lost in
the Tigers.
Following an unexpected title three years ago,
their performance in the next two seasons—both
failed attempts at either reaching the Final Four or
the championship—gave critics the idea that the
Cinderella run was a fluke.
But their character, fighting spirit, and resolve
were all evident in those heartbreakers.
“We are ready,” Jarencio vowed. “We are a
mature team now.”
Departures
Reality check. This year’s lineup will be
without Season 70 MVP Jervy Cruz, point guard
Japs Cuan, sniper Francis Allera, and dependable
quarterbacks Mark Canlas and Chester Taylor.
Simply put, UST’s relative height advantage in
the past is gone.
New-look, Page 11
‘Small but fierce’ Tigers this season
By JEREMY S. PEREY
EXPECT no big man from among the Tigers from recruits for the coming UAAP season.
But coach Pido Jarencio expects his rookies–none of them standing above 6’3”–to play
tough and play big.
The new heirs of the Growling Tigers’ monarchy will be rookies Darrel Green,
Marco Cam, Rushdy Hadi, Eduard Aytona, Jerick Teng, Aljohn Ungria, Andrew Felix
and Aljon Mariano.
Marco Cam
Aljohn Ungria
Jersey No. 21
Jersey No. 17
Height: 6’0”
Height: 6’1”
Position: Forward
Position: Center/
PBA/NBA icon:
Forward
Ron Artest of
PBA/NBA icon:
Houston Rockets
Michael Jordan of
Chicago Bulls
This former Colegio de San Lorenzo ace
cager manifests his control over the offensive
boards by securing the rebounds that will
spark a run-and-gun type of play, perfect
for the Tigers’ small line-up this season.
The 19-year-old Bicolano is also poised to
provide UST with good hustle and tough
defensive stoppages.
AIRBORNE: UST Rookie Aljon Mariano elevates in midair against
a Lyceum opponent for an easy lay-up. Despite the effort, UST
still fell captive to the Lyceum-Showa Pirates, 73-91.
Previously playing for the San Sebastian
Junior Stags, the 19-year-old Cam has the
wit of setting-up unselfish plays for his
teammates. Chalking up points in the assists
department, he can also shoot from the
rainbow country and penetrate the basket
despite the sturdy defense played by the
opponents.
Tigers fall short on pre-UAAP title
By CHARIZZE L. ABULENCIA
Pathetic defense crashed the Tigers’ title hopes
as they bowed to Lyceum-Showa, 73-91, in the
Millennium Basketball League (MBL) finals at
the Lyceum gym last June 23.
In contrast, Lyceum’s offense was fluid and
its defense solid to keep the Dickies-backed Tigers
frustrated for most of the game.
“Our defense was terrible that’s why our
offense was directly affected and we found it hard
to shoot,” Tigers’ team captain Dylan Ababou
admitted.
The Tigers had problems patrolling the
middle and boxing out Lyceum’s Jerwin Gaco
and Chris Aqualaful.
Still, they came within 10 in the fourth
quarter, 59-69, courtesy of the steady sniping by
MBL MVP Allein Maliksi and Khasim Mirza.
Andrew Felix
Jersey No. 20
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 155 lbs.
Position: Guard
The 19-year-old slasher from Southridge
High School is a workhorse hailing from
Laguna. He is good at slicing through
the defense for lay-ups. His high leaping
ability and steady shooting should show
this season.
Eduard Aytona
Jersey No. 19
Height: 5’10”
Position: Guard
PBA/NBA icon:
D e l o n t e We s t
of Cleveland
Cavaliers
Aytona, the 17-year-old former Tiger
Cub, is a brainy playmaker with good court
vision.
“Small, Page 11
But Lyceum’s own duo, Allen Disuntarum
and Dondon Villamin brought back the bubble to
15 points, 59-75. UST got no closer than that the
rest of the way.
Early pull-away
Lyceum took an early 11-point advantage,
7-18, in the first quarter, thanks to chief gunner
Joseph Abaya.
Combined free-throws from Maliksi, Ababou,
and rookie Jerick Teng trimmed the deficit to seven
points, 16-23, before an Ababou 3-point play iced
the quarter at 19-24.
Maliksi opened the second period with backto-back outside jumpers to pull UST closer, 24-26.
UST big man Chris Camus then gave a three-point
boost to force a deadlock at 27-apiece.
Midway into the second quarter, UST finally
Tigers, Page 11
Tigresses unshaken
amid changes
By Lester G. Babiera
WITH a new head coach leading the charge for
the Tigresses, will a miracle come along to convert
their Season 71’s penitential third-place finish into a
championship title?
Coach Julie Amos speaks in practical terms,
focusing how a new system can potentially send the
squad to a title finish this year.
“Since I just started as a new coach, we are on a
transition and are still working on the new training,”
she said.
Amos highlighted the importance of a deep bench,
especially for a running team such as the Tigresses.
Lack of supporting players that can step up was a
problem for the team in the past.
“We are extending the bench so that if the top
five players get exhausted, we still have many reserve
players (that can) play,” she said.
She said she was excited to coach the team
because the players were responding well to her system
and new teammates.
Despite the exodus of old reliables Remigia
Tigresses, Page 11