THE OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF THE COLLEGE OF ARTS AND LETTERS

MEMBER: COLLEGE EDITORS GUILD OF THE PHILIPPINES (CEGP)

JUNE-OCTOBER 2011 VOLUME

ISSUE 1

IV

IN THIS ISSUE
New Journ curriculum...P4 Radyo Berde holds strong...P5 STAGe replaces artiSTA...P3 Lim back from Thailand...P4 Point and Shoot!...P10 iTuned...P13 California Gold Rush...P12 Choking on Plastics...P13 Makalyeng Usapan...P14 You Make Pigil Me!...P15 Going the Wrong Way...P14 The 5 Most Overrated...P15
BATTLECRY. Bearing streamers and banners depicting the colleges five programs, College of Arts and Letters (CAL) students cheer in front of the BU Grand Stand as the name of their delegation was called out during the Bicol University (BU) September Festival opening ceremony last September 19.

NEWS

PHOTO BY SARA GRACE FOJAS

Cl am or hea ps on a s co m ple t i o n ne a rs
After more than a year of passing technical requirements and complying with government formalities, the College of Arts and Letters (CAL) own radio station is finally all-set to greet the airwaves before the end of Academic Year (AY) 2011-2012, said Dr. Ma. Julieta Borres, CAL dean. Under the working name, BUFM, Borres describes the in-college radio station as her biggest legacy to Bicol University (BU). I am confident that BUFM will open before the academic year ends, Borres stated, adding, The administration is working hard to accomplish the project as soon as possible. Aiming to provide students a hands-on learning experience and integrate theory with practice, BUFM will serve as a laboratory for Broadcasting students and BUs official radio station. It is part of the current AB Broadcasting curriculum, Borres said. Radio practice is an indispensible part of Broadcasting students education. According to BU President Dr. Fay Lea Patria Lauraya, BUFM will also serve as the universitys way to extend its advocacies to the community. BUFM is a very important tool to bring the university closer to society and reach out to it. Through a radio station and its proPHOTO BY TINA FRANCISCO

Borres: BUFM to air before AY ends

grams, the students will not only be able to utilize what theyve learned, they will also be able to carry out BUs community projects, Lauraya stated. Prof. Adrian Aguilar, Audio-Visual Communication (AVC) Department head, said that the benefits of BUFM will also extend to their department. AVC students will acquire knowledge about operating a radio station through BUFM, he stated. BUFM was proposed by Prof. Anacito Dematera and Dr. Agnes Nepomuceno during the revision of the AB Broadcasting curriculum last June 2010. According to Borres, they are planning to create the radio booth at the AVC editing room located at the 1st floor
By Meljessa Balino
Borres: BUFM / P5

FEATURE DeCALibre

USC chair visits CAL

Student queries hound 4th Dayalogo

By Franco Honesto Lasay

In AY 2011-2012

CAL population up by 8.27%

By Erika Dianne Fulleros and Andrew Gahol

CAL plummets to 6th in Sept Fest

By Edda Mae Morata and Zandro Amador

With its first semester enrolment total rising by 8.27 percent this academic year, the College of Arts and Letters (CAL) is taking measures for better clientele satisfaction and edging closer towards realizing the 10-Point Agenda of the International Standard Organization (ISO). According to the Registrars Offices official summary of enrolment for the first semester of the Academic Year 2011-2012, 1,544 students are currently enrolled in CAL, an 8.27 percent increase from the 1,426 total during last academic years first semester. Student populations per department have also increased. Among CALs five banner programs, AB English has the biggest student population at present with 374 students. There are 367 students CROWDED. Students amass along the hallway in front of currently enrolled in AB Journalism, 364 in the AB Audio-Visual Comthe Registrars Office during the first day of enrollment for the second semester of the Academic Year 2011-2012 last munication (AVC), 274 in the AB Speech and Theater Arts (STA) and
October 26.

CAL population / P3

Falling four places from its rank as second last year, College of Arts and Letters (CAL) plummets to sixth place in this years Bicol University (BU) September Festival 2011 last September 19-24. Having accumulated a total of 137.95 points, College of Business Economics and Management (CBEM) bagged the championship. Coming in at second was College of Education (CE)

with 94.7 points, and third was College of Engineering (CEng) with 74.77 points. Completing the top five were College of Science (CS) which ranked fourth with 68.01 points and Bicol University-Polangui Campus (BUPC) which placed fifth with 67.45. Although CAL secured the championship during the Quiz Bowl, ranked second in the Amazing Challenges and placed third in both the De-

bate Competitions and Literary, Visual, Musical and Dance (LitViMusDa) competitions, it was still the Search for Mr. and Ms. BU 2011 which pulled CALs standing down due to its representatives failure to cop any major titles. It cost the college a great deal of points when Siviorjah Orozco, reigning Ms. CAL, was disqualified from the swimsuit competition, a pre-pageant event for the Mr. and Ms. BU 2011, for
CAL plummets / P4

With student complaints and questions dogging both the college administration and the University Student Council (USC), the Dayalogo couldnt have come at a better time to clear the smoke. The College Student Council (CSC) spearheaded the 4th Dayalogo last October 7 at the College of Arts and Letters (CAL) Amphitheatre. According to CSC President Amira Manginsay, Dayalogo is an open forum organized by the CSC every semester so that students and administrators could raise grievances and concerns and discuss college-based issues. The administrators who attended the event to respond to the students queries were CAL Dean Dr. Ma. Julieta Borres, Speech and Theater Arts Department Head Shirley Maloles, Audio-Visual Communication Department Head Adrian Aguilar,English Department Head Maria Sarte, Student Activities Coordinator Evelyn Oliquino, Civil Security Unit Chief Romy Rognao, CSC Adviser Liliosa Malasa and, University Student Council (USC) Chairperson Ruther Flores. Like the previous Dayalogos, the forum did not spare recurring hitches in the college such as security guards lax implementation of the No Uniform, No ID, No Entry policy, laboratory fee,
Student queries / P6

Ruther Flores, USC Chairperson

ARMISTICE

OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF COLLEGE OF ARTS AND LETTERS

OPINION

We have to wage war to earn peace, Erap Estrada proposed as he talked about the rebellion in Mindanao.

Let from t Edit t er he or

Intimidating terrorists with gunpowder and grenades is no better than dousing fire with gasoline. How can we attain peace when we replicate the very means in which terrorists and rebels thrive in? On October 18, 2011, the insurgency in Mindanao took a toll on the lives of 19 Army soldiers who were killed in Al-Barka, Basilan by Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) renegades. Happening in the midst of an ongoing ceasefire between the administration and the secessionist rebels, the Al-Barka atrocity did not only leave the promise of peace in Mindanao in tatters, it also prompted a nationwide barrage calling for an allout war against the belligerents. AM radio commentators, politicians and pundits were all seething with fury and campaigning to wage an all-out war against the MILF. A person all too familiar with MILF rebels wounded. It was a war that combating Moro rebels is Erap, who sa- scorched more than P135 million worth ber-rattled with the MILF back in 2000. of crops and left 12,000 hectares of Under his administration, fields desolate. he managed to crush MILF The irony of instigating bloodforces and overrun Camp shed and scorching communities to the Abubakar and other major ground in the name of peace may have MILF camps in Maguindanao been a bright idea way back in 2000, with two months worth of re- but if showering the South with bullentless airstrikes, artillery lets would really earn peace, why is the and ground onslaught. MILF still there? It is with bravado in having Senate Presdient Juan Ponce successfully squashed the MILF once Enrile and Sen. Panfilo Lacson have both with an iron fist that Erap was able to urged P-Noy to cut the dove-blitzing and say that if he were still president, he start unleashing the hawks on the MILF, would declare an all-out war against saying that the peace talks were only the MILF. Tatapusin ko sila, ilan nang handicapping the military. The belsundalo ang namatay, tingnan mo na- ligerence of the MILF is something that man. Pababayaan ba natin ganun na we deserve because we continue to give lang manatili ang ating mga kawal ay them that status, Lacson said. napapatay, mga sibilyan nakikidnap? Yes, government dealings with Erap presents a tempting the MILF have no doubt endowed them proposition, but should war be the first with some degree of immunity. Howresort? Should it even be considered? ever, if theres one thing P-Noy needs to Were talking about an all- work on in order to rebalance the tipped out war in the style of Camp Abuba- scales, its not launching more aggreskar that left 38 soldiers and 589 MILF sive military operations, its fortifying rebels dead; and 196 soldiers and 916

the administration with intelligence, authority, restraint and strong will. Our government needs flex its muscles, not on the frontlines, but on the negotiating table. We can applaud P-Noy for not succumbing to the war drums despite critics calling him a wimp for it. Talk is cheap anyway. Its easier to call P-Noy a coward and insist that the troops march into war than to uphold virtue and welfare. In inciting war, human lives will always be the ultimate casualty. The consequences are displaced families, constant fear and carnage. War is only worth considering if all these radio announcers and senators campaigning for an all-out war would march to the battlefield themselves and see what the crossfire really feels like when theyre the ones risking their lives in it. If theres one thing that the United States War on Global Terror has taught the world, its that war only makes terrorism flourish. Theyve practically left most of the Middle East in shambles and for what cause?

The US response to the 9/11 attacks was sheer blood thirst that would span for more than a decade and would entail the loss of lives from both sides of the enemy lines. The only thing war did for the world is fear and destruction. It didnt thwart terrorism, it made terrorism worse. Terrorism per se has already claimed the lives of a considerable amount of victims. War, on the other hand, will only elevate the death toll. To glorify war and destruction is basically sending ourselves to the gallows. This culture of war as transmitted through media and society has got to stop. In the long run, the real obstacle is not attaining peace for society, its grasping peace within ourselves. Its unworkable to espouse amity in our policies, laws and actions if the very people who are implementing them could not internalize a peaceful mindset. Its high time all of us shared common paths to peace, not bullets. Let us all wage war against war!

EDITORIAL

Hi, fellow CALiber! If youre reading this, it means that weve successfully released our first print issue for the Academic Year 2011-2012. Budyong, the official student publication of Bicol University College of Arts and Letters, has always been at the forefront of responsible and restorative journalism. But as steadfast as we remain to the papers advocacies, theres still a void to be filled between the student body and the student press. And when we allow this detachment between the press and the students to give way to mutual indifference, CALs holistic development can never be achieved. This is why this year, our staff aims to revitalize the bond between newspaper and reader to usher in active transformation to the college. Budyong has decided to post wall news and bulletins monthly so that news does not become stale. Also, the staff has opened its arms to format changes. We have reformatted the print issue this year to have nine sections namely News, Opinion, Viewpoints, Issues, Features, DeCalibre, Sci-Tech and Arts. Aside from change, Budyong has also welcomed new staff members this year. With a whopping total of 31 staffers, the publication may now have its biggest editorial board to date. Recognizing the importance of the visual medium in promoting campus journalism, Budyong also debuts its Arts section this year to showcase our visual artists talents. I would like to express my utmost gratitude to those who heeded Budyongs call for staff applicants last July. With a total of 67 applicants, we are overwhelmed by the interest that weve garnered from the student body. We hope that the student body would continue to support our newspaper. Remember, while Budyong is very fervent in sharing its vision of transformation to its readers, its always your conscious decision whether to accept it or not. Together we persevere,

THE OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF COLLEGE OF ARTS AND LETTERS Volume IV Issue 1 1st Semester AY 2010-2011 Editor-in-Chief: Andrew G. Gahol Associate Editor: Rey Anthony R. Ostria Managing Editor: Franco Honesto D. Lasay Senior Editor: Edda Mae S. Morata Graphics Editor: Carlo Jay B. Copada Layout Artists: Reynard E. Sevillano Jessha P. Marquez Staff Writers: Meljessa B. Balino, Henor G. Gotis, Caryl L. Gamis, Angeli Ched G. Precones,Syrell Ann Cal, Sara Grace Fojas, Joy Balangitan, Jessica Rae Nolasco, Zanie Jovellana, Mariel Rose Marcaida, Val Laurio, Aina Tolero, Glarie Anne Flores, Erika Dianne Fulleros, Jonathan Navarra, Nicole Meruh Velas, Zandro A. Amador Photojournalists: Earl Epson Recamunda, Ma. Moneth Modraso, Kenneth Raeneil Frondoso, Camille Regala, Tina Francisco, Xyza Therese Vibar Cartoonist: Rey Granadellos Technical Adviser: Anacito Dematera ___________________________ OFFICE: 4th Floor, Multi-Purpose Building, College of Arts and Letters EMAIL: budyongonline@gmail.com Printed by Vkol Advertising, Legazpi City

Andrew G. Gahol Editor-in-Chief

NOTICE TO YOUNGBLOG CONTRIBUTORS:

Send your contributions by e-mail to budyongonline@gmail.com together with your age, course and the year enrolled in. Contributions to YoungBLOG should have not been previously published. Budyong is open to comments, suggestions, or any contributions. You may report to the editorial staff any campus issue that you deem significant to be disseminated among the students. All submitted articles and artworks become the properties of the publication.

Ms. CAL 11 is Ms. Sophie Paris Phils 1st runner-up

Despite failing to snatch the crown during the Mr. and Ms. Bicol University (BU) 2011 pageant, it seems like fate has bigger plans for Siviorjah Orozco, 19, when she bagged 1st runner-up at the Ms. Sophie Paris Philippines 2011 pageant held at Shangri-la Hotel, Makati City last October 22. By Henor Gotis (CAL), wowed the audience along with five other contestants from across the country as she strutted her way to the title. Losing the top title to Annalie Forbes, Ms. Sophie Paris Philippines National Capital Region, Orozco said that she is still very overwhelmed by the opportunity of competing in an prestigious national pageant and placing 1st runner-up. Obtaining an award like this is a bonus for all my hard work, she shared. I am very thankful to those who supported me throughout my journey and to Sophie Paris International for giving me this opportunity, Orozco said. Sophie Paris International is a direct selling fashion company founded in Jakarta, Indonesia. It is also the mother company of Sophie Paris Philippines, one of the biggest multi-level marketing companies in the country.

OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF COLLEGE OF ARTS AND LETTERS

she also met big industry people from Sophie Paris Philippines, beauty queens and top models. Despite the tight competition, Orozco said that she tried her best to stand out from all the other candidates and, although she didnt secure the top title, she is still very proud of herself for securing the next best thing. Winning any title was the last thing I expected, considering that my competitors, who came from different parts of the Philippines, all looked elegant, beautiful and smart, Orozco said. Though I was a little anxious about my height and dark skin, I just kept in mind that I am here to learn and that there are always people behind me who will support me no matter what, she added.

NEWS

CAL reclaims Quiz Bowl title

Journalism senior Orozco, Ms. Sophie Paris Philippines South Luzon 2011 and reigning Ms. College of Arts and Letters

SASHAY AWAY. Ms. Sophie Paris Philippines 2011 1st runner-up Siviorjah Orozco works the runway during the nationwide Ms. Sophie Paris Philippines pageant dubbed Speactacle: Revel in the Moulin Rouge Experience last October 22 at Shangri-la Hotel, Makati City.

Issues on funds unresolved

In the know:

Following artiSTAs dissolu- money which was collected last academic tion due to noncompliance with the ac- year. creditation requirements, Speech and We actually had the financial Theatre Arts Genre (STAGe) was rein- report and all the necessary requirestated as the alternative organization ments for accreditation except the money. of the Speech and Theatre Arts (STA) I was always cautious about whether he department. was depositing the money or not. When I STAGe President Rousella Victo- checked the bankbook, the fund was there ria Pacis said that artiSTAs failure to pass but when I started speculating that somenecessary documents for accreditation thing was wrong, we verified the account from the cooperative and found out that prompted its replacement. Since we are a new organization only P1,500 was deposited. In fact, the and we have a new set of officers, we are money from the previous collection was starting from scratch. We are now revising not there, said Maloles. Maloles requested privacy and our constitution and by-laws and we are getting a new bank account. We already refused to reveal the exact amount that was missing. have the plans and lineup of activities for Prof. Maloles also told Budyong the whole year, Pacis stated. that they tried to contact Matias, who is She furthered, I just hope that not enrolled in CAL this academic year, S T A G e to clear things would not regarding the just be an missing funds, organizabut to no tion where avail. We others are were about just memto file a combers. We, plaint against the officers, Graham, but are hoping we hesitated that stubecause we dents will needed monactively ey to pay for participate a lawyer. So, in every we decided YEARNING LINGERS. An STA student performs a doxology during the MusDa Comendeavor petitions last August 24 at the CAL Student Lounge. STAGe is at the helm of financial to solve this constraints due to artiSTAs mismanagement of the departments funds last academic year, that our orwhich was supposedly alloted for buying equipment for recording students performances problem by during events. ganization arranging a diPHOTO BY CARLO JAY COPADA will take. alogue and not by filing a case Since Prof. Shirley Maloles, for- against him on grounds that he pays the mer artiSTA adviser, already declined the lost fund within two years, said Maloles. post as adviser of the new departmental Dr. Evelyn Oliquino, students acorganization, Prof. Ramona Raneses has tivities coordinator, said that Matias will stepped in as STAGes new adviser. not be granted with Honorable Dismissal because of the lost funds. artiSTAs dissolution According to Oliquino, the lost According to Krista Angeli Delica, funds were supposedly allotted for a former artiSTA secretary, they were not camera to be used for documenting perable to pass the financial report because formances of the STA students during former artiSTA treasurer, Graham Matias, events. allegedly lost the fund. Echoing Delicas statement, Poised on-STAGe Maloles said that Matias did not remit the The Speech and Theatre Arts STAGe replaces/ P5
By Meljessa Balino

STAGe replaces artiSTA

Road to the crown After vesting the crown in Ms. Sophie Paris Philippines - South Luzon 2011 in Lucena City, Quezon last October 1, Orozco was commissioned to represent South Luzon in the Ms. Sophie Paris Philippines pageant. As part of the national pageant, all the contestants went through photo shoots, ramp training, personality development sessions and rehearsals. The pageant gave me the chance to build a network with people from different walks of life, Orozco revealed. She added that aside from meeting fellow contestants,

Future glimpse Showing others that they could achieve their dreams if they strive for it, Orozco also shared that being an inspiration to other people is already a great achievement. When asked about her next plans, she said that for the meantime, she will concentrate on her studies and being a responsible student. Orozco stated that she is still uncertain about what other pageant opportunities await her in the future. She furthered that she wants to be an advocate for social and environmental change, as well as fulfill her duties as Ms. CAL 2011.
CAL population...from P1

165 in AB Broadcasting. AB AVC has the most number of freshmen enrollees with 105 while AB English has 103, AB Journalism 100, AB STA 93 and AB Broadcasting 50. One factor that affected t he population increase is the influx of returning students, shifters and transferees to the college, said Ray Bachiller, CAL registrar. The population increase only means that our college is improving and meeting the target in line with the ISO which is to offer more and better clientele satisfaction, CAL Dean Dr. Ma. Julieta Borres stated. Borres told Budyong that although CALs student enrollment increase is a good indicator of the colleges performance, it may also pose a challenge to the administrators, especially in terms of classroom utilization. With other BU colleges aside from CAL making use of the MP Building for their classes, theres bound to be problems with the class schedule, Borres said. Noting last years scheduling problems, she added, Maraming schedule ang nagbabanggaan sa isang classroom. Borres pointed out that last academic years schedule conflicts were inevitable since it wasnt in CALs jurisdiction to plot class schedules for non-CAL students using the MP Building. According to her, CAL has already started making classroom scheduling plans for the second semester to avoid classroom conflicts. She also said that CAL makes it a point to contact other mother colleges to ask if it is possible for them to provide classrooms for their own students. If a room is not feasible in their college, then CAL provides, Borres said.

Garnering a total of 50 points during the final round, the College of Arts and Letters (CAL) was able to regain the championship title during this years Bicol University (BU) Quiz Bowl competition after losing it to the College of Science (CS) last year and plummeting to fourth place. Dominating both the Easy and Average rounds, the CAL Quiz Bowl team, comprised of Andrew G. Gahol, a Journalism senior; Zandra Mae Estallo, a Journalism junior; and Angelli Antonette Rabe, an English junior, was able to secure a lofty position in the Top 5 where the finalists would compete for the championship title. After the Difficult round, CAL emerged as champions with a total of 50 points. Tied with 40 points each, the College of Social Sciences and Philosophy (CSSP) and the College of Education (CE) had to go to a tie-breaker. In the end, CSSP and CE were declared second-placer and thirdplacer respectively. The College of Engineering (CEng) trailed behind at fourth place with 30 points, while CS was announced fifth-placer with 20 points. I was shocked to find out that we won when I checked the scoreboard, said Gahol, who was also BU Quiz Bowl co-champion two years ago. Its my third year participating in the university-wide Quiz Bowl and becoming co-champion again was really vindicating, he shared. By Angeli Ched Precones
PHOTO BY XYZA THERESE VIBAR

NEWSBRIEFS
After slumping to 4th place last year

BONJour defends Trashure title

Collecting a total of 3, 196 bottles, Bicol Organization of Neo-Journalists (BONJour) came out victorious once again in the second Trashure, distantly followed by Society of English Majors (SEM) with 401 bottles last September 30 at the College of Arts and Letters (CAL) Students Lounge. Trashure is a waste collection drive initiated by the College Student Council (CSC) for the first time this semester. According to CSC President Amira Manginsay, Trashure aims to promote environmental responsibility by encouraging students to gather wastes like plastic bottles and old newspapers. She added that Trashure is also a contest among the departmental organizations where the winning departmental organization wins a cash prize. The second Trashure collection served as one of the sem-ender activities of the CAL College Student Council (CSC) of this academic year. BONJour President Franco Honesto Lasay said that the key to winning Trashure was mandating the collection of 100 bottles from each block every week. I already told the Journalism students at our first general assembly that if their block failed to commit to this rule, we will not sign their clearances unless they make up for the bottles they were not able to collect, Lasay said. According to him, students from each block conformed to the policy at first. However, only the freshmen were able to consistently submit bottles up to the end of the semester. I, too, admit that at the beginning of the semester we were strict at implementing the rules by listing the number of bottles given by each block, but we lost track of the record and I think students also got busy with their academics, he added. We will definitely join the Trashure next semester but not entirely to win the competition but to fulfil its real objective which is to help the college in its endeavor to promote solid waste management, Lasay furthered. By Rachel Cerdeno (with reports from Nicole Meruh Velas)

LANDSLIDE. Journalism students pile a total of 3,196 bottles, earning Bicol Organization of Neo-Journalists (BONJour) a massive win over second-placer, Society of English Majors (SEM) with 401 bottles during the second Trashure collection last September 30.

CSC holds Leaders Day Camp

By Kenneth Raeneil Frondoso The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is the worlds largest developer of international standards. It is a network of the national standards that spans across 162 countries. The central secretariat in Geneva, Switzerland coordinates the ISO systems worldwide. It is also a non-governmental organization that forms a bond between public and private sectors. ISO enables a consensus to be reached on solutions that meet both the requirements of business and the broader needs of the society. If a product, machine or even institution works safely, with excellent quality, is environmentally friendly, has reliable facilities and is energy-efficient, the ISO brands its seal on the product, institution or device so that it will become worldrenowned. Bicol University (BU) has just recently acquired an ISO seal of approval last year and has become the first and only ISO accredited university/college in the Philippines so far. Donning the same ISO seal as other international institutions, BU students can now enjoy globally acclaimed university standards. BU graduates are now more recognized in other countries than ever before.

What is ISO?

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Preliminary to 8th College of Arts and Letters (CAL) Congress, the College Student Council (CSC) conducted the Leaders Day Camp at the CAL Amphitheater last July 30. Bearing the theme Gaining Student Participation Through Wide Organization Networks, the convention was attended by officers of the different College-Based Organizations (CBO) and YearLevel Organizations (YLO) and some interested students from the college. The camp kicked off with talks on basic leadership with some of the College Student Council (CSC) officers and Brent Marione Alarma, BU YMCA president and BU Chemical Engineering student, as speakers. Basics on project proposal making and tasking, parliamentary rules and procedures and resolution making were also tackled in the seminar. In the afternoon, parallel discussions on the duties and responsibilities of an officer followed by Konsulta were held. The Mini-Amazing Race culminated the leadership camp with BU Main Campus as the course of the contest. By Aina Tolero

CAL plummets...from P1 violating the official pageant guidelines by wearing a string bikini. There has been confusion about where Siviorjahs points were deducted. I dont know if it was subtracted from her points during the pageant or to CALs overall points. said Amira Manginsay, College Student Council (CSC) president.

In the BU Olympics, the sports competition of the September Fest, CAL slumped to last place with 30 points, a deep plunge from bagging second place last year. By Kenneth Raeneil Frondoso Manginsay explained that the colA bill penalizing colleges and univer- cent of the total tuition fee per semester. The lege was not able to send players to some events because the college was not able to sities that bar students who have unsettled bill encompasses both private and public colschool fees from taking exams has passed on leges and universities in the country. form a team. Part of the bills provisions is the third and final reading in the House of Repreobligation of the students and parents to pay sentatives. House Bill (HB) 4791 or the Anti- an interest not exceeding six percent for evNo Permit, No Exam Act of 2011 aims to ery year that they fail to pay the school fees. The bill, however, states that give students the right to take exams despite By Mariel Rose Z. Marcaida and Val Laurio not being able to completely pay their school schools may withhold student records, fees. The bill only needs to be approved by grades and clearances until after their arrears Another student from the Col- help we can, he said. lege of Arts and Letters (CAL) had recently Commenting on Lims trip to the Senate and President Benigno Aquino III are settled. They may also refuse to allow students to enroll in the next semester until made another splash in the international Thailand, CAL Dean Dr. Julieta Borres told to be enacted into law. Under the bill, colleges and univer- theyre fees have been settled. campus scene. This time, the college is Budyong that sending students to other Once the bill becomes a law, violaputting itself on the map through global countries is a big help in cementing CALs sities are not allowed to require students to humanitarian initiatives. vision of internationalization. Internation- obtain exam permits before examinations tors can be fined from P20,000 to P50,000. Its all about humanitarian efforts, alization is a very good opportunity for our and mandate a down payment over 30 perfinding simple ways to help those in need. students and the college, Borres said. Its all from the heart. Students will be able to learn new This was what Mark Harris Lim, a concepts and technologies from other counsophomore Journalism student and Univer- tries which they could share to their fellow By Angeli Ched Precones sity Student Council (USC) business man- students here in CAL, she added. Aiming to recalibrate the exist- and Commentary, Environmental Reportager, said as he shared his experiences from ing curriculum to be more responsive to ing, and Science Reporting were added the University Scholars Leadership Sympo- Global ties in Pattaya sium (USLS) held at Pattaya, Thailand last According to Lim, there were more the demands of journalism in todays so- to the new curriculum. Editorial ManageAugust 1-7. than 80 representatives from the Philippines ciety, revisions to the AB Journalism cur- ment, Online Media, Newspaper Editing It inspired us to not only establish in the symposium hailing from 20 state col- riculum have finally been approved. and Design and Communication Research a better nation, but a better world, Lim said leges and universities. The incoming AB Journalism were also added as per Commission on concerning the USLS. It aimed to establish At first we needed to adapt to the freshmen of the College of Arts and Letters Higher Education (CHED) Memorandum Ora global partnership as stated in the United different cultures there which means that (CAL) will adopt the new curriculum during der (CMO) No. 14, Series of 2010. Nations Eight you should the opening of the first semester, Academic Eliminating three subjects from Millennium know how Year 2012-2013. the existing curriculum like Asian CivilizaDevelopment to deal with Having been presented and ap- tion, Western Civilization, Foreign Language Goals. It is them, Lim proved during the CAL Mini Academic and Information and Communications also about said. He cit- Council last July 22, which was attended by Technology (ICT), the new curriculum was genuine pubed the Japafaculty members, media practitioners and laid down to 164 units, which is higher by lic service, nese represelected students, the revised curriculum 14 units to the minimum required units of he added. sentatives H e in the sym- of the Bachelor of Arts in Journalism was fi- CHED. According to Dematera, eliminatsaid that the posiumwho nally approved by the BU Board of Regents and is ready for implementation for the next ing some of the subjects will not impair the Humanitarhave little curriculum because new subjects are basiian Affairs facility with academic year. Prior to the approval of the Board cally reformatted versions of the old subOrganization English as in the United an example of Regents, the proposed revision of the cur- jects. Just like ICT, tinanggal yung subKingdom of how cul- riculum was endorsed to the University Cururged the tural and riculum Review Committee and presented ject at pinalitan ng ibang subject nomento right) BU representatives Leo Manjares clature na halos pareho pa rin ang subject sy m p o s i u m INTERNATIONAL MARK. (left (CN), Macky Lim (CAL), Raul Bongalon (CSSP) l a n g u a g e during the University Academic Council. (CBEM), Regino Revie Tindugan participants and Christian Antiquiero (CE) attend the University Scholars Leadership Sympo- barriers can The new AB Journalism curricu- description. Iyon na yung Online Media at to establish sium (USLS) held at Pattaya, Thailand last August 1-7. be a prob- lum could already be introduced as early as Newspaper Editing and Design, Dematera their own hulem in es- the first semester of the next academic year. furthered. manitarian organization when they arrive tablishing rapport in the global community. In fact it should have been implemented this According to Dematera, the new back to their respective universities. Lim also disclosed that the Filipinos were year but due to some delays, it was not real- curriculum guarantees to equip students I am looking forward to being one lauded as the most spontaneous in English ized, said one of the new curriculums pro- with the knowledge and skills necessary in of the founders of a Bicol University (BU)- speaking during the symposium. ponents, Prof. Anacito Dematera, Print and the theory and practice of journalism, espebased humanitarian organization in the According to Lim, each of the par- Broadcast Media head. cially since the demands of journalism are future, but we will still be looking for spon- ticipants views and objectives on why they New elective subjects like Opinion changing. sors, he stated. attended the symposium were also tackled. Lim added that he is mulling over For me, I was there to exchange ideas about the possibility of a feeding program in relo- the journalistic academe in our country, our By Rachel Cerdeno and Nicole Meruh Velas cation sites as his premier humanitarian ef- present curriculum, and to exchange ideas The College of Arts and Letters bay, Ms. Rotary de Legazpi, Ms. Valiant, Best fort in BU. as well. I was always asking students about Lim also stressed the importance how journalism is being dealt in their coun- (CAL) pulled a double victory as its two in Casual Attire, Best in Production Number of the administration and students support tries, he stated. representatives claimed the top titles and Ms. Fashionista. in achieving this prospect. We need all the during the Bicol University National Mendina, on the other Training Service Program (BU-NSTP) hand, bagged six minor pageant dubbed as the Mr. and Ms. Pa- awards: Mr. Just, Mr. dangat 2011 last September 23 at the SmokeFree Albay, Embarcadero Recreation Center. M r. EcosysBy Meljessa Balino Taking centerstage during the The College of Arts and Letters semesters left before she passed away. pageant were Broadcasting freshman Rey (CAL) had lost one of its finest faculty She was the adviser of Kapisanan members when Prof. Mari-Paz Suratos ng mga Mag-aaral sa Filipino (KAMAFIL). Mendina and Journalism freshman Angela passed away at the age of 54 last August When its named changed to Pinagkaisang Arevalo. 3. Mag-aaral ng Filipino (PIMAFIL), she was Mendina, now the reigning Mr. In an interview, CAL Students Ac- still chosen to be its adviser from 2005 to Padangat 2011, admitted that he did not extivities Coordinator Dr. Evelyn Oliquino, who 2009. She was also a former Filipino Departpect to nail the crown. I made it a point identifies herself as Suratos best friend, told ment head. not to expect too much during the comBudyong that the late professor had a kidDuring the university-wide search petition. The other contestants looked ney infection that resulted to acute respira- for the Outstanding Faculty in 2005, she tory failure, pulmonary congestion and sec- was hailed as the first Best Faculty award better, were better-dressed and had betondary hypertension that ultimately caused recipient. She also authored textbooks in ter bodies than I did. But I think what gave her death. Filipino, namely: Komunikasyon sa Akademe the edge was my performance during According to Dr. Leticia Lopez, a mikong Filipino in 2006; Pagbasa at Pagthe Question and Answer portion, which friend and mentor of Suratos in her doctor- sulat sa Masining na Pananaliksik in 2009 was a major part of the pageant, he said. ate class, the late Filipino Department facul- with Prof. Alwin Napocao, and Prof. AsunMendina stated that winning ty had been struggling with the kidney prob- cion Mirabueno; Sining ng PakikipagpataAngela Arevalo and Rey Mendina Mr. Padangat 2011 was his first time to lem for almost a decade before she passed lastasang Pang-akademiko, Nilangkapan ng away. Lopez added that it was only some Batas sa Kursong Pang-Edukasyon in 2007 bag a pageant title. tem, Best in Talent and Best in Indigenous time in 2008 when she discovered that the with Prof. Evelyn C. Oliquino, Prof. Leticia M. I did not expect to win because Attire. condition was serious and that she had to Lopez and Prof. Alwin Napocao; and Pagthis is the first pageant I joined in BU, adBoth title-holders were also undergo a dialysis program. basa and Pagsulat tungo sa Pananaliksik in mitted Arevalo, now the reigning Ms. Padan- awarded with P1,500 each. After she filed a leave last July, she 2007. gat. She added that though there was hardly Mendina said that part of their duwas confined in Aquinas Hospital because any support from the CAL students during ties as Mr. and Ms. Padangat 2011 was being she had to undergo dialysis twice a week. Committed, even in sickness the pageant, she was still happy and over- spokespersons for NSTPs events throughFor almost two and a half years, she had Lopez said that she was an imbeen undergoing therapy but she still found mensely dedicated educator. There was whelmed by her victory. out the year. It is our responsibility as Mr. ways to meet her classes, said Lopez. even a time when she was carried to the Arevalo disclosed that she felt the and Ms. Padangat to be present in and supclassroom just to meet her class, thats how negative response of students from the other port NSTPs projects, Mendina stated. Life accomplishments she was, recalled Lopez. She added that colleges as she strutted during the pageant. It is also part of our duty as titleSuratos graduated with a degree she even wanted to join the parade for the She furthered that the unenthusiastic air holders to promote environmental awarein Secondary Education in Filipino at Divine Buwan ng Wika Celebration despite her illfrom the audience only gave her the desire ness through NSTPs lineup of projects, he Word College of Legazpi in 1977. ness. to prove herself worthy of the crown. added, stressing that its high time that the In 1994, she finished her Masters Oliquino shared, She didnt take a Degree at Bicol College in Daraga, Albay. She leave of absence, except when her sickness Aside from the Ms. Padangat 2011 students take steps in creating a more ecowas taking up her Doctorate Degree in Bicol became so severe and unbearable that she title, she also secured seven other awards: friendly world for everyone. University Graduate School with only three had to have her dialysis three times a week. Ms. Philippine Airforce, Ms. Smoke-Free AlPadangat is Bicolano for love.

OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF COLLEGE OF ARTS AND LETTERS

NEWS

In the know:

Anti-No Permit, No Exam bill passed in House

Lim back from Thailand

Eyes humanitarian plans for BU

New Journ curriculum OKd

Lineup of new subjects revealed

CAL reps vest crown in Mr, Ms NSTP 11

Ex Filipino dept chair passes away

Remembering Prof. Suratos

Ex Filipino/P12

Squashing white pollution

By Zanie Jovellana Sporting white t-shirts with an imprinted logo of a tree crushing a plastic bottle, the third year Journalism students are out to rid the Bicol Region of white pollution, one campus at a time. The Journalism juniors launched a movement against the environmental hazards of plastic wastes through a series of symposia dubbed White Out: The GreenMinded Revolution organized last August 19 at the Bicol University (BU) College of Arts and Letters (CAL) Amphitheatre; October 3 at BU Polangui Campus (PC) Audio-Visual Room; and October 4 at the BU Tabaco Campus (TC) Social Hall. According to Prof. Ritche Asagra, White Out project adviser and Print and Broadcast Media Department faculty, white pollution is the harmful effect of the improper management and disposal of plastic wastes such as clogged sewage systems and disruption of marine life. Its a really big issue that most people, especially the youth, are still not aware of. Its the job of White Out to educate the students about white pollution and its effects on nature, Asagra explained. CAL Dean Dr. Ma. Julieta Borres lauded the Journalism juniors for pushing BU further towards its vision of a green university. This project is one way of changing the students value system. Environmental awareness should start from within. It should be internalized, Borres said. She also noted that attaining a green university is part of the International Organization for Standardizations (ISO) 10-Point Agenda for BU. Borres furthered that she intends to keep the program in effect as an annual project.

Journ juniors launch White Out

With its first congregation of was proposed by Asagra, as a final project Electronic Newsroom subject. bloggers, Bicol is breaking new grounds for the AB Journalism seniors for their It was intended to make the and placing the region on students more proficient in the blogging map. blogging so that they could put Aiming to prop across their message in one of up convergence among Bithe most powerful forms of mecolano bloggers and estabdia today, online media said lish Bicols own blogging Asagra. The event also aimed community, the 4th year AB to establish rapport among BiJournalism students spearcolano bloggers and make them headed the 1st Annual Bimore acquainted with online col Bloggy Awards (BBA) at media, he added. the Bicol University College Eric Rivera, one of the Arts and Letters (BUCAL) project heads, said that they last October 14. are looking forward to a more According to Prof. diverse Bicolano blogging comRitche Asagra, project advismunity with the advent of this er and Print and Broadcast annual event. We certainly Media Department faculty, hope that this awards night the 1st Annual BBAs was will serve as the first of many BICOL BLOGGING COMMUNITY. Prof. Ritche Asagra challenges Bicolano bloggers to act the first ever congregation to come so that other students as catalysts of change as part of his opening remarks during the 1st Bicol Bloggy Awards held at the of Bicolano bloggers done may also be inspired to create Bicol University College of Arts and Letters (BUCAL) Amphitheater last October 14. in the region. The endeavor their own blogs, Rivera said. PHOTO BY CARLO JAY COPADA
By Edda Mae Morata

Journ seniors conduct 1st Bicol Bloggy Awards

OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF COLLEGE OF ARTS AND LETTERS

NEWS

Extending the advocacy Highlighted in their symposia was the alarming situation of over-accumulation of plastics in the environment, especially in Bicol. Cases wherein white pollution was taking a toll on nearby communities were Journ juniors/P7 Borres: BUFM...from P1

of the Multi-Purpose (MP) Building.

ing, Lucila furthered. Drawing past experiences as Completion underway Taking too long? part of the pioneer batch of AB BroadBorres explained that the plans According to Lenjoy Lucila, casting in BU, Lucila lamented how infor BUFM are currently being deliberated president of Balangibog, departmen- adequate the facilities for their program by the University Bids and Awards Com- tal organization of the AB Broadcasting are and how her classmates had to look mittee (BAC). As soon as we get through students, developments on the progress for media outlets where they could apply with the formalities and documents, the of BUFM have not been widely dissemi- the principles that they have learned. I BAC will be releasing the bid personally advised my classdocuments and the Notice mates to apply as volunteers of Award to the supplier. in radio stations here in Thats the go signal to start Legazpi City just to make our the construction of the stastudies more fulfilling, she tion, Borres added. shared. Noting that techStressing the nenical requirements must cessity of a radio station in be patched up first, Borres equipping the students pracfurthered that the administical work skills, Aina Tolero, tration is currently securing a Broadcasting sophomore, a clearance from the Civil said, We are looking forward Aviation Authority of the to the completion of BUFM bePhilippines (CAAP) so that cause we are afraid to graduBU will be allowed to put ate with little experience. Our up an antenna for the radio seniors will be graduating this AIRING SOON. Students are deep into their scriptwriting and sound editing session in station. year but not even an antenna the Audio-Visual Room (AVR) located at the first floor of Multi-Purpose Building. The Borres admitted was constructed. AVR will soon be renovated to act as BUFMs radio booth before it officially airs. that securing a CAAP clearResponding to stuPHOTO BY XYZA THERESE VIBAR ance will not be easy since it would en- nated to the students. dent apprehensions on the establishtail surveying the CAL building where We know that theres a BUFM ment of BUFM, Borres stated, We have BUFM will be established. To study the in the works, we just dont know if grad- not slept on that issue. We see the need elevation of the CAL building, we will uating students like me will still get to and we see the clamor. need a surveyor and an engineer, she enjoy, or even see the benefits of an inCommenting on how the BUFM explained. college radio station, in our time Lucila construction is taking too long, Borres Borres also shared that the Na- disclosed. stated, It took long because we needed tional Telecommunications Commission Noting that students of the four to find a budget. P1.5 million is not a (NTC) is already looking for a frequency year-old course had never had enough small amount. for BUFM and that the Commission on radio practice due to the lack of a proper Since it is a State Universities Higher Education (CHED) had already laboratory, she added that she could feel and Colleges (SUC) project and hence a forwarded CAL a letter of endorsement the clamor of the students whenever government-funded project, we have to supporting the BUFM construction. they ask her about BUFMs progress. respect the tedious procurement proLast August, CAL was granted Its high time CAL got a radio cesses and policies, Borres said. P1.5 million and a certificate of avail- station. As Broadcasting students, we However, Lauraya echoed the ability of funds by Supervising Admin need to experience actual radio equip- students eagerness in seeing BUFM fiBudget Officer Liliosa Pereta to start ment handling and basic radio operat- nally fulfilled. Lets all be impatient to

STAGe replaces...from P3 Genre (STAGe) was created back in 1992, when Bicol University College of Arts in Letters (BUCAL) was still Institute of Communication and Culture Sciences (ICCS) and was reestablished this year following the dissolution of artiSTA. According to Raneses, it was ranked down as the juniors year level organization and replaced by artiSTA due to undisclosed reasons. According to Raneses, it was CSC President Amira Manginsay who talked to her about the proposal that STAGe be STAs departmental organization because it was only STA that did not have an organization in the college. Lest STA be left floating withput an organization, Raneses agreed to have STAGe be STAs departmental organization. STAGe has already elected their officers by the time that Amira told me, so since the election of the officers went through the right process, we did not change the elected officers but simply added representatives from the first year, second year, third year and fourth year so the dissemination of information in all the year levels will be more efficient, she added. Pacis said that STAGe is also taking measures to manage their funds more cautiously. She furthered that the organization currently has two treasurers and three bank account signatories which includes the president, treasurer and assistant treasurer to secure the funds of their organization. We have learned from what artiSTA has experienced and it will never happen again Pacis stated. (with reports from Jessica Rae Nolasco and Joy Balangitan)

Radyo Berde holds strong with new anchor

By Meljessa Balino

Journ seniors / P7

construction of BUFM.

With a new anchor and its membership skyrocketing, Radyo Berdes (RB) future as a catalyst for environmental change remains promising, especially now that it has acco mplished so much in just a span of one year. Marking its first year on the airwaves last June 16, RB continues to promote environmental awareness under the tutelage of its new anchor, Lenjoy Lucila, an AB Broadcasting senior. Aiming to promote various environmental initiatives and researches in Bicol Region, especially in communities and households, RB is a radio program that airs on Radyo Veritas every Friday from 11 am to 12 pm. RB was founded last year by Jovic Maurice Yee, a graduate of AB Journalism at Bicol University (BU), as an entry project to the Bayer Young Environmental Envoy August 19, 2010. RB managed to nail second place that earned Yee an environmental study tour at Leverkusen, Germany last year. Taking over Yees position as head anchor, Lucila said that RB garnered more listeners compared to the previous months. RB also saw an increase of members from BU this year compared to last year. From 100 members, it gained about 700 members including some AB Broadcasting and AB English students from the College of Arts and Letters (CAL), said Lucila. Stressing that the RB members are aiming to be more balanced this year when discussing local and national issues regarding

the environment, Lucila said that because of the Teleradyo format, the members can now be seen through television and the internet, aside from being heard on the radio. Yee believes that RB is a great opportunity for Lucila to impart her talent and advocacy for the environment as she is one of the more passionate students of CAL. Even before RB, I am fully aware of Lenjoy's dedication in rendering public service. In the 10 months that we have been together in RB, I saw that her passion for the environment is genuine and she believes in RB's vision, which is a huge thing for me. That is why I chose her as my replacement Yee said. BU National Service Training Program (NSTP) Director Rowena Zoilo was well-informed that Lenjoy will be my successor. In fact, from the very beginning of RB, I already eyed Lenjoy as my successor. I and Director Zoilo believed that sustainability and continuity must be present in every advocacy, Yee added. The turn-over ceremony was held at Yees residence in Rawis, Legazpi City during his graduation celebration last March 31. It was attended by the RB core team, Dir. Zoilo and members of their partner organizations last year. According to Dr. Zoilo, Prof. Renato Rex of the Speech and Theater Arts Department and Prof. Liliosa Malasa of the English Department were chosen as the new RB advisers and were picked because of their comprehensive expertise on the field of broadcasting.

put this major undertaking into place and so that we could put pressure on the people who are supposed to do their work. They need to speed up whatever process is necessary to make our students dreams come true, she said. Radyo Berdes new home Borres told Budyong that there is a big possibility that the home of the radio program, Radyo Berde (RB) will be transferred from Radyo Veritas to BUFM once the in-college radio station is established. Its a student-operated radio program ran mostly by CAL students, Lucila said referring to RB. Lucila, who is also its head anchor, said that it is a program that promotes various environmental initiatives and research in the Bicol Region. Noting that CAL is currently paying P4,000 a month for the airing of Radyo Berde at Radyo Veritas, Borres said, When BUFM is finally complete, theres no reason to pay a fee for a company outside the academe anymore. Lucila expressed excitement over the prospect of RB finding its new home in BUFM saying, I feel more assured that RB will continue its airing since we would be able to cut operational costs. Borres also told Budyong that BUFMs signals will reach as far as Polangui, Albay. Lucila said that she feels deep satisfaction in the idea of BUFMs signals being able span across the province. High listenership means that we would be able to carry out RBs goals and public service more effectively to more people, she stated.

"

CHURCH SYOUTHIAKTHATTHE T N TE DO
MEDDLINGWITHTHEAFFAIRSOFTHE

ABOUT THE

WHAT DO YOU THINK

CN HOUVRMCE NHT IS I V L E N

COMMON
GOODOFTHEPEOPLE

SECULARINMATTERS IS BENEFICIAL ATTAINING THE

VOX POPUL I
Being an SK official and a church secretary, Ive seen the RH Bill through both ends of the spectrum. Both sides have their own valid points. The Church is for moral preservation while the State is for national progress. I just wish both sides would present the issue in a more enlightening approach. For now, my stance on the issue is neutral. Hershy Meneses, CAL-CSC representative The problem with the RH Bill and the Divorce Bill is that they are against the tenets of the Catholic Church. Therefore, the Church always has the right to defend them. I am aware of what these two bills are aiming to accomplish. However, there are other ways to solve our countrys problems. We must solve them in a more moral way. Ruth Madriaga, AB Broadcasting-4.

Filipinos are currently standing on a new divide as they become enmeshed in the power struggle between the Church and the government. Because of legal considerations to elevate matters like reproductive health, divorce and gay rights and equality from mere concepts into actual laws and policies, the Catholic Church and other religious sectors have let themselves in the arena of national debate and have began spurring the masses to rise up and stand against legislations and policies that endanger the moral fiber of the populace. On the side of officials who are upholding these ideas, they put arguments like social welfare, population management and economic stability into play as their trump cards. What do you think about the Church meddling with the affairs of the state? Do you think that the Churchs involvement in secular matters is beneficial in attaining the common good of the people?
I think endorsing the Churchs stand on issues of the State is okay, But anything more extreme than that is already out of the bounds of its social responsibilities. Julie Ann Delgado, AB Journalism-4A When we talk of the separation of the Church and State, the line that separates them is vague even from the start. In the RH debates, the issue of morality is always there and the Church is always there to defend their stand. Thats democracy. If the RH Bill will erode the moral fiber of their flock, they have to protect their flock. Prof. Anacito Dematera, Print and Broadcast Media Department head Threatening to excommunicate P-Noy if he supports the RH Bill is going way too far. The Church is not practicing what theyre preaching. No one has the right to ostracize people just because of their personal beliefs. - Nicole Alcala, AB Journalism-4B Personally, Im a religious person and the country is predominantly Catholic. The Church has the responsibility to defend the morality of its people. Marjorie Mae Noble, AB Journalism-4A In anything that the government is taking into action, it will always affect the morality and politics of the people. They should stick to fostering the people in terms of their beliefs. But when it comes to politics, they should not meddle with whatever the government deems beneficial to the people. - Amira Manginsay, CAL-CSC president Theres this thing called separation of the Church and State and it is written in the Philippine Constitution. Therefore, this provision must be upheld. Miho Shibata, AB Broadcasting-1 The Church has as much right to be involved as any other Filipino. Were just one nation with different stands Jane Pauline Laurio, AB English-1B I think its okay for the Church to intervene in matters like this. But I hope the Church understands that people have the right to think for themselves as well. Not everything that the Church dictates, we have to follow. Cervin Bariso, CAL-CSC vice president The RH Bill should not be seen as an issue of the Church against the state. It should be seen as an issue of humanity. No matter how you put it - controlling birth, aborting birth and regulating birth in the name of gender equality, in the cause of reproductive health rights, in the rationality of population management is neither equality nor a right, nor management. It is about committing abortion to the institution of the family. Prof. Ruth Mercado, Journalism professor We cant blame the Church because it is afraid to lose its foundations. However, how the Church is interfering with State matters today is detrimental to the progress of our country. There are more open-minded ways by which they could promote morality. Both the Church and State are for the common good, they just need to find a common ground on these matters. Charlene Orosco, YLO 2 senator When the Church is defending the doctrines it preaches, intrusion in secular affairs is justifiable. It is their duty anyway. Jan Emil Henson, AB AVC-3A Given that the separation between the Church and State exists, both spheres should be able to recognize the limitations of their jurisdictions. When the Church threatened to excommunicate P-Noy if he supported the RH Bill, a line was crossed. The Church may poke its nose into matters of religion, but it should not interfere with ones personal non-religious beliefs. Prof. Rodel Perez, Journalism professor Actually, what the Church is doing is not interference. Its the Churchs job to preserve the sanctity of their people Gem Nocete, AB Broadcasting-3
did not submit to the rules. So, what the judges did was proceed to the highest scoring candidate who was not in a string bikini, Ms. College of Science. I would like to clarify though that the Swimsuit Competition had no way in influencing the Top 5. They were simply competing for the award and not necessarily for the spot on the final round. Their scores were back to zero in the Top 5. Budyong: Basing from the Swimsuit Competition guidelines, it was not stated that string bikinis are not allowed in the competition. However, weve heard reports that there was a given notice in an orientation prior to the competition that string bikinis are not allowed. Were they all aware of this? Santos: What really happened was they all knew that string bikinis were not allowed in the competition. But I could not entirely blame Siviorjah. Maybe it was really her and her handlers discretion. But we stand firm with the fact that we already informed them that string bikinis are not allowed because we also had to be fair to those candidates who followed the rules. Budyong: So Orozco and the others who wore a string bikini were disqualified from the swimwear competition? Santos: Technically, disqualified sila kasi di naman sila pwedeng manalo. Issue 2: Delays in the MusDa competitions Budyong: According to the schedule of the Musical and Dance Competitions, the event was scheduled to start at 1 pm and should approximately end at 8 pm. We had attended the event, but had to wait for four hours for it to start. It ended at around 12 am. What really happened? Flores: What really happened was in the morning, we were actually contacting the supposed provider of our sound system. But they backed out. The reason was unknown but instead of mulling over why they were backing out at the last hour before the event, we sought for another sound system and lights service provider, which was very hard since we still had to schedule them. We got one, but the problem there was heavy traffic in Albay because of the Governors Cup Parade. Our provider came from Albay. We contacted them for about 30-45 minutes but they said they were still in Albay. They arrived at 3 pm and it took an hour to set up everything so the event started at 4 pm. But, if you noticed, everything was all set even before they arrived. The organizers were already there, the backdrop was already put up, the participants

Situationer:

OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF COLLEGE OF ARTS AND LETTERS

ISSUES

Weigh in. Be heard.

We cant blame the Church if it intervenes in government affairs, even if it is written in our Constitution that theres a separation between Church and State. If it touches morality, the Church has the right to defend its side on the issue. But the Church has to be more openminded to the laws the government is trying to enact. Erika Daza, Society of English Majors president The Church is simply expressing their side on the issue, and everyone entitled to their opinion. But I dont like the fact that they attack the issue only on the aspect of morality, not even considering the social and health implications of RH. The Church should not intrude to the point that it is deterring progress. Ira Jacob, The Bicol Universitarian managing editor

Student queries...from P1

refunds, and lack of facilities, among others. As to the issue on the security inconsistencies here in CAL, at least we observed changes because of the Dayalogo, Manginsay stated. However, she said that the guards should have considered the students who were not yet informed about the drastic implementation of their policy, especially those who had to take their final exams. Maybe they could have been stricter at the start of classes for the second semester, Manginsay said.

September Fest draws fire What buoyed over all the concerns pitched at the assembly were the inquiries addressed to Flores about the controversies surrounding the Bicol University (BU ) September Fest 2011 last September 19-24. But despite students anticipating to hear questions answered, they were left head-scratching for the most part. Noting that this was the first time a USC officer was invited to the Dayalogo, Manginsay said, Our activities concern not only the students of the college but also the university, thats why we decided to include the USC chair to answer questions this year. Manginsay furthered that since there had been many grievances from students about the September Fest, the council invited him to shed light on these matters. One of the issues raised to Flores during the Dayalogo were complaints about the Ms. and Ms. BU 2011 pageant held last September 21. BU Week discrepancy rumours surfaced after Siviorjah Orozco, reigning Ms. CAL, was disqualified from the Swimsuit Competition, a preliminary event of the pageant. The disqualification drew controversy due to vague and unverified grounds as to why she was barred by the pageant organizers. One of the claims explaining why she was disqualified was that she wore a string bikini, which was not allowed as according to the organizers. We were both disappointed and irritated to find out that Siviorjah got disquali-

fied, especially that we heard that she originally ranked first in the Swimsuit Competition, said Salvador Literal, Journalism senior and close friend of Orozco. Oo, may mali si Siviorjah kasi hindi siya sumunod sa guidelines about not wearing a string bikini. Pero may mali rin ang organizers kasi dapat chine-check nila mabuti yung mga suot ng contestants. Kung nasabihan siya ng organizers na bawal yun, eh di sana nagsuot siya ng proper swimsuit,. May dala naman siya sanang spare, Literal furthered. Flores explained during the Dayalogo that what happened to Orozco was a demerit in her points. During the Dayalogo, several other September Fest-related complaints were directed to the USC, like loose observance of the event schedules and contest guidelines not followed. Some of the students who attended the Dayalogo claimed that Flores responses to the issues were lacking. Mahilig si Ruther mag-I dont know. Hindi ako na-staisfy sa mga sagot niya, said a CAL senior who requested anonymity. According to Manginsay, the CSC had already filed complaints prior to the Dayalogo. We actually enumerated our complaints as part of our evaluation of the events last BU Week, particularly about the Music and Dance competitions, the sudden changes in the schedules and venues of some activities, and especially the pageant, Manginsay explained. She added that the CSC also included an assessment on the previous activities spearheaded by the USC last semester in their evaluation. When asked about how the how the event management of the USC affected CALs falling to 6th place during the September Fest, Manginsay commented, Im not sure about how the USC tallied the points. They were a bit inconsistent with the guidelines. Manginsay stays optimistic despite the colleges drop in the overall rankings. CAL fought fair and square. Everyone knows how well we did. So its great just to know that, she furthered.

On the Record:

Flores, Santos clear September Fest issues

Two days after the September Fest, Budyong conducted an exclusive interview with Ruther Flores and Patrixia Sherly Santos, USC secretary general and Mr. and Ms. BU project head, to respond to unanswered questions about the issues concerning the BU September Fest. This conference aims to enlighten the students about the USCs side in the matter. Issue 1: Mr. and Ms. BU 2011: Glitches and clamor Budyong: One of the rumors weve been hearing about the pageant was the issue about the Salon de Pacific Award which was supposedly given to Ms. CAL Siviorjah Orozco but was eventually given to Ms. College of Engineering (CEng), no less than during the pageant. We also learned that the certificate of this award actually bears the name of Orozco which drove Ms. CEng into thinking that the former is the true recipient of the award. Who gave the judgement on the sudden replacement? Flores: Corporate awards are decided by the representatives of the sponsor. Let us base from the available facts - I am the sponsor and my initial decision was to give the award to Siviorjah, but she did not make it to the Top 5, so I then decided to give it to Ms. CEng instead, though the certificate still has Ms. CALs name on it. Santos: It was simply a change of mind by the sponsor. It was Maam Asvelia Agu of Salon de Pacific who confronted us. At first, the certificate really read Candidate No. 6 who was Siviorjah but when it was about to be announced, Maam Agu walked up to one of the junior councillors and asked that her decision be changed. We did not manipulate it in any way as some students are stipulating and we could not do anything about it because it was the sponsors discretion. Budyong: We learned that Orozco was disqualified from the Swimsuit Competition for wearing a string bikini. Was it an absolute disqualification from that specific competition or merely a demerit of points against Orozco? Santos: In the end, it was still the judges decision that whoever will win cannot be the candidate who wore a string bikini. Siviorjah was, in fairness, using a string bikini. She wasnt the only one, however, who

OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF COLLEGE OF ARTS AND LETTERS

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were there, the five judges, and the tabulators the only thing missing was the sound system and you know for the fact that we (BU) dont have our own sound system so we rented. The question is not why the activity was delayed but why there wasnt a sound system. I wouldve answered they backed out and we had to secure another one. Budyong: We noticed some participants had to back out because of the delay. Was it because the event lasted until midnight? Flores: Thats something understandable for us. Understandable because it wasnt only the participants who had to suffer from the consequences of the delay. It was beyond our circumstances that the activity ended at midnight. We could not stop the event anymore because it would be so costly that, for instance, we reschedule another day for the Dance Competitions when some participants coming from different places had already allotted their time and also the judges. Are we going to alter everything simply because of a delay? We also had to suffer the physical exhaustion from going home late, plus the complaints that we also had to individually tend to. It wasnt also in our liking that the event had to end at midnight. Issue 3: Inconsistent schedules and venues of some activities Budyong: How about the sudden changes in the schedules and venues of activities such as the Literary Competitions Oral Category? Participants were often informed on the changes too late. Flores: Actually, we had a participant coming from the College of Education who was ready for the Extemporaneous Speaking contest on the day of the Written Category for the Literary competitions. He complained that he already rented a costume for the event and that he thought the organizers are keeping him from the contest. There are contributing factors. First, the availability of the judges. Of course, if there are no judges, tendency is you have to delay the event. At our end, any changes that we make, we inform. I actually asked USC Deputy Secretary General Christian Antiquera, Nata ta dakulon ang nagrereklamo, akala ko ba youre supposed to inform them? and he said that he already informed them. I dont know if the CSCs provided us with the coordinators and the list. I was hoping that they already gave it to Christian because I wasnt able to follow up, since from Thursday to Saturday prior to BU Week, I was in Manila for a board meeting. But we asked for the coordinators, it was stipulated in the guidelines that they should provide us. And we always inform the CSCs.

We apologize for the major and minor lapses and damages done to the participants and the CSCs. But I think the participants should always check their respective CSCs and if they are informed by their CSCs. When the information was received and when they are informed. These factors should also be checked because these matters are up to the CSCs and their participants. If ever Christian relayed the information late, well, I take the blame. Im sorry for that. But still peoples complaints will remain. But I think they were informed. Budyong: Any message to the students of CAL? Ruther: If they have questions, they can always visit us and approach me or any of the officers. I think we should not intensify the negative impression that is given to the USC because we are not detached from the students. We are very much aware that we will not be here without them, without you. So if you have questions or complaints, Im not even hoping for appreciation. Please feel free to visit us, regardless if you are a student officer or not. Journ juniors...from P5

should start at a university level. Now that weve accomplished that to some extent, we can now move on to other campuses in Bicol. Marijo D. Salomon, BUPC College Student Council president, said that they are in solidarity with the advocacies launched by the Journalism juniors in denouncing plastics. And that they would be willing to work hand-in-hand with them in extending
Journ seniors...from P5 Henor Gotis, also a project head, said that there may have been some lapses encountered during the awards night but still considered the project as a big success. Its the first BBAs, thats why we were all so pressured to make it a success. Thankfully, it did, though there is still a lot of room for improvement. Also, we hope that next year, we

also cited in the lectures, such as the Peafrancia dumpsite in Daraga and the Banquerohan landfill in Legazpi City. Solutions to stop the spread of white pollution were also presented as part of the lectures. The attitude of ISAGAWA (an integration of isip at gawa) were also discussed by the organizers to illustrate the importance of a calibrated mindset on the use of plastics and tangible measures in promoting a better environment Journalism junior Sara Fojas, one of the project heads, said, Our primary goal is to spread the message of environmental awareness across the region. She furthered that the lectures they held in CAL, TC and PC will serve as a stepping stone towards disseminating their advocacy to more campuses in Bicol. Jomilyn Grutas, class governor of Journalism 3-A, said that they were originally planning to formally establish a BU-based organization to advocate the environment, but since the accreditation period had finally ended, they decided to translate their advocacy into a series of lectures instead, as fulfilled by White Out. Going national When asked about the long-term goal of White Out, Fojas said, Awareness

PROFESSIONAL CATEGORY In A Bucket by JJ Cabrera Blog of the Year, Best Commentary Blog and Best Humor Blog Musings of the Midnight Writer by Goldimyrr Repolles Bloggers Choice, Best Filipiniana Blog and Best Advocacy Blog Lakwatsera de Primera by Claire Raborar Best Travel Blog, Best Blog Design, Best Filipino and Blog Abroad Speckles n Spectrum by Maria Kristina Abiog Best Personal Blog She Roxx Photos by Roxx Luzada Best Photoblog Byahero Snapshots by Sherwin Magayanes Best Hobby & Recreation Blog Built From Scratch by Halley Anne Best Sports Blog Gibbs Cadiz by Gibbz Cadiz Best Culture and Arts Blog and Best Entertainment Blog Wow Legazpi by Dex Baldon Best News & Media Blog Raving Mad by Chris Aquino Best Food & Beverage Blog Pretty, Cute and Outrageous by Rhyz Peralta Best Fashion Blog Bees Kyoote Blog by B. Luzada Best Beauty Blog Batch Processed by Marvin Ryan Vista Best Technology Hagbayon by Jason Chancoco Best Literature Blog STUDENT CATEGORY The Culture Shack by Andrew Gahol Blog of the Year and Best News & Media Blog The Designerati by Franco Lasay Bloggers Choice and Best Personal Blog Kwadradopiya by Caryl Gamis Best Photoblog and Best Culture and Arts Blog Kuhang Maligaya by Joy Matocinos Best Blog Design Rosaryo by Lorena Fuellas Best Filipiniana Blog DeMachina by Kathleen Barquilla Best Hobby & Recreation Blog iSPORTSPAGE by Joanna Pinon Best Sports Blog Foodo by Josyl Caballes Best Food & Beverage Blog eFiorucci by Cervin Bariso Best Fashion Blog The Guyliner by JV Rapirap Best Beauty Blog U-Techmo by April Dawn Guerrero Best Technology Blog Arkitekturang Bikolnon by Eric Rivera Best Commentary Blog and Best Architecture Blog Green Republic by Walter Miralpes Best Advocacy Blog and Best Environment Blog Noble Reads by Marjorie Noble Best Literature Blog Dorizays by Salvador Literal and Riza Latigay Best Humor Blog and Best Love and Relationship Blog Miss Js Movie Jam by Siviorjah Orozco Best Movie Blog Musikath by Maria Kathleen Navarro Best Music Blog Dawnism by Mary Dawn Francisco Best Religion Blog SCIRE by Mary Joy Red Best Science Blog

could have more professional guests, Gotis said. With two categories - the Professional Category, where professional Bicolano blogs may enter; and the Student Category, where only the Journalism seniors were qualified to enter the BBAs gave out 46 awards during that night. The winners were: (with reports from Nicole Meruh Velas)

their message to other colleges. According to Asagra, the Journalism juniors also have their eyes set on taking White Out to a national level. He furthered that he is currently in talks with several environmental sectors and bands to launch a national musical event espousing the message of a white pollution-free society and will call for the participation of environmental activists and students from across the country.

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ames Sorianos just asking for it. Soriano, a student/columnist from Ateneo de Manila University, wrote an essay entitled Language, Learning, Identity, Privilege published in Manila Bulletin last August 24. Printed during the Buwan ng Wika no less, the article questioned the value of Filipino as a medium for development and exalted English as the language of the learned. The online firestorm that went ablaze the instant the article made rounds in the internet was understandable. Coming from an Atenean (ironically), it was simply the most ignorant, most arrogant thing Ive ever read, like reading a Spanish era court ruling that branded Filipinos as indios. What with excerpts like It (Filipino) was the language we used to speak to the people who washed our dishes.; I am a split-level Filipino but this is not so bad in a society of rotten beef and stinking fish.; or We are forced to relate with the tinderas and the manongs and the katulongs of this world, who wouldnt want to mangle this elitist pricks face with a balisong? Sorianos article begs the question, are his kind of people well-off, fostered in a top-notch university what being well-educated in the Philippines has become: bastos, self-applauding and chauvinistic? It is not uncommon for us to stumble upon delusions of superiority like this, especially from upper class folk who are clearly oblivious to our nations dismal realities. Yes, people like Soriano do exist, unfortunately I might add, but this doesnt make it any less culturally offensive. I for one have a deep reverence for Filipino, or Tagalog if you must insist it. In fact, some of the most impressive classes Ive attended were taught purely in Tagalog like Malikhaing Pagsulat. I chat with other people in street Tagalog and Bicol with an intense sense of belonging. During my stay in California, listening in to random people in public places talk to each other in Filipino always made me incalculably proud of that one bond that remains unaffected even in a foreign country our language. But Ill wipe the slates clean: Its impossible to contend with Sorianos thrust that command of the English language is important, if not completely imperative, in todays highly globalized society. I may often speak to my professors in Filipino, but my thesis needs to be written in English. What made me want to form a mob and lynch Soriano was not the trumpeting of English as his preferred language. Saying English is the preferred language

OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF COLLEGE OF ARTS AND LETTERS

Disconnected

SCRATCH AND SNIFF

a n d r e w g a r c i a

omething caught my attention last September 9 during the celebration of the 7th Foundation Day of the College of Arts and Letters (CAL). Students, you are in good hands here in CAL, said Dr. Helen M. Llenaresas, Bicol Universitys Vice President for Academic Affairs. At first, I thought she only said that as a formality, as a pepped up salvo to rejoice CALs special day. But come to think of it, beneath all the sentimentality, she has a point. As I count in her talk what CAL had accomplished in the past seven years, Ive come to appreciate our college more than ever. Not just our college, but also the different colleges here in BU equally. Yes, its safe to say that we are in CALs good hands, but certain problems can also arise which our college barely has any jurisdiction over, such as student-to-student ills. This is why I also came up with what I would like to call REMEDIES FOR INTERCOLLEGIATE BULLYING. I am now half my stay here in this university. But from the looks of it, this issue of intercollegiate bullying was widespread long before we become freshmen in this institution. You might ask why I called this

of many of us is like declaring the sky as blue its stating the obvious. Rather, what made this article tailor-made for someone begging to be burned at the stake was the social ignorance, language profiling and status prejudice splattered all over it. How would you feel if somebody told you, "Filipino is just the language of the streets. Its how you tell your katulong that you had an utos or how you texted manong when you needed sundo na.? Nobody, not even foreigners who grew up with English as their lingua franca, would stand for Sorianos bigoted conceit towards a nation where poverty and lack of education is the norm, where slums amass alongside exclusive subdivisions, where posh establishments like Embarcadero de Legazpi are compelled to hide neighboring shanties like Victory Village behind high walls. And thats just it despite the societal contrasts right in front of our noses, Filipinos are just downright disconnected from one another, not just on the aspect of language, but on many other levels. But if were going to delve on language alone, which I think is only the tip of the iceberg, let us take Sen. Lito Lapid as an example to illustrate how far weve strayed from each other. Lapid became the butt of all jokes after admitting he was afraid to join the Senates Reproductive Health Bill debates due to poor English. Much as I want to interpellate, my tongue is not used to English. What if they dont understand my Tagalog or I dont know how to answer their questions in English? These senators are also lawyers who spent 10 years in law school while I spent 10 years practicing my stunts. This is inexcusable, not because of his deficient facility with English, but because as a senator, he could not even stand up to the crucible of language, let alone the RH dilemma. I wonder how big a rock mustve hit his head to goad Lapid into running for Senate. Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago had urged fellow senators to be more accommodating to Lapid for the sake of his RH involvement. I will try my pidgin Tagalog to try to explain the issue to him, although I am ashamed of my Tagalog. I dont have an extensive vocabulary. Its appalling how our politicians have to accommodate people like Lito Lapid into state matters that call for every citizens participation. If our officials cant even enlighten Sen. Lapid of the pressing issues, what more the majority of Filipinos whose strong suit isnt English? If youre going to be a national of-

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ficial, use the national language! If it takes elevating the medium of the RH debate from English to Filipino to spark comprehension among the populace, then do it! I think Lito Lapid and James Soriano represent the two sides of the social disparity coin. Lapid symbolizes the significant number of Filipinos who are lost in translation afraid to get involved in national issues lest their voice may not be understood, or they may not understand. James Soriano, on the other hand, is the face of an elitist society that refuses to extend a helping hand to the unprivileged majority, afraid that his hands might get dirty. He is like our senators who yearn to be heard through Senate debates, newspaper columns and whatnot yet wont listen back to the call of the people. Its a shame that in this country, English i s spoken under the same breath as Latin and Spanish, languages spoken by priests in olden times to exclude, intimidate, castigate and discriminate the people. T h e y say language is a reflection of society. If in-

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deed it is, then we are all in a direly disconnected country our nation disconnected from its national issues, the governing disconnected from the governed, Filipinos disconnected from fellow Filipinos. If only we could get our officials to speak face-to-face with the masses, without one head looming over the other. If only we could have people like James Soriano come down from their castles and see firsthand how living in this country really is. If only we could reconnect with our fellow citizens, we could finally start making real progress, instead of wasting our time talking and shouting when nobody is capable of understanding.

issue intercollegiate bullying, even if you dont ask me I would tell you anyway. Well, its not like everyday here in BU that you would see a student of CBEM wrestling with a student from CAL. Its more of a silent war, but not in the sense that you cant hear anything. Its more of a faint yet visceral feeling during encounters with students from other colleges . I would say that the bullying is not that violent but still you would consider it bullying because of the tormenting effect of it to you. Would someone tell me how it like is to be bullied? I see no hands in the air. Well, that answers that. You would feel ashamed, tormented and insecure about your capabilities to prove yourself to others. It seems like youre just an ant walking side by side with humans hoping not be roadkilled. These so-called bullies are only present because of their mentality that they are superior from others. They may not slap you

ovember 1. I dont know why some people prefer to go to cemeteries on this day. First, its not the real All Souls Day. Its the day after. Second, you have 364 other days to visit your loved ones in the cemetery but you choose to do this just in time when hundreds (and maybe thousands) of others are also there. You will be drifting across a bunch of visiting families, sympathetic relatives and friends, and other people who are there just for the heck of being there. Why do we do these kinds of things by occasion, when in fact, we can do these more frequently, if not on a regular basis? Just like in the College of Arts and Letters, Ive noticed some things that are occasionally implemented or done rather than being frequent or regular. Example, even if youre not a keen observer, you will notice that the comfort rooms at the 2nd and 3rd floors of the MP building dont have enough water, the floors are tarnished brown and have this filthy stench that you will not bother using during the time when nature calls. Also, you will see how empty the hallways are - no decorations and nothing interesting is seen when you stride out after classes. But all of a sudden, everything changes when accreditation inches closer. During accreditation, you will notice that in the comfort rooms, cubicles are very clean and have unlimited supply of water. You will also see signs like Please use this to cover your used napkins (in the ladies CRs). The hallways and staircases have also a kind of makeover. They instantly become mini garden hallways because they are decorated with in the face but the way they act, the way they look at you, and sometimes the insults that slips accidentally from their mouths give an equally potent damage. Its human nature for people to think in a way that they are superior from others. One factor of it is that some persons are blinded because in fact they are the ones who are insecure to the ones theyve bullied. And b e c a u s e blinded, they see what they want to see. For example, in spite of the fact that CAL produces a huge number By Zanie Jovellana of cum laude every year, some students from other colleges, because of insecurities I guess, would say that CAL is capable of doing such only because professors in this college give high grades to students and the courses offered are not so difficult compared to those offered in their respective colleges. Of course, this is only an example from oceans of other examples

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Self Remedy

where you can pick many. Just look around you whenever you are in a gathering of all colleges in BU, or simply go to EADCOOP and youll see what I mean. Maybe this time youre itching to know what my remedies are. It so happens that I cant get over the speech of Dr. Llenaresas, its not like the its the most beautiful speech Ive ever heard but because of that talk, Ive learned to appreciate the existence of each colleges equally. And thats the first for remedies, APPRECIATION. If all the students of this university would appreciate his or her fellow students and the colleges where they hail from, this university might have a better ambiance. RESPECT for each individual and HUMILITY to ones actions would result to EQUALITY. Its time to put an end on the mentality of whos better or not; we are all staying on the same university after all. But lets not forget the most crucial factor in attaining this change: YOURSELF. If we want to eradicate this disease prevalent here in our university, we must learn to not to look at ourselves through other peoples eyes. If only I am capable of telepathy to transmit messages to all BUeos, I would grab that opportunity to make them realize what Ive just realized.

fresh plants from the ground floor up to the fourth floor. Implementation of university regulations has also become occasional. There are a number of students who are smoking within university areas. This might be caused by two possible things: either the guards incapability to rid the university of smokers or the administrations incapability to rid the university of lax security personnel. Students also occasionally use the entrance and exit doors improperly. The entrance door is located in front of the college which is frequently used as exit door by students. And especially when things dont go the students way, especially in getting to their classes early or on time, they treat the exit door as their quickest access to the building. Funny, eh? The uniform policy is also one of the most blatantly disregarded policies of the university. Some students gain access to the university in civilian clothes reasoning out that they have no classes to attend to and they are just there to meet classmates or their study group. And, guards do not tend to shoo them away since they have this reasonably wise alibi. Perhaps they do not want to bother the students study habits. Well, both the administration and the students have their equal share of blame when it comes to why certain things do not go to where they are expected to and why things do not happen when they are supposed to. As matured people, we already know how to act and when we should act properly in a place where most of our daily lives are spent. And we already know why, as matured people, we should no longer be reminded of things that we have to do regularly, not just occasionally.

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Bitten Apples for Beaten Roads

n dealing with their respective fields of command, Steve Jobs and Noynoy Aquino share a common creed. They believed that people should be able to adapt to changes they create, more so, both thought man is not always aware of his needs thus they perpetrated innovations out of mans standards. In contrast, however, the former ended up successful while the latter found himself condemned. It was in the midst of the 20th century when Apple, the brand that carried Steves name, first set foot on shopping windows, the time when commercialism still ruled the trend. It was then that brands patterned after the needs of people easily found their way to the cashiers counter. The concept of demand drove everyone in the industry to traverse and made it almost impossible to drift from the trail of mediocrity. But Steve was determined to prove that customers arent always right. This dogma eventually gave reputation to the bitten apple. Noynoy almost underwent the same feat. It was in the midst of the 2010 elections when his tuwid na landas, the delusion that alleviated his name, etched itself on the vast litany of promises, the time when the Philippines was under the siege of desperate measures to rid crises. It was then that accustomed attempts to purge poverty easily found affirmation from the people. The concept of comfort zone drove everyone to traverse and made it almost impossible to drift from the trail of mediocrity. But Noynoy is determined to prove that customers arent always right so he insists on changes which disregards the real needs of his people. This dogma, however,

gave a bad reputation for his tuwid na landas. Let me enumerate his version of changes particularly in education. First is the reduction of budget for Maintenance and Other Operating Expenditures (MOOE) of all the State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) by P1.1 billion (28.16 percent) from 2010 ergo forcing every institution to develop ways of soliciting funds by entering into partnerships with private sectors. In laymans term, the budget cut. Bicol University, with a population of 20, 000, received budget cut by P88 million (18.82 percent) and is third among the SUCs with the worst budget cut by nominal value. While this could incite independency and initiative it also purports higher tuition, and consequently, higher drop-out rates and decreased access to tertiary education. This does nothing but encourage money to flourish around campuses making education a matter of business rather than of privilege. It strongly negates with what the constitution upholds, that every Filipin o has the right to education and diminishes the public

CALB

Financial Report
2nd Semester AY 2010-2011 Beginning Balance CASH INFLOW Publication Fee Collection Clearance Signing TOTAL CASH OUTFLOW Editorial Board Exam P 32.00 Rayterista 3 P1,500.00 Budyong Wallnews P 358.00 CEGP Institutional Fee P 300.00 LIYAB Press Covention P 500. 00 National Press Convention (CEGP) P6,244.00 Power Supply P 700.00 Operational Expenses P1,222.42 (food, supplies, transportation, etc) LBC (Budyongs entry for CEGP Presscon) P 140.00 Budyong 2nd print issue TOTAL P17,700.00 P28, 696.42 P2, 706.00

P28, 193.00 P 30, 899.00

CASH INFLOW P30, 899.00 Less CASH OUTFLOW P28, 696.42 Remaining Cash on Hand TOTALP P2,202.58 SGD. Pauline E. Dycoco Managing Editor (AY 2010-2011) Noted by: Anacito Dematera Adviser

ack in high school, I would say, If it isnt your cup of tea, dont f with it because it will just f right back at you. I didnt know college would slap me in the face. And slap me hard it did. The dreams and visions I had about college, before it, was a lot different from what it became when I faced it with my new armor and all. If I were some anime character, you would have seen my soul escape right through my shocked body and float ghastly in mid-air. And float away it did. Away from the expectations I had back then. I wasnt floating away on purpose. The system had some force on it, exerting it on me, pulling me away from all of my visions. That was a little bit dramatic, wasnt it? But you cant blame me if that was what I felt two and a half years ago. I am talking about my academic freedom. I had access to my most important and life-changing right, alright, but the catch was that I had to take the subjects printed on the thin paper they gave me. I remember loathing that none of those were subjects that I chose. Most of them were fine. Biology was anything but the word fine. To be honest, I dont know what to call it. I would, if I should, call it a bonus just so it wouldnt sound negative. But it was a bonus that I dont need. And Biology is just one subject. I can mention maybe five more. I paid for a subject that wasnt really my cup of tea. I know I am aspiring to be a writer someday and that dream suggests that I must have countless cups of tea. But mind you, I have bigger plans for my future. Along with my freedom to be here in Bicol University is my freedom to feed my mind with whatever knowledge that I would be needing for the rest of my life. And the rest of my life will be dictated with whatever knowledge I could get. What Im saying is that this is my life. It is not anyones. And, after I graduate from this institution, it is my, not anyones, pick where to apply. And apply to my dream employer I should. If youre still not getting me, think this: If Bicol University wishes to produce intelligentsias (in fact it should, since the Bicol University Quality Policy promises clientele satisfaction; see also: ISO), at least one student will surely fail to benefit from whatever excellence the university promises. I wouldnt consider

We put the MIS in Education

rey anthony delos reyes ostria

myself a highbrow unless I get the class that I want. Want may not be the right word for it. Its a need. I, a Bicol University product, will then be no less than a copy whoever took the same subjects that I did, i.e., my blockmates, me seniors, and the students on the next year level. I feel like I am forced to be what the usual BUeo should be: learned on this and on that. Only on this and only on that No single BUeo is unique. If you dont see that as a problem, I do. And I do know a lot of students who think so, too. And I do know youre acting blind. Lets say I want to apply to a travel magazine. When I get to the real jungle of employed, underemployed and unemployed citizens of the whole Philippines, I would be a walking spastic. That of course would leave me questioning what the f happened to my P525-worth Biology class. I paid P525 to get a review of what they already taught me back in my sophomore year in high school. High school was even better because I sat to learn Biology class throughout the whole academic year. Compare that to college Biology class which, on the other hand, was taught for only three hours each week in just one semester. Not to mention it was taught by a professor that had this in mind: Its only their minor subject, so Ill teach them lesser details on the subject. Again, Biology is just one subject. For Journalism students who want to apply to a tech magazine, one ICT subject wouldnt be enough. I would be in the same case if I want to write about medical innovations, or politics, or agriculture. To make the story short, graduates from universities that have programs that make their students choose subjects have the edge. That wouldnt have been the case if we were given the liberty to choose subjects that we would like to specialize on. University of the Philippines graduates would most likely own applications. Bicol University graduates would just decide to apply somewhere else, probably to a company that is not really in their choices. They might end up underemployed like the rest of the Philippines fresh graduates population. After writing that, I browsed through The Bicol Universitarians archives and discovered that this is the same problem that the 2009 editorial board discussed in their issues editorial. That is a blatant declaration that I am not alone in these judgments.

CRUSADING

character of SUCs, which are supposed to provide quality and accessible education to those who cannot afford it. How then could this right be obtained and this advocacy maintained when entry to college already poses impossibility? Another is his projected K+12 Program which intends to add another two years for elementary education. The benefit is that the additional years could be utilized for auxiliary development of the young and could furthermore license legal employment for those who are only able to graduate from high school. While two years may seem like a promise of valuable graduates, this also denotes two more burdening years for parents. With the apparent inflation of youth unable to finish elementary, Noynoy overlooked that education among the poor is hardly even attained. What more with 12 years of schooling? He was particular with the quantity but failed to pinpoint quality as the real problem. Rooms to students are completely blown out of proportion (one is to eighty), books, if not inexistent, are outdated, teachers are gradually decreasing and depreciating, and school facilities are hardly maintained and are barely sufficient. If the programs aim is to manufacture quality graduates, why not tend to the quality of education itself instead? Adding two more substandard years of education for the poor is more than an insult to injury, its putting an end to their only hope. Instead of heeding the appalling consequences and despite the protests of school administrators, teachers, parents and students against his irrational, erratic, and, not to mention drastic alterations to the natural flow of education, Noynoy remains steadfast with his decisions, deaf to the real plight of his people. T h e former and the latter, to reiterate, both be-

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lieved that man has yet to realize some of his earthly desires hence the two instigated their own paths on which man, misguided by mediocrity, could find better alternatives to what the world has already provided. The application of this theory in the world of business catapulted the former to the pedestal of success. Business, in the first place, is about sticking your neck out among the already anticipated. Its being able to take one huge step beyond standards. Its being able to advocate change rather than mere improvements. Business is to commit all of these no matter how right the customers say they are. The latter and his bundle of changes could be successful, too. Maybe we are just too confined to what is already anticipated. Maybe we are just too apprehensive to take one small step beyond our standards. Maybe we have been too used to our customs that improvement may sound much more believable than change. Or maybe business aphorisms should never really be applied to leadership in the first place. After all, customers, if not always, are most of the times right. P.S. I usually duck when conversations start to revolve around business, in fact, I only know how to spend money and not earn it. If not for his death, I wouldnt even know who Steve Jobs is. But I am fully conscious of his iSeries: the iPhone, iPod, iPad, iWhatnot and how these devices became yardsticks of money-making ingenuity. Jobs, simply put, brought the techno savants to unimaginable heights and sent his rivals bowing to his fore, both at the same time. In other words, I need not be a business savvy or a techno geek to realize his worth. P.S.S. I usually dont talk politics, in fact, I only know how to spend money and not care whose face is on it. If not for his parents and, as a matter of fact, if not for his candidacy, I wouldnt even know who Noynoy Aquino is. But I am fully aware of his futile tactics: budget cut, K+12, privatization of hospitals, integration of business to almost every aspects of humanity which are supposed to be free and how these display of imprudence became testimonies of his blatant disregard. Noynoy, simply put, brought the destitute to their lowest possible state of life and sent his people lamenting for mercy, all at the same time. In other words, I need only to be vigilant to realize our worth.

Whenever I step inside the classroom, that of the subject that doesnt really catch my interest, I go nuts. And nuts I have been for five semesters already. I take minimal efforts to study. Study may not be the word for it. I would just call it memorizing. Memorizing is exact. Why would I memorize something that I am bound to forget about in the next few months, or weeks, or days? Sometimes right after the class ends even. Its just faking it. And why am I too sure that memorizing will result to nothing? I just know. Knowing my interests, I know what is forgettable and what valuable information is. That would explain the low grades I got for some minor subjects. Bicol University should know that it is our right to choose our subjects for one good reason. We are the heirs of the society. It is us who will govern this country in the future. It is us who will run whatever institution in the future. Nobody has the right to take that away from us. It is our right then to pick our own cup of tea and drink from it. We should have the right to pick because it is our interests that will bring us success. Success is right. Earning a living is a right. Buying food. Getting dressed. Sleeping on a comfortable bed. All. This column is not a product of the fear that minor subjects will again eat my time and money. I dont have them anymore *applause*. This column is a call for an effort to change. This column is for the future students of Bicol University for them to be able to choose subjects that will be beneficial for their preferred career paths. I am reminded of that statement from Cicero: Natural ability without education has oftener raised man to glory and virtue than education without natural ability. In one hand, this tells me to just shut up and believe that, if i really have that natural ability in the field that I would soon pursue, there is nothing to worry about. On the other hand, however, this tells me that whatever I learned that wasnt in my list of must-learns is useless. One thing is for sure. If I really end up working for a travel magazine, I have my own determination to learn about my interest to be thanked for it. Put stress on my and own. (p.s. NuarintabimapuonitukdoangPhilippine LiteraturesaFilipino? Ka-feeling ta nangmaraysa English-English na an. PHILIPPINE Literature ngane.)

OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF COLLEGE OF ARTS AND LETTERS

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BY ANDREW G. GAHOL

VISUAL SAVANT EARL RECAMUNDA ZOOMS IN ON SOUTH KOREA, GROWING UP, VISUAL SAVANT EARL RECAMUNDA ZOOMS IN ON SOUTH KOREA, GROWING UP, PRACTICAL ART AND VENUS RAJ PRACTICAL ART AND VENUS RAJ

f theres one thing Earl Epson Recamunda can tell you, its that everythings a matter of perspective. Depending on your vantage point, this 20 year-old Audio-Visual Communication senior assumes several identities Budyongs resident photojournalist, visual artist extraordinaire, multi-instrumentalist, fashion

with a DSLR, his brand of artistry and buttloads of determination, South Korea is only phase one in his grand plan to take the world by storm.

Artistic roots

Earl was born with a DSLR around his neck. I first picked up the camera just two years ago right after my freshman year in BU, Earl says matterof-factly. I used my dads Sony point-and-shoot camera and began experimenting with it. In a span of two years, he skyrocketed from being a camera tenderfoot to a certified photographer.

MAGNUM OPUS. Earls masterpiece - a photo of lightning strike over Lignon Hill was taken with a point-and-shoot camera two years ago.

maverick, photoblogger, Guild of Visual Artists president, AVC Society vice-president, Bigshots Productions manager/director and a bevy of other things. But right now, hes just a Filipino foreign exchange student in Busan, South Korea, struggling to make conversation with his Japanese roommate who could barely speak English. Its hard making friends here, laments Earl. Cultural differences and language barriers are hurdles he had to jump over on a daily basis since he arrived in the Land of Morning Calm. It took me almost two weeks to finally laugh with Takayoshi, my roommate. Despite the cultural pressure, Earl paces through the bustling urban jungle of Busan, the second largest city after Seoul, to his classes at Dongseo University, one of South Koreas most prestigious universities. Studying Film and Video all-expensepaid in a foreign country thats never in short supply of inspiration and imagery is every aspiring visual artists dream. But to Earl, the dream extends even after graduation. Armed

Its hard to miss Earls lanky, 6 foot tall figure even in the most muddled of crowds. A fish out of water, he sports uncanny ushankas and beanies almost daily. His bohemian mlange of outfits can be credited to frequent visits to the ukay-ukay. Earl reveals that something more persona-defin ing runs deeper than Earls passion for fashion. I consider myself a visual artist above anything else, he says. It was in his exploration of the visual medium at a young age where his art fixation would spring forth. Ive always wanted to be an artist since I was a child, he recalls. It all began with drawings and doodles which, at that point, I didnt even consider as good art. As one of the most prolific photographer/videographers in BU, youd think that

After finally getting a DSLR, he went on to create a collegiate body work that was the stuff of legends. Whether its crafting a renegade-themed trailer for the Search for Mr. and Ms. CAL 2011 or hopping on a helicopter to shoot the BU grounds from the sky during the 2010 SCUAA tournament, no job is too overwhelming for Earl. But Earls artistic niche isnt confined within the cameras viewfinder. Hes also a sporadic doodler, a

graphic artist, an aspiring advertising director and a filmmaker among many things. Im into a lot of disciplines, says Earl. One thing I havent tried though is sculpture-making.

Annyong Haseyo, South Korea!

Staying in Busan at least until December, Earl misses a lot of things in the Philippines. I want adobo and paminsan-minsan, inaasam ko rin na magkaroon ng init dito.

Making art work

Art is about satisfying yourself, Earl shares. If you cant satisfy yourself, how do you expect to satisfy others? Pragmatism and creativity is the alchemy that tucks Earl in the heart of todays zeitgeist. Kung anong meron ka, make use of it. You dont have to buy all the equipment to make good art. Earl illustrates how important practical art is by showing us his magnum opus. Its a shot of a lightning over Ligon Hill, Earl shows us. Its my greatest masterpiece because its the embodiment of what art is really all about - patience, determination and know-how. You also wont believe that he took this with only his dads Sony point-and-shoot two years ago. Not bad for a non-DSLR camera. Aside from the artistic aspect of the job, Earl also believes that being a good artist is being a strong-willed artist. You cant please everybody, says Earl. Creating art is also a learning process. You have critics for you to learn from their criticisms. Dont let these things discourage you from creating art. Earl gets vexed by peoples misconceptions about art. I think DSLRs are overrated because people think that they need one to become a real photographer, he says.
HUSTLE AND BUSTLE. Th e people of Busan make their way through the citys crowded streets.

When asked about what being a Filipino foreign exchange student in South Korea felt like, Earl didnt spew grandiosities of awe and splendor like most Miss Universe contestants would. Ang layo sa BU! was all he could let out. As weve said, nothings too overwhelming for Earl. After a rigorous screening process, BU selected Earl to be sent as a foreign exchange student to Dongseo University. All the AVC seniors were told earlier this year to submit their portfolio and an essay explaining why they should be chosen to be an exchange student in Korea, explains Earl. Last September, Earl packed his bags for Busan. His first trip abroad, landing on Korean soil was met with fascination. South Korea is a very culturally dynamic place, Earl says. Nakaka-amaze rin kung gaano kalinis at ka-organized ang Busan. Everythings more high-tech and the only thing more amazing than the environment is the people, he says. Earl also stresses how surprisingly friendly and down-to-earth his Korean classmates are. But when asked whether Korean warmth outstrips worldrenowned Filipino hospitality, Earl proudly says Siyempre, wala pa ring tatalo sa Pinoy! The people Earl knew in Busan werent all Koreans. I currently live in a dormitory with plenty of international students, he says. Takayoshi Nakagawa, my roommate, is Japanese. Some of my other new friends from the dormitory are Thai, Mongolian and Cambodian foreign exchange students. Earl also shared the stuff hes learned in Dongseo so far. Ive learned adaptation or writing a story according to your chosen literature. Im also learning a lot about sound and image production. I think a lot of what theyre lecturing here is also being taught in BU, says Earl. Ang pagturo dito is more about application than about theory. I have to teach in the university for at least one year, he says. Optimistic, Earl says that the AVC program in BU has a lot of untapped potential. With just a few adjustments to the curriculum and by adding more full-time faculty members, I think our program could go a long way in terms of creating successful professionals. Earl isnt sure where hell be five years from now, but says that he really wants to be a BU professor, though the idea of him making an international splash remains a strong possibility. Id like to establish peace between North Korea and South Korea someday, he joked.
cross nts from a ange stude o University Inreign exch nd Dongse ANGE. Fo 2 IGN EXCHing Earl, attend the r 30 - October 1. FORE ptembe , includ the globe l Camp held last Se ternationa

Shooting the future

Earl looks up to CAL alumni Venus Raj, Jovic Yee and Marianne Jalgalado. Theyve all been recognized nationally and internationally for their advocacies and achievements, Earl says. They know what they want and Im sure they would do anything to get it. They saw BUs insufficiencies, not as a burden, but as a challenge. In the meantime, Earl is in no hurry to rule the world. I intend to establish a name in Bicol before anything else. How can you be internationally known when youre not regionally recognized first? Earl is setting aside global acclaim to make way for achieving a simple ambition. My ultimate dream is to learn, teach and inspire, Earl discloses In order for him to cement this vision, Earl turns to teaching. As part of my contract with BU for being commissioned as a foreign exchange student,

PHOTOS BY: EARL EPSON RECAMUNDA LAYOUT BY: REYNARD SEVILLANO AND JESSHA MARQUEZ

A R T

KOREA

is about satisfying yourself. If you cant satisfy yourself, how do you expect to satisfy others?

Earl Epson Recamunda

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California Gold Rush was recently published in the Philippine Daily Inquirers Young Blood column last October 29, 2011 under the title Golden California. Young Blood is a segment in the Inquirers Opinion page that features thoughts on current issues from the twentysomething and below. fter an almost two-month stay in Los Angeles, I found myself in LAX awaiting my flight back home to the Philippines. My Mom and Dad, who sat beside me, looked awfully crestfallen. The prospect of abandoning my parents in a foreign land, more than 7,000 miles away from family and friends, was heartbreaking. I knew how theyd feel alone even in a city with a population of 4 million. I arrived in the United States last summer my first time to be there. As I was traveling with an immigrant visa, the plan was for me to stay there for good and become a US citizen. But I was only a year away from graduating from college, and we thought it was best if I stayed in the United States for just a couple of months to comply with immigration formalities, secure my green card and then return to the Philippines to finish my studies. Im now a journalism senior, and as soon as I get my diploma, Im heading straight back to California. Mauunahan mo pa kaming makauwi sa Pinas, my Mom blurted with a tinge of envy and regret. Since she set foot on the United States three years ago, she never has had a chance to return to the Philippines. And Dad, a US citizen, has been back here only four times. He has been residing in California for more than 10 years now. Despite their being homesick and even though they can buy expensive plane tickets home, neither of them can afford the luxury of going to the Philippines, even for a short visit. That would mean taking a break from work and relinquishing time that could be spent earning money. Were very lucky, son, my Dad would often tell me in LA, many people would kill just to come to America. I know. Ive seen people selling practically everything they

owned for a shot at working in the States, as we refer to the land of milk and honey. But I didnt have to make the same sacrifice. If the seemingly endless lines in front of the US Embassy in the Philippines are any indication, many Filipinos are willing to go through hell and high water just to escape the pitiable life they have in the Philippines. Our economy looks so bleak that many resort to a US visa as their golden ticket to a better life. But the two months Ive been in the States was long enough for me to see that establishing a career or working in the Land of the Free and Home of the Brave is not as glamorous as its bruited about. My parents are care providers in a facility for the developmentally disabled, or people with disabilities that hinder daily functioning, independent living and economic self-sufficiency. The facility serves as a home not only to the developmentally disabled clients but also to my parents. Its my parents responsibility to look after those residing there, cook meals for them, clean the house, and make sure that the residents dont harm themselves or their fellows as most of them have self-destructive behavior. Throughout my stay in the facility, I saw firsthand how looking after childish grownups can be so painstaking and sometimes even unsafe. Apart from doing housework, my parents have to frequently pacify the clients when they get into fistfights, or go after them whenever they attempt to run away, or intervene when they threaten to hurt themselves physically. This is what the American dream looks like, son my Dad sneered as he scrubbed the toilet with his tired hands. Ever since I was a small child, Ive always thought that living the American dream meant achieving a selfactualizing, quality life with little difficulties. Turns out, the American dream, at least to our family, is more of a struggle to break away from poverty than an express-lane journey toward the realization of personal aspirations. A minimum-wage employee, Dad often laments how the meager pay often cannot compensate for the lack of self-fulfillment, depression and physical stress he has to bear with his work. Mom, on the other hand, sleeps for only four or five hours a day because, aside from her day-shift at the facility, she also takes on the graveyard shift as a cashier at a gas station. My folks occupations are exhausting, to say the least. But as my parents arent young anymore, fresh graduates and teenagers evidently have the edge in

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terms of landing higher-earning jobs, so they havent got much of a choice but to stick to their professions. I guess what keeps them going is the idea that they are providing for their loved ones more than enough by Philippine standards. Financial stability for their families is the reason many Filipinos flee to the United States. The exodus of Filipinos seeking greener pastures in the States can be likened to the 1848-1855 California Gold Rush. Much like the forty-niners, Filipinos are being drawn into the United States by the glint of gold, though not anymore necessarily in the American river. At present, there are over 4 million Filipinos residing in the States. But for most of them, hitting the mother lode is a lot harder than they can ever imagine. In Los Angeles, my parents are into their own version of the California Gold Rush. Unseen behind all the balikbayan boxes, dollar remittances and exciting tales of places visited, are my parents sacrifices, most of all a life of loneliness, away from almost everyone and everything important to them most especially family, kin and friends. No long distance calls can completely compensate for what they painfully miss. To provide for a better life for their family, Dad and Mom missed the joy of seeing their kids grow up or the warm company of people theyve known through their whole lives and became closest to. They forgo home-cooked Filipino meals and had to give up the rustic life in the province. They have to adapt to the ways of other peoples, other cultures. True, you have to sacrifice so many things when you choose to go abroad in search of better opportunities and greener pastures and, ultimately, in pursuit of a better life for your family. Always in the main, its a choice between providing for your loved ones while being away from them, or being with them in poverty. At LAX, I could feel how painful it was for my parents to see me leave. I kissed them both, hugged them tightly, boarded the plane and then was on my way to Manila with a heavy heart. Back here in the Philippines now, I know this is my last chance to make the most out of life in the country I was raised in. Pretty soon, Id be off again to the States, to carve out my own path to a better future. A lot of Filipinos wanting to go overseas just dont know how daunting this challenge is, even in the States. After I graduate and before I finally leave my home country and join the Filipinos present-day version of the gold rush, Id like to have more time to reflect on and appreciate the things Ill be missing out, like swimming in the river behind our house or grabbing lunch with my friends. Ill not only be building a life of my own, but also raising a family soon. It worries me that my future kids wont be able to speak Tagalog or value the Filipino blood that runs through their veins. During my stay in Los Angeles, I came to understand that its only fair for the Filipino pursuing the American dream to realize his Filipino dream first. And with less than a year left, this challenge could prove to be a great ordeal.

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She is very devoted to her work that even her family cant stop her from meeting her classes. Her family did not stop her because they knew it was her passion. She just loves to teach. To Mari-Paz, when its time for work, its time for work. Her family respected that. added Prof. Oliquino. Noting that Suratos was once awarded as the Most Outstanding Assistant Professor, CAL Dean Dr. Ma. Julieta Borres said, She is a very big loss to our college. She never failed to miss college

Ex Filipino...from P4

events and meetings and was a very committed educator, Borres furthered.

Loving mother, irreplaceable friend According to Oliquino, Suratos was a loving and devoted wife to Engr. Emelito Suratos and a good mother to her children, Emil, 26 and Mariemel Florence, 24. MariPaz is the kind of mother that will spoil her children even in their not-so-young age, thats how she reared them, Oliquino stated. Oliquino shared her life experi-

ences with the late professor. Mari-Paz was a friendly person. In fact, when she was awarded as the Best Faculty and given a P10,000 cash prize, she treated all the faculty members to a snack, she said. I will always remember her because of all the key chains, ballpens, necklaces, bracelets, blouses and bags that she gave me. Ninety percent of my bags were given to me by her. Shes that generous. She would pamper you with gifts, Oliquino shared. Every day of my life since she passed, I miss her more. October 15 was her

birthday as well as my wedding anniversary, and I always go on a date with her instead of my husband. This October 15th, me and my husband went to Bicol Memorial Park and I still celebrated it with her, Oliquino lamented. Sometimes I would joke to her that whoever between us die first should send the other one a text message telling if heaven or hell really exists. She laughed at me that time. Now Im waiting for her text, Oliquino disclosed grievingly.

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Helena Beat makes you want to stand up and fist pump like theres no tomorrow. The weird thing is at first these songs make you want to party hard but as the songs play towards the end, youll find yourself swaying like an alcohol-drenched bar patron.

So infectious, it spreads like wildfire Torches Foster the People By Camille Lyela Regala

For a kid who started his career making TV ad jingles, he has certainly come a long way. Mark Foster crossed over to mainstream indie/ alternative music and formed the band Foster the People with Mark Pontius and Cubbie Fink.

FTP released their debut album Torches last May and it has been An observation can also be pointed out that Matt actually sounds receiving international acclaim from critics and fans ever since. like Maroon 5 frontman Adam Levine. Diversity isnt the records strong suit but this doesnt mean that all of their songs sound alike. That said, it can get The sound of Torches is empty-headed yet undeniably catchy a little too much in places too slushy dance-ballad I Would Do Anything and ebullient. The album is packed with pop music which makes you think For You may be different from the rest of the songs in Torches, but it adds a about summer and folks holding guns. It consists of 10 tracks, including the sweet zing to the album. song Pumped Up Kicks which has already garnered the band 2 nominations for the MTV Video Music Awards and has currently peaked at No.3 on VERDICT: If youre one of those kids who are a little quirky, then Torches the Billboard Hot 100. would be a pleasant addition to your playlist. Torches hits with the same indie-nerdy danceability as their peers PERFECT IF YOURE INTO: Phoenix, Owl City, MGMT, Passion Pit in Passion Pit, but with a pleasantly laconic delivery. Songs like Houdini and
Pop rock that crackles through your earphones Weights & Wings Matt Wertz By Zanie Jovellana

Weights & Wings is singer/songwriter Matt Wertzs fourth studio album. listening Everything Will Be Alright. With its hum-worthy hooks and catchy whistle inWith eleven acoustic rock tracks, the record primarily probes into the ups and downs of terludes, youll feel that youre sipping iced tea on the beach. Its one of those songs that love and relationships, hence the title Weights and Wings. can easily get stuck in your head. Weights and Wings showcases Matt Wertzs trademark sound smooth, Wertz has a skill for solid and straightforward lyrics. Songs like Gonna Be powerful and sincere. That coupled with a set of well-written lyrics and a terrific en- Good encourages people with personal struggles to rise up with lyrics like: Listen to semble, Wertz creates a record that packs a punch. the crowd, angels calling out to you to bring you throughget up and fight, you know you should. Someone Like You, one of the more notable tracks in the album, is about long-coveted affection, smothered with feel-good acoustic rhythms. Other tracks like VERDICT: Wonderful album. His musicality and piercing lyrics really stand out. This Feels So Right and Nobodys You also share Wertzs distinct brand of optimism and may prove as merely a pretty-boy, blue-eyed soul record to some, but Weights and lightheartedness. Somebodys Gonna Love You and Family are the more serious Wings, with its heartfelt lyricism and Wertzs commanding power vocals, is a musical and melancholy numbers in the album - sincere and can shake any listener to the force to be reckoned with. core. PERFECT IF YOURE INTO: Howie Day, James Morrison, Kris Allen, Matt NaThe record also saunters to folk/western terrains in tracks like For the First thanson Time with a slide guitar and simple brushes on the snare. Close your eyes when youre Just when we thought that RnB was downward spiraling into mindless The carrier single All I Want Is You too simplicity of the blues guitar whirring and clich, a shining beacon of hope suddenly illuminates from the wretched mixed with heavy drumbeats acts as a genius accompaniment to his no-holds-barred wasteland of overly auto-tuned, inorganically synthesized urban pop records. Singer/ vocals. It can smother our eardrums and leaves us wanting more. songwriter Miguel provides Zen in a swiftly decaying music industry. But it doesnt stop there. Aside from his panic-inducing falsettos, crescenEarthborn Miguel Jontel Pimentel, who prefers to go by a single name dos and decrescendos, Miguel also has a way of delivering his words eloquently, wastas did Cher, Madonna, Sting and Prince, manages to pull a rabbit out of the hat with ing no phoneme in evoking smooth wordplay. Check out Sure Thing and Quickie to his debut album All I Want is You. Just imagine the outrageous rhythm sensibilities of see what I mean. His smooth, velvety voice will leave you chilling your time away. Pharrell Williams and Robin Thickes sultry voice and larger-than-life vocal calisthenics meshed in one record. What a treat right? VERDICT: If youre into old-school RnB, this might not be for you. But if youre into new wave music, this is the album you should grab the next time you visit an album All I Want isYou is a full-blown compilation of neo-RnB songs and a fuse store near you. of various genres like reggae, funk, hip-hop, rock and electro. The album is composed of 13 tracks that delve into painful love affairs, the hype that comes with fame and PERFECT IF YOURE INTO: Ne-Yo, Craig David, R. Kelly, Robin Thicke, Pharrell even sex, subject matters that were all too familiar about when talking about RnB. Williams, Usher. Interspersed within the album are two mini-tracks called Enterlewd that sets up the mood for the succeeding songs.

As mainstream speeds toward decay, RnB takes a left turn All I Want is You Miguel By Carlo Jay B. Copada

REY ANTHONY OSTRIA o Earth, we are what parasites are to their hosts. We stop at nothing If youre buying your meals from carinderias, and what you bought are put because we are insatiable. in plastics while theyre hot, dont be surprised if someday you experience ulcers, The globes problem on white pollution will soon call for the urgency in the skin diseases, asthma, diabetes, deafness, or liver dysfunction to name only a few. discovery of a new home. Sadly, the truth is that no strong evidence points to a posPlastic bottles impair our immune system, cause obesity and hyperactivity. sible second home to Earth. Being blissfully ignorant about this world-wide dilemma Incinerating plastics is not only dangerous to our respiratory system; it puts is not an option. Everyones awareness will push us away from the direction that we holes in the o-zone layer, making the world hotter and melting polar ice caps. The are now taking. movie Water World will at least show us what the future is like if chlorofluorocarbons White pollutions are those that are mismanaged, visual pollutants, and healthare continuously emitted to the atmosphere. Everyone knows that right? But what hazardous plastics (plastic bags, cups, and other plastic materials). We use plastics are we doing to stop it? We are men of many words. every day because of their convenience, because they are cheap, because they are available everywhere, and they can be used anywhere. However, only a What we can do few realize their reusability so they end up in seabirds and Its a good thing that some establishments in Daraga and Legazpi turtles stomachs, sewage systems, parks and shores, are banning the use of plastics. Jebson, for example, would charge welcoming tourists and driving them out to an early customers for every plastic bag that they would be needing. departure. June marked the full enforcement of the plastic ban cam-

omorrow is choking on plastics now omorrow is choking on plastics now

The hazards of plastics

If it hasnt choked you yet, know that it has choked millions of seagulls already. Know that it has choked unsuspecting animals which mistake them to be small animals floating above oceans, rivers, or lakes. Moreover, know that weve choked the planet and our childrens future while we choke the planet now. The planet cannot any more abuse. Plastics are just about everywhere. For that simple explanation, they spread hazard just about everywhere. The hazards start when everyone gets too lazy to put these rubbish inside trash bins. In the near future, there is no safe place for our children. Everyone knows that it takes thousands of years for plastics to decompose. What most of us do not know is that chemicals in plastics affect the nutrient absorption of plants from the land as they harden the soil. Crop production is thus affected. Since it takes a long time for them to degrade, the moment they jam sewage systems, they get stuck there until someone takes them out. Until that moment, the surrounding is prone to flooding. Plastics entangling animals or being eaten by animals are affecting the cycle of life in the ecosystem. Plastics are mistaken to be jellyfishes by bigger sea creatures because they move like jellyfishes under water. We can just see plastics in aspin or askal excretions. For humans, the effects are equally terrifying. Plastics are toxic, sources of carcinogens, and intake may lead to birth defects and restraints in the immune system.

paign in Albay. Along with this ban, there was an information and education campaign. Bookstores and pharmacies, according to Albay Governor Joey Salceda, will be forbidden to give free plastic bags to costumers. Many high school and elementary classes recycle softdrink straw, junk food plastics, and other recyclable materials and sell them for the class future projects. In Maryland, USA, in an effort to clean Anacostia River, the government put a 5-cent fee on a single use of plastics. Through this, the use of plastics was lessened, and the government raised enough money for the project to clean the river. Metal or glass-contained foods are safer and are encouraged by health groups. Cloth bags, baskets or bio-degradable plastic bags are advisable. It is important that we know what junk shops do to the plastic materials that we sell to them. If they burn them, we might as well sell these materials to other shops that recycle them instead.

Moving as one

The environment will last forever, that is for sure. The disasters that we experience tell the true and more frightening tale: we are the ones that need to be saved. The time will come that staying in the planet will wipe everyone out. That is, if we dont go green. Every year the world produces half to about 2000 pounds of plastic wastes every year. We cannot just let the government do all the work. We citizens must work hand in hand to hasten the effects of the solutions offered above. Solutions work best when everyone concerned and affected knows what to do. There is no one that I know who is not affected.

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Hayaan niyo na lamang ang aking maharot na kamay na magsulat, magdiwang, magpasalamat, manghusga, mangbatikos at manglait sa mga bagay-bagay na nananahan sa mundong ibabaw. Sapagkat para sa isang estudyanteng tulad ko na puno ng kuryosidad at katanungan, karapatan ko ang maghayag ng saloobin, negatibo man o positibo ang dating. ating pandinig. Malinaw na mas ipinagmamalaki pa ng mga Pilipino ang pagiging dalubhasa sa wikang Ingles kaysa sa Filipino. Maging sa pagpili ng mga kanta. Mas gusto ninyong makinig sa mga kanta ni Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Ne-Yo, Chris Brown kasi cool kung saulado mo ang mga kanta nila. E ang mga kanta nina Rey Valera, Freddie Aguilar, Sarah Geronimo, Regine Velasquez, Apo Hiking Society at iba pang OPM artists na nagapasikat sa kantang Pilipino? Malamang nga hindi ninyo pa kilala ang mga nabanggit kong pangalan. Wala kayong pakialam sa OPM songs basta saulado ang mga kanta nina Lady Gaga kasi jologs nga naman ang mga kantang Pinoy. Hindi in sa crowd, ika nga. Malamang din umiiyak na ngayon ang ating mga bayani. Nakipaglaban sila at nakipagsagutan sa mga dayuhan gamit ang sariling wika, ani pa nila, walang pakialamanan dahil hindi sila ang nakatira sa Pilipinas. E tayo? Nakikipag-usap sa mga dayuhan sa wikang ginagamit nila para magkaintindihan. E kung ang mga dayuhan naman kaya ang mag-aral ng wikang Filipino? Bat hinahayaan nating manipulahin tayo ng ating pagnanais na pag-aralan at pagdalubhasaan ang pag-gamit ng wikang banyaga, na kung tutuusin hindi pantay na tayo lamang ang nag-aaral ng ibang wika. Wala akong hinanaing laban sa wika ng ibang bansa. Ang sa akin lang, nakakalimutan na nating gamitin ang sarili nating wika dahil sa ating paniniwala na mas kapaki-pakinabang at nakamamangha ang pag-gamit ng wikang Ingles. Kungsabagay, hindi ko mababago ang paniniwala ninyo at kagustuhang matuto ng mga banyagang wika lalo na ng Ingles na siyang wikang unibersal. Nais ninyo lang naman magkaroon ng malawak na kaalaman at nang sa gayoy maging maayos ang komunikasyon natin sa mga dayuhan na dumarayo sa Plipinas. Pero magkaganoon man, ano pang halaga ng pagdiriwang ng Buwan ng Wika? Maghahanda lang tayo at sisiriwain ang wikang Filipino tuwing buwan ng Agosto? Bakit? Kapag Agosto lang ba dapat ginagamit ang Filipino? Ni hindi nga natin ito tinututukan ng pansin sa paaralan at sa trabaho dahil ang midyum na natin ay Ingles. Meron pa ngang paaralan dito sa Pilipinas na nagbibigay multa sa mga nagta-Tagalog na estudyante. Sa pag-aaplay ng trabaho, mas binibigyan ng pansin ang mga Ingleserong aplikante kaysa sa mga nagta-Tagalog. Ano to? Bawal na ba mag-Tagalog kahit nasa Pilipinas tayo? Sabi nga hindi lahat ng Pilipino nakakaintindi ng Ingles, pero mas pinipili ng Pangulo na magsalita ng Ingles at ni minsan hindi pa nagsalita sa harap ng publiko ng purong Tagalog. Kaya patuloy na nababalahura ang ating wika dahil maging ang mga namumuno ay tinalikdan na ang pag-gamit ng ating wikang pambansa. Sumikat din ang Jejemon na kung susumahin isang paglalapastangan at kabastusan sa ating wika. Pero marami pa din ang natutuwa at nagpaka-Jejemon pa para lang mapansin. Nasaan ang paggalang sa wikang kinagisnan ng ating bayan? Nakapanlulumo din kapag nano-

OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF COLLEGE OF ARTS AND LETTERS

DeCALibre
humarot, kumita, mangutang, maningil, magtago, mahuli, umasa, mangako, sumayaw, magkaraoke at kung anu-ano pa na gawain ng mga normal na tao. At sa bawat baitang sa aking buhay, nabigyan ako ng maraming pagbabago. Pagbabagong nagbukas sa aking isipan sa tunay na estado ng ating wika. At sa pahinang ito, ang tanging maipagmamalaki ko lamang ay ang aking katalinuhan, hindi dahil sa marunong ako sa arithmetic o dalubhasa ako sa Ingles, kundi dahil sa aking katalinuhan sa wikang Filipino na hindi mababago ng kahit ano pa mang henerasyon, teknolohiya at imported brands. Paulit-ulit man itong naririnig, hindi ako magsasawang magsabi na akoy tunay na Pilipino dahil mahal ko ang ating wika at hindi ko ito ikinakahiya. Hindi naman sa wikang ginagamit ang batayan ng kredibilidad ng isang tao, nasa mga salitang binibitawan niya masusukat ang katalinuhan at kakayahan ng kanyang pagkatao. Kaya mas nahihikayat ang mga Pilipino na kalimutan ang sariling wika at tutukan ang wikang Ingles dahil na din sa maling impresyon natin sa ating wika. Hindi ito salitang pangkalye, hindi ito lengguwahe para sa mababang uri ng tao, dahil kung hindi dahil sa wikang ginagamit natin walang pagkakaisa, pagkakainitindihan, pagkakaibigan at pagmamahalan sa bansa natin. Kung hindi sa wikang Filipino, hindi tayo
NI CARYL L. GAMIS

a kabila ng pasuray-suray na takbo ng aking utak, sa halip na pakuluan ng mainit na konsensya ang aking mga kasalanan nitong mga nakaraang buwan, ibinuhos ko muna ang aking buong atensyon sa sulating ito na dibdibang isinulat sa loob ng isang malamig at mahabang gabi upang maiparating sainyo ang aking naghuhumiyaw na opinyon patungkol sa ating wikang Filipino. Ang mga sangkap nitoy pawang mga obserbasyon lamang na sa tingin koy dapat lamang na pag-ukulan ng pansin. Maaari kayong magbigay ng komento at sigawan ako, ngunit hindi ninyo maaaring diktahan ang mga paniniwalang iningatan ko dulot ng aking pagmamahal sa ating lahi.
At eto pa.

nood ako ng mga patimpalak sa loob at labas ng bansa. Papalakpakan kapag Ingles ang midyum na ginagamit ng kalahok pero kapag Tagalog, pinagtatawanan. E kung ang ibang bansa nga mas gugustuhin pang magsalita sa sariling wika para maintindihan ng kanilang mamamayan ang kanilang sinasabi. Pero ang mga Pinoy mas pinipili pa rin ang mag-Ingles na kung minsan ay hindi ganoon naisasatinig ang nais sabihin dahil na rin sa pagpipilit na gamitin itong wika. Pwede namang mag-Tagalog na lang upang mas maayos na maipahiwatig ang nais sabihin, ano pang silbi ng mga translator?

Nasaan na nga ba?

Nagsimula ang lahat nang minsay naisipan kong maglakad-lakad sa isang kalsada sa Bayan ng Legazpi. Nang minsang may makasalubong akong dalawang estudyante na nakakuha sa aking atensiyon. Hindi sa kanilang pagiging Pinoy kaya akoy napalingon sa direksyon nila, kundi sa paraan ng kanilang pagsasalita at uri ng lengguwaheng kanilang ibinibigkas. Purong Ingles kung silay mag-usap at sa malakas na tinig na parang ipinagmamalaki pa nila ang kanilang kaalaman sa ingles. Kung ang iba ay namamangha sa kanilang husay, ako ay nahihiya. Dahil ngayon ko lang napansin ang pagbabagong hindi na binibigyan ng pansin ng mga Pilipino. Nanlulumo ako sa realisasyong ito, sapagkat ngayon ngay napatunayan ko na inililipad na lang nga ng hangin ang ating sariling wika. Para na lang itong lobo na pinakawalan at unti-unting naglalaho. Aminin ninyo, hindi ba mas astig kapag magaling kayong magsalita ng Ingles? Iyong tatawagin kang spokening dollar. Ika nga, yung may kasama pang accent. Lalo na kung tuloy-tuloy, hindi iyong baku-bakong Ingles. Ano pa kaya kung magaling ka ring mag-Nihongo at Espanyol? Mas astig di ba? Kung sasagutin mong oo ang aking tanong, isa kang taksil sa iyong lahi, dahil aminin ninyo man o hindi, ni minsan hindi naging astig sa inyong pandinig ang Tagalog. Hindi ito katulad nang kapag may nakasalubong kang nagIingles, bubulong ka agad ng Wow, English speaking. At kapag nakarinig ka ng nagta-Tagalog? Dead-ma lang. Kung hindi naman ang iyong isasagot, isa kang sinungaling. Alam ko na ang katumbas ng sagot mo kung bakit mas magandang gamitin ang ibang lengguwahe dahil nakakasawa na ang Tagalog. Lagi na lang nating naririnig. Walang bago kaya hindi na ito nakakaakit sa

Wala na sana akong intensyong magpasiklab ng di kanais-nais na komentaryo kung hindi lang sa isang artikulong aksidente kong nabasa. Kung saan binuhay ang aking dugong Pino y at mithiing maiahong muli ang wikang Filipino. Isang artikulong makasarili at naghihikayat sa mga Pilipino na ang tagalog ay para lamang sa lansangan at hindi para sa mga marurunong. Wala akong makapang-galit sa manunulat dahil mas matimbang ang nararamdaman kong awa para sa taong iyon. Nakakaawa dahil ni minsan hindi niya naranasan ang pagiging tunay na Pilipino, dugong Pilipino man ang nananalaytay sa kanyang katawan, hindi niya magawang namnamin at tanggapin ang pagiging Pinoy. Iminulat siya na wikang ingles ang wika ng matatalino at hindi sakanya nababagay ang wikang Filipino. Lubos ang aking awa dahil namulat tayo sa paniniwalang ang wikang Filipino ay angkop lamang sa mababang sektor ng Pilipinas. At ang wikang ingles ay para sa mga de-kalidad at matatalinong Pilipino. Ipinagmamalaki natin ang ating lahi dahil isa tayo sa mga bansa na mahuhusay sa ingles, pero hindi natin ipinagmamalaki ang pagiging mahusay natin sa

Pagpapatuloy ng sentimyento.

bansa.

A k o y nagbabakasakali lamang. Naghahangad na mapansin at punahin, hindi ang aking pisikal na anyo kundi ang aking mga salita. Hayagan kung akoy magpakita ng saloobin, walang itininatago, walang drama. Walang may karapatang magsabi na akoy wirdo o naghahangad ng kasikatan dahil akoy kapareho niyo lamang. Naranasang tumakbo, ma glakad, t u malon,

wika ng ating

ILLUSTRATION BY GLARIE ANNE FLORES

sumigaw,

umiyak,

Hawak ang aking punit punit na papel at lapis, huminto ako sa gitna ng malawak na kalsada at sinubukang pakinggan ang awit ng alpabetong Filipino. Sinubukang tawirin ang natitirang lubid na nagbibigkis sa nang-aabot na bisig ng ating wika. At patuloy na kakapit sa natitirang pag-asa na maiahong muli ang wikang Filipino.

matatawag na Pilipino. At kung hindi dahil sa wikang ito, hindi ako makakapagsulat nang matino.

Ang PAGTATAPOS na magsisilbing SIMULA.

freshmen, try to do the right thing and make a good impression. Were all old enough to differentiate right from wrong and knowledgeable enough to know that its always better to be on the good side. Right now, we are not taking this seriously. Maybe because its too uncomplicated to bother us, but thats exactly the whole point from the start - a very easy rule but too hard to follow. If we cant follow a simple law, what more with a heavier one? I already asked this earlier, but I have to ask it again. Just when did the four-lettered word exit turn into the eight-lettered word entrance? Reflect on that.

age-old and undying saying: Masarap ang bawal. It feels good to do so and not be punished for your deviant act. It makes you want to do it over and over again. Trust me, I know. If youre going to assess the situation on a wiser perspective, the upshot is not so encouraging. It shows how hardheaded we students are and somewhat undisciplined. It is depressing to think that we cannot follow a straightforward instruction. There is even a big exit sign in bold and capital letters. But still it, garners no effect. Are we that illiterate? This is a part of the colleges rules and regulations and we should abide to it. It may not be broadcasted and written all over the walls of CAL, but we should use something that we are all capable of. Initiative. For the students in the higher years, try to set an example to the younger ones. If they see you doing the wrong thing, they might think that its okay. For the

know. If youre coming from the EADCOOP, people have the whim to enter through the exit because youll need to take an extra fifty steps to enter the college from its entrance passage. Thats kind of far and a bit timeconsuming especially if youre in a hurry or already late for your next subject. But I do need to remind you: Whose fault is it that youll be late? Its all about time management. Another reason maybe, is when the outpour of rain is at its best, or worst. The exit is closer. You can make a quick sprint and manage not to get soaked. Its not enough of an excuse but it seems to be an acceptable reason, right? On the other hand, if the weather is at its finest, entering through the exit, my dear CALibers is called idleness. But I am not singling out the CAL students, students from other colleges do it too, a lot of them in fact. The last thing I can think of is the thrill of breaking the rules. Just like the

did the four-lettered word exit turn into the eight-lettered word entrance? Half-running through CALs exit, I collided with a bunch of students. Irritated, I wanted to spin around and yell at them Hey! Exit yan! Hindi niyo ba nakita? But of course, I cannot possibly gather the strength to do that. Well, its because I am charged guilty of that crime too. CALs entrance and exit were to designated to espouse order and provide convenience to the students. Guards are assigned near the entrance and exit to monitor if the students are passing in the right place. In spite of that, there are still some students who make the exit a two-way passage. I cant point out what the reasons are but let me cite some that I

ust when

BY JESSICA RAE NOLASCO

P IGI L
Like, hello CALibers! Its so like matagal na since we make usap-usap about so napakaraming bagays and, like, GRABE Im so like super masaya talaga that we are so over na with the first semester! Like happiness! (makes paypay of hands to face) So how are you baby friends na? I hope naman you made enrol-enrol na on your tamang schedule para you did not make pagulo-gulo pa of the process, you know, and para you did not make singit pa with the ibang batch! Pero I super intindi naman if like you didnt have pa your super money but if your palusot lang is like laziness, like duh, thats so like nakakastress ha. Like, you make eksena pa talaga there sa registrar with your presence and your smell! Harhar! Make pigil to me! Anyways, marami pang things to make usap about other than your contribution to societal detriment. There na yung super maeksenang guards, the kadiri CR, the making pirma of the clearance, the neverending reklamo on laboratory fee, students who dont make, like, bayad-bayad of the org fees, our pagka-miss kay super Tiya there sa

YOU M A KE
(Puguli Ako of Epic Konyology)
by Bibiprend

OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF COLLEGE OF ARTS AND LETTERS

DeCALibre 15

ME!

o youre wearing bright-yellow skinny jeans in broad daylight again? Did it ever occur to you that its not 2008 anymore? Fads transition as years pass. Some trends become emblematic of iconic generations (i.e., The Beatles, the Disco era, the War on Terror), while some make us cringe at the mere concept of it (i.e, Jonas Brothers, jejecaps, F4). Throughout history of fads, there have been both hits and misses. But many people dont know that the most regrettable misses are also the most overrated ones. Bear in mind, overrated things are not exactly bad things. Most overrated things are in fact good, only not THAT good. Its likehaving to juxtapose Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera. Why is Britney more famous despite Christina always being able to perform a gazillion notes better? Heed our word - watch out for these 5 MOST OVERRATED THINGS IN YOUTH CULTURE and spare yourself the embarrassment of having to look back one day and say, Man, I cant believe I went to that Justin Bieber concert six years ago.

fourth floor, the super nakakairitinang noise ni Ungkol, and of course the grammatical errors there sa bulletin boards!!! Oh my gosh, they are just so marami that if you make sama-sama them they could make butas-butas the ozone layer! Or worse, the thinning of my hair! Like NO WAY! (tears, tears) So before that happens, lets make simula na and make pigil to me! Lets make simula the guards na. Like GRABE ha! They are so OA na with their rules and regulations! Like, one time I was super nagmamadali to make habol for my final exam and I made suot my jogging pants and our intrams shirt when he made harang me and made me not pasok-pasok sa building! Like duh! I know, right?! They didnt even make a paalala muna, like, one week before they make pahigpit higpit kunwari of their policy! I heard kasi there was a student naman who made reklamo sa Dayalogo about their unfair implementation. If I w ere you I wont make ingay na lang, di ba? There tuloy, maraming na-stress sa guards and maraming di naka final exam! And, duh, we have to

Theyre out there those DSLR Nazis waiting to shoot you just like Hayden Kho would shoot at anything with an opening. DSLR Nazis are much like the real Nazis who believed they were superior because they claimed racial purity. Todays DSLR Nazis, on the other hand, declare superiority by having a P60,000 lanyard hang on their necks. DSLR Nazis couldnt give a fat turd about photography technicalities - the lighting, subject, composition and whatnot. To them, buying a DSLR is a free pass from having to buy The Complete Idiots Guide to Basic Photography. Planning to buy a Canon EOS 7D or a Nikon D300s each priced at six-figures you dont want to know? Just remember that there are no warranties that cover talent. If your photographic skills are faulty, or just nonexistent, dont come running back to the store asking for a refund and complaining how the pictures you took of your girlfriend came out like time-lapse photography of a decaying maya. Real photographers could take good pictures even with a point-and-shoot camera. So the next time you see some douche with a DSLR holding the lens incorrectly, think twice before you decide to get intimidated.

1.DSLR Nazis

Lady Gaga, we hate to rattle your nest, but all this unnecessary shock tactics is getting a bit overbearing for us. Its like eating five Big Macs for breakfasteveryday. We know that asking you to wear a tshirt like the rest of us is too much, but it wouldnt hurt if you toned your wardrobe (or exoskeleton) down a notch. The day will come when this pop phenom will run out of bizarre outfits. After all, nobody ever has an infinite number of getups. Even Lady Gaga..uh..itself.

During the Pre-Azkals Period (circa when God said Let there be light! to 2009), this has always been Basketball Country. Even before we were just a tickly feeling in our parents underpants, everyone loved NBA and PBA. Who wouldve guessed that pretty boy Phil Younghusband would find a way for football to keep pace? Why is it that it took the Philippine Dragon Boat team forever to permeate in the Filipino public eye and get the funding needed to compete overseas while it only took the Philippine Azkals a couple of gigs in ASAP to enter every obscure international football tournament there is? Just like what rice is to a meat-eating German, soccer just has zero appeal to FilipiWhile Katy Perry donned Armani and J.Lo sported an Emilio Pucci dress to the 2011 Grammys, Lady Gaga wore something a wee more subtle to the red carpet: A GIANT EGG. We have nothing against the attention-stealing singers body of work. What irks us, however, is how all the tantrum theatrics always seem to overshadow her music to the point that we couldnt care less about what shes singing anymore. We fail to see that Gagas music is laudable even without the occasional 12-foot heels. Instead of pondering upon the lyrical value of Gagas singles, we often ask ourselves questions like: What butcher shop will be making her next dress? or Whats Gaga dry-humping in her music videos these days?

2.Lady Gagas theatrical antics

3.The Philippine Azkals

T E H 5MOST OVERRATED T IG HN S I Y UH N OT CULTURE

nos. But if you throw in a couple of mestizos in the setup, everyone will be buying tickets to their matches in no time, even if its a sport most Filipinos originally didnt care about. We even bet that half the Azkals fans dont even know what the rules of football are. With that said, its only a matter of time before we could find a couple of Pinoy-Norwegians to establish a National Chinese Garter team in the Philippines. Weve now entered our nations most pressing issue: Photoshop. Who hasnt seen photos posted online that are so saturated, youd think youre staring at a color wheel? Facebook profile pictures are supposed to be the best photos out of the bunch that you would be proud to showcase your friends. If your profile photo is you making pa-cute whilst sprinkled with only the finest stars and glitter effects Photoshop has to offer, you should question your aesthetic standards immediately. Photoshop should be left to the experts, or at least to those who actually know how to use it. Photoshop may be overrated because people massacre themselves with it but its also underrated because people who are good at it usually dont get

make laba laba pa of our uniforms like araw araw! Huhu! You make pigil to me! Continue tayo sa CR! Hello?! Gosh! Like, this issue is not even bago anymore. I mean, you know, its more like nakakagulat pa nga if its mabango and may water. What made me pansin pansin it lang is when the CRs there sa third floor and second floor were like super nakasara for like how many weeks! Like, hello talaga ha! Like GRABE! Imagine we had to make super baba pa there sa first floor just to make squirt our fountain of life! Duh! I know, right?! And all this time we made akala pa na they are making ayos ayos the CR, only to find out that its like pareho lang! Smelly and no water! Pigil me na! Now na! And how about the pagpapirma of the CALibers sa clearance? Like, well, at least it wasnt super magulo like before. I was just like bothered by some students who dont know if where sila magpapasign. They always like make tanong us where they will like papirma this or that. Like, for instance, one student made tanong if Budyong is the one that makes pirma pirma the YLO! Another student was actually like ready to make bayad their departmental organization fee to

us!!! DUH! Like my gosh ha. Its yo u r responsibility to know where you will make papirma your clearances. And to those naman na nagpipirma, like hello, make a memo naman to your members on like where and when you will pirma the clearances. They made super effort tuloy sa pagclimb there sa fourth floor! IKR?! Speaking of like clearances. There are students naman who like dont make bayad bayad pa of the Budyong fee! GOSH! Like super ang kapal ng face value ha. We are wondering lang how you made lusot sa clearance without our pirma. Others naman dont make bayad pa ng fee to their orgs!!! Like super! Like baka thats your only contribution na nga lang sa college and you dont make bayad pa. And there are like others naman who dont know why they are making bayad their fees! Like parang tuloy you are making bayad just for the pirma! OMG! Pigil me! Here naman yung prob sa lab fee. Like its so matagal na issue na talaga that we think they should make it tanggal na lang sa miscellaneous fees!!! IKR?! Since

You make pigil /P16

4.Overly Photoshopped FB pictures

THE 5 MOST /P16

16
he words tweet, download, sign up and a lot others constantly remind me that this isnt the 20th century anymore, or any earlier century. Perpetually from now onwards, walkmans, typewriters, floppy disks and Friendster will be in oblivion. And missed they will be. <sign of the cross> <enter weeping> <casket on the ground> <enter more weeping> <the undertaker bends over> Dead and gone are those that I and everyone in my age bracket used to benefit from. Innovation had an opening on the ground dug up for them and they soon find their way to riddance. Good riddance or not, no tech necromancer could bring them back to your nearest digital store. Most of them, if they are not in twilight or in life support, or have evolved into more sophisticated thingamabobs, are beside dinosaurs in the list-of-extinct-anything. Its as if some serial killer is at large while in a lavish murder. No technology is at a safe place. And those on the last leg of their existence will never catch up with what everything in the technology stores has to offer. Analog cameras may soon leave the scene in view of the fact that more and more are buying digital cameras and that they are even more expensive than digicams. DSLRs and cellular phones with photo capturing capabilities. Film cameras are sighted as doubles of gadgets that are not limited to say, 24 shots. Photos taken by digital cameras are editable even before theyre transferred to your computers while analog cameras require you to have them printed first. Moreover, to facilitate adjusting the ISO content of photos, analog cameras call for different film. The paper jams that we get a lot from modern printers today were hardly ever experienced back when typewriters were popular. Thats it. Aside from the must to have a correction ink beside you, typewriters only had one font, and a single font size. The bell you hear every time youre at the end of the line, and the sound of every key, will only be heard when youre at a police station or when youre watching an old movie. Pay phones are less and less important now that everyone has one or two phones in their pockets. They may not be completely six feet under but you need a lot of hunting and exploration to find them. Exaggerated? Go ask. You may have forgotten about floppy disks before reading this article. Floppy disks only had one advantage and that is, wait, I dont need to mention them as if present storage devices dont have them, too. 3 inch disks have less than 2 megabytes of storage capacity. With that, you cannot even save an mp3 file. Compact disks, flashdrives and hard-drives offer more space for storing files. Those three are even on the brink of extinction since everyone can just store their files in their email drafts. Yep, I do that and it costs me nothing. End of the story. Now that CDs are mentioned, we might think it over again. Compact disks are at its passing away stage already. CD stores are screwed, yes, thats what I mean, too. We all have one suspect in mind for this: iTunes. I dont know about you, but right now Im thinking, Yeah, so where would I make Ke$ha or The Used sign when I see them waking around? Uh, shit!

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SCI-TECH
grAvE,

THE dEAdNd ONgrAvE. A

BY REY ANTHONY OSTRIA
Fax machines, believe it or not, are something the hands that wrote this article didnt get the chance to operate or even just touch. And maybe, just maybe, I wont get the chance to anytime soon because, hey, attaching files in an email is just as easy but faster. Im not saying that you need to dig a hole for your fax machine already. In fact, many offices are still using them. What Im saying is that fax machines may soon die on you. No, we are not going to mourn. At least I wont. Brick games are long in carcass. Their cadavers are seen not as much as before. Theyre either in antique stores or theyre still waiting for archaeologists to dig them up again. Kidding. I re- member my elementary classmate playing brick games during recess. <enter shoutout for elementary friends who lent me their games and understood that I wasnt someone who wouldnt leave school without giving it back to them>. Snacks were fun with brick games. Noisy as they are remembered, their six buttons are abused around friends. And then there came Tamagotchi, its fame lived for a significant while from 1997. And now, I bow down my head remembering. Family Computers or FamiComs offered Nintedo hits like Donkey Kong, Popeye, Super Mario, Bomberman, Circus Charlie, Contra, Battle City, 1941, F1 Racing, Duck Hunt and more. It is in history now. Its definitely obsolete. Now let us pray for the peaceful exit of FamiCon from the surface of the Earth. Cassette players left us with nothing except its tombstone that brings back beautiful memories. Cassette tapes, those that we can all rewind using only our fingers or anything from pencils to chopsticks. Along with its grave lie BetaMax, discman and VHS, or Video Home System. Heres one thing I cant talk about because my grasp cant remember anything about it: the almighty telegram. All I know is that you dont wanna use long words or sentences because they charge you for the length. That is only in the case of technology replacing technology, in technology replacing traditional games, murders come in high-volume. The typical weekend scenario back

MOST AL

THE 5 MOST...from P15

much commendation. Grab the nearest FHM on your study desk and observe how the scantily clad models are all shiny and supple. Realistically, nobody is ever that originally flawless in photo. Its about time magazines duly credited their skilled Photoshop artitsts. Thanks to them, even Mommy Dionisia could look like shes fresh out of the womb. If youre not satisfied with how you look in pictures, spare yourself the misspelled invectives of your FB friends and stay away from Photoshop. If you cant be proud of your natural form, there are always photos of Avril Lavigne or Marian Rivera you could use as profile pictures just like in the good ol Friendster years!

students dont make use naman of the laboratory and the office doesnt make payag-payag naman to make refund the money, why not make it tanggal na lang for good and make bigay it na lang to those who really make gamit the lab?! Like duh! Its like you are making us bayad just for the thought of In Hollywood Boulevard, youll a laboratory. Like, you know! I wonder where the money nasee multitudes of wasted people strumman makes punta punta if the laboratory was not like used. ming away on their guitars or harmoLike, hello, duh! You pigil me na! nizing to Michael Jackson songs just to And gosh, here pa baby friends. Those naman who get their 15 minutes of fame. While make like lagay-lagay ng announcements there sa bulletin many claw through mud boards sa stairs (especially the Lost and Found posts) and barbed wire for a please naman make ingat ingat with your grammar! Kasi, di shot at stardom, musiba, my gosh ha, we are the College of Arts and like LETTERS! cally challenged Justin You know?! Its so nakakahiya kasi to other colleges na we Bieber had to roll on his make mali-mali pa with the subject-verb agreement and the baby carriage and take use of prepositions! For the good of our image, make pa-edit everybodys dreams muna with a professor or the CSC officers before making away. lagay sa bulletin para people wont make tawa tawa at your Justin Bieber posts! Harhar! doesnt need to pull his Of course, there are like problems naman there sa pants down to show evfourth floor no! Do you know Ungkol?! Like gosh, hes like so erybody what a tiny prick he is. The Biebs may not be what magaling talaga mag-sing. But if you always make like rinig

5.Justin Bieber

experts call a singer, but his fans in lace tights and miniskirts have made this nine year-old self-proclaimed artist a megabrand nonetheless. Talent Shmalent! The Biebs doesnt have to make actual music to sell albums, concert tickets, perfume brands or his sanitary napkin line. As long as there are hormonally impaired teenagers and weird old men out there supporting Justin Bieber, his career lives on. Well, at least until the hormones kick in. Once the Biebs adult body parts finally arrive, its time for these disoriented Beliebers to convert to worshipping another douche-in-the-making. Were keeping our eyes on you,

then was filled with childrens laughter and shouts from our neighbour. Everyone would greet the evening with unclean clothes and muddy faces. These days, everyone forgot how to stretch some muscle and break some bones sometimes. Seeing children play patintero at a town in Sorsogon assured me that there is no need to worry about losing the games we used to play back then. Western games like basketball and

You Make Pigil...from P15

him everyday, GRABE, hes so nakakasawa na! Like every time na we are making meeting-meeting here sa office, we have to make sarado talaga the door para we wont rinig his voice!!! Like duh, we know hes like magaling naman but to hear him like araw araw? I know, right?! So, know mo na kung who? If you do, you make pigil him na! Harhar! And lastly, since there naman tayo sa fourth floor, remember mo si Tiya? Huhu! Our intestinal cravings are longing for her. When she was made paalis by the admin, we suffered gutoms na every presswork and meeting! And we have to make super baba and punta pa talaga there sa canteen just to make kain our snacks! After making kain we have to make super akyat pa hanggang fourth floor and pagdating there, we are like super gutom again! My gosh! We propose Tiyas reinstatement!!! Or the admin could make lagay lagay an elevator here sa CAL, we wont mind not having Tiya back! JK! O, there na! Stressness! My gosh, all these issues make sama pa your thesis, projects, exams, your worst professor, your girlfriend and/or boyfriend, your gender, the budget cut, and ang Millennium Development Goals!!! You know?! I know, right?! Like, sometimes, you want to make patay na lang yourself para to make tapos na all your probs. Pero, of course, you wont kasi the mga pari here in our country dont make payag payag to make libing libing in the Catholic cemetery those who make pakamatay. So maarte talaga! Like, no wonder they make super tutol sa RH Bill! Pro-life pero anti-choice! You make pigil me!!! So hanggang here na lang me! Make ingat ingat na lang you CALibers! Sana the darating na semester will be like super masaya and super like maraming happenings pa rin like dati! Super good luck at super see ya! (PS. Ei, third year! We are making asa asa for the kick-off party! Go!)

street. The simple fact of this matter is, since we are in the information society, everything fast will outshine, overtake, and outlive all slow others. Plus, everyones talking about convenience and easy-keeping, so the bulky, large and heavy will be in obituaries before we even know it. Moreover, modern games will flourish in great speed if traditional games will forever remain to be unappreciated. That scares me a lot. The sure thing is that whatever modernity brings us however easy, difficult or frustrating it is to keep up with it will eat our children.

soccer are slowly killing them since they are more given more importance when youth leaders are organizing events. Just like patintero, tumbang preso has been one of the most popular traditional games in the country. And just like the former, the latter is in severe status. Twitter, blog sites, Facebook applications are a threat to whatever you once played on the

OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF COLLEGE OF ARTS AND LETTERS

ARTS 17

Hanap
Rey Granadellos, Franco Lasay & Glairie Anne Flores

GO!!!

TE in si A

ADEL REY GRAN

LOS

TRASHURE

COED

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GROUP WORK DAW!

ANG BURGER

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EMO!

EXAM

EKSENA SA JEEP

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PHOTOS BY Xyza Therese Vibar, Camille Regala, Sara Grace Fojas, Kenneth Raeneil Frondoso