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B&G
The BLUE&GOLD
Ateneo de Naga University High School
June-October 2009
150 YEARS OF
JESUIT
EDUCATION
1 8 5 9
-
2 0 0 9
Bro. Rico
Adapon of the
Society of Jesus
talks to first
year students.
Education is the
primary ministry
of the Jesuits all
over the world.
EDITORIAL
Appreciation
(This & the cover photo
by Mr. Mike Midem of
the Office of Related
Services)
B&G
Vol. 54 No. 1 June-October, 2009
IN THIS ISSUE:
NOT TO DREAM THE DREAM 6
Since then, the fate in the annual Penafrancia Military Parade competition has become a yardstick for
Ateneo batches. Every victory or defeat is a source
of identity for a batch. A sweet victory is always a
dream to die for.
ENTER THE DRAGON 7
As mainland China gradually emerges as an
economic power, Ateneo High School, though not a
Chinese school, anticipates.
CRAZY OVER KOREAN 8
The Mexican heyday in the Filipino boobtube
primetime is over. Filipinos are now glued to
anything that smells kimchi and hanbok. Why do
Filipinos go gaga over anything Korean?
LOST IN TRANSLATION
10
The most recent Bikol formula of the Church rites
and prayers invokes the Second Vatican Council
of Pope John XXIII and the prodding of Pope John
Paul II. Still, the faithful are caught by surprise
between delight and confusion.
THE PULPIT & THE PUBLIC OFFICE 11
Despite the mandate of the separation of the Church
and the State, there is a rush of men of the cloth
seeking government posts.
THE JESUIT LEGACY 12
“For close to two centuries the Jesuit Mission in
the Philippines grew and prospered: clearing the
wasteland, building towns, evangelizing, teaching,
exploring, charting, breaking its gallant lances”.
FORGIVE US, FATHER 15
If blog hopping is the “in” thing in the cyberspace, “parish hopping” is its counterpart among
the faithful churchgoers. For various purposes,
the faithful indulge in parish-hopping and treat
themselves to meeting and listening to the men of
cloth in the pulpit
CORY 16
Cory is gone and I cry.
Pres. Cory’s death is a loss to humanity. It is a
national loss. It is a personal loss. For me and
my family, Cory has become a symbol of what we
can achieve as a people and what we can be as
individual persons.
THE MONOPLY EFFECT 18
As the retail giant Shoemart flexes its muscle in
the Bicol Region, employment smirks abruptly
while smaller businesses twitch in pain. What
cause the agony of the old-time and small-scale
players?
Editor in Chief: Johanna Malang
Associate Editor: Dwight Garvy Tan
Managing Editor: Clarice Trinidad
News Editor: Katrina Marie Valle
Features Editors: Ivy Villaverde, Jorge
Jonathan Botor
Senior Writers:
Aldrin Nico Plantado, Andrew James Ibasco,
Art Angelo Cerio, Yu Morano, Irene Grace
Francisco, John Manuel Natividad, Paul Ryan
Pornillos, Jesha Aina Noble
Junior Writers:
Princess Bermudo, Michael David Tionloc, Arvin
Jerold Nasol, Thomas Igor Ybanes, Enrico
Manuel Prado
Apprentice Writers:
Beatriz Ann Betito, Francis Dan Soltes, Trisha
Marie Rubio, Mark Joffel Anonuevo, Ian
Villaverde, Zandra Celendron, Jayvee Abecia,
Charlene de Vera, Chrisean Bonito, Ricklyn
Pano, Krysostom Antonio, Ivan Capucao,
Elward Joshua Crianza, Antonio Olaguer II,
Photographers:
John Mar Sare, Maiko Francisco Rugeria, Invin
Kenneby Lee, Gabrielle Martin Jaucian, Paolo
de las Alas
Artists:
Fernando Carlo Fernandez, Annelyn De Leoz,
Samara Cynth Zabala, Mark Anthony Valiente,
Alex Alfred Billones, John Teody Bobis, Janmer
Angelo Reforzado, Mark Irvin Enriquez, Paulen
Hilario, Jayvee Bojocan, Philip Carlo Lanuzga,
Jansen Santos
Moderator:
Mr. Meljohn Tatel
W
e are Ateneans, continually learning the
Ateneo Way. The ﬁrst day we walked through
the Four Pillars, we were but humble children; now, we have transformed into men
and women for others. While as of yet we still remain
Ateneo’s unﬁnished projects, every day contributes to
our completion – thanks to Jesuit education.
Day by day, we become aware of the value of Magis – striving for more.
Magis, of course, is not being better than others; rather, it is giving the best of
“oneself” to others and striving for “the more”, going beyond the ordinary and
mediocre. Along the process, we become more conscious of the problems of
Philippine society and do not only think about ourselves but also the greater
good of all – an ideal we share with other Jesuit-educated individuals.
Such is the influence of the Ateneo de Naga – and by extension, Jesuit
institutions. From a humble vision of Saint Ignatius of Loyola to save souls,
the Jesuit educational system now encompasses more than a thousand institutions in more than 64 countries from Albania to the United States. It has
produced alumni that have been movers and shakers of the world such as
Steve Nash, Allen Iverson, Arthur Conan Doyle, Tom Clancy and Jose Rizal.
With such rich history and values, Ateneans should count themselves lucky
to have the privilege of studying in a Jesuit school. While some do, others
simply do not appreciate the value of such education. There are those who
do not appreciate education itself and think of high school as four years of
unrestrained happiness. Having fun is not a bad thing – playing computer
games and having a relationship can even bring benefits. One does not need
to be a rocket scientist to know what is undesirable.
Perhaps tied to this is the case when many do receive Atenean education
but fail to put into heart the values that the Jesuit system teaches. It is no
question that the education the Ateneo de Naga provides is not limited to the
four corners of the classroom. In fact, it can be debated that what we gain
from our classes is not as important as what we learn outside of it.
In that sense, it remains a disappointment that many focus purely on academics or on other extracurricular activities without absorbing the character
formation that is the real goal of Jesuit institutions. Proof of this can be seen
whenever outreach activities are scheduled to be held. While a few Ateneans
are willing to devote their time to heed the call of being men and women for
others, there are some who choose to remain apathetic. Instead, they choose
to use their time in socially unproductive matters. Then there are those who
do not get the concept of Magis and what it means in their lives. We all know
that excellence is a choice, but it does not mean we’re welcome to be mediocre.
Atenean education gives us the opportunity to be excellent and be more
than what we think we are. As such, it is such a shame that many choose not
to make their mark in anything. As various opportunities present themselves
in the form of student organizations and other similar entities, many choose
to ignore them and focus instead on relatively trivial matters.
The keyword in all of this is apathy. As Ateneans, we have a culture around
us that encourages excellence in so many fields, not the least of which being
service. Thus, the answer to being a true Atenean is simple: break the apathy
and seize the day.
My Three Jesuits
by Hon. Jesse M. Robredo
High School Class ‘74
Mayor, Naga City
F
r. James O’Brien
was our Bikol
Culture teacher.
Even up to this
day, I still wonder
how and why he took on
the subject. Of course, he
knew it more than everybody else did. (He gave
grades of 99% to those
who knew the lessons by
heart.) He taught me to
know Bikol, love Bikol and
return to Bikol when the
right time comes. Never did I realize that I will be
a disciple someday. Father O’Brien (OB for those
who knew him well) who coached
the Ateneo High School Basketball
Varsity Team, conducted the tryouts for our class basketball team.
Looking back, I realize now that I
was short in talent, but I was rich in
his encouragement. Everyone was
good enough for him. Father OB’s
measure was different. Discipline
and character first!
Fr. Jack Phelan was my confessor
and counselor. He was not close to
high school students. But Fr. Jack
was the most approachable Jesuit
priest I ever met. When I returned
to Naga City, I decided to renew my
ties with him. On many occasions,
I asked him what his thoughts
were on difficult matters related to
my work as Mayor of the city. On
almost all of them, I heeded him. Fr. Jack was
always very subtle, very insightful and in no way
imposing on his views. In gratitude, there was
not anything that he asked for that we did not
grant. All of them, of course, were little things for
the Ateneans who sought his assistance in their
schooling. He deserved having a building in his
name even when he was still alive.
I met Fr. Raul J. Bonoan (Fr. Rolly to most of us) when I returned
to Naga City. I have never seen
somebody as passionate and as
committed as Father Rolly. In a
meeting with President Ramos, Fr.
Rolly, who was an active member
of the RDC, asked pointed questions which almost annoyed the
President. To everyone’s surprise,
President Ramos invited Fr. Rolly to work for him
after the meeting. It was good he refused. It would
have been Ateneo’s loss. The last time I talked to
him was when I was doing my MPA at Harvard
University. He called me up and invited me to
teach at the Ateneo. I told him I would when I get
back. Unfortunately, he passed away before I returned. Naga City benefited from Fr. Rolly’s presence. Fr. Rolly was not only a thinker but a doer.
Ateneo was never the same after he took over.
We are fortunate that during the most difficult
times for us in City Hall, Fr. Rolly was around. We
were always certain that we were doing right thing
because he was behind us. We surely miss him.
Academic year slashed to 3 terms
FOUR QUARTERS in over. Welcome three
terms.
The Ateneo de Naga received in June the
approval from the Regional Office of the Department of Education (DepEd) to divide the
school year into three grading terms.
With the school year with these terms (June
to September; September to December; January to March), the current change will avoid
long and distractive interruptions previously
affecting students performance in the four
grading periods.
The proposal was first presented to the faculty for consideration, then endorsed by the
faculty to the school President for approval,
then presented to the Naga City Superintendent, then to the Regional Director also for
approval.
Yet, like any change, this also has its downsides, one of which is that the school will not
be synchronized with the other school calendars. Another is that instead of the previous
three, students now only have two chances to
improve their grades after the first term trial
and kickoff. Also, since we now have generally more lessons, more things will be covered,
which also means more things will be studied
during tests and exams.
This policy is not experimental, not something that if successful will be kept and discarded if not. Every year this system will be
evaluated and reassessed for more improvements to be done. (John Manuel Natividad)
2 classes called
off due to H1N1
Classes of two first year sections were
called off to give way to the Department of
Health (DOH)-required ten-day quarantine
and rest period, after two freshmen turned
out infected by the prevalent Influenza AH1N1.
The self-quarantine imposed on students learning groups 1229 and 1427came
after the conducted random tests of the
DOH at the school infirmary. Students
who manifested flu-like symptoms such
as coughing, colds, drowsiness, and body
pains were ordered and rounded by the
Prefect’s personnel to the infirmary. Depending on the doctor or the nurses’ diagnosis, students are either sent back to
the classroom or brought home by the
personnel of the Administrator for Related
Services (ARS).
The widespread H1N1 scare was coupled by the seasonal flu that infected a big
number of students and teachers. Exams
were reset to accommodate students ordered to rest for a number of days. Cases
of infections to H1N1 virus were also reported in the college department in the
main campus, thus classes were called off
and block sections ordered to go on quarantine. (Beatriz Ann Betito)
Bulaong snatches
bronze in China Math tilt
HELLO, H1N1.
Students queue at the infirmary
for the routinary checkup and
swab test on those showing flulike symptoms.
Ateneo crooner, cagers champ in BACS Meet
SELECTED ATENEANS bagged top prizes
in the athletic and cultural events of the recently concluded Bicol Association of Catholic Schools (BACS) Meet in Naga City on
August 14-15, 2009.
Mark Angelo Avila, of Learning Group
3313, triumphed over other crooners from
the Bicol Region as he won the Grand Prize
for Vocal Solo – Male Category. He outshined others with his rendition of Wency
Cornejo’s “Hanggang”.
4
The BACS Meet, participated in by Catholic schools from various dioceses in the
Bicol Region, is a revival of the gathering
which included sports and cultural competitions in the 50s and the 60s. Although the
contests came much later, the annual gathering of the Catholic schools was revived
three years ago in the institution of “Dolot
ki Ina”, a regional gathering in honor of the
Lady of Penafrancia.
Meanwhile, the Ateneo girls team for basketball and volleyball both placed fourth.
The Ateneo high school basketball teams
for boys and girls are coached by Mr. Nino
Solomo of the Religion Department. PEHM
teacher, Mr. Adrian Alano, coaches the volleyball team. Mr. Ryan Alarcon, also of the
PEHM Department, trained the winner for
the vocal solo. (Meljohn R. Tatel)
The BLUE&GOLD June-October 2009
JOHN REINIER
BULAONG, a junior of Ateneo de
Naga High School
and a member of
the Mathematics
Trainer’s
Guild
Philippines (MTG),
earned two bronze
medals in the
2009 China Junior
High School Math
Olympiad
held
last August 5-9 in
Tianjin, China.
There were 31 participants coming from the
Philippines. Two of which came from Bicol Region. One was Bulaong and the other, Brian
James Masalunga, came from Naga Hope
Christian School.
The delegates went through rigorous training. Reviewers were given a few weeks before the competition. Prior to the competition,
various levels of training were held from local
MTG centers to the MOSTP (Math Olympiad
Summer Training Program) where the participants for the contest were determined.
Though they had a busy schedule, they
found time to visit some tourist destinations
in Tianjin and Beijing. They went to Culture
Street, Food Street, Tianjin Eye, Olympic Park
and, of course, the Great Wall of China. (Jesha Aina Noble & Yu Moraño)
JBEC confers leadership award to Mr. Principal
IN TIME for the
nationwide celebration of 150
years of Jesuit
Education and
the
Jesuits’
return to the
Philippines, Mr.
Gregorio
Re
Abonal,
high
school Principal,
was awarded “Sinag ng Karunungan” by the Jesuit Basic Education Commission (JBEC) in the
ceremonies held at the Ateneo de
Manila University High School on
July 13, 2009.
The “Sinag ng Karunungan”
award forms part of the Sesquicentennial Celebration to honor
Jesuits and lay partners for their
outstanding service in Jesuit Basic Education.
Mr. Abonal, who became the
high school principal in 1978,
joined other fourteen awardees
from various Jesuit educational
institutions in the country.
Mr. Abonal was the given the
trophy in a form of a lamp alluding
to the famous tale associated with
the national hero, Jose Rizal, an
Ateneo alumnus.
In his acceptance speech, Mr.
Abonal briefly summarized his
stay in the Ateneo de Naga as a
student, teacher and administrator in pointed adjectives: “active
and significant”. He further concluded that “Ateneo de Naga is
not simply a place for work, but a
way of life.”(Meljohn R. Tatel)
CHARGE OF THE LIGHT BRIGADE.
Caught in the year’s “parade” issue,
cadets of the Golden Knight Battalion
stand at attention during the Presentation
of Officers.
Ondoy victims aid offered in October Devotion kickoff
IN THE LAUNCHING of the traditional October Devotion last October 5, 2009, gathered financial aid
to the victims of Typhoon Ondoy in
Metro Manila was symbolically offered by class representatives and
members of the faculty.
According to Mr. Ireneo Quejada, Coordinator for Student
Activities and Community Program (CSACP), the appeal for
relief assistance accumulated
P106,000.25, all coming from
cash donations from the learning
groups and members of the faculty. “It is surprising that in week’s
time the Operation Ondoy of the
high school raised the surprising
amount”, he said. He added, “The
amount surpassed the collection
helping the victims of Typhoon
Frank in the Visayas last year.”
Many students and faculty
members responded to the principal’s appeal and by October 1,
2009 donations were ready to be
symbolically offered during the
customary First Friday Mass in
honor of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The mass was postponed for
another date due to cancellation of
classes in the whole region. The
local governments announced
cancellations, prompted by heavy
downpour of Typhoon Pepeng.
The collected cash donations
will be given to the university Center for Community Development
which, in turn, will transfer the financial assistance to Simbahang
Lingkod ng Bayan (SLB), an arm of
the Society of Jesus in the Philippines, which takes charge of relief
operations to victims of the recent
calamity. (Mark Joffel Anonuevo)
Intrams Opening pays tribute
to Jesuits’ 150 years
FOR “HER” AND Her. (Top) Sending few contingents
in past processions, the Ateneo finally sends the entire
school community. (Above) Arwin Villafuerte and Leiko
Hagiwara win the Mr. & Mrs. Intrams title.
THE YEAR-ROUND Intramural Games of the
Ateneo de Naga High School opened with fanfare and spectacle as learning groups looked
back to Jesuit educational tradition which started again in the Philippines in 1859.
The Intramurals Opening, centering on the
theme VINTAGE (Visions of Ignatius Nurturing the Tradition of Ateneo’s Growing Excellence) was held on August 7, 2009 at the High
School Covered Courts. For the opening rites,
the Ateneans gathered at the Covered Courts
and witnessed the paraliturgy led by Fr. Ruben
Reyes SJ, school chaplain. Following the paraliturgy, ANSGO Vice-President James Ibasco and
the Principal, Mr. Gregorio Re Abonal, gave the
students their inspirational welcome messages.
As in any Olympic ceremonial opening, relay-race grand winner Erik Gregory Pelagio of
4318 lighted the Intramurals Torch as runner-up
Roel Anthony Gardose of 4318 read the Oath
of Sportsmanship. The torch lighting officially
marked the beginning of the games.
The cheer and dance competition among
the learning groups in each year level followed
and was the highlight for the rest of the day.
A week of strenuous practices welcomed the
students after a week of exhausting mid-term
examination.(John Manuel Natividad & Nico
Plantado)
The BLUE&GOLD Jan-March 2009
Ateneans sing
Salve Regina for Ina
THE
NAGA
Metropolitan
Cathedral naves and patio
swarmed with white, blue and
yellow colors as the whole
Ateneo de Naga University
communities of the high school
and the colleges sponsored on
the September 18, 2009 the afternoon novenario mass for the
Lady of Penafrancia.
The 3:00 PM mass was celebrated by Jesuits with Fr. Jun
Embile SJ as main celebrant.
He was joined by Fr. Xavier
Olin SJ, Vocation Director of
the Society of Jesus, and Fr.
Francisco Mallari SJ.
Before the Eucharistic celebration, the congregation
prayed the eighth-day novena
to the Lady in the Bicol dialect.
It was concluded by the reverberating singing of the Salve
Regina in the old Gregorian
melody which the community
rehearsed days before the novenario mass.
Before the novena and the
mass, the college students
held a field demonstration of
the Voyadores dance. To the
exhilarating rhythm of bamboo
drums, the students danced
for praise of the Patroness of
Bicolandia.
5
COMMENTARY
FEATURE
DREAM
DREAM
NOT TO
THE
By Johanna Malang
Since then, the fate in the annual Penafrancia Military Parade competition has become a
yardstick for Ateneo batches. Every victory or defeat is a source of identity for a batch. A
sweet victory is always a dream to pursue. Now, the Golden Knight Batallion receives its
most intense blow in history: non participation in the annual competition.
I
t was a tradition, a customary pattern for the
Ateneo De Naga High School to bag the Most
Disciplined Unit and the elusive Best Marching Unit in the Bicol Region. However, we were
deprived to prove and to continue this legacy.
Upon hearing rumors that the Ateneo is not going
to join the military parade, different reactions
were heard. Some got mad. Others felt sad.
Mostly got frustrated. The CAT officers were
disappointed. Actually, we were waiting for this
moment to prove ourselves, to defend our title
and to win the Best Marching Unit.
To settle the issue, the Ateneo sponsored a
meeting for the fourth year students to inform us
the truth behind the rumors. Archbishop Leonardo Z. Legaspi, O.P., D.D. called for discernment and reflection of the secularization and
commercialization of the fiesta activities. Thus,
Father-President Joel Tabora, together with the
members of the Bicol Association of Catholic
Schools (BACS), agreed that they would not
join the military parade if the schedule is within
the nine days of novena- that is, on any of the
days after the Traslacion and before the Fluvial
Procession.
A month thereafter, the Archbishop of Caceres
and the Mayor of Naga announced that the
schedule of activities is under “free from distractions”. Ironically, the military parade was not
moved from its original schedule (September 18,
2009). They said that the military parade was a
voluntary demonstration of discipline by those
undergoing military training but they did not give
6
a clear connection between the value of devotion to
the military parade.
Honestly, I find the argument of the BACS reasonable. Indeed, the religious festivity is being ruined
by the non-religious activities like pageants, street
parties, etc. However, why were not the fourth
year students asked about their opinion over the
matter? We believe that even if they composed the
administration that lead the school and make decisions over matters, they should still take the views
of the students. Democracy should be practiced
inside the school as it is practiced in the Philippine
society. Even if we are only students, our right to
express should also be considered in the university. The hard feelings that we have are the result
of the disappointments to march from Panganiban
to Centro, to represent the school and to win the
awards for the name of the university, for the
Alumni and for the greater glory of God.
In addition to this, why only now? Why not last
year? Two years ago? Five years ago? Why did
they take these steps only this year? Yes, we believe that the 300th year of devotion to our beloved
Ina is forthcoming but there are other ways to
show our true faith to our Ina without sacrificing the
military parade. One example of which is the singing to our Lady. We agree with the singing of Salve
Regina as replacement for the participation of the
school to the military parade but we are convinced
that the best thing is to do both (sing for our lady
and join the parade) so that the devotion to Ina and
the tradition of Excellence can be done simultaneously. (continued on p.22)
Enter
By Clarice Trinidad & Ivy Villaverde 4218
the Dragon
As mainland China gradually emerges as an economic power, Ateneo High
School, though not a Chinese school, anticipates. This academic year witnesses
the maiden cruise of the China Program in the curriculum.
N
“Ni hao! Xie xie ni. Zai Jian!” These are the common words we hear from the Chinese and fellow
Chinese-Filipinos.
It is a certainty in these days that Chinese culture
greatly influences our lifestyle. Next to English,
Spanish and French, many people all over the world
now study the Chinese “putonghua”, Mandarin, for
certain reasons and purposes that will benefit them
in some other ways.
With this in mind, we can understand different situations of people more evidently. For the Ateneo
graduates to be globally competitive, the seniors
experience Chinese Program of the high school.
New to fourth year students curriculum is the Chinese Program - an elective class that will teach
them Chinese culture and especially Chinese language. The program started this year and was made
possible by Fr. Joel Tabora’s initiation of Exchange
Program between Fujian University and Ateneo de
Naga University. The first teachers to join the program are Dai Tingting (Anna) and Xu ShangDong
(Paul).
Dai Tingting finished English Literature in Mingjiang
University in Fujian province while Xu ShangDong
finished Chinese Language and Literature in Zhang
Zhou Normal University in Ningte City, Fujian Province.
The Chinese teachers arrived last June 23, 2009.
They are teaching Chinese to both college and
high school students of Ateneo de Naga University.
Mornings are spent teaching college students while
the afternoons are for the high school students. According to them, “It’s easier to teach the college students”, acoording to them.
The Chinese teachers teach students standard
Mandarin culture of China. For Chinese language,
they teach Chinese phonetic sounds and Chinese
characters. For Chinese culture, they
teach Chinese philosophy, history, literature, Chinese song
(Jasmine
Flower),
handicrafts and arts
as well as Traditional
Chinese
Festivals.
Under these topics,
the teachers are certain that lessons will
eventually introduce
students to Chinese culture and nurture consciousness and appreciation of foreign cultures.
According to them, they came here to experience
teaching Chinese language to Filipino students
while learning our own language. They also believe
that being a volunteer to teach and share about
their own land is a good experience. Xu (Paul) added that, “Chinese language is an art. I like to learn
and share it.”
For this school year, the Chinese Program will end
on March 2010. It is also expected that there will
be new batch of Chinese teachers for the following
years and hopefully all the year levels of Ateneo de
Naga High School will be given the chance to learn
from this Chinese Program.
Ateneans, in one way or another, are fortunate
enough to benefit from this
new program in the high
school curriculum. Learning
Chinese will always be fun
and fruitful as in any other
fields of learning for it bridges students to the furure - a
future where the Ateneo students, competent and highly
skilled, are globally competitive.
7
[
]
Crazy over
Korean
W
By Katrina Marie Valle
atching soap operas and drama series have
become the favorite leisure activities of the
Filipinos. Whether it is aired on unholy hours
or primetime, we find ways on how we can
satisfy our passion for these shows.
Mexican telenovelas became the fad in 1990’s with huge hits such
as “Rosalinda” and “Marimar” attracting ratings above 50 percent.
But as we all know imported dramas did not stop there. As the
new generation of youth and style flourish in the 2000s, Asian dramas, including Korean, have become the new punch in the movie
industry. Princess Hours, Coffee Prince, Save the Last Dance for
Me, Green Rose and a lot more have undoubtedly sparked the
interest of the Filipinos in importing more Korean drama series
(locally called “Koreanovelas”) here in the Philippines.
COMMENTARY
The Mexican heyday in the Filipino
boobtube primetime is over. Filipinos
are now glued to anything that smells
kimchi and hanbok. Why do Filipinos
go gaga over anything Korean?
The Vanishing Rule
By Andrew James Ibasco
fectivity, making the dramas more popular and glorified.
The oldies, should we say, the parents condone the watching of
these Koreanovelas because of their wholesome approach to the
viewers converging to the fact that the creators of the said dramas have incorporated enumerable moral and family values. In
the status quo, it is sad to note that we cannot say that it is also
true to our own telenovelas which is why Korean dramas have
seized the attention of not only the potato couch, the old and the
young professionals, the educated and the illiterate, the “expats”,
the regular students, and even the nerds.
The Korean “Boys Over Flowers” starring Lee Min-ho, Kim Hyunjoong, Kim Bum, Kim Joon and actress Koo Hye-sun became a
phenomenal success when it was aired in the Philippines on ABSCBN from May to August.
Are we the ones who should be blamed for going gaga over Asianovelas? The Philippine Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) has not shown its fangs in implementing
the rules and regulations regarding annexation of violence and
sex acts in drama and comedy series or whatever shown in the
television or movies. This is very alarming because we are slowly
killing the future of our own movie and TV industry by extreme
clamor of imported dramas.
Casual interviews and surveys reveal that most teenagers like
watching Koreanovelas because of the cute faces and unpredictable actions of Korean actors and actresses. Moreover, the rare
plot or story of the drama captures the attention of the Filipino
viewers because they can actually relate to the scenes
and events being shown. Aside from these, the exceptional setting of the places in Korea is not accustomed to the vision of the common Filipinos
which further add to the excitement and ef-
Koreanovelas focus more on the pathos of life, love and death.
They have created heart-wrenching scenes that captivate
the viewing audience. You may learn a lesson or two.
Their dialogues that are translated and dubbed in
our vernacular touch the innermost core of our
souls which inspires us in our daily lives and
gives us a longing for more. So what are you
waiting for? Grab a CD and join us, going
gaga over Korean!
Creeping globalization prompted schools to intensify the use
of English language as a medium of instruction. The Ateneo
responded by codifying its primary use in all modes of communication in the school premises. Now it faces its apparent
demise.
T
he rule is codified. Chiseled in the student handbook
is the requirement for all to communicate, all the
time, in the “lingua franca” – English, the international
language.
The English Zone Rule, codified four years ago,
requires every Atenean to speak English to anyone
in the main building except the canteen. This English zone rule aims
to hone the communication skills of every Atenean. The program,
according to the wisdom of the school elders, is for the benefit and
advantage of the students in the long run. Thus, they can even use it
in their everyday lives.
Presently, as we may observe, most Ateneans don’t follow this rule
and worse, other Ateneans don’t even know that such rule exists! And
even though they know that it exists they can’t understand the meaning and its details. Much more, following this school rule becomes
apparently impossible to be accomplished. The program is a massive
punch on an invisible foe.
Violation of the rule results to the confiscation of the student’s ID. The
student will have to go to the Principal’s office to take the Word Master
Clinic (WMC) after they have claimed their ID’s back.
Few years after the rule’s imposition, Ateneans, like mice avoiding
the pussy cat, were wise enough to avoid punishment. Chatters and
banters in English fill the air once a teacher or a school admin passes
and suddenly fades into a hodgepodge of the dialect and English. If
caught, creating the best alibi and excuses became a fad or a feat.
That was before.
The opposite of the expected result is the big picture in the current
school environment. Surprisingly, the upperclassmen, who are supposedly models of exemplary behavior, are more daring to flaunt and
bang in the air their brand of “Bikol slang”, putting deep into their sub-
8
conscious the consequences. Fortunately, there are a few students
who, out of fear of being lambasted, humiliated or ignored, revert to
the English language when communicating to teachers, especially
their English class mentors.
With Bicol and Filipino saturating the air, an action leading to reinforcement and stricter implementation should be expected soon. It is
therefore necessary that the upper years should be the model for the
newbies in the strict compliance to the English Zone Rule. Ignoring
this law will ultimately cause its death. The students will just detriment
themselves of not following this rule because they are wasting the
chance to practice. They will lose the opportunity in enhancing their
skill which is highly hopeful in their future careers.
Furthermore, modeling by mentors will be a key factor. Inconsistency
where one teacher does another suffocates the life to the English
Zone Rule. Where one teacher is caught off guard speaking Bicol,
another breeds a weak followership to the ideals of the rule. Although
generally Bicol culture abhors the elitism associated with speaking
English, consistency and singularity in purpose will find way for the
rule to inch towards success. The maxim, “When in Rome, do what
the Romans do” shall become “when in Ateneo, do what the Englishspeaking Ateneans do.”
More than the present reward-and-punishment concept behind the
rule should be optimistic view from everyone. Thus, English language
should never be equated to punishment. Rather, the rule should be
loved as it wields a promise of brighter opportunities in the future.
The English Zone Rule does not undermine nationalism. A good
command of the English language proves what very Atenean and
a Filipino can do. Following this simple rule, considering discipline,
Ateneans bear testimony to what the word “Ateneo” is popularly
known for - ELOQUENCE
9
♠
♠
Ave Maria, pano ka nin
gracia; an Kagurangnan
kaiba mo. Paladan ka sa
mga kababaehan asin paladan si Jesus, an bunga
kan saimong sinapupunan.
Santa Maria, Ina kan
Diyos, ipamibi mo kaming
makasalan, ngonian sagkod sa paghinagdan niamo.
Amen.
TRANSLATIO
N
♠
A
LOST IN
♠
ma niamo,
na yaon
sa langit:
pabanalon
an ngaran
mo; magdatong an
kahadean
mo; mangyari an boot mo
sa daga nin siring sa langit. An samong kakanon sa
aroaldaw itao mo samuya
ngonian, asin patawadon mo kami kan samong
mga kasalan, siring na
pinapatawad niamo an mga
nagkakasala samuya; asin
hare kami pagdaraha sa
sugot; kundi agawa kami
sa maraot. Amen.
COMMENTARY
By Mr. Mario Francis Embestro (HS Faculty) & Maiko Francisco Rugeria
The most recent Bicol translation of the Order of the Mass
attracted various reactions. The faithful are caught by surprise
between delight and confusion. Why was there a change?
O
ne who is used to hearing mass in English will probably be lost in the new Bicol
version. A couple of years ago, the Archdiocese started using the new translation in Bicol of the Missale Romanum, commonly known as the Order of the
Mass in the Roman Rite.
It was in the Jubilee Year when the Vatican decided to give a new direction to the rubrics
of the rites of worship which has undergone numerous revisions in Church history. Pope
John Paul II initiated the Editio Typica Tertia or “third typical edition” of the Order of the
Mass. It was only in 2002 when it was made available. The current Bicol mass follows this
version.
Masses in the vernacular trace back to the “updating” or aggiornamento of the Second
Vatican Council which finally allowed rites to be translated to the local mother tongue of the
faithful. Thus, the old Bicol mass before 2008 were translations of the 1970 and 1975 versions promulgated by Pope Paul VI.
The local Church in Bicol responded by translating the 2002 Missale Romanum - Editio
Typica Tertia. As part of the process, the Archdiocese of Caceres and the other Suffragan
Dioceses (Daet, Libmanan, Virac, Legaspi, Sorsogon and Masbate) decided to translate the
new Latin text of the mass to standard Bicol, with committees participated in by clergy-representatives from each diocese. The Commission of Liturgy of the Archdiocese of Caceres
actively participated with Fr. Peter Beriña as head. Msgr. Rodel Cajot, Fr. William Parde and
Fr. Rex Alarcon were a few members of the committee.
The according to Fr. Rodel Cajot, they divided the text to be translated among groups
and slated dates for plenary discussions. In the discussions, the bishops and the clergies
decided on acceptable Bicol words that were understood by all. One of the criteria is that
the Bicol translation should be acceptable to all suffragan dioceses; Second, that the Bicol
translation should be direct from the Latin text. This meant that even though it was already
in Bicol, the essence and the meaning of the original text is present.
When asked why mass in English seem untouched, Fr. Cajot said “the translation to English attracted massive debates and battles. As for the translation of the Latin text to English,
it will probably take time, with various language issues to consider.”
Pulpit
The
Public Office
By Katrina Marie Valle
P
araguayan Bishop Fernando Lugo as President in South America and Reverend Fr. Eddie Panlilio, a Filipino Roman Catholic Priest and Governor of the
province of Pampanga are concrete examples of religious people who have
embraced the world of politics that raised a few eyebrows. The opinions of
their political opponents were twisted and varied, yet they have proven to
their constituents that they are worthy of being elected in spite of being busy
with their pastoral work.
The stark contrast and contradiction is within the Philippine history itself. While the legacy
of the Americans to the Filipinos sharply draws the line between the Church and State, the
Spanish colonial rule allowed the clergy and members of the Church hierarcy to take over
government posts in the absence of a secular administrator.
Perhaps, the classic example is the Renaissance Italian Dominican priest Fra Girolamo
Savonarola who established the Florentine Republic and headed its secular government
for sometime until the Medicis took over.
To enlighten us further on this issue, I asked somebody whom we all know is already an
authority in the field of politics. Mayor Jesse Robredo of Naga City being multi-awarded
public servant on good governance gave one of the best answers regarding this matter.
According to him, “It is not a question of what is right. Rather, it is a question of when it
is right”. He further expounded that religion is not a mere ritual. It is “a state of life which
means that the stable and beautiful life of the citizens of a country is a visible expression
of religion”.
Moreover, “the main goal of the religious is to preserve the essence of religion, the practice of devotion of its church”. The million dollar question is how one can do it when there
is loss of peace and order and there is rampant violation of human rights. Holding a political position is the last and best option left for the religious to alleviate the sufferings of its
Church. So who are we to judge if they or they should not hold government posts?
IN THE KNOW
In a separate interview, Fr. Peter Beriña, now Rector of the Archdiocese’s Minor Seminary,
further highlighted the Vatican guidelines in translating the 2002 Latin text to vernacular. He
pointed out, “the original text, insofar as possible, must be translated integrally and in the
most exact manner, without omissions or additions in terms of their content.” This, according to him, is the guideline from the Vatican’s Liturgiam Authenticam issued in 2001 to guide
translators.
With other rites still remaining to be translated, the bishops of Bicol finally approved and
promulgated in 2008 the “Pasunod-sunod sa Misa”. Fr. Beriña said that the local Church in
Bicol was not in a rush to complete the task. The committee wanted a thorough and wellstudied and deliberated translation for the Bicolano faithful. These changes only prove that
the Catholic Church is alive and continually updating.
10
a nd the
Despite the mandate
of the separation of the
Church and the State,
there is a rush of men
of the cloth seeking
government posts. The
international, national and
the local political scenes
are peppered with holy
public servants of the
cloth. Is there anything
wrong in a priest’s desire
for public service?
Dominican priest Girolamo
Savonarola established a
republic in Florence, Italy at
the height of the Renaissance
Period and started moral
reforms which suppressed the
excesses of the Florentines.
Fr. Ruben Reyes SJ, chaplain of the Ateneo de
Naga high school, stressed the point further that
“there is nothing wrong for the religious to join the
political arena especially when it is highly needed.
As long as they do not forget their main purpose of
why they are there in the first place- God is always
the priority”.
In the perspective of the society the religious are
elected because the country is at its worst state.
They do not know whom to trust and they strongly
believed that those who are closest to God can
give the change that they need in order to survive
and move on.
Hail to God, hail to good government!
11
esuit
J Legacy
The
COVER STORY
bY By Dwight Garvy Tan 4318
“For close to two centuries the Jesuit Mission in the
Philippines grew and prospered: clearing the wasteland,
building towns, evangelizing, teaching, exploring,
charting, breaking its gallant lances in charge upon
charge against the imported idols of Asia, transforming
itself into a channel through which passed, clear and
vibrant, into these Islands of the furthest East, the
culture of Rome and the faith of the Martyrs.” -Fr.
Horacio dela Costa, SJ.
SEAL OF CONFESSION.
The Ateneo de Naga’s old
Assembly Hall stood witness to
student life and Catholic formation
of the youth in Bicol.
I
f one asks Filipinos what the best
educational system in the Philippines is, he may expect different
answers; after all, opinions do vary.
But more often than not, one would
stand head and shoulders above the
rest, occupying the hearts and minds of the
common Filipino: Ateneo.
In the 150 years since its return to Philippine soil, the Jesuit educational system has
managed to be one of (if not the) standards
of high-quality education and holistic formation. Indeed, 2009 does not only mark the
sesquicentennial celebration of the Ateneos,
it also celebrates a tradition of excellence
and spirituality that has influenced and even
enamored Philippine society, including its
movers and shakers who have changed the
course of contemporary history.
EARLY HISTORY
It is worth noting that 1859 does not mark
the beginning of Jesuit presence in the Philip-
pines, but merely its return after a long period
of exile. Indeed, the Jesuits first set foot on
the Pearl of the Orient as far back as 1581,
with a delegation of three (originally four
before the death of one on the voyage to Manila) led by Fr. Antonio Sedeño. In time, other
Jesuits arrived, and eventually the first Jesuit
school in the Philippines was established in
1593 at Tibauan, Panay by Fr. Pedro Chirino.
In 1595, the College of Manila was formally
opened by Fr. Sedeño in the Jesuit compound in Intramuros, on Calle Real, although
it had already been operating five years earlier. The Colegio de Manila was also known as
the Colegio de San Ignacio. Even though it
was not a university in the strict sense, it was
still authorized to confer university degrees in
theology and arts by virtue of privileges that
Pope Gregory XV had conferred on all Jesuit
colleges. Here, the first Sodality of Our Lady
– the forerunner of today’s Christian Life
Communities – was established.
For close to two centuries, the Jesuit mis-
The Society of Jesus in the Philippines
1581
First Jesuits, headed by Fr. Antonio
Sedeno SJ arrived in the Philippines.
1593
Fr. Pedro Chrino SJ founded
the first mission station in the
Visayas, at Tibauan, Panay.
sion flourished, transforming the Philippine
landscape both physically and culturally.
However, by the mid-18th century, Catholic
colonial powers, notably France, Portugal,
and Spain, had grown hostile to the Society of Jesus because the Jesuits actively
educated and empowered colonized people
(the Society was particularly notorious for
encouraging indigenous people to seek selfgovernance). Because of this, the colonial
1595
The Colegio de Manila, also
known as Colegio de San
Ignacio, was formally opened.
1773
Pope Clement XIV
suppressed the Jesuits in
his Dominus ac Redemptor.
RIZAL’S PLAYGROUND. The old Ateneo
Municipal in walled Intramuros with the belfry
of the San Ignacio Church in the background.
powers eventually expelled the Society, often
quite brutally, from their realms. Only in Russia under Empress Catherine did the Society
survive this suppression.
In 1768, the Jesuits surrendered the San
Ignacio to Spanish civil authorities following
their suppression and expulsion from Spain
and the rest of the Spanish realm, including
the Philippines. Under pressure from Catholic
royalty, Pope Clement XIV formally declared
the dissolution of the Society of Jesus in
1773. Pope Pius VII reinstated the Society
in 1814, after almost seven decades of
persecution and over four decades of formal
suppression. However, the Jesuits would not
return to the Philippines until 1859, almost a
century after their expulsion.
RESTORATION
Ninety years after the Jesuits were driven
out of the Philippines, ten Jesuits led by Fr.
Jose Fernandez Cuevas sailed into Manila
harbor on the night of June 13 1859. Within
six months of this significant event, the Escuela Municipal, a public elementary school,
was turned over to the Jesuits. In 1865, the
high school and college departments were
established, and the institution was renamed
Ateneo de Municipal. Around the time that
the sovereignty of the Philippines was transferred to the United States
from Spain, the name of
the school was changed
to Ateneo de Manila. It
received university status
in 1959 under Fr. Francisco Araneta. Since then,
the institution has moved
on to be one of the premier
universities in the country.
Of course, from the
seeds began by the Jesuits with Ateneo de Manila rose all the other
Jesuit institutions that bring the essence of
excellence to various parts of the nation. First
among such was the Ateneo de Zamboanga
in 1912, followed by Ateneo de Cagayan in
1933. This was then followed by our own
school, the Ateneo de Naga, established
1940, and Ateneo de Davao, founded 1948.
Last among the Jesuit universities is the
Loyola College of Culion, which was founded
in 1948.
Meanwhile, the Society of Jesus has also
taken under its wings a few schools with
Chinese roots. These include Sacred Heart
School – Jesuit in Cebu, Xavier School in
San Juan, and Sta. Maria Catholic School in
Iloilo, recently reinvented as the Ateneo de Iloilo.
Indeed, the Jesuit institutions scattered all
over the Philippine Islands have educated,
influenced and inspired
thousands if not millions
of Filipinos throughout
their years of existence.
CHANGES
Of course, as 150
years went by, the
context rapidly changes,
and the Jesuit system
proved to be dynamic
in keeping up with it.
Fr. Ben Reyes suggests that one of the most
significant changes in Jesuit education in
the Philippines was collaboration with the lay
people. He explains that as the number of Jesuit manpower gradually decreased, more lay
educators were called to assist in the facilities
of the Jesuit institutions.
Another important change is the gradual
transformation of Jesuit schools from genderexclusive to coeducational. Such is very recent and is not actually true to all institutions;
for instance, Ateneo de Manila High School
17 May 1768
Jesuits in the
Philippines were
expelled.
LEGACY
In spite (or because) of the impact of Jesuit
education in many areas of the Philippines,
one may wonder how valuable it has been
in society throughout contemporary history.
Thus, a fundamental question: what is the
legacy of the Jesuits in the Philippines?
Much can be said about the impact of Jesuit institutions in the educational methodology not only here but even worldwide, and part
of it can be directly traced to the Society’s
founder, Ignatius of Loyola. Many concepts
in cognitive psychology, such as the Multiple
Intelligences Theory, have been explored
by the first Superior General of the Order,
though under different terms and under different circumstances. The Ignatian Pedagogical
Paradigm, used by the Jesuits as a method
for education, has influenced many other
teaching styles, to the point where it now exists in other forms as public property.
Perhaps the greatest influence of the
13 June 1859
27 Feb 1767
King Charles III
banished Jesuits from
Spain and the Spanish
dominions.
and Xavier School (at least in its San Juan
campus) remain exclusive to male students.
Ateneo de Naga itself only began being
coeducational in the school year 2003-2004.
All these changes have contributed to the
development of the Jesuit educational system
as well as the cultivation of its influence in the
nation.
After 90 years of absence, 10
Jesuits led by Fr. Jose Cuevas
SJ returned to the Philippines.
1814
Pope Pius VII
restored the
Society of Jesus.
13 Dec 1859
Jesuits took charge of
Escuela Municipal which was
renamed Ateneo Municipal.
1865
MARY, FOR YOU.
The Sodality of Our Lady (now
Christian Life Community) and the
October Devotion are part of the
Jeuits’ legacy.
Jesuits
opened
a normal
school for
men in
Manila.
Forgive Us, Father.
1912
Jesuits opened
Ateneo de
Zamboanga.
By Enrico Manuel Prado & Thomas Igor Ybanez
Art by Philip Carlo Lanuzga
If blog hopping is the “in” thing in the cyberspace,
“parish hopping” is its counterpart among the
faithful churchgoers. For various purposes, the
faithful indulge in parish hopping and treat themselves to meeting and listening to the men of the
cloth in the pulpit. Here are the different types of
priests:
1933
Ateneo de Cagayan
was founded by Fr.
James Hayes SJ. In
1958 it was renamed
Xavier University.
1940
Jesuits founded
Ateneo de Naga
from the invitation
of Bp. Pedro
Santos. Fr. Francis
Burns SJ was the
Rector.
1947
Ateneo
de San
Pablo was
established
but was
closed in
1978.
1945
Atheneum de
Tuguegarao was
transfered to the
Jesuits. It was
renamed Ateneo
de Tuguegarao.
It closed in 1962.
1948
St. Peter Parochial
School becomes
Ateneo de Davao with
Fr. Theodore Gaigler
SJ as rector and
founder.
Jesuits founded
Loyola College of
Culion in the Palwan
leper colony
1954, 56, 58
The Philippine
Province of
the Society of
Jesus took over
administration of
schools (Sacred
Heart SchoolCebu, Xavier
School, Ateneo de
Iloilo) founded by
Jesuits expelled
from Maoist
China.
14
Jesuits in the Philippines is the presence of
their institution itself. According to Father Ben
Reyes, S.J, the Jesuit educationational institutions were intended as apostolates, doing
the work of and for the Church. Furthermore,
they came about as a “means to evangelize
people”. In this line of thinking, the Jesuit institutions go hand-in-hand with the Church in
giving people moral and spiritual guidance in
accordance with Roman Catholic principles.
Nowhere is this more apparent than in the
characteristics of Jesuit education itself, as presented in a
document by the late Father
General Peter Hans Kolvenbach, S.J. In the said piece,
he enumerated as many as
28 qualities that altogether
make Jesuit education unique;
among others, the statements
“Jesuit education seeks to
form men and women for others” and “Jesuit education witnesses to excellence.” Such
have not only truly become
mantras in Jesuit institutions everywhere but
have also been manifested to boot. Through
the various outreach programs and other
activities of service led by the many Jesuit
schools, service is taught and exemplified
to students who will ultimately cherish such
value as part of their character. Excellence,
meanwhile, can be seen not only through the
amount of awards won by Jesuit students,
but also through the mantra “MAGIS”, meaning “more”, as it inspires countless men and
women to go beyond what is required en
route to achieving more than what is deemed
impressive.
Perhaps it is because of this commitment to values that the Jesuit system has
produced many notable men and women.
Among them are Raul Roco, Jesse Robredo,
Chris Tiu, Ninoy Aquino, Gregorio del Pilar,
and Lea Salonga. Special mention of course
goes to our national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal who
was a proud Atenean. Rizal held a fond place
in his heart for Jesuits, as he felt that they did
not discriminate against the indios of his time.
In fact, even on the way to his execution,
members of the Society of Jesus accompanied him.
TOWARDS THE NEXT 150 YEARS
As we celebrate the sesquicentennial
celebration of Jesuit education since the
suppression, what can we, our children and
grandchildren expect from the
Jesuit institutions in the next
150 years?
Fr. Ben Reyes speaks of two
important roles that the Order
will and must assume. First is
a “frontier” of the Church. In
fact, the Pope himself has said
that the Jesuits are very much
needed in the Church, for they
serve as frontiers. It is up to the
members of the Society to go
wherever the Church as a whole
cannot. Thus, the Jesuits serve
to evangelize those who have
not yet been aware of the concepts of Christianity, particularly of the Roman Catholic
denomination.
Second is to renew and invigorate the
sense of mission within the Christian community – thus, the use of fire as an icon by the
Order. In the same way that fire is kindled,
so is the passion to recognize the mission of
evangelization and service to and for others.
For 150 years now, Jesuit education has
been a significant presence in the scope of
Philippine society. As such, it has influenced
countless people; in so doing, it just may
have changed the course of contemporary history. Only time will tell if it would be
capable of doing the same in the next 150
years, as it not only celebrates excellence but
exemplifies it; not only deepens spirituality
but redefines it; and not only builds the nation
but changes it.
DEMENTOR – the enemy of Harry Potter who sucks joy, energy
and life out of the people. This is the type of priest with no life and
energy in giving the homily. He’s a typical Padre Salvi of Noli Me
Tangere. When he starts to speak, people are rocked to sleep. Solution: drink vitamins or Sustagen to avoid the drowning voice.
VIDEOKE KING – the parish priest who can’t stop singing during
the mass. As a result the mass grows longer because he feels that
people love his voice. Maybe he loves singing or maybe he failed
to prepare his homily, so singing serves an alibi or stimulant.
STAR-STRUCK – a person whom the good Lord bestowed good
looks and talent. He has a lot of fans: girls and the youth. And of
course, boys too! Ay! Proof: he has countless friends in Friendster
and Facebook. Problem: he usually forgets his status and usually
follows the trend of the youth. He has forgotten his vow of poverty.
Uber japorms and pa-cute.
DRIFTER – a priest who is very good in speaking which causes
you to think, “Why is the homily not about the Gospel?” Father is
off-target. Distance is from Aparri to Jolo.
CHARISMATIC – he has too much impact. It’s as if he is filled
with the Holy Spirit. He is full of energy during the mass. He claps,
dances and screams at the microphone that one would think he’s
talking to deaf ears.
EL PROFESOR – his homily is like a lecture with his own beliefs.
He thinks that people who are hearing mass are seminarians who
need to learn from the lecture. As a result, the mass becomes longer. “May Bukas Pa” pads for the continuation of the lecture.
SPEAKING IN TONGUES – you can’t understand a word this
priest says. His tongue rolls when he gives sermons You’ll think
that he’s always hungry because he eats his own words. Included
here are priests who come from India.
ROAD RUNNER – Do you remember Road Runner from Looney Toons? He’s the really fast runner… beep… beep. This type
of priest makes you think there’s an emergency with his speed in
delivering his homily. You’ve just started absorbing his homily when
in few blinks, “Ay, tapos na?”
PONG PAGONG – he’s the parish counterpart of the Batibot character. He’s really, really huge but has a tiny voice and he speaks so
slow. This priest savors savors every single word… or letter.
DONATELLO – this type of priest is very active on the projects
of the parish. He has many special projects and special agendas.
Ehem, he is fond of second collections.
METROSEXUAL – a priest who is very conscious about his
looks and overall impact to the people. You wouldn’t know who he
really is…
BRO – a priest who has good or exact taste just like Coke. He
quenches your soul and draws your conscience because he lives
up to his vocation. Problem: he belongs to the endangered species.
The dream is there will be a halt to parish-hopping. So that there
will be life inside the parishes, priests should on seminars for effective speaking and personality. Workshops should also be given
by concerned institutions to teach not only how to make parish
newsletters and websites but also in making effective homilies and
personality development. (Adapted from Fr. Antonio de Castro’s blog article “Iba’t Ibang Klase ng mga Pari”)
15
Cory
By Mrs. Maria Liwayway de los Trino (Faculty)
Cory is gone and I cry.
Pres. Cory’s death is a loss to humanity. It is a
national loss. It is a personal loss. For me and my
family, Cory has become a symbol of what we
can achieve as a people and what we can be as
individual persons. With any mention of Cory’s
name, and now, her death, memories of the past
flood in….
When the Snap Elections was announced
and Vernon volunteered for NAMFREL, I did
not hesitate to support him. He was named
NAMFREL Chairman of Naga. Organizing
NAMFREL Naga and the OQC was his first
task. He asked me if I would also volunteer.
This time, I hesitated and then said, “Not officially. I will help you organize. I will be your
secretary, I will organize and design Naga
OQC so we get the results to La Salle fast,
but I do not want my name listed in any NAMFREL paper. One of us listed and be wanted
by the Marcos government is enough. One of
us must remain with Tanya.
So it was. Nights found Vernon in meetings. I was left alone with Tanya. It was at
these times when I felt most afraid. I imagine
soldiers lurking near our house. I surrounded
my child with pillows so that bullets would not
hit her if ever we were fired at. The whole
house was quiet, but I could not be still. I
found myself torn apart. I wanted so much
to volunteer and openly work for NAMFREL
but I was so afraid. I became very angry. I felt
oppressed for feeling afraid. Why should I be
afraid to do what was right and good? Any
government that makes one afraid of doing
good and of doing right is not for the people,
of the people and by the people and should
be removed. I decided then that I would sign
up for NAMFREL.
It was proposed that only Cory could unify
the opposition. Only Cory could unify the
people. Only Cory could run against Marcos
and win. At first she could not be convinced.
“A Million Signatures for Cory” was started.
More than a million were gathered. “Piso piso
for Cory” was started all over the country.
Jars and mite cans were placed in stores and
strategic places where rich and poor go to.
They were carried by people, old and young.
Jars and cans were immediately filled and replaced with empty ones. Even small children,
beggars, “tambays” dropped more than a
peso into these jars and cans.
I was putting on my eyeliner when I heard
Cory accept the people’s call and declared
her candidacy against Marcos. I thought I
pierced my eyes. That was the first time I
cried because of Cory. The first time I cried
for an Aquino was when Ninoy was shot.
The diminishing tattered and faded yellow
16
ribbons tied on trees for
Ninoy’s homecoming and
then burial were suddenly
covered and outnumbered
by new yellow ribbons,
this time for Cory’s fight,
for the people’s fight! The
Laban sign and the yellow
ribbon were the identification marks.
NAMFREL was non
partisan. We wore white.
It was difficult to be nonpartisan and pure. But we
had to be—to be credible.
But I think, even before
the votes were in, the people have already
decided.
When I became an official NAMFREL
volunteer, I was designated as secretary of
the City NAMFREL, and Chairperson of the
City OQC. With the help of the local parishes
and other non-government organizations like
the Jaycees, Vernon was able to set up an
efficient communication system by radio.
The churches in far barrios became
NAMFREL and OQC centers. Ateneo was
the central headquarters of NAMFREL Naga.
Funds came in from the Society of Jesus and
a radio communication system was set up in
the old Jesuit residence. The Jesuit House
was the command post and was called
the Dog House, the two cars, the red and
the blue which we used to take us around
became the red dog and the blue dog. The
Gym was where the OQC was held. Our
volunteers were mostly faculty and students
of Ateneo, Colegio de Sta. Isabel, Naga Parochial School, University of Nueva Caceres.
Fr. Jack Phelan was our poll watcher in
Carolina. That was a black listed area and we
thought the presence of Fr. Jack will hinder
cheating and ballot snatching. For the record,
Fr. Jack brought to the gym the first tallies
from a voting center.
Our strategy was to bring to the people the
correct tallies as fast as possible. Our high
school student-volunteers, mostly Ateneans,
were organized as a bicycle brigade. They
rush the precinct tallies to the gym. Our
official radio station was DZGE. While the
other radio stations were reporting Marcos as
leading in all tallies, DZGE was reporting the
opposite.
It was mind boggling. Reading the correct
poll tallies with Cory leading, which I held in
my hand, while at the same time hearing that
Marcos was leading being announced in the
radio stations except DZGE.
During the last days of the City canvas,
Tanya stayed in the house of relatives. Vernon was with the other NAMFREL volunteers
watching the count at City Hall. My secretary
and I manned the OQC center which has
been transferred to Vernon’s office at the Administration building of Ateneo de Naga, more
popularly known as the wooden building.
Finally, the City canvassing of votes was
over. Cory won by land slide over Marcos in
the City canvass. After ten days, NAMFREL
operations closed shop. After ten days of eating only “ensaymada,” we were able to feast
on fried rice and fried chicken. We were able
to take a long, luxurious bath. For the first
time in ten days, we were able to go home
and sleep soundly on our own beds. Vernon
with the older male NAMFREL volunteers
were celebrating. Mission accomplished.
But early morning the following day, I
was abruptly roused from my deep sleep
with Vernon shaking my shoulders. He was
telling me to hurry to the Capitol. He has
not yet gone to sleep since voting started.
Sen. Edmundo Cea had called the people to
go to the Provincial Capitol in Pili to protect
the ballot boxes which have been stacked
in one of the CRs in the Capitol building.
The Provincial Canvass had not started and
had been delayed for more than a week for
numerous reasons, one of which was that the
Provincial Comelec registrar was celebrating
his birthday! It was noticed though that that
night, armed soldiers were deployed around
the capitol grounds and some were going to
the direction where the ballot boxes, creeping from behind the building, covered by the
darkness of night and the long and heavy
growth of talahib grass.
In a matter of minutes, hundreds of people
responded to Sen. Cea’s call. In a matter
of hours the people who went to the Capitol
have multiplied to thousands. The crowd
looked more like what I imagined the French
revolutionaries looked—armed with rakes,
shovels, sticks etc. That was the start of the
People Power. People power did not start at
EDSA. It started at Pili, Camarines Sur.
People did not bring food, but food was
everywhere. There were jeeploads of the
undying ensaymada. Coffee was overflowing,
but coffee cups were always running out. The
grounds were uneven and it was difficult for
the little boys who volunteered to gather the
used cups so they may be washed and used
again to run as fast as they could. A man who
had no legs and who was on a wheel chair
volunteered to take the boys around. They
went around collecting cups shouting “ Tasa,
tasa, tasa!”
In the morning, our student volunteers
noticed that while we and the people had
food and coffee, the soldiers had nothing.
They asked if it was alright to share our food
with them. I was amazed at their generosity. I
told them to go ahead. I also told them that if
worse comes to worst and the soldiers were
ordered to shoot us, it would be very difficult
for them to shoot at hose who have given
them food.
Then the computer people walked out
at the National Canvas. We knew Marcos’
end was close at hand. We were crying and
cheering. The soldiers were too! We knew
then that the soldiers were on the people’s
side.
There are still so many things to remember. I remember our high school students
who were being threatened and stoned when
they were posting the results of our canvass
with Cory leading in the polls. I remember
their parents going out to protect their sons
instead of asking them to stay home and be
safe. Those boys who posted the election
returns on the canvassing board at Plaza
Quezon, we called the Hagahag Boys. They
later formed the ADN college organization of
student mountaineers.
I remember the parents of our students
coming to the gym watching over us at
the OQC when they heard that there were
Loyalists (Marcos followers) inside the gym. I
remember the anonymous donors of ensaymada, coffee, bihon. The hundreds of people
who dropped coins inside the Fita biscuit can
held by Tanya, asking for donations so the
NAMFREL volunteers will be able to eat rice
instead of bread!
I remember a people becoming great
because the demand was great, a people
rising way beyond what they ordinarily were.
I remember one woman, a plain housewife,
untutored in public life, answered the people
call and led us on our fight for Truth, Justice,
Freedom and Democracy.
Now I weep. I weep not so much for her as
for us all and our country. Cory has showed
us what we can be. We can be that again. I
pray that we be that again.
SIMPLE LIFE
C
By Beatriz Ann L. Betito
an you live in a small house with no electricity, computers and mobile phones? Well, maybe for some us Ateneans we can’t survive
for even for a day without the usual perks. We end up scratching
our heads when computers, MP3 players, PSPs are not around the
corner. Worse, we cannot do our homeworks and projects without
these gadgets. But as you know, children in Cabusao can. They
hardly attend their classes because its maybe too far or they don’t
have their things to use in school. Poverty lingered in our mind when we first stepped
on the soil of Cabusao, Camarines Sur. But after our immersion I realized that the right
word to describe a life in the far-flung municipality like Cabusao is not “poverty” but
“simplicity”.
Last July 18, 2009, we went to a 5th-class municipality near Libmanan named Cabusao. It is a picture of poverty. The children are malnourished. We went to the Gawad
Kalinga site where 82 families live. They are somehow shy but very hospitable. They
welcomed us like we were one of them. The houses are not spacious but are well-built.
A lot of people living there are kind-hearted. Our task was to go to a maximum of three
houses and interview the families who live there. We asked about income and how
they survive in a day. Some of us interviewed families that were hospitable and accommodating but some families were reluctant or adamant to be asked. Every group
finished the activity with fun and laughter. The teacher companions were very helpful
to us, volunteers.
The immersion was called “Hu-om” (immerse and soak) because the activity allowed
us to blend with families and acquire the things they know and do the things they do.
We experienced even to drive the “padyak” or “pedicab”. The driver was a familyman
from the GK site. He was very friendly that he even lent us his sidecar. My friend Rojan
drove the sidecar. We enjoyed that experience. Then the driver brought us to the port
and we saw the beauty of the sea and the islands next to Cabusao. We were truly
blessed with so much natural resources. After a while we went back to the site for a
little sharing of what we learned about the life in Cabusao compared to the life of we
are used to in the noisy city.
Simplicity is the right word to describe Cabusao, people live with simple joys and
wishes. A regular meal for a day is heaven for them. A Php30 income in a day could
make them smile. They don’t wish for more. They are contented with what they have in
Cabusao. Maybe, they don’t even have money but they assure us that they won’t forget to smile even just for once. I am proud to have this experience, that I will bring until
my time on earth has ended. I am happy for all the blessings I have. We Ateneans are
very lucky for we have a bright future in our hands. Simple life and simple joys signify
a lot to the people in Cabusao. Simplicity is the name, that all people want to play their
simple game. Be thankful for God’s blessings for we are truly blessed.
Immersion
EFFECT
A
COMMENTARY
THE MONOPOLY
By Cherilyn Sta Ana, Princess Bermudo
& Michael David Tionloc
Art and Photos by Irvin Kenneby Lee
As the retail giant
Shoemart flexes its
muscle in the Bicol
Region, employment
smirks abruptly while
smaller businesses
twitch in pain. What
cause the agony of the
old-time and smallscale players?
re you one of the many people
who spend weekends strolling
in SM City Naga? Maybe you
have noticed how crowded
and busy place it is. People
began to “go crazy” about this
shopping mall when it opened last May this
year. Truly, this has become one of the newest attractions in Camarines Sur and even
in the entire Bicol region, being situated in
the transportation hub to various parts of the
region.
On the other hand, since its opening, it has
greatly affected sectors and primarily the
operating conditions of other business players in the city.
For the first three months since SM
opened, the greatest impacts of it were felt,
most especially by smaller malls and hangout places. Although not totally diminished,
overran nor annihilated, businesses preceding SM still continue to operate but not thrive.
The effects of it to other businesses in Naga
City is also noticeable to the public, and is
also a controversy that many people keep on
talking about, even before its opening.
When SM Naga opened, other businesses
in Naga City experienced drastic pressures
and changes. Malls that were popular and
jam-packed with people before SM came
were somewhat deserted by people. The
Liberty Commercial Complex (LCC) which
used to dominate the local mall culture is an
example. Plummeting number of mall-goers
forced LCC to reinvent and branch out.
While revenue of other small players in dry
goods, grocery, services and food business
take a plunge, owners innovate by attracting
Baby, you
can drive
my CAB
Most of the smaller stores particularly in
plaza did not seem to experience a change in
their source of revenue. They even said that
they are proud of having an SM branch in the
city. The advent of SM malling culture proves
that indeed the city is becoming a hotbed for
commerce.
Contrary to exaggerated forecasts before
groundbreaking in the Central Business
District II, SM welcomed home-grown businesses as tenants. The purpose of which is
to avoid extinguishing local competitors.
Having SM in the scene is harboring
massive tranformations sooner or later. One
thing is sure - SM City Naga is now part of
reality the city faces. SM is not fully held
accountable for other’s weakening business. Besides, this is also a challenge for
other businesses to find ways to overcome
this trial for them. With the spirit of free trade
and capitalism alive in the city, “reinvention”
should be the buzz word to catch up.
Tents are erected in Plaza Rizal weeks before the Peñafrancia festival started. The howler of the merchants served as
the greetings for the visitors. The stalls showcase different kinds of stuff like clothes, pirated DVDs, bags, shoes
and other accessories. These products are the latest and
yet they’re cheap - the very reasons why many people visit
the Plaza just to buy them.
By Antonio E. Olaguer II
Naga City - Taxi has arrived to serve and drive
us throughout the Bicol Region. Yes folks, you
heard it right, here comes our super “tsupers.”
With the availability of taxis in Naga, our way
of transportation has taken one step up to
easy access. Why? It’s because from now on,
we are able to travel throughout the Bicol region with only riding one taxi. It will cost you a
lot but hey, think of all the benefits - you won’t
ride twice anymore, you can get the whole
couch of the taxi all for yourself or even get
the chance to sit beside a “pleasing” person.
Most importantly, these taxis will be a great
help to our community, though it seems awkward for Bicolanos to ride a taxi, time will pass
and we will get used to it.
People were all wondering back then, “Bicol
is a very popular region but why don’t we
have taxi like the ones in other Manila?” Yes,
even I thought of taxi’s roaming around our
place, picking up passengers who are complete strangers. Considering that we are often visited by foreigners and tourists, it would
be awkward for them if they don’t see taxis
to ride on because it is common for them to
see public taxis and some that doesn’t want
to ride three-wheeled vehicles that offer limited space because of overloading. But now,
that we have this new transportation vehicle,
travelers would be more satisfied to explore
our wonderful world.
The young got excited when they first saw
taxis here in Naga. As for the elders some
would deny that they want to ride a taxi, but
deep inside they are jumping with joy when
they get to try it for first time.
In sometime in the future we will find the importance of taxi in our region for it has revolutionized the way of transportation on other
places.
18
PLAZA
EYESORE
By Paul Ryan Pornillos
Art by Raphael Ian Bongat
patrons back to their fold. These include constant promos and discounts to tip the scale.
Some businesses, seeing the SM stint as a
short-lived blow, have improved and are continuing to work on recovering. Loyal clienteles
have recently returned to their fold seeing the
astronomical tag prices in the retail giant. For
the loyal patrons, SM’s advantage is convenience and home-grown mall sophistication.
Thus, the filthy public market still hoard a
bigger number of buyers. Store owners say
that people still buy from them. Sometimes
people buy from them after having gone to
SM. They say that people are also being
thrifty especially nowadays that we are experiencing a global financial crisis. Some street
food stalls owners say that their sales even
increased!
COMMENTARY
T
These stores are beneficial to both sellers and buyers but a controversial
issue lies behind this. Plaza Rizal was originally built by the residents of
Camarines Sur when Naga was still the capital town. Now, Pili is the
capital town and there is a disagreement regarding the ownership of
the said Plaza. The provincial government has the jurisdiction over
Plaza Rizal Park but the city government filed a petition pending
before the Supreme Court. City hall wants the provincial government to relinquish control over the park because of the presence
of the “tiangge” that demeans the purpose of the park. The
provincial government of Camarines Sur owns the property
where the Plaza Quezon, Plaza Rizal and Plaza Quince
Martires are, but these plazas are under the administration
of the City government. There is also an issue regarding the
money received by the Capitol for the rent of these stalls. There
are about 80 stall spaces in the plaza at P30,000 to P40,000 per
stall, which amounts to a gross collection of P2.4 million to P3.2
million per season. The organizer, meanwhile, pays the provincial
capitol P700,000 only for its exclusive use. The stalls are present in
the whole plaza for almost nine months, not allocating space for the
celebration of the Rizal Day. The Freedom Monument is not used
for what it should be for. It is sad to note that it is now used as a
post for tents.
Meanwhile violence has also occurred in the plaza after the Public
Safety Office and the City Hall demolished the tents of the merchants. Many stall owners complained that the disposition had
no court order. They also said the demolition team did not take
proper inventory of their merchandise. The demolition was
implemented after a 20-day temporary restraining order filed
last August 15 by the provincial government lapsed. The city
government passed an ordinance prohibiting vending in
three major parks in the city.
The stalls stay in the plaza for three seasons each year.
Much to the dismay of everybody, they leave the plaza
dirty. The city government as usual will be in charge of
the cleanliness of the plaza even if it is the provincial
government is benefiting from these retail stores. Let us
be reminded that the Plaza is dedicated to Dr. Jose Rizal
and what these merchants do is a sign of disrespect and
disgrace. The city government is only doing what is right
and proper and taking the responsibility of preserving the
purpose of the plaza. The provincial government should
take this into account in case they will get back the management of the plaza.
19
COMMENTARY
MUSIC OF
ANOTHER TONGUE
By Art Angelo P. Cerio
As soon as songs by foreign artists top charts, their Filipino
translation play along almost simultaneously. Does the translation
undermine the song?
Filipinos have special flare in establishing their talents here and abroad. We have Charice
Pempengco, Arnel Pineda, Apl de Ap, Cassie, and Nicole Scherzinger to name a few. They
made their mark internationally and they actually made us proud. This just goes to show how
talented Filipinos are.
But there is one thing that bugs me the most, the existence of the translated songs which
was originally popularized by famous foreign artists. At first it was kind of funny to hear famous
songs translated in Filipino since you can hear even youngsters singing to its tune but due to
its popularity Filipino artist almost made it as a hobby, and it really bothers me. I was so appalled after listening to the whole revision. They may not translate the whole song literally but
still it is a manner or stealing one great song from such great artist.
I don’t understand why Filipino artists do have to indulge into such kind of business when we
have a lot of excellent song writers. Why can’t they just stick into singing their original songs
instead of revising and translating these foreign songs and eventually owning them?
I actually adore artists who sing their own creations, from the lyrics to the melodies. A composer who interprets his own songs is more praise worthy than a popular singer who bastardizes someone’s work of art.
They may insist that the idea of the Filipino translation of those popular song is to make it a
“pang-masa” but isn’t it the circulation of the songs from a famous Noontime show already a
“pang-masa”? I am not a fan of those songs though, but at least those were written by a Filipino composer using his own lyrics and melody. Something we can call our own.
Yes I would like to commend the creativity of such translator but isn’t it that ingenuity should
be used in the right way- write your own lyrics, create your own melody, choose someone who
can deliver the song with such an appeal that will soon hit the airwaves continuously. Wouldn’t
you feel proud to admit to the world that you actually wrote that famous song? Knowing you
made it and you owned it filled you with such pride since you are aware with clear conscience
that it was really yours.
Think about it, what will you feel if you are in the shoes of Rihanna, Chris Brown, David
Cook, Fergie and all the other foreign artists who own a lot of these hit songs, which are being
remade and translated?
I am a great believer that Filipino musicians are gifted. However, it deeply saddens me that
nowadays, our musicians seem to be mortifying not just their worth but the music industry as
a whole. And this thought came into my mind, are we just going to be great imitators for the
rest of our lives? Are we just going to be second grate trying hard copycats up until our last
breaths? Let us make a move.
Payong ko’y iyong maaasahan
Wala akong pakialam
Walang tigil ang daloy ng dugo
Di ka na mababasa ng ulan
Abi ko babae, babae; Bayot.
20
The New
ANDAS
By Arvin Jerold Nasol
AS WE anticipate
the tercentenary
celebration of the
Bicolano’s devotion to the Lady
under her title,
Nuestra Senora
de Penafrancia,
many
changes
were observed.
With the highly
controversial
usual
“distractions” now out of
the nine-day novena and Perdon
processions added, the centerpoint - Ina
and the Divino Rostro (Holy Face) - sport
a makeover.
Meet the newly engineered andas for the
Lady and the Divino Rostro, the brainchildren of highly esteemed Msgr. Juan Buentiempo, a trained engineer and builder. The
recently improved andas or carriage did
help contribute to the successful flow of the
procession.
Measuring 4.2 meters in height with a
diameter of three meters, it weighs 1,422
kilos. The constantly reinvented traditional
andas, carried through supporting horizontal bars, presently get their new look. While
the older andas fell prey to undesirable behavior of voyadores, this year’s carriages
were operated by gliding and pulling around
on their three sturdy massive wheels. The
bow-like shape of the metal guards and
handles parted the crowd like a ship on
water. As the design prevented having the
images carried on shoulders because of
massive weight, there were no constant dip
and swaying that gave way to grabbing the
mantle of the Lady’s image.
The church said that this is the first time
in the history of Penafrancia Festival that
the regular four-hour Traslacion procession
was reduced to a mere hour or two.
Most of us will remember an instance
when the mantle of the image was removed
from its body. In the Traslacion of 2008, we
were witnesses to the broken glass on the
image of the Divino Rostro. As a response
to these problems, the church decided to
change the course of the procession and
they came up with this newly designed andas.
As the Archbishop said in his homily during mass in September 13, 2009 that anybody who shows disrespect to the Virgin
Mary is not a true devotee. Even if there
are many technological changes like the
andas, the success of the celebration is
still expecting us our full active and lively
participation because we are the ones who
keep our genuine faith to Ina alive in our
hearts till the end of time. It also mentioned
in the tercentenary prayer, that we are the
“inheritors of the past, protagonist of the
present and fashioners of the future”. VIVA
LA VIRGEN!
HOPE for
PAGASA
By Ricklyn Pano
F
or more than ten years, Manila apparently remains
ignorant from the horrors of typhoons pounding the
country from time to time. However, when typhoon
Ondoy came and the signal no. 2 was raised in Manila,
the unexpected twist happened. Northern Luzon fell on its
knees due to heavy rains. Many people suffered, starved and
died. How could it be?
To know some facts regarding these things, I
asked the nearest weather station, PAGASA Camaligan Bicol River Flood Forecasting and Warning Center.
Sometimes, we doubt the accuracy of PAGASA
forecasts. We even think that they are no longer
updated about the recent weather conditions because their facilities are already old and malfunctioning. But how about tracking the typhoons or
predicting weather disturbances? Are they given
much focus by the PAGASA station? PAGASA
Camaligan belongs to a flood station but not a
weather station. However, they still conduct forecasts and give weather updates to the public. According to them, they get the forecasts from the
Central Office, located in Agham Road, Diliman
Quezon City.
In conducting their forecasts, first, synoptic stations all around the country, will observe the latest
weather condition. The observers have to collect
data from weather maps, satellite pictures and
surface maps. After that, forecasters will analyze
the data one by one. After analyzing, forecasts
will be formulated and these will be transmitted
to the Central Station. After some hours, a new
weather forecast will be presented with the same
procedure but this time, the past forecast will be
used as a basis.
We can say that PAGASA is doing the right way
of forecasting but how about the process of tracking the typhoon? How about measuring the velocity and direction of a typhoon?
Like what PAGASA explained, they use a chart
in measuring the track of a typhoon. This is called
the Tropical Cyclone Tracking Map where they
plot the direction of the storm or typhoon. The
Central Office will send the velocity and direction of the wind through computer. And as they
receive the information needed, they will plot the
recent location of the typhoon. In a particular distance, there is a corresponding scale.
Since we already learn how they track the typhoon, it is a must for us to know their facilities.
Besides, most of the people think that the accuracy of the forecast depends on the equipment
or tools used.
PAGASA is admitting that somehow, they lack
facilities needed. In fact, what they are using at
these times are already old and malfunctioning.
One of these is the telemeterized equipment used
in determining the amount of water level in each
of the town covered by the Bicol River Flood Forecasting Center. I am not so familiar with the name
but the particular tool is said to be existing since
1982. If we will try to compute its age, probably it
is already 27 years old. Even though the materials are telemeterized and automatic, it is still very
old to function accurately. I also inspected the satellites which are obviously antique and worth as
museum piece.
PAGASA is covered by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) which is obviously
ran and funded by the government.
Since we, people are used to violent reactions,
especially when it involves wrong or inaccurate
weather forecasts, we tend to blame PAGASA.
But is it really about PAGASA or about the government? If we will dig deeper and look at a wider
perspective, we can analyze that these facilities
are the primary cause of such problems. But how
could we change the old tools to modern equipment without funds? And actually, funds must be
provided by the government. As we could see,
most of the fellow politicians prioritize their political campaigns for the upcoming elections. They
tend to forget the problems which need immediate response. If only they budget the funds in the
right way and if only they use the money of the
people for the country’s good, I know that PAGASA will not fail to do its obligations and most of all,
the people will be given the chance to prepare for
the upcoming disturbances.
Can we do anything? Of course, we can, by
simply voting the right leader and suitable overseer. PAGASA is not beyond help. The lawmakers may hold the key to revitalizing and updating
weather equipment of the weather bureau. When
the weather bureau is competent with its forecasts, then the Filipino will be well informed and
could be warned accurately.
21
(Do Not Dream... from p.6)
Indeed, this year’s appointed
CAT officers were disappointed
because of the sweat, time and
money that they have sacrificed.
Actually, we were one of the
batches that had the most number of officers. They had undergone a year of rigorous training
but their main goal to compete
was deprived to them. As I interviewed them, regrets, frustrations
and pain were the prominent feelings that showed up. Some of
them cried upon hearing the decision and most of their parents got
disappointed because they knew
the hardships of their children.
Some of them even said that they
were ridiculed by other schools
for not joining the parade. There
were unpleasant side comments,
which hurt them personally because they were not given the opportunity to prove them wrong.
Even the majority of the student
body lost their interest to join the
drills. The excitement vanished
together with the eagerness to
march and to do their best. It was
seen at the early part of July to the
end of August. However, we realized that the last resort to prove
ourselves was during the presentation of officers. Honestly, I was
a little surprised with the good
performance of our batch. Some
even said that with the minimal
practices that we had because of
typhoon, salve regina practices
and seminars, was better than
they have expected. There were
minor errors that can still be perfected with the aid of practices.
Honestly, this made us feel better because we still had proven
ourselves in the little way that we
can.
Even if we were not able to compete, we have proven something
that we are good and disciplined
in our own way. We did not lose
neither defend the title because
we were not given the opportunity
to. For next year’s military parade,
we hope that the tradition will be
relived for we know how it feels to
be deprived of something that we
highly expected for. We will still
support the succeeding batches
for the military parade because
we, ateneans do not only do it for
ourselves but we offer the every
step of our march for our devotion
to Ina and for the greater glory of
God.
22
CLASSROOM DELIGHT by Phillip Carlo Lanuzga
Compiled by Ian Villaverde, John Mar Sare, Johanna Malang,
Krysostom Antonio, Joshua Elward Crianza, & Ivan Capucao
Photos by Irvin Kenneby Lee
Meet the newest “teacher-role-models” of the
famed Ateneo Project Runway.
Bro. RICO
ADAPON, SJ
Ms. DAPHNE
BENOSA
Bro. WILBER
TOBE, SJ
Bro. Rico hails
from Batangas.
He finished
his degree in
Psychology at
the Polytechnic
University of
the Philippines
before joining
the Jesuits.
He teaches
Filipino among
the freshmen.
Ma’am Daphne,
who handles
English classes
of first and third
year students,
hails from Baao,
Cam.Sur. She
majored in Education (English) in
Ateneo de Naga
University. She
loves to write and
paint.
A proud citizen
of Mountain
Province, Bro.
Bong completed
his degree in
Philosophy at St.
Louis University
in Baguio City.
He was a CICM
seminarian before
he joined the
Society of Jesus
in Manila.
BUSTED by Fernando Fernandez
Mr. EZEKIEL
LOZANO
Mr. ULYSIS
OBENIA
Mr. ELISEO
POSANGCO
Sir King teaches
Computer
Studies to first
year and third
classes. He
graduated from
Ateneo de Naga
University. His
first love is making worthwhile
programs.
Sir Otet could
me mistaken for
Gabe Mercado
of the Yakult ad.
He is the current
Physics and
Biology Laboratory custodian. He
loves performing
experiments and
dissections. He’s
also an expert
interior designer.
Sir Lee, as he
is fondly called,
graduated from
Ateneo de Naga
University. He
majored in Education (Filipino).
He handles Filipino classes of first
year students.
Ms. ALISSA
SAYSON
Mr. JASON
TRAPANI
Ms. KARINA
FULLANTE
A talented diva,
Ms. Ali had
her training
back in high
school and the
world-renowned
Caceres Chorale. She took
up Education
from Ateneo de
Naga University
and majored in
English.
The challenge of
teaching Physics
is easy for Sir
Jason because
the mind-boggling
logic games are
his favorites. He
graduated from
the University of
Nueva Caceres
with a degree in
Secondary Education (Physics).
Ma’am Karen
graduated from
University of
the PhilippinesBaguio. She
originally applied
to become a
lab custodian
but was hired
to teach. She
handles Biology classes of
sophomores.
SCHOLARSHIP & ENTRANCE EXAM
OTHER ENTRANCE EXAMS
January 16, 2010 (Saturday)
Covered Courts
8.00 – 11.00 - Morning Schedule
1.00 – 4.00 - Afternoon Schedule
January 23, 30 - 2010
February 6, 13, 20, 27 - 2010
March 6, 13, 20, 27 - 2010
April 10, 17, 21, 24, 28 - 2010
May 5, 8, 12, 15, 19, 22, 26, 29 – 2010
MUNCHY-MUNCH by Jansen Santos
23

- High School Web site

Transcription

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