Volume XLVII no. 11 APRIL 2008 LaSallThe ian

Retrospective Foresight

Stapled by the staple. Election results. Junk for all seasons. Summer tournaments. Poptown.

www.thelasallian.org table of contents Dear readers, University Menagerie University Bulletin Culture & Lifestyle By the time this issue gets to your hands, 4 Election Results 15 Sins of a Solar Empire Sumilao farmers get Summerland the editors and staff of The LaSallian--based their land TV Re-runs on the feedback we’ve garnered over the past NBN deal update Pinoy Big Brother: two months--have likely made a definitive de- Teen Edition Plus cision as to whether the publication will re- Situationer main a broadsheet or finally become a maga- Long Feature Rice crisis zine. In this regard, we would like to thank 7 16 Junk for all seasons you for making your voices heard, and we Cover Story 25 cent’s worth SC Prospectus assure everyone that our decision, whatever 12 Beauty and the blunder: that might be, would faithfully reflect what Reflections on the new Bb. Pilipinas 2008 - world the university community thinks is the best 18 direction to take. On another note, we are sure many of you are wondering why this is a “serious” regular is- sue rather than a lampoon. Indeed, the latter is a special and time-honored custom, but we believe that present circumstances warrant a Opinion Editorial Short Feature break from tradition. Last month’s unusually 8 Starting point 19 Talk of the town heated General Elections, the emergence of concerns about domestic rice supply and food Sports security, the recent Supreme Court ruling up- Roundup holding executive privilege--so much is going 20 DLSU teams participates summer tournments on this time of the year, and as an institution Commentary which sees itself as a “bastion of issue-oriented 10 Starting point Highlights UAAP 70 critical thinking,” letting our annual exercise Second thoughts 21 in intelligent sarcasm take precedence over Unbridled altruistic journalistic responsibility during these times behavior would amount to gross negligence and self- Obiter dictum ishness on our part, not to mention a waste of 22 Of wishing and paper and ink. Likewise, consider this edition thanksgiving 23 POPTOWN of TLS as an introduction to the publication’s editorial board for 2008-2009, which will be Cover Credit: Krizia Paras and Airi Bianca Beltran led by Jabin Landayan (Editor in Chief), Car- mela Prado (Associate Editor), and Angela The Velasco (Managing Editor). It is under their leadership and oversight that this issue was LaSallian made possible. | UNIVERSITY Crezzeille Francisco, Zamanta Legados, Gale Maramba, Editor in Chief | Paulo Jose Mutuc Carlito Reyes Jr., Loraine Saguinsin, Alliv Samson | MENAGERIE Marie So we end this school year as we began it: Associate Editor | Alejandro Almendras IV Beatrice Angeles, Marielle Antonio, Gerard Avelino, Ali Caronongan, George Chan Jr., Gianina Densing, Jabin Landayan, Sam Modina, Elvin Ngo, Darcy committed to combating indifference and ig- Managing Editor | Josef Aaron Lim University editor | Raymund Cuesico Reburiano, Camille Reyes, Jeffrey Salvado, Rochelle Santos, Aaron Sitosta norance. Trust that The LaSallian--no matter Menagerie Editor | Angela Velasco | SPORTS Philip Andrew Ang, Dean Cedrick Santos, Johannes Chiong, Sports editor | Camille Bianca Pinto Celine Hernandez, Jefferson Quincy Reyes, Christine Marielle Suntay, Michael its form--will remain committed to this cause. Gerard Sy, Katherin Anne Tingzon | PHOTO William Cruz, Erickson Jao, Art & Graphics Editor | Carmela Prado Alvin Lau, Ian Meru, Francis Garrucho, Krizia Katrina Paras, Ma. Erika Serrano Photo Editor | Jennerson Ong | ART & GRAPHICS Kevin Ang, Samantha Ang, Johnalene Baylon, Airi Circulations Manager | Stacy Ybud Bianca Beltran, Francis Borromeo, Angela Kristine Garcia, Paul Matthew Jiao, Office Manager | Krizia Martha Carriaga Jeremy Magnaye, Beatrice Ong, Abdul Onos, Allen Silva | Paulo Jose Mutuc student publications coordinator Rosanna Luz Valerio director of student publications Fritzie Ian Paz-De Vera Editor in Chief The LaSallian has its editorial office at 502 Bro. Gabriel Connon Hall, De La Salle University, 2401 Taft Avenue, Manila 1004. TLS can be contacted through telephone number 5244611 loc. 701, or through its e-mail address, [email protected]. All contributions are subject to editing for clarity or space. None of the contents of this publication may be reprinted without the express written permission of the Editorial Board. 3 UniversityBulletin university Election 2008: More of the same Santugon Sumilao undeterred, Tapat neutral farmers get he 2008 Student Council General Elec- day of voting, which determined Micaller and Tapat believes that the previous tions (GE) ended much like those of Cagalpin as LA Representatives; Abril and Rel- election had been one of the most difficult their land recent years, with Alyansang Tapat sa lora as Batch President and Executive Vice T and tricky because of the problems that by Crezzeille Francisco Lasallista winning more seats in the Student President respectively. the party had encountered specifically in Council (SC) than Santugon sa Tawag ng Pa- terms of the campaign techniques and nahon. The total disparity between both par- Comelec matters attacks that their political rival has been ties is 18 with Tapat winning 47 seats and San- Also contributing to the delay were the practicing. On the other hand, the party tugon winning 29. hearings of electioneering cases incurred by voiced out that even though they have Tapat was able to retain majority seats in candidates from both parties during the vot- experienced a tremendous blow this the Student Council Executive Board, win- ing period. The COMELEC dropped all 14 past election, the party remained firm to ning five out of the six executive positions, cases after a stipulation in the Election Code its standard by exercising a principled including the Presidency going to incumbent that states that all witnesses presented must campaign that is grounded to its core Vice President for Academics Nicole Villarojo. sign the affidavit relating to a particular com- value – which is education. Aimee Chua is the only Santugon candidate to plaint. Since both parties failed to comply with In contrast with Tapat, Santugon’s be elected into the EB. This is similar to last this requirement, the cases were dropped and exclamation upon hearing the election year’s EB in which Stacy Carbonel (Vice Presi- the results of the elections declared final. results is far different from Tapat’s dent for Operations and Communications) The elections itself were not without its reaction. “Honestly, speechless, I believe, was the lone Santugon candidate elected. share of problems and things to improve on. personally, that it’s not ‘a slap on the face’ Similarly, five out of the six College Assem- Voter turnout did not improve significantly because it was a well-fought battle. With bly President positions were gained by Tapat from last year and did not meet the 80 per- this experience, the party learned so many except for the College of Computer Studies cent that the COMELEC was hoping for. The things on how we can comeback,” said Photo by Jennerson Ong where Santugon Candidate Gil Bautista was counting which was started manually at 1 pm Santugon’s President Francis Angeles in elected. This gives Tapat a total of 10 out of the concluded with the automated counting at an emailed answer to The LaSallian. fter almost 12 years of struggling for Program (CARP). Nineteen landless Sumilao the involvement of the school with the Jun 12 positions in the SC’s Executive Committee. around 8 pm. The counting of ballots was held In addition, Santugon believes that their right, the Sumilao farmers were farmers are now the beneficiaries of the Lozada and NBN – ZTE issue. At the batch level, Tapat were able to win 17 at the eighth floor of the Andrew Hall, and the whatever happened in the elections are finally given a total of 144 hectares of initial 50 hectares while other recipients will She reasoned out that the issue is out of 32 Batch President and 20 out of the 32 COMELEC had strict policies on the number A not going to be a direct hindrance to the land in Bukidnon through a Memorandum still be subjected to screening procedures. pressing yet the students do not feel that Legislative Assembly Representative seats. of representatives from each party and even party. Angeles stated further that Santugon of Agreement signed last March 29 at San The nearly three months backroom it is as relevant as that of Lozada’s call for The release of the official results was de- the publications, allowed on the floor itself. will still continue to pursue its party’s goals Carlos Seminary in Makati. negotiation between the farmers, SMC, truth and it’s now a challenge to SC how to layed from March 17 to March 19 due to ties However, this policy was not maintained until and aspirations despite the poignant blow The upheaval on land ownership and the government was instigated by make every national issue important to the between Dhana Micaller, Kat Cagalpin, both the end of the counting as members of both that the party had just experienced. They started after Norberto Quisimbing, then Manila Cardinal Gaudencio Rosales after students. from Tapat, and Justin Fuentes of Santugon for parties were eventually seen loitering in the believe that this is the perfect time to “prove owner of the property, sold it to San Miguel he expressed his unyielding support for Since there is a lot to learn in every the FOCUS 2006 Legislative Assembly Repre- halls and even had a classroom for each party to the Lasallian community that Santugon Corporation upon successfully gaining the the farmers last December. “It was him who subject, she encouraged the Student sentative seats; and between Dianne Abril and on the floor. The lone Discipline Officer was leaders will really deliver.” Hence, the party Supreme Court’s favour in 1999 despite the helped us a lot,” said Primitivo Miñoza, a Council to release general stands to cover Lara Rellora both from Tapat for the FOCUS apparently not enough to maintain whatever adheres to through collaborative plans fact that a Certificate of Land Ownership Sumilao farmer during the signing. all national concerns instead of providing 2006 Batch Presidency. This required another restrictions that the COMELEC had set. and efforts; it will create better programs Award (CLOA) was issued by the Department “We experienced all kinds of suffering a stand on every topic. “If we commit in that are both beneficial and fitted to De La of Agrarian Reform (DAR) to 137 farmers and even conflicts among us. I will never certain advocacy for a certain issue, and a Executive Board President: VILLAROJO, Nicole VP Academics: AIMEE, Chua Executive Sec: CHICHI, Tullao Salle students that are significant to the in 1995. The ruling states that the farmers forget this experience. After walking more bigger concern comes, send more people VP Activities: GARCIA, Inah VP Operations: SANTOS, Gretch Treasurer: CHUA, Greggy party’s current vision. were not “parties of interest” but were just than 1,700 kilometers from Sumilao to to that but don’t leave the other one,” she cbe cla coe ccs cos ced Santugon is looking forward to a “expectant beneficiaries”. Manila, our efforts paid off. I just would furthered. Henry Hugh Ron Gil Reginald Grace CAP Flordeliza Morris Semira Bautista Ng Altarejos collaborative cooperation between both There began the cry for justice of the like to thank the students for their warm La Salle started becoming involved with Gerard Tats Jin Glecer AC Mau parties in order to uplift the essence of farmers. They started their march during welcome to us. Their support encouraged the Sumilao farmers when they came back P Kho Mendoza Dela Cruz Bautista Cristobal Bacierto their communal goal for the students of De October of last year as part of their protest us to go on,” he added. to Manila last December. The school was Austin Erwin Resti Candice Rachael Kriszel VP Uy Sy Caroro Amoranto Ventura Siasoyco La Salle. The persistent realization of the for the recovery of the ground that has been Among the students who have supported among those who provided shelter for the Ange Veronica Jill Diane Camille Sabs USG was also another issue that Santugon the dwelling of their ancestors since 1930s. the Sumilao farmers were from De La Salle farmers through the use of L’Hermitage LA Rep Yapyuco 107 Zamesa Li Lim Del Rosario Pelino Karen Ara Red Mac Mason Cheska wants the SC to be meticulous about. Finally their efforts paid off. The University – Manila particularly from the House near Marie Mutien Hall. They also LA Rep Hizon Ocson Duerte Pascual Hao Del Rosario Santugon challenges the SC saying, “If Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) Student Council and Center for Social organized forums to help them explain their Jojo Kat Kristelle Nadia Dianne Sari the SC will still push for ‘One SC,’ please signed by the representatives of San Miguel Concern and Action (COSCA). situation and get the support of students and P Eijasantos Regalado Sevesa Cayco Abril Bernardo ensure that you’ll really achieve it all Corporation (SMC) and Sumilao farmers “I never lost faith,” confessed Jennifer other academe members for their plight. Marvin Andre Sheena Eddie Lara Lia VP Sipin Castillo Cari Santillan Rellora Albano throughout the year,” concluded Angeles. last March 29, spelled out the implementing Lazo, incumbent Executive Secretary of the Jamie Yu Ri JP Pam Dhana Miguel Tapat on the other hand said that guidelines and considerations for the Student Council and Secretary General of LA Rep Agra Choi Tan Alcera Micaller Dumaual 106 the election and its results are not all settlement. Under the MOA, a deed of the Union of Catholic Student Council of Errata LA Rep Jamil Carry Alex Homer Kat Harmony Saripada Lapitan Narciso Lupac Cagalpin Guevarra that they had in mind since the so-called donation by SMC will give the farmers 50 the Philippines (UCSC) about the plight of In the commentary enttiled "The Invisible “revolution is just beginning to unfold.” hectares within the claimed 144-hectare the Sumilao farmers. Watcher," the P22,000 given to the Comelec was P Gillian Monica Issa AJ N/A N/A Flores Escalona Hernandez Lim Tapat believes that DLSU-Manila needs a property. The remaining 94 hectares But Lazo related that DLSU support mistakenly attributed to the Office of the Student Stephanie Mae Bench Tim N/A N/A VP Yu Ong Fuentes Mercado revolution in which “Lasallian Leadership however, will come from outside the area on farmers can best be described through Council President. The money actually came from Jean Carlo Leah Tori N/A N/A is at the forefront of nation-building.” The but still within the vicinity of the property individual efforts of several SC officials and LA Rep Alaba Cruz Villalon Gialogo DLSU-PUSO. The LaSallian apologizes for this 105 Tere Howie EJ Jess N/A N/A party hopes that the studentry will lend its in a Voluntary Offer for Sale (VOS) scheme members of COSCA because the time of error. LA Rep Pangilinan Chuahiock Apuli Labaja support to the next Student Council and by the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform their arrival coincided with the height of Student Council S.Y. 2008-2009 Student Council S.Y. its projects. 5 university situationer Stapled by the staple by Angela Velasco and Jabin Landayan

he nation’s rice crisis is more than most recent project, entitled FIELDS just the possibility of mass hunger. As (Fertilizer, Irrigation and infrastructure, Tthe word crisis is defined as a turning Extension and education, Loans, Dryers point, the current situation is a chance for and Post-harvest facilities, and Seeds and Filipinos to prove if they can actually rise other genetic materials) allots P40 billion in above the situation. response to the crisis. Five hundred million The problem begins in the increase of the pesos will be committed to organic fertilizer, prices involved. The costs of rice production P6 billion to infrastructure, and P2 billion are becoming high, with trading going from for agricultural research and development $500 to $700 per ton in the last 20 years. In (including training for farmers and the last two months, the price has increased fishermen). She has also requested the Photo by Jowell Mariano by 43 percent. Filipinos consume around Department of Science and Technology China India No progress, more problems 11.9 million tons of domestically grown (DOST) to allot part of its P 3 billion for rice annually. With the Filipino population agricultural research. by Loraine Saguinsin and Crezzeile Francisco growing by 6.09 million to 10.02 in the last However, before all this, Rep. Rodolfo Latest on Lozada 16 years, with an estimate of it reaching Plaza of Agusan del Sur said in the weekly he Supreme Court’s ruling held the did not believe that there was an absence of about 94.03 million by 2010—the question Usaping Balita sa Serye said that the crisis Senate in an iron grip as the decree published rules and procedures on Senate Disappointing, was how the Department of Justice lies if the population can keep up with the can be attributed to the government’s failure on executive privilege prevents them inquiries. In his dissenting opinion published (DoJ) hearing that put NBN-ZTE Broadband deal constant rice increase. to provide enough support for farmers fromT asking witnesses about three crucial together with the Court’s decision, he stated star witness Jun Lozada face-to-face for the first time The rest of the world isn’t coping with to develop agricultural land and workers, 32.0% 20.8% questions that will take them to the bottom that the Senate traditionally republishes against his accused abductors turned out. Defiance the increase of food prices easily either. thus decreasing local rice production. The of the President’s involvement in the NBN- its rules especially if it has not undergone and finger-pointing peppered the April 3 hearing as no One reason for this is the large amounts past budget allocation was only P2.5 billion Indonesia Bangladesh ZTE deal. The SC reasoned that the Senate important and material changes. definite conclusion was reached. of food being bought by countries like for domestic production and P10 to P14 disregarded the procedural safeguards of He also stated that hearings on NBN-ZTE Environment Secretary Lito Atienza, Police China and India. Since they have more billion for importation. Peasant leader cash to buy more food, they have stopped Jaime Tadeo comments that the rice crisis is their inquiries by not publishing the rules deal were conducted in aid of legislation Security and Protection Office (PSPO) director Chief and procedures on their investigation specifically on three pending Senate Bills growing their own. Other reasons include brought about by the nature of the country Supt. Romeo Hilomen, Senior Supt. Paul Mascariñas, the spike in oil prices ($103 per barrel) that as a top importer of rice in the world. process. Because of this turn of events, the that came about from the developments of and Aviation Security Group agent Rodolfo Valeroso, hearings on NBN-ZTE deal were postponed the NBN scandal. pushed up the price of fertilizer and drastic It is ironic then that a country that boasts summoned to appear at the preliminary hearing all climate changes which have disrupted its own rice research institute (PhilRice) as Senators try to resolve the issues created DLSU Political Science professor Louie submitted counter-affidavits denying Lozada’s claims from the verdict of the court. Montemar, also heavily involved with the harvest. Australia and southern Africa have while hosting an international counterpart . % . % of kidnapping and an attempt to kill him. 8 45 6 76 Published on the SC’s official website, Committee on National Issues and Concerns, experienced prolonged droughts while (IRRI) is not self-sufficient in producing Airport security head Angel Atutubo of the Manila the result of the voting, 10-5 (9-6 on the doesn’t agree with the ruling of the Supreme West Africa has experienced floods. Biofuels rice. Largely to blame for today’s rice crisis Vietnam have caused more serious damage as well to is the flawed policy of past administrations Source: first issue), voided the contempt and Court. Montemar said, “It’s [absence of International Airport Authority deferred submitting his food supplies, as harvests are being used not to spend heavily on agriculture to make USDA, Foreign Agricultural arrest order on former National Economic rules and procedures] immaterial, given the affidavit, saying he would wait until after viewing the to fuel cars rather than grow crops. And the country self-sufficient. Services Development Authority (NEDA) Director gravity of the situation. You don’t suspend video footage taken by airport cameras submitted by because impending hunger doesn’t seem Arsenio Balisacan, a UP Economics General Romulo Neri last week. The verdict a procedure because of technicality given Lozada’s lawyer, Edwin Lacierda. The footage was far-fetched, the price increase is further faculty who also heads the Southeast Asian prevents the Senate from forcing Neri to such magnitude of potential corruption.” said to contain evidence of an attempt to kill Lozada supported by the allocation of billions into Regional Center for Graduate Study and In an interview with Inquirer, Senator as indicated by a “throat-slitting gesture” made by answer questions linked to the participation increasing their food supply. Global wheat Research and Agriculture (SEARCA), of the President in the terminated National Alan Peter Cayetano, Chairperson of the Atutubo. prices increased by 25% after Kazakhstan believes that the government’s investment Major producers of Rice in the World (2002/2003) 5.33% Broadband Network (NBN) deal with Senate Blue Ribbon Committee postponed Lozada claimed that he was seized from the restricted exports of its wheat crop. in the agriculture sector is inappropriately China’s ZTE Corporation. These questions further hearings about the NBN-ZTE deal Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) by state The International Rice Research low. take account of whether the President due to a lack of witnesses. He stated that agents when he returned from Hong Kong on Feb. 5 Institute (IRRI) has already begun research. “The country’s investments in followed up the ZTE contract, whether he Ruben Reyes, alleged associate of former and driven around Manila and Laguna to prevent him Price of rice important factor on historical Dr. Robert Zeigler, director general of the agricultural research and related activities election results was instructed to prioritize it, and whether COMELEC chair Benjamin Abalos on the from testifying at the Senate about alleged anomalies IRRI, says, “Since rice is the food of the have remained at a low level of 0.1 percent the President told him to approve the deal, notified them that he would not be regarding the government’s NBN deal. world’s poor, any increase in the price of rice of the country’s Gross Value Added [GVA] project in spite of having knowledge of its able to attend the Senate inquiries because has a serious impact on those poor. There in agriculture over the past 10 years. This is Loss of President Garcia and President According to a report published on INQUIRER. 1 Macapagal partly attributed to rice price hike flaws. he was still in China. The summon for net on April 4, the investigating DoJ panel, testing is no question that we need technologies far below the 1-percent level recommended The nullification according to the court retired Police General Quirino de la Torre, his credibility will ask Lozada to identify personnel of that will improve the productivity of rice for developing countries and very much is based on the failure of the Senate to really also an alleged associate of Abalos, was Former President Marcos’ success in 1967 the PSPO who allegedly abducted him at the NAIA in and certainly hybrid rice is at or near the lower than the 2 to 3 percent observed in 2 show that the information they are after in also put on hold because of the ruling on local elections in line with favorable rice factor February. The panel chaired by Senior State Prosecutor top of the list of technologies that will help many countries,” Balisacan said in a paper their proceeding, particularly from Neri, executive privilege. us increase the availability of rice for the about the state of Philippine agriculture. Emilie Fe de los Santos refused the request of Lacierda Exemption: Election in 1998 (Estrada ran for cannot be acquired somewhere else. In addition, the senators are planning world.” An inaugural meeting was held with Balisacan said that China’s investment 3 office) was not influenced by price of rice Justice Renato Corona in his concurring to file an appeal to the SC on April 8to to provide them with photos of PSPO personnel to the Hybrid Research and Development in agriculture in the mid-2000s was 0.8 opinion published together with SC’s ruling reverse their ruling through “judicial properly identify those involved. Consortium last April 3 to 4, with an effort percent of GVA, making it an agricultural De los Santos agreed with lawyer Felizberto believes that Neri’s liberty is at stake because statemanship” or require the SC to respect to increase rice production and support rice production powerhouse. SOUTHERN - region with higest rice the rules and procedures of the Senate the rights of a co-equal branch to set its own Verano that the right against self-incrimination of the research. A major new partnership between Likewise the country spends only TAGALOG consumption rate inquiries had not been published. The rules rules, particularly on how it conducts public PSPO personnel would be violated if they provided public and private sectors was made during P1,000 per farmer, which is low compared and procedures of the Senate’s investigation hearings as they had on the NBN-ZTE deal. Lozada with the pictures of the policemen who had this event. to the P3,000 to P4,000 per farmer spent by - region with higest rice process should be published in advance to “We respectfully disagree with the The government has agreed with countries like Thailand, Japan and other CENTRAL already submitted their counter-affidavits to the DoJ. LUZON production share inform and protect the witnesses. “Under Supreme Court ruling and we will file a “The testing of the credibility of the complainant Thailand and Vietnam to share in their developed countries. Nonetheless, this only our fundamental law, the constitution motion for reconsideration...We will not rests upon the panel…We will do the same method we emergency rice reserves, with Vietnam giving reiterates that the Philippines still has quite of liberty precedes the constitution of allow this legal setback to prevent us from do in other kidnapping cases,” de los Santos said. This 10,000 metric tons of rice and Thailand a way to go to catch up with neighboring government,” stated Corona. seeking the truth, “said Pangilinan in a press 15,000. Food franchises are being requested countries. And policies required for this to Source: Rice and Philippine Politics sends a message that they would not give any special Ponciano S. Intal, Jr. and Marissa C. Garcia Chief Justice Reynato Puno, however, release on the Senate’s official website. treatment to Lozada. to serve smaller portions of rice to decrease happen are nowhere in sight in the near their rice consumption. President Arroyo’s future. Economics Department, De La Salle University–Manila http://dirp4.pids.gov.ph/ris/dps/pidsdps0513.pdf 6 Information graphic by Johnalene Baylon 7 opinion opinion Editorial

system, there should be enough students that Same as advocacy campaigns initiated by The volume of the reactions assert their experiences in the setting that student leaders—these will not go a long way of our primary audience in would warrant its effectiveness. It is never if their plans are not comprehensive enough enough to be represented by only a handful to make a difference. What happened to the the past four weeks alone that are armed with facts and theories that daily call for truth and justice held during overwhelm their reactions are equal with the ones that they will meet in 6pm? When ousted President Erap was on issues that we have discourse possess. We should be extensively granted pardon and enjoyed a free man’s covered throughout the involved in a decision that directly affects privilege after 43 days of being convicted as entire year combined. why we are in this university in the first guilty of plunder, the whole nation should place. have been outraged by the disturbing fact Indifference was the prevailing reaction that the country’s leader has a malicious thing is why students are excruciatingly among students after learning that the definition of justice. The student leaders’ subjective to the things they react to. Why do University had fallen to 19 places outside response: A poster that insignificantly did students readily respond to an annual event the Top 500 tertiary institutions in the little justice to the price of the material. and not to something that is more likely world. Assuming that they have no part in The school’s involvement on the Sumilao to affect their studies in the University and the THES-QS rankings, students couldn’t farmers’ call for justice, meanwhile, was to a greater extent, their role as Filipinos? care less about the improvements done in its commendable, especially given the tangible The volume of the reactions of our primary methodology and its overall relevance on how audience in the past four weeks alone it influences the type and quality of learning overwhelm their reactions on issues that that they receive. The Student Council ...this unproductive exercise we have covered throughout the entire apparently had no part in disseminating stops when mental pleasure year combined. In revisiting these issues we information on the revised criteria on which question whether our campaign of “Say no has been achieved and the University was assessed either. Since rarely transcends as an to ‘I don’t know’” at the beginning of the the revisions were published, they could school year should not have been targeted have used this as a point of discussion in a initial point for communal at ignorance but at apathy. Kamalayan forum to spearhead involvement action to solve long term The issue of venue rental fees and quality in restoring the University’s prestige. problems of campus services only sent a message to Aside from our role in the University, students that their tuition and fees were not students need to realize that they are result of their efforts. However, this has had enough for them to maximize learning in a embedded in a bigger system called the a minimal impact on the solution-making “world-class” university. Although there were Philippines. To say that the university is process in university issues that needs to be manifestos, a Student Council proposal to shielded from the filth of national issues is faced. start a Red Cross chapter (in response to an exercise in self-deception. Students carry It is never enough that we know and Andrew Gloria’s death), and analysis raised the responsibility of reconnecting to and care about the things that affect us. Without by student publications, how did the students confronting the country’s problems even proper action, the purpose of acquiring and follow these through? Unfortunately, the through personal efforts. However, even having such knowledge easily accessible is But it is not coincidence when it throughout have the responsibility to thrust national issues common response by students is a half- the “supreme student organization” only defeated. Students may go as far as indulging a year, it is apparent that students pick the penetrate student concerns, localize these in hearted run-of-mouth rather than concrete themselves in group intellectual discourse Starting Point moments and issues that they will be aware of a Lasallian context, facilitate students to act action addressed to those concerned. The that only leads to self-satisfaction—speaking and to some extent, involved. according to their areas of responsibility, then course of inaction during the absence of To say that the university just to fill the need to say something rather In a time when access to information is at sustain a system of reactive studentry that the University Library’s Web OPAC is a fine is shielded from the filth than speaking because they really have he past four weeks have example of this. Instead of showing that we been exciting for Lasallians, the click of a button or even more convenient continually contributes to national welfare. something significant to say. Nevertheless, through word of mouth, it is inexcusable not As a publication, it is comforting to receive had learned from the questionable policies of national issues is an this unproductive exercise stops when for many reasons. Jun implemented to provide necessary services, LozadaT blew the lid off the NBN-ZTE to know the issues which affect us one way feedback from readers, especially from our exercise in self-deception mental pleasure has been achieved and rarely once again, apathy won over common broadband deal and with the De La or another. This is even more applicable in primary audience: students. But at the same transcends as an initial point for communal our University where we have more than one time, it is unsettling to receive feedback at sense. goes as far as awareness and makes little, if action to solve long term problems. How Salle Brothers’ choice to get involved, The 1.5 standardized class hours brought him closer to the students. student publication delivering to students what only a particular time of the year and of a any attempt, at sustaining involvement in then can students be the solution or even was welcomed with slight shock and To say that the students took him they want to know and what they need to know. deconstructive nature as well. The perplexing solutions to the country’s problems. part of it if they are the problem to begin apprehension. Yet the dominant concern well, would be an understatement, as Ignoring such information is unacceptable The students’ short-lived discussion with? for students was what they were going to little known Kamalayan turned into a considering that these are issues which directly on the Glorietta explosion showed that This challenge is not one that the do on an early weekend rather than how gathering that rivaled a UAAP Finals affect our lifestyle as Lasallians. Hence, we It is unsettling to receive the community had a common concern publication imposes upon itself alone. The much more or less they would learn in the game. This was a sign that students have no one to blame but ourselves if there are that they could be possible victims of an very nature of our service already offers a feedback at only a extended class hours. It is appalling how were getting involved. And the social undesired consequences that come about due unlikely “accident.” The Makati siege taught solution to ignorance. But it is against the students are more than willing to be made awareness that hit the students could to our ignorance. particular time of the year us that even if passionate young military proponents of indifference that we renew into educational experiments through a not have come at a better time, as In the student population, there are three officers want to make a positive difference our commitment to battle. For student and of a deconstructive resignation to accept the change in how politics within the University was kinds of people usually involved in the issues: by expressing rebellion on the current leaders and the rest of the community to once again about to rear its spiny the student leaders, student journalists and the nature as well they learn. In the upcoming term to evaluate administration, zealous actions without long heed responsibility would be, at the very whether the University will keep the new head. rest of the affected community. Student leaders term and contingency plans are useless. least, a start.

8 9 opinion

offers still cannot make the right choices, have realized that the paltry attendance then there truly is barely any hope for the rest and participation of the community in their of the country. Beginning with the general projects is the most obvious indication that idea of becoming a leader, the community the students do not feel the need or see no already fails by creating a culture where it reason to be part of their endeavors. Ideally, becomes an “alliance of the willing” instead a 100 percent attendance and participation of choosing those who are best suited to serve of the target audience ought to be the its purpose. The primary criterion taken into performance measure of every project of the Commentary Second Thoughts consideration has shifted to the student’s student government. It should be noted that desire and dedication to work instead of true success in these projects is only achieved fitting ideally to the job description. if it is able to reach this level of participation Unbridled Altruistic Involvement in leadership positions without the help of academic grade incentives A middle way has always been a choice on the part of the and mandatory alternative classes. The necessity of a ‘Third Force’ students. The problem encountered is that On a national scale, the private and Idealism business sectors have been the driving force by Paulo Jose Mutuc there is insufficient purpose and motivation by Raymund Cuesico for those who are qualified to take more of the Philippine economy in terms of making responsibility. In retrospect, the definitive things happen. Within the University walls, a objective in going to school is to acquire similar entity is called the Council of Student the knowledge and skills needed to execute Organizations. As wide and far-reaching a scope the duties of one’s responsibility whether as an employee in a company, a professional If a community littered undamental building blocks have involved in private practice, a businessman, with citizens who have always fascinated mankind. From received the best education Photo by Paulo Jose Mutuc or as a public servant. Ideally, excellence the trivial exercise of tracing one’s in one’s area of expertise is enough to the Philippines offers still t has often been said that in this country Romulo Neri’s “right to silence” in a 9-6 Leaders of the opposition would not F genealogy to the pursuit of theoretical grant some assurance of success in one’s cannot make the right of good, well-intentioned people, the decision, has even ruled that the President’s admit it outright, but they know in their one-dimensional strings, researchers have chosen field, yet history has demanded that choices, then there truly is problems lie not with individuals, but executive privilege trumps national gut that the young people of this country dedicated inordinate amounts of time to students undergo a holistic development in barely any hope for the rest I of the country. with “the system”—our “social capital,” interest. In better times, that by itself (even do not trust them. In the eyes of the young find a unifying commonality that will finally order to be catapulted to positions of higher the totality of institutions (government notwithstanding the Chief Executive’s lip (and rightfully so in light of their respective put an end to all the difference seen in prestige. As it is, the educational system and otherwise), norms, and values that service to good governance) would spark careers in public office), Estrada and Arroyo this world. Each self-aware being logically seems to have lost credibility in being able to as these institutions have, their full potential define us as a society. Our tendencies— widespread public indignation. Today, all jointly represent a political order that needs follows a set of principles that drives the integrate such learning into basic education has been curtailed by their fear of crossing loyalty to friends and family, an aversion to concerned citizens face an uphill battle; to be dismantled—which is why it should consciousness to motion. Take away these and as a result, students are forced to seek lines with the established government. The principles, and the natural course of action confrontation, and a capacity for gratitude— gathering and mobilizing popular support not be surprising that youth groups, while this development outside their academic status quo has been to maintain a harmonious is to look for a ready replacement in the curriculum. This highly competitive relationship with those in power in exchange according to an extant interpretation of this for political causes has now become much denouncing this administration, have also immediate environment. In a world filled environment has forced many students for a speck of independence and autonomy line of thinking, doom our chances of ever more difficult—to the point that association quietly distanced themselves from the with misconstrued values and a twisted lacking in academic credential to attempt to in engaging their own projects. This volatile moving past a corruption that has been with one, it seems, has become anathema political opposition. This also seems the sense of morality, there is no recourse but compensate for this inadequacy by drowning tension between the two has compromised the described by the World Bank as “pervasive even to the traditionally progressive religious reason for the current discernible lack of to constantly degrade the rational fabric themselves in extracurricular involvements. very service that they provide to the general and deep-rooted, touching even the hierarchy. unanimity in the nature and degree of upon which humanity is hinged upon. After all, highlighting these achievements is community. Sadly, this malevolent peaceful judiciary and the media.” (There’s also, of So how can this cynicism and inaction be participation among involved youth. People nowadays find it difficult and even often able to overshadow any dent found in coexistence will continue to perpetuate until course, that much-cited 2007 report Political conquered? How can civil society rekindle That being said, a Third Force should be at times, impossible to remain true to their the measure of their competence. one side decides to completely subjugate the and Economic Risk Consultancy stating that the silent majority’s passion for nation- mindful of any youth movement’s tendency convictions because in the first place, they Splicing this framework unto the other. the Philippines is viewed as “most corrupt in building beyond socio-civic volunteer work? to burn out as quickly as it emerges. Which have lost sight of any reason to do so. University’s own student community, Lastly, I cannot help but throw some Asia” by expatriate businesspersons.) From my vantage point, the only way is why it is important to have the right set Every epoch in human history has been three key national sectors are found criticism at the Philippine media. In stark How can we remain as such? In an opinion to “get over the hump” is for groups and of persons leading the way. Right now, this defined by a radical sense of idealism that to be analogous with their localized contrast to other nations where objectivity changed the world’s view of itself. Those piece I penned for our November 2007 individuals to coalesce into a non-Estrada country does not have someone quite like counterparts. First of all, the real problem and balance rules, opinionated and biased who introduced these ideals were admired views have been published and accepted issue, I pointed to a specific public attitude aligned “Third Force.” It’s an idea that’s been Barack Obama, but it does have a promising with government is making progress felt and immortalized as leaders, cornerstones as news across the nation in the guise of responsible for our sorry state of politics. floated around since the last national polls, alternative political party (Ang Kapatiran) of society and ideal models of greatness. ...the educational system reasoning such as making a stand, giving out On broad terms, I described a general and with just a year between today and the and a capable intelligentsia that’s willing to Unfortunately though, a large part of what seems to have lost commentaries and providing analysis. The unwillingness to “get back to substantive, next elections, it’s an objective that deserves lead (the Hyatt 10 and the rest of the former they stood for was eventually misunderstood credibility in being able to ideal behind journalism has been to dig out vigorous, and partisan debate about the very serious consideration. Especially cabinet members that co-authored Time to and gradually corrupted by those who integrate such learning into the facts and let the readers decide what to do issues that matter.” While I attributed this because it’s the necessary condition for Go: A Call to our Colleagues in Government). cannot keep up with the stringent demands basic education and as a with the information. It is not the journalist’s disenchantment to our historical experience, securing the youth’s backing for sustained, Given these considerations, it would be of living up to such high idealistic standards. result, students are forced direct function to make interpretations and I closed with a reference to ningas kugon and genuine, and across-the-board reforms. interesting to observe how the next weeks Individuals who cannot meet these standards to seek this development then draw definite conclusions because there re-emphasized the behavioral roots of our Consider, for instance, the NBN-ZTE unfold. What would be more interesting have no right to set the bar high. outside their academic is an underlying assumption that people can problem: “[A]t a time when even the fieriest controversy and the Sumilao case. If these two though is the majority of people my age Modernity has demonized the term curriculum. think for themselves. This practice of forcing of words cannot even provoke a response, instances have proven anything as regards realizing what longtime activist Todd Gitlin, “ideal” by calling it unrealistic, impractical, views upon the readers’ throats is probably one can only shudder at what new low our the “youth sector”—a critical mass of student in a moment of wisdom, said not too long and even worse, wrong. Philippine society throughout the entire population. Policies one reason why the impact of publications is probably one of the purest examples of a political state of affairs will sink to next until leaders and organizations united around its ago: Activism as such is not sufficient have been implemented only to the benefit has almost virtually disappeared. This is best system that has alienated and detached itself of a few. Though corruption has been the evidenced by the fact that normal daily Filipino we find our voice and say, ‘Enough.’” distrust of both Estrada and Arroyo—it is for improvement, but damned if it isn’t from the ideal setup. Filipinos simply keep perennial point of debate and discussion, it life goes on no matter how much is written to A string of massive protests and damning that it can spell the difference between a necessary. on insisting in placing square pegs in round remains endemic to the democratic system expose the malpractices in government. The revelations five months after I made those dismal status quo and an effective coalition holes. Sad to say, there are systems found in and virtually impossible to remove. Working worse part is that there are those who have remarks, indifference and ambivalence for change. A visible youth front almost the University that mimic their counterparts ideal democratic setups like those found in exercised their privilege to write in order to have proven more difficult to overcome single-handedly revived larger interest in Estrada and Arroyo in the real world. the United States and Singapore have shown categorically defend against allegations that than initially perceived. Somehow, all the obscure deal when pundits were writing Taking a closer look at the student body, that the best way to handle resources is to are obviously true. the negative feelings about the state of off Lozada as a flash in the pan. On non- jointly represent a it comes as little surprise that the country make the most of what is left after taking away In parting, I leave this one thought. It only Philippine government have not translated political matters, the youth’s support was political order that is headed in the wrong direction. If a corruption’s cut and using it on projects that takes a little spark to light a fire, but it takes a to a single high-profile arrest or conviction. similarly instrumental in bringing attention community littered with citizens who have will have a concrete impact in the community. strong unbroken wind to spread it across our In fact, the Supreme Court, by upholding to the plight of the Sumilao farmers. needs to be dismantled received the best education the Philippines The student governments of the past should world. 10 11 cover story

Looking ahead: to encourage Lasallians to register themselves for the election Office of the Vice President for Activities through representatives from Commission on Election to edu- cate the students about the process. The Vice President for Activities Villarojo will also be pushing for the Lasallian Youth Agenda chairs the Activities Assembly, monitors An SC prospectus by the end of the first term, primarily on environment issues by the activities of the Batch Assemblies making La Salle as the “greenest” university through Solid Waste by Lorraine Saguinsin and Crezzeille Francisco and coordinates with the College As- Management and other methods. semblies and the Council of Student Also part of the Lasallian Youth Agenda is the creation of the Organization (CSO) regarding univer- Union of La Salle Student Councils. Villarojo shared, “I think that sity-wide activities. it is important that the student councils of the La Salle schools Given her responsibilities, incoming are also integrated.” Through this union, she believes that good Vice President for Activities Inah Garcia advocacy practices of one Lasallian school can be shared to other will be prioritizing the revision of the Lasallian schools as well. Activities Manual. Aside from University-wide projects that her office tradition- ally handles, she also plans to have more issue and advocacy- based activities and programs for the studentry. In line with this, she will be pushing for the institutionalization of the Committee Office of the Vice President on Social Consciousness and Involvement. for Academics Garcia wasn’t reached by The LaSallian to elaborate more on her projects because she was in Iligan as of presswork time, as a Addressing academic concerns and school representative. grievances of the studentry is one of the main responsibilities of the Incom- ing SC Vice President for Academics, Aimee Chua. She described her vision Office of the Vice President for her office as “an office that would vigilantly protect students’ rights and welfare.” She also classified for Operations and the general idea of student’s rights and welfare in three major Communications commitments: right to quality education, right to academic ser- vices and right to enjoy pro-student policies. These commitments The Office of the Vice President are the basis for her plans for the next school year. for Operations and Communications One of the issues that Chua will concentrate on next school is tasked with the responsibility of year is also the Student Handbook Revisions. She will be focus- addressing student concerns regarding ing on the Dress Code Policy, pushing for clear implementing operational efficiency, dissemination fter the General Elections, guidelines and an office that will effectively and efficiently moni- of information about University-wide activities, programs, and Office of the President tor inappropriate campus attires. a new set of Student Coun- campaigns of the SC and establish liaisons and alliances outside She added, “For sure, student handbook revisions for this the school. cil officers will be heading Aside from representing the school, the SC President is entrusted A with a lot of responsibilities such as implementing Legislative Assem- year will change the three day special adjustment written in Ar- Incoming Vice President for Operations and Communications, their elected offices. Each of them bly decisions, upholding provisions stipulated in the constitution, ticle 8.14. However, I will fight for the special adjustment to be Gretch Santos, plans to first focus on the Student Services Charter, will be bringing along the promis- and tackling and responding to national, sectoral, and university- reinstated for the first three days of the term.” in which they will be asserting the students’ interest regarding es and the platform that they were wide issues. Aside from the pro-student Student Handbook Revisions, rules like the canteen policy and reservation policy. After the voted for to effect changes and im- With many duties awaiting her in the future, Nicole Villarojo, incorporated with her plans are the issues on Curriculum Re- charter is drafted, its inclusion in the Student Handbook will be view in the University, strengthening the Pahiram Libro Online, provements. Incoming SC President decided to narrow down her priorities as an lobbied. and reinforcing the grievance system in the university. Moreover She also included the removal of rental fees, creation of With five out of six SC Executive officer next school year. She explained, “As an EB officer you want to do everything. But you have to set your [priorities] or else some things will be half-baked and some things will be left she also has plans of lobbying scholarships for upperclassmen as an institutionalized Clinic Committee; and an Environmental Board seats captured by Alyansang untouched. “ adopted from the platform of her colleague and Santugon can- Committee to promote environmental sustainability through Tapat sa Lasallista, the “revolution” Her first priority is the Student Handbook Revision. “It is because the SC President sits didate for SC Treasurer Nadia Ong. Aside from that, her office safety measures, recycling methods and environmental issues. It of the SC Offices that they prom- on it together with the Vice President for Academics. It also entails a lot of research and a lot will examine the feasibility of a Study Now, Pay Later Education is followed by lobbying for student representation in institutional ised during their campaign will of proposals especially through the Legislative Assembly.” Villarojo added that the proposed System in the University which would make it more accessible to committees like the Operation Council. deserving aspirants. be underway. The abstract word revisions on the student handbook are due on April 14 and are slated to begin as early as the The rest of her agenda involves the expansion of Student “It is however, important to take note that these projects Cooperative (SCOOP) Services and creation of satellite offices is highly associated with sudden summer break. A project that Villarojo will be focusing on is the study and plebiscite of the University would entail a lot [of] research and tying-up with the different in different buildings, establishing and strengthening external changes and total transformation Student Government, which she hopes to be pushed through by the end of the first term. A sectors of the academic community in order to be done. This alliances, and centralization of locker systems. or overthrowing of a current system plebiscite will be needed in order to implement the University Student Government proposal. will ensure that all areas are maximized. Careful scrutiny is re- with a new one. But with the proj- Series of student assemblies will be held to explain the proposal. Then at least fifty percent plus quired in order to investigate well what’s best for the students,” ects and proposals of the incoming one of the student body’s votes is needed in order to approve the change in the SC. That is why explained Chua. Villarojo stressed the importance of educating the voters about the proposal. She also empha- Chua clarified that her office will start the research for their SC executive officers, the “revolu- projects during the summer break. She gave the Pahiram Libro tion” that they promised can be de- sized the need to work together with crucial groups like the Council of Student Organizations and explain the need for a change into the USG. Online as an example, which they will research which books scribed mostly as a transition of old The third priority on her list of agenda is heightening the voters’ education of the Lasallian should have more copies and look for sponsors for additional proposals, and continuation and students. She plans to conduct performance appraisals of both the national and local candi- books. improvement of projects initiated dates that the students will be voting for by organizing group discussions. Villarojo also wants She also plans to finish during the summer break all the dia- by previous student leaders. logues with the administrators regarding the projects and issues her office will be focusing on, so that they will be concerned with its implementation on the First Term. 12 13 cover story Office of the Executive Student Council 2008-2009 menagerieCulture&Lifestyle Secretary Although they had not formally combined their plans for next year, the members of the EB are confident of not encountering any The responsibilities of the SC video game 2.5 major problems in working together since they already know each Executive Secretary includes the other being part of this year’s SC. training and development of SC officers, When asked about her vision for the SC, Villarojo replied, Sins of a Solar Empire recording the meetings of different “Hopefully we will have more effective mobilization to reach the SC Units, maintaining complete filing grassroots and not to remain on the Execom level and hopefully the Sins of a Solar Empire (SOASE) is the culture. In traditional 4X games, this would the game engine can accommodate large system of the council and its units and first game of its kind. Its creators, Stardock require heavy micromanagement. In SOA- fleet battles involving hundreds of ships. The managing the correspondence of the Executive Board. student body will see us a bit more this school year.” When asked how Aimee Chua feels working together with other games, transformed the traditionally turn- SE, most of these functions are automated, sounds are serviceable, but could use more In line with these duties, Chichi Tullao, incoming SC secretary based genre of the 4X (eXplore, eXpand, and via the innovative ‘Empire Tree’ lets you variety—hearing laser blasts repeatedly can Execom members given that they’ve all come from the same political established three main objectives of her office for the next school eXploit, eXterminate) game into a real-time control these elements more efficiently. You be grating at times. Perhaps the greatest flaw party except her, she replied, “I hope that working with them will year. strategy one. This is quite a feat, since 4X can also zoom-in and out easily to toggle be- of the game is its lack of a single player cam- First is having an efficient office management which includes serve as a good learning experience and something to look forward games are turn-based because of their com- tween combat and managing your empire. paign. All the exposition in the manual and continual leadership training open not just for the officers but to next school year.” plexity. Games of the genre, like Master of This leaves the player to focus on more during the intro was for naught, since all for the student body. Orion and the Civilization series, require important decisions, such as whether to fo- games you play are skirmish-type ones. Tullao stated that she will improve the Student Council players to juggle economy, military, research cus on economy or military, where to deploy Nevertheless, Sins of a Solar Empire is a Apprenticeship Program (SCAP) of the Office of the Executive and culture as part of their strategy, which ships and which opponents to have diplo- highly replayable and deep RTS that will sat- Secretary started by Jenn Lazo, incumbent Executive Secretary. is difficult to do in a real-time environment, matic ties with. Such decisions, after all, form isfy any megalomaniac’s dreams of conquer- Her office will open the program for applicants during the first where one is pressed for time. SOASE not the core of all 4X games. The increased pace ing the galaxy, all in one summer afternoon. term. “The modules [from SCAP] are only by invited guests from only manages to overcome this problem, but also makes the game more manageable, as - by Darcy Reburiano La Salle. They’re good but in another scheme we will be inviting actually makes it its strength. opposed to turn-based 4X games that take outside youth organizations like Ayala Young Leaders Congress Set in space, SOASE tasks the play- days to complete a single game. The AI is to create the modules for the student participants. They will also er with the goal of conquering a pre-made/ also made to be very smart, both in automat- random galaxy as one of three varied fac- ing micromanagement and as opponent AI. be given projects to apply what they learned from those modules tions: the human Trader Emergency Coali- While the gameplay is excellent, there unlike from before,” explained Tullao. According to Lazo, SCAP tion, the psychic Advent, or the alien Vad- are some flaws. First, it takes a while to get currently has around 50 active members from the estimated 80 ran. This is accomplished primarily though familiar, particularly with the nuances of the applicants that were originally accepted. conquest of planets. Planets you control can game. The basics are easy enough to under- Her next objective is to strengthen external alliances of the be improved to gather resources, research stand with four comprehensive tutorials. SC especially in the Union of Catholic Student Councils (UCSC), technologies, build battleships or spread The visuals are nothing special, although National Union of Student Council (NUSC) and Souther Manila Inter-Institutional Consortium (SMIC). The transparency of the SC is her last main objective for the No money to go anywhere this summer? No problem! For the downright bored to next school year. She plans to monitor the performance of SC the perennial couch-potato, the Menagerie offers TV shows worth passing your time. units and evaluate the officers regularly, and make all the results available to the studentry by putting up an SC site with all the accounts and projects dealt with by the SC. Tullao also plans TV SHOW 2.5 cable 3.0 TV SHOW 2.0 on bringing back log books and text messaging to immediately record student concerns so that the SC will always be reminded Summerland TV Re-runs Pinoy Big Brother: of their issues and tasks. Teen Edition Plus As the name suggests, much of the The latest fad within cable is the revival Kuya is at it again with the young Office of the Treasurer show’s plot revolves around surfboards of the great television shows of yore. Jason ones. Only the ‘Plus’ included in the and summer flings. Join the adventures Behr and the cast of Roswell are back to title does not necessarily mean any- The SC Treasurer generally of the Gregory clan as they experience re-site themselves within the population thing will be different this time around. handles the management of funds of life by the shores of the picturesque of earthlings. Dana Scully and Fox Mulder Maybe, something to watch is Robi and the SC. His duties generally include sunny California and watch life unfold are deciphering extra-terrestrial enigmas Josef (pronounced Yo-sef) from rival preparing annual budgets, reviewing during the months of summer. View- on the X-Files. Witness the ups and downs schools Ateneo and La Salle high schools income and expenditures periodically ers can be treated to a Seventh Heaven of the six FRIENDS at Central Perk, delight respectively. Another housemate to note and supervising fund-raising projects. meets Baywatch viewing experience with yourself with the beginnings of the Heroes is Priscilla, who is hearing-impaired and Incoming SC Treasurer Greggy Chua highlighted the demand storylines demonstrating the show’s ensemble, or marvel at how Horatio Caine reads lips to communicate. This has for an accessible education for students as one of the important uncanny ability to incorporate love af- has never evolved since CSI: Miami’s 2004 Kuya baring his naked lips for the first points of his agenda. He plans to establish the Student Council fairs with family matters. Indulge in the debut. Channel surfing has never been this time. This season, would we finally Loan Program (SCLP) to help the studentry not only in paying breathtaking scenery the show offers, or great of a nostalgic mechanism be able to see who Kuya really is? have your emotional heartstrings pulled for every couch potato Would Robi and Josef become for their fees and credits but also for their theses and researches. at the mushy antics. While doing itching to take good friends or beat each other’s “It [program] doesn’t end in scholarships. There are different so, relish the sights of a a trip down male model faces to a pulp? types of financial assistance aside from scholarship programs,” pre-pubescent Zac Efron memory lane. Would ABS-CBN finally Chua explained. share the scene with Dawson’s Creek refuse any sponsor- He also said they want to continue the implementation of the washed-up musician or Saved by the ship offer? Watch Comprehensive Price Review Program to justify student fees by Jesse McCartney. Blink, Bell, anyone?. to find out.. - by evaluating and updating the data gathered by the current Office and you still would - by ali jeff salvado of the Treasurer. not miss them. - caronongan Chua will also maintain having well-researched Tuition Fee BY ALI CARONONGAN Increase (TFI) Proposal in the Multi-Sectoral Committee on Budget. 14 menagerie menagerie

Road Trip big fat slob that can’t fit into last year’s Match, one of the most popular (albeit loud, disruptive crunching. Also, an added trunks or bikini (or both). What bet- cheap) pulutan was the chicharon. But pork bonus for professional couch potatoes: it sits Fun Facts ter way to feed the fantasy than to feed rinds evolved into luxury snacks priced on your lap for your other hand to be free yourselves so-called “healthy” snacks? around P50 per bag, what’s the average for the remote. The popular "Pinoy" snack we all know as Chicharon, traces its origins to With big words like “zero-calorie” and drunkard to eat? Enter Cracklings, which Jack ‘n Jill Potato Chips’ thin-cut slices Latin America. Depending on the country, promoted by models who throw up ev- not only brings the chicharon back to the rather light, but still retain their flavors; 1 they use other animal rinds such as Junk ery five minutes, health snacks give you masses, but even to the lazy people who are whether it’s barbeque or cheese. Those who Cram a merry band of friends into chicken, beef and even fish! a car for two to even ten hours for the the illusion that you’re not indulging in too preoccupied to lift their hands and dip want to be glued in their seats will agree to http://www.mexicodesconocido.com.mx/ notas/762-Chicharrones-de-Montemorelos chance to lounge by the sea or chill in artificially colored and flavored mashed the chicharon into vinegar! The strong fla- this—no more nasty soda refills that require the mountains. It’s full of cheer and corn like the rest of us. But you are, so vour and thick portions encourage alcohol you to move your upper body. for All get over it. binging. Unfortunately, it also simulated Oishi, despite its Japanese brand laughter and crunching. It’s a crunching name, is actually a Filipino-Chinese that can only come from salty or spicy Nova: A single word cements Nova’s perfectly the acrid smell of the traditional image of “healthy” regardless of whether chicharon, which only worsens once the al- Nothing to do company. The reason why it’s named chips mashed between happy vacation- 2 such is because it was the name of their people bother to check the nutritional cohol starts pushing food back up. goers’ teeth. first breakthrough product - Oishi Prawn Seasons facts (which is just as bad as any other R-18, Level 3 is making a strong statement The main criterion for junk food Crackers. Because of it’s popularity, they by Darcy Reburiano, George Chan Jr., consumed while on the road is the junk junk food): multigrain. ‘Nuff said. when it brands itself as “not a kiddie snack.” decided to adopt it as their company Jose Francisco Unson III food’s fun factor. Whether it’s the great Snacku: Parents always tell their At levels 1 and 2, R-18 is spicy enough. But name. packaging that encourages retarda- kids, “Vegetables are healthy for you.” level 3—the aptly named Labuyo variant— http://www.urc.com.ph/ tion or a unique shape that encourages People deluding themselves into being stands in a class of its own. A 27-gram pack of There are times when there’s just noth- healthy see Snacku’s vegetable orienta- the snack is so hot that you’d have to douse Pringles only has flavor on one side in ummer vacations take us every- “philosophical” questions, great road ing left for you to do. True, one can always order to minimize the use of seasoning. trip snacks turn eating into a great so- tion with better living. And if that’s not your burning tongue with a nice, cold, bot- find productive things to occupy oneself http://www.time.com/time/magazine/ar- where: out-of-town, out-of-the- ticle/0,9171,490691-2,00.html cial activity. enough, the small Japanese voice saying tle of gin! Sad part is it will be your throat with, but then the question is: do you really 3 country, out-of-our minds. It’s also Pringles has a great variety of fla- “Snacku” has a tremendous impact on that starts to burn. Well, at least the spiciness want to be productive? After almost a year S increasing sales. is gone. the time when junk becomes pure gold. vours, and its tagline “once you pop you of studies (yeah, right) what better way to Potato Chips and Potato Crisps are No, don’t go out collecting trash. We’re can’t stop” has been true for more than spend the summer than to lie in bed like a two different snacks - the former is made talking about junk food, of course— one occasion. The real fun factor of Inuman Sessions Tube Marathons catatonic retarded slug for hours on end— from potato slices fried in oil, while the the air-conditioning turned up high and 4 latter is made from potato flakes shaped Pringles, though, lies in its unique pack- those delicious, addictive, often nutri- aging. The Pringles tube is a perfect your brain cells turned down to “near-coma- into “chips” tionally-challenged treats that we haven’t tose.” Nevertheless, junk food remains your bat to annoy the driver with repeated The current animals in most Animal constant companion. been able to stop eating ever since our whacks and for the imaginative, slipping Crackers feature this biscuit menagerie: moms told us they weren’t good for our the tube onto your hand makes you feel For this specific “activity,” the best junk tiger, cougar, camel, rhinoc- foods to eat are those that initiate some 5 eros, kangaroo, hippopotamus, like Mega Man. So you have the alcohol, your friends, Because of the hideous trimestral system, health. Nevertheless, there is no denying form of effort from the consumer. These Kornets has always been scrump- and a summer night; what’s missing? DLSU students blame academics for miss- bison, lion, hyena, zebra, el- that junk food is an integral part of sum- types of junk food are best suited when you ephant, sheep, bear, gorilla, tious and people have always bought it You got that right, Sherlock, freshly ing a lot of episodes of a series, an anime or mer fun. So if you missed out on them but the unique cone shape it has is what have nothing to do, because they actually re- monkey, seal and giraffe. cooked pulutan. But who’s willing to get some Koreanovela that they have been dying quire physical effort. The Koala was added makes it great. Ten pieces of Kornets over the past weeks because you had no their hands dirty in the kitchen, anyway? to watch. DVDs or a website like crunchyroll. Eaji Chips with Dip may not give you best in September 2002. can go on ten fingers making a corn- http://www.pittsburghlive. time to run to the store for stocks, or had This is the reason why junk food makes com and a whole month should do the trick. bang for your buck when snacking, primar- sharp set of claws that can be consumed com/x/pittsburghtrib/s_13834. its presence felt during inuman sessions. But wait, your sight and hearing are enter- ily due to the sad tendency of the accompa- html them as a staple to your sleepless nights with gusto after scaring travel-buddies. It’s as easy as pie: Get a bowl, add in the tained; why not your taste and smell as well? nying dip to disappear before the chips do, working on your final paper, this is a good Or maybe you can debate on the shape’s chips, serve, and enjoy. But who wants to hear noisy foil and like campaign officers during elections at time as any to reacquaint yourself with commentary on the socio-political state However, there are some junk foods crunchy chewing while hearing lines? And DLSU. But it does a good job in fulfilling the those artificial flavors. This mini-treatise of the world. (Nerd). better than others for drinking. These because you don’t want to miss a single sec- requirement for repetitive motions. on the joys of eating junk food will help snacks are those that usually encourage ond, you wouldn’t want to move just to get Butong Pakwan / Butong Kalabasa or summer vacationers choose the right Going Healthy you to drink more (by virtue of being another can of soda, would you? Don’t fret dried watermelon/pumpkin seeds are noto- spicy or having thicker volume), or pro- tube mongers—there are snacks out there rious for their propensity to make a mess. snack for the right occasion. Enjoy! vide cheaper same-flavored alternatives absolutely fit for hibernating in front of a Due to the effort you have to exert before for real pulutan. monitor. you enjoy them, they actually make you pret- by Paul Matthew Jiao Oishi’s Beer Match Series is a work Pik-Nik is a cute little snack popular be- ty preoccupied for hours, if not days. Before of genius. Before the advent of Beer cause of its cylindrical and easy to open pack- you know it, all those seed casings will even- Summer is all about fantasizing. aging. These shoestring potatoes are easy to tually form a mountain you can proclaim with your name—or at least, to the trash. One of which is fantasizing you’re not a put in your mouth as it is to open—no more

16 17 menagerie 25 CENT’S WORTH Beauty and the Blunder: Reflections on the new Bb. Talk of the town Pilipinas – World by George Chan Jr. and Ryza Martinez

by Gianina Densing

ina’s hecklers, imploring them to “give the Artwork by Kevin Ang young girl a break!” accent that irritated me at first. But an objec- veryday, we are all surrounded gossip—flavors range from useless, useful, over a cup of coffee, or if we read bad news On the disapproving side, emotions tive listen to San Miguel’s answer will reveal by irresistible incidences. Those mild, obscene, and disgusting. Information about Hollywood celebrities, our very own ranged from anger, to shame, to exaspera- that the gist of her two-minute bout of ver- whispers we hear in MRT stations, about which professors are “sure passes,” a problems tend to pale in comparison. For tion. Cebu Representative Eduardo Gullas bal diarrhea can be summed up in one sen- E supposed in-campus scandal, and the SPS once, they dive down back to earth, where the the “Hey, did you hear about that…” tence: her family is really important to her. elevator-turned-closet urban legend are crowd can actually relate to their problems. seized the opportunity to comment on how being muttered inside the jeepney, and I fail to grasp how people could ignore the among some examples. This just goes to This is also the reason why gossip seems San Miguel is a testament to the Philippines’ the small talks said as we stand in line in deteriorating educational system – as if it fact that that does not even answer the ques- show that even Lasallians are susceptible useless because, in fact, useless information took a beauty contest to deduce as much. tion, suggesting that she may lack more than front of Andrew Hall’s elevators—one and participative of gossiping. The LaSallian is easily digestible. Still many others flooded the Internet with a command of the English language. does not need to be too observant to asked around campus to prove this, and blog posts mocking her defective English, This isn’t such a new thing, though. The catch a thing or two. Is this mysterious found a perfect example. The Buzz unsympathetic to the pageant novice’s situ- success of previous beauty queens, who are, “social weapon,” as sociologists call “My friend told me about the SPS Because Filipinos are known to be non- PHOTO BY JARED DE LA CRUZ ation. frankly, not the smartest of beings, tells us it, merely nonsensical gibberish or a building being a favorite site for smoking confrontational, gossip has been one of the that intellect is dispensable when one is inside the campus, especially in its comfort ou’ve seen the YouTube vid- Both defenders and detractors alike ask bluntly dangerous chatter? Read on and most appealing pastimes since the invention the same question: Did she deserve to win? good-looking enough. San Miguel joins find more about the favorite talk of the rooms,” says a COE student, Karelle (not of sliced bread. Ever since showbiz talk eo. You’ve read the lampoon their ranks; her win, on a proportionally her real name). “These smokers even use Paolo Bediones, one of the event’s present- town: gossiping. shows became hits on the tube, blind items articles, the scathing forum more serious level, is subliminally broadcast- the toilet as an ashtray without flushing, Y ers, responds best: “Based on the criteria for Gossip—defined as idle talk and and other offbeat methods of gossip have judging and the process that SGV (SyCip ing the idea that a woman can get by with nakakadiri talaga (it’s so disgusting).” been existent. Talk shows also function in a comments from irked observers, all rumor especially about others’ private despairing over how Contestant No. Gorres Velayo & Co, the auditing firm that just her looks. Melanie Marquez, the god- Karelle also testifies about how fast similar manner as gossip, where personalities supervised the vote-counting) implement- dess of malapropisms herself, proudly de- affairs—is considered as one of the gossip travels. She says she has two classes 15 defiled the English language, and talk about their selves and people compare ed, the answer is an emphatic ‘Yes.’ Beauty clared, “Magaling nga ‘yung iba mag-Eng- oldest and most common means of with completely different people enrolled themselves. This is why experts like Boy yet still managed to walk away with of face and figure comprised a total of 80 lish, pero may international beauty title ba sharing facts and views. Oxford English in each. Karelle admits spreading the details Abunda and Cristy Fermin become well- the Bb. Pilipinas – Ms. World title. percent, and remember that she won both sila?” blatantly suggesting that the latter is of Dictionary traces the word’s origin— about the SPS smoking culprit during her known: they know what to talk about and the long gown and swimsuit competition… more worth. Are we really so set on breed- morning class. Much to her surprise, during For those who are unfamiliar with the god-sib meaning “godparent of one’s how to do it. which leaves us with 20 percent to be divided ing Filipinas who are beautiful, graceful and her afternoon class, people tried to share event, it started with a confident Janina San child”—as far as 1014. The word refers In a society striving to be socially evenly between personality and intelligence. poised, but can barely construct a coherent that same information to her. Miguel sashaying up to the podium to an- to a close friendship, which can be unified, gossip will always be an indicator Yes, for this pageant, 10 percent for intelli- sentence without nose-bleeding to death? swer her question. She picks the name of easily related to how unrestrained talk of aspirations. There will always be people gence was all that was allotted.” judge Vivienne Tan, who asks, “What role Why We Do It coveting for themselves the glamorous lives This is, as much as I hate to admit, the or writing can be between two persons did your family play for you as a candidate to No, we don’t feel any pressure But what is it that makes gossiping such of the rich and the famous, and people who sad truth. No matter how much they try to In a few months, the 2008 Miss World gossiping. Until about the 1800s, the Binibining Pilipinas?” an entertaining activity? Gossip has been would always be curious to always be in the make it look like they value intelligence, pageant will be held in Kiev, Ukraine. With word “gossip” usually referred to a “Well, my family’s role for me is so im- dubbed by sociologists as a “social weapon,” know. There’s a natural longing for gossip; the bottom line is: beauty contests are what regards to her preparations, San Miguel stat- man who drank with friends and the portant… b’coz they was the one…” a risky one that most people turn to as a in fact, it provides a peer-to-peer system for they are. The issue, then, is not a question of ed in a recent article by the Philippine Star: The rest is history. fellowship they shared, or a woman who contrivance against others. People easily disseminating information, fulfills the need whether or not she is worthy of the title, be- “Right now po, nag-aaral kami ng English But while this unbelievable event may was a family friend and helped during engage in it because of its powerful and off- for a sense of community, and strengthens cause – let’s face it – Janina San Miguel is ex- language. Syempre, maggo-Gold’s Gym po seem like a joke, it also raises questions about childbirth. putting influence. But according to Ralph moral restrictions. ceptionally beautiful, and has the height and kami to be physically fit.” the image of the Filipino people – inside and Rosnow, author of Rumor and Gossip: The Even if gossiping has always been a personality to boot. The real issue is a ques- That’s all well and good, but I person- Social Psychology of Hearsay, “If people slippery subject with a sullied reputation, it outside the country. “Uy, I have Chika!” tion of whether or not she is a good enough ally hope that she does listen to her critics. The past definition of gossip is far aren’t talking about other people, it’s a will always be more than just idle chitchat, representative of our country. Whether or It’s true that one response does not define from the perception we have of it today. signal that something is wrong – that we feel for it’s about the way we arrange our world An issue of representation not she wins the Miss World pageant this a person’s intelligence, but it is also true socially alienated or indifferent”. as social beings. As a unifying force that After the pageant, defenders promptly Gossip in the modern context spreads like year, she is still going to bear the image of that first impressions stick. Next time, hope- Gossip therefore is essential for an communicates a group’s moral code, gossip, came to San Miguel’s rescue. Some reasoned a plague. Juicy tidbits and information will the Filipino. This is probably the reason why fully, she will be more prepared: either she understanding of our social environment. according to sociologists, is the “social glue” that she was probably just nervous (and this be definitely shared among peers and even so many people fixate on her bad English, takes some English lessons, or she does the Its primary function, according to Jack that holds us all together. There will always is where they brandish the “Nobody’s per- strangers. Piquing the human curiosity is a and not at the content of her response. nationalistic thing and hires a translator. Levin, author of Gossip: The Inside Scoop, be quite a bounty of eclectic information fect!” cliché); at least she kept cool amid way to get one’s attention, especially in a Whichever way, a well-delivered answer, Eng- is “to help people make social comparisons.” that we can’t wait to talk about. Humanity jeers from the crowd. Some go as far as to country where traffic jams are caused by lish or not, could be one step for Ms. San Case in point is that if we get into the ghastly is a beehive of communication, with gossip commend her nonchalant attitude. Ramon The Filipina ideal? passers-by of accident scenes. Admittedly, it was the bad grammar and Miguel, and one giant leap for Filipinos. particulars of our neighbor’s desolation acting as outlets of expression. Tulfo of the Philippine Inquirer scolded Jan- The University is not an exception to badminton sports HIGHLIGHTS round-up UAAP 70

With four Netters graduating at the end of DLSU teams participate in the school year, the urgency to win a UAAP championship was felt throughout the team. Not only improving from its best-ever finish summer tournaments of third-place, the Green Netters were By Philip Andrew Ang and Floren Faye Chua crowned Season 70 Champions.

ne would think that athletes to participate despite Alarca’s Leave would use the postseason of Absence during the third term of Oto get some well deserved the school year nullifying the Lady rest—for some, to recover from Spikers’ wins during the second round injuries, even. But after finishing of the UAAP Volleyball Tournament. Despite a slow start to begin the second half of the UAAP season, the fourth overall in UAAP Season 70, the The Green and Lady Fencers that Photo courtesy of Fiickr.com by inboundpass Green Tennisters managed to turn their athletes of De La Salle University are both finished at sixth place in the game around to finish runners-up of looking to hone their skills and get a last UAAP season, participated in the Season 70. basketball

head start on next season’s campaign. Interclub Fencing Competition on tennis To keep them busy and competitive March 29 at the SM Megamall. over the summer, DLSU’s teams are The Fencers were led by in tournaments against other quality UAAP bronze medalist teams in various league. Clifford Sy and features UAAP Men’s Basketball David Elizaga, Christopher The team that caused DLSU’s exclusion Champions Green Archers are set to Ong, Ross Razal, Francis from UAAP Season 69, the Green Archers defend their FilOil Flying V Preseason Madrazo, and William more than made up for the one-year Invitational and Nike Summer Cruz. All six Green suspension. More than winning the Men’s Basketball crown, they reignited Leagues crowns. UAAP Mythical Five Fencers that competed the Animo and showed just how good Selections Rico Maierhofer and JV in this tournament had Lasallians can be. Casio, who was also UAAP Co-Finals’ just competed in their MVP, will spearhead the Green first UAAP tournament Archers’ quest to repeat in the FilOil- last season except for Flying V Preseason Invitational. They Elizaga who was not fielded will open their campaign against the during their campaign. “Every Overcoming injuries to start the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers competition…is a learning season, the relatively inexperienced at the tournament’s tip-off on April experience,” said Lady Fencer Gazel Lady Booters finished Season 70 13, 2008. Maierhofer was also crowned de Guzman. She added that by strong—enough to place 2nd. Look MVP in the Nike Summer League and participating in these tournaments, for them to carry the momentum all the in the FilOil-Flying V Homegrown the players gain experience in way to next season. Invitational Cup in 2006. The Green competing against fencers from Archers also participated in the Fr. different schools as well. Martin’s Cup after the first half of the The Green and Lady Paddlers,

UAAP season. Fielding players from participated in the national chess both Teams A and B, they finished invitations, Chancellor’s Cup at the football fifth overall. Human Kinetics Gym of UP-Diliman The Green and Lady Woodpushers Shakey’s V-League favorites last March 30. The Green Paddlers played the entire season as if it was DLSU Lady Spikers will not join the finished 16th overall, while the Lady part of a single match: with strategy. said tournament. According to Lady Paddlers in eighth spot. Placing each win and loss to stay afloat Spiker Celine Hernandez, the team Despite a strong showing during and maintain motivation, both teams decided not to join because of a the UAAP season, the tennis, finished a respectable 2nd. violation of league rules. League rules badminton, and football teams state that teams from the NCAA and will not compete in any summer the UAAP could only field players competitions. Coach Hans Smit that were in their season rosters. of the Green and Lady Booters Joining different competitions in the Lady Spikers Manilla Santos and is currently handling coaching one-year layoff and a strong off-season Charleen Cruz were not included in duties for the Women’s National training camp helped the Green and the team’s UAAP roster, thus being Team in Rakhon Natchasima, Lady Judokas overcome a lack of ineligible to play in the V-League. Thailand for the Asian Cup. players in several weight classes to finish Jacqueline Alarca would have been 2nd and 3rd respectively. allowed to play had the team decided Photos by Karla Peralta and Erika Serrano Photos by Francis Garrucho, Alvin Lau, Ian Meru, and Roxanne Go judo opinion POPTOWN School Life BC Uy

Obiter dictum Of hopes and thanksgivng Beach Bums Jeremy Magnaye by Camille Bianca Pinto

Pinakamatalino Albert Depano

t has been two months since my last the first place. as my term as Sports Editor of The LaSallian column appeared in The LaSallian, While I am against the exaggerated is over. As the saying goes, “Change is the Iand those two months were full of corruption in the government today, I am only permanent thing in the world,” and controversies for the country, especially not in favor of Arroyo’s resignation—not, next school year, it is up to the next Sports in the political aspect. It was in the month especially since the heir to her presidency is Editor on what changes will be made in this of February when the star witness of the the Vice President, who does not even have section. With the successful return of DLSU controversial NBN-ZTE Deal, Jun Lozada, a stand on the issue itself. to the UAAP, it is also the comeback for the came out with everything that he knew about The Catholic Bishops Conference of Sports section. The section aims to feature the said deal. This was very controversial not the Philippines (CBCP), which played a all the sports and their athletes—not just the just because First Gentleman Mike Arroyo’s big role in the first People Power, released UAAP athletes and their respective sports. and former Comelec Chairman Benjamin a statement regarding their stand, and even As you may have noticed, this year, we have Abalos’ names were once again linked in they did not call for Arroyo’s resignation. given you more sport-features rather than the said anomalous deal, but corruption Last Palm Sunday, they said that their straight sports-news. With the changes in our country was highlighted more than reason for not calling the resignation of the made, I should thank several people that ever. Lozada’s revelations instigated protests President is that corruption will not end made this change possible and have helped from different sectors of the community, even if another president is to be dethroned through the year. Oh the heat! Airi Beltran Road to... Monika Ortega including students throughout the from the office. My family, who gives me motivation and Philippines. However, despite all the prayer I have to agree with them. Corruption is inspiration on everything that I do; and rallies, noise barrages, and protests asking the problem, and electing a new president sportswriters of the past years, especially, for the President to resign, none of them will not solve this. However, the question Abbey, Kian, Gay, JK—who made Sports were successful to make her step down. that runs through my mind is that as feel like a family, thank you. To Abbey, who In my opinion, there are several factors servants of God, shouldn’t the CBCP, the believed that I was capable of being a leader that hinder the possibility of another mediator between God and men make a of the section; and Candy, last year’s Sports People Power revolution. For one thing, stand on every issue that happens in the Editor who became my mentor, and taught the President has the Cabinet’s and the country and the world? Shouldn’t the CBCP me a lot of things about sportswriting, thank military’s support. Another factor is the at least provide a solution as to how to solve you. Mr. Gerry Achacoso, who gave me division in the country’s social and political the problem? When this NBN-ZTE Deal information about upcoming games, thank sphere. Some favor holding snap elections is over, I am afraid that the courage of a you. while others prefer that she be replaced by man named Jun Lozada will be history and Of course, all of the changes that Vice President Noli De Castro, which is the corruption will continue. Nonetheless, I pray occurred in the section were never possible if constitutional thing to do. that corruption in the government should at it is not for the sportswriters in my section— Then there is the insistence of our the very lest, be lessened (as it will always be they are the ones who deserve the credit for President to cling to power. She released present) and that everybody should make a the way Sports is what it is today. several statements reiterating her intention stand on every issue that the country faces. To all the previous, current, and aspiring to stay in office until 2010 despite her *** Sports staff, “Never lose your passion for presidency being questionably legitimate in This is my last column for the school year sports and sports writing.”

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