Harvest Time the Student Council General Elections Are Upon Us Again

What would you do without Odd, distant relatives: The (Fine) Philippine and American Art of Athletic ? Elections Recruitment Volume XLVII no. 9 February 2008 LaSallThe ian

Harvest Time The Student Council General Elections are upon us again. Expect other schools to watch more closely this time

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Table of Contents

UNIVERSITY MENAGERIE To our 4 | Bulletin 24 | Opinion 8 | Editorial readers 9 | Opinion 25 | Life & Leisure 28 | Google-less World in review 10 | The evolution of student activities 30 | A statement from the Committee on National Issues and Concerns Change has never been easy. 13 | Opinion And perhaps quite too often, change has been used as a rationale for brash, irresponsible, and Coverstory even tragic actions: China’s Great Leap Forward, America’s decision to go to war in Iraq, and Edsa 14 | Minding others’ business SPORTS Tres, among others, quickly come to mind. The Lasallian brand of student politics Yet there are also times when change does hold 20 | Roundup truly great promise. It is with this possibility in mind Situationer that you hold in your hands what is perhaps The 18 | Odd, distant relatives: 22 | The Art of Recruitment LaSallian’s biggest and boldest change experiment: Philippine and American Elections the magazine—the culmination of months of 23 | Financing De La Salle Sports profound soul-searching, intense discussions, and, as with every issue we release, extremely hard work. Why a change in format? Those who have followed us for the past years will certainly have noticed how we have slowly moved away from “just the news” to a more features orientation, particularly in the University section. This year, that thrust has begun to make itself more visible in the Sports section, where we have written extensively about DLSU’s chances of winning a Cover credit: William Cruz UAAP general championship and other athletics- The related issues commonly taken for granted (such as De La Salle’s sports management program). LaSallian This overall direction, we felt, was necessary The bastion of issue-oriented critical thinking for a publication that has to constantly fight obsolescence and grapple with issues of relevance, given its infrequent (sometimes erratic) release Editor in Chief | Paulo Jose Mutuc dates as well as significant overlaps in coverage with Associate Editor | Alejandro Almendras IV other publications. Managing Editor | Josef Aaron Lim Along the way, however, we also realized University Editor | Raymund Cuesico (ironically) that we may have sacrificed much Menagerie Editor | Angela Velasco of our appeal for the sake of depth. We frowned Sports Editor | Camille Bianca Pinto on events, announcements, and press releases to Art & Graphics Editor | Carmela Prado focus on matters which we thought were of greater Photo Editor | Jennerson Ong importance. As a result, in our quest for greater Circulations Manager | Stacy Ybud sophistication, we somehow lost touch with you, Office Manager |Krizia Martha Carriaga our readers. This time, what we have tried to come up with is a more harmonious marriage between | University Crezzeile Francisco, Zamanta Legados, Gale Maramba, Carlito Reyes Jr., Loraine Saguinsin, Alliv Samson | Menagerie Jemimah Ang, Marie Beatrice form and function, between what you want to read Angeles, Marielle Antonio, Nazrin Camille Castro, Ali Caronongan, George Chan Jr., Jabin and what we think you ought to read. Landayan, Sam Modina, Elvin Ngo, Darcy Reburiano, Rochelle Santos | Sports So as we explore a new horizon for this month Philip Andrew Ang, Dean Sedrick Carlos, Johannes Chiong, Jed Aureus Gonzales, and the next, take a good look at the magazine. Celine Anne Hernandez, Jefferson Quincy Reyes, Christine Marielle Suntay, Michael Scrutinize it. Ridicule it if you must. Let us know Gerard Sy, Katherine Anne Tingzon | Photo Erickson Jao, Alvin Lau, Ian Meru, Francis Garrucho, Ma. Erika Serrano | Art & Graphics Kevin Ang, Samantha Ang, how we are doing, and whether you like what you Johnalene Baylon, Airi Bianca Beltran, Francis Borromeo, Angela Kristine Garcia, Frank see this February and March. Herrera, Paul Matthew Jiao, Beatrice Ong, Allen Silva, Brian Christian Uy After all, it is you, the Lasallian, who gives life and purpose to The LaSallian. You decide, Green Student Publications Coordinator Rosanna Luz Valerio Archer. Director of Student Publications Fritzie Ian Paz-De Vera Yours truly, The LaSallian has its editorial office at 502 Bro. Gabriel Connon Hall, De La Salle University, Paulo Jose Mutuc 2401 Taft Avenue, Manila 1004. TLS can be contacted through telephone number 5244611 loc. Editor in Chief 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. 2 “...either all of the slate is completed or no one will be endorsed by Santugon”Prince Gregorio, Santugon Outer Core President University Bulletin

Photo by Alvin Lau Ready? Tapat--shown here in its annual convention where they select their bets--finalized its line-up earlier than Santugon, which is faced with a critical strategic decision poised to shape this year’s polls. As of press time, only Nicole Villarojo (inset) has confirmed her candidacy.

to be proactive and responsive.” He asserted Political parties gear up that once in the SC, decision-making should not be crippled by an ideology. for SC elections Most pressing issues by Carlito Reyes Jr. In the run-up to the General Elections, As early as January, the University’s Gregorio when asked about what the party what university issues are the most important two student political parties have already be- would do if it is not able to complete its slate to Tapat and Santugon? gun preparations for the upcoming Student once the deadline for filing of candidacies According to Angeles, Santugon believes Council (SC) General Elections. arrive. “The decision,” he emphasized, “not that the transformative learning framework Last Jan. 30, Tapat held a convention just lies with the core but all who are part of is still “not in good shape,” and that a good which allowed members to finalize the the party, from the alumni, to the members. number of students are still not at ease with party’s slate. Tapat President Jielene Sato However, if we are to not field a candidate it the framework. noted that some problems arose in the should be for a legitimate reason.” Gregorio added that students do not process, as there were instances when certain Gregorio also mentioned that such a have enough avenues to air their concerns positions had more than one qualified candi- thought can only be entertained under the regarding transformative learning, and said date. Nonetheless, no major problems were premise of raising political maturity and that the effectiveness of the standardization encountered during the selection, Sato said. making students realize the kind of service of class hours is questionable because there Meanwhile, Santugon President Francis they are getting from the SC. has been no feedback from the studentry. Angeles reported that they are still deciding Angeles noted that Santugon, in past The Santugon spokespersons also men- the composition of their slate and are con- years, was able to complete its line-up of tioned SC internal governance as a key tinuously training. To determine Santugon’s candidates earlier. concern, especially the delegation of duties list of candidates, Angeles said that the from members of the Executive Committee party’s Secretary General sends invitations to Ideological matters to batch level representatives. As for Tapat, Sato said they are looking at people (“runnable”). After this, at least five Sato describes Tapat’s ideology as liberal, three main areas: the ongoing deliberations Santugon Core members deliberate on an or within the Left of the political spectrum. for Student Handbook revisions, a review of aspiring candidate. The entire Core decides As for Santugon, Angeles shared that the student services, and a proposed the Univer- the final list. party does not necessarily subscribe to one sity Student Governance framework for the strand of belief, because they believe in SC’ internal use A GE without Santugon? individuality and dynamism: “In Santugon, As for taglines, Santugon says it remains Interestingly, “either all of the slate is we believe that when problems are to be undecided about continuing “Empowered completed or no one will be endorsed by solved we have to look at their root cases and Youth, Progressive Citizenry.” Tapat, mean- Santugon,” said Outer Core President Prince be dynamic in creating the solution. We have while, declined to disclose its own.

un i v e r s i t y New impeachment case hounds SC by Julie Yang An impeachment complaint against the College of Engineering’s College Assembly President, Leah Villalon, has been filed on grounds that her Student Council (SC) unit has been late seven times for Activities Assembly meetings. According to Maritzi Tullao, chairperson of the Ethics Committee of the SC Legislative Assembly, the complaint was jointly filed by Jenn Lazo, SC execu- Justice delayed. The tive eecretary, and Jecah Ginete, SC vice Sumilao farmers returned president for activities, in response to the to DLSU for a one and a half mentioned offense. hour open forum last Jan. 4. Tullao explained that the seven counts The event proved to be an of tardiness translate to three absences and emotional one, as members one late, which was beyond the allowed limit of the audience, including under the officer’s code of conduct, and that Student Council President violation of the code would classify the of- Noey Arcinue, openly em- fense under negligence of duty. She further phatized with the farmers’ added that there was really no excusable cause. reason for this, since a representative could Photo by Ian Meru be sent to the meetings if the elected officer could not attend. The impeachment complaint has been CLA commemorates 26th anniversary validated, and a letter has already been sent to Villalon informing her of the situ- From Feb.4 to Feb. 8, the Arts College As- ation. Nonetheless, whether there will be sembly (ACA) hosted several activities to com- Feb. 8, meanwhile saw the CLA convention an impeachment trial is still subject to the memorate its 26th anniversary The ACA began held from 9 am to 2:30 pm, with most CLA de- deliberation of the Ethics Committee, which the week with a Eucharistic celebration done partments sponsoring talks on different topics. will convene once Villalon submits her reply. in the memory of Renan Manzano. A food fest FAST 06 also hosted Artstruck, a talent show. In the event that a College Assembly came after. On Wednesday, Feb. 6, FAST 05 and President is impeached, the SC President will College of Liberal Arts’ Parents of University Finally, last Feb. 9, the Behavioral Science have to recommend a replacement. Students Organization (PUSO-CLA) sponsored Society and the Lasallian Sports Commission a Bingo Bonanza, where all proceeds were had 30 children from Singalong attend work- given to the One La Salle Scholarship Fund. shops on art, crafts, and sports. economy Good times ahead? Amid uncertainty and turmoil Record breaking. The Office of in financial markets around the world due Counseling and Career Services’ to fears of a housing slump-led US recession, Careers Unit successfully capped off its the Philippines--for the longest time dubbed “the sick man of Asia”--just announced a 7.3 week-long Job Expo with a “Confluence percent economic growth rate for 2007, its Dinner” for student leaders, University highest in 31 years. This growth, according administrators, and company represen- to National Statistics Coordination Board tatives at the North Conservatory last (NSCB) Secretary-General Romulo Virola, Feb. 7. A total of 143 companies--the was largely driven by an expanding services most of any job fair held in DLSU-- sector, which grew by 8.7 percent. With a participated in the recently concluded sharp contraction in the American economy affair. expected in the coming months, The Econo- mist Intelligence Unit says that the country should watch out for potentially lower remittance inflows and weaker exports. The Sophomore passes away economic outlook for the Philippines this by Floren Faye Chua year, nonetheless, remains positive: Credit Sophomore Karate team member and Center for Social Con- ratings agency Moody’s just upgraded its cern and Action (COSCA) volunteer Renan Joseph “RJ” Manzano ssessment of the Philippines from “stable” to “positive,” citing renewed stability in the died Thursday, Jan. 31, after falling into a coma the day before country’s fiscal position. due to an aneurysm. Manzano did not come to school because of a US Congress is currently fasttracking migraine last Jan. 28. He was said to have fallen unconscious in his deliberations on a fiscal stimulus plan worth bathroom the following day, and was rushed to St. Luke’s Medical more than $100 billion after losing 17,000 Center in Quezon City. jobs across a variety of sectors in January. For RJ’s remains were interred at Funeraria Paz in Araneta Avenue, its part, the US Federal Reserve has cut the Quezon City. The burial took place Feb. 6. federal funds rate (the base rate for US bank Karate team sensei Cesar Unson described RJ as a very passion- lending) by half a percentage point. ate, diligent, and humble athlete. RJ had just won a silver medal in kata. un i v e r s i t y

University Week SY 2007-2008 0800-1800 1210-1315 La Salle Fair Eucharistic Celebration F M FEB 15 (Football Field) SC, CSO, SC-Focus 06, CSO- FEB 11 (Amphitheater) SC, Lasallian Pastoral Office Outdoor Club, and SC-Fast 2007 1200-1500 1315-1330 Sportsfest Berde08 Opening Ceremony/Ribbon Cutting (Razon Sports Complex) CBE, SC-BEA SC, CSO Ipakita ang 1000-1200 1400 Green Idol variety show Kapihan with students, alumni (Yuchengco Theater) Cultural Arts Office, VCA Office galing ng bawat (LS Boardroom) Development Office, SC 1200-1300 Food Fest Lasalyano! 0900-1600 (Marian Quadrangle) SC, CSO & Offices Compiled by Loraine Saguinsin Lasallian Enrichment FEBT 12 Alternative Program (LEAP) 1500-1700 SC, CSO Green Idol variety show (Yuchengco Theater) Cultural Arts Office, VCA Office 0800-1700 1800-2330 W Animo Ignition and IBIZA Concert/Party FEB 13 Youth Public Service (Football Field) SC, CSO Congress * Sponsored by Levi’s, Green Anthem and Stacy SC, CSO Rodriguez. LSDC Street will be performing. EXCITE: Forum (Yuchengco fourth floor) Brothers’ Community Open House (LS 4th floor) Brothers’ Community, SCA

1900-2030 Innersoul Concert (Amphitheater) Innersoul, CAO Berde08 Team 0800-1700 Photo by Erika Serrano H EXCITE: The Socio-Civic FEB 14 Appreciation Day SC, CSO EXCITE symposium Week long activities (Yuchengco fourth floor) Workshop, contest 1. Green Tribute: An exhibit of DLSU (William Shaw Little Theater) achievements (Yuchengco Lobby) 2. GEN ID: One La Salle Scholarship *Exhibit entries of socio-civic projects due Feb. 11, Fund Race (Central Plaza) noon; project details to be submitted before Feb. 13. *EXCITE: Embrace diversity, experience social 3. University Bazaar (Sports Plaza A & consciousness, challenge organizations to think long- B; SJ Walk) term, integrate programs, and empower people. - Proceeds will go to University scholar- Brothers’ Community Open House ship funds (LS 4th floor) Brothers’ Community, SCA 4. Harana services (SJ Walk) - under Cultural Arts Office: 5. Photo Mosaic Booth (Central Plaza) 6. Time Capsule (Central Plaza) - testimonials of people 7. Roving Archer Mascot 8. Car Exhibit (Miguel Walk) 9. Jersey Auction of UAAP Athletes (Central Plaza) 10. DJ and Song Requests Booth (Sports Plaza) 11. EXCITE socio-civic exhibit (SJ Lobby) Company sponsors Nestle, Globe Telecom, Clear, Universal Robina Corp. (URC), Havaianas, San Miguel, Red Ribbon, Gloria Jeans, H&L Jewelry, and Man Trade will be setting up promotional booths and activities for the entire week. For Friday, Feb. 15, Youthopia Media Philippines will provide the lights and sounds for the concert, while the JG Group of Companies will have 20 booths (featuring SUN Cellular, Robinsons Land, Robinsons Shopping Malls, Cebu Pacific, JG Summit Publications, Jobstreet, Mini Stop, Robinsons Savings Bank, Bobbie Nail Care Systems, and Dutchmill). URC and Dutchmill are food sponsors for Friday as well. Finally, on Saturday, Feb. 16, the College Assembly of Science will sponsor a tree-planting activity at Lian, Batangas. Photo by William Cruz un i v e r s i t y

TLS, Guidon hold first Panahon na ‘Press Play’ upang tumulong wakasan ang The LaSallian (TLS) and The Guidon, the kahirapan, sagipin official student newspaper of Ateneo de Manila University, in cooperation with the ang kalikasan, National Union makilahok at of Journalists of makiisa... maging the Philippines (NUJP), held volunteer! the first-ever Press Play at the Yuchengco Hall last Jan. 19. The A week of activity--which ‘GreenSense’ featured semi- by Gale Maramba Photo by Francis Garrucho nars in editing (Rowena Paraan), in-depth writing (Carlos Kapihan ng Malayang Lasalyano on the The Committee on National Issues and Conde), photojournalism (Raffy Lerma), Philippines’ national situation last year, a Concerns from Jan. 28 to Feb. 1 sponsored and layout (Adrian Albano)--is the first tie- forum about environmental psychology a University-wide campaign for responsible up between TLS and The Guidon. Awards by the Samahan ng mga Mag-aaral sa citizenship, dubbed “Green Sense: Panahon and cash prizes were also given to the Sikolohiya, a seminar on good governance na upang tumulong wakasan ang kahirapan, following winners in the accompanying from the Political Science and Development sagipin ang kalikasan, makilahok at makiisa... contest: Studies Society, a Greenpeace forum maging volunteer!” on their Simple lang campaign with the Photojournalism In line with this, different activities Student Publications Office (SPO), and a covering leadership, environmental, and First Prize “Balikbayan (in) Boxes” culminating Engineering College Assembly by Karl Fredrick M. Castro, UP Diliman political issues were organized. Among (ECA) concert at the Amphitheater during Third Prize “Blazed” these were the Student Council-sponsored by Ricardo F. Villaruel, DLSU-Manila the University Break featuring Sino SiKat? and Noel Cabangon. Editorial Cartoon Participating external organizations were First Prize “GMA’s Medalla de Oro Award” the Philippine Institute for Development by Archi Luigi A. Oclos, UP Diliman Studies (PIDS), ERDA Foundation, Inc., Second Prize “Human Security Act” Konkokyu Peace Activity Center, Elsie by Archi Luigi A. Oclos, UP Diliman Gaches Village-DSWD, and Haribon Third Prize “Jeep ni Erap” by Michael Gleen Echaves, FEU Foundation. Opinion “The environment is in a very bad First Prize “Wretched” by Jerrie M. Abella, UP Diliman state... it takes massive long term, Second Prize “Notes on Conviction” sustainable action in order to by Frank B. Tiongson, UP Diliman Third Prize “SK Must Live” rectify that” by Elydia R. Reyes, University of Per- - George Buenaventura, during the Jan.24 petual Help System DALTA Kamalayan Photo by Francis Garrucho

Themes discussed were “Local 7th Young Economists’ Governance and Poverty Alleviation” Convention held (Manila), “Microfinancing and the Development of Small- and Medium- by Gale Maramba Scale Enterprises” (Cebu), “Health and Jan. 31 saw the 7th Young Economists’ Education in the Rural Sector” (Baguio), Convention (YEC), an annual gathering and “The Role of Agriculture and of economics students from all over the Biofuels in Poverty Alleviation” (Cagayan Philippines, take place at DLSU-Manila. de Oro City). A prelude to Nobel This year’s YEC, which featured the theme Laureate for Economics Robert Mundell “Pathways out of Poverty,” had six delegates was also organized. from Indonesia, Laos, Brunei Darussalam, As with past YECs, this year’s Singapore, and Malaysia. “The theme is convention was held with the assistance Photo by Ian Meru actually of conspicuous importance in of the DLSU-Angelo King Institute for the Philippine context considering that Business and Economics (DLSU-AKIEBS), Systems-Philippines, and the provincial our country has one of the worst poverty- the International Development Research mini-conventions and the prelude activity alleviation records in Asia,” explained YEC Center of the Government of Canada to Prof. Mundell’s lecture were principally Deputy Commisioner Miguel Borromeo. (IDRC), and the German research sponsored by the Partnership and Advocacy Mini-conventions and special events foundation Konrad Adenauer Stiftung. The for Competitiveness and Trade of the United were held in various parts of the country in Manila mini-convention, meanwhile, was States Agency for International Development the run-up to the Jan. 31 main convention. funded by Community Based Monitoring (USAID). o p i n i o n

Editorial Mimicked shadows

he colors orange, black, yellow, and blue dominate the Univer- Tsity. Flags of the same colors suddenly pop into your standardized one and a half hour lecture class, with sudden shouts from a stranger, introducing smiling faces as they come into the room. Several names start sticking into your head, insisting that they are your leaders. The General Elections are here once again, with the two major political parties of DLSU insisting that they deserve your vote so that everyone may have a better tomorrow.

Making the right vote is always the tagline during these elections. This makes perfect sense: An educated vote is necessary since we all share responsibility for those whom we choose to make important decisions on our behalf as a studentry. But why are there still those who choose to forego voting altogeth- er? Is the Lasallian voter no different from the countless uneducated masses whose votes are bought at such a measly price during national elections? We would like to think otherwise, but there is nonetheless some logic behind the “In the already slow and unexciting discussions regarding hesitation to vote: Every voter takes a gamble when choosing a candidate as leader. After the future of this university (with the centennial just three all, acquiring a majority of the votes does not years away), the SC has seemed lost in translation, unable guarantee effective leadership. And at the very least, being elected means acting consis- to localize larger discussions of university agenda to its tently with a vision while ensuring that one constituents. “ leaves behind a positive legacy for successors to build on. As the General Elections near, we think rect investment. Sad to say, the internal affairs exciting discussions regarding the future of the following ideas are worth revisiting: In the of our country seem to be overlooked as mil- this university (with the centennial just three University, student leaders constantly push lions of Filipinos continue to live in poverty years away), the SC has seemed lost in transla- for awareness among Lasallians about press- and widespread hunger. The nation’s education, unable to localize larger discussions of ing national and school-wide issues. At the tional system has been on a rapid decline for university agenda to its constituents. same time, they must be able to lobby actively a generation, and impunity at all levels of gov- To students with no time or interest to for student concerns to the Administration. ernment has never been so gross and blatant. get involved in extracurricular endeavors, As much as the community would like to DLSU, for its part, has continued to trumpet the only way the SC can make an impact in think that the Lasallian politics is much bet- old honors while failing to make significant their lives is to improve the management ter and functional, parallelisms between the steps toward becoming a truly multisectoral and administration of the University. Easily University and Philippine politics exist and research university. three main areas of concern come to mind: cannot be ignored. On the surface, both ad- This university’s Student Council (SC) academics, physical facilities, and the price of ministrations are working systems truly mak- can be proud of its external involvement and goods and services within the campus. ing progress, yet closer scrutiny would reveal linkages with other schools. This, in fact, has Over the past few years, there has been no that they fail to make a concrete impact on been the great irony: the University has been significant improvement in these three areas, the lives of the people they are supposed to able to receive admiration from its peers by and nearly everything that the SC has done serve. hiding and downplaying its internal prob- is react to new policies once implemented. The Philippine President has flaunted the lems. While it is true that the DLSU studentry The Administration, of course, cannot be to- country’s heightened gross domestic product, has become more visible in socio-civic and tally blamed for trying out and pilot testing improved foreign exchange rate, strength- environmental movements outside campus their own ideas; the problem is that the Lasal- ened security ties through open support of and has even trumpeted initiatives like the lian student leader is not bold and proactive the US-led war on terror, praises from foreign Student’s Charter, the SC has all but forgot- enough to offer acceptable, feasible alterna- leaders like the Spanish King for bypassing ten the fight for student rights and welfare in tives to the status quo. the death penalty, and increased foreign di- its own backyard. In the already slow and un- o p i n i o n

second step, which is identifying the message to generally recycled platforms of candidates. Stu- convey. There are two key principles in commu- dents need to see a confrontation between issues nication that can help raise the effectivity of any and concrete plans of execution. To the candi- message: simplifying and selecting. dates: Enough of the acronyms, and I’m pretty Simplifying and selecting one’s message will much sure you’re already good at modifying make that message have a more lasting impres- nouns (e.g strengthen, heighten, and maximize), sion with voters. Since there is no single choice in so better deliver your plans straight to the point. any election, candidates have very limited time to

make their message come across potential voters. 3. Orange lemons, lemon oranges. Chances are What a voter can learn about the candidate in a Which one is which? In the United States year must be simplified to fit into five minutes. , the Democrats are the liberal party and the Therefore, candidates cannot only focus on the Republicans are the conservative party--making What Keeps Can- message to send, but more importantly, pay theirs a well-defined two-party system. But such attention to how voters are likely to perceive that seems no longer the case in De La Salle. message. As John Lindsay elegantly phrased, “In Liberal and conservative. To the untrained politics the perception is reality.” eye, these might seem like mere labels used to ditates Positive A brief recap: The first step is to simplify the identify political parties. However, these are really candidate’s message; the second is to select, by ideologies, and as such are important “labels” for playing close attention to voters’ perceptions. The clearly defining political parties. So, to speak of about Winning former is a candidate-centered approach, while not being ultimately rightist or leftist or libertar- the latter is a voter-centered approach. But both ians or conservatives is indeed troublesome for a And 6 things you should must work simultaneously to make communica- political party. know about this General tion effective. After all, the view from the inside and the view from the outside come from differ- 4. The right gone wrong. Election. ent perspectives. In 2005 Alyansang Tapat sa Lasallista used To provide a link between what political mar- the tagline “Supreme Citizen Empowerment.” by Alejandro Almendras IV keters know about voters’ behavior and messages In 2006, Santugon sa tawag ng Panahaon used transmitted by candidates, there is that concept “Empowered Youth, Progressive Citizenry.” Has called “image.” Establishing an image is greatly the Right turned Left by adopting a similar vision? he problem with running a marketing affected by the party you represent. Party prefer- Santugon believes in individuality and dynamism, campaign is that no one holds the power to ence impacts party choice, which eventually leads both of which are perspectives from the Right, Tperceive things beyond the natural range to the voting choice. Ultimately, voters have to yet they claim not to subscribe to a particular of senses. Intrinsically, political parties fall short see for themselves which brand of leadership best ideology. because they can never be too sure of what goes satisfy their demands. This is perhaps the best Being a leftist political party may be more ap- around the minds of voters. They can go as far explanation for an individual’s voting consistency. pealing under present circumstances, but it is true as researching facts and figures on demograph- Going back to the underlying question as to that there is a certain conservatism that works. All ics and preferences, but that doesn’t guarantee what keeps candidates positive about winning any it takes is understanding the true nature of what victory. election, well there is no better explanation than it means to be a “conservative.” You are a political Voters’ decisions are unpredictable, as voters the fact that the high price you pay, figuratively party, after all. are fickle. This makes political marketing all the and literally, during campaign can be replaced more challenging. Yet political marketers insist: by an equally hefty prize. All it takes is a good 5. No lemons for the picking. the voting choice maybe uncertain, but the campaign strategy--go for some facts and figures, Because Outer Core President Prince Gre- chances of candidates winning an election can be but then again, you can never be too sure. The gorio declared the possibility of not fielding any measured. So what keeps political marketers and challenge has always been how good one deals candidate for their executive board slate, could candidates positive about winning? with probabilities. In this game of chance, all you this be a General Election without Santugon? Or Political marketing uses “candidate position- actually have to do is to delve into the possibilities will there even be an election this year? ing” as a tool in capturing the substance of a to keep a positive outlook on winning. candidate’s vision and structures Borrowed from That said, here are six things all Lasallians 6. Someone did her homework advertising, positioning is deemed workable in have to keep an eye on this coming General Elec- Alas! There is something new in this coming any activity that requires mass communication. tion. General Election. A proposed reconstruction But, the idea is not what you do to the candidate, of the Student Council is now being studied by but rather what you do to the mind of the voters. 1. Marketing, marketing, marketing! Alyansang Tapat sa Lasalista. Looks like Nicole Positioning is an attempt to enter into the minds The Lasallian brand of politics. The word Villarojo (presidential candidate) did some of your voters. But then again, is that possible? “brand,” in this sense, could be understood in the digging up and voila came Saint Anthony Tiu’s In political marketing today, it is almost im- sense of sales: “17 Student Council presidents, University Student Government (USG) proposal possible to bring in novel ideas to any campaign. eight Editorial Board sweeps, 22 years of con- written about 5 years ago. Revisions in the inter- It is becoming more and more difficult to create tinuing a legacy of pro student and pro people nal structure of the Activities Assembly, a merging something that does not exist in the mind of vot- governance…” Sounds familiar? of the Activities Monitoring Board with the Ethics ers. This makes it easier for voters to either reject Numbers and catchphrases matter; they make Committee, and a feasibility study on having a ju- or accept what is being presented by candidates. speeches definitive, and give them flavor and diciary body are some of the proposals contained But positioning is never about creating the new character. But there is a real danger within the USG. and different, but about manipulating what’s up in candidates using sound What’s the difference between Tiu and there in the mind, knotting the mental links that bites and mem- o- Villarojo’s USG? Practically none, except already exist. rized gimmicks: that I think the USG must be imple- Entering the minds of voters may seem impos- The message mented this time. sible, but there are several observables that gener- becomes ate a dozen possibilities that can lead you to such. identified The key is research. To manipulate the given, more and you must know how to translate the given. This more with the can be revealed through patterns and consisten- medium and the cies in voters’ behavior. Since the 2005 elections overpowering proved the demise of Santugon votes--having no presence of style Santugon winning in the Executive Board slate-- outweighs any chances are, Santugon will have a weaker chance substance. of winning Executive Board seats in the next General Election. 2. Recycling and reshuffling Knowing the given and connecting patterns is How can a voter not accept promises at face just the first step. Once the candidate knows how value and avoid getting caught up by candidates voters are most likely to behave, it becomes easier using sound bites? Well, it seems Lasallians can’t. to enter the mind of the voters. This leads to the Most cannot seem to see through refurbished but Artwork by Airi i n r e v i e w The Evolution of Student Activities by Zamanta Legados and Jose Lorenzo Tamayo

rom a broader context, activities are conceptualized Fas responses to larger social conditions. At the height of the Marcos regime and the Edsa Revolution, for example, more students were active in political endeavors, and the prevailing sentiment of the time eventually 1985 paved the way for the birth of University week concert the Center for Social Concern and Action (COSCA). A similar wave of aggressive political action among students, especially within the Student Council (SC) and COSCA, emerged in the run-up to Edsa II. Today, prompted by increased awareness of broad social issues and a changing set of internal 1985 University week disco rules, two major and closely- linked trends in student activities 2008 are unfolding in DLSU-Manila: For the Kids first, a growing number are being organized outside the University; second, tie-ups with socially and environmentally-oriented organizations are becoming more frequent. 1987 University week opening

1990 2007 Photos compiled by Johnalene Baylon and Airi Bianca Beltran Collection of relief gods Pride Against Prejudice

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Redefining creativity Popular fundraising activities in President for Activities Jecah Ginete, Socio-civic CSO organizations, the 90s were raffles, ticket selling, and they have emphasized advocacy shares CSO Chairperson Charles Edric movie premieres. Now, the latter has campaigns and programs aimed at Co, have taken their classifications to become uncommon, with only the fostering student cooperation: “The heart. They are now “more creative Mechanical Engineering Society (MES) Student Council is more on advocacies and more willing to take risks.” holding one (Transformers) last year. that initiate student involvement, not He cites ENGLICOM and Some organizations that wish to do the only inside the walls of De La Salle but ROTARACT as examples. The former, same reserve screening times instead. even outside the campus,” she said. together with non-government The SLIFE director reasons that this This social advocacy shift, according organizations (NGOs), collects is due to technology, particularly the to the SC, is in response to what they information on homeless people—a proliferation of DVDs. see as a need to address big issues task which Lasallians might normally Shorter attention spans have that concern today’s students, and hesitate to do. The latter, meanwhile, also become a hindrance. Esparrago not means of undermining traditional supports fire fighting, which might recounts that during her post as director SC roles in political participation and come across as rather unusual. of the Student Development Office in academics and career concerns. And Co also notes that this creativity 1998, they could provide students with today, activities being conducted are has manifested itself through means theoretically-heavy leadership training. much more open and may even seem such as general assembly variety shows, These days, she says they are forced radical. where organization officers perform, to be more practical and use more Ginete, in this regard, specifically planned activities are presented more interactive elements in seminars and mentions PRIDE week for lesbians, enjoyably, and members are welcomed training sessions. gays, bisexuals and transgender through small, interactive groups. Career-wise, Office of Student individuals and GK as SC activities that These strategies stray from the usual Leadership Involvement Formation exhibit a form of involvement that lecture-type methods of information and Empowerment (SLIFE) Director students need to understand, talk, and dissemination. Evelyn Lopez-Esparrago shares that be oriented about. Through these, the Nonetheless, organizations while organizations and the now SC is optimistic that it could contribute generally have the same activities. defunct Student Development Office to long term solutions that address Professional organizations of the CSO (SDO) arranged for company visits, issues that go beyond campus. still prepare tried and tested projects the reverse is true nowadays. This is The direct implication of advocacy- which mostly address academic needs: probably a reflection of more aggressive centered activities is the rise in tutorials, test reviewers, contests, and marketing among companies, collaborative efforts and partnerships quiz bees, among others. However, especially multinational firms. between student organizations and deciding on these activities is more NGOs. Ginete says this minimizes than just living up to traditions because Making a difference redundancy and overlaps. It also allows most have proven to be successful. through advocacy focus: since professional organizations According to Maria Cristina As mentioned, organizations now create activities that generally stem Eusebio, coordinator for student from course-related principles to Photo courtesy of COSCA focus on advocacies with wider areas organizations’ operations, professional of concern. In the 1990s, there was no supplement members’ academic organizations, despite their similarities, Gawad Kalinga (GK) and no One La and extracurricular needs; the SC have become very versatile and Salle Fund, so education and catechism can concentrate on institutionalized holistic, offering seminars and sports were the main advocacies, recalls involvement efforts. development activities and even more Eusebio. While these thrusts continue, outreach programs. organizations today support a more Lending a helping hand Fundraising has come to embrace a diverse set of advocacies: Under the COSCA, established in 1963, is the wider set of activities: Events and parties CSO, professional organizations carry University’s social development arm in the previous decades these days out at least one long-term socio-civic aimed at raising social consciousness are held on a much bigger scale than activity in a year; all six engineering and mobilizing Lasallians. in years past. And raising money for organizations will sponsor a charity ball Community development social causes of partner organizations for S4S, an ABS-CBN organization. coordinator Joey Rosal shares that through these events as a substitute The SC has similarly been more there has been a shift from institutional for actual community work is already actively promoting social awareness to community-based outeach projects. commonplace, explains Rosal. in its activities. According to Vice Prior to 2002, he reports that student

“This social advocacy shift, according to the SC, is in response to what they see as a need to address big issues that concern today’s students, and not means of undermining traditional SC roles in political participation and academics and career concerns. And today, Photo courtesy of Mary Jane Yap activities being conducted are much more open and may even seem radical.” 11 i n r e v i e w

programs such as visits to orphanages, hospitals, and homes for the aged centered on student interaction with those involved. There was no distinction between organizations’ outreach programs and outreach as part of academic requirements. Hence, COSCA offered a new alternative in 2003, providing specific locations for community outreach programs. These included Singalong, Lian (in Batangas), Montalban (in Rizal), and Baseco. More students immediately went for this option, which, according to Rosal, matches students’ skills with real community needs and in addition, encourages collective action rather than dependency. Today, he says, programs are developmental, continuous, and designed to be sustainable or for the long-term. 2004 saw the introduction of environmental activities, the signing of a memorandum of agreement with GK- National, and the beginning of DLSU’s involvement with GK through Baseco. “GK popularized community development,” says Rosal. “Suddenly, it is cool to help.” Rosal clarifies however that the sudden popularity of GK did not necessarily lead to a surge in volunteers in other programs.

Working around the rules Certain new policies have also restructured how organizations carry out activities. The copyright of the DLSU name and logo by the Marketing and Communications Office has substantially reduced the kinds of t-shirts sold and the frequency of t-shirt selling activities held by organizations. Esparrago recounts a week-long event in the late 90s, the shirt fest, when all organizations sold La Salle shirts. Eusebio adds that in 2004, the “Love Ko La Salle shirt” originally created for organizers of the University Week was reproduced extensively, such that students of other schools came to wear it. Today, the copyright’s strict enforcement is seen as a way of protecting DLSU’s name. Photo by Francis Garrucho The pilot testing of the standardization of “The Student Council is more on advocacies class hours also poses a challenge to student leaders. With fewer students in the campus that initiate student involvement, not only during the new university break every Friday, they have to think of more creative and inside the walls of De La Salle but even innovative ideas for activities. outside the campus” Jecah Ginete, Vice president for activities Venue rental fees are also another consideration activity organizers now have to entertained because of the greater difficulty Eusebio details that membership tallies are bear in mind. Prior to its imposition, there was in monitoring student activities, especially usually high during the first term, only to a tendency to abuse venues, shares Eusebio, the ones conducted off-campus. drop as a school year nears its close. The who also remarked that some companies Together, these changes, says Co, have challenge, she says, is not only in motivating have used them to unfairly advance their own made student leaders think twice about members, but choosing officers wisely. The objectives. conducting activities. A particular concern level of a student’s involvement may also be Criteria for activity approval have also is student participation, especially with most connected to the training received in high become more restrictive as a response classes held only from Monday to Thursday. school, observes Eusebio, since there are to heightened security concerns. The But Co, Eusebio, and Esparrago all freshmen who are noticeably more active in requirements are intrinsically the same as in characterize this as a “chronic problem.” extra-curriculars than many upperclassmen. the past, but more considerations must be

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osition, power and prestige--these ond nature for all those in the lower ranks to three abstract concepts dominate any impress upon their superiors that all is going Pdecision-making process. Contrary well and cover up their mistakes. Only suc- to the human being’s rational nature, most cessful works and projects are reported so as modern-day decisions are arrived at through to paint a flowery picture. Real problems on forceful power play and abuse of position. As the other hand are just left forgotten. advanced as our academic knowledge and All good decision-makers and leaders, for thinking has progressed, we still continue that matter, should know that there must be Second thoughts to succumb to the archaic demands embed- a competent feedback system in place in or- ded in our species’ history. Figures of power der to cut across the lies and the deceit. This continue to press down upon all of us and could take the form of either a formal chan- suppress the inherent right of every indi- nel through objective and loyal subordinates, Voice of vidual to choose. Unfortunately, our current or through informal media that could simply generation is littered with selfish leaderships be volunteered. The information mined that have only looked out for vested interests from these sources have to be first verified and have totally disregarded the basic well- and investigated further before any action being of those whom they are supposed to is made so as not to cultivate a culture of serve. whistle-blowing just for the sake of downplay- reasonby Raymund Christopher Quesico Democracy and bureaucracy have been ing one’s opponents and destroying their two starkly contrasting yet popular structures credibility. Just in case the community and established and promulgated over the most the offices have not noticed, this is where recent chapters of human history. In an ef- unbiased student publications are supposed fort to stem the effect of having a handful of to come in. Ignoring such help often leads people holding all the power, popular revolts to a dictated course of action that may be were finally able to topple the tyranny of ideal but nowhere close to being practical. absolute rule by having enough guts to fight Even through the thick blanket of fraud, back. Sad to say, the heroism of ages past has results are everything. The impact of having been totally undermined by the way democ- the wrong system in place would eventually racy governs our present political system. In- reflect in the output and once this happens, stead of having singular independent minds there is nothing left to say and all succeeding making informed decisions, powerful and actions will simply be futile. influential personas have enlisted the help of Each one of us has to seek the answers campaign geniuses to sell ideas to unknow- to life’s greatest questions from within, and ing masses and convert them into a mindless act based on the personal decisions that have collective willing to bow down and recognize been made. Man has been blessed with the their authority. capacity to think and a heart filled with in- The most dejecting example of this stinctive emotions. We are all presented with mockery to democracy that I have seen on the choice to either be depressingly pessimis- campus has been the way both political tic, objectively realistic, or blindly optimistic. parties have campaigned for block voting Regardless of what we choose, there will be in every single election. This act does not consequences, some of which we welcome only reflect their narrowmindedness, but while others we would rather not have. Curi- also their utter lack of understanding of the ously though, many people continue to insist consequences of such a disturbing set-up. on simply what they want even if it means Instead of having a balanced and objective breaking the rules. It is during these times Student Council, both these parties are pro- that the question of who holds the posi- posing a homogenous body similar to how tion, who wields the power, and who has the the Communist Party rules China. Obviously, prestige enters the decision-making arena. China is not the best democratic example to Conflict arises when these three things do throw around. not reside in a single group or individual. Bureaucracy is a word that best describes Ultimately it is we, the student body, that organizational structures here in DLSU, the becomes the victim of the ill-advised deci- most complex of which is none other than sions that stem from the self-serving motives the Administration itself. The entire chain of those in power; the correct response is for of command is most evident in the academic us make a firm stand and let these people grievance process that displays the different hear a voice of reason that would echo our levels of power important decisions have to sentiments and touch whatever humanity go through: from the professor, the depart- they have left. ment chair, the college dean, the vice chan- Let us not be afraid of the repercussions cellors, and sometimes, the chancellor. A of breaking the mold and pointing out the bureaucratic setup traditionally strengthens mistakes and injustices that we see and en- the level of control that higher authorities dure, as long as we know that our hearts are Each one of us has to seek have on the overall direction, yet it has also in the right place and our minds remain true proven itself a breeding ground for con- to what is right. Eventually, the burden of the answers to life’s greatest spiracy, disinformation, and a gross amount leading this nation and the world will fall on of politicking across different ranks. our shoulders and rest upon our decisions. questions from within, and act Every rung in the organizational ladder When this time comes, we must be doing cuts down the amount of truth that reaches things not merely for ourselves, but for the based on the personal decision-makers, thus resulting in an ex- greater good of all. decisions that have been made tremely obscured view of the real situation once it reaches the top. It has become sec-

13 c o mmenta r y Minding others’ business The Lasallian brand of student politics by Loraine Saguinsin and Jabin Landayan

Photos by Jennerson Ong

ake no mistake: Slowly but These are noble acts worthy of acclaim, posted its highest economic growth in more surely, De La Salle’s Stu- but certainly not unusual. The Philippine na- than two decades. The World Bank has con- tional government, it can be argued, has its firmed that the country’s economic - expan Mdent Council (SC) is reach- own growing sphere of influence. sion in 2007 was the fastest among countries ing out to other schools and playing In her visit to China last year, Pres.Gloria in the same income bracket. a pioneering role in terms of advanc- Macapagal Arroyo was praised by Wu Bang- gou, chairman of the standing committee of ing student rights and welfare. The A turn toward the truth the National People’s Congress (NPC) of the Philosopher Thomas Hobbes explained SC-ratified Student Charter and the People’s Republic of China. Wu expressed in his political philosophy book Leviathan Student’s Rights Awareness Week satisfaction on the broadening relations be- that a government exists to ensure the basic (STRAW) are being adopted by the tween China and the Philippines, particularly security and public order so that individuals in the areas of trade and development assis- have the freedom to seek happiness. Hence, University of Sto. Tomas (UST); San tance, agriculture, rail projects, and South it is possible for a government to be deemed Beda College is working with SC Exec- China Sea cooperation. On the same trip, she a failure from a dissatisfied constituent’s per- utive Secretary Jennifer Lazo in pro- met with Pakistani Prime Minister Shaukat spective while being seen as a success from an Aziz, who expressed full support for the Phil- ducing its own Magna Carta; Lyceum outsider’s viewpoint. ippines’ bid for permanent observer status On a national scale, one does not need to of the Philippines recently invited SC in the Organization of Islamic Conference conduct a survey to empathize with the aver- Vice President Nicole Villarojo to dis- (OIC) while lauding President Arroyo’s ef- age Filipino. Is a medal awarded to a country forts to promote interfaith dialogue. He also cuss what Lyceum can do for its own for human rights appreciable if its people expressed keen interest in becoming a full are not adequately provided the basic hu- student council. Last year’s midterm dialogue partner of the Association of South man right to education? Or is a World Bank elections saw DLSU participate in East Asian Nations (ASEAN). citation for exceptional economic growth the counting and tallying of election Spain’s Alcala de Henares University hon- admirable if there is no subsequent increase ored the Philippine president with a Medalla among most Filipinos’ standard of living? returns. Gawad Kalinga was institu- de Oro (Gold Medal) for “championing” hu- Then again, it is an entirely different dis- tionalized, and houses were pledged man rights on her visit to three European cussion if the government is entirely to blame to be built in Baseco, Tondo. Most countries—France, England and Spain, late last year. The European trip was continued recently, DLSU supported the Sumi- after having resolved her most recent coup “Unsurprisingly, Tapat and lao farmers’ march to Malacañang d’état relatively peacefully. to claim their 144-hectare ancestral But the country’s biggest and most re- Santugon share the same land in Bukidnon. cent achievement is the Philippine economy, methods in forming their which has not only managed to stay afloat platforms.” despite signs of a global recession, but even

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for this state of affairs, or if there is should programs and how to provide good solu- political parties—something obviously miss- be any blaming in the first place. The United tions. ing in Philippine politics. And compared to Nations Development Program (UNDP) es- “I am definitely a different person now, a mainstream Philippine politicians, Lasallians timates that nearly two billion dollars or 13 different leader now,” Arcinue said, because enjoy the privilege of block voting, which is percent of the country’s annual budget is lost of her party and experience in SC. She re- duly recognized and separately counted by to corruption. Bearing this in mind, a cynical marked that she was once apolitical and skep- DLSU’s Commission on Elections (Com- case can be made as to why the government tical about political parties’ understanding of elec). seeks to entice European investors. the essence of volunteerism. Ideally, political parties are groups of A Lasallian could easily be proud of Incumbent Vice President for Operations people espousing ideologies and seeking to the DLSU Student Council’s influence and Stacy Carbonel attributes being able to work attain power or control of the government achievements, more so that they mirror the effectively to how she was raised, and that through capturing seats of office in elections. success of the country’s own government. But the political party is just something that she They also provide an avenue for people to what exactly does this say about both govern- shares the same beliefs with. “It was hard in assimilate political beliefs. More importantly ments and why Lasallians and Filipinos find the beginning [coming from different par- however, political parties have the responsi- it hard to love and claim both as their own? ties],” admits Carbonel, “but at the end of the bility of mobilizing and educating people for Could it be that the Lasallian studentry is ex- day, you’re all working for the same thing.” wider causes. periencing a similar sorry state as countless “The principles and brand of leadership The system of student government em- other Filipinos? that I, together with the party I came from be- ployed by DLSU is the highly comparative lieve in, now serve as the roots of my goals not two-party system of Santugon sa Tawag ng Entrenched in power only as an elected student council officer, but Panahon (Santugon) and Alyansang Tapat sa Hearing the views of those that have been as a student and as a person. It has given me Lasallista (Tapat). give the chance to serve and make a differ- a sense of direction, especially in my work,” Formed in 1985 after the disbanding of ence should be the first thing done before shared Bianca Regala, Batch Representative the Party of Nationalist, United, Democratic pointing any problem. After all, these are the EdGE 06. Lasallites (Panudla), Tapat has come to be people who have supposedly received suffi- Lazo also believes that joining her po- known as the more aggressive party of the cient exposure to know if the Lasallian politi- litical party changed her from someone who two. On the other hand, Santugon, estab- cal atmosphere can indeed make an impact does not even care about less fortunate peo- lished shortly after EDSA 1, has defined itself in a student’s life. ple to “a Lasallian leader at the forefront of as a socio-political party focusing on the ho- Incumbent SC President Noey Arcinue nation building.” listic development and political awareness of believes that she has been able to utilize the its members. Through the years, both parties trainings she received from her political party Political machinery or mob have evolved in response to student needs in performing the duties and responsibilities rule? and social issues. of the office. She explained that aside from Lasallian student politicians definitely “Anyone can be a leader...It depends the political ideologies, learning consisted of have a keen affiliation to their respective upon the political party how to train you,” ac- knowing how to support certain issues and cording to Tapat President Jieliene Sato. 15 c o mmenta r y

Training, as both learning stage and selec- most do not take enough effort to get to know tion process, is vital to both parties. Francis the candidates and their platforms. This, in Angeles, incumbent president of Santugon turn, mostly results in partisan votes. “I’m not relates, “Commitment is one thing that we saying that partisan votes are not okay, but to look for. Once you’re in the Student Council, a certain degree, you would wonder if they’re it’s the students you will be serving, not your really voting for the candidate that they want political party.” But parties, of course, field or their just choosing colors.” those who share their ideas while orienting On the other hand, Louie Montemar, po- candidates as regards relevant processes in litical science professor, compared DLSU’s the University. student politics with that of the University of Unsurprisingly, Tapat and Santugon share the Philippines (UP) which he had helped in the same methods in forming their platforms. its general elections. Platforms come in the form of solutions to “Elections in UP are far more passionate what each party sees as needs and problems than elections here in DLSU,” according to that students encounter. These platforms also Montemar. The professor explained that the serve as the foundation of the two parties’ elections in UP are more dynamic because of leadership training leading up to elections. many student organizations which choose to involve themselves in the process. There are Vote only for me more student government positions to fill in The dirtiness of Philippine politics is most UP as well, so student leaders there are able apparent during the election season. Candi- to reach out more to a bigger number of stu- dates stop at nothing to ensure victory from dents. their enemies. From vote buying to political turncoatism, no price is too high to secure a Insincere and misguided seat in government. Since it is very difficult indoctrination for elections at any level to be spared of in- The Philippines, as evidenced by events trigues and controversies, political parties’ like the First Quarter Storm and the EDSA actions are strictly monitored to prevent any revolutions, is a nation with a strong tradition misconduct or fraud. of student political involvement. Here, more Jacob Lee from the Comelec reported often than not, students get their first taste of that usual offenses like loitering, electioneer- politics in college. But does all this politicking ing, and unapproved election materials can contribute to better student governance? now be more easily resolved, thanks to the As the saying goes, leaders are made not revised Election Code. Electioneering is now born; leadership qualities are manifested and limited to verbal campaigning. enhanced through training, Lazo, who also serves as Secretary Gen- trial, and experience. The eral of the Union of Catholic Student Coun- same holds true for De La cil (UCSC), described the elections in De La Salle’s student politicians: The Salle as “more ethical” compared to schools quality of political leaders we like UST. In UST, campaigning tends to be have depends on the training negative, as she was told by Reyner Villasenor, they receive from their respec- UST’s Student Council president. Lazo shared tive political parties, which Villasenor’s stories that posters of candidates in turn dictates the course of defiled on campus, as well as hate mails and their performance and expe- text messages are common. rience in their offices. The effectiveness of all preparations and Tapat and Santugon are campaigns invested by the political parties organizations that instill in bear fruit during the elections. All this could their members political ide- be laid to waste if the studentry does not par- ologies distilled from long ticipate and totally ignore the process. years of experience. Modules Lee explained that while students do vote, on political, social, economic,

“If St. John Baptist de La Salle stands for any one thing, it is the conviction that leadership means sacrificing and putting the self aside.”

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“At the end of one’s term, an elected student officer will be remembered not just for- proj ects promised and delivered, reforms helped implemented, but also for battles never fought and causes simply forgotten.”

moral, and social issues are the impressionable minds of the youth and in- tackled, dissected, and debated stead overexposed them to a narrow view of on. These are all parts of the Philippine politics? training political parties offer to student candidates. Results are everything Equipped with their ideas, At the end of one’s term, an elected stu- skills, and abilities from their dent officer will be remembered not just for training, our student leaders projects promised and delivered, reforms mostly succeed on addressing helped implemented, but also for battles nev- political, economic, and so- er fought and causes simply forgotten. cio-civic issues. They have also The greatest achievement and legacy that achieved and maintained good a leader can aspire for is sharing an inspiring relations with other student vision with fellow students and working with governments, as evidenced by the number of them to get to that vision—not the countless invites that SC officers get to share their own accolades and awards that litter their resumés experiences with other schools. and campaign paraphernalia. But are these kinds of leaders that the stu- Corruption has been the primary reason dents of DLSU-Manila need? why so many Filipinos have complained about In his book Politics, Greek philosopher Ar- the way Philippine government is run. Un- istotle argues that man is inherently political, fortunately, people only raise their concern and that a fully ethical life is only possible with regarding government money when they can political participation. actually feel and suffer the effects. Fortunate- Essentially, politics is about processes ly, the DLSU community has been relatively through which people make decisions. Thus, spared of this corruption, which can only it exists in all levels of society, but most notice- mean that there is a chance that if future poli- ably, in governance. Perhaps the most telling ticians are indeed found in the student coun- differences between the two parties or their cils of the University, there may be less misuse candidates at least, arise during campaigns of the country’s money. However, if these are and elections. indeed future politicians equally ignorant of Students may be taken aback or be con- student indifference, then there lies a greater vinced into voting, but the flowery, rehearsed problem unanswered. Corruption can grow speeches delivered during room-to-room easily in a person, and having a sound back- (RTR) campaigns give more than just the par- ground is no assurance of coming out clean ty’s platforms. In over a decade of observing at the end of it all. campaigns inside the campus, Dr. Montemar If St. John Baptist de La Salle stands for commented, “I have observed Tapat and San- any one thing, it is the conviction that lead- tugon for the last 10 to 12 years, I could really ership means sacrificing and putting the self say with objectivity that I think that I find bet- aside. Ideologies are good to have, but these ter speakers in Tapat. Better in the way that can also be erring and misguided: Surely the they deliver their style of campaigning, the world has not forgotten Adolf Hitler for com- substance of what they are saying. They ap- mitting genocide based on his beliefs. pear more sincere. Appearance is everything Lasallians may proclaim themselves as in politics.” righteous politicians, but this is not what the Can the marked success of Tapat over the Philippines needs. Ultimately, public service past few years be a clear (and perhaps ironic) is simply that: service. Not the self-serving atti- sign that the Lasallian voter chooses person- tude of painting a rosy picture on the outside, ality over platforms? Does this mean that the but providing one’s constituents with what Lasallian brand of politics has failed to change they truly need. 17 s i tuat i o ne r

Odd, distant relatives: Philippine and American Elections By Crezzeile Francisco and Paulo Mutuc

illary Clinton, John McCain, and Barack Obama are probably the most mentioned names in the United States today, as the Democratic and the Republican parties draw closer to naming their respective standard Hbearers for the November elections. So far, the campaign has been one of many superlatives: observers have called it the longest, closest, and most expensive in recent American history. Then again, this kind of competition is not new to the Philippines. Aside from the continued influence of prominent political families such as the Kennedys over the entire electoral process, the willingness of candidates and powerful business groups to spend large sums of money to gain power is an example of how the American system runs parallel to its Philippine counterpart. Still, the differences between Philippine and American elections far outnumber any similarities they may have.

A chosen few policy positions. Perhaps the situa- Artwork by Kevin Ang Undeniably, Spanish and American tion is best summed by the US Library influences underpin today’s Philippine of Congress’ Philippines Country politics. For the most part, however, Study: “Neither party had any way the Americans, as a means of preserv- to enforce party discipline, so ing their interests in Asia in the early politicians switched capriciously 20th century, were responsible for es- back and forth. The parties were tablishing basic democratic structures essentially pyramids of patron-client in the country: they introduced local relationships stretching from the re- elections in 1901; polls for legislative motest villages to Manila. They existed posts were opened six years later; and to satisfy particular demands, not to finally, the Philippines had its first pres- promote general programs. Because idential elections in 1935. nearly all senators and representatives Yet the country has never been a were provincial aristocrats, the parties truly representative democracy. Power- never tackled the fundamental nation- ful, wealthy families have had a much al problem—the vastly inequitable dis- larger degree of political control in tribution of land, power, and wealth. the Philippines than in America. And Ferdinand Marcos mastered that party these families’ influence, sadly, has system, then altered it by establishing been gained not by communicating an all-embracing ruling party to be the sincere intentions or policies, but by sole vehicle for those who wished to en- monopolizing resources to effectively gage in political activity.” After Martial and repeatedly garner election victo- Law, there were almost 16 major politi- ries. It is from this sad structure that cal parties. Philippine political machinery arose, In a 2006 joint national survey con- and this is the reason why personalities ducted by the Social Weather Stations rather than platforms have continued and the Ateneo School of Govern- to dominate the local political land- ment, 29 percent of respondents said scape. And why cheating, vote-buying, that only the candidates matter in an and fraud have long marked local elec- election. This is in stark contrast to the tions. United States, where the two major parties are not only distinguished from Not exactly opposites each other by their candidates, but, The party system has mirrored this more importantly, by different party reality as well. The Liberal and Nacio- principles. Voters are presented clear- nalista parties, which alternated politi- cut programs, and the Democrats and cal power in the years before Martial Republicans market their nominees Law, had little differences in terms of as implementers of a general plan of ideology (socially conservative) and action once elected. And American

18 s i tuat i o ne r

“Analysts say that while the two-party system can is also unique to the Philippines. During the 2007 midterm elections, 48 such cases marginalize smaller groups and minority interests, were filed with the Commission on Elections one major advantage to this set-up is the stability it (Comelec) in the National Capital Region alone—most notably, those involving the gives to government.” candidacies of Joselito Peter Cayetano and Theodore Aquino, which were alleged to have been set-up by political opponents of politics has always had a strong two-party In the Philippines, the opposite was now-elected Senators Alan Peter Cayetano system: Briefly, the Federalists of Alexander maintained: party-list representation was es- and Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III to confuse Hamilton and the Democratic-Republicans tablished, though until now the multiparty voters. A more ridiculous case, however, was of Thomas Jefferson and James Madison system’s goals have proven difficult to ac- that of Pasay City congressional candidate Ri- competed in the 1790s, until the former complish, with party list groups allowed just cardo “Ding” Santos against Edgardo “Ding” disintegrated with Hamilton and George 20 percent of Lower House seats and bigger Santos. The situation was resolved in Ricardo Washington’s death and the latter split into parties consolidating power and resources Santos’ favor after the latter misspelled “in- the Democrats (“Left”) and the Republicans through large coalitions. This should be even dependent” in his Certificate of Candidacy. (“Right”) of today. more problematic in a parliament, as the Such incidents are unlikely under the Ameri- Analysts say that while the two-party sys- Senate Economic Planning Office has noted can system, since even qualified candidates tem can marginalize smaller groups and mi- in a Sept. 2006 report. stop their campaigns once they discover that nority interests, one major advantage to this The fragmentation of political parties has there is little chance for them to win; this set-up is the stability it gives to government. resulted, unsurprisingly, in frequent changes is made sure by the two parties’ long nomi- There is also the famous “median voter” jus- in party affiliation among politicians. Again, nation process, and is proven by the recent tification for two parties, which states that this contrasts with the United States, where withdrawals of Democrat John Edwards and such a system would eventually lead parties changing parties (or dropping from them al- Republicans Rudy Giuliani and Mitt Romney. to implement policies most favorably viewed together) has frequently made for big news Suffice it to say, nuisance candidates erode by the majority while remaining distinctive because they are quite uncommon and usu- the credibility of any election. enough for voters to choose from. ally involve high stakes (i.e. narrow majorities in US Congress; long- time Democrat and New Twin towers York City Mayor Michael The United States’ apparent advantages Bloomberg running as a over the Philippines in the conduct and na- Republican then becom- ture of elections boil down to governance: the ing an Independent; for- US Federal Election Commission may not be mer Democratic Party perfect, but it is able to enforce transparency vice presidential candi- among candidates’ finances; the Democrats date Joseph Lieberman and Republicans emphasize idea differences endorsing Republican between them, but forge consensus whenev- John McCain for presi- er necessary. dent). This is why the With the next presidential polls nearing, Anti-Political Turnco- Philippine democracy faces two formidable, atism Act of 2007 was overarching challenges: first, restoring the introduced by Sen. integrity of the elections; second, forming Miriam Defensor-San- strong, policy-oriented, and inclusive politi- tiago, though the bill is cal parties. While there are a few encourag- still pending. ing trends pointing to much better elections in two years—the emergence of Ang Kapati- ran and the appointment of a civil society- Doppelgang- backed Comelec Chairperson in Jose Melo, ers among others—it would be best to remem- Philippine elec- ber Edmund Burke’s often-quoted passage in tions have seen an thinking about 2010: All that is necessary for invasion of popular evil to triumph is for good men (and women) personalities from the to do nothing. entertainment indus- try. Though the United States has had a few in Arnold Schwarzeneg- ger and Ronald Reagan, there really has been no steady influx of ce- “The fragmentation of lebrities to the political political parties has world, with most con- resulted, unsurprisingly, tent on supporting their parties and advocating in frequent changes in socio-civic causes. party affiliation among The presence of “nuisance candidates” politicians.” 19 Sports

Three steps back. The DLSU Soft- belles just lost two straight to UST and Adamson last Jan. 30 and Feb. 3, while the Batters have yet to win a game in the UAAP. RWith reports fromoundup Camille Pinto, Dean Carlos, Christine Suntay, Floren Faye Chua, Katherine Tingzon Photo by Francis Garrucho

Lady Spikers demolish Lady Eagles By Jefferson Quincy Reyes

n another much anticipated meeting of the Green and Blue, the DLSU Lady Spikers trashed the Ateneo de Manila Lady Eagles Iin four sets--25-17, 25-23, 19-25, and 25-19--in the continuation of the UAAP women’s volleyball eliminations at the Blue Eagle Gym on Jan. 30. De La Salle started fiercely, as they quickly outshined Ateneo with a 25-17 initial set victory. The Lady Eagles t inched closer in the second set, yet DLSU stood firm to secure a 25-23 victory. The Lady Eagles then came out strongly in the third set, overpowering the Lady Spikers, 19-25, with Maria Rosario Soriano leading the pack. DLSU, nonetheless, finished the match in the fourth set via a 25-19 set victory. Jacqueline Alarca was consistently the Lady Spikers’ best scorer, delivering a total of 20 points to secure the cricual win for the Volleybelles. Carla Llaguno and Michelle Datuin also helped propel the Lady Spikers’ success, with each chipping in 14 points for the Green and White. Stephanie Mercado ‘s damaging attacks with Llaguno, responsible for 11 points rendered the Eagles paralyzed. The Lady Spikers are now fourth in the standings with a 6-5 win-loss card, strengthening their chances of getting into the tournament’s Final Four as Ateneo just finished fifth with a 5-6 win- loss record.

Photo by Alvin Lau Three steps back. The DLSU Soft- belles just lost two straight to UST and Adamson last Jan. 30 and Feb. 3, while the Batters have yet to win a game in the UAAP.

Photo by Alvin Lau Falling short. Despite a strong first set, the Green Spikers fell to UST Lady Booters 1-1 in UAAP 2nd round elims (25-15, 16-25, 13-25, 20-25) in the by Quincy Reyes continuation of UAAP Men’s Volley- ball eliminations at the Blue Eagle Now back to defend their 2005 cham- based squad was cut short, as the Lady Gym last Feb. 2. pionship, the De La Salle Lady Booters Tamaraws managed to sneak past a goal began the second half of their UAAP title in the last seconds of the first half due to defense with a 3-1 trouncing of the Uni- a goalkeeping error by De La Salle. The versity of Sto. Tomas, but lost on Feb. 3 to Lady Booters dominated the field in the Photo by Erika Serrano Season 69 winners Far Eastern University second half, but failed to earn a goal. 0-1 in games held at the Ocampo Field, “We’ve been dominating the games Ateneo de Manila University. but we weren’t able to finish [again],” In the game against the Tigresses, said DLSU Coach Hans Smit. The team, the Lady Booters’ dominance was visible he added, is suffering from a number from the outset, as Fiona Mckenzie and of player injuries which have hampered Clarissa Lazaro gave DLSU a 2-0 advan- playing consistency. Specifically, Smit tage in the first half. The two goals came remarked that the Lady Booters have to within minutes of each other. The Ti- improve on their finishing drive. gresses responded with a goal in the sec- Despite the loss, the Lady Booters ond half, but Lady Booter Jessica Ryon are still very much in contention for the made a third goal for the Green and crown, as they are currently second in White to secure the victory. the league with a 2 – 1 – 3 (win-loss-draw) However, the victory high of the Taft- record.

A Green Netter leaps high for a smash. The team is currently at first Split decision. De La Salle’s Tennisters place in the UAAP with a 3-0, record ended with contrasting results in games while the Lady Netters are at 2-1. played last Feb. 3, as the men’s team won against UP (3-2) while the women’s squad Photo by Francis Garrucho were upset by UST (2-3).

Photo by Ian Meru 21 S p o r TS “We are able to find lots of people who possess the talent and drive, but are not able to meet the university’s admission requirements. As a result, we end up losing some good talent to other colleges, like NU and UST.”

Coach Isaac Bacasiras, Green Batters and Softbelles

athletes to take the admissions exam, and sometimes offers scholarships if the Univer- sity’s budget allows. Unfortunately, “We are able to find lots of people who possess the talent and drive, but are not able to meet the university’s admission requirements,” Bacasiras commented. “As a result, we end up losing some good talent to other colleges, like NU and UST.” Though Assistant Coach Tyrone Bau- tista of the Green Archers does not want to reveal his “secrets,” he says there are four things that “the next big thing” should always have: talent, attitude, academics, and Photo by Alvin Lau values. Talent, for Bautista, does not consist only of a player’s offensive ability, but also basketball IQ and a willingness to learn and be mentored. He stressed that no athlete The Art of Recruitment should waste the opportunity of studying in an institution such as De La Salle. by Johnalene Baylon, Gianina Densing, and Floren Faye Chua “Talent can be developed, but attitude is how you can fit in the team,” shared Mythical Five center Rico Maierhofer, who How does the University recruit its vide the best educational facilities, but claims is from Puerto Galera in Oriental Mindoro. athletes? that the University provides a better balance Maierhofer was referred to study at DLSU Technically, there are three ways an ath- of academics and athletics. Kraut endorses by his cousin from Pamantasan ng Lungsod lete could get in a sports team: being scouted try-outs when he makes provincial trips to ng Maynila (PLM), who is a big fan of the from high school, being a “walk-in” or trying find new talent. Green Archers. He tried out for the varsity out for the team, or being recommended. Owen Lopez, a member of the Green during the whole summer of 2004 and “We learn from experience and never and Lady Netters’ coaching staff, scouts for made the team after training under Coach make the same mistake again,” said Office players with the entrance exam in mind. Franz Pumaren. Another prized walk-in is of Sports Development (OSD) Director Br. “Ayoko naman na walang mapasukan yung bata Lady Netter Caitlyn Chan, a multi-awarded Bernie Oca. “Our athletes should have to be kung paaasahin ko siya sa La Salle (I don’t doubles champion. students as well and that is why the Office want the student to end up not enrolling And then there are referrals such as monitors the academic status of our athletes. in any school because I made her wait for Peejay Barua, who was recommended to a If they fail to meet the requirements, they La Salle),” he remarked. He added that he trainer in Manila by his coach in Iloilo, and will not play in the UAAP,” added Br. Bernie, monitors the players’ grades. In the team, Lady Spiker Celine Hernandez, who was rec- who nonetheless underscored that they Lopez is responsible for conducting try-outs ommended by her high school alma mater. review every reconsideration filed in their for potential Netters. Both joined their respective varsity teams in office and that they do not take action until For Coach Edwin Asis of the Green and 2005. they have the results of applicants’ examina- Lady Paddlers, the recruitment process “Ang gusto ko dito sa La Salle eh may tions. begins as early as high school. “This is how challenge na ibigay mo yung 100 percent mo. Roland Kraut of the Green and Lady we get our best players: We ask other coaches Kung kayang ‘110 percent,’ 110 percent dapat Tennisters looks for potential players with a about their players, and monitor [the play- (What I really like here in De La Salle is that “package” in mind. “The tennis world is so ers’] development,” he reported. Likewise, there are always challenges ahead of you. small that we [UAAP member schools] have Asis has kept an eye on local competitions: You are always required to give a hundred the same recruitment. It all comes down to Vanessa Ng and Alvic Chua, two of his best percent and if you can give a hundred and what we can offer to the athlete,” he said, players, were first spotted dominating the ten percent, you should give a hundred and though emphasizing that he does not make NCR Palarong Pambansa. He also encour- ten percent),” remarked Barua. any promises All players, he added, must ages his FWSPORT students to try out for the Green Archer JV Casio, for his part, al- first pass the DLSU College Entrance Exami- varsity teams. ready decided to study in De La Salle before nations before being accepted to the team. Coach Isaac Bacasiras drafts new mem- playing his final game as a San Beda Red With regard to the “package,” Coach bers of the Green Batters and Softbelles in Cub despite being approached by various Kraut says that De La Salle and Ateneo pro- the same way: He persuades prospective other schools.

22 S p o r TS Financing De La Salle Sports by Airi Bianca Beltran and Floren Faye Chua

ot too long ago, the ineli- gibility scandal concerning Nformer Green Archers Mark Benitez and Tim Gatchalian prompted Yvonne Chua of the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism to write that school spirit has crossed an important ethical line, that donations—mostly from very wealthy and influential alumni—have become “a show of ego; a show of being number one.” The realities of funding for athletics, however, defy such a general- ization.

“Funding is realistically unequal, but we try to allocate almost the same funds for all teams. The University does have limited resources for it to fund all its sports teams,” said Office of Sports Development (OSD) Direc- Artwork by Samantha Ang tor Br. Bernie Oca. According to Br. Bernie, the University allots approximately P27 million for training, coaches and trainers’ sala- of University Students Organization (PUSO) and “for specific purposes, depending on ries, scholarships, equipment, and board and in 1995 as a result of the limitations and per- what the team needs.” lodging. He remarked that he makes sure ceived counter-productivity of solicitations The situation of the Green Archers stand that all teams receive nearly equal financial for sports and extra-curricular activities. in stark contrast to those of teams like the De support from the OSD. “We want to be equi- Similarly, there is a more comprehensive La Salle Fencers, which according to team table so we get good money to supplement Achievers’ Fund for student extra-curricular member Alliv Samson, has to even share each the needs of our teams,” added the Brother. activities. A specific amount from this fund is other’s gear. Ten scholarships amounting to Championships, according to Br. Bernie, allocated for spending for a given school year P14,000 were given to the Fencers this year, help fund sports teams by drawing attention by a committee composed of the Chancel- and the OSD shoulders funding for only one to their achievements. In this regard, the OSD lor, the Vice President for Development and of the squad’s three coaches. Director noted that while the men’s basket- Alumni Relations, and the DLSAA and PUSO The OSD-provided budget for the team ball team was entitled to only P200,000 from presidents as well as directors. The said com- went to purchasing equipment. And fenc- the OSD, media mileage and a wide range of mittee meets three times a year to be advised ing is a particularly expensive sport: a fencer sponsorships—from team trips overseas to on where the money is being spent. would normally need P11,000 worth of gear apparel from Nike and Adidas—significantly Sports-specific donations from the alum- to train, P20,000 to join tournaments, and surpassed that amount. ni, according to Lisbona, are relayed to the P30,000 to perform at the best conditions. The alumni started contributing as a group DLSAA by Assistant Vice President for Sports To address this very large gap in resourc- to DLSU teams through the sale of UAAP Gerry Achacoso. es, Br. Bernie has floated around the idea of tickets—the proceeds of which they gave im- While DLSU varsity teams and the Pep having team managers dedicated to assisting mediately to the varsity squads, according to Squad do get donations from alumni, “we their respective teams in fundraising. Also, ac- De La Salle Alumni Association (DLSAA) De- could not deny the fact that basketball is the cording to him, the OSD will conduct a review pute Executive Director Jose Miguel Lisbona. popular one (sport in the UAAP) and as a do- of this athletic season by the end of February Since the OSD has taken over the sale of all nor, we could not tell them what to donate to see which players could stay to also help tickets, Lisbona reported that the DLSAA [and] choose who they want to give to,” jus- their teams in recruitment. now supports the teams through the Sports tified Lisbona. Donations are usually in cash Achievers’ Fund shouldered by all incoming “The DLSU Sports Achievers’ Fund was started by the OSD and the freshmen. The fund, Lisbona explained, is there to “financially assist the development DLSU Parents of University Students Organization (PUSO) in 1995 as of the students' sports and extra-curricular activities in the DLSU campus.” a result of the limitations and perceived counter-productivity of solicita- The DLSU Sports Achievers’ Fund was started by the OSD and the DLSU Parents tions for sports and extra-curricular activities.” 23 o p i n i o n

friend of mine was once complain- happen to everyone; maybe some of us ing how an unexpected turn of have it more than most. Nonetheless, the A unfortunate events made her feel humanity in all of us allows us to overcome like the universe didn’t love her. Naturally, the possible destruction that comes with as humans, when we complain about our this—hence, the beauty of optimism. frustrations, we only want to hear what’s Yet another good friend told me that he comforting: the hugs, kisses, sweet nothings saw optimism as false hope. But how do we

and cheesy words of motivation. However, really define falsehood? If optimism were Brownian motion some people have a tendency to overdo really false hope, then it would be a hope such comforts. As I grew up, I realized that that one cannot rely on. However, there is although these things helped, the realistic that hope that although we have so many Dealing with the perspectives that came with them were a lot problems to face in life, we can still find the better. Having this in mind, I felt it was best strength to overcome these. It is a matter of to tell my friend, “The universe loves no one, not just telling ourselves things will get bet- but we love you.” ter. It is more of telling ourselves that we will A very cynical way of seeing things you not succumb to the difficulties; that we will cosmos might say. But think of it this way: no person not allow them to take away the best of us. by Angela Velasco is exempted from bad experiences. Yes, As human beings, it is natural for us to let some people are luckier compared to others. difficulties destroy us for a while. But after But all of us have gone through sadness, all that, the question is how we put our nega- madness, depression, or stress (or all of the tive experiences into perspective. Thus, I see above). Bad luck—even if luck isn’t the right that the best way to deal with life is through term—does not choose anyone. Why should realistic optimism. we bother glorifying ourselves thinking “Why Let me go back to what I told my friend, is this happening to me? I’m a good per- reminding her that the universe did not son”? While this only seems a cynical way of love her but me and her good friends still seeing things, I believe it is a more realistic did. Here, a balance is established by both a perspective. hurtful and a comforting truth. It is realistic Which leads us to the question: is there in a sense that it is able to remind one an a fine line between being a cynic and being important fact we should all learn to accept. realistic? Does being optimistic really help But in accepting our sometimes “bad” fate, one’s mental state compared to being cyni- the situation becomes a matter of how we cal? A cynic is someone with a scornful and deal with the truth. Are we to let it control a habitually negative outlook. I used to be our lives, not asserting the possibility of good a cynic with negative point of view of things in the situation? Or do we let ourselves take simply because I had a lot of problems. I had control? Realistic optimism is a matter of little faith that most people could do good, maturity, of being able to open up ourselves believing that they only betray and frustrate to the experiences of the world, embrac- you in the end. However, as these problems ing even the worst and getting the most out resolved themselves and I met more sincere of them despite the possible sacrifices and people who strengthened my faith in the pains that come. human race, I saw that such cynicism was It may not be comforting to know that destroying me. But I let go of this attitude the universe, which we can’t really control, without forgetting the important lessons that doesn’t really favor us over anybody else. my problems taught me. Hence, I learned to But ironically, knowing this very obvious be realistic. I did not completely forget the fact has prepared me more for whatever the anger and the pain that came with the prob- future has to bring. We cannot control the lems. I did not forget that I should be more love or favor the universe has. However, we cautious when it comes to trusting people, can control the love we have for ourselves by but I continued to place my trust in those I choosing happiness despite the inevitability saw deserving of it. of tragedy. It is expected that bad things Artwork by Paul Matthew Jiao

There is that hope that although we have so many problems to face in life, we can still find the strength to overcome these. 24 menagerie Life&Leisure events book movie music

event LSDC-Street’s Danz Dish by Jemimah Ang

Yuchengco stood witness to a Danz Dish’s version to Ne-yo’s “Can We day: life, love, weakness, discontentment, long and busy line of keen spectators last Chill” was a crowd favorite, along with the solitude, and malady through contempo- Friday evening for LSDC Street’s third instal- very flamboyant Vegas Suite. The former, rary tracks that we hum and groove to (e.g. lation of Danz Dish. What made this install- which LSDC-Street also dubbed as the gwapo Gimme More by Britney Spears and Crank ment different from the previous ones is its dance, undoubtedly benefited from the soul- That, Soulja Boy by Soulja Boy, among incorporation of hilarious hosts Mike, Jam, ful flair that the guys of the group flaunted. others). Last but definitely not the least Benj, and Roselle. These four certainly built Meanwhile, Vegas Suite, aside from having a was every member’s brief account of how the excitement of the audience for the main full-house cast that included several alumni, LSDC-Street altered their views of life for performers, with their uproarious punch- impressively fused past icons’ style with the the better. lines and impersonations in between each present through their imitation of Marilyn Finally, what probably separates this guest. And the show didn’t only showcase Monroe, as well as Michael Jackson’s trade- group from its contemporaries is that before Street: It also featured the Remix ’07 cham- mark moonwalk. leaving the auditorium, they impart to their pion X-tinction Agenda, plus other Lasallians What gave this production mood and audience a testimony that what they do is hailing from Canlubang, Dasmarinas, Zobel, character was its inclusion of the current not for their own glory, but for the One up and Green Hills. struggles experienced by the youth to- above. Photo by Jennerson Ong 25 M enage r i e

R&B, jazz, funk, and rock. While this may be hard to imagine, it all becomes clear when you listen to their first album,Is Love. art The band shows their amazing versatility in this album, which goes through a wide Women in Art spectrum of music ranging from fast- by Ryza Martinez paced rap-rock tracks like “Soundcheck” and “Badlands,” to smooth and soulful tracks like “Sixty Seconds After She” and “Give It.” While it’s commendable that they can pull off totally different flavored tracks, this also becomes the fatal flaw of the album. Some songs, such as the sentimental acoustic ballad “Kamakailan Lang” and the nostalgia-inducing pop song “Mga Awit ng Kahapon” are easy to

listen to, straight-up rap and hip-hop tracks Photo by Erika Serrano like “What Everybody Says” alienates casual listeners and can only be appreciated by fans of the genre. In between these two extremes If art is food for the soul, then DLSU-Manila’s Museum current exhibit are the slow, chill-out rap song “Where My entitled Women in Art is an exotic full- Music Emcees At,” and the sexed up cuts “When course meal. You’re Around” and “Hot Tub.” The lyrics The pieces in this collection are well also show a great deal of variety, from well- Is Love by The Out of Body Special arranged according to similarities. The by Jeff Salvado written and surprisingly poetic to boastful overall feel of the sections are easily felt. and shallow. Adjacent pieces provide adequate transi- Most musicians in the Philippines It’s great to hear a local band that tions between different media and styles. simply take tried and tested musical for- doesn’t simply follow international music The pieces range from sculptures, collages, mulas in order to sell their albums without trends and shows a great deal of versatility tapestries, and paintings. much risk. Even less creative is the ubiqui- (not to mention a distinct Filipino sound), Works to note include the watercolor tous revival of popular songs that they know but the heavy contrast of the tracks makes painting entitled “Madonna of the Sam- sold well in the past. While this may be the Is Love hard to like as a whole. Overall, the paguita,” which is surely going to capture case, there are some artists who are brave album is not without merits, although its one’s attention with its bold expression enough to tread unfamiliar territory and market is terribly limited: To appreciate Is of loneliness. “Homage to a National stand out from the rest of the pack. Such is Love, you either have to be a fan of one of Scientist” uses a lot of materials, from the case with The Out of Body Special, who the genres they use, or be extremely open- paper to leaves and even butterfly wings. describe their music as a fusion of hip-hop, minded. Alma Quinto’s series of tapestries, “Limang Kwento: Maria, Lolita, Zenaida, Miriam and Alma” is also sure to promote inspira- tion because of the lush fusion of story and art. Women in Art is more than just a collection. It is an instant travel package. Indulging one’s self in this collection emulates the feeling of traveling to a world with a different vocabulary--where beauty is created and defined with the hands of a mother.

upcoming Amphitheater on Feb. 13, at 7 pm. year of as part of CAO, is known to the In “Under the Starlit Sky,” the group is University as a singing ministry, spreading anticipated to perform a variety of timeless faith and hope to its audiences through their Under the Starlit Sky. love songs to give their audience a taste of songs. “We at Innersoul would like to believe The Innersoul Valentine Concert music from different generations. “Inner- that this recital is instrumental for all of us soul’s repertoire for Under the Starlit Sky Lasallians to let loose unwanted feelings,” by Ryza Martinez consists of different love songs just right for says Innersoul’s Company Manager Sam de this Valentine season,” says Raffy Casas (IV- Guzman (IV-OCM-MMG). “In spite of the A serenade on the eve of Valentine’s AB-OCM), performer and Marketing and stress we encounter everyday, sometimes we Day is what the Cultural Arts Office (CAO) Publicity Head of the group. “As part of the just have to enjoy what love and life has to will be offering the Lasallian community University Week celebration, we hope that offer”. this coming University Week, as pop vocal it will be a romantic and pleasing musical “Under the Starlit Sky” is directed by group Innersoul presents “Under the Starlit experience for everyone to see.” Bradley Fenomeno, the Innersoul’s musical Sky,” a pre-Valentine recital to be held at the De La Salle Innersoul, now in its tenth director. Who could have ever imagined that a hMorrorenage movie could r i e be a musical at the same time? Sweeney Todd, Hollywood’s version, of the movie Broadway hit, is a pastiche of slasher film, Edgar Allan Poe story, and opera. It is always a challenge to bring any existing piece of literature onto Sweeney Todd the big screen since every movie adaptation, however beautiful in itself, by Jeff Salvado will attract nitpicking from purists who have enjoyed the original work. Such was the burden of director Tim Burton, who had two sets of audiences to please: the fans of the Sondheim musical and the mainstream audience. But surprisingly, Burton does a good job, catering to both tastes while preserving the dignity of the 1979 original. And even with the difficult balancing act, he is still able to insert his own avant-garde touches. Sweeney Todd is more of a work of art than anything else. The char- acters brood around in an exquisitely gothic 19th century London, romantic in spite of it being “a hole in the world like a great black pit.” There is a glaring contrast between the almost black-and-white scenery and the blood (there is a lot of it) that gushes from Sweeney’s victims. Sondheim’s music also provides irony: the only love song is eerie, border- ing on stalker-like; a waltz becomes a plan for cannibalism; and a song of mother-child devotion masks a murderous agenda. Johnny Depp plays Sweeney Todd, a swift-handed barber with anger management issues. His portrayal, one of both madness and despair, brings another dimension of complexity to the anti-hero. Depp is no singer, though; he hits all the notes passably, if a little blandly, but his presence on screen, in its full operatic glory, more than makes up for this lack. Similarly, Helena Bonham Carter, as the opportunistic, but lovelorn, Mrs. Lovett, was made for her role. Other notable performances include Alan Rickman’s as the lecherous Judge Turpin, and young Ed Sanders’ as Tobias Rag. With a plot brimming with Dickensian irony, gorgeous sets and costumes, and emotive performances coupling to form a melodrama as dark as the chimney smoke from Mrs. Lovett’s bakery, Sweeney Todd is a cinematic achievement.

book and untainted malevolence of the Taliban, but it also chronicles the occurrence of an unbridled savagery on women and the way A Thousand Splendid Afghan people hav became “entertainment- starved” with their TV sets being buried in Suns backyards. by Ryza Martinez The language used in the novel is simple, Having sold more than four million copies but what makes it so staggering and stirring and being on The New York Times’ Best Sellers is the manner in which Hosseini writes about List for 35 weeks and counting, Tajik Ameri- acts of cruelty and hostility. By depicting such can novelist Khaled Hosseini-- after enjoying acts in blunt detail, Hosseini makes his novel wide acclaim with The Kite Runner--is back a modern-day parable about morals, and not with A Thousand Splendid Suns, a spellbinding just a historical account. novel reeling in schmaltzy drama that will As a truly masterful piece of literature, certainly hook readers into deep bouts of Photo courtesy of Anil Ratanchandani Hosseini’s A Thousand Splendid Suns has curio regarding the infamous Islamic nation the power to change your viewpoint of the Teachers’ Day. The College of Education of Afghanistan. world and your place in it, as you celebrated this event last Jan. 31 with a fashion Set in the author’s hometown, A Thou- find yourself and talent show, a “TournamED,” and a search sand Splendid Suns is an expressively pow- engrossed in for the “best batch.” erful account that gives its readers a rare a novel made chance of looking at the past four decades to enlighten its of Afghan history. Through the eyes of two reader spiritually women brought together by war, Mariam and historically. A and Laila, the story of a nation known to the profoundly mov- West through news accounts of warfare and ing story of faith, What a waste of space. terrorism dramatically unfolds. Although the friendship, family story takes place for the most part at only two and the salvation Send your press releases, mile- small houses, the author managed to craft a to be found in love, stones, and other announcements poignant narrative of the sufferings pres- A Thousand Splendid to [email protected]. All ent in Afghan society. In the novel, Hosseini Suns is an artistic contributions are subject to edit- daringly shows Taliban’s patrols roaming the triumph and a sure- streets on lookout for “faces too bloody.” Not fire chartbuster. ing for space and clarity. only does the novel disclose the callousness 27 M enage r i e Google-less World by George Chan, Gerard Avelino, and Darcy Reburiano

ake up. Check cell phone for messages during sleep. WEyes half-closed as you sit in front of the computer starting to boot. You vaguely remember a paper due today. No sweat, just go to Google— all the answers are there. Why settle for old-fashioned books when one can use the power of technology to spoon-feed themselves? Mind starts WORLD WIDE WEB MAZE to think in coherent terms. Smell of Graphics by Carmela Prado breakfast downstairs. However, upon typing the URL World’s Top Search Engines of Google--everyone’s favorite search 62.4% engine--an error message flashes across the screen: The page cannot be displayed. There’s nothing wrong with the Internet connection because Friendster is already on another tab. Refresh. No avail. Similar search 12.8% engines have also died down. Yes, 5.2% 2.9% 9% its official—Google has left the building. Google Yahoo Baidu.com Microsoft Others sites sites Inc. Sites Source: comScore qSearch 2.0 | December 2007 | Y-axis shows percent share in all web search

http://www.marketingcharts.com/interactive/baidu-third-largest-search-property-worldwide-beats-google-in-china-3208/comscore-worldwide-search-share-december-2007jpg/

WebOPAC, My.LaSalle, 404-Error, happen worldwide. Who knows what kind of in the worlds of business and cyberspace: It Oh My catastrophe such unfortunate events would implies that Microsoft, a software giant itself, But wait a minute: Doesn’t an online bring? is now playing catch-up to Google. (Microsoft commotion like this sound familiar, especially A Clash of the Titans says its proposed buy-out of Yahoo!, if it does to Lasallians? The Library’s online catalog, Ask any student these days about where go through, will result in more competition better known as the WebOPAC, went down to get research, and more often than not, the in web search and advertising. Interestingly December of last year and just went up Internet will be brought up. Research on the in the past, Microsoft has been successfully recently. During the span of its downtime, Internet, of course, is not possible without sued against for abusing its monopoly power many students, especially those who use it for the help of a good search engine, whether in personal computing software—specifically, research-heavy tasks like thesis and term papers it’s Yahoo!, MSN, Ask Jeeves, or Alta Vista. that it made Internet Explorer the default experienced a big deal of inconvenience. Among all these websites though, Google is web browser on PCs to mitigate the threats In a similar manner, My.LaSalle, DLSU’s the leading and most frequently used. posed by Netscape, which popularized the online enrollment service has its own faults, Google (http://www.google.com) is a software.) as well. It could be noted that the servers search engine owned by Google Inc., which Like seemingly mindless showbiz issues occasionally are overloaded such that enrollees began in 1996 as a research project by between two actors, deals between two have difficulty accessing their accounts. These Stanford University Ph.D. students Larry Page companies are made to appear as humane incidents usually lead to users being forced to and Sergey Brin. After a decade of numerous and formal as possible. But really, just like undergo the grueling task of adjustment. grants and a groundswell of support, Google what they always say, it’s just showbiz: Google It seems that these simple server overloads grew to be the online deity it is today: the publicly declared that the Microsoft-Yahoo! or 404-errors have caused an overflow of undisputed global market leader in search pairing would actually threaten antitrust troubles and inconveniences, even on such technology, and one of the United States’ policies around the world. Privately, Google small scales. Hence, it follows that people who best-performing companies. saw this as a potential attack, and has been rely on these Internet services would be put The current fuss over Microsoft’s bid to trying to win Yahoo! over in what is a brewing into an even bigger fix if similar breakdowns take over Yahoo! says a lot about Google’s status legal battle for the future of the Internet;

28 MENAGE r i E

engine for both academic and non-academic knowledge in the world is useless if you have imagine... purposes. no means to filter such knowledge. Should On the big question “What would you do Google (or search engines in general) 7.17 billion internet users will if Google somehow becomes unavailable?,” a disappear, billions of data will be out of reach switch to other search engines if lot of the respondents simply said they would in an instant. Second, and more importantly, Google indefinitely breaks down. use an alternative search engine. In this such a scenario would highlight the *Figure based comScore’s report on Expanded regard, it’s good to hear that Yahoo! Search dependence of human beings on automation. Search Query in Dec 2007 stopped being dependent on Google’s web The primitive and archaic methods of trudging crawler since February 2004–which means through the vast sea of information that is the did you know... students who switch to Yahoo! in case that Internet two decades ago have been replaced improbable Google crash happens might by casual, intuitive, and spoiling programs. So Google accounts for 75% of actually get their research paper done in no the world is at one’s fingertips, but the most online advertisement expenditure time. accessible gateways are limited, and they tend in the US, 66% above Yahoo. But will Yahoo!’s servers be capable of to pamper individuals toward brain atrophy. http://www.marketingcharts.com/direct/paid- handling huge traffic heading their way? Sense a problem here? search-dominated-online-advertising-in-07- According to recent computer-generated While the end of search engines does not google-dominated-paid-search-3273/ data by Seoconsultants.com, 65 percent of mean the end of the world, it does mean the the whole Internet market share is owned end of a world where knowledge is no longer legal battle for the future of the Internet; by Google, with Yahoo not even getting half held and controlled by a few. Our world essentially, Google is arguing that Microsoft’s at 20 percent. Notice that the volume of the has paid a steep price for free information: acquisition of Yahoo, similar to iron filings traffic to be passed from Google to the said a decline in intellectual responsibility. One attached to a piece of metal, would compel server might actually be enough to suffocate easily takes for granted the ease of getting users to pay for a bundle of Microsoft-based its servers. Perhaps those familiar with the information on when the Roman Empire fell, services—like what it did for Internet Explorer experience of online adjustment using who started World War II, or where Britney and Microsoft Office during the 1990s. My.LaSalle would relate to this feeling. Spears had her baby. But the question rarely But what about other search engines asked and answered is “Why?” While the The Big Picture powered by Google? AOL web search is an Internet may contain so many conjectures example. While these web searches only on “why” questions, the asking of “why” is an To see how Lasallians view Google and its comprise a small part of the Internet traffic, act of critical and careful thinking. Google, place in their personal lives, a survey among these small-scale websites will be down in case Yahoo and other search engines rarely random DLSU students was conducted by Google goes down. All those who use these contribute to this act by extolling the “virtue” The LaSallian. websites to search the Internet might resort of convenience. A good part, 74 percent, says that they use to other search engines as well. Thus it is a responsibility to understand Google’s services, web search being the most the information one acquires than merely frequently used feature. Not surprisingly, taking it at face value. Because not only then research isn’t the only thing Google is Internet – Google = Armaged- would information truly become more useful, useful for. Recreational searches for music don? but should Google fail, it won’t be the end of lyrics, anime, recipes, and other queries are So, would Google’s disappearance really your world. abundant as well, with 83 percent of the signal the onset of the apocalypse? Not really. respondents claiming they use the search Such a theoretical scenario, however, does prove two important points. First, that all

WORLD WIDE WEB MAZE

29 A statement from the Committee on National Issues and Concerns

n our October 10, 2007 statement Ion the NBN-ZTE controversy, after careful discernment for truth and justice amidst the political turmoil, we called on the Filipino nation and the Lasallian Community to stand guard against brazen and callous plunder of government funds and projects at the expense of the poor. We also vowed to remain at the forefront in the fight for truth, justice, morality and decency in government. Despite our watch and vigilance, the issue has remained unresolved. Together with our Filipino brothers and sisters, we continued to pray for the truth to come Photo by Krizia Paras out, yet scandals have Arroyo administration. insurmountable odds, sworn to become even more appalling While the situation may seem tell the truth. and efforts to thwart the truth dark, almost hopeless and the Like Mr. Lozada, we Lasallians have become more and more common good subordinated will continue to watch and pray shameless. Perpetrators have not by a few wealthy and greedy so that we get to discern and only gone off the hook but have individuals, we continue to proclaim the truth. become emboldened to lie, steal journey to the light inspired by And like him, we will continue and kill, with impunity. the few and courageous who stand our march towards vigilance We are distressed not only with up for what is true and just. and active participation to hold how media is being threatened We are awed by the display government truly accountable. but more so with acts that seek of courage by a fellow Lasallian to harm and silence witnesses. Mr. Rodolfo Lozada Jr. Despite - The Committee on National Witnesses who can finally shed threats to his own and his family’s Issues and Concerns is composed light on alleged anomalous deals of representatives from SC, CSO, life, he has come back home and projects that plague the LSPO, COSCA, SPO, MCO, Tapat, to the Philippines and against and Santugon.