News 9JUNE - AUGUST 2007

The Augustinian Family Mass was held in the Grade School Covered Court on August 26, with families registering as early as 7am.

The mass, with its theme “Enter through the narrow gate”, started at 8:30 am.

A n a g a p e , w i t h s o m e numbers, socialization events, and a book fair followed.

In the spirit of celebration as

an August in ian fami ly, CSA commemorated the Augustinian Week last August 22-29. The usual activities were held.This was in line with the school thrust:“A community of friends working together engaged in social transformation towards the upliftment of life through the witnessing of truth, justice, peace, and the promotion of respect and concern for God's creation."

Friendship Day was celebrated last August 22 with a Paraliturgical Service; through Public Address Speakers. The students, afterwards, were given time to give out gifts to their classmates, teachers, and friends as tokens of friendship and in jubilation for this fraternal relationship.

With a Paraliturgical service followed by love offering collections in each class, Man for All Men was celebrated on August 23.

Mr. Joey Velasco, a painter renowned for his Christian-themed masterpieces also held a short forum in the San AgustinTheater wherein he exhibited his most publicised work, the “Hapag ng Pag-asa” which features street children as Apostles in the famous Last Supper scene. A short documentary elaborating on each of the children’s trials and hardships followed, which brought tears to the eyes of many an Augustinian student.

Reproductions of his paintings were sold during the forum, which the students willingly patronized knowing proceeds shall be for the benefit of the street children Mr. Velasco is helping.

Later that afternoon, lights flashed and decorations spread out the classrooms as the students prepared and honored Moms and Dads through Parents' Day.

The Alumni returned to CSA last August 24, proudly sharing their experiences during their crayons and notebook days.

Ms. Annette Gozon, one of the distinguished guests, intimated with select 7th grade sections in the Sta. Rita de Cascia Hall.

A n A l u m n i H o m e c o m i n g celebration in the Gymnasium was held the following day, August 25.

Pista ng Kasuotang Pil ipino, celebrated on August 28, lifted up the true national spirit in the f o r m o f w e a r i n g Filipino costumes. The different outfit themes resulted to a variety of attractive colors and costumes s y m b o l i z i n g t h e groups of people around the nation. A parade was held early that morning.

The Feast Of St. Augustine was celebrated August 29 to conclude the week-long merriment.

An institutional Mass was held in the GS Covered Court where the Service Awardees were given recognition.

A proper ceremony for them was then held at the San Agustin Theater followed by a luncheon in the High School Covered Court to cap it all.

CSA celebrates Augustinian WeekCSA celebrates Augustinian Week Jessica Mae C. Orense,7C & Legrand H. Buan,7C

Awarding loyalty: CSA gives gratitude to those who stayed through thick and thin

Back in time: Filipino clothing eras

A million thanks, Dad and Mom!

Hapag ng Pag-Asa by Joey Velasco

Truly proud to be Augustinian!!

ArtWork by Beatriz San Mateo, 6K

News10 JUNE - AUGUST 2007

To raise student's awareness for the poor, C.S.A. re-launched the still on going Pondo ng Pinoy, a collection done all over the Philippines, started by Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales and inspired by the story of The Rich Man and Lazarus, of our small and little unnoticed coins for the poor.

Last year, the students have generously given to this Pondo ng Pinoy, shelling out an amount of Php 114, 364.35. “C.S.A. Makati was the number one contributor to the Pondo ng Pinoy with a total contribution on Php 301, 402.15,” says G.S. C.L.E. coordinator Ms. Christina G.Santos. “I am very happy that Augustinians are aware of the Church's project to help alleviate the condition of the poor people. I just wish that they will continue to witness the values of generosity and concern for the common good.”

PONDO NG PINOYtopsCSA

Abdul Kadir R. Faisal, 7D

“Safe Ka Ba?: Programa Laban sa Kalamidad Tungo sa Pag-unlad.”,is the theme of the National Disaster Consciousness Week held on July 28, 2007 by the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC).

The celebration included a logo design contest, a disaster and emergency management forum, drills, photo exhibits and a stakeholders' assembly. The highlight of this year's celebration is the search for “Gawad Kalasag” (Kalamidad at Sakuna Labanan, Sariling Galing ang Kaligtasan), the Search for Excellence in Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance.

According to NDCC officials, “The Gawad Kalasag is the government's modest response of gratefulness in recognizing outstanding performance of all the partners and stakeholders in disaster management programs.”

Flora Anne R. Palabrica

NDCC holds National Disaster

Consciousness Week 2007

RCWDP holds National and Week 2007Disability Rehabilitation

With the theme “Kapag May Access, May Success”; the Regional Council for the Welfare of Disabled Persons (RCWDP) hosted the National Disability and Rehabilitation Week last July 17-23. This celebration aimed to enhance public awareness and empower disabled persons through several programs and forums.

The council conducted medical and dental outreach programs and sponsored cultural presentations and sports events. A tree-planting activity was also held in cooperation with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Aside from that, a forum was conducted wherein those suffering from disability were able to express themselves and air their complaints. Council members hoped that through this program, the Philippines will be more disability-friendly.

Flora Anne R. Palbrica, 7C & Angela Rebecca I. Flestado, 5A

The Members of Aspiring Scientists of St. Augustine (MASSA), together with the science club from other schools, held a field trip last July 14 in the Philippine Atmospheric Geographical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) garden in Quezon City. The trip seeks to broaden the students' knowledge about science and technology.

According to Ms. Leiliza Felix, “This field trip aims to enhance the students' comprehension about scientific and technological processes.”

The field trip included an exhibit which contained information about Multimedia Info. Systems, Manila Observatory, Philippine Nuclear Research Institute, and National Mapping and Resource Information Agency. The exhibit also presented a smaller version of the Manila Water System. Furthermore, the Philippine Coconut Authority also contributed information and facts about food production and benefits derived from coco- sap production.

The field trip ended with a short visit to the Planetarium wherein the students were shown a 10 minute presentation about the solar system, stars, and constellations with the use of the Zeiss Type projector.

MASSA visits PAGASACarmela P. Dagdag,7D

ArtWork by John Michael Mendoza, 6J

I'll lean on you and you lean on me and we'll be okay

-- Dave Matthews

One mind and One heartintent upon GOD

News 11JUNE - AUGUST 2007

Flora Anne R. Palabrica 7C, & Angela Rebecca I. Flestado 5A

Year in and year out the guidance team has been giving leadership training seminars (LTS) for grades 1-7 students. This year, for the first time, the guidance planned to maximize grade 7 student leaders through PACERS held last August 31 to September 1, 2007 at Bluroze Lipa, Batangas.

There were five activities during the weekend. The participants were grouped into three; yellow, aqua, and royal blue. The first activity was the Sack Turnover; a sample run for the LTS concerning problem solving. The

second activity was to plan and prepare an activity for the other participants. The third activity, prepared by the Yellow team, was The Amaaaaazing Race; which is about self-awareness. The fourth activity conducted by the Aqua team was the Bola-bola Soup which addressed communication. The final activity was done by the Royal Blue team named A Modern Fairytale 'PACERS Style' .

The students also had tent pitching, breakfast cooking and relaxation among other things. After conducting their activity as a group they also did the processing with participants and facilitators critiquing upon the activity they handled. “We really enjoyed the whole experience during PACERS. We learned a lot about our role as leaders and we would like to help younger batches with what we have picked up during the activities,” stressed Flora Anne R. Palabrica, 7C class Secretary and PACERS participant.

Grade 7 Guidance Counselor and PACERS facilitator, Mrs. Meyeth A. Angat stated,“I would say all the participants were creative, dynamic, active, and innovative. I found most of those who attended to be potential student facilitators.”

According to Mrs. Cecilia Aurea F. Abando, Guidance Head and PACERS Head facilitator, “We realized that given the opportunity, with proper guidance and direction, our 7th grade student leaders could harness their potentials and become very good facilitators. With trust and confidence, they can do it. We planted the seed and hopefully, the High School will reap the harvest.” Mrs. Abando also explained that part of the commitment is to be a proactive member of the planning team with the Guidance people, administering and delivering what they learned to younger batches.

Ma. Raizza Renella P. Bello,7C

Student Leaders attend PACERS Weekend (mula d 8)Ika-limang BaitangAklatang PagkukuwentoNestor DS. Castor Jr., 5L - gintong katibayan, Elise Angela H. Espinosa, 5M - pulang katibayan Alyssa O. Concepcion, 5L - asul na katibayanPagsulat ng SanaysayJean Mariz E. Liwag, 5J -gintong katibayanDana Alyssa J. Macarilay, 5B - pulang katibayan Lara Andrea R. Montales, 5K - asul na katibayan.Ika-anim na baitangPagsusulat ng Tula Hidenori Dequito, 6A - gintong katibayanRaphael Cecilio S. Rodolfo, 6C - pulang katibayan Celina Mae P. Lapitan, 6B - asul na katibayan. Pinakamagaling na TagadebateReena Louise G. Ko, 6CNanalong Pangkat sa DebateReena Louise G. Ko, 6CIan Frederic Ilagan, 6B, Horacio Tomas T. Castillo III, 6E,Shaira Joy N. Nacino, 6L Dennis O. Betito Jr., 6DIka-pitong BaitangPagsulat ng Maikling Kwento Justine Ma. Regina D. Galandines, 7A - gintong katibayanLovely V. Napa, 7B - pulang katibayan Marcy Regina P. dela Pena, 7I -asul na katibayanPinakamagaling na TagadebateJessica Mae C. Orense, 7CNanalong Pangkat sa DebateJessica Mae C. Orense, 7CMa. Raizza Renella P. Bello, 7CMa. Ana Jacinta L. Jocson, 7DNadine Abbygale E. Apilado, 7DMargaret Mary Casiano, 7E Ralph Jasper Manuel, 7K.

ArtWork by Alanna Baes, 5G

Friends are God's way of taking care of us.

News12 JUNE - AUGUST 2007

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) celebrated World Population Day last July 11, with the theme, “Men as Partners in Maternal Health”.

This is an annual event, which aims to raise awareness of global population issues. This year's celebration focuses attention on the essential role of men in supporting women's rights, which also includes their right to sexual and reproductive health.

“World Population Day is a time to focus on commitment and action to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every birth is safe, every young person is free of HIV/AIDS, and every girl and woman is treated with dignity and respect”, stated Thoraya Obaid, Executive Director of UNFPA.

To give the world an opportunity to realize the potential of the youth and to celebrate their achievements, the United Nations (UN) and countries all over the world observed the International Youth Day (IYD) last August 12, with the theme:

“BE SEEN, BE HEARD: YOUTH PARTICIPATION FOR DEVELOPMENT”.

Young people participated in the by submitting photographs and drawings. Shoot Nations 2007 received over 1500 entries from the youth in 85 countries worldwide. The competition closed on July 23, 2007. The youth also presented themselves and their message for development in a film for a “Global Youth Wave”. The clips are to be compiled and uploaded in Youtube.

In the Philippines, a local roadrunners' youth club conducted a 10-k clean-up drive, a 1-day youth exhibit, and 3-k, 5-k, and 10-k Fun Run for IYD 2007 through information, education, communication, and sports. Plans are also underway to have IYD as a year-round activity culminating in a 12-August event. Local Youth Organizations in Dumaguete City arranged a mini concert of local bands and the youth. It included slide-show presentations and a live feed of IYD celebrations around the globe. A program was held at the UN Headquarters on August 10, 2007. A light-box art installation of Shoot Nations Global Photography Competition was presented. Speakers shared their thoughts on “Using Internet for Youth-Led Development”, “Youth, Values, and the Millennium Development Goals”, “Young Professionals for International Cooperation”, “Life Support Performance”, and “Inspiring Youth to Be Seen and Heard”.

“Shoot Nations Global Photography Competition”

UNFPA Celebrates World Population Day 2007Flora Anne R.Palabrica,7C

World celebrates International Youth Day 2007Ma. Katrina Louise T. Ong,7D

Every year, the Colegio San Agustin Grade School Department, together with hundreds of other schools in the Philippines, conduct emergency drills for almost every type of calamity possible here in the country; fire, relatively destructive earthquakes, and bomb threats.

These drills; considered by most students as insignificant and a waste of time- which is the main reason why we are 1-2 minutes behind the average evacuation time- are preparing us for worst case scenarios and may even save our lives.

CSA conducts Emergency DrillsRaphael Rodolfo, 6C & Tanya Chua, 7C

The CSA Grade 2 family honored Blessed John of Rieti through a Para-liturgical celebration held at the chapel early morning of his feast day. After the agape, an interaction activity was given among the grade 2 sections, which aims to familiarize the students with their batch mates.

A prayer booth was stalled as well, wherein students wrote petitions through the intercession of Blessed John.

GRADE 2honors

Blessed John of RietiArtWork by Audrey CE,

Legrand Buan

Opinions13JUNE - AUGUST 2007

WHAT SAY YOU?Ponder n’ POLiCIESiJessica Mae C. Orense &Oscar Acopiado Jr., 7C

What do you think about the school’s new rules and policies?How do you think these help you?

They are good for us because it will make

us healthy. If we follow them, we will be better and happy.

Allen Lim,1B

The new school rules help the environment. With less usage of junk food and plastic cups, we

save money, too.

Andrei Miguel Azarcon, 2C

It is okay because it brings good health. It

will make us more disciplined and

responsible.

Jimmy William Go,2K

They help us to be good and better

Augustinians. They improve us in our

daily living.

Justin Goyena, 3F

The new rules are better and more okay. It helps us if

we follow more the rules and regulations, and by listening to the teacher

attentively.Celedonio Pile III., 3

I think these things are to protect the Earth, so we must

follow them. We will have proper discipline and we can help protect the Earth at the

same time.

Lara Montales, 5K

The rules are basically just the same as before, but some are harder. These will give more discipline and understanding to us.

Jeanna Lanting, 6A

I think they are implemented because teachers and officers

want us to have a healthy lifestyle. They help us because they somehow train us to have good values and eat healthier

food.

Nicole Magnayon, 7C

Most of us nowadays spend most of our free time eyes glued to our PC screen or curled up with a laptop. These wonderful inventions are what we use for both stressful and relaxing things. Usually, long requirements deprive us of sleep, but the computer also is our refuge. Games, netsurfing, downloading music, and what else? Chatting. If the many hours we spend in school isn't yet enough to be with our friends, voila. Real-time communication- we don't need to wait long periods of time to get replies. We could use web cams or voice chat. Latest technology would even allow us to do so using our cellular phones. This whole network -being connected, and communicating easily- is what our government saw advantages in. They would want to have their own exclusive network through the National Broadband Network or NBN.

The NBN is highly beneficial in the eyes of the government. It would have all national government agencies and offices connected through telecommunications services, including cellular and internet services, just like an exclusive highway.

ZTE Corporation, a Chinese company, would be the provider at a cost of S329 million. They say it would be more cost efficient, at P900 million, rather than the P4 billion already spent each year. Sounds amazing at first. Broadband connections nationwide, government only, at a low cost!

In the eyes of the critics though, it is to the contrary. They see no necessity for these broadband connections, and say government offices may lack competence in operating technological devices. They also say that it would just be more expensive, not using local existing broadband companies. This being unnecessary, the great deal of money could be used for other projects, such as infrastructures, education, or housing.

The anomalies (as always) start here. First and foremost, the government, as well as ZTE would not like to explain the deal, nor be interviewed by the media. They have so far used the contract being stolen a few days after it was signed in China and the court's restraining order as excuses to their silence. Explanations made were also inconsistent. For instance, the deal was said to be inclusive of cellular phone connectivity, yet they claimed otherwise in a presentation. The P900 million is also being doubted, whether everything is already charged here, or long distance calls and such will still be added. (pg. 15) ZTE Deal or No Deal?

Jessica Mae C. Orense, 7C

They make the students more behaved and understanding. If they follow the rules, they will grow to be more responsible.

Kristoff Sison, 4A

ArtWork by Kim Sun Kyun, 6H

14 JUNE - AUGUST 2007OpinionsA gadget is a device that has a useful practical purpose and function. Gadgets tend to be more unusual or cleverly designed than

normal technology. These days, gadgets like cellphones, mp3's, iPod's, digital cameras and laptops are the latest fashion. People

sometimes say that they can't live without these things or that it completes their lives. But, is it really a must for students to have all these

things?

An article in the newspaper says that nowadays, people would rather give importance to their cellphones than to their basic

needs. We were quite disappointed upon hearing that. So, we asked ourselves; are cellphones more important than the basic things in

order to live?

Cellphones were made for easy communication. Laptops were invented for portability; i.e. we can bring it anywhere we go.

Mp3's/ Mp4's and iPod's are used for listening to music. Sometimes, we also see children whose phones are 3G models. These latest

technologies are not to brag about.

We have to be a good role model to others by being simple in everything we do in eating, dressing, communicating and even

sleeping. If we are simple in our daily life, we can save a lot in terms of time, money and energy. We must appreciate that simplicity is

beauty. This makes us lead a simple life. Use our talents in humble service to others. Give importance to family value instead.

“Simplicity is in one's heart.” Hans Hofmann. We can live simple lives without gadgets. They are not actually essential to our

existence. They make us enjoy our lives, but we can live without them. We should not make them as a requirement in our lives. As

Augustinian students, we must learn and apply the value of simplicity in our lives.

Let us be simple and humble so that we could follow St. Augustine's footsteps. “… but all of us have something that we consider

a necessary irritant in our life. And it's probably really not necessary. It may even be keeping us from discovering the pleasure in

simple things…” Charles Warner Livin LuxuryLaVidaNoelle Clara Sofia P. Fajardo &Leanne D. Balmes, 6CAugustinian thoughts

For six years, the case against the former President of the Republic of the Philippines, Joseph “Erap” Ejercito Estrada, remained quiet. Anti-Erap groups wait for the Supreme Court to give their final decision, while Pro-Erap supporters are still alive with their hopes that he will be set free. Now, the Sandiganbayan has spoken. An explosion of a hidden bomb in a war has been set free. Erap is found guilty with plunder while acquitted with perjury charges. But the question is, was the final decision of the Sandiganbayan fair or not? How will these affect the country? The handcuffs are fittingly ready on his hands and the jails are about to welcome the deposed president with his sentence, reclusion perpetua; or in simple terms, a 40-year life imprisonment. I, for one, think that Erap is guilty. He has misused the money of the people as a public servant during his time. At the same time, however, it is unfair that he is the only one who has been convicted in spite of the fact that there are others out there who more than deserve such a conviction. Jueteng money overflowed the pockets of Estrada as he received, directly or indirectly, more or less Php 545,000,000 . The same happened with gambling operators and co-accused Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada, Yolanda T. Ricaforte, and Atty. Edward Serapio as allegedly witnessed by Gov. Luis “Chavit” Singson.

Jueteng is an illegal act in the country. The government has banned jueteng, yet our own leaders engage in this act. If they continue to do these things, how will they help in sweeping off illegal practices in the Philippines? It is like making a rule for the people you lead that you yourself do not follow. Is it not said that, “ A good leader is a good follower”? Erap also misused the public fund for the tobacco excise share reserved for the Province of Ilocos Sur under R.A. No. 7171; the Php 130,000,000 representing a portion of the Php 170,000,000 was scammed with his co-accused Charlie “Atong” Ang, Alma Alfaro, Eleuterio Tan a.k.a Eleuterio Ramos Tan or Mr, Uy, and Jane Doe a.k.a. Delia Rajas again witnessed by Singson. Erap is allegedly worth Php 4, 097, 804, 173.17, a wealth unexplained which led the Sandiganbayan to give a guilty verdict. Ironically, with the subject of wealth at hand, do you not find it unfair that the Marcoses, PGMA, (next page)

FairMa.Raizza Renella P.Bello,7C

Justice SystemUnfairArtWork by Rainier Jacinto, 6J

15JUNE - AUGUST 2007 Opinionsa n d o t h e r s i n t h e government who have done the same are not accused with the same charges?If justice is really present in

the Philippines, the Marcoses should have been found guilty years ago. They have killed a lot of Filipinos and have done harm in the nation for quite a long time, not just physically, but mentally and socially as well specially during the their tyranny with Martial Law. The same goes with GMA, she admitted some of her wrong doings to the country, yet why can’t they impeach and file a case against her? Is justice really served? Surely, Pro-Erap supporters will protest with the decision given. A guilty verdict for Erap is justice. But if there is really justice with the system of the Supreme Court, why not file a case to every official of the government who have done something against the law? Looking back to the history of the country, one may see that there is an unfair side that roots from the non-conviction of the other leaders who have themselves engaged in plunder, perjury, and murder. Maybe this will make you think about the kind of justice system we have here in the Philippines. As Augustinians, we should study well for our future and the country we will serve. We should not tolerate the examples shown by our government leaders today. At the same time, we should be aware of the things happening around us. As young as we are let us help others, through the outreaches, lfor as St. Augustine said, helping the poor is doing justice. As we grow, let us learn from the mistakes our officials have done so as not to commit it in the future.

Second, it is known that in matters like this, wherein there are proposed projects, the companies should have bidding. In this case, they reasoned it was a government-to-government

deal. However, two other companies, American Firm offered S130 million, and Amsterdam Holdings Inc. (owned by Jose “Joey” de Venecia III), S240 million. Both of these would be Billed Operate Transfers (BOTs), meaning they are paid for personally, and turned over to the government after 20 years. This is compared to the loan we made from China, and with interest rates at 3% per year, our total cost 20 years from now would be S529 million. Still think it's cost efficient?

First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo is also a major part of this issue. According to Jose “Joey” de Venecia III, FG offered him S10 million dollars to back out of the project, and also told him to “Back off!” during one of the meetings. This “Mystery Man” is now in Hong Kong, or God knows where, avoiding the issues. COMELEC Chairman Benjamin Abalos was also said to receive money prior to the deal, because he had golfing buddies that were ZTE officials, who also paid for his China trips.

Our government claims to be transparent, now with two new committees promoting this, but how are they so if they keep the deal away from the people whose taxes are paying for it? We also are righteous, proving it by putting an old president to jail as his punishment, but does this really prove anything? With the government trying to get away with this all, and though it is not really working, who is to trust and depend on?

Joey de Venecia has come forward, telling the people the “truth”. He renounced his participation to the project, not anymore fighting for his company, but for justice to be served. He is putting his father, Speaker Jose de Venecia's job at stake, just to say what he has to say. Putting this all at risk, along with his own name, some say these are signs that he is telling the truth. But what is the truth, we may never know, but only time will tell.

This is but another controversy, with a seemingly good intention. Is this project for keeps, or to be thrown away? So is it a deal or a no deal?

Probably, if you watched or listened to the State of the Nation Address (SONA) last July 23, you have been more likely than not brainwashed by the thunderous applause given by the Congress to the President. Well, I think you better think twice. If you're now tilting you're head because of what I'm saying, look at these three points wherein Madame President made noticeable faults:

What achievements was PGMA talking about? The SONA failed to describe the real condition of Juan de la Cruz. Her speechwriter portrayed a country that is already moving forward. Hundreds of billions in human and physical infrastructure investments, a balanced budget, payment of debt, agriculture focus to transform beneficiaries into agri-businessmen, Mindanao super region, development of bio-fuels as new source of energy, enactment of Human Security Act to fight terrorism, development of new and strengthening of the present tourist destinations and providing road and terminal access to the said areas, cheaper medicines, senior citizen care, agri-business zones, cyber-corridor and IT, election reforms, end to political violence, and a lot more for a total of P1.3 trillion medium-term public service program. (p 16)

SONANot So Applause-worthy After AllOscar A. Acopiado Jr., 7C

ArtWork by Kim Soo Hyun, 5H

Journals16 JUNE - AUGUST 2007

Almost everyday, glaciers melt in the Arctic. What if one day you wake up under the sea and discover that the world has sunken into the deep?

Global Warming and Greenhouse Effect, are the natural problems in our world today. In order to educate and the students be aware, the grades four to seven students watched the film, “An Inconvenient Truth” last June 17 in the St. Ambrose Hall.

The film shows the possible effects that may happen in the near future if we will continue to be careless with our environment. Some countries might sink underwater and will be gone forever.

This activity should help us realize that we should start taking care of our surroundings, not tomorrow, but today. Everything in nature is important and we should treasure it. It's up to you if you want to take care or not, but soon you'll experience the repercussions of your actions.

When mother strikes backnatureJeffrey Kyle L. Goyena, 7D

T h e N e w s p a p e r Fund Drive, the Pondo ng Pinoy, and the outreach activities.

One may feel it is a tad too much. Wondering about why these are done leads to one answer; and that is “CHARITY.” All efforts to do these things support a lot of people, especially our less fortunate brethren. Aside from their basic daily needs, they are also given a chance for a good education. CSA founded these fund drives and outreach programs to aid society’s indigents. Ms. Contreras says “The purpose of these programs include to help alleviate the condition of our less fortunate brothers/sisters, as well as to awaken the concern for the poor among our students, parents, and teachers”. With this, she encourages everyone to find it in their hearts to be committed to these causes, and to generously support it. Remembering the Augustinian “Man for all Men” celebrations, she candidly states that everyone must have their “offerings from the heart” ready.

So why not attend those outreaches willingly, or gather and donate your old newspapers, or put your pocket money in that bottle; who knows what rewards await you in heaven.

on

generosity

A president who wants to do what is right than what is popular. Despite of all these policy pronouncements, what is the reality?Environmentalists took a more critical stand on the issue of La

Mesa watershed which the President said is a protected area but “subject to private rights.” Reform advocates took offense on the plan of the government to transfer the DAR to Davao. She said what better place could it be situated than in front of the landed class in Congress. On several instances, the President has distorted the difference between public concerns and private interests. It is for the same reason why that the rift between the rich and the poor is widening. PGMA has become the guardian of the elite and the symbol of affluence and lack of sensitivity. A senator even said that her SONA seemed like a Friendster list for having mentioned the Who's Who list of the President's closest friends and allies and the infrastructure projects they had asked from her administration as reward for their political loyalty but failed to address the concerns of ordinary people. The prices of basic commodities are even higher today than five years ago. The expanded value- added tax is supposed to improve the condition of our country, but we haven't seen or felt its value. Shanties and informal settlements are mushrooming in various parts of the country particularly here in Metro Manila.

To address all of these, her cabinet members and allies should experience how hard it is to live in these areas. Likewise, the president should focus and provide every Filipino citizen his due and sacrifice her personal agenda, if any. Another important aspect of nation building is nurturing, rehabilitation and sustaining the environment and natural resources. Our dream could only be realized if we ensure the future generations will benefit and have access to their natural resources and patrimony.

Angelo S. Fernandez 6A & Jose Ramon Ladlad

We all take different paths in life, but no matter where we go,

we take a little of each other everywhere.– Tim McGraw

Want to publish your JOURNALS?email us at

csa_mirror07@yahoo.com

ArtWork by Pola Dayne Farinas,6L

Features 17JUNE - AUGUST 2007

Nervous... anxious... excited... The feeling was indescribable. It was judgment day for us GSSG candidates. As I hurry towards the front of the faculty room, where the election results are posted. Every second then seemed like eternity. I stopped just in time to see three teary-eyed friends. Like me, they were also candidates during the GSSG election. Upon seeing me, one said “Sama ka na sa amin, Jella.” Another blurted, “Sorry to say, we all lost.” Of course, at first I thought my ears deceived me. But it was true. And you could only imagine how I felt that time.

But that was history and there will always be a next time. Reflecting on it today, I realized the experience wasn’t that bad at all. In fact, it is like a treasure- filled cave. An unsightly place that hides within glittering gems. And these gems; they’re the lessons I learned from the experience.Lesson# 1: It is not enough to say what you mean, or mean what you say; you have to do it creatively.

In our campaign, we try to get the students' votes. I won a GSSG seat last year so I thought I’ve got everything made up. I spoke clearly of my genuine intentions in vying for the VP seat. But I noticed that whenever I delivered it, it seemed like my words just came in their right ear, and went out on the left. Noticeably, when I tried to improvise and use ...(to page 20)

This past election, you have heard and seen candidates presenting their

speeches, campaigning for their respective parties. Some speeches were

convincing while some were plain and would not even merit one's attention.

For me, a GSSG candidate myself, my voting basis did not depend on the candidate's speeches alone. I looked for the sincerity in their words; if they were campaigning from their hearts of hearts or if they were merely delivering lip service. I thought it important to consider and re-consider this: Does the candidate have the capability and the will to do the things he said in his speech? Does he even have time to do the things he said? For he may just mouth it now but soon not do anything.

I believe these are just some of the things we must consider when voting. And that’s just what I did!

Finally, after the tiring and grueling campaign and the uphill struggles of the candidates with their respective parties, the fog’s been cleared. We now know our Grade School Student Government (GSSG) student leaders who are expected to serve their fellow Augustinians well for the whole school year 2007-2008.

There were the victors and the ones who just weren't so lucky that day. But all of them have one responsibility; and that is to be student role models.

But are the elected leaders living up to their mandate entrusted to them by voters like me?

First let me go back to the campaign period. According to some people, other candidates had violated campaign rules, which for me is very disappointing and unacceptable. If they could not follow the set campaign rules, how could they be good leaders to the Augustinian community, and in the future, our society? In spite of this, I still admire other candidates for their dedication and commitment to the campaign. Some candidates impressed me with their speeches that motivated me to vote for them, and their various gimmicks that earned them overwhelming support from the pupils.

As for the results, I am pleased with the outcome and I am counting on them to do their duties well. I believe

GSSG LIFEMia Martinez

During the elections, it seems I cannot breathe. I was nervous, wondering if I’ll win or lose. I was not expecting anything. I comforted myself with the thought that I did everything that I could to show my voting public that I truly deserved their votes. And that all I can do now is to just wait and pray. Success!!! When I saw the tally of votes, I cried tears of joy. It was worth everything I did. All the pain and the tears, the sleepless nights and the absences in class; all of the sacrifices. All these were wiped away. I felt like a child receiving a gift; a chocolate or a balloon, from my family. Simple yet meaningful, it's a feeling like no other.

I was happy and at the same time, frustrated with the results. Happy because I won; frustrated because not all of the candidates I voted for made it. But I guess that's life. You win some, you lose some. Ah, GSSG life! This experience has made me a better person, and it will continuously mold me to be better than my best. GSSG life is definitely like no other, with each

unforgettable moment it brings. And it's all worth it! All the hard work and

everything paid off. Remembering the old adage that says “Do your best and God will do

the rest”, I can’t help but testify to God’s generosity. But of course, one has to believe and remain optimistic as well.

from all corners

HANDO

F

FATE

Losing the Seat, Winning the GemsJella Marie P. Carillo, 6B

Mark Gabriel D. Ordonez, 7C the chosen few

Reginald B. Larracas 6-B

the chosen candidates have great potential and leadership in promoting the Augustinian values. As of now, I will be looking forward to the coming GSSG projects that would hopefully make the Grade School department better for all Augustinians. After all, “To whom much is given, much is expected”.

Running THE race

ArtWork by Miguel Cid, 6K

16JUNE - AUGUST 200718 JUNE - AUGUST 2007 Gallery

Joey Matematico, 6H Beatriz San Mateo, 6KMarina Janelle del Rosario, 6K

Melanie Lara, 6KMia Bagaforo

Aynrand Daniel Sandstrom, 6L

Jia De Guzman, 6L Mi-Na Kang, 6H Alyssa Talens, 6J

Ramone Erika Pangan, 6LMaribelle Kassouf, 6L

Nichols Sayson, 6K

Trishaleen Aila Lomboy, 6K Bianca Coronel, 6K Miguel Paolo Cruz, 5J

ArtWork by Kim Ga-I, 6H