July 2015 Sampaloc, ManilaVol. XIX No. 1 www.feuadvocate.net

“We’ve seen how it was implemented in summer. It was chaotic. So we don’t want the same thing to happen again for the first semester especially there are so many students enrolled [in the first semester] compared to the summer enrolment.” Quality Management Representative Michael Liggayu said the administration decided to postpone the implementation of the new enrolment system to avoid magnifying the same problems encountered during the dry-run of Education Enterprise Resource Planning (EdERP). “We are 90% ready… Although there are functions of the new system that are in place, it’s not yet 100% ready for full implementation,”

After unsuccessful dry-run

Admin postpones EdERPBy Mary Grace B. Claveria and Maria Alanna D. Cargullo

Liggayu said. The implementation experienced “birth pain” as it encountered several problems on its first implementation, but according to Liggayu, the new system is beneficial as it will enable the students to make enrolment-related transactions and requests anywhere, as long as they have internet connection. In addition to that, the University’s records will be consolidated in a single software-at-service system, which means less human resources and maintenance will be needed to run it. Liggayu also shared that they have already been implementing the new system per module. They have opened online application for admissions last July 6 and are now working on the new pre-registration system,

which will be tested in August and fully-implemented in September. “The enrolment system consists of several modules. We have admission, enrolment, pre-registration, enrolment adjustment, and other transactions. Gradually, we are trying to implement it [the new system] one-by-one. If ever there would be some problem in some modules, it can be addressed easily rather than the whole system being implemented by the way,” he said.

The ‘Chaos’ EdERP is the new enrolment system of Far Eastern University (FEU) provided by NetSuite. It is a separate portal wherein students are instructed to login using their student number

affixed with “@feu.edu.ph” as username and the password they use in the FEU portal. Severa l manual enrolment features were catered in the eDERP, like addition, swapping, and dropping of courses and schedules. With it, students would be able to enroll through the internet without going to school, though they can also go to the FEU E-library for on-campus enrolment. “ N a - e x p e r i e n c e ko noon… Turn ko na para mag-manual [enrolment] tapos biglang dineclare na wala na daw manual bago na daw ‘yung enrolment process… Kahit ‘yung faculty or department natin hindi naabisuhan sa bagong enrolment process kasi kahit sila nagulat (As I was about to enroll manually, it was declared there would be no manual enrolment. Even the faculty and the department were surprised. They were not informed of the new enrolment process,),” Christiane Lloyd Padaca, 4th year Psychology student shared his difficulties using the new enrolment system. Raven Relavo, 3rd year Communication student,

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University Security Manager Buenaventura Plantado says that students and employees’ participation is the key to being prepared for the possible 7.2 magnitude earthquake, referred to by Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) as the “Big One,” which will hit areas near and on the West Valley Fault. Plantado said in an interview with the FEU Advocate that the FEU community should be disciplined during drills so that they will learn the precautions during earthquakes.

“Planning is not enough. Your [students and employees] participation, cooperation and support ang

University readies for the ‘Big One’kailangan. This is nothing kung ang mga tao [ay] hindi makikipag-cooperate (Planning is not enough. Your participation, cooperation and support are needed. This is nothing if people will not cooperate),” he said.

As part of the preparations for different natural disasters and calamities, Commmission on Higher Education (CHEd) requires universities to perform drills. The regular earthquake and fire drills should involve “majority of students and teaching and non-teaching personnel,” as stated by CHEd Memorandum Order (CMO) No.9 Series of 2013 Article 9 Section 28.3.

On July 30, the University participated in a metro-

wide earthquake drill facilitated by Metro Manila Development Authority. At exactly 10:30 a.m., all radio stations broadcast “earthquake sounds” for 45 seconds, all churches rung their bells and all fire stations and LGU offices activated their sirens and fire alarms.

FEU students participated in this activity where they performed the “Drop, Cover, Hold” procedure.

“Nagsasagawa tayo [Safety and Security Office (SSO)] ng evacuation drill, tsunami drill, fire and earthquake drill para maging aware ang bawat indibidwal (Safety and Security Office do evacuation drill, tsunami drill, fire and earthquake drill for every individual to be aware),” Plantado added.

SSO also distributed pamphlets containing emergency do’s and don’ts.

Listed in the guide are the following precautions when an earthquake strikes: keep the door open, duck under sturdy materials, cover your head from falling objects and hold it, stay away from windows or anything that could fall, stay in your location until order of evacuation is heard, follow evacuation procedure. While outside, look for an open space and stay away from anything that could fall.

With the aim of becoming one of the top five universities in the Philippines by 2020, Far Eastern University opens its first interactive laboratories and develops its online classroom. This was a step to pioneer a student-centered teaching and learning.

The interactive laboratories have “innovative” features, such as tables where students can write on their glass top. Each table has LCD (liquid crystal display) projectors where the teacher could switch presentations from one table to another, electric plug, and local area connection. They are also wireless-fidelity-enabled.

The two interactive laboratories are an avenue for “fluid” thought process, according to Educational Technology Director Harold Culala in an interview with FEU Advocate.

“We want the teacher not to be the sole authority of the class that has to do with lecture… but the teacher should make a collaborative discussion with the students,” he said.

Any faculty member can use the interactive laboratories. The professor can call the EduTech and book for one of the laboratories.

“It’s an open room for everyone But for the mean time, we want whoever is using that laboratory will use it to the full extent that they know how to teach using the student-centered teaching strategy.”

Interactive labs, online classroom launched

Such facility was already bench-marked in other countries, including Malaysia and Singapore.

Online Classrooms Culala also introduced the Tamaraw Interactive Educational Services (TIES). This learning management system is similar to the former MOODLE.

“We put it in a bigger, wider perspective that you can use it outside the room, outside the school and anywhere in the world,” he said. “The best thing about it is you can manage your lessons there as a teacher, and the students, even without classes, lessons can still continue,” he added.

Meanwhile, students can submit requirements and take quizzes through TIES. Culala assured that students could not cheat while taking quizzes because the content is in random order and shuffles every time someone uses it.

Students can also download their professors’ presentations once it is uploaded.

“We were expecting the faculty this semester to utilize it by uploading all their syllabi and then their learning materials,” Culala said. “It’s a really nice opportunity making learning more efficient for the students and more efficient for the teachers as well.”

The two-day licensure exam covered Theories of Personality and Psychological Assessment on the first day, and Abnormal Psychology and Industrial Psychology on the second day. PRC data showed that out of 4,466 board exam takers, 2,061 passed. Among the top ten board takers were FEU’s Erron Christopher Bacalan and Guia Carla Victoria who secured the 8th spot with 82.60%, Julie Ann Onido and Nathaniel Asuncion who secured the 9th spot with 82.40%, and Drazelle Abluyen who secured the 10th spot with 82.20 %. Onido shared that being enrolled at a review center and reviewing her lessons from college helped her make it to the top. “Enrolling in a review

Five Tamaraws top boardFar Eastern University (FEU) had five topnotchers in the July 2015 Psychometrician Licensure Exam conducted by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) on July 21 and 22.

center helped me in a way that it put me on the right mindset and the right path. As well as to my professors who imparted me not just knowledge that I needed but also their experience in taking the board exam,” she said. Meanwhile, Bacalan shared that his training as one of FEU’s representatives in a national quiz bee for two consecutive years helped him ace the licensure exam. “Being one of the FEU representatives during national quiz bee helped me ace the board exam, and also the overall academic preparation in our university psychology program, fortified by the intense coaching at Mega Minds Psychology Review Center,” he said. In the October 2014 Psychometrician Licensure Exam, 79 passed out of 194 Tamaraw takers, with a rating of 40.72%. No

Tamaraw made it to the top ten. FEU also failed to make it to the list of top-performing schools. In the recent licensure exam, FEU’s rank rose from 40.72% to 50.62%. Out of 243 Tamaraw takers, 123 passed and five of them got to the top 10. “I am very proud to be one of them and the products that the FEU had produced. We not only have great facilities, but we also have amazing faculties that teaches us relevant course works,” Onido shared. The July 2015 Psychometrician Licensure Exam was administered by the Board of Psychology which consists of Ms. Miriam P. Cue as Chairman, and members Ms. Alexa P. Abrenica, and Ms. Imelda Virginia G. Villar.

- Zacharie Eihlline M. Valerio

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Continue to page 10...Duck, Cover, Hold. Tamaraws flock at the school grounds in participation to Metro Manila Development Authority’s Shake Drill. (Photo by Raymond S. de Dios)

World Class Education. FEU advances in teaching technology by providing students with interactive laboratories. (Photo by Geil Han G. Astorga)

Stalled Progress. FEU students experience inconvenience as the new enrolment system is deferred by the university for A.Y. 2015-2016 (Photo by Lloyd Martin P. Quiambao)

The Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) stated in a memorandum released on July 13 that high school graduates prior to 2016 should finish baccalaureate degrees by 2018. it should be done before the new college curriculum takes effect nationwide to allow the first batch of K12 graduates to enter college by School Year (SY) 2018-2019. CHEd called the transition period SYs 2016-2017 to 2017-2018 as a “last chance to go to college.”

“While there will be enrolments during this period, these cohorts will be smaller compared to the regular number of students, possibly posing challenges related to economic efficiency and capacity of our institutions. Consistent

CHEd declares “last chance” for college studesBy Mary Grace B. Claveria

w i t h c u r r e n t p r a c t i c e , decisions on opening and on which programs to offer to

said cohorts during the next two years will depend on the judgment of HEls,” according

to the memorandum. The new college curriculum, as per CHEd Memorandum Order No. 20, Series of 2013, will reduce General Education (GE) Courses from 63 units to 36 units distributed as 24 units of core courses, nine units of elective courses and three units on the life and works of Rizal.

The curriculum is said to develop intellectual

competencies, personal and civic capabilities and practical responsibilities of undergraduate students.

The passage of the K to 12 Law enables such flexibility by freeing the GEC from Science, Mathematics, English, Filipino, Literature, Humanities and Social Studies subjects that are more appropriately taught in Senior High School. The GE Core Courses

include: Understanding the Self, Readings in Philippine History, The Contemporary World, Mathematics in the Modern World, Purposive Communication, Art Appreciation, Science, Technology and Society, and Ethics. The GE electives, meanwhile, include: Mathematics, Society and Technology Social Sciences and Philosophy, and Arts and Humanities

Despite the clarification on enrollment in higher education institutions for SY 2016-2017 and 2017-2018, CHEd remains tight-lipped regarding the TRO filed against the new GE curriculum.

In an electronic mail to FEU Advocate, CHED Chairperson Patricia B. Licuanan accorded that they cannot give their official statement because the case is still in high court and they might be held liable for sub-judice contempt. Instead, they provided their official press statement issues right after the complaint was filed at the Supreme Court.

“The Commission believes that the TRO is a minor setback towards the realization of educational reforms in the country,” Licuanan stated in press statement.

- Maria Alanna D. CargulloThere will be 10

National Finalists for College and 10 National Finalists for Young Professionals, but only one nominee from each college and young professional institution will be chosen as CSR Youth Awardee every year.

Asked how aspiring volunteers can involve themselves to citizenship, sustainability and social responsibility, BCYF Chief Executive Officer Benito Yap answered, “When you begin anything, the most

Youth foundation calls for award ceremony entriesBenito and Catalino Yap Foundation (BCYF) announced August 31 as the awards night for this year’s CSR Youth Awards, an award ceremony to be held at Club Filipino, Greenhills, which seeks to recognize young people who have devoted themselves to volunteerism in citizenship, sustainability and social responsibility.

By Mary Grace B. Claveria

important thing is to be educated. Once you have been educated, then you can determine for yourself which area is appropriate for you. For most people, it is just making time, so all we ask them is to volunteer with a purpose. Do not volunteer for the sake of volunteering.”

College students who can be nominated in the search, according to BCYF website, should be bonafide graduating student of an institution, not have a major

violation in record, must have a record of volunteer experiences or organized events and activities that relate to citizenship, sustainability and social responsibility at a leadership level for at least two years.

Nominations can be done online, through http://awards.bcyfoundation.org/index.php/nominate-a-csr-youth-leader/, or through e-mail to csr@bcyfoundation.org. Deadline for nomination is on August 4, 2015.

Far Eastern University (FEU) Institute of Accounts Business and Finance (IABF) students dominated the competition in the 8th PICPA National Accounting Quiz Showdown (NAQDOWN) in collaboration with Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) held on July 12 at the PICPA office in Mandaluyong.

FEU BS Accountancy 5th year students Jejomar Concepcion and Titus Roland bagged first and second place respectively, while 4th year FEU Makati student Irish Paul Reyes bagged 4th place in the said competition.

The 8th PICPA NAQDOWN is a nationwide

IABF studes dominate nat’l tiltinter-school annual academic quiz bee competition of the National Federation of Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants (NFJPIA) as part of the celebration of the National Accountancy Week. The competition covered all CPA board exam subjects.

“The audience refer to them [IABF students] as very competitive, people keep looking for them, and they seem excited to know if there would still be the FEU representatives on the next competitions,” Director of Inter-school Accounting Quiz showdown Maria Iris Danielle Volante proudly shared.

Tagaan, one of the representatives, shared that it is

an overwhelming feeling that the FEU dominated the competition.

“We defeated the top schools in NCR, proving that FEU is one of the best. I believe that the primary factor that made us win would be God and the knowledge we obtained from our professors,” he said. In preparation for the event, Tagaan also shared, the representatives ‘studied individually’ and brought the learnings they had in the past. Concepcion also competed in an accounting quiz bee on July 14, where Tagaan also represented FEU again in a Tax Quiz bee.

- Zacharie Eihlline M. Valerio

Far Eastern University (FEU) Professor and Bachelor of Arts in Political Science alumnus Jesus Nicardo Falcis III filed a petition to the Supreme Court (SC) for the unconstitutionality of the Family Code that violates equal treatment for same-sex couples.

Falcis reasoned that limiting basic rights, such as

FEU alumnus questions Family Code’s constitutionalityHopes to ‘embolden’ Filipino LGBTs

civil marriage, to heterosexuals contravene the constitutionally guaranteed protection for equal treatment.

“Same-sex marriage is the ability of two individuals belonging to the same-sex to be able to marry legally, not religious, but under civil marriage,” he explained.

On June 26, 2015, the United States Supreme Court

(USSC) approved the right to same-sex marriage in all 50 US States. Falcis said that this will help his petition in a political and social way.

“It will help increase the momentum and the urgency of our SC to hear and decide on my case… It will persuade the justices, if the issues in the Philippines are the same as the issue in United States,” the alumnus said.

Despite US’ decisions’ inconclusiveness to the Philippines, the former can still persuade the latter in political decision-making because the Philippine Constitution is patterned after that of the US, Falcis said.

“It’s not impossible that our SC can approve it [the petition] but they have to give a very cogent logical and different way of looking at same-sex marriage using the same text, phrase, and same standards of review [with US],” he said.

SC Spokesman Theodore Te said the SC commanded the Civil Registrar

on June 30, 2015, Tuesday, to comment on the petition within ten days from notice. This takes the court closer to a possible argument and debate on the issue and make same-sex marriage legal throughout the nation.

However, Bulacan State University Sociology Professor Mark Jayson Rivera Berboso believes that the Catholic Church might intervene in the passage of same-sex marriage in the country.

“Although our constitution is patterned in the United States, there is a little chance of possibility that the law would be passed since we are living in Catholic country wherein the Roman Catholic Church tells the government what laws they are supposed to implement,” said the sociology professor.

Unity in social mediaTo show support for

the LGBT community, several Facebook users marked their

profile pictures with rainbow colors.“It was very heartwarming

that people changed their profile picture on Facebook and aside from that, they also went out of their way to post messages of support not for same-sex marriage per se especially for straight allies and conservatives,” Falcis said.

Falcis also added that this support has encouraged even the ‘closeted’ and ‘confused.’

“The tidal wave just gave them that push to say yes, this is the time to speak out as well,” he said.

According to University of the Philippines Diliman Sociology Professor Andrew John Evangelista Evangelista in an e-mail to FEU Advocate, discrimination towards LGBT individuals happen because there is no existing law that protects them in the workplace, households, or even in the street.

“There is a lack of state recognition that LGBT must be protected from discrimination… People will look LGBT individuals

from head to toe [and] employers will reject LGBT applicants without telling them why.” he explained.

“Many LGBT individuals still experience violence even from their own families; they are being thrown out and are being raped under the belief that rape will turn them into heterosexuals,” he added.

Also, homosexuals receive rejection because the Philippines is socially programmed to reject diversity and to stick to social norms.

“We are discouraged to threaten established gender and sexual structures, we are then made to believe that everybody should have the same beliefs and notions even when it comes to gender identity or sexual orientation,” Evangelista said.

Falcis, however, argues that, “It’s okay to personally believe that it’s not okay to have same sex marriage but they cannot impose it on others in the realm of the state or of the law.”

- ZEMV

also had the same experience. “Pumila kami [ng friends ko] mula 8AM to 9PM [sa E-library] and then wala pa ring nangyari. Hindi na namin nakasama ‘yung friends ko sa block na ‘yun. Pumunta pa kami ng DepComm (Department of Communication) pero wala daw silang kakayanan mailipat kami (We went to E-Library to get our accounts verified, then we waited in line from 8AM to 9PM and, but nothing happened. We weren’t able to enroll in a same block with our friends. We also went to DepComm but they said they do not have the ability to transfer us).” Liggayu said that there are some functionalities that were able to operate well but not all worked the way they expected them to. Moreover, not all Institutes were oriented about the implementation of the new enrolment system because there was not enough time to do so.

Students encountered problems using EdERP. There were instances when students cannot access their accounts because of the confusion on the password to be used upon logging into the EdERP site. Another problem was the updating of accounts. There were students who cannot enroll summer courses because the pre-requisite subjects taken during the preceding semester were not encoded to the new portal yet. Also, every transaction, like removal of disciplinary offenses, application of promissory note and payment of balances, take 24 hours to be processed. Given these difficulties, students went to campus to seek assistance in enrolling. Consequently, they had to wait in a long line in and out the FEU E-library. Many waited for hours to get their accounts updated. “The reason why we implemented it is to test the system whether there are still some things that we have not

yet considered for a full system to operate and we’ve seen a lot. We already addressed that and hopefully for the next implementation, it will be much better,” Liggayu said. The full implementation of the new enrolment system will be on the second semester enrolment. Liggayu said that they are currently working on the adjustments of the new enrolment system. “We are not implementing it at one whole time but we are gradually doing it. We started with admissions, then cost-management for the program heads, then pre-registration, then enrolment, adjustment,” he pointed out. When the EdERP site will take a full implementation next semester, all of the students’ records will be there. Hence, the FEU Student portal, which currently has the students’ records and University announcements, will direct the students to the edERP site through a link and will only be used for University announcements.

Admin postpones... From page 1

Knockdown. Far Eastern University students bag three awards at the recently concluded 8th National Accounting Quiz Showdown (NAQDOWN). From L-R: Irish Paul Reyes (4th place), Jejomar Concepcion (1st place), and Titus Roland Tagaan (2nd Place). (Photo courtesy of Titus Roland \B. Tagaan)

LGBT rights. Jesus Falcis III talks about his journey towards filling same-sex marriage as a constitutional right in the Philippines (Photo by Lyka R. Cabuncag)

Turning the Tassle. Far Eastern University students celebrate their graduation rites last April at the Philippine International Cultural Center. (Photo by Raymond S. de Dios)

As a child I’ve seenvast skies outside, with a bright sun andfluffy clouds or A blanket of darkness with holeson it, numerous small,and a particularly big one.

To me, it did not mean much.

I preferred the sky at homeinside my room, where theuniverse was displayed before me, The Milky Way next to Saturn and stars were scattered within my reach.

There I learned how to sleepwith black and neon; but, As time passed, my neonsky lessened, tearing theuniverse above my head, countingthe summers that add upto my age.

One star after the other‘Til the planets come after,Each droplet of youth taken from my wall.

Now, I’ve learned the skyon my wall, no different from the sky in the open.

Like every star that forms abovethere comes a time when theyburn out,disappear.

Like youth, memories, toys

and games – like playing pretend.

- Angelique Marie De Jesus

Ten, twentyPick your buddy

Then make it plenty,

Thirty, fortyThe garter is ready

Make the long band steady,

Fifty, sixty,Jump highly as the band can be

Next step on the line exactly,

Seventy, eightyPlease don’t be dead early

You win if you skip continuously,

Ninety, one hundredWhen night falls, the game is dead

Back home, you still play in your head,

Your parents tell you to go to bedAfter you are fully fed,

But one night, news shook your head

Your old lady friend was dead

- Julius Ceazar Burgos

I saw the way my father looked at my mother

and I wanted to grow up faster,I saw my sister with her loverI saw how they loved – Touching

without boundaries; how did that feel?

I saw a couple down the street,Kissing, smiling as their lips were

pressed against each other,and they were happy.

Mama told me all the reasons why she loved Papa

And I saw how her eyes shoneat the very mention of Papa’s name.

I wanted to feel that, too;to experience the sensation of

loving someone.I want to be happy.I am now a teenager,

and I have fallen in and out of lovefor far too many timesand I am not happy.

- Lisette BeBe Lao

By Sarah Christine H. BarbadoNothing comparesto the feelingI bear insidewhenever theferris wheelanchors us up,to slowly reach for the sky.

I lovethe ferris wheel,our onlychancefor whenit lifts us up,we see the whole land.We seethe horizon, where mother said,father’s ship sailedto reach theorange flares.

I alwayshold my mother’shand,to ease her worriesand her fears.It is the onlywayI can describe lightfor she wasnot blessedwith sight.It is the onlylanguage thatI can useto tell herthateverything’s alright. Not until my eyes dawn at the other pod of the Ferris Wheel.

Nothing comparesto the feelingI keep insidelike a demonimprisoned for twenty-twoyearsas the ferris wheelgives us a betterview of the shipssailing away.

Mother didn’t know, but, I knew the real version of the story.

In the middle of the green fields,

under the golden rays of the sun,

there I stand, my arms spread wide.

I smile so wide,my joy I can never hide.

I’m free, I’m young,I’m running fast,

savoring the moments as they last.

I’m free, I’m young,I’m laughing hard,

relishing the fun that is our reward.

With popsicles in hand we hunt for bugs,

and as the sun sets we exchange hugs.

With smiles on our faces we play tag,

running, chasing, shrieking—children playing,

untiring. - Joshua Batayen

Illustrations by Mark Christopher Z. Perolino, John Lormer De Dios, Nixon I. Buniel and Brent S. Corado and Vanessa E. Marquez Layout by Johanna Alexandra Marie G. de Jesus and Ina Mella

Adam and Steve

Dear Rachel

E D I T O R I A LInsufficient

My online media accounts have been puking rainbows since the birth of #LoveWins which trended on Twitter last month. Apparently, President Barack Obama’s announcement made it not just to the headlines but to the history books as well.

With the world’s ever controversial issue about same-sex marriage, I wish not to digress or go off tangent, for we need to have the proper understanding of what the hashtag #LoveWins and rainbow-filtered profile photos meant.

It is unspeakably sad when those called to be ministers of the Word distort the gospel and deceive the people of God with false doctrines, but it is better for those teaching false doctrines to put their cards on the table a la Brian McLaren rather than remain studiously ambiguous in terminology. This pandemonium, I daresay, is nothing but a “moral panic”.

How sad that while many in the US were celebrating the legal acceptance of same-sex marriage, many of us in the Philippines were furious.

But I thought it was strange for a variety of reasons.

For one, the Philippines is thousands of miles away from Uncle Sam. If people here were to be angry about anything, I would have thought it would be corruption, underemployment, or the lamentable quality of urban

life, issues so close, urgent, and inherent to our national story.

Second, it was strange because it seemed that all of a sudden, people started reading the Scriptures, even quoting verses from Leviticus to Corinthians. For many of these people, rainbow photos had to be exorcised. Third, it was strange because if there was anyone who needed to defend themselves, it was the LGBT community—so small and so vulnerable.

Data from the International Social Survey Programme in 2008 show that 92.3% of Filipinos think that sexual relations between two adults of the same sex is “always wrong” or “almost always wrong.” For those who assume that social attitudes amongst Filipinos have been changing, I am sorry to dispel the myth. In 1991, the figure was 93.4%.

And so I wonder why the conservative majority have become too noisy.

Remembering what I’ve learned from sociology, the answer is pretty clear. We have before us moral panic, collectively shared anxieties over an issue or group perceived to challenge social order. In other words, moral panic happen when the values cherished by the majority are threatened by social issues or a minority group. In history, these issues have been framed as unacceptable social problems like drug abuse, HIV/AIDS, and, yes, witches too.

Whether the threat is real or not is irrelevant. The point is that a compelling story is weaved for us by society’s moral entrepreneurs, authorities tasked to uphold timeless virtues. Indeed, religion, media, school, family, and friendships have all played a

role in reinforcing the moral panic. Enhanced by social media, moral panic over same-sex marriage has spread like wild fire.

Moral panic also blames the victim. Some have argued that if it were not for the noisy and flamboyant LGBT community, there would be no issue at all.

Perhaps they are correct. But it is in the midst of a moral panic that a society can aspire for maturity.

A mature society is one that can accept its diversities by transcending religious and ideological biases. The defining quality of a mature society is its ability to encourage rational dialogue amongst people who profess different faiths, speak different dialects, and identify with fluid genders.

The aspiration therefore is not to readily drop our cherished convictions, but to gradually drop our guards. More so, this aspiration is necessary for us—a nation that remains enslaved in more ways than one.

The sad reality is that the quality of discourse concerning the LGBT community has remained dismal. They are addressed as abominations, sinners, and worse, harbingers of divine curse. The well-endowed among them are characterized as “sayang”. Their only redeeming moment is when they bring entertainment to the public.

Rachel, Rachelle, Rachele. I’m sorry, I’m not even sure how to spell your name correctly. You probably know why that is, right? When I met you, you could not speak; all that came out of your lips were delightful fits of laughter and joy. Dearest Rachel, do not fret, I would not prefer to have heard your voice in any other way—your laughter was beautiful. It was not too long ago since we first met. We were assigned to visit your shelter, where they told us they were protecting you. From what? I am not sure, Rachel. If you have forgotten who or what your monsters were, let us keep it that way. You are too young to be threatened by the world outside your new home. I reckon you were just two or three years old when we met. You have a lot more years ahead of you—you will cease counting using your fingers alone. Rachel, when you grow up, you will realize that people will use the term “orphan” to label your existence. Allow them to. At first, the word will sting. It will remind you that you were abandoned, or perhaps neglected. However, no matter how hard you try, it’s not a brand you could wash off your skin. It was never meant to wear off, Rachel. You have to live with it. Survive all your struggles

in finding who you really are beyond “orphan,” “charity work,” or “foster child.” When you survive this, you will live. You will live beyond the parameters of existence. Everything will be fine. You just have to be strong. People will be visiting you every now and then. When we left your shelter, your doll-eyes brimmed with tears. That is the tragedy of being an orphan, Rachel. You will meet a lot of new people who wish to execute charity work in your shelter. Everyone will be leaving, and not all will return. Brace yourself for each visit; learn from the people who arrive. Every one of them will have a story to tell and a lesson to teach. In exchange for the lessons, you will be there to make them feel blessed.

Which brings me to a better brand to wear on your sleeve, Rachel—you are an angel. You, and 2 million other orphaned Filipino children. However, some of the angels could not be found by the government and NGO’s because of the topography of our country. You have to realize that the world outside your shelter is a danger to anyone, innocent or not. Some of these 2 million other orphaned angels I mentioned could be starving, or worse, are being physically abused. All we could do is hope for their safety and survival. They are at the mercy of an unforgiving nation. Outside your home, some orphaned children are not treated with kindness and tenderness.

Not everyone understands that children like you have rights that must be upheld at all times. Some have understood

these rights, but abused these through exploiting children by using them in transacting illegal negotiations. Children lose their innocence in the process of working for these greedy monsters. Rachel, never compromise with a person who is bargaining on your rights as a child and as a person.

Rachel, I could only hope that this letter reaches you by the time you learn how to read. I could only hope that a time will come that you will be the one addressing your letters to children in need of guidance and wisdom more than charity work and once in a lifetime visits from strangers who do not understand your situation.

Never allow yourself to be reduced to a foil—highlighting the blessings others received that you were deprived of. You may just be an orphan, but an orphan, just like any other child, could grow up into anything he or she wishes to be if given proper guidance and attention.

I could only hope that aside from counting using the fingers in your hand, you will also be taught how to bring your two little hands together—that you will be taught how to wish and dream.

Have you met Rachel? She and 2 million angels need our attention. Give them tons of hope at rizatalan@outlook.com.

Ever since the University implemented the paperless system of enrolment, academic organizations have struggled in the collection of the organizational fee. This fee is the bloodline of all student organizations—all student-centric programs spearheaded by all organizations are financed through this. Thus, the decline in the number of students who pay this fee results to the decrease in resources for all student organizations. It has been a challenge posed to previous FEU Central Student Organizations (FEUCSO) to urge the University administration to embed the organizational fee in students’ tuition. However, up to this date, none of these central student organizations accepted the challenge. Take for example, this year, FEUCSO came up with a rather clever way of enticing students to pay the said fee—repackaging the organizational fee into a membership fee, and giving a solid proof of membership through the Tamaraw Plus card. Since it is still in its initial stages, student organizations are still on edge as to whether this will be a successful fund-raising scheme. However, it isn’t uncommon to read “Dagdag gastos lang ‘yan,” and “Ano na namang pakulo ‘yan?” among the tirade of comments in Tamaraw Plus’s Facebook posts. Not only are the students apathetic, they have also become uneducated cynics. It wouldn’t come as a surprise if the Tamaraw Plus card fails to deliver. In such event, the Tamaraw Plus Card might still be an insufficient solution. The challenge to embed the organizational fee into our tuitions will once more rise. There is no other full-proof way to make sure there will be an inflow of funds than to charge these fees upon students’ enrollment. If FEUCSO is looking for evidence for this claim before taking action, a quick look into Institute of Architecture and Fine Arts’ Circle Arts and Design Magazine’s financial status now will suffice. Circle Magazine’s subscription fee is embedded in the tuition of the institute’s students. Given: it has been over five years since they released their last issue. They have collected a substantial amount in those five years of unproductivity. Nevertheless, the subscription fees that they will collect from their students upon this semester’s enrolment would surely be enough to finance their circulation for this semester, even without the funds they have saved from over five years. Imagine if this is the case for all student organizations. One: All events will be inclusive, as all students have paid their dues upon enrollment. Two: Tracking the inflow and outflow of cash will be recorded with more accuracy as it has passed through the university’s Accounting department. And, three: all student organizations will be able to execute all the plans stated in their General Plans of Action without monetary incapacities. If IARFA and the university administration are willing to help Circle Magazine in the collection of their subscription fee, the university administration would surely be amenable to collecting the organizational fee for student organizations. Though the Tamaraw Plus Cards’ rationale is based mainly on good intentions, it provides no guarantee that it will work as a sufficient fund-raising scheme for student organizations. Some institute student council and academic organizations have already offered such membership cards, but failed to deliver on time. Some students have then developed a stigma against projects as such—their cynicism could not root from anywhere else other than previous initiated projects that failed. In matters as critical as the organizations’ sourcing of funds, good intentions will not suffice. Central student organizations must take into account that all student organizations in the university rely solely on this organizational fee. The failure to provide a sufficient and effective source of funds will ultimately result in the failure of student organizations to provide and execute all their plans as stated in their General Plans of Actions. More than good intentions, the student organizations need practical solutions that will amount to practical results. If embedding a fee specifically for an org was made possible in IARFA, is it too much to ask for this to be done for all other organizations on a university-wide scale?

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13 words

Golden question

Kababuyan ng baboy How does one compose a letter?

Doing this column would require at least 600 words to finish. Creating a reasonable and critical reaction paper my professors usually require entails a minimum of 500 words for a single page and sometimes reaching a thousand when an argument needs to be clarified. When I was doing my cover letter, the body contained 180 words citing my intent and my desire to intern for the company. C o m p o s i n g a s e n s i b l e letter requesting for an interview had 66 words in its briefest form. Then, I even regrettably did a 400-word love letter dedicated to someone.

Thing is, writing letters require so much heart and intent that sometimes even a man of few words must squeeze every vocabulary from his tongue and every wild definition from his mind to create a plausible way to express himself. The intent must be clear. It takes words even non-existent from one’s o w n v o c a b u l a r y t o s o u n d y i e l d i n g . I h a v e

c o n s u l t e d a d i c t i o n a r y many times just to avoid repetition and to make it a p p e a r m o r e c o h e r e n t . Moreover, searching for the right words to fit has this sort of humor of making the most s t ra igh t fo rward ly person sound poetic to an extent.

Even if it is a resignation letter, it has to sound convincing even though it expresses the discontent towards the former employer. It has to have the proper reason and the proper facts that would convey the right message. Reasonably, it should have a heart even though the one writing it possesses ill feelings towards those who will receive it. Therefore, a resignation letter spanning

only 13 words seem to be short on intent and a waste of ink and paper.

Maybe by adding two or three more, there would be enough words so convincing that it might even have the sympathy of the whole nation. However, by using the unlucky number, it might not even sound poleasing.

If I served an employer for a number of years and I decided to resign abruptly for a not-so-obvious reason, I think that 13 words would not make the cut. A single page might not even be enough to explain it. After all, if I do withdraw from a much-coveted position, I would make sure that the resignation letter that I will

compose strikes through. Then again, guilt

will soon rattle me. I would somehow be guilty of leaving a team behind in their most crucial days, in such moment where my service is needed the most. But, what to do? I have to leave. This is after all, for my own good. Of course, being in a job is for one’s own personal growth. It is intended for an individual’s development regardless of the whole workforce they belong to and to those people they serve.

A resignation letter is in some manner a sign of respect. Stating the reason and a clear intent justifies the claim that an employee wishes to be dismissed with honor. It also recognizes the fact that leaving might after all be the healthier option in the long run. However, this is done with reason, such reason justifiable without a n y m e a n s o f p o i n t i n g f i n g e r s a t t h e f o r m e r e m p l o y e r f o r v a r i o u s r e l e n t l e s s b l a m e s .

So, what do you think? Write about it at gabtmendoza@gmail.com and make sure it is beyond 13 words.

Whether you’re in college, high school, elementary, or even kindergarten; as a student, you are always aksed this golden question. If you have never encountered such inqui ry, you might be miss ing one of the most exciting, confusing, irritating or even mind-wrecking parts of your school life—”What do you want to be when you grow up?” A school boy raises his hand, and claims that he wants to be a doctor. The girl next to him shouts enthusiastically how she wants to be an actress. A few from the back will scream with all their might: a lawyer, an engineer, a nurse, and all other kinds of professions. But there is a certain kid, who sweats t o o m u c h , w i t h a p a i r o f c o n f u s e d e y e s , a n d a p a n i c k e d f a c e . That pi t i fu l k id is me. Except that , th is happened when I was in my second year of h igh school , in my Technology and Livel ihood Educat ion, and my teacher got mad a t m e , c a l l i n g m y l i f e “ d i r e c t i o n l e s s ” – c a l l i n g me “dreamless”. But are such words

the right things to say to a child who has yet to find his or her answer? Until now, in all honesty, I am not yet decided on what I want to be in the future, but is it because my life has no direction? Or is it because I have no dream? I say it’s neither. Ever since a child, I’ve been drowning from a vast world of interests, including art, music, linguistics, and writing. I didn’t like JUST one of these, because the thing is, I liked them all. That’s why choosing one path ends with me wanting to learn all at the same time, rather than one at a time. Jack of all trades – master of none; a phrase my older brother kept telling me. Then it was just a phrase, but

now it almost defines my college life, or even my whole life. I once thought that by entering college, I would finally be able to straighten my goals to one single path, just like how most people dealt with it. But as a Tamaraw majoring in Communication, with a generalized curriculum, we are required to learn the subfields of it which include advertising, broadcasting, theater, journalism, etc. The more I get myself exposed to these things, the more I get myself hooked in different interests – making my choice for the future more undefined, yet at the same time, more familiar and inclined. Whenever my thoughts are brought to

that moment, I don’t really feel the frustration that graced me before. Nor do I feel the embarrassment that fused to fi l l me. Each of us has our own paces, own ways and own strategies in reaching where we want to be. Some may know what to find, but not the right way to it. While some may know the way, but not exactly what to find. Then here I am, that person with no one single vision, but discovered a wide array of overlapping paths that grants more knowledge and experience. A person may not necessari ly know which way to take, once he/she steps on the start ing point. But what matters isn’t always where you start, which path you take, or how long you f ind the way. Sometimes, what real ly matters is the fact that you manage to f ind your own way. This is my answer.

By chance, are your brows knitting as you seek the golden answer to the golden question? Share with me at beamanalaysay.yahoo.com.ph

Sa isang bansang nilulumot ng korupsyon, pinipeste ng pandarambong at inuuod ng kawalang-hustisya, hihilingin kong maging baboy. Gugustuhin kong maging baboy na walang ibang gagawin kung hindi ang magpakasasa sa putik na hitik sa ginto. Ito’y nang sa gayo’y makapagpatayo ako ng matatayog na mansyon, makabili ng magagarbong sasakyan, magmay-ari ng malalawak na lupain at magkaroon ng mamahaling alahas, kahit ito pa’y galing sa bulsa ng taumbayang walang ginawa kundi ang magpaloko sa aming mga sabik na maluklok sa upuan. Mas pipiliin kong maging baboy na walang ibang iisipin kung ‘di kung papaano magbebenta ng boto at tatanggap ng suhol sa kapwa ko baboy na balatkayong karespe-respeto dahil sa suot na disenteng pananamit, kaysa maging anak-pawis na mula pa man noo’y todo na ang paghihigpit ng sinturon; silang patuloy na nangangamba kung saang butas ng karayom lulusot maitawid lang ang gutom sa maghapon. Mas nanaisin ko na’ng maging walang-pakundangang baboy na nalulunod sa marangyang pamumuhay kahit pa maraming makapuna sa mababang kalidad ng serbisyo sa aking nasasakupan, kaysa naman maging maralita na araw-araw ay tulak ang kariton ng pag-asang maiaahon ang sarili at pamilya sa kumunoy ng kahirapan. Mas papangarapin kong maging kapitalistang baboy na namumuhunan sa dugo’t pawis ng mga kawawang manggagawa kaysa maging isang kahig isang tuka na palaging pinoproblema kung paano pagkakasyahin ang kakarampot na baryang kita mula sa pamamasura para sa hapunan ng pitong hindi nag-aaral na mga anak. Hindi ko tatanggihang maging elitistang baboy kung ang trabaho ko lang naman ay ang umupo sa tronong ipinagkaloob at ipinagkatiwala sa akin ng sambayanan habang nakataas ang parehong paa sa ibabaw ng lamesa at nakangising nagbibilang ng limpak-limpak na salapi mula sa kaban ng bayan. Tila wala ng mas sasarap pa sa buhay baboy na kabilang na sa hanay ng mga makapangyarihan ay gigil pa sa pagkakaroon ng higit na kapangyarihan. Kaliwa’t kanang mga establisyimento ang aking ipapagawa at tatanggap ako ng mga aalipining kontrakwal na empleyadong magtatrabaho pansamantala, ngunit lingid sa kanilang kaalaman na wala silang benepisyong makukuha kahit pa magkasakit o madisgrasya habang nasa kalagitnaan ng pagtatrabaho. Mas aasamin ko na’ng maging patabaing baboy na walang ibang aatupagin kung hindi ang magpayaman nang magpayaman, kaysa naman maging hampas lupa na tila apelyido’t kakambal na ang kahirapan, at bangungot ang mabuhay pa. Mas maigi na’ng maging matapobreng baboy na pagpapakasarap lang ang iintindihin, kaysa naman maging ilang dekada nang salat na mambubukid na hanggang ngayo’y wala pa ring sariling lupang sinasaka na matatawag na kanila. Mas mainam na’ng maging baboy dahil kahit pa gumawa ako ng mga bagay na lampas sa linya ng katanggap-tanggap sa lipunan ay balewala na lamang ito sa nakasanayan kong bulok na sistema, kaysa naman maging uto-utong kapos na mamamayan na pinaniniwalaan ang lahat ng aking pangakong plano –para sa pagbabago, mga proyektong baluktot at malayo sa katotohanang mangyari. Magbabayad ako ng mga pangkaraniwang tao at maglulunsad kunwari ng mga NGOs. Sa ganoong proseso, petiks at easy money ang kalakaran. Sakali mang may humarang sa aking mga binabalak, madali nalang ‘yang daanin sa pamamagitan ng under-the-table transactions at envelopmental negotiations. Gagayahin ko rin ‘yung nangako ng daang matuwid. Bibili rin ako ng mamahaling Porsche upang ibandera sa kahabaan ng tuwid na daan at ipagyabang ang aking antas sa mukha ng mga taong tila nakaguhit na sa palad ang kapalarang magdarahop habang nabubuhay. Maamoy man ng karamihan ang lahat ng baho ko sa katawan, handa na ako para diyan. Ganid? Sakim? Gahaman? Garapal? Oportunista? Itawag niyo na ang lahat ng gusto niyong itawag sa’kin, sa bandang huli, mas paninindigan ko pa ring maging baboy. Wala akong pakialam kahit akusahan pa ako ng madla, pagdudahan ang aking mga ari-arian at pagbintangan dahil sa kuwestiyonableng yaman. Madali lang namang magkibit-balikat sa lahat ng paratang. Sanay yata ako diyan. Magpapanggap lang ako na may iniindang sakit, iiyak at magda-drama lang ng kaunti sa harap ng midya. Maning-mani na lamang sa akin ang magbitaw ng nobela ng mabubulaklak na salitang pulos kasinungalingan. Subalit sa kabila ng kahilingang ito, mukhang hanggang pangarap na lang yata ako. Hindi ko kaya, at kailanma’y hindi ko kakayaning ipagsawalang-bahala ang nakabibinging alingawngaw ng kumakalam na sikmura ng kapwa ko pobreng si Juan. Nangangarap yata ako nang gising. Napaka-ambisyoso kong hikahos. Magkagayunpaman, hindi pa rin nawawala sa aking isipan na sana, dumating ang panahon na ang lahat ng Pilipino ay maging isang uri ng baboy –na may prinsipyo, makamasa at may malasakit sa isa’t isa.

Ikaw, anong breed ng baboy ka? Ikaw ba ‘yung klase na nasa dyamanteng koral o baka naman de-bakod ng kahoy ang iyong kulungan? Tara’t ating pag-usapan ang iyong ‘kababuyan’ sa jjames.flores24@gmail.com

‘Critically’ challengedPossibly, majority would agree with me when I say that most people today easily believe everything they are told.This is especially rampant on the internet, as if everything it says is true – almost infallible. Well, if you’re one of these people, Dear, in the words of a true-blooded netizen, you are gullible af’. Some just accept what they are offered without the littlest bit of skepticism. If the internet tells you it’s noble to skip classes, you’d probably believe it. The internet is a powerful tool; it can control the minds of its users. The Internet wil l manipulate your thinking, unless you choose to be critical. For instance, just recently an article was published online with the title “Date a girl who rides the MRT” and apparently, people were amused. But, my eyes rolled out of their sockets upon reading the title, even more as I finished the write-up. Summing it up for your knowledge, the article states you should date a girl who rides the MRT for she is both a strong woman and a risk-taker. Date a girl who rides the MRT for she knows how to make her own choices and thinks only of possibilities.

Let me just add one more thing to its claims by saying, date a girl who rides the MRT for she is competitive. So competitive that she’ll write an article romanticizing one’s mode of transport to convince everyone the girl who rides the MRT is the most ideal girl to date. But, kidding aside, not only does it exclude the girl who rides the jeep and the bus or the girl who chooses to walk; it also underrates women and men, commuter and non alike, in more ways than one. As it committed the fallacy of false cause, it deducted the strength of women by the mode of transportation they chose. It ignored all the things women go through and

held the MRT-ride responsible for their strength, for their being risk-takers, decision-makers. Also, it supported the superficiality society stereotyped men with. I’m certain you’d be at wit’s end when you hear men talking about their girl friends, saying “She’s pretty cool; she rides the MRT, so I guess she’s strong,” But, more than this, I would like to point out riding the MRT isn’t just the manifestation of one’s strength. The people who struggle every day to catch a ride are the ones who can’t afford to lose time; the people who would have chosen a better ride, but couldn’t because this is all their government offers.

People of today have accepted the norms of the MRT that they compare themselves as warriors who survived the wars after every ride. This shouldn’t be treated as normal. After a hard day’s work, people shouldn’t be packed like sardines, not only is it violating, it is degrading. This brings me to the assumption that seemingly this article is a publicity stunt to uplift the status of the MRT. With all the controversies it is involved with, this article is a diversion to stall skyrocketing complaints. This might be the ugly hidden behind those beautifully-crafted words. I’m not saying my claims are absolute, but let me ask you, prior to reading this article, did you even think about this possibility? This is what it means to be critical. Dear reader, the internet won’t be the only place that will fool you. So be careful, especially now that electoral campaigns are coming. Brace yourself.

I couldn’t care less whether this article amused you, but if it in any case made you think twice, then by all means tell me at charmainetadalan@gmail.com

In a University where independence is recognized, an extensive freedom of choice is handed over to students–from choosing what course to take, what lunch to take, to which schedule fits the most for the barkada. These choices reflect someone’s personality; having different strokes for different folks. This would probably be the best time to grab every opportunity in the air to cherry pick the best organization according to your personality, identity, preference and characteristics. Listed below are various groups that would help you in choosing the organization that may fit you.

For the FEUture leaders: For those of you who have different visions, and wish to maximize what you can do for the community, university politics is a world that you may enter. Through the Student Development (SDev), Far Eastern University (FEU) offers endless possibilities in guiding the student body university-wide and per institute. Currently, FEU Central Student Organization (FEUCSO) is the head organization for student leadership. However, there are supporting branches under it, namely the student councils for every institute. Kenzo Gan, Communication Society President shares that his experiences as a student leader, exposes him to a huge array of opportunities to grow and become better. But he says that student leadership is also “a training ground that incorporates building relations, taking the initiative and working hard for the welfare of the people you are tasked to govern.”

For the FEUture journalists: Where else is the org to be in? Of course, it would be the FEU Advocate, the official student publication of the University. FEU Advocate, like other organizations, also opens its doors during TamHunt, where students can sign up as the first step in joining the organization–and take both the written and oral exams. News writer Charie Valerio not only gives a warning but also a motivation for member wannabes. “The pressure, beating the deadlines, catching up with sources, and writing articles were the reasons why I wanted to give up sometimes but the company keeps me going. Advocate is such a prestigious org, an organization that most of the students aspire to be part of.” However, as the organization is also called “student press,” it is not limited to writers but also, photographers, illustrators and layout artists. Gwendell Aranda, FEU Advocate’s Art Director, says that they have a lot on their plate and the process is not easy. “We need to interact with the writers who need illustrated elements. Coordination and collaboration are badly needed.” Aranda adds that despite the pressure, she has come to see the org as a family.

For the FEUture speakers/debaters: Oratorical and Debate Council, more popularly known as ORADEC is the best organization to join. ORADEC trains young students to speak with conviction, certainty and confidence. This makes it a top choice for future public speakers and even lawyers. Not to mention that the organization is also spearheaded by the University’s Director for SDev, Joeven Castro. “Being a part of the Oratorical and Debate Council,” Carlo Diaz says, “challenged my limitations not just as a debater/public speaker, but as a person. It equipped me with the skill set of a 21st century critical thinker, one who’s not afraid of engaging in discussions despite personal beliefs that contradict those of others.”

For the FEUture world changers: Have you ever heard of CYC or the College Y Club? It is an opportunity provider that helps students grow physically, mentally, socially and spiritually through its projects inside and outside the University premises. Head of committee in the organization, Russel Jhon Batoy shared his experiences with the CYC in the org’s website, it “molded me to become a role model for my fellow youth.” Aside from focusing on the academic and leadership skills of the students, it also centers on Christ to help transform the country for the better.” “Iba-ibang events ang mga ginagawa namin e (We do different events). May mga (We have) leadership seminars, trainings, community immersions, sports fest, academic contests,” CYC’s Secretary, Beia Coste explained. Another university-wide organization that promotes peace within the school’s reach and outside is FEU-ACP3 Peace TAYO that aims to “advocate peace through the promotion of respect, harmony and unity.” It is known for its essay writing contests that center mostly about peace and harmony in society.

For the FEUture artists: When your craft and passion meet its matched recognition and profit, your motivation to continue is empowered. The President’s Committee on Culture (PCC) includes FEU Bamboo Band, FEU Chorale, FEU Dance Company, FEU Drum and Bugle Corps and FEU Theater Guild that gives students the privilege of acquiring partial and full scholarships for their skills. These organizations expose its members to performances and join multi-national contests. These lift the name of the University above the bar, and at the same time share to the world what talent truly means. Princess Depaling, from FTG says that the organization served as an open door to different theater organizations, “As an actor, I strived to find a unique attack and character. Everything is a learning process.” But even when the curtain falls after their performances, Depaling claims that more than a guild, the organization is a family. “We eat together and go home together. Outside the organization, we set time to relax but most especially, we care for every person in this organization. No matter what your position is,” she says.

For the FEUture athletes: Calling the attention of all University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) fans! Students with die-hard admiration for sports and cheer dancing, FEU Boosters, FEU Cheering Squad or FEU Green Bisons will always need the support from you by auditioning and joining these organizations. Not only will they train you to be one of the thousands to cheer for the school’s pride, they will also give enthusiasts like you the chance to be part of another history in the making for every UAAP season. Social Psychology professor, Johnny Rocha advises that despite the extra time and

By Katrina C. Surla

New façade Change is clearly written all over the campus. FEU boldly took a U-turn and made compulsory spins to make a big headway. The enrollment and pre-registration system has adapted an online method for students’ accessibility. Activity periods and campus events have been injected into the monthly schedules of the student body. New ground rules have been implemented to hone discipline and encourage order inside the campus. School

safety has been strengthened to advocate the avoidance of unfavorable incidents. Also, the school assigned more

credible sets of educators to teach courses in accordance with their specialization. It’s also no secret how the facade of the school

has been redressed to a more flattering design and the facilities have been upgraded to higher

standards. The once beat-up Nicanor Reyes Hall (NRH)

Building has been totally refashioned to a cutting-edge design, which includes the library and reading areas. With

its state-of-the-art equipment and dainty architecture, the FEU library is the best area for researching and browsing.

The improved Reading and Discussion areas also set a cozy ambiance for studying with its air-conditioned rooms designed

with well-defined implements. The age-old edifices of the Education Building (EB), and Science Building (SB) have been remodeled with strikingly modish looks and bettered facilities. The Administration Building and Nursing Building (NB) are currently being revamped as well. The canteens provide an expanse for convenience and accessibility with its neat and spacious designs. The Freedom Park offers a snug area for random outdoor activities of students with its trimmed benches and green shades. When asked what ushered this wave of transformation, Civil Engineering Department Head Marcial Edillon said, “It’s always for improvement. Every now and then, as time changes, there are new requirements. We try to keep up with the modern times.” FEU attempts to upgrade the university, internally and externally, to provide the best service the Tamaraws deserve.

Upshot of change Every change has a cause, the same way it has an effect. And according to the students, these new modifications have returned positive effects. These changes in infrastructure have brought convenience to the learning experience of the student body. Some Tamaraws are delighted to see that the growing education cost is reflected through these comforts. “It’s good to see na may pinupuntahan ‘yung perang pinang-e-enroll namin (It’s good to see that we get our money’s worth),” commented Jed Alexa Shemura, 3rd year English student. Not only do these enhancements provide a different kind of college luxury, it also attracts new breeds of Tamaraws and make the old students stay loyal to FEU. “Mas na-e-encourage po kaming mag-stay sa FEU kasi maganda ‘yung facilities (We are more encouraged to stay in FEU because of its good facilities),” Keith Tappa, 3rd year Biology

As the adage by Winston Churchill goes, “To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often.” Over the years, Far Eastern University (FEU) has managed to be recognized, through continuously and persistently

revamping itself to keep pace with the up-to-the-minute changes in time.

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student shared. However, it’s not all thumbs up from the student population. Some Tamaraws have also been bellyaching about the inconvenience brought by these abrupt internal adjustments in the system of the school. “Why change when the students are already used to the current system? There’s no need to change when students are already satisfied. But if they are not satisfied with something in specific, then change that something. No need to change everything,” expressed Shiella Jagto, 3rd year Biology student. The administration has its ears on the ground and attempts to perfect the rather flawed and heavily criticized new system of FEU. With that being said, the University also tries to improve in the area of teaching and quality of education. But for FEU professor Ruston Banal, who also teaches in other universities, the competence of a school banks on the students themselves, not only on the method of teaching. “Pero sa 10 years kong pagtuturo, napansin ko marami talagang mga estudyante na magagaling regardless kung saan galing na school. At nakita ko ‘yan sa FEU, maraming intellectual na estudyante (But in my 10 years of teaching, I’ve observed that there are many skilled students regardless of what school they come from.. And I see that in FEU, there are many intellectual students),” Banal admitted. Motivated by the appreciation col lectively shown by the Tamaraw population, the school forges ahead with better plans for FEU.

Appeal for more Progress is continuous. Thus, the appeal for more improvement is never-ending as well–despite all the advances, the students still yearn more from the school. Students see a flaw in the internal methods of the school, that despite the rigorous enforcement of policies, these Tamaraws still blast the lousy safekeeping of the campus. “Mas mahigpit pa sana ‘yung security. Nagiging strict ‘pag may nangyayari. Sana hindi ‘yung patusok-tusok lang sa bag (I wish the security is stricter. They only become strict when something bad happens. I wish they just don’t poke inside the bags),” 3rd year Education student, Angela Rapay said. However, certain requests are not quickly accommodated, like the demand for the expansion of the Cooperative and FEU Bookstore the students are wailing about. But Edillon clarified, “We try to improve. But sometimes you have to weigh things.” The administration welcomes these sensible views and suggestions from the students, deeming their opinion as the most important of all. “Everything is being done for the students. They should be thankful for these modification and changes. It’s all for the FEU community,” Edillon remarked. With the array of advances, students see a glaring prospect for the Green and Gold community. “Siguro hindi na mamaliitin ng iba ‘yung school natin kasi nakikita ko ngayon na may pinaglalaban at may pinapakita ‘yung products ng FEU (I guess other schools will not belittle our

As the adage by Winston Churchill goes, “To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often.” Over the years, Far Eastern University (FEU) has managed to be recognized, through continuously and persistently

revamping itself to keep pace with the up-to-the-minute changes in time.

While student organizations unite circles of students with the same interests and passion, they also wish to connect various groups through a new centralized membership card – the Tamaraw Plus. As the University gives the go signal to improvements, it does not only focus on the modifications that directly effect change, but other factors tied to the line as well. Far Eastern University Central Student Organization (FEUCSO) introduces an idea that will serve as a response to the new things happening within the University. Although this was initially a response to the new system of enrollment, the postponement of the educational Enterprise Resource Planning (eDERP) system still opens doors for this proposal.

“So basically, this project was conceptualized by the team to encourage students to pay the organizational fee and at the same time to construct a system and real ‘benefits’ of paying these fees,” Hurjae Lubag, Auditor of FEUCSO said. While the word ‘change’ may shake the green and gold community, this word also brings a new hue for students to look forward to. From the “organizational fee” that the Tamaraws got used to, it will now be called “organizational membership fee”–which emphasizes that students who pay the said fee will not just provide funds for student organizations, but will also experience what being a member truly means through the possession of a membership card. “One FEU card, One FEU. With centralization, all benefits from the different institutes will be put in together–making numerous benefits from different partner establishments available for every card holder from the six institutes,” Lubag furthered. While the final list of partner establishments is still upon discussion and process, the card also grants perks during events arranged by various organizations. In fact, as part of ‘One FEU card, One FEU’, FEU Makati is included along with the six institutes that can get a hold of this membership card, and its benefits. The Tamaraw Plus not only brings change, but also a series of adjustments. With this, FEUCSO manages to hit two birds with one stone. This membership card will not only guarantee different perks to its holders, but with its magnetic strip, one of its primary purposes–to monitor the participation of students in activities–will also be possible. With this, the organizations will be able to see the effectivity of their projects and

to enhance the parts in which they lack or need improvement. “It also serves as a good tool to monitor the inflow of funds in the different organizations as

part of transparency program for FEU student organizations,” he added. Lubag also said that “the FEU Mathematics Society will make a program for

this digital feature, wherein students can log-in a website application to view upcoming events.” Through this, students will also be updated with

announcements, and student organizations will be able to provide a database of those who paid the fee.

In approximately four to five weeks after paying the organizational membership fee to respective academic organization officers

or student council officers, the student will receive the Tamaraw Plus. Their personal information will be embedded

on the card—name, student number and the organizations they belong to. But in spite of these customized

information, all cards from the five institutes will have an identical layout that still promotes oneness.

The Tamaraw Plus is renewable; students who paid the organizational membership fee in the previous

semesters won’t have to avail a new card. They just have to renew their membership by paying every semester. Stickers are also provided as a security feature in renewing their membership. “The preparation and costing of this project will come from various student organizations (from institute student councils, academic organizations, FEU Advocate, and FEU Central Student Organization) that promotes collaboration and unity among us, the students,” Lubag continued. The choice to which organizations, events and projects to participate in remains in the students. Yet with the benefits introduced like partner establishments, financial transparency, and above all, the opportunity for unity–what’s the hold up when all it takes to get all these is through the Tamaraw Plus?

Continue to page 10...

Illustrations by Gwendell G. Aranda. Photos by Raymond S. de Dios, and from FEU Advocate stock photos Layout by Johanna Alexandra Marie G. de Jesus and Christine Joy V. Lopez

Sabay sa agos ng pagbabago ang pagpapalit-bihis sa kinasanayang porma ng tinaguriang tulay ng impormasyon. Sa kasalukuyang henerasyon, mababakas ang unti-unting pagsabay nito sa mabilis na paglaganap ng teknolohiya.

Tila lahat ng bagay sa mundong ating kinabibilangan, nagbabago, umuusbong at umuunlad. Mapapansin din ang mabilis na pagtanggap sa makabagong paraan ng pamamahayag sa ating panahon. Sa ‘di maawat na takbo na takbo ng panahon, paano nga ba iniaangat ng modernong peryodismo ang kamalayan ng bawat mamamayang Pilipino?

Ugat ng pagbabagoNoong wala pa ang social networking sites gaya ng Facebook,

Twitter at Instagram at hindi pa pamilyar ang lahat sa internet, tanging sa mga dyaryo, radyo at telebisyon pa lamang tumututok ang mga tao upang makasagap ng mga sariwang balita. Dominanteng midya ang tawag sa nakasanayang midya na ito.

Mapapansin sa panahon ngayon, marami na sa atin ang malayang nagbibigay ng impormasyon tungkol sa mga kaganapan sa ating kapaligiran. Madali na itong nagagawa sa tulong ng new at cyber media. Ang uri ng pamamahayag na ito ay tinatawag na alternatibong midya.

Sa pagsilip sa kasaysayan, matagal nang nagsimula ang altermidya. “Kung susuriin ang kasaysayan ng pamamahayag sa ating bansa, mapapansing ang alternatibong pamamahayag ay umusbong bunga ng kolonisasyon. Ang ganitong uri ng pamamahayag ay tumuligsa sa opresyon at eksploytasyon at nakiisa sa pakikibaka para sa pagbabago”, paliwanag ni Danilo Araña Arao, Associate Dean ng University of the Philippines – Diliman College of Mass Communication at Board Editor ng Bulatlat, sa kaniyang website na www.dannyarao.com.

Sinang-ayunan naman ito ng pahayag ni Marc Lino Abila sa www.pinoyweekly.org. Aniya, panahon pa lamang daw ng ating mga bayani ay mayroon ng alternatibong pamamahayag, “Mula sa Unang Kilusang Propaganda nina Marcelo H. del Pilar, Jose P. Rizal, Graciano Lopez Jaena at ng iba pang propagandista na nagsulong ng reporma hanggang sa pahayagang Kalayaan ng Katipunan ni Andres Bonifacio noong Rebolusyong 1896, umusbong ang isang alternatibong midya na may progresibo at makamasang katangian.”

Epekto ng umuusad na sistema

Hindi na lingid sa kaalaman ng nakararami na ang batas ay ginawa hindi para sa pansariling kapakanan ng iilan kundi para sa kabutihang panlahat. Bago marahil sa pandinig ng masa ang terminolohiyang legal immunity. Tila bukod sa hindi masyadong napagtutuunan ng pansin ay tanging mga taong may mataas na pinag-aralan sa batas ang lubos na nakaiintindi ng nilalaman, kalikasan at konseptong nakapaloob dito. Ang legal immunity, sa madaling pagpapakahulugan, ay ang pribilehiyong tinatamasa ng kinatawan ng ibang bansa na hindi sumailalim sa anumang paglilitis. Ngunit sa pagkakataong maabuso ito, masasabi pa bang hawak natin ang kapangyarihan sa ating nasyon kung tayo mismong mamamayan ng ating sariling bansa ay maaaring mapagkaitan ng hustisya?

Depensa sa opensa Para sa kaayusan at kapayapaan –ito ang pangunahing layunin ng batas na nasusulat man o hindi, ay karampatang parusa ang naghihintay sa sinumang lumabag dito, maliit man o malaki ang kasalanang nagawa. Sa batas ng tao na ginawa ng tao para sa tao, may hangganan ba’t kinikilingan ang mga probisyong nilalaman nito? Nakasaad sa customary international law ang pagkakaroon ng nasabing immunity. Mayroong dalawang uri ng immunity – rationae materiae o mas kilala bilang functional immunity at rationae personae o personal immunity. Sa ilalim ng Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, 1961 nakasaad sa article 29 nito na “diplomats are inviolable exempt from arrest and detention exempt from enforcement jurisdiction.” Sa kabilang banda, nakapaloob naman sa Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, 1963 ang dalawang importanteng artikulong tumatalakay sa Immunity of State Representatives; sa article 43 sinasabing “consular officials are immune from jurisdiction of judicial and administrative authorities for acts performed in the exercise of consular functions,” samantalang ipinaliwanag naman sa article 41 na “consular officials are not liable to arrest or detention pending trial, except in the case of a “grave crime.” “Regarding [legal] immunity, the Constitution declares that the State cannot be sued without its consent reason given by Isagani Cruz: it will result in the impairment of its dignity and infallibility,” saad ni Justin Alviar, Law student sa San Sebastian College–Recoletos at isang legal assistant. Kaniya ring nilinaw na hindi maituturing na walang limitasyon ang legal immunity. “Absolute ang immunity sa part ng president. Pwede lang siyang mausig after ng term niya… May mga instances naman [na] ‘yung action ini-institute s’ya, hindi sa state kundi du’n sa official kasi ‘pag sa state baka mag-resort lang sa doctrine of state immunity but still it is important to determine if the state is the real party in interest.” Masusi namang ipinaliwanag ni Christina Nicolas, nakapagtapos ng Abogasya sa Arellano University, ang pinagkaiba ng dalawang nabanggit na uri ng immunity. Ang unang uri (functional immunity) ay ipinagkakaloob sa pinuno ng bansa. Ito ay upang maprotektahan ang mga opisyal ng estado sa pangyayaring sila ay makagawa ng krimen sa kalagitnaan ng pagtupad ng kanilang trabaho. “Rights ng isang public official para hindi siya kasuhan bilang personal at functional... Pero if ever hanggang nasa position [as] public officer, hindi siya puwedeng kasuhan. [Sa kaso ng] ng president, personal immunity ‘yun. Functional [if] na-commit niya ‘yun [krimen] sa fact na pag-exercise ng function as a public officer, [katulad ng sa] president, senators... Personal sa sarili mo talaga, hindi sa trabaho mo,” ani Nicolas. Sa paliwanag ng isang abogado na si Atty. Katrina Martinez, ang functional immunity ay ipinagkaloob upang maprotektahan ang mga opisyal ng estado sa pangyayaring sila ay makagawa ng krimen sa kalagitnaan ng pagtupad sa kanilang trabaho. Sa kabilang dako, ayon kay Alviar, sakop naman ng huling uri (personal) ng immunity na tinatamasa ng mga diplomatic at/o consular agents ang proteksyon mula sa kamatayan kapalit ang impormasyon o testimonya lalo na kung ito’y makakatulong sa kanilang misyon. Personal ito sapagkat hindi maaaring sampahan ng anumang kaso ang mga kinatawan ng bansa.

Pagkakaligtas sa parusa?Ang batas, bilang tagapagtakda ng pangkalahatang

alituntunin, ay naglalayon ding supilin ang lahat ng anyo ng maling gawain. Sa pagpasok ng pribilehiyo at karapatang hatid ng legal immunity, paano nga ba inuusig ang mga taong ‘protektado’?

Sa mga nakaraang taon ilang kaso na rin na may kinalaman sa legal immunity ang naitala. Isa sa naging agaw-atensyon ay noong taong 2005. Matatandaan na nagkaroon ng rape case sa Subic na ang biktima ay isang Pilipinang itinago sa pangalang Nicole at ang itinuturong salarin ay si Lance Corporal Daniel Smith. Makaraang mahatulan ng guilty lumipad pabalik ng Amerika ang huli upang doon pagdusahan ang

pagkakasalang nagawa sa biktima.

Kamakailan lang, isa sa naging matunog na usapin ay ang naging kamatayan ng transgender na si Jeffrey “Jennifer” Laude na ang itinuturong kumitil ng buhay nito ay isang Amerikanong sundalong nakabase noon sa Olongapo. Ang sangkot ay si Private First Class Joseph Scott Pemberton ng Marine of the United States, na pumarito para sa Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA).

Malaking tanong na kumakaharap sa bawat isa ay, paano masusubaybayan ang pag-usad ng kaso gayong sa ibang bansa ito dinidinig at doon din nililitis ang may sala?

Para kay Dindi Tan, Board of Trustee at Head Committee on Political-Legal and Inter-Organizational Affairs ng Association of Transgender People in the Philippines (ATP) at sampu na kanyang mga katoto, naniniwala sila sa pananaw na “transgender rights are human rights.”

Sa kaniyang binitawang salaysay sa artikulong nailathala sa rappler.com, nanninindigan siyang pabor ang VFA sa mga Amerikano kaya’t marapat daw na ipasa na ng kinauukulan ang kanilang ipinaglalaban. “Losing a trans sister in the community speaks volumes about how trans-Pinays in the country are still fighting hard for government recognition and the protection of our rights. I can’t help wondering: How many more Jennifers do we have to lose just for the government to start taking affirmative measures to protect LGBT welfare?” maramdaming pakikibaka ni Tan.

Dagdag pa niya, upang mabawasan at maiwasan na ang hate crimes sa kanilang mga kasapi ng transgender community, hindi diumano tamang magpatumpik-tumpik pa ang mga nasa itaas gayong laganap na ang diskriminasyon laban sa kanila. Sa oras na tumapak ang mga dayuhang may gampanin dito sa bansa tulad ng mga sundalong Amerikano, sila ay nasa ilalim na ng kapangyarihan ng Pilipinas. Nang dahil sa VFA, magkakaroon ng disiplina sa bawat puwersa na maaapektuhan nito. Kalakip sa kasunduang ito ang immunity na ipinagkaloob sa mga dayuhang sundalo. Upang higit na maintindihan ang konsepto ng legal immunity at VFA, kinapanayam din ng FEU Advocate si Atty. Vencent Salido, abogado at isang delegate ng isang law conference sa New York. “There can be no legal right against the authority which makes the law on which the right depends. However, it may be sued if it gives consent whether express or implied…The Head of State, who is deemed the personification of the State is inviolable and thus, enjoys immunity from suit. The State’s diplomatic agents, are also exempt from the jurisdiction,” wika ni Salido. Isa rin sa binigyang-pansin ni Salido ay ang koneksyon ng legal immunity sa VFA at ang maagang pagrebisa ng huli dahil sa mga kontrobersyal na probisyon nito. “The case [Laude-Pemberton] is an application of the VFA between the Republic of the Philippines and the United States of the America particularly the provisions regarding criminal jurisdiction. Under the VFA, the custody of any US personnel over whom the Philippines is to exercise jurisdiction shall immediately reside with US military authorities.”

Sa madaling sabi, hindi saklaw ng batas ng bansa ang civil at criminal jurisdiction ng mga banyaga sakaling sila ay maakusahan. Tanging ang Estados Unidos ang may

karapatang humawak ng kanilang kaso.

Pag-apula sa ‘apoy’ Walang batas ang naglalayon ng kalituhan at kaguluhan;

lahat ay para sa kapayapaan. Ngunit maraming mambabatas, abogado at maging ang mga aktibista, ang nagsasabing may ‘mali’ sa VFA.

Ayon kay Atty. Bayani Diwa, isa ring abogado, hindi siya sang-ayon sa kasunduang ito base sa nakikita niyang delikadong anggulo nito sa bansa. “That [Visiting Forces Agreement] was an agreement that allows US forces to enter the Philippine territory with nuclear weapons that can endanger our national security.”

Bukod sa mga maaari pang mangyari gaya ng sinapit nina Nicole at Laude, hindi umano tamang patagalin pa ang VFA.

Sa artikulo ni Gel Santos Relos sa asianjournal.com, naninindigan naman ang pamahalaan na walang saysay kung

rerepasuhin pa ang VFA. ”President Benigno Aquino III said, there is no reason to abolish the VFA, explaining that the fault of one is not the fault of the rest...”

Kabaliktaran naman ang pinaglalaban ng isang artikulo sa bayanph.com. “The VFA allows for special treatment of US

soldiers while limiting the ability of the Philippine government to enforce its own laws and procedures. The VFA creates a special class

of persons with privileges not accorded ordinary Filipinos under Philippine law.”Ipinagkaloob ang immunity upang masiguro ang kaligtasan ng mga

kinatawan ng bansa. Sa mga lumabag, lumalabag at lalabag sa batas, hindi lamang nito binibigyang aral ang nagkasala ngunit pati na rin ang madla upang hindi na pamarisan pa ang anumang mangyaring pagkakamali. Subalit paano maitatama ang maling gawain kung ang batas na mismo ang nagbibigay proteksyon sa mga nagkasala gayong naabuso ang sana’y para sa kabutihan?

Nina Joliever James Flores at Daniza Fernandez

Sa patuloy na pag-unlad ng teknolohiya sa bansa ay tila napakabilis ng pagtanggap ng mga mamamayan sa tinatawag na “alternative media” kung saan ay nabibigyan sila ng pagkakataong mapalawig at maibahagi ang impormasyon.

epekto si Sardia at ito nga ang accuracy ng sinasabi nilang balitang pangmasa, “Dahil news portal siya kung saan lahat pwede mag-report ng mga balita, wala nang accuracy kung totoo ba ito o hindi.”

Pagbabagong-mukha Sa tulong ng internet, mas nagiging mabilis na ang palitan ng impormasyon at kaalaman ng bawat indibidwal. Maaari ring marinig ang boses ng bawat tao nang walang pinipiling edad, kasarian, at antas ng pamumuhay, tungkol sa mga kaganapan sa ating paligid sa pamamagitan ng mga social media sites at blogs.

Ilan sa mga kilalang halimbawa ng nasabing midya ay ang YouScoop, Get Real Philippines, Selfie Balita, Bayan Mo, Ipatrol Mo at marami pang iba. Malaya ang mga tao na isumite ang kanilang mga balita upang maibahagi sa sambayanan ang kanilang nakita, narinig o aksidenteng nasaksihan.

Isa sa nagbahagi ng kaniyang karanasan si Francisco Manggapis, 40 taong gulang at isang foreman sa isang construction site sa Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. “Nagkataong ang init ng panahon noon, mga bandang summer din siguro. Bandang alas-kuwatro, bigla na lang umambon pero ang nakakagulat du’n ay umulan ng yelo. Ang ginawa ko kinuha ko kaagad ‘yung cell phone ko at kinuhan siya [ng video]. Natuwa ako kasi pinalabas siya sa TV,” masiglang pagsasalaysay ni Manggapis.

Ang isang maaaring magandang dahilan kung bakit ito ay nakakatulong sa mga tao ay dahil sadyang hindi naman sa lahat ng oras ay nakikita ng mga mamamahayag ang mga nangyayari sa lansangan.

“Dahil hindi naman lahat ay nakararating sa kaalaman ng mga reporter. Kaya’t mahalagang mayroong magbigay alam ng mahahalagang kaganapan lalo’t naroon siya sa aktuwal na pangyayari. Kinakailangan nga lang na suriing mabuti ang impormasyong pumapasok para mapatunayang may katotohanan nga ito. Ngunit kung ito ay bidyo o larawan ay ito na mismo ang nagpapakita ng kung ano nga ang nangyari,” masusing paliwanag ni Rodriguez.

Ayon sa pananaw ni Cory Martinez, isang mamamahayag sa Philippine Journalists, Inc., at isang propesor ng Komunikasyon sa Far Eastern University, ang pinagkaiba lamang ng nakasanayang pamamahayag

“Ang ganitong uri ng pamamahayag ay tumuligsa sa opresyon at eksploytasyon at nakiisa sa pakikibaka para sa pagbabago.”

-Danilo Araña Arao

Itutuloy sa pahina 10...

Illustrations by Gwendell G. Aranda, John Lormer Layout by Johanna Alexandra Marie G. de Jesus and Arlnie Colleene T. Sinca

Photos by Raymond S. de Dios, Ron Jerome T. Alcantara, Lyka R. Cabungcag, Geil Han G. Astorga, Deniese N. Segarra, Christian A. Babista, Sean Carlo A. LangitLayout by Denise N. Segarra

Mark Christopher Z. Perolino

John Lormer B. De Dios

Anne Nicole B. NiangarGwendell G. Aranda

Nixon Gerard I. Buniel

Jeinar Reece T. Sulam

Overly Attached INCHIC

2k Maselang Bahagi

Sprikitik Breaktime

Also, it is indicated in the pamphlets that professors and class mayors should act as office coordinators and class coordinators who will guide and control employees and students. They are responsible for leading others to the evacuation areas wherein they will do the counting of employees and students.

Students and employees are advised to keep calm, follow the office coordinators and class coordinators and call the coordinators if there is any concern. They should never stay away from them and should submit themselves for the checking of attendance and for further instructions. In addition to the carrying out of drills and distribution of leaflets, renovations and retrofitting of the buildings within the University are being done to ensure the safety of the structures.

FEU Central Student Organization Auditor Hurjae Lubag, however, suggests for a disaster management program.

“Our university should have a consistent disaster management program, wherein the students and the faculty, staff or admin will become aware and ready for these kind of situations. It should be composed of discussions and role playing of these situations,” he said.

The Big One In a statement made by

the PHIVOLCS, the West Valley Fault, which runs through the different cities of Bulacan, Metro Manila, Rizal, Cavite and Laguna, can produce a 7.2-magnitude

University readies... From page 1

The administration is discouraging the students and professors from using Facebook Groups for academic works. Rather, they are encouraging everyone to utilize the official learning management of the University.

Last summer, 25 faculty members were trained as part of the EduTech core group. They learned multiple training modules for TIES and interactive laboratories, such as folder module for file structure and organization, forum module for creating class discussions, and calendar module for announcements and activities. Student-centered teaching and learning was also taught.

Stephen Jay Co, Program Head of Institute of Education – Undergraduate Studies, was part of the

summer training program. He said that FEU’s developments are proven effective in numerous research studies.

“With the help of the administrators, teachers and experts, it provides quality education by opening new ways to explore and learn. It helps in the holistic development of the student,” Co shared in an e-mail to FEU Advocate.

Senior Nursing student Jann Perrie Alipio saw TIES as remedy for the class suspensions.

“We are all aware of the uncontrollable flooding in Metro Manila and class suspension is inevitable, with TIES, learning will not be compromised because professors could still give their lessons and quizzes over the Internet.” Alipio shared that graduating nursing students can take their mock board

exam online at their own convenience. They can also review for the upcoming Nurses Licensure Exam even without going to school.

According to Co, the student-centered learning will be “the new trademark teaching approach in FEU.” It was set on the interests and needs of students. “It shifts the focus of teachers as providers of knowledge to teachers as facilitators of learning,” Co said.

“The students today are technologically-advanced, and we want the faculty to be at par with them,” Culala stated. “We’re moving towards technological advancement in teaching and learning.”

– Rohanisa A. Abbas – With reports from Erol

Nathaniel G. Rico

Interactive labs... From page 1

Tams end up on... From page 12

Tolomia, with the former spearheading the Tamaraws with 14 points, while the latter chipping in 13 markers. Teodoro, the game’s best player, led all scorers with 23 points to propel the Heavy Bombers to third place.

Rough, tough pre-season The Tamaraws, in the Premier Cup, treaded a rough road in the said tourney. The Morayta-based cagers also dropped their opening game against JRU, 59-57, but won their next three assignments: one against Colegio de San Juan de Letran, 80-75; versus University of San Jose-Recoletos, 70-57; and an overtime thriller against National University, 86-84. However, FEU failed to sustain momentum midway into the tournament, losing two straight games against College of St. Benilde, 70-48, and University of Perpetual Help System Dalta, 70-64. They went back on track shortly, prevailing against Adamson University 80-68 and Emilio Aguinaldo College 69-64 to notch a 5-3 record, enough to send themselves into the quarterfinals as the fourth seed. The team in green and gold pulled off the biggest upset of the tourney, sending down number one seed Centro Escolar University, 73-68, in their quarterfinals match-up, earning themselves a semifinals slot. But their hopes of making it deeper

went astray, bowing down against eventual champions De La Salle University, 84-71. They still had a chance to salvage their campaign with a bronze medal finish, until the heartbreaking loss against the Heavy Bombers. For Racela, the primary goal of the team in the Premier Cup was not just about winning, but to assess what each and every player can bring to the squad. “The goal really was to give the other guys exposure, and at the same time see who could give us stability,” Racela stated. “We saw some guys who could give us that, which could be positive contributions for next season [University Athletic Association of the Philippines],” he added. Now that the pre-season cup is all done and with the UAAP Season 78 still not around until September, Racela bared the Tams’ plans to stay in shape, and probably, create the final line-up that will banner FEU in the UAAP in the next nine to ten weeks. “We’ll try to get as much tune-up games we could; probably join pocket tournaments outside Manila,” said he. “[We might] field in 18-20 players,” Racela added, implying that they are still on the process of selection for the UAAP team. With all eyes waiting for the curtains of Season 78 to be raised, the Tamaraws are now on the verge of creating their most solid unit for the UAAP--one that will most likely bring a championship parade to Morayta.

That leaves Flores with no choice but to rely on his remaining players from his current line-up. He also mentioned their plans of getting players from Team B and rookies recruited from Palarong Pambansa to fill in the vacancies in their lineup.

“Kumuha na rin ako ng players from Team B. Mahirap na din kasi mag-recruit ngayon pero buti may 2 to 3 rookies kami na may potential at ready to play na (I also get some players from Team B. It is very hard to recruit players now but

Flores names new... From page 12

effort invested in organizations, as long you have a proper alignment of priorities, time management, and the strong will to join, being a part of an organization is not a setback. “In fact, students who are joining extra-curricular activities are better equipped in dealing with people, so as overcoming (with) stress and problems,” he said.

University-wide... From page 6

school anymore because the products of FEU have potentials as well),” 3rd year Communication student Alyssa Supan remarked. Targeted efforts to strengthen the students’ satisfaction and achievement pay large dividends, both in educational progress and in improving school competitiveness. Administrational works are carried on with thoughts of students who are expecting it, committing greater progress to the FEU community. Progress is not measured by the stretch of time. But time allows an avenue for progress, and FEU continues to brave the future, with the sole objective for excellence.

Fine-tuning: Keeping... From page 6

sa makabagong pamamahayag ay kung gaano kabilis makakarating ang balita sa mga tao.

“Hindi masyadong makakaapekto ang alternatibong midya sa nakasanayang paraan ng pamamahayag sa bansa. Maaaring makakaapekto lamang ito sa aspeto ng ‘bilis ng paghahatid ng balita sa tao’ pero sa ibang aspeto, katulad ng kredibilidad, halaga ng mga balitang inilalathala, at audience – share, hindi ito makakaapekto dahil mayroon ng sari-sariling captured audience ang bawat medium – print, radio at tv.”

Tila walang masama sa pagbabago na maaari nating harapin. Marahil isang daan lamang ito na nagsisilbing tulay sa minimithing pag-unlad ng bawat pusong nag-aalab kasabay ng pagbabagong mumulat sa bawat isa na lahat ay magagawa kung gugustuhin. Mga boses na magbubuklod sa pagbibigay kaalaman sa sambayanang ating kinabibilangan, para sa pakikilahok ng masang Pilipinong laging uhaw sa kapaki-pakinabang na impormasyon.

Altermidya: Bagong... From page 8

earthquake and can threaten the lives of the people residing in the areas within the fault line. It can cause damages to infrastructures and livelihood.

“If an earthquake comparable to that of Nepal hits the West Valley Fault of Metro Manila, the result would be catastrophic: 34,000 deaths and 1,144,000 injuries. Deaths would increase to 36,000 if the earthquake occurred during the night. And earthquake-related fires would add 18,000 additional fatalities, mainly in areas where wood is a primary building material,” The Philippine Star reported in an article published on May 11, 2015.

GMA News online article, states “The fault has moved four times in the past 1,400 years. On average, it moves every 400 years.” PHIVOLCS Director Renato Solidum Jr. said in the report that, “The last time earthquake occurred along the West Valley Fault was in 1658, around 355 years ago”.

That being said, it is important to choose an organization depending on your liking and interest, not because everyone in your circle of friends joined the same organization, nor because it is famous. Instead, it should be because you think it would best enhance your skills, intellectual capacities, leadership and above all, self-confidence.

My invitation to the moral entrepreneurs in the community is first to be at peace. Stand down, temper your religious fervor, and recognize the value of composure and silence. You already represent the majority, even if you may feel threatened. Assume, too, the position of the weak. Minority groups – whether in terms of gender or ethnicity – resist (and celebrate with one another) because they feel left out.

I find it ironic, as you observe, that if love really wins why does it not show in our discussions most of the time? I believe that the golden pot at the end of the rainbow has already given the answer: Perfect love casts out all fear.

I stand straight for the “bent” community. Raise your red-orange-yellow-green-blue-indigo-violet flags at riveranikky@gmail.com.

luckily, we have 2-3 rookies that have potential and are ready to play),” he added.

The Lady Tamaraws share the record of having the most championships in UAAP Women’s Basketball with University of Santo Tomas Tigresses with 11 championships. The women’s squad last won the crown back-to-back in 2011 and 2012.

With the Season 78 set to start this September, Flores is optimistic and said that the team is doubling their effort, having an everyday training schedule, in order to achieve their goal for

this season — a Final Four appearance.

“Last year, nasa Finals kami. Pero ang goal muna ay Final Four, dahil lahat naman ng team yan muna ang target. Siguro kailangan lang ma-implement ‘yung systema at kailangan ma-motivate ‘yung mga bata na gawin ang makakaya nila (Last year, we were in the Finals. But our goal for now is [to reach] Final Four since that is the target of all teams. I think, we just need to implement our system and also to motivate the players to do their best)”, he ended.

Adam and Steve... From page 4

During the summer, Filipino sports fans were in a frenzy as our national teams competed internationally. Events such as basketball, volleyball, and football plus a biennial meet among nations were graced by our athletes, much to the delight of the sports faithfuls. Among the Filipino sports fans, the Tamaraw horde takes great pride for several Morayta-grown athletes took part in these international meets. Each national team that represented our flag had a Tamaraw playing for the squad. Now, it is time to take a look and know the green and gold players who donned the blue, red and white colors, and shone bright like the three stars and the sun.

Former FEU libero took on Asian U23 tourney giantsBeing part of the national team is the ultimate goal of every athlete. It is the fruit of

their dedication and hard work in playing the sport they love, not just for them but for the country as well. In the recently concluded Asian Under-23 Women’s Volleyball Championships hosted by Philippines last May 1-9, players from different universities and colleges were tapped to form a competitive line-up, and one of them is Far Eastern University’s (FEU) Christine Agno. Beefed up by the likes of Alyssa Valdez from Ateneo De Manila University, Alyja Daphne Santiago and Myla Pablo of National University, and University of Santo Tomas’ Ennajie Laure and Ria Meneses, Agno was the lone Lady Tamaraw who made the cut. She was tasked to patrol the floor defense as the team’s libero. “Sobrang thankful and blessed ako na nakasama ako kasi konti lang ang nabibigyan ng privilege para makapaglaro para sa bansa (I’m so thankful and blessed that I was included [in the line-up] because not all were given privilege to play for the country)”, said Agno. Though initially part of the training pool, Agno did not expect to be part of the squad as she was waiting for her club team, Philippine Army, to release her papers that will serve as a “go signal” for her to join the national squad. Carrying the Philippine flag for the first time in her volleyball career, Agno felt tensed going up against top Asian countries. “I do feel nervous and pressured sometimes kasi first time ko. But the good thing is madami ako natutunan sa kanila (I do feel nervous sometimes since it is my first time. But the good thing is, I learned a lot from them)”, said the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 74 Women’s Volleyball Best Receiver and Season 77 Best Digger. In terms of level of play, the Philippines, according to Agno, is still behind other powerhouse countries like China, South Korea, Japan, and Thailand. “Ibang-iba talaga ‘yung level of play natin sa kanila. There is some point na mas [may] advantage sila like height, instruments, way of coaching, and training style (Our level of play is very different from them. There is some point that they have the advantage like in height, instruments, way of coaching and training style),” Agno admitted. “Pero never mong makikita sa Filipino athletes na nagpapahuli sila sa kahit anong sports and I know ang volleyball sa Pilipinas malapit na din makilala sa international dahil sa dedication at puso maglaro ng bawat manlalaro (You’ll never see our athletes lagging behind and I know that volleyball will become more popular in our country because of our players’ dedication to the game)”, she proudly added. Agno also said that she was able to bring her “A-game” because of her love and dedication for the sport and country as well as the support from her family, teammates, and fans. The Philippines finished at seventh place out of 12 teams in the inaugural edition of the tournament. The Under-23 squad won their game against Kazakhstan in the preliminary round and prevailed over Iran for the battle for 7th spot. Completing the roster were Ateneo’s Julia Morado, Bea De Leon, Jhoana Maraguinot, Risa Sato, and Jorella De Jesus and San Sebastian College’s Gretchel Soltones. The team was headed by Coach Roger Gorayeb and assistant coach Tai Bundit. When asked if she’s still open to donning the country’s colors again, this time for the senior’s level, Agno answered promptly, “Yes, of course. Isang karangalan ang makapag-laro para sa bansa (It is an honor to play for the country)”.

Cagers shine in SEABA tournamentFEU Men’s Basketball Team standouts Mark Belo and Russel Escoto, together with

other collegiate stars, romped all their respective assignments to bring home the title in the single round robin format of the 2015 Southeast Asia Basketball Association (SEABA) Championship held in Singapore last April.

The unbeaten Team Philippines capped their seventh crown since the SEABA tournament started in 1994, and already qualified alongside first

runner-up Malaysia and third placer Singapore for the 2015 FIBA Asia Championship in Changsha, China which begins on

September 23.The biggest

winning margin of Sinag Pilipinas came versus the winless Brunei, 140-29. In that game, Escoto delivered 18 points, four boards, and two

steals. Meanwhile, Belo’s best outing from

the five-day tournament was against Malaysia,

when he tallied 14 points and seven rebounds. Both

Tamaraws logged significant minutes in those games.

Being a member of the Sinag Pilipinas is something to be

proud of, according to Escoto and Belo.

“It’s a big privilege na makalaro siyempre ni-represent mo yung bansa mo eh

(Of course, it’s a big privilege to play and represent your country),” Escoto said.

“For me, it’s an honor because naging part ako ng team (For me, it’s an honor because I

became part of the team),” Belo added.Experience-wise, the young Gilas squad,

composed of Escoto, Belo, Troy Rosario, Kiefer Ravena, Scottie Thompson, Almond Vosotros, Glenn Khobuntin, Jio Jalalon, Ray Parks, Norbert Torres, Kevin Ferrer and with veteran Marcus Douthit, developed their skills even more throughout the whole journey.

“It’s a good experience kasi ‘yung mga teammates ko is galing sa ibang teams, kumbaga mga magagaling na amateur players (It’s a good experience because my teammates are great amateur players who played for various teams),” Belo said. “So para maglaro sa ibang bansa [kasama sila] is a good experience for me (So to be able to play internationally with those guys is a good experience for me),” he added.

After almost two months of preparation, their hard work and camaraderie paid off well, with a gold medal hanging around their necks as SEABA reached its conclusion.

“Siguro yung teamwork namin and then yung hard work sa every practice namin

[nakatulong], then binibigay namin yung 100% namin during games (I think our teamwork and hard work in every practice helped. Then we just give our 100% during games),” Belo shared, when asked what the team’s recipe for success was.

T h e tightknit Gilas Cadets’ closeness and camaraderie helped them end their campaign on a high note.

“Mababait naman lahat sila at saka alam na nila yung gagawin nila sa court. Go hard lang lagi yung team namin (All of them are really kind and they already know what to do inside the court. We always go hard),” Escoto concluded.

Tamaraws make presence felt in SEAG

In a biennial sporting event where athletes only have 11 days to defend their titles, there’s really no room for setbacks.

Compared to 210 athletes last 2013, Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) now went for “Quantity over Quality” and fielded 472 athletes, attempting to improve their finish in the 28th Southeast Asian Games which took place in Singapore last June 5 to 16.

Among the fielded athletes, numerous well-known Tamaraws were present, and made sure their presence were felt by producing well for their respective squads.

Mark Belo, who also played in the SEABA tournament, was the lone Tamaraw male cager in the meet fielded by Sinag Pilipinas. Belo did his thing, pacing Sinag with 22 big points in grabbing the gold medal against a resilient Indonesia, 72-64.

Tamaraw Camille Sambile, together with Clare Castro, Raiza Palmera and Allana Lim, joined the women’s basketball team, Perlas Pilipinas, but failed to advance and ended up 4th.

Despite a good position after being placed in Group A, the Philippine Under-23 Men’s Football squad, joined by FEU’s Arnel Amita and Paolo Bugas, failed and was withered out after their third straight defeat early in the competition.

In the athletics event, three male Tamaraw tracksters shone the brightest in the biennial event. Alumni Christopher Ulboc nabbed the gold medal in the gruelling 3000 metres Steeplechase, while Jesson Cid settled for silver in the decathlon event. The Men’s Decathlon’s gold medallist was none other than UAAP Season 77 Men’s Track and Field MVP, Janry Ubas.

The Lady Tamaraw Tracksters, meanwhile, did not let their trip to Singapore go to waste, as alumnae Maristela Torres (Women’s Long Jump), Rosie Villarito (Women’s Javelin Throw), and Riezel Buenaventura (Women’s Pole Vault) grabbed themselves a bronze medal in their respective events.

“It really brings honor to our school,” said FEU Athletic Director Mark Molina, with the way Tamaraw athletes are showing up in international meets. “I witnessed some athletes win medals and the feeling is different, especially if that player is a product of FEU,” added Molina.

In two years’ time, Malaysia will be playing host and the SEA Games will re-open once again. Some will try to secure their newly-earned crowns, but the fallen athletes will take their revenge.

Lady Booters showcase talent in ASEAN tourney After a lame 2014 that gave them zero competitions to play and compete in, the Philippine Women’s Football Team came back to competing overseas after playing in the 2015 ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Women’s Championship staged in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam last May 1-10. The Philippines was placed in Group B along with host country Vietnam, Myanmar, and Malaysia. Group A, on the other hand, was composed of powerhouse teams Thailand, Indonesia, Laos, and the Under-20 team of Australia.

The Philippine Football Federation created a 29-woman pool made up of top collegiate players in the women’s ranks, but fielded 21 booters for the tourney. And among the 21 players, four Lady Tamaraws were added into the mix: Alessa Dolino, Analou Amita, Sharmaine Siaotong, and Bridgette Kadil.

Having only less than a month to prepare, the Philippines had a hard time adjusting to the higher level of play displayed by other countries. However, the Women’s Team still managed to snatch one win against Malaysia, 3-0, but suffered two losses against Myanmar, 4-1, and Vietnam, 4-0, enough for a fifth-place ending.

FEU Lady Booters’ Head Coach Marnelli Dimzon, who happens to be an assistant coach for the national squad, shared the tests her four FEU players and the whole Philippine team faced during the event.

“It was really hard to compete with teams like Vietnam and Myanmar, because they have been together for many years,” stated Dimzon, who recently went to Canada last July 11-12 to serve as a delegate for a Federation Internationale Football Association symposium. “Those teams are well-exposed, but we tried our best in the tournament,” she added.

When asked what her initial thoughts were upon the inclusion of Amita, Dolino, Siaotong, and Kadil to the team, Dimzon said that their task of wearing the blue, red and white uniform of the country will pose a great challenge to them.

“It is a big challenge for them to experience and witness the kind and level of competition abroad. How they will use that experience when they are playing here is the question,” Dimzon furthered.

With the influx of Tamaraws taking international sporting events by storm, Molina said that producing green-and-gold athletes that are capable of playing globally is the main focus of the FEU athletics department. “That is the objective of the athletics program of FEU: to produce athletes that can compete internationally,” he stated. As the Tamaraw athletes strut their stuff on an international level, bearing positive results and success, the green-and-gold faithfuls are convinced that our Morayta-grown athletes display what a true-blooded Tamaraw is—one who is competent enough to deliver pride and honor, not only to the University, but to the entire country.

By FEU Advocate Sports

Photo Courtesy of Philippine Daily Inquirer, Tiebreaker Times, and Singapore SEA Games Organising; Photo by Christian BabistaLayout by Arlnie Colleene T. Sinca and Christine Joy V. Lopez

Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraws extended its winning streak to four after sweeping University of the Philippines (UP) Lady Maroons in three sets, 25-20, 25-20, 25-19 in Season 12 of the Shakey’s V-League (SVL) Collegiate Conference at the FilOil-Flying V Arena in San Juan last Sunday, August 2.

Midway into the first set, guest player Royce Tubino provided instant offense for FEU, banking from strong skills to propel the Lady Tams to a 17-7 advantage and eventually to a twelve-point lead, 21-9, to inch within four points from owning the set. However, the Lady Maroons went on an 11-3 scoring spree to close within striking distance, 24-20, but FEU did not let the set point advantage go to waste as they prevailed over UP, 25-20.

The Morayta-based volleybelles, in the following set, committed too many errors that helped UP build confidence. However, consistency became an issue for UP after wasting a seven-point lead, 14-7, which allowed Bernadeth Pons and another guest player Jovelyn Gonzaga to score hits after hits to help FEU crawl back from the deficit. As a result, FEU scored ten straight to regain the lead, 17-14. UP still managed to rake in points, but it was not enough as FEU went up 2-0 after another 25-20 second set win.

FEU’s team depth was displayed in the third and final set, as it was sophomore Toni Rose Basas’ turn to spark her team’s offense. Basas pumped in

Lady Tams remain unscathed in V-League

ten points to propel FEU to another double-digit lead, 15-4. The Fighting Maroons, meanwhile, fought back gallantly and trimmed FEU’s lead to just two, 20-18. Knowing that UP might pull off an upset, the Lady Tams charged further, scoring six more down the stretch to grab the set, 25-19, and the match, three sets to none.

Gonzaga led the defending champions with 19 points, while Basas added 11 markers. Maria Lina Isabel Molde led the Lady Maroons with only nine points. The win propelled FEU to a 4-0 win-loss slate and assured themselves a ticket to the quarterfinals.

Unblemished Looking to secure and defend the crown they won last SVL season, the Lady Tamaraws seem to be on the right track after posting huge victories against teams that came in their way. From the league’s curtain-raiser back in July 11 up to August 2, FEU has not dropped a game. FEU opened their campaign on a high note by trouncing University of Batangas Lady Brahmans in straight sets, 25-20, 25-18, and 25-10. It was a convincing win knowing that Coach Cesael De Los Santos used his regular players with little help from guest players Gonzaga and Tubino, as the two hasn’t fully practiced with the team at that

time. Basas had 12 points while Palma added nine markers.

A week after their first win, the green-and-gold squad dropped a set but still came up victorious against Arellano

University Lady Chiefs, 25-23, 21-25, 25-21, and 25-16. Three Tamaraws posted double-digit outputs, with Pons spearheading the pack with 21 points off 18 hits and three blocks, while

Gonzaga and Palma chipped in 15 and 10, respectively

Setter Kyle Negrito produced 20 excellent sets as FEU continued to show impressive play after turning back Polytechnic University of the Philippines Lady Radicals, 25-16, 25-14, and 25-14. From a 16-9 lead in the third set, PUP made a mini 4-0 run to cut the FEU lead down to three, 16-13. The Lady Tams won nine of the last 10 points to clinch the victory. Pons once again led FEU after supplying 13 points.

FEU’s fourth straight win came at the expense of UP in straight sets fashion, 25-20, 25-20, and 25-19. They are now just a win away from sweeping the elimination round, but will face a very tall order as they will play National University Lady Bulldogs on Saturday, August 8, at 12:45 PM to cap off their first round campaign.

- Ezekiel C. Mendoza

Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws ended the 2015 FilOil-Flying V Hanes Premier Cup as fourth-placers after a heart-breaking loss against Jose Rizal University (JRU) Heavy Bombers, 71-69, in their clash for the third place last June 14 at the FilOil-Flying V Arena in San Juan. The Tamaraws, which lagged behind by double-digits all throughout the game,

Flores names new Lady Tams’ head coach

By Christian B. Corales

After leading Far Eastern University’s (FEU) Men’s Basketball Team to their record-breaking 19th championship title back in 2005 in the 68th Season of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP), Bert Flores is officially back to doing coaching duties—though this time, for the women’s squad.

After serving as the Men’s Team head think-tank for four seasons (Seasons 68, 69, 74, and 75), Flores later on became the team’s consultant, lending a hand in recruitment for new breed of Tamaraw athletes. Now, he is back on the hardwood to serve another coaching stint.

Flores took over the head coaching position of the Women’s Basketball Team, replacing long-time coach Allan Albano, who led the Lady Tamaraws to a championship during Season 75 and now assigned to coach for FEU’s juniors’ team, the Baby Tamaraws.

“Busy kasi si Coach Michael Oliver para sa Batang Gilas. So ‘yung coach ng women’s, siya ‘yung pinag-coach ng juniors (Coach Michael Oliver is busy for Batang Gilas. So, the coach of women’s [Albano] was tasked to coach the juniors)”, Flores explained.

Although he has been coaching for a long time, Flores admitted that

this is his first time to be a full-time coach of a women’s squad and he had to make necessary adjustments for the team.

“Oo, ito ‘yung una. Kakaiba siya kasi hindi mo maituro nang maayos ‘yung mga plays kasi siyempre mga girls at limitado lang ang galaw mo. ‘Di katulad sa men’s na pwede mo gawin lahat (Yes, this is the first time. It’s different since you can’t teach the plays properly because they’re girls and you have to limit your movements. Unlike in the men’s team that you can do all)”, said Flores, who was the former coach of FEU stars and UAAP MVPs Arwind Santos, Ryan Roose Garcia, and Terrence Romeo.

But in terms of coaching system, Flores said that it is not a big issue on his part since Albano is still present in their practices and now sitting in as his assistant coach.

“Sa coaching system naman, walang problema kasi nand’yan naman si Coach Allan. Assistant coach ko siya ngayon. Halos

pareho lang din naman pero may dinagdag din ako sa mga plays at pattern. Tulungan lang kami (For the coaching system, there is no problem since Coach Allan is my assistant coach. It is almost the same [in terms of coaching system] but I added some in our plays and pattern. We’re helping each other)”, he added. Flores’ top concern is the team’s composition this season as they have lost a couple of veteran players from last year’s roster in forward, April Siat and point guard, Ana Valenzona.

“Maraming players ang wala na, tulad nina Siat at Valenzona. Mahirap mag-adjust dahil halos lahat bago. ‘Yung iba nga pinagpalit ko pa ng position para punan ‘yung kulang sa team (We missed a lot of players like Siat and Valenzona. It is hard to adjust because almost all of the players are new. I even changed some players’ position to fill what the team lacks),” Flores admitted.

Tams end fourth in FilOil Premier CupBy Eryl Justine L. Bacnis

converted the 56-46 deficit to just a single basket, 58-56, with 3:34 in the final quarter. The Heavy Bombers pushed their lead to six, 65-59, but FEU spat a 10-4 run capped by a Mike Tolomia triple to send the game to a deadlock, 69-all, with just 11.6 ticks remaining. FEU displayed great defense against JRU to send it into an extra period, but the Heavy Bombers got a huge lift from guard Tey Teodoro as his

clutch double-pump leaner against Tolomia’s defense went in to give JRU the lead, 71-69, with 1.9 seconds to go. Left with no timeouts, Tolomia threw a half-court heave, but his shot that went too far helped seal the Heavy Bombers’ victory and the tourney’s third place. “Nag-small ball lang tayo kaya puro tayo fastbreaks, at maganda rin ‘yung pressure defense natin kaya tayo nakahabol (We played small ball and we ran fastbreaks, and our pressure defense went well that made us pull within),” said Tamaraws Assistant Coach Ryan Betia on the adjustments made by the Tams, who trailed with the game’s largest deficit, 40-25, midway into the third canto. Betia, however, admitted that everyone in the team took the loss versus JRU as a bitter pill to swallow, but decided to look on the positives instead. “Siyempre, hindi masaya ang players and coaches (Of course, the players and coaches weren’t happy),” he stated. “Pero buti na lang nangyariA na ‘yung ganito, para at least malaman namin kung ano pa ang kulang sa amin (But we’re grateful it happened, so at least we will know what to work on).” “We need more games like that [so we can learn],” concluded Betia. The Tamaraws played without Head Coach Nash Racela and three of their best players in Mark Belo, Russel Escoto, and Roge r Pogoy, as all of them were serving their tour of duty with the Gilas Cadets Squad in the Southeast Asian Games. FEU’s offense was sparked by the backcourt tandem of Achie Inigo and

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A couple of major changes will open up the 78th Season of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) this 2015, with this season’s host, University of the Philippines (UP) implementing the said changes. One of the major ruling changes that will happen is the event’s schedule, as UAAP will now start in September, a far cry from the usual July opening the previous seasons had. The said adjustment of the schedule can be attributed to the academic calendar revamp, with UP, University of Santo Tomas, Ateneo De Manila University, and De La Salle University already implementing the new calendar.

Televised sporting events such as Basketball and Volleyball will commence in September and February,

Despite changes‘Not a problem’, says Athletics Office

respectively, giving teams more time to prepare before Season 78 kicks off.

Aside from the new schedule, a new rule concerning the usage of foreign players of participating teams will take effect. This Season 78, the “one foreign player per team” rule will be applied, ruling all UAAP teams to field only one foreign player per team in all events.

As of this writing, the theme for the upcoming season and who the commissioner will be still remains to be announced.

Despite the changes that will take place in Season 78, FEU Athletic Director Mark Molina sees no problem, particularly with the new schedule the league has set. “I think it won’t [create a problem], since we have prepared about it for

a year,” said Molina, when asked if the new set of dates will affect every Tamaraw team as far as preparations are concerned. When asked about his stand on the “one foreign player per team” policy, Molina said that it is one rule that will benefit all teams, all for the fairness of play in the league. “I think it’s fair,” he stated. “If it wasn’t imposed, then it [the use of foreign players] might be abused. Personally, I’m not into banning foreign players, since they can really contribute to teams. Having one [foreign player] is enough,” he added. The country’s premier collegiate athletic league will open its doors on September 5, 2015.

-ECM

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Drop it out. Two Lady Maroons fail to block the ball spiked by FEU Lady Tamaraw Toni Rose Basas (18) during their tournament in Shakey’s V-League Collegiate Conference at San Juan Arena. (Photo by Christian Babista)

Aiming for a point. FEU’s power forward, Raymar Jose, goes for a layup during their tournament against JRU Mens Basketball Team. (Photo by Christian Babista)