Monday, April 12, 2010

A rose has its thorns

If there is one thing I can associate with myself, without thinking twice, it would be a rose. For the most basic reason, I like roses. I believe it deserves to be called ‘Queen of flowers.” Its exquisite beauty is both hidden and manifested by each strand of petal that covers the core. Behind its beauty, the form of a rose speaks a lot. With the volume of petals opening up and supported by a green base, anyone would be attracted to hold one and see a clearer view of this flower. But this temptation has a consequence. A rose has its thorns. If one does not know how to hold it properly, he will surely be pricked by the spikes that surround its stem.

A rose…that is what I am.


Born on the 18th of September 1991, I grew up as an only child. My parents were both working abroad by that time so they had to leave me to my maternal grandparents. I took my primary and secondary education in Colegio de Santa Rosa Intramuros, Mainla. Since at that time we were living in Cavite, my grandmother, an uncle and I had to stay in a boarding house inside the ‘Walled city.’

There, I learned a lot about life. At an early age, I can say that I was exposed to the essentials of life. Though it’s not really separated from the rest of the city, the walls of Intramuros seem to figuratively isolate what’s within its division. There in Intramuros, one can get a taste of the rich culture, history, tradition and faith that we Filipinos have. From the pedicabs and kalesas that serve as the main transportation inside the famous tourist destination to the old buildings that represent the past, anyone new to the place would surely be left in awe.

Since my school is located inside Intramuros, the richness of the culture has extended to our curriculum. We were taught to be simple, prayerful and mindful of our cultural heritage. Though personally, I believe I haven’t totally adapted these virtues, I can say that what I really learned was to respect our diversity.


In Intramuros, there’s a lot for one to see. Tourists here and there, juxtaposed old and new establishments, affluent and poor people at one place…surprise really awaits inside the walls. For that reason, I learned to value the distinct importance of things.

I realized it when I reached college. At the age of 16, I became a frosh in De La Salle University-Manila. Taking this huge leap from a simple campus inside a secluded area to entering the busy environment of Taft Avenue was a big challenge for me. I remember getting sick during the first week of class and complaining about fatigue we get from taking the stairs to the 10th floor of Andrew for our classes.


At first, I didn’t know where to find my spot in this university. I didn’t even know if there’s a place waiting for me. All I know was that I have with me the values I learned in Intramuros. Little by little, I started to adjust. Whether I was really able to fit in, I’m not sure. But now, I can say that I found my second home in the school.

As of the moment, I am an incoming senior of AB-Communication Arts. I had my fair share of successes and disappointments for the past two years in the campus. I am also a Discipline Office Paragon. How I got there is another story in itself. But what I’m sure about as of the moment is that, I’m serving my purpose in this school. I know there’s a lot more for me to learn and to experience. But through the lessons I learned during my younger years in Intramuros, I know the rose will survive.

Is the pen mightier than the cursor?


Johannes Gensfleisch zur Laden zum Gutenberg. He was the man who made mass printing possible during 1450s. From his ingenuity, the 42-line Bible, also known as the Guttenberg Bible was published. From this technology of movable metal pieces, printing press began. Since then, the wisdom of many people has been massively communicated through the means of books and other published materials.

Almost a millennium after the first innovation in mass printing, more and more books, newspapers and other published materials are still in circulation. More and more people have been acquiring information through these references, especially the newspaper.

Locally, newpapers have been very instrumental in producing and distributing information to the readers. There’s this saying that goes, the pen is mightier than the sword.” True enough, the articles being published in newspapers here in the Philippines have been really powerful especially in changing the government.

However, another change has occurred in the course of spreading knowledge. As the new age of information comes, more and more people started using the Internet. Through this ‘new media,’ things have been easier and faster when it comes to information dissemination. At one click in your screen, the world’s knowledge is literally at the tip of your finger.

For this reason, many people opt to rely on the things they find on the Internet rather than actually acquiring them from newspapers. This causes lesser dependence on the older medium.

Now, there’s this question of whether print media is already dead or still in the brink of survival. Too much popularity of the Internet has casted shadow on what used to be a very powerful medium. But is this really what’s happening?

For me, it is not. I can say that I am not biased about this assumption because I have been fairly exposed to both media. I experienced the time when our school would still require us to browse the pages of periodicals rather than google for information. I also know how convenient it is to use the Internet for references.

However, if I would compare the two based on my experience and observation on other people, I would still say that print media hasn’t lost its prestige and credibility. For one, despite the boom of Internet cafes here and there, we cannot deny that newspapers are still more accessible and ‘reader-friendly’ than the Internet. More people can acquire knowledge as long as he/she can read. No need for more some computer skills.

Another would be because of the credibility of the authors in print media. If in the Internet, almost anyone can write and publish works online, newspapers are much stricter. It takes someone to be professional in the field to attain the privilege of the handling ‘the pen.’ Absence of laws in publication also supports this matter. More people still believe that printed materials are more reliable.

However, I cannot deny the fact that print media is really at risk at the moment. Given the fast evolution of the so-called Internet society, some adjustments are necessary to cope with the changing times. Print media is more on evolving rather than dying. We cannot be doing what we are doing now if not for the fundamental knowledge we acquired through traditional dissemination of information. Thus, newspapers will always be there because they represent our roots, which we can never let go of.

Barangay Captain sets aside SK meeting for candidacy

January 5- Olympia Makati Brgy. Captain, Romeo Medina, failed to attend a meeting with the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) at the Olympia Barangay Hall due to his tight schedule.

After waiting for an hour, other officials received a message from the current captain that he could not make it to the conference. Medina explains that he needs to settle some concerns regarding his candidacy as councilor in the first district of Makati and he asked to reschedule the meeting with the youth representatives.


Jude Acepcion, one of the representatives, expressed his disappointment with this incident and adds that, “kung ganito nga, barangay palang, hindi na nagagwa ng maayos yung trabaho, pag naging konsehal pa kaya?” [If even in the barangay level, the work can’t be done properly, what more if he becomes councilor].

The recurring sentiment of the youth leaders stem from their previous experiences with Medina. In his absence on this scheduled meeting where they were supposed to discuss the programs being prepared for summer, more opinions stirred the young officials. “Parang hindi naman niya masyadong sineseryoso mga proyekto ng SK” [He doesn’t seem to take the projects of SK seriously], said Drew Bautista, another SK representative.

Medina has been in position for almost a decade. Starting as Kagawad, he became the Captain for one term then rose to being a councilor. Now that he plans to take the same route again after becoming the barangay captain for Olympia, the citizens would have to decide once again.

Hindi ko na iboboto yan,” [I will not vote for him anymore] said Teresita Montealegre, a resident dentist and homeowner. “Kung talagang may magagawa siya, eh ‘di sana dati pa niya nagawa diba? Pero wala pa rin. Tapos ngayon pala mas inuuna pa nya pagtakbo niya kaysa sa yung ngayon.” [If there is really something he can do for the community, he could have done it before but until now, there is still no improvement. And he close to focus on his candidacy instead of dealing with urgent problems.]


How to be fit "the Professor Way"

Going inside the classroom, you feel all your students’ eyes laid on you. All the attention directed on every action you do. As you start delivering your carefully prepared lecture, you sense that some of them are smiling and giggling. Is it because they like the lesson? Or is it because they see the bulges in your huge waistline?

This is a common dilemma that most professors face especially when they start acquiring those unwanted fats. In the kind of profession where attention is a huge factor, you wouldn’t want to distract your students by giving them another focus of concentration.
Your health would also be at risk once you start neglecting your diet. Your self-esteem would be shaken at the same time. These things could totally hamper your goals as a dedicated educator.
So how do you handle this kind of situation? Mr. Christopher P. Olarte, a part time assistant lecturer in the Physical Education Department of De La Salle University, suggests three simple ways:


1) Exercise during your free time. Though it is extremely tempting to spend the whole day sleeping or going out with friends when you don’t have work, you should remember that your health is a significant investment for your job. A professor should avoid being absent for class. So spend your day wisely by allotting at least 30 minutes of exercise. After warming up for 5 minutes, start with cardio-exercises then proceed to specialized work-outs to trigger specific locations such as your arms and thighs. Advisable routines would include jogging, sit-ups and push-ups. Finish the exercise with another 5 minutes of cooling down.


2) Exercise during work. The saying that goes, “if there’s a will, there’s a way” applies even to this kind of situation. You can be the fit professor you want wherever you are and whenever you want. All you have to do is be innovative and adjust your routines based on your location. Work with what you have around you. In your office, you can do stationary lunges and arm dips.


• A stationary lunge is done by striding one leg forward from a standing position. Bend the forwarded leg while keeping the other leg straight. Maintain a straight posture for your upper body as well. You can further enhance this routine by holding dumbbells or bottled water on both hands and lifting them alternately.


• An arm dip is done using a bench or a chair. Do the ‘sitting position’ with your body in front of the chair facing the same direction. Place your palms on the edge of the chair then start pushing yourself up and down with your arms bending (as if an inverted push-up). You can increase the level of difficulty by positioning both feet farther from the feet of the chair.


Mr. Olarte further adds that it also helps if the professor will continue to be mobile instead of just sitting while discussing lessons.


3) Eat on time. Being fit doesn’t mean depriving yourself from the delicious menu in the cafeteria. What you have to focus on is eating just the right amount at the right time. Avoid eating too much in between breakfast, lunch and dinner. Our body has its way of burning unnecessary fats. But if we eat too often, the fats get stuck in certain places in our body. Thus, creating unwanted bulges.


Touching the lives of the students is one of the ultimate goals every professor wants to accomplish. This is not impossible. But it certainly entails hard work. You can be the most unforgettable professor not because of how funny you look but because of how pleasant you are inside and out. So the next time you see you student flashing a smile on you, who knows? Maybe he/she just appreciates how beautiful/handsome you are.

Is it a Yes or a No for Noynoy Aquino?



Given the proximity of the upcoming elections, the campaign on presidency has already taken its peak. Black and white propagandas have been thrown around to either build up or taint the reputation of the hopeful candidates. Most of the issues focus on the competency and political views of the candidates. But much like show business, people really tend to give attention to the private lives of these aspiring leaders.

As of the moment, there are already 10 listed presidentiables who are vying for the vote of the nation. All of them are trying to please their audience by putting their best foot forward on every possible opportunity. However, there are various aspects such as a bad family reputation that can hinder what ought to be a smooth sailing campaign.



This is currently the condition for Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino, III. He could have made it easily to the hearts of the people being the only son of national hero Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. and Corazon “Cory” Aquino. His decision to run was revealed at the time when they have both the sympathy and the trust of the people. Sure enough, Noynoy’s camp has been using this fact to their advantage. Yet, this is not the only interesting detail about Noynoy’s family. He also has the so-called “Queen of all Media” for a sister- no other than Kris Aquino.

In the midst of all the hustle and bustle of Noynoy’s presidential campaign, his well-known sister never fails to steal the spotlight from him. Apparently, her life has been an open book to many since she started her career. From her relationship with famous PBA player James Yap, to her clothes, to her pink van and up to the meal she ate for breakfast, people always having their eyes fixed on the queen of talk.


For this reason, voters cannot seem to detach Kris’ personality to her brother’s aspiration for presidency. Whatever move she makes, Noynoy’s reputation is being dragged. But is this really reasonable? Should the people consider Kris Aquino’s actions in deciding whether to vote for her brother or not?


For some, yes. They believe that the presence of Kris Aquino is enough to damage the status of her brother. The fact that she has enough influence over her sibling is enough to prove how problematic it will be if he becomes the head of state.


It may be true at a certain degree. But first, we should establish the division between show business and the government. Yes, it is true that Noynoy is a public figure. Given his statues and family background, he has been a common face for lifestyle spreads on newspapers and even the business section. But his presidential candidacy is a different matter all together.


I want to believe that the voters nowadays are mature enough to realize how irrelevant some issues are towards Noynoy. Though I am not saying that I’ll vote for him myself, I want to at least consider the reality that Kris’ actions are not controlled by his brother.


Noynoy has his own potentials and limitations. If we are to judge and really vote wisely, it is important that every Filipino will evaluate candidates on the right aspects. Voting wisely entails seeing all the possible angles of every issue and not just through Kris Aquino’s perspective nor through her opponents.


May 10, 2010 is fast approaching. It is important to set the right standards, right now. Every voter has the responsibility to evaluate the candidates as they really are. At this note, I believe that Noynoy deserves the same fair judgment. Wise voters will be the ones to decide whether it is a go or a no for Mr. Aquino.

No More fat cops?

No More Fat Cops? PFTs for policemen in May 2010
By Samantha Sales and Maita Piedra


Gone are the days when movies portray police officers with huge bellies, fresh donuts and hot coffee. In any incident that will happen along Macapagal Avenue in Pasay City, anyone can now safely assume that Mr. Policeman is fit enough to rescue the scene on time. All these made possible by the Physical Fitness Tests (PFT) being conducted bi-annually in the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Having been launched in 2000 by former PNP Chief Panfilo Lacson, its goal is to regulate the fitness of policemen so as to maximize their efficiency as law enforcers.

For this year, PFTs are scheduled to start by the first week of May. A series of exercises such as sit-ups, pull-ups and sprints are set to assess the health condition of our law enforcers. To pass this string of tests is mandatory to all police officers within the country. For them, it is more than just taking care of their personal well-being but also making sure that they are in shape to protect other people. Having failed this test would entail a 3-month crash course in Pampanga in order to regain the body fitness required as a police officer.

However, there are still some things keeping these police officers from being fit. PO1 Pasay City Police District 1 (PCP1) officers, for example, have their own share of privileges that may serve as a difficulty in achieving their goal in this fitness program. PO1 Fernando Cabilla shares that they get to eat for free in the cafeterias of nearby hotels such as Sofitel Hotel and Traders Hotel
. They also get to network among some businesses within the vicinity when it comes to solving crimes. Benefits like those are given because of the good working relationship they acquire through the service they render in the community.


When asked about why some police officers have big bellies, Cantabilla argues thats its all about discipline. Some just dont know how to control themselves especially in consuming their privileges. But for him, no matter how much food there is, it is up to you to control your appetite.

In the latest update regarding the area of responsibility of PCP1, the 2.5 sq. km. land housing around 22,832 people only has 11 policemen to watch over their security. This means the ratio will be 1 police officer to 2000 persons. Each of them will have to leave the precinct at a particular time and situate themselves to specific posts where they will roam around the vicinity.

Their main goals include: monitoring suspicious-looking people, abandoned bags, baggage within the vicinity of hotels, serving as profilers of potential terrorists and monitoring cars abruptly parked within the area.

Conversely, there have been no recent crime reports that have required the policemen to do on site strenuous activities. The most common reported crimes however, are hold-ups and theft with cellphones and cash as the prime objects for stealing.


Throughout all this hard work to provide a safe environment for Pasay City residents and guests, the community itself has been an active member of solving crimes. They have been collaborating with the police department through the Barangay
Ugnayan Program. This project is a means for the 201 barangays in Pasay City District to raise awareness on crimes that occur within their neighborhood.

According to PO1 Cantabilla, People are able to report about petty crimes and we provide ways to address them. The Ketchup Gang, Donut Gang and Tutok Kalawit Gang are the crime groups reported to commit theft which is prevalent in the area.

Talking about the real sense of the job, the officers admit that the amount of Php. 2,000 for Police Officer 1 a month is totally unrewarding. Its not only the fear of dangerous encounters that bothers them but also the worry of not being able to provide for their families. But in spite of this, being able to help people by solving at least one case at a time is still a significant factor that keeps the dignity of these officers. If getting fit is necessary to accomplish this, then they are ready to undergo the test.

In May 2010, the whole force of Philippine National Police will undergo these examinations to test how far they could go in fulfilling their profession. They are consciously trying to remove the negative notion of fat bellies, donuts and coffees in the minds of the people by proving that if anyone would call for help, there is no more need for a Superman. All you need is Mr. Policeman.

Sunday, April 11, 2010

What's the SCOOP in DLSU?

Buy back books, printing, binding and tarpaulins...all these student-related necessities within the reach of every Lasallian? Definitely. Situated at the ground floor of Brother Connon Hall a.k.a SPS Building, the DLSU Multipurpose Student Cooperation or SCOOP provides the answer to the usual dilemma of every green archer when it comes to passing academic requirements.

From the
South Gate, one has to pass through LS Building to the walk between amphitheater and Marian quadrangle. It is in the building beside Yuchengco Hall which also houses the main offices of Lasallian oragnizations.

Working under the Student Leadership Involvement, Formation and Empowerment or
S-Life, SCOOP is a registered business in DLSU which seeks to lower the cost of living within the university by providing competitive quality services. Instead of going outside the campus to print papers for a low cost, one could easily avail the same service within the safety of the school.

Supervised by
Mr. Ryan Salvame, the chairman of SCOOP, this oragnization now has 41 members and is usually open every school day from 10am to 6pm. Ms. Lizl Therese G. Leonardo, the HR administrator and team head for tarpaulin services, explains that the shifting residency hours in their office depends on the class schedule of their members. Each one of them is required to render at least 6 hours every week to assist their fellow Lasallians.

Putting the student's interests at the core of their objective as an organization, they make sure that the profit tehy gain from this business circulates by maintaining the quality of their services and keeping teh prices affordable.

So the next time you get caught with the hassle of completing your requirements, you know there's always a SCOOP in DLSU.