LaSallian

VOL. XLVI NO. 6 THE OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF DE LA SALLE UNIVERSITY 9 NOVEMBER 2005

The

IBM buys Lasallian's software

BY CRISCEL LAMSIN

De La Salle University-Manila scores yet another milestone in its ourishing history as a breeding ground of future leaders. Winston Damarillo, a Lasallian alumnus and a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Industrial and Mechanical Engineering, is the brain behind Gluecode Softwarea
IBM BUYS, SEE PAGE 2

Controversy spurs cleansing

I
REUBEN EZRA TERRADO

DLSU to overhaul sports program

n the light of the controversy that surrounds not only the sports teams but the Lasallian community as a whole, the DLSU administration has taken initial steps, leading to a major overhaul in its sports development program, under the jurisdiction of the Ofce of Sports Development (OSD). This, after a controversial nding that two players of its mens basketball team, named by the school as Mark Lester Benitez and Timoteo Gatchalian III, were ineligible for admission to University, and therefore, unqualied to play for the Green Archers in the UAAP. The ndings were brought to the media last Oct. 26 at the Hyatt Hotel in Pasay City. School ofcials have found that Benitez and Gatchalian submitted spurious documents, particularly their Philippine Educational Placement Test Certicate of Rating (PEPTCR). The PEPTCR is a substitute for a high school diploma should a student fail to have such document. The ad hoc fact nding committee formed to investigate the matter also found out that Raul Lacson, a contractual statistician of the team, was identied as having given the players the spurious PEPTCR records. Assistant team manager Manny Salgado was also identied as possibly the other person with prior knowledge. Both Lacson and Salgado however denied any wrongdoing. The issue has put the University in a bad light, despite its self-admission and its intentions to enforce a change in the sports development program.

Preliminary steps
In a statement addressed to the academic community, Dr. Carmelita Quebengco, Executive Vice-President of DLSU-Manila, said that the administration is taking initial steps on the resolution of the issue. These include instituting signicant changes in admission policies, particularly the authentication of handcarried documents. More signicantly, the Administration already formed a committee to recommend changes in the Universitys sports policy and personnel including the coaching staff. While we have not wavered in our search for the truth, we are also of the opinion that the trials and tribulations that have and will come our way are parts of a process of our community needs to undergo and uphold the good name of the University, the statement stressed. Dr. Quebengco said that the major overhaul will see a review on the policies, procedures, and even personnel involved in the athletic program so as to prevent any abuse to the system. More importantly, the admission and retention of the athletes would
CONTROVERSY SPURS, SEE PAGE 11

Alumni divided over UAAP scandal

Ever since the controversy surrounding the eligibility of two Green Archers erupted, a deluge of mixed reactions coming from alumni has swept the Lasallian community like an uninhibited tsunami.
ROBERT ROYCE ZUIGA

ARTWORK BY JAN JAUDIAN

Negative reactions
Following the disclosure of De La Salle University (DLSU) about the faked Philippine Education Placement Test of basketball players Timoteo Gatchalian III and Mark Lester Benitez, a number of alumni of DLSU have expressed their sentiments with regard to the issue at hand. Some were sympathetic to the action undertaken by the university, while others were not. La Salle alumnus and Philippine Star (Philstar) columnist Tommy Manotoc is one of the more outspoken La Sallites, criticizing the University for its involvement in this quandary. In his article, Dela Cruz La Sallites join us, the golf enthusiast accused the University of allowing the exploitation of the young less fortunate players/students to be used by the institution for the sake of winning a championship. Another alumnus, Servillano dela Cruz, called the University ofcials as the greatest hypocrite La Salle has ever produced in the press conference of DLSU last Sept 30 at Hyatt. He cast doubts

on the admission examination of DLSU, asking why one would fail a government exam and yet would pass DLSUs. This Nov. 12, Sports Hall of Famers Tommy Manotoc, Kurt Bachmann, Bert Garcia and other alumni will gather at Ninoy Aquino Stadium. Manotoc said the gathering is in "remembrance of La Salle we all once knew and played for, and in celebration of the timelessness values under which we were educated. However, Executive Vice President (EVP), Dr. Carmelita Quebengco, belied the allegation of the Universitys critics in a statement addressed to the Lasallian community. Contrary to what our detractors may say, the University has said time and again that it was not involved in any attempt to hide the truth or delay its discovery and our willingness to cooperate with duly authorized investigating authorities should be seen in this light, the Br. Armin PHOTOS BY LEXIE YU EVP stressed. One of the alumnus who gave a positive response was Sonny Alvarez (BSBA '68) . "I beleive that La Salle will never hide anything." Alvarez was also proud with Br. Armin's statement that "he will ght the issue till the Supreme Court," if the decision of the UAAP Board is based on the premise that it hide some details on the ineligibilty issue. He also
ALUMNI DIVIDED , SEE PAGE 11

When the University uncovered two ineligible Green Archers who used spurious documents for admission, school administrators had two roads to choose: hide the truth or disclose the information to the public. As a venerable university, it preferred to disclose the truthful controversy a road not usually taken by other institutions. Although one might never know the consequences had DLSU instead hidden the ineligibility issue, this action placed its integrity in serious national scrutiny. Indeed, the disclosure doesnt promise that the public will hail De La Salle as a truthful institution ready to trade honor and dignity over the prestigious UAAP trophy. Over the past weeks, columnists and radio commentators have been continuously throwing smiting comments at school administrators and the University itself. Calls for resignations surfaced on the grounds of delicadeza. DLSUs own alumnus Tommy Manotoc even accused the Administration of resorting to underhanded trickery to win at all cost. It frightens me that a school known to educate the countrys future leaders has developed an attitude such as this which is passed down to its players, students and all who watch the UAAP games, Manotoc said in his October 12 column. However, by simply admitting their mistake, DLSU has forgone winning at all cost. Concerned parties hold on to the argument that DLSU was forced to reveal the issue as a preemptive measure before external personalities expose the rot. It must be better for DLSU to admit rather than others oating sensationalized yet untrue statements. Give the University credit for exposing the truth. But the recent revelations proved that its sports program hides skeletons in its closet. The issue will gain further momentum, and before long, people will start investigating on rumored inducements and privileges given to athletes. The issue in its present state is but a precursor of a worse
EDITORIAL , SEE PAGE 4

The road not taken

EDITORIAL

Campus theft rate accelerated

MARK ANTHONY BARIT

U NIVERSIT Y
The LaSallian

9 November 2005

9 November 2005

SPECIAL REPORT

Students victimized by cyber theft

MARK ANTHONY BARIT AND JOYCE ALFONSO

CPA performance SPS ofces to undergo reorganization dwindled

FRANCESCA STA. ANA

U NIVERSIT Y
The LaSallian

ith Christmas just around the corner, the Safety and Security Ofce (SSO) warned Lasallians of criminals who might take advantage of the season. Several cases of theft and hold-up were reported to their ofce for this school year. Dionisio Escarez of the SSO estimated around eight reported cases from May to October. There was also an incident of theft inside the university, and a serious case of Internet scam which involved students (see related article).

inside the university. According from police reports at WPD Station 9, the incident happened last October 14 in the Physics Department Faculty room at around 12:10-12:30 in the afternoon. The victim was identied as Eduardo Lansing Jr., a Physics professor. According to police investigation, they are suspecting that this was an inside job. Police from the Crime Laboratory used carbon to determine the ngerprints of the persons who used the cabinet where the laptop was placed. Investigation is still underway to nd the culprit.

ANGELINE ARCENAS

lans for the reorganization of several functions of Student Personnel Services (SPS) ofces are currently being drawn up by Dr. Carmelita P. Pabiton, dean of Student Affairs, and the other SPS administrators. In line with the austerity trend, the proposal has to satisfy the following parameters: no additional expenses are to be incurred, no additional personnel employed, and no additional space utilized.

Perestroika
As was the case with the Discipline Ofce, DLSUs Student Personnel Services has also served as the pattern for other universities. However, according to Dr. Carmelita Quebengco, Executive Vice-President (EVP) of DLSU-M, results of an organizational audit performed on the SPS ofces show that reorganization is in order to better address its priorities, goals, and objectives. The Student Publications Ofce (SPO), Cultural Arts Ofce (CAO), Center for Counseling and Development (CCD), Ofce of Career Services (OCS), Ofce of Student Activities (OSAc), and the Student Development Ofce (SDO) are expected to be involved in the restructuring. In an interview via e-mail, the EVP expressed that the ofces concerned seem open to the idea of a possible reorganization. According to Student Council (SC) Secretary Kate Lim, in a meeting with Dr. Pabiton, they have evaluated the services being offered by the different ofces in SPS. Also, they discussed what possible ofces could be merged in order to improve its services to the student body.

Outside the walls

No one is spared from robbing schemes employed in Cyber Space. Two DLSU students fell victim to a cyber thief who used Yahoo! Messenger (YM), a program that enables internet surfers to send instant messages to each other in Cyber Space, to steal money from them. The cyberthief hacked the Yahoo! account of their friend, who belongs to the same organization in school as the two.

them that her account was hacked and they realized that they were communicating with an impostor all along. This was not the rst time someone hacked Claires account.

Reporting the incident

In an effort to remedy the situation, Nancy and John went to the Discipline Ofce (DO) to help them trace where the load was sent, as they still had the cards. They visited SMART Telecommunication Company to ask for some help as well. The ofcials from SMART said that it might be possible to trace it, but they need to have a higher court order or a directive from the National Telecommunications Ofce rst. Nancy also tried to apprehend the culprit by staging an entrapment. She sent a text message to the hacker, saying that she will give some money in order to help the thiefs aunt. But the suspect did not respond to her message. The DO then helped Nancy and John report the case to the police in order to get the details of the case and protect the two students. Nancy and John believe that they may be in danger, since they have their pictures posted in YM. They said that the hacker might try to wait for them outside the school and cause more harm. The victims also believe that the suspect may be part of a bigger syndicate, which is behind the modus operandi. Both Nancy and John warned students to be wary of persons in the internet. As much as possible, they should have more lines of communication with everyone, not just by phone or by internet. They advised others to be cautious at all times.

The modus operandi

Nancy* and John* were victimized while they were surng the internet in their homes. Her acquaintance Claire* sent a message to Nancy through YM during a weekend last September. According to Claire, her aunt was in the hospital due to a heart attack and she needed some cell phone load to contact her aunts relatives and friends to inform them of her aunts condition. She promised that she would pay them (Nancy and John) back as soon as possible. In an attempt to help Claire, Nancy asked help from her friends, borrowing some prepaid cards from them. She was able to give around 40 pieces of prepaid cards worth 300 pesos each to Claire. John was also approached by Claire in the same way. Since part of his business was selling cell phone cards, he shelled out almost 6 thousand pesos worth of cell phone load to help Claire. Both of them were assured by Claire that she will pay them back. Nancy and John then sent her the PIN numbers of the prepaid cards through their cell phones and YMs. However, when they came to school after the weekend, Claire said that she has nothing to do with the incident. She told
IBM BUYS, FROM PAGE 1

program that he cultivated to protability before getting hold of subsidies and eventually selling it to Information Technology giant, International Business Machine (IBM).

CCS renders service to government

AILEEN KRISTEL CHAM

Last Oct. 18, Melissa Reyes (not her real name) More modus operandi Escarez also shared to The Lasallian the latest fell victim to a hold-upper while walking along Maligaya St. towards Dagonoy. According to a report modus operandis used by the malefactors on their from the SSO, she was walking at around 10:45 am supposed victims. According to reports, two suspects when she noticed someone behind her. The male in tandem on board a blue motorcycle will bump their walked faster and overtook her. When he was ahead supposed victim. After this, they will divest him/her of Melissa, he walked back and pointed a small screw- with any valuable things and then ed. This was redriver towards her. They continued walking while the ported to happen in Castro and Taft Avenue. The SSO also warned students of hold-upper suspect commanded her to keep quiet and asked her on padyak. The padyak driver would pick up his to give him her cell phone. When the male left her, she immediately re- passenger and then take the route where his accomplice hold-uppers ported the incident were waiting. His to the guard conpadyak is reportedly trolling trafc near colored white and the North gate. The is operating out of guard went after the line. This happens at suspect while alertLeon Guinto and A. ing other security Francisco St. personnels through the radio. The culprit was later apprePreventive measures hended by Er win The SSO is takAnonuevo and Robing more precauerto Tapil, both from tionary steps to stop the SSO, at about these unwanted in10:50 am along Taft cidents. In order to Ave. fronting DLSU diminish theft and North gate. The susswindling cases that pect was later idenhappen outside the tified as Alexander school, they placed Madrigal, 28 years spotters in civilold and a resident of ian clothes outside Pasay City. Accordthe school perimeter. ing to police reports, When they see sushe was an ex-convict picious characters, and a member of they immediately Batang City Jail. report it to security The Collegian personnels who will Internet Cafe in front observe and watch of DLSU was also these persons. They robbed by armed also coordinate with men last Oct. 27. local police authoriTwo Lasallians were ties to help them among the victims in monitoring the who fell pray to the safety of the uniCaptured. Another criminal is off the streets, thanks to the quick unknown suspects. decisions and actions of police ofcers. versity. PHOTO BY ERIC SIY It was reported that Escarez also warned an equivalent to Php 80,000 of items were stolen. students about certain hot spots. He advised students However, the students did not report the incident to try and avoid walking alone, especially during the to the Western Police District (WPD) as to disclose night, along the streets of Dagonoy, Castro, Leon the information to their parents. Guinto, Estrada, and Kapitan Tikong. He said that these were the places where most cases of snatching and pickpocket happen. He also expected that theft Theft inside the university There was also a report that a laptop was stolen and similar crimes will rise as Christmas nears.

The latest result of the Certied Public Accountant (CPA) Licensure Examination surprised the Accountancy Department and the examinees alike, as DLSU seemed to reap unexpectedand to some extent"unsatisfactory" results.

Reasoning out
The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) released the results of the licensure examination last October. PRC announced that 1,675 out of 6,651 passed the CPA licensure examination for a 25.18 percent national passing rate. Forty-eight out of eighty-two Lasallian examinees passed the exam for a 59 percent clip; no graduate from La Salle made it to the top 20. Although it was certain that the results were far below expectations, nobody can pinpoint the exact reason for this. The Accountancy Department itself, according to Chair Dr. Corazon Subido is still in the process of studying, or looking into the reasons behind the occurrence. However, she also said that the application of the new international accounting standards could be put into consideration. We are in a period of transition as far as accounting students are concerned, she shared Another possible factor that could be considered is that some of the graduates who took the exam did not come from the recent graduates of DLSU. They, according to Dr. Subido, often pull down the rating. Furthermore, one examinee wrote that most of the graduates that took the test were irregular. Still, she added that just because an examinee is irregular, it does not follow that they are less capable. There was no mention from the Accountancy Department of any changes that were applied to the particular batch that took the test. While perceptions of the exam may vary from one examinee to the next, among the factors that some of them brought up were the review school they attended, the physical and cognitive conditions of those who took the exam, and the teaching style of the school.

In the Works
The assessment, which was performed by the Internal Audit Ofce, produced basic recommendations regarding organizational changes. These are then integrated to the plans and programs of the SPS, prepared by the various directors. All discussed proposals are then forwarded by Dr. Pabiton to the EVP for further screening, revisions, and if required, provision of resources. Subsequently, the Dean of Student Affairs formally presents the proposal to the Council of Deans for approval. The reformation of the ofces is still in its embryonic stages. As of this printing, discussions are ongoing and no denite system has been employed for the reorganization yet. For the meantime, Dr. Quebengco has conrmed that the Dean of Student Affairs will continue to supervise all the concerned ofces. Regular meetings between the Lasallian Formation Team within the SPS (LSPO, Student Development, and COSCA) and the EVP will continue to be conducted regularly to ensure the efcient implementation of the new Lasallian Philosophy of Education, a framework for Lasallian Social Action, and a general model for Lasallian formation. In an e-mail to The LaSallian, Dr. Quebengco bared, I would like these to be integrated not only in the SPS ofces but in all the relevant programs at DLSU-Manila.

Although lay-offs are not to play a factor in the austerity measures, transfers to other department will be carried out to allow a more efcient use of resources to eliminate functional overlaps within the ofces.

Sentiments

But an unimpeachable source told The LaSallian the sentiments of other SPS employees with regard to merging. The source questioned the manner the Student Affairs handled the reassessment. How come that no formal meeting was held to elaborate the concerns on SPS merging? Some of the SPS directors were even passive with the idea, though they just accepted. The source contested that merging will just belittle the highly specialized programs of SPS. The source doubts if there was also drastic loss in the budget of SPS. with reports from Paul Garilao

COSCA sponsored activities for children's rights protection

RAYMUND CUESICO

Viewing and comparing in retrospect

DLSU has brought in diverse CPA passing results in the past. The batch that took the CPA Licensure exam last May did relatively well with a passing rate of 72.14 percent or 104 out of 140 examinees. The recent turn of events is somewhat parallel to what has happened two years ago. Similarly, in 2003, the batch that took the exam on October reaped disappointing results with a passing rate of 51 percent (said to be an all-time low for the university); while the batch prior to it did very well with a passing rate of 80 percent.

Last Oct. 24-28, the Childrens Week, a weeklong festivity honoring Filipino children everywhere, was held. As part of the participation of the school, several activities were prepared by the Center for Social Concern and Action, in cooperation with a number of student organizations. These activities are geared towards the increase in awareness among the student population as regards the current state of children in our country. These included a photo-essay exhibit, forums, lm showings, a mini-concert, and the installation of a mini-library at the Silong Tanglaw Ofce. Street children were treated to story telling, drawing, and seminar work-

shops that aim to give them a few moments of respite from the harshness of reality that they face everyday. Bright Child is the name of the holistic program directed at children not more than 17 years old and is also the adopted theme for the celebration. In accordance with this program, advocacies for the upholding of childrens rights are being pushed and supported by the school. The celebration also tried to make the students aware that so many of todays children are deprived of their rights. In one of the activities, a scorecard showing the percentage of children who are granted their basic needs is lled with failing marks, showing a clear de-

ciency on the part of government to provide basic services to Filipino children. The main thrust of the Childrens Week is to make the Lasallian community exposed to the current plight of Filipino children. The organizers believe that this is the rst step towards the advancement of the welfare of students. The activity further aims to encourage members of the Lasallian community to work for a better society, where all children are granted their basic rights. In sum, the organizers of the celebration call for active participation, which they believe is the key in creating a better society for Filipino children and the Filipino nation as a whole.

Illustrious Career
Damarillo began his illustrious career in 1992 with Apex Technologies, a prime mover in electronic medical claims processing solutions. He already has 10 years of experience in the technology industry. Winstons experience ranges from managing multimillion-dollar technology portfolios to forming business development strategies and software engineering. He produced large enterprise database applications, built an outsourcing service bureau, and created customized software applications. As a Product Development Manager for Telwest Communications, he designed integrated computer platforms. Before selling his brainchild to IBM, he had a brief stint with Intel Corporation. In his short stint, he was able to highlight his leadership competence in strategic software relationships, channel development, product engineering, and business development. He then left Intel Capital, the Venture Capital Division of Intel Corporation, after having built a strong investment portfolio of top e-service companies. He also co-established Exist Engineering in 2001, which he steered into an all-time high of one hundred percent annual prot growth.

The College of Computer Science (CCS) is encouraging Lasallians to produce theses or projects about e-governance to contribute to the welfare of the nation.

E-governance
E-governance is the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) to enhance access to and delivery of government services to benet its constituents. It is the transformation of processes, operations, and transactions that primarily aims to enhance delivery of vital services to its constituents and strengthen the drive towards effective governance and increased transparency in managing a nations resources. Sherwin Ona, a CCS professor, shared that with e-governance, corruption and excessive beureaucratic procedures in the country can be reduced. It furthermore advocates accountability and active participation with the government, since governance is shared by the state, private sector, and civil society.

Government Projects
CCS students majoring in Information Technology have the option to make a thesis about e-governance. There have been many notable projects made by DLSU students for the government, though these projects have yet to be implemented. One such thesis is the Intranet-based Management System for the Ofce of A-5 in the Philippine Air Force (PAF) by Eric Anacay, Valerie Camat, John Garcia, and Maria Jorellie Lopez. This project is an intranet-based system shared among other users in A-5 that manages documents, templates, and forms

A Source of Pride
To date, he is the Chief Executive Ofcer (CEO), managing partner, and co-founder of Simula Labs, a software application infrastructure company based in Southern California. Established just this year, Simula aims to identify, develop, and launch potentially growing open source software companies. He is among Simula Labs team of seasoned and respected company executives. Image taken from computerworld.com

used in everyday transaction in the PAF, specically in the Ofce of A-5. Another thesis that is yet to be nished is the PNP-Eastern Police Districts District Operations System (EPD-DOS) by Joyce Saez, Tuesday Santiago, Carlo Valenzuela, and Jennie Virtusio. It aims to benet key players in the EPDs jurisdiction with a system composed of Incident Reporting and Handling Module, Administrative Module, Operations Module, and Command Module. The group believes that police personnel can focus on areas that need attention and faster response through a mapping module that can pinpoint critical areas that need to be monitored. This will provide the PNP-EPD leadership with critical information that has never been provided by the manual system, the group stressed. One more promising thesis proposed is a portal for SmallMedium Scale Enterprises in the Philippines (E-SME). This will include the functionality of trade goods online. A rst in the country, it aims to connect several key players in the SME industry such as the buyers, suppliers, and the government. The portal will handle business, legal, and administrative concerns. Hopefully this project will help all the SMEs to expand their horizons, and give them better access to markets, shared Sanam Mirpuri, a junior IT student. Ona stressed that efforts to further explore the possibilities offered by e-governance is a small contribution to help the government in delivering its services to the public more efciently and students in turn should know the vital role they must play in this endeavor.

SC presses for religious freedom

AILEEN KRISTEL CHAM

A resolution calling for the addition of a new provision on religious freedom in the Students Charter is still being deliberated by the Legislative Assembly, initiated by Mark Edward Nanquil, Executive Vice President (EVP) of Academic Policy Research Engagement and Lobbying (APREL) under the Ofce of the VP-Academics of the Student Council (SC). If approved, the resolution will be lobbied by the Student Council (SC) president as part of the proposed amendments in the Students Charter in the Student Handbook Revisions Committee, which would guarantee each Lasallians right to religious freedom.

Religious Freedom
Religious freedom will be granted to all students if the amendment lobbied is approved and if it passes the Aspiring Organizations Accreditation Committee (AOAC), permitting students to form non-Catholic religious organizations that are ofcially recognized by the University. The Implementing Guidelines authored by Nanquil include the permit for religious organizations to organize activities and to allow them to use the facilities of the University free of charge. All religious organizations will also have one umbrella organization to be accredited by the AOAC under the Council of Student Organization (CSO) and will have the right to raise funds, recruit members, and organize activities as long as it is consistent with the accomplishment of the goals of the

University and policy on student activities. The proselytizing issue is also addressed in The Implementing Guidelines by stating that organizations will adhere to the provisions of the Student Handbook, which prohibits proselytizing within the campus. Proselytizing is an attempt to convert another to ones faith by attacking or denigrating other persons practices and beliefs or by offering special inducements (De La Salle University Student Handbook 20032006, subparagraph 13.3.2.8) and anyone found guilty of this will be given a minor offense. However, it will only be valid upon a received complaint by the Discipline Ofce from the one being alleged to be proselytized.

Thumbs up
Christopher Ngo, BnE 2005 Legislative Assembly (LA) representative who heads a signature campaign to advocate to the students what religious freedom is, has obtained more than 1000 signatures so far. His discussion with the Theology department also resulted in a positive response and they agree that that this move will promote a more mature community in the University. Like what Brother Armin said, we want to create a melting pot of cultures and religious freedom will be a big step in acknowledging that there are a lot of students in the university, who are not Catholic, Ngo stated.

In memoriam. Candles are lighted in memory of departed loved ones.

PHOTO BY CHRIS KISON

4
EDITORIAL , SEE PAGE 1

problem. This accumulation will prove to be the deadlier dagger stabbing DLSUs heart. In its search for truth therefore, heads should roll. Indeed, the falling out has started. As of this writing, Terry Capistrano already resigned as the team manager of Green Archers. Other important icons were also believed to leave the Green Archers such as Coach Franz Pumaren. The wisdom history will reveal is whether the actions taken were too little, too late. The fault of the Administration is not closely verifying the underground procedures in recruiting athletes being conducted by the Ofce of Sports Development (OSD). Full trust should not be credited to documents, especially Philippine Educational Placement certication. If the same amount of inherent doubt was given to these documents as the Discipline Ofce places on students, the controversy should have been silenced before it took root. An internal reform is direly needed, even without controversy spurring. Consider the challenge of alumnus Quinito Henson: School ofcials should explain how athletes are recruited and enticed to enroll. The explanation is supported with continuously evaluating the policies, procedures, and personnel involved in our sports programs. Based on this evaluation, the sports ofcials should adopt an efcient system of recruiting and managing athletes as to avoid unethical standards during the process. A facet that needs reform is the recruitment of homegrown talent. DLSU should recruit a Lasallian to become an athlete, rather than entice an athlete to become a Lasallian. Another weak spot that the OSD should look into is the academic status of most athletes. A tutorial program to help academically faltering athletes should be put in place for a truly holistic education. All these programs should uphold the values formation among athletes and sports managers. After all, values are the strong weapon that would counter any indecision and fraud acts. The last lines of Robert Frosts The road not taken read: Somewhere ages and ages hence: Two roads diverged in a wood, and II took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference. But DLSU can only make a difference if the Administration will genuinely initiate overhaul on the recruitment process of athletes even when the storm has subsided; if some alumni will stop bickering and casting stones, for it will not help it only adds insult to the injury we already suffer; if Lasallians of all age should instead join forces in calling for DLSU to continuously cleanse the system and rebuild the good image it has established through the years; and if the Lasallian community will vigilantly serve as DLSUs check and balance.

OPINION
The LaSallian

9 November 2005

9 November 2005

DLSU and chess

OPINION
The LaSallian
mutual, and it may be the reason why disputes are such. That is why I think there may be a way to improve the process. The UGB may not be the best way, but it sure is a good start, and it should be explored. There are more chess analogies. With the recent maelstrom on Benitez and Gatchalian, DLSU had already embarked on what I would call in chess the Danish Gambit. A risky opening with relatively open perspectives for the user though outdated. With the recent past in Gloriagate, DLSU since the Brothers naturally carry its name had imbibed the Center Counter Defense, directly contesting the Center occupation of President GMA. GMA pulled back, and is now applying the hypermodern (a method that places indirect pressure on the center of the chessboard) strategy of attack on her political opponents. The political middlegame is now in high gear, and GMA made signicant advances with her EOs and CPR in a desperate attempt to quell the pawnstorm of the people who see the need for her step-down. In hiding issues from students, DLSU is bringing to life the Stonewall variation of the Dutch Defense. The sad thing in chess is that no name exists for giving in to the needs of the other party. The closest thing to a compromise is a closed game, pawns locked up with Bishops of opposite colors. But even then, a closed game could explode with a move of Anderssen-sacrice-like proportions. I might learn a new chess system from the way La Salle tackles the EA. What name do you suggest? *** I wish to understand the teaching philosophy of my INTROSO professor. I wish he could explain it to his superiors and students. Non-showbiz persona simply couldnt comprehend his teaching style.

UAAP controversy. EVAT law. Handbook revisions. Ambiguous campus policies. Rampant theft cases. Share your views at the_lasallian@yahoo.com Light the candle
D
e La Salle University, a supposedly Catholic institution, seemingly espousing Christian values, has sunken so low in the muck that even Hercules would have developed a severe scoliosis if he stooped down to its level. With its long-concealed sham (ineligibility scandal) now in broad daylight, DLSU should have even an iota of delicadeza to realize that it should stop posturing itself as a morally righteous institution, asking Gloria MacapagalArroyo to make the supreme sacrice by giving up her post as president. How could an institution, expressly allowing or implicitly condoning, disgraceful acts within its own backyard, even have the gall to spearhead a campaign for unity, truth, and justice? Shouldnt it clean its own messy backyard rst? Wouldnt it just be prudent for Hitler to get his act together rst before he can even start asking Stalin to stop his indiscriminate killing spree? If this does not smack of downright hypocrisy, I dont know what does. Reality check, Christian achievers for God and country! In an attempt to project a semblance of fairness, the school conducted a cockeyed investigation to look into the raging controversy, which it started in the rst place. Now, how would an institution in cahoots with shady people, committing dubious acts, ever come up with a believable or acceptable investigation? Its like Gloria Macapagal- Arroyo asking the House of Representatives, which is dominated by her lapdogs, to investigate her illegal acts. So, it did not come as a big surprise when the DLSUs bogus investigation yielded nothing but bull feces. Until now, the Lasallian community is divided in this issue. How would a divided institution, which is hiding the truth and curtailing justice, get the favor of the Fates and realize its goal of national unity, unearthing the truth, and serving justice? I can only hope that their fairy tales would come true. Columns such as the one I have just written, which is more or less a synthesis of the spate of articles that Dont get me wrong. I am not saying that DLSU, assuming the allegation (which seems to be baseless at this time, especially considering the unsubstantiated claims made by some columniststhey only offered innuendos and more of the same) that it has a hand in the violations committed is true, should not be held accountable for its wrongdoings. School ofcials who will be found guilty should not go unpunished and the University should make sure that necessary sanctions should be put in place and justice should be served. What Im only saying is, wouldnt it be better if DLSUs detractors give the school a breathing space to nish its investigation, come up with its ndings, present their ndings, and resolutely act on the matter? In this turbulent time, where the rift in our country is growing like the number of legal cases inside DLSU, wouldnt it be more benecial for all Lasallians or Lasallites to unite and work together in resolving the issue? Arent we, as members of the Lasallian community, the ones being gravely affected by the seemingly unending tirade against our alma mater? I agree that there should rst be justice and closure for genuine unity to take place. But while the administration is conducting its investigation, we should all contribute to the resolution of the issue in our own little way. Quinito Henson, in his article, La Salle in ring line, outlined key issues that DLSU should resolve and he proposed some measures to remedy the situation. My only appeal to those who still nd it benecial and worthwhile to dabble into the issue that DLSU is trying to put an end to is to try to be as sedate, deliberate, and objective as possible. They should at least learn from what Henson did. He may have criticized DLSU but he did it with solutions to suggest. After all, as Bro. Ceci Jorilla, FSC, constantly reminds us, it is better to light just one little candle than to curse the dark.

his is a reprieve from the ineligibility controversy. If my rusty chess knowledge serves me right, zugzwang is a term denoting a situation in a chess endgame. There are normally very few pieces left, hence the Kings are free to roam the board and assert their presence. Zugzwang is when Kings face off in such a manner that the moment one King moves, he gives up territory and momentum and control of the board to the opposing King. Given this situation, the one who has the move is at a disadvantage. What I perceive to be a huge spate between the Administration and the Employees spanning many years and hundreds of pages of court documents I believe is near-zugzwang. It may be known that the Student Council is working on the University Grievance Board (UGB), a multisectoral board seeking to resolve differences among sectors of the University. One need behind the conception of the UGB was the constant legal skirmishes of the Administration and the Employees Association (EA). Sapping the University of two million pesos every year, some of the cases could have been solved within University walls, EA President Baylon Baez said. Recapitulating my previous column, it remains a question then why many disputes have been elevated to national courts, ultimately culminating in the Supreme Court. The UGB seeks to be an answer to that question. It is to be a non-legalistic alternative solution to heavily legalistic problems. A Student Council ofcer working on the UGB emailed Dr. Carmelita Quebengco about the proposal. One particular part of her response, which I perused, surprised me. Never allow yourself to be used that is part of student rights! stated the EVP. Dr. Quebengco is indirectly pointing to employees, painting them as having capability to use the students. It reveals

The UGB may not be the best way, but it sure is a good start, and it should be explored.
something, and theres more. Particularly disconcerting is the fact that the Employees and the Administration seem to tell their conict story rather differently. Continuing her response, it was mentioned that in a lot of cases, it is the students who are aggrieved. Mang Bay never mentioned those to The LaSallian. (To the Admins credit, he may not divulge anything that will weaken his position) In fact, he provided us a copy of recent cases and it seems to me that students are not directly aggrieved in these. Furthermore, he said that unfair treatment is the reason for the cases. Now judging from the tone of the reply, the Administration is not going to accept the UGB proposal. Would you be lax on erring adults/employees simply for the sake of peace is the operative idea. The Administration may not make its move for a more cordial resolution of conflict. It is operating on the fear of zugzwang: one move it makes will weaken it, so it doesnt. But the question begs to be asked: Is the present trip-to-supremecourt procedure the optimal process for DLSU to follow? Its synonymous to should matters of this magnitude best be left for adults to solve? Never allow yourself to be used shows me the animosity between the EA President and the Administration. Talking with Mang Bay makes that clearer. The relationship may well be

The bastion of issue-oriented critical thinking.

LaSallian

The

9 NOVEMBER 2005 EDITOR IN CHIEF Paul Darwynn Garilao ASSOCIATE EDITOR Donelle Gan MANAGING EDITOR Luis Emmanuel De Vera UNIVERSITY EDITOR Royce Robert Zuiga MENAGERIE EDITOR Juan Carlos Chavez SPORTS EDITOR Earlene Clarissa Ching ART & GRAPHICS EDITOR Jan Michael Jaudian PHOTO EDITOR Eric Siy CIRCULATION MANAGER Alejandro Almendras IV OFFICE MANAGER Kristel Kaye Chua
UNIVERSITY Joyce Anne Alfonso, Angeline Aica Arcenas, Aileen Kristel Cham, Ross Vergel Delantar, Kristel Gayle Guzman, Arvin Alcanar Jo, Michelline Kuon, Paulo Jose Mutuc, Fransesca Sta. Ana MENAGERIE Nancy Chua, Franz Francisco Chan, Rosanna Guintivano, Angeline Martha Manuel, Anne Lorraine Ng, Mariane Lourdes Perez, Anjeli Pessumal, Karess Rubrico, Dianne Margareth Tang, Nicole Tangco SPORTS John de los Santos, Ivan Geoffrey Gayares, Jhoanna Kay Leal, Camille Bianca Pinto, Don Eric Sta. Rosa, Reuben Ezra Terrado, Candace Daphne Ting, Nikki Ann Mariel Tungol, Jewelynn Gay Zareno PHOTO Christopher Kison, Aithne Jaen Lao, Dan Joseph Nable, Diane Lou Reyes, Ofelia Sta. Maria, Amanda Valenzuela ART & GRAPHICS Carvin Choa, Richard Rustum Gutierrez, Frank Herrera, Kimberly Kha, Gene Carlo Magtoto, Christine Marie Mendoza, John Ian Roman, Gerard Philip So Chan, Charmaine Ventura SENIOR CORRESPONDENTS Maria Michaela Ferrer, Jose Paolo Lacdao, Ernestine Suzanne Teves, Isabelle Regina Yujuico ADVISER Noelle Leslie Dela Cruz STUDENT PUBLICATIONS COORDINATORS Rosanna Luz Valerio, Joel Orellana DIRECTOR OF STUDENT PUBLICATIONS Fritzie Ian Paz-De Vera
The LaSallian has its editorial ofce at 502 Bro. Gabriel Connon Hall, De La Salle University, 2401 Taft Avenue, Manila 1004. TLS can be contacted through telephone number 5244611 loc. 701, or through its e-mail address, the_lasallian@yahoo.com. All contributions are subject to editing for clarity or space. None of the contents of this publication may be reprinted without the express written permission of the Editorial Board.

There should rst be justice and closure for genuine unity to take place.
have come out recently, come aplenty in the national media. Give or take a couple or more gures of speech that I have employed, youll have a feel of the fad nowadaysdemonizing an esteemed institution such as ours. Detractors (as Dr. Quebengco dubs them) of DLSU seem to be having a eld day nitpicking and further sensationalizing the issue with regard to our fellow Lasallians (Timoteo Gatchalian III and Mark Lester Benitez), who are unfortunate victims in this case. Following the revelation made by DLSU that 2 members of Green Archers have spurious Philippine Educational Placement Test, the detractors immediately smelled blood and went on the offensive like sharks suddenly smelling the blood of a wounded salmon in its midst. Whatever the administration does to address the situation, their actions seem to be tantamount to a lump of double dead cow not palatable for the schools critics. Now, isnt the revelation made by DLSU administration about their ineligible players enough for critics to give the school the benet of the doubt that it is acting in good faith? Doesnt it deserve at least a modicum of appreciation, if not praise? After all, DLSU did not apologize for nothing. It acknowledged the fact that the culprits could perhaps be part of the institution. It was even decisive in its actionit ordered the return of the trophies it won this season and the last.

hen the ineligibility issue blew up almost two weeks ago, I rst thought if it wasnt basketball-related, it would be different. I thought that if this is just an unpopular UAAP sport, then the people and the media would not make a big issue about it. But when I think more about it, it is more than just an ineligibility issue. *** It seems that some people are not yet satised with the results of the Admins investigation. It seems that they want a bigger sh. Whos the bigger sh anyway? Leadership guru John Maxwell has said, Everything rises and falls on leadership. So, I guess, it is just natural for people to initially blame the DLSU leaders namely the Admin as represented by Dr. Carmelita Quebengco and Br. Armin Luistro, FSC, and Coach Franz Pumaren. However, it seems that most critics never realized that the Admin, who initially conducted the investigation, have no police powers and thus they can only do so much. Green-blooded sports analyst Joaquin Henson who also observed the limited investigating powers of the Admin suggested that they should seek help from police authorities to further track down the culprit behind this mess. As for Pumaren, I also think that the head coach is only limited to his coaching responsibilities. Although Pumaren may have a say on which player he likes to be in the team for the coming season, the acceptance of that player in the University still falls within the power of the University Registrar. Yet, if theres a need for critics to implicate anyone especially the Admin and the head coach, its only fair that the detractors present substantial evidence. *** I am appalled by Tommy Monotocs column titled La Sallites join us. In

Some disgruntled alumni

It's like they realized that their money went to the wrong investments.
his column, he calls all La Sallites regardless of age and location who share the same sentiments to gather in remembrance of the La Salle we all once knew and played for, and in celebration of the timeless values under which we were educated. Although the gathering also aims to help the affected basketball athletes, I think Manotoc, as well as other Sports Hall of Famers, is creating more discord within the Lasallian community. His and other La Sallites' disgust will only lead to more conict within the community. Servillano dela Cruz stole the limelight when he called Br. Armin the biggest hypocrite La Salle has ever produced. I was surprised when I heard the news from my coeditor. I think the offense unbecoming of a Christian gentleman fits the man. I couldnt believe that Tommy Manotoc who claims to be educated with timeless values in his column commended the disgraceful act of dela Cruz and even invited the guy to the upcoming gathering. I am also dismayed at Ronnie Nathanielsz columns about the ineligibility issue. Its not about his attacks; its about the way he attacks. I believe that if you are to criticize, you must also suggest ways to improve things. Problems cant be solved if you present them without suggesting any solutions.

If theres one guy who I think approached the ineligibility issue objectively despite being green blooded, that would be Joaquin Henson. So far, his columns on the ineligibility issue are the best that Ive read. In one of his columns, La Salle in ring line, he presented 15 issues to sort things out and to get to the root of the problem. Henson indeed coldheartedly and objectively broke down the case just for everyone to have a clear insight on what was going on. He presented the problems and he also presented facts and suggestions. *** When I rst heard of the disgruntled alumni, I rst thought that they are not being fair to their alma mater, which had the guts to initiate an investigation and publicly apologize for what happened. However, I later realized that maybe most of the disgruntled alumni are stakeholders of La Salle sports especially basketball. Its like after two years, they realized that their money went to the wrong investments. Too bad for them. But Im still amazed by the undying support of the alumni, which I hope will continue despite the issue and the brewing internal conict within the Lasallian community. *** Okay, enough of the ineligibility issue. Lets talk something else I like. More than a month ago, I was able to read (at last!) Arnold Arres Mythology Class. I think the ve years was worth the wait. (I wasnt able to get a copy when it rst came out.) I really thank the heavens for giving Arnold Arre the idea to release an enhanced version of an already awesome graphic novel. I highly recommend this graphic novel to anyone who asks if there is anything cooler than a samurai in this country. I hope the heavens will give Arre the idea of re-issuing Trip to Tagaytay (which unfortunately I havent read yet!).

he Sports page is supposed to relieve the public from the ensuing politics and controversies that other parts of newspapers convey. But in reality, the sports realm is not spared from tumultuous happenings. Even before, series of unfortunate events has taken place in the realms of our very own It is unfair to brand our sports program. A long ago, PBA star Jun Limpot and company were generation as not so questioned by UAAP board, since principled as compared they were playing for Green Archers to our forefathers. though they were enrolled in St. Benilde. The Admin, however, justied that DLSU-Manila and St. Benilde are integrated schools. Sell out of players during games, involvement of sports fanatics in sports gambling, as well as trash talking. More and more ugly issues could be excavated from the sports program. As far as sports controversy is concerned, the ineligibility conundrum is the most disreputable incident that has rocked not only the University but also the nation. The intensied support shown by Lasallians to the Green Archers is the same as how the public negatively points ngers at DLSU vis-vis ineligibility issue. There lies an immense difculty in uncovering the truth. Uprooting this truth is like nding a snowake in the desert, since the society has mixed facts and gossips on the issue. And since the gravity of the issue has reached the national level, most of our columnists also shared different perspectives on the controversy. *** In the past weeks, DLSU has caught the prying eyes of public intellectuals. The reactions mostly coming from broadsheet columnists and radio commentators seemed to over generalize and sensationalize the incident. This is not just a sports related issue but is also an alumni dilemma. Observing the bigger picture, the issue has created cracks on the relationships of the past and present generation of alumni. Mixed reactions surfaced that seem to divide the Lasallians sentiments on the issue. During the press conference held at Hyatt, an old Servillano dela Cruz called the university ofcials as the biggest hypocrite La Salle has ever produced. The reason of the old man is puzzling: How could they fail the government exam and pass the La Salle exam? dela Cruz even stressed that this never happened during his time (roughly 50 years ago). In fact, the Sports Hall of Famers and the rest of unsatised parties will gather on Nov 12 in celebration of the timeless values under which we were educated before. In his column La Sallites join us, alumnus Tommy Manotoc expressed, La Salle of old no longer exists. He shared Br. Benedict, who was involved in our sporting events, tried so hard to uphold the values of integrity and honesty through sports among the athletes and the entire school. Since these alumni use during our days receipt as their point of comparison, we can only judge them through history as to how they behave as La Sallites from time immemorial. It is common knowledge that La Sallites before were branded as elitists of the society. In a The LaSallian 1978, an article featured that La Sallites reputation as burgis or being elitist dared not inspire envy from students of other universities. Even an offer of tuition was met with hesitation and big no-nos. More than anything else, these grains of history somehow reect the reactionary approach of La Sallites on the issue. How egocentric it is to think that the glory days of DLSU only leveled up and existed during their time. It is unfair to brand our generation as not so principled as compared to our forefathers. In the rst place, their generation has a greater contribution as to why the society still typecasts the present DLSU as a by-product of elite individuals. Out of the numerous perspectives presented by dailies on the issue, the negative columns present their arguments through ranting and raving. The clich everyone is entitled to their own opinion should not be limited to casting stones at the system, especially if they were once part of it. But the delivery of criticism seems to reect pride and vested interests among these reactors. If the intention of these alumni and the rest of critics are to support DLSU, then why bash or stage rally to merely condemn the acts of the Administration in particular the present University in general? True enough, the University has major lapses on its sports recruitment program and admissions procedures. And there is nothing wrong with criticizing these loopholes as long as one recommends noble ideas to improve the system. Call it journalism with care. This is what alumnus Quinito Henson has achieved when he wrote his column La Salle in ring line. The 15 suggestions on how to resolve would help the Administration to x the controversy (ranging from command responsibility to sports recruitment program). For instance, he suggests, school ofcials should explain how athletes are recruited and enticed to enroll. *** Much is expected from DLSU that is reputed as a Philippine Ivy League school, since the society highly regards the institution as producers of leaders of the land. But it is stereotypical for the society to consider the top universities as perfect and free from controversies. One false move would drastically tarnish the reputation of the school. For one, the Brothers call to restore faith in democracy somehow makes the staunch government supporters to also point their ngers at DLSU. In his column Higher Ground, William Esposo wrote And having come not very long after La Salle President Bro. Armin Luistro joined the ranks of militant Filipinos asking for the resignation of President Gloria MacapagalArroyo, the scandal gives a discrediting effect on the righteous and leaves a bad taste in the mouth. But this sweeping generalization gives us an impression that only the perfect institutions could express grievances on the system, particularly to call for GMA to step down. In reality, DLSU has gained much credibility to call for changes in the government. This is because we exhibited an act of cleansing our own territories that only few institutions could do. Our act of honesty should set as a good example for the government. But DLSU should not be entirely inuenced with the unruly and sarcastic judgments coming from outside sources. In the rst place, they are just the outspoken minority, who are just trying to capitalize on the media frenzy. As long as we do not hide anything and our intention is to uphold sportsmanship and righteousness, there is nothing to worry about.

Stereotyping

Self actualizing materialism I F

rancis Bacon, Renaissance author, courtier, and father of deductive reasoning, once said, Of great riches there is no real use, except it be in distribution; the rest is but conceit. From as far back as I could remember, Madonna had immortalized materialism in her famous song, Material Girl during the 80s. And for those who could recall the minimalist fashion that gave way to excessive materialism in the 90s, then Im sure you could sense materialism in your current day. You dont have to look far. You are actually surrounded by it every day in De La Salle, famed for housing fashion-forward learners. This does not specically apply to all, but it does reect the general perception of the public. Nor does it mean that there is anything wrong with being fashion-conscious. The catch is that being fashionable does require an amount of materialism in you, and the familiar feelings of three capital vices greed, envy, and pride would begin to take familiar root. Im sure only a handful are strangers to these uncomfortable feelings. After all, it is a natural course you have to go through in life. With billboards, fashion magazines and movie stars proselytizing what people should wear, do, and be, it is a given that feelings of shortage in material wealth would creep into your daily life. If you were entwined in this unfortunate setup, then like it or not, you constantly nd yourself in a Catch-22. The feeling of guilt borne from seeing images of begging children outside your car on your way to the mall while paying for your X thousand peso ++ jeans would be familiar to you, considering you are not yet so consumed with being dressed to the d of gild. You would contemplate on the great differences present in this world as the cashier swipes your plastic card, and wonder how unfair the world is. Quite ironic, considering you are an indirect perpetrator of the so-called differences. Once you are in the safe connes of your home, you would forget you ever carried that thought in your head. There is not so much fault in feeling a want for things that appeal. But to want with caution and to yearn without restraint would clash to form dissimilar consequences. As a child I worried about American excesses every time I turn on the cable, like ubiquitous food ghts on movies. I wondered whether there were large bins on the oor, carefully positioned by the director so they would not be seen, which catch the fallen food. As I grew older, I would tell myself that I need not worry about these things, and over the years, I have found myself to be guilty on being excessive to an extent. Today, I would surf the cable to an international news channel. Calamities, deaths, wars, poverty. Watching these feeds, I have concluded one thing: Many bathe in fortune without even knowing it. And many can never, ever be thankful enough of riches, corporal and spiritual, until they are taken away. The extremities of surplus and shortage would go on the same until eternity. If you were to try to mitigate, wisely, your sense of material shortcomings, then maybe, you can see, live in, and sense this world as a realist. The proud riches of this earth offer a sense of security, but it is never permanent. Never take material things too seriously. Nobody gets out of death to enjoy them once more anyway. -Kristel Kaye There are always two sides of the coin, as the famous adage would reveal, thus making one side the point of comparison. But so does the different people Ive met, Ive looked at them from both sides now. There are those naturally competitive and those of the average ordinary, the so-called popular ones and the lowly unpopular, and then there are the extremely famous and the oddly infamous. All have at least come passed by me. They come in groups, sometimes diverse, sometimes identical. Yet, ironically at one point I have seen all of them coming across each others lives until all of a sudden they nd all the differences in them. Not that it matters at the beginning, but in the end it really does. There is one though that I see differently. Someone I recently and unexpectedly encountered who doesnt belong to either of those groups mentioned. But rather someone who clearly knows who he is, what he is, what he likes and what he doesnt like, what is bad and good for him, where he is going, and what his mission is. We look around us and we see turmoil, destruction, and cruelty. We are to believe that man is doomed to destroy himself. But for this man who presses himself toward good values, toward serenity, courage, honesty, and goodness, he has managed to stay calm, peaceful, and happy. Not perfect but full of certainties nonetheless. He has proved that what a man can be, he must be. It showed me that man is naturally good, not evil. Id consider this person self-actualizing. As the pinnacle in Maslows hierarchy of needs, self-actualization refers to mans desire for fulllment, namely the tendency for him to become actually what he is potentially: to become everything that one is capable of becoming. Self-actualization also implies the attainment of basic physiological, security, belongingness, and self-esteem needs. When these basic needs are satised, self-actualization need arises. Mans drive to become the best person he can be is innate and natural. But there is a broken nature within us that hinders human beings to attain this. There is a struggle in seeking for belongingness, because there is so much to fear, to be different and to defy ourselves despite the odds. It exists only because we fear ridicule, failure, and rejection. We nd so much joy in the company of others because we feel a great sense of security. But later on we become too dependent on the external environment, we submit ourselves. We lose the opportunities to explore greater horizons. Later on, we nd ourselves trapped in the little worlds of ours because we have chosen to revolve on it alone. Self actualizing persons nd comfort with reality and that extends to all areas of life. They are unthreatened by the unknown and unfrightened by the unexpected. They accept themselves, others and the natural world just the way as it should be. I uncovered a great lesson in meeting this person and greater challenges to self actualize: to appreciate the basic good in life, to have a fresh rather than stereotyped appreciation of people and things, to have a mission in life and make that the reason for my existence, to be painfully aware of my own imperfections but joyfully aware of my own growth process, to make the most tedious task into something actually enjoyable, to nd delight in being alone but not lonely, to bring out my inborn uniqueness that carries into everything I do, to become independent even from that of love and respect, and to remain dignied amid confusion and misfortunes. We are what we think and we are also what we think we are, therefore we can be what we know we are. Its hard to convince another, but it is always worth the effort to convince ourselves that the world isnt as bad as we see it to be, that life is positive and hopeful to the extent that we make it so. -LJ

OPINION
The LaSallian
n an attempt to relieve myself from post-midterm frenzy, during the long weekend, I decided to reunite myself with my dusty old Playstation. Now, I never really considered myself as a serious gamer. Prior to that, I havent touched my PS1 for almost two years. I never succumbed to Counter Strike and Ragnarok. Heck, I dont even know what DOTA stands for. And, Im not really planning to know, thank you very much. And coming from somebody who once invested countless Saturday mornings in crowded Greenhills arcades, that would certainly come out as a complete shock. Maybe even blasphemy. But never theless, I am not discounting the fact that video games were a signicant part of my childhood. I once scraped by knee while trying to imitate Johnny Cages Shadow Kick. I also had a knack arranging my pencils between my ngers to form the likeness of Wolverines claws, only to be caught off-guard by my Grade Two math teacher. Indeed, when I was young, I did not just play video games. I lived them! So, taking the nostalgic mood a notch higher, I popped in Street Fighter II Collections. Now, this game takes me way back to my early elementary years. When I was eight, I would spend weekday afternoons with my cousins playing Pretend Street Fighter. And being the most horizontally challenged of the lot, I always ended up playing E. Honda. They never allowed me to play Ryu. Street Fighter II was my first favorite video game. Though I was never really good at it, I was always amused by how funny the characters sounded yelling their Hadoukens and their Sonic Booms. Or how ridiculous they looked while doing their

9 November 2005 University Commentary

Lessons from the Console

games over with. My sole motivation was to see the boss squirm and die, and thats about it. I cruised through Syphon Filter and Fear Effect using Invincibility Mode and I completed several Mortal Kombat games using only Scorpions spear and Sub-Zeros ice blast. But though I nished all those games with a breeze; although Ive seen every single ending I wanted to see, and unlocked every hidden character I wanted to unlock. I felt no sense of fulllment. True, I nished those games, but I did so without giving myself the opportunity to grow. During my brief reunion with my Playstation console, I realized that just like in video games, every endeavor we pursue comes with a variety of strategies to choose from. We may choose to take keep things safe and take traditional paths. We may choose to take rough roads and leave the rest to Lady Luck. We may even choose to rely on cheats or to be spoon-fed with walkthroughs, but how we will cope with more daunting future challenges depends completely on us. We may choose to glide past our journeys relying merely on a simple reball. But understand that in the course of the battle, there are stages that we have to go through all over again. We also have the option to stick rm to our weapons of choice or change them completely by the time we face the Final Boss. Video games are often equated to unproductive recreational activities. Yet, in many aspects, they do parallel the ventures or career paths we may choose to follow. How we go about every level, every opponent, and every boss is actually indicative of how we face lifes challenges. Its interesting how many important life lessons we can obtain with the tap of a control pad.

Damage Control: Behind EO 464 and CPR

PAULO JOSE MUTUC

U NIVERSIT Y
The LaSallian

Just like in video games, every endeavor we pursue comes with a variety of strategies to choose from.
mandatory winning poses. And where else will you nd all the stereotypes associated with Japan, Brazil, China, or even the Soviet Union jam-packed in one frame? Though the characters now look less intimidating and the animation now looks very blocky by todays standards, I will always remember SF2 as the game that brought me to the world of videogaming. But just like Marvel Comics and Hanna Barbera cartoons, this is a world I eventually grew out of. By the time I entered DLSU, I already completely dismissed video games as a mere remnant of my youthful yesteryears. I moved on to other interests. But ther e was one thing I remembered while I was trying to re-master all the special moves amidst the vintage graphics and the repetitive background music. I remembered how I used to attempt to go through ghting games by relying on a single special move. Often times, I would set the difculty level at its utmost minimum. I never cared about the scores I got or how many combos I used. I never really sought expertise; nishing the game was enough. When I was introduced to cheats and walkthroughs, I was completely delighted. I just wanted to get the

nd so the story goes. Keen on tempering civic unrest amid the ongoing legitimacy crisis, the Arroyo presidency has come up with Executive Order (EO) 464 and Calibrated Preemptive Response (CPR) in attempts to contain street protests by militant groups and the political opposition. While the government has justied these directives out of the rights of the majority and the need for public order, both EO 464 and CPR have gone under re from several sectors owing to the undeclared martial law that both orders imply. Recent reports of violent rally dispersals in Mendiola, where the likes of ex-Vice President Teosto Guingona and Senator Jamby Madrigal gured prominently, have also advanced such speculations. Further fueling suspicions of a national state of emergency, according to the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism, has been news of another Executive Order - one that allegedly reiterates the Presidents authority over the police and armed forces. This state of affairs, in turn, begs the question: is the nation on the verge of another martial rule?

the legislative powers to inquiry as provided in the 1987 Constitution. Parallels to Corazon Aquinos Memorandum Order (MO) 112 have been drawn up to rationalize EO 464. The latter however, as The Malaya asserted in an editorial, is more restrictive as it explicitly forbids the disclosure of classied and condential i n formation. This is in contrast to MO 112, which provided national concerns explicitly written by the pres-

A Word of Caution
So are we indeed on the brink of another authoritarian rule? The government has consistently downplayed any martial law insinuations, so perhaps not. Nevertheless, EO 464 and CPR, both of which tread the thin line between good intentions and bad governance, are sufcient reasons for Filipinos to be even more vigilant in safeguarding democracy these days. As has been shown, there are enough tenable clauses to legally allow more autocratic government arrangements. Without heightened awareness, we may very well be fooled into accepting a repressive status quo deceptively masked as the rule of law someday soon. Wherever actions the likes of EO 464 and CPR lead the country in the foreseeable future, the following adage is worth keeping in mind: Those who would give up an essential liberty for temporary security, deserve neither liberty or security.

Ordering Disorder?
Executive Order 464 is essentially an edict prohibiting senior executive ofcials as well as high-ranking military and police ofcials from appearing before Congress without presidential permission. Issued last September 28, EO 464 came as investigations regarding the Hello Garci tapes and the Venable contract were being conducted by the Senate. In support of EO 464, stipulated Malacaang, are the principles of separation of powers among branches of government, executive privilege, and the rights of public ofcials. Merriam-Webster denes executive privilege as a privilege exempting the executive branch of government from disclosing communications if such disclosure would adversely affect the functions and decision-making process of that branch. United States v. Nixon is perhaps the best-known case involving executive privilege - where the American Supreme Court ruled that the claim would not hold without the need of protecting vital national secrets. Calibrated Preemptive Response, on the other hand, is a rule in lieu of maximum tolerance during mass actions. Simply put, it is a more stringent application of the no permit, no rally policy of Batas Pambansa 880. Under CPR, unauthorized demonstrations are to be dispersed immediately using means proportionate to protesters actions.

Counter responses
It is not surprising then, that EO 464 and CPR has been met with legal resistance. The Counsels for the Defense of Liberties (CODAL), a group of lawyers, has branded the two as attacks against civil liberties and the Constitution. CODAL has denounced both for their violation of citizens rights to free expression and information. EO 464, furthermore, is said to be in violation of

Stale Professors and Students' Image

T
eaching is a science. Teachers are like psychologists who specialize in learning. The job of a teacher is very similar to the job of a doctor. The teacher is trained to diagnose certain leaning disabilities or strengthen learning capabilities to protect the student from difficulties that the student may encounter in the academic realm. Then, the teacher chooses the best way possible to help the student/s based on his/her diagnosis via certain teaching strategies and theories. Finally, the teacher receives feedback by giving quizzes and alternative forms of learning assessment to see if the strategy worked. Teaching is an art. Students hate it when the teacher uses the same strategy over and over again. After a while, they become unmotivated to learn and indifferent towards the subject. The job of the teacher is to be creative in presenting lessons and assessing learning. George Polya says that teaching is very similar to theatrical acting. A boring performance will bore your audience. An exciting lesson presentation will excite students. Professors talk about income statements and integrals but they dont teach them. I cant see why there are professors that are stereotyped as the one who fails half of the class. Yes, grades are for the students to know how well theyre doing in a certain class but another function of exams is to tell the teacher if the students are learning. Poor teaching styles lead to a multitude of student failures. A 0.0 doesnt really mean the student didnt learning anything it means that the teacher failed to cater to the learning needs of the student. Some professors also limit themselves to using pen-and-paper quizzes as the only form of assessment. Every single output of the student should be a part of the grade no matter with Come on folks. Many of us may not have had the privilege of studying at La Salle but please dont insult our intelligence. It hit a nerve when I read it. It seems that this columnist is addressing the whole La Salle community including the students who neither participated in the admission of the ineligible players nor insulted his intelligence. I also read William Esposos article on the internet. He says, The batok incident and the falsied credentials issue are simply not acceptable conduct of behavior for La Sallians Yes. We actually formed a line after the 1 st UAAP nals game and everyone got to hit Arwind Santos on the head. Then, Santos went to DLSU to get more punches from the people that werent able to attend the game. We shouldnt have done that since it is not acceptable conduct for Lasallians. Silly us. We also shouldnt have let the ineligible players in. I hope the Admin realizes that whenever they make a public booboo, the students, who are innocent bystanders, also suffer harsh criticisms. My friend bought a Vito Cruz ticket on the LRT. The cashier made fun of her after asking her Taga La Salle ka? Good thing she kept her cool or else all hell would break loose. For now, the students should prove their assumptions wrong. And anyway, the UAAP doesn't dene who we are as a students nor do the Lasallites. *** I eavesdropped on Hans Smit's interview for an article found in this issue. Like me, he has been the butt of DLSU inelegibility jokes. He said that he didn't agree with the Admin's decision to take a leave of absence for the 2nd half of the UAAP and next year. I totally agree with him. Why should all the sports suffer when only the basketball team is a fault? The Admin is offering way to much.

ident as the only exceptions to legislative inquiries in accordance with Article VI, Section 26 of the Constitution. With regard to CPR, there are reasonable concerns that it is being used as justication for the excessive use of force in dealing with mass assemblies. Then again, the President, being the Commander-in-Chief, is with enough emergency powers to validate such actions as legally mandated by the same Constitution. Lasallians have been doing their part amidst all these, said Student Council President Army Padilla. The SC has decried EO 464 and the CPR, via Legislative Assembly Resolutions 23 and 24. [T]he [S]tudent [C]ouncil has been facilitating group discussion among students so as to enhance critical thinking and to keep issue awareness and advocacy, added Padilla. The Christian Brothers afrm, Protests continue because the objectives of truth, justice and accountability have not been achieved....Recognizing that we live in a period of moral crisis, the most important thing is to make a personal commitment to live the values of truth and justice, not because its popular but because its right.

"EO 464 and CPR, both of which tread the thin line between good intentions and bad governance, are sufcient reasons for Filipinos to be even more vigilant in safeguarding democracy these days."
ARTWORK BY GENE MAGTOTO

how small it is i.e. boardwork. Creative assessment is also needed. So, dear professors, dont chalkand-talk your way through the term. Throw in a little color. No. I dont mean start using colored chalk. *** I look at the present player, involved in ineligibility issue, as a student who tells his/her teacher that s/he wasn't able to nish the assigned homework in order to lessen the punishment or receive additional points. Mind you, the teacher doesn't always grant incentives for truth. I know. I have experienced it before. Its amazing how the public and media view us now. Weve transformed from elite socialites to walking contradictions. What troubles me is how certain people in the media point to the whole institution, but we all know that all of the students were as surprised as the rest of the Philippines, when the Admin admitted the infamous ineligible player issue. The same thing happened when the Lasallian Brothers came out with a stand asking GMA to step down. Since the Lasallian Brothers practically run the school, their stand became the students stand as well. I never thought that the decisions of certain administrators could indirectly become decisions of the students under them. One of Manila Standards Ronnie Nathanielszs recent columns ends

When the Admin makes a public booboo the students also suffer.

9 November 2005
NIGHTLIFE

P OPTOW N
The LaSallian

9
Charm Ventura

AHHH! WALA LANG

Char Valdez

PAMBIHIRA

Allen Silva

ID#102

Luis De Vera

MISCELLANEOUS

Ian Roman

APPROVE SA OLRYT

Abby Go

9 November 2005

hey used to dominate but now, they have lost their spark. Their re is gone. Their reign is over. Reality speaking, they are once again back on earth.

U NIVERSITY / SPORT S
The LaSallian
TABLE TENNIS

11

CHESS
Anyone couldnt possibly question the dominance of the Green Woodpushers in the UAAP chess for the past six years. Back to the team led by the honed skills of Oliver Dimakiling in 2000 up to the squad secured by the winning points of John Paul Gomez, it was impossible not to overrate the winning ways of the Woodpushers. Even luck seemed to favor them as they escaped with a victory once again last year even with a sluggish start at the rst round. But just when everyone seemed to be accustomed to the idea of them being on top, the Green Woodpushers nally took a step down from their usual rst place nishes. The team has undeniably the talent and the experience to back them up, but luck didnt take their side this time. Just like last year, they had a slow start this season. However, just as they were getting back on their true potent form, UP was able to steal an important game from them in the second round. Although the team gave it a good shot, they do acknowledge their failure to capitalize against inconsequential competitors. Lack of consistency in taking advantage of a winning position played an important role in getting the one and a half point that separated the squad from the feat of seven straight championship titles. If the Green Woodpushers took a notch down, the Lady Woodpushers, on the other hand, took one notch up. They may not be as forceful and as consistent as the mens team for the past years, but they were able to chip in several good nishes nonetheless. After nishing in sixth place back in 2000, they came back strong and started to linger at the top three places ever since. A surprising championship even transpired in 2002 with the entry of Jennifer Advincula and a crucial penalty against UST. Coming back from a third place nish last season, they nished the season as runners up to defending champion UST. The girls started out strong and were able to nish the rst round of competition tied with UST at rst place with 15 points each. They eventually yielded to UST at the second round. Fortunately, they won against UP that placed them in the second position.

a huge 203 points margin over UST. The team unfortunately took on the trend of declining standing, eventually settling for third place this year behind UST and UP. The Lady Tankers obviously missed the services of key player 2002 ROY and MVP Michelle Nisce and Ace Sapinoso. Fortunately, the team was able to garner points when its recruits delivered expected ne performances together with the improvement in other players. With the leadership and experience of playing coach Ernesto Ebuen III and John Paul Dionisio supported by the powerful duo of Daniel Liwanag and MVP Philip Silos, the Green Paddlers was able to clinch the UAAP table tennis title in 2000. However, the green and white squad failed to sustain their winning ways in the following year as fatigue and injury took its toll on the team, resulting in fourth place nish. Coach-less in the 2002 season, nobody expected the Green Paddlers to make it far as they landed in the fth spot. In 2003 and 2004, the Green Paddlers had better UAAP campaigns as they nished the two seasons at fourth and third places, respectively. It looks as if Coach Ramil Sta. Anas troops really chanced upon a series of unfortunate events when the Green Paddlers failed to deliver as expected. The mens team nished in fth place far from the rst place nish that they very much attained to achieve. Losing Mark Eballa right before the competition began, because of technical ineligibility, proved to be too costly for the team. Also, the players inconsistency to produce at the end game, despite posting comfortable leads, brought several distressing losses for the team. With the shortage of reliable veterans on the team back in 2000, the Lady Paddlers dwelled on the bottom of the standings with a fth place nish. The following year, winning just seemed too arduous for the Lady Paddlers as they fell one place further than their previous nish. Coach-less like their male counterparts, the Lady Paddlers joined the Green Paddlers at the fth spot in the 66th UAAP season. The drought for the Lady Paddlers seemed to continue as they once again fell one place short of the Final Four in the succeeding year. 2004 marked a surprising breakthrough year for the Lady Paddlers. With the entry of prized recruits Cristina Abas and Arlene Borja, the squad was able to sweep the eliminations and claim the championship for the very rst time. It was a heartbreaking nish for the Lady Paddlers as they failed to defend their crown this season, despite being heavily favored to do so. The team was indisputably in their best form but one crucial loss in the eliminations against UST appeared to be the turnaround point for the team, as it would have placed them in rst place at the end of the eliminations. This loss left them in third place at the end of the eliminations. It seemed that luck wasnt really in their side as they were swept by FEU, who carried a twice to beat advantage, in the seminals. Aside from the unexplainable bad breaks they stumbled upon, the new format of the competition certainly didnt help them in their bid for a repeat either. De La Salle has decided to return its mens basketball championship trophy in 2004 immediately. But the statement also revealed that it is considering taking a leave of absence in UAAP starting the second half of this season to the next. This development has put in jeopardy this seasons campaign of the teams of football, baseball, softball, tennis, badminton, fencing, taekwondo, athletics, and judo. The UAAP is expected to decide on the fate of De La Salle when the Board of Trustees convenes on the third week of November. Possibilities of sanctioning the University to at least a one-year suspension from the league loom. On the other hand, the Administration also instructed Atty. Emmanuel Sales, University legal counsel, to seek assistance from the appropriate investigating authorities should appropriate charges be necessary. people not directly responsible for the crime, Henson added. Some members of the coaching staff who already resigned such as Green Archers' Terry Capistrano. Dated Nov.2, Capistrano wrote, It is with great pain that I have to inform La Salle that I am resigning effective immediately. I am the acknowledged head of the basketball team, and for that reason alone, I assume and accept full responsibility for the situation we are in today. As a sentiment from the Lasallian community, Student Council President Army Padilla expressed, I admire Br. Armin and Dr. Quebengcos efforts to reveal the truth as early as possible. I support them in trying to uphold moral righteousness. However, I hope that we will try to nalize all true information soon and hold concerned people in the University accountable if need be.

Back on Earth
JEWELYNN GAY ZARENO

A review of the woodpushers, tankers, and paddlers UAAP campaign in 6 years

ARTWORK BY BC UY

SWIMMING
Whatever happened to the supremacy we once had in UAAP swimming? It seemed that the Tankers are developing a declining trend with their nishes. It used to be that the Green Tankers dominated the eld of mens swimming. The squad took over the top spot during 2000 and didnt let go of it for a long time. After fully asserting their swimming prowess and claiming their three-peat championship back in 2002, they started to fall one place lower each season as they lost their key players. The fourth place nish of the Green Tankers is far from their usual domineering ways years back. The team was already lacking in numbers, as they dont have enough players compared to the

University sectors give views on UGB

KRIS LAURA CRUCERO

other schools. The problem took a turn for the worst as two-time MVP Benjamin Uy and Mickey Quilala werent allowed to play due to the UAAP residency rulings ,thereby taking away more probable points for the team. Efforts from other players, especially from the rookies, were not enough as the team fell behind UP, UST and Ateneo this season. The Lady Tankers, on the other hand, remains to be a perennial force in the top three. Still, it was a notch down from their standing last year. The squad improved on their third-place nish back in 2000 to place as runners up the following season and eventually claimed the top spot during 2002. They completely outclassed all other competition the following year, defending their crown with

The DLSU Student Council (SC) has already collated relevant information that will be included in the general proposal for the University Grievance Board (UGB). Vice President for Academics Oliver To said that a team has already gathered different views, opinions, and recommendations from the different University sectors. However, To pointed out that Executive Vice President Dr. Carmelita Quebengco has yet to be consulted to hear the stand of the Administration regarding the UGB. Likewise, DLSU Employees Association President Baylon Baez was quick to say that he has not met with any member from the SC to talk about the proposed Board. The UGB was envisioned by the SC as a venue for discussing the grievances in each sector of the University: administration, faculty, employees, students, and parents. It will be a multi-sectoral board with representatives from the ve sectors and the University Legal Counsel.

said that the UGB can prevent further dispute through its recommendations regarding future cases.

Full representation
The SC wants each sector of the University to be fully represented because through this, the mere composition of the UGB could already promote harmony within the University. Enriquez echoes the sentiment of the SC. In addition, he said that although the FA has not been provided with the mechanics of the proposed UGB, they (the faculty) would appreciate it if they are invited to provide at least one representative in the said board. For employees representation, Banez said that they would follow the EAs internal procedure and choose a representative based on a Board of Directors resolution. In all the committees or groups, wherein the Union is being represented, it should pass through the Board rst, he explained.

be the most concern. In the other changes, it will be discussed based on the outcomes of the current discussions. We will implement them as soon as it becomes feasible, Dr. Quebengco noted. However, she admits that changes in the recruitment of athletes will take time. OSD Director Br. Bobby Casingal said that his ofce is giving the Administration a free hand on the enforcement of the revamp in the sports program. He also bared that the OSD is expected to be evaluated by the Administration as soon as possible. as part of the function of a committee formed to recommend changes in the sports policy and personnel. As an institution, we will continually improve ourselves. Ok, nakahanap ng butas, but the question now is how do we change? And more than that, how do we improve, Br. Bobby reiterated.

CONTROVERSY SPURS, FROM PAGE 1

Other changes
commented on dela Cruz's "impolite" remarks on the issue. "Regarding the gentleman who spoke up against La Salle...if you went to La Salle, you will never speak that way. You will not curse in public. We were brought up in a Christian way."
ALUMNI DIVIDED , FROM PAGE 1

Major overhaul?
The UGB will only be convened if and only if there is a grievance that is led by a sector, To explained. Thus, the current grievance set-up will be retained. Faculty Association President Ramon Enriquez shares a similar view about the function of the UGB. According to him, the UGB can be convened to handle problem situations, which are not covered by the present grievance system and will therefore be on a case-to-case basis. The FA does not see a need for it to be permanently formed, he stressed. Furthermore, he said that the UGB should only tackle issues that are not within the jurisdiction of the present grievance system. He justied that there has been no issue or case that was not resolved properly in the present set-up of the grievance, since the Committee on Decorum has handled most of the cases involving the grievances against faculty members. Baez is concerned that the issues to be tackled by the UGB will come in conict with those of other committees or decision-making bodies. As a remedy, he suggests that it should only function as a recommendatory body. He

Good things to come from the UGB

When asked what will be the major advantage of the UGB, the SCs VP for Academics acknowledged that the board will project an objective stand and recommendation because it is composed of all presidents or heads of each Sector. We do believe that mutual respect in the verdict will be seen in all sectors, To said. For their part, Human Resources Development Ofce (HRDO) Director Atty. Enrico Antonio Lusica said that a Grievance Machinery would tend to promote harmony as it is essentially a forum where the parties can deliberate on issues with the mutual desire to prevent litigation or a Strike or lockout. Baez stated that if the UGB will be formalized and established, conicts among the University sectors will be lessened because important issues will be resolved. In addition, he said that the UGB can collectively recommend what would be the best for the University and it can possibly settle minor cases to minimize costs in spending for court cases. There are still a lot of advantages of the UGB that will be included in the general proposals; however, it is not yet nalized, To said.

Supreme Sacrice again

Joaquin Quinito Henson, another alumnus of DLSU and columnist of Philstar, outlined in his article, La Salle in ring line, key issues that must be addressed and proposed some measures in order to resolve the ongoing conundrum. Like the Brothers call for Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in the national arena, Henson believes that certain visible gures in the schools sports hierarchy should resign out of delicadeza to spare La Salle from more humiliation. It would be an act of supreme sacrice particularly as this may involve innocent

Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants- DLSU Chapter in celebration of its 50th anniversary, wishes to invite you to

Accounting for Pasts Present Value

An accountancy alumni reunion Where: William Shaw Little Theater, 5:00 pm 7:00 pm Marilen Gaerlan North Conservatory (dinner), 7:00pm 9:00 pm When: December 3, 2005 For more details please contact Roxanne Tadique at 0916-4631141 or through email at roxanne_anya@yahoo.com

12

S PORTS
The LaSallian

9 November 2005

9 November 2005

Lady Paddlers conquer Interscholastic Cup tourney A

CAMILLE BIANCA PINTO

S PORTS
The LaSallian

13

No pun intended
When people hear the current situation of De La Salle, most of them react in a negative way. Grabe..cheaters pala kayo or nakakahiya naman yung ginawa nyo! I dont blame Basketball is just them but I dont agree an added ingredient with them either. So maybe what the people b u t t h e e d u c a t i o n (involved) did was program is the main wrong but that doesnt dish itself. mean that one can generalize the entire LaSallian community in this controversy. Not everyone committed that mistake so its denitely unfair that everyone suffers the same consequences as those involved. At least, De La Salle had the guts to admit their wrongdoings. How about the other UAAP schools? Are they really that clean? Ok, so maybe DLSU has lost its pride but at least its doing something to save its integrity. Unfortunately, too much were at stake for this admission. *** Remember the lines of a song, In good times, in bad times, knowing you can always count on me (for sure), thats what friends are for? Well, this is not really applicable to some members of the LaSallian community. When the Green Archers were winning, everyone was so proud of them, worshipping every step they walk on. But now that DLSU is placed in an ugly scenario, they have left DLSU in an instant and even have the nerve to criticize and condemn DLSU for this controversial situation. Take one alumnus who has an inuence in the media for example. Ok, I respect his opinion that hes not in favor of what De La Salle did, sacricing the name of the school just to win. Together with some other alumni, they have expressed disgust on how the university conducted its investigation and handled the entire situation as well. Again, theres nothing wrong with that. The only thing that Im not in favor of is the fact that they plan to stage a rally on Nov.12 to express their sentiments on the ineligibility issue. DLSU is already bleeding right now and a rally would just rub salt on their wounds. To top it all off, it is the people who came from the university who push poor DLSU to the brink of death. *** Honestly, why are we in De La Salle? I thought we are all in this university for its education. How come there are some people who act like their lives only revolve around basketball? Basketball is just an added ingredient but the education program is the main dish itself. And with the way things are going, outsiders are starting to think that DLSU is so basketball-centered, thus nothing is going inside their heads during their classes. *** I always wanted to become a sports journalist after college, but now, Ive completely changed my mind. The Philippine media is so dirty. Forgive me for the term but thats the way I see things. One journalist from a well-known broadsheet came to our ofce and talked to my boss about the ineligibility issue. He then asked for my contact number because he wanted to get an opinion. Guess what? He did text me but he only wanted to get the numbers of JV Casio, Ryan Araa, and Mark Benitez. Talk about playing dirty. I told him to get the numbers from the Ofce of the Sports Development but I learned that he had no luck getting it since the OSD is not entertaining the inquiries of the media. But it didnt stop from there. He also wanted to know where these athletes were staying inside the school. I believe thats beyond the line. Wanting to know where these athletes stay is like invading their privacy. Thats the current problem of the media. They dont care about who are the people they stepped on. What matters to them is the fact that they get their news, by hook or by crook. In addition, they sensationalize this eligibility issue too much. When I read the papers, the same thing is repeated almost every day, especially during the height of the controversy. They are just playing with the different angles of the press statements released by De La Salle. *** For me, Mark Benitez is the real victim here. Imagine losing the things youve done for basketball and his education all at the same time. Thats denitely hard to accept. Benitez denitely has talent but was it him who nailed that buzzer-beater three pointer that led us to the championship? No, it was JV Casio. Im not in favor of returning the trophy last season. Basketball is a team sport and surrendering the title would mean throwing the efforts of the other Green Archers to waste. I asked one of the FEU coaching staff if they would be willing to accept the trophy. His answer was a simple no. He said that it doesnt matter anymore since they have won the title this year. It was clear that the Green Archers deserved the championship last year. *** According to one of DLSUs higher officials, they are considering to take a leave of absence for the rest of this season and next season as well. Thats certainly unfair. From the start, the Lasallian community only cared about the Green Archers. And now, DLSU is planning to sacrice the other innocent teams as well. If you want to revamp the OSD, that is not the solution. Pity the other teams who are not involved in basketball. They are already lacking in terms of funds and supporters, yet DLSU plans to stop them from playing in the sport that they really love.

fter failing to defend their UAAP title this season, the De La Salle Lady Paddlers are once again back to their winning forms as they bagged the Interscholastic-Chancelor Cup last Oct. 28-30 in the University of the Philippines Human Kinetics (UPCHK) gym. The Lady Paddlers, who nished third in their UAAP campaign, proved that they really have what it takes to become champions once again. With former MVP Crisanta Abas and former ROY Arlene Borja leading the charge for the Lady Paddlers, the Taft-based squad slowly inched their way to the title as they defeated the Far Eastern Lady Tamaraws, 3-0; St. Benilde Lady Blazers, 3-2; and

the Ateneo Lady Eagles, 3-0, in the eliminations round. In the nals round, the Semicon-sponsored team went on to win the championship after sweeping the UP Lady Maroons with a 3-0 score. Other players who boosted the Lady Paddlers chances in this mini tournament were 68th UAAP season ROY awardee Ayra Malabayabas, Vanessa Ng, May Villalon, and Jenny Virtusio. Head coach Ramil Sta. Ana believes that his girls were somehow able to redeem themselves from their third place nish in the UAAP. Well deserving yung team natin. Team effort and pride yung nagdala sa amin [sa tournament na ito], Sta. Ana remarked.

Former football coach passes away at 72

IVAN GEOFFREY GAYARES

GreenGallery
Desiree Hernandez
After nally fullling her dream of joining other renowned volleyball players in the RP team, two-time UAAP MVP Desiree Hernandez is overwhelmed as she now moves on to the international arena. Hardwork and her trademark fast plays had been the key that helped her get through the tryouts of the national team. Hernandez will once again showcase her versatility, as she will play the positions of center, open, and utility spiker. With her team going up against taller opponents like Thailand, Hernandez still believes that her country can play at par with the other participants of the SEAGAMES. In the individual aspect, she hopes to help her team earn points with her services and solid receptions.

Coach Orlando Plagata, former coach of the Green Booters, died inside his pension house room in Bacolod City last Oct. 24. Fondly known as Coach Plaggy to his former players, Plagata was attending the UNIGAMES as the head coach of the FEU mens football team when the unfortunate incident occurred. He was found dead around 3 p.m., with reports saying that Plagata, a diabetic, may have hit his head on the oor after having low insulin in his body. Autopsy reports said that Plagata suffered from cerebral hemorrhage hours before he was discovered. Plagata was a former national team player and coach. He was also the mentor of current DLSU mens football coach, Marlon Maro, in the national team during the early 90s. Moreover, he was the coach of the Green Booters from 2001-2003, and was known to be one of the best football players produced by this country.

DLSU Netters vie for JVC badminton crown

JULIUS JOSEPH FABREAG

SEAG SPECIAL

Obaana had displayed superb performances, capturing the ROY and two MVP awards. Delighted to represent the Philippines in the SEAGAMES, she is all geared up to play in the womens singles, the ladies doubles with Kennie Asuncion, and mixed doubles with Ian Piencenaves, which she will denitely take to the hilt.

Japoy Lizardo
After passing competitive tryouts and evaluations in sparring last October, John Paul Lizardo nally secured a slot in the RP Tae Kwon Do team. However, things didnt turn out to be easy for him and his teammates as they went through rigorous training in Korea last summer along with an added military training. Weighing 54 kg, Lizardo will be participating in the nweight category. Though this is his rst SEAGAMES appearance, Lizardo already had many international exposures in hand such as the Korean Open, US Open and ASEAN Taekwondo Games. As Lizardo is prepared to take his international experience to the SEAGAMES, hope is denitely strong for the RP team.

Maureen Penetrante
2004 marked the year of former DLSU Lady Spiker Maureen Penetrante. With MVP, Best Blocker, and Best Attacker awards tucked under her belt, it is no wonder that Penetrante received an invitation to play for the Philippine Team. She has then become an asset to the RP team with her solid blocks that hike up the teams defense percentage. Although Penetrante suffered an injury two months ago in China, she still promises to give her 100% just in time for the SEAGAMES competition. With her humility and all-around game, Penetrante is certainly one prized catch for the Philippine Volleyball Team.

In preparation for their upcoming UAAP tournament, the De La Salle Netters want every tournament they join to matter. One of those tourneys is the JVC Interscholastic Badminton Open which will take place on Nov.17-23 at the PowerSmash Badminton Center and Glorietta Activity Center. The Lady Netters will defend their title, while their male counterparts will try to snatch the crown from reigning champions UST. Led by veterans Therine Chan, Paula Chan, Michelle Guerrero, and Paola Obaana, the Lady Netters will denitely be one tough nut to crack. Stephanie Sy and Jean Pearl Go are also expected to chip in precious points for De La Salle as well. In the mens division, USTs back-to-back championship attempt will be regulated by a formidable DLSU lineup of Ricky Bartolome, Alfredo Mailon, Pierre Arden Pantig and Ryan Conde. Other schools expected to challenge DLSU in this badminton tilt are Far Eastern University, Trinity College, Philippine Normal

University, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Philippine Womens University, Miriam College, Siena College, College of St. Benilde, Philippine Maritime Institute, Technological Institute of the Philippines, and Colegia San Agustin-Southwoods. The JVC regional championship winners, Holy Angel University of Pampanga, University of Visayas, University of San Jose Recoletos-Cebu, University of Mindanao, Ateneo de Davao and Iloilo Doctors College, will also join the quest. Planet Sports, Bingo Bonanza, L Time studio, Rudy Project, Gillette, Bacchus Energy Drink, Alaska, Lactacyd, Sunbolt, Coffee House, Accel, Phil Star, Pinoy Exchange.Com, Solar Sports, Ayala Center, PowerSmash and Magic 89.9, support the yearlong sponsorship of the sport. They are offering a total of 300,000 pesos of cash prizes. In addition, the winners of the men and womens division are also entitled to a cash prize of 50,000 pesos each.

Clarissa Lazaro
A recruit of RP team mentor Marlon Maro, sophomore Clarissa Lazaro is simply an epitome of dominance. In her rst year of play, Lazaro was already instrumental in the Lady Booters offense, resulting in a ROY title. Being one of the younger players in the RP team, Lazaro is currently training for the three positions that corresponds to the 4-4-2 system: striker, midelder, and left wing, which is also her position in the Lady Booters lineup. As she suits up for her rst SEAGames, Lazaro is determined to give more than 100% in her games and apply all the things she learned from the eight months of rigorous training.

Lady Woodpushers unlucky in MCC chess tilt

JED AUREUS GONZALES

Shermain Peano
Watching Shermain Peanos body language on the court would denitely inspire to never give up and continue pushing oneself to the limits. Since her freshman year, Best Libero has been well associated with her name. Her zealous love for volleyball paved the way for her inclusion in the national team. After gaining a lot of UAAP and international experience, Peano is expected to lead the team i0n defense and reception. With Peano manning the defense for the RP team, expect this tough libero to dive for loose balls at all causes.

Joy Lanting
As the RP teams newest pitcher, Joy Lanting is denitely a risk worth taking by any coach. She doesnt only lead De La Salle when it comes to batting but her pitching skills are certainly something that the national team can count on from this SEAGAMES rookie. She hopes to play the position of the rst baseman and hopefully, her experience from previous domestic and international tournaments will turn out to be really benecial. As the RP softball team defends their crown, a difcult task lies in front of them. Nonetheless, Lanting is optimistic about her teams chances and hopes that their campaign would end on a high note.

After ending the 68th UAAP season as runners-up, the De La Salle Lady Woodpushers tried their luck in the MCC October non-masters edition that took place last Oct. 15-16 and 29-30 at the F. Divino Building in Anonas. However, lady luck refused to be on their side. Lady Woodpushers Jennifer Advincula, Anna Paula Castillo, Angie Dimakiling, Eden Tumbos and Myril Garcia carried the Archers ag in this mixed chess tournament. Four hours were allotted per game; two hours per player. Jennifer Advincula and Eden Tunbos vied for fourth place, but ended up clinching the fth and sixth place respectively. Advincula, who fought for the championship in her last match, fell prey to Ateneo Ronald Nonles. Nonetheless, the Lady Woodpushers are not about to give up as they plan to join more mini chess tournaments in the weeks to come. After all, the Lady Woodpushers got nothing to lose as they had already proven themselves in this years UAAP.

Ralph Waldy Soguilon

A lot of things have already been said about sprinter Ralph Waldy Soguilon. After all, he has been collecting medals in the UAAP and the Philippine National Open, even breaking national records along the way. With these exceptional feats, it was inevitable for him to earn a slot in the RP team. Now, he is up for another challenge as he will again be one of the countrys representatives in the mens sprint events, particularly the 4x100m relay, in the SEAGAMES. Despite his achievements and experience in competing in international meets, he humbly knows that getting a medal this time is not an easy task. For several decades now, the Philippines has remained unfortunate in its bid for a medal in mens sprint events. Hopefully, this will change and a Green Trackster might just be able to help in doing so.

Lady Booters continue dominance in MMGFA

CARLOS REBULLIDA III

Arlene Borja
Possessing sheer talent and love for the game, Arlene Borja continues to make a name for herself in the eld of table tennis. Borja already had it made in the UAAP as she bagged the ROY and MVP honors in just a span of two years. As the SEAGAMES nears its opening, Borja will try her best to give the university and country something to be proud about as she plays in the singles and doubles events. Borja, who tried out for the RP team, hopes to get at least a bronze medal, or better yet, a gold. At present, Borja is having mixed emotions as shes excited to play her game while feeling the pressure of the homecourt advantage at the same time.

Rick Jayson Senales

Despite making a crucial adjustment of shifting to the half heavyweight category from his usual half middle weight (minus 81 kg) division, Rick Jayson Senales is still one of the names to watch out for in the upcoming SEAGAMES. Senales ghting spirit, experience, and familiarity of opponents is considered to be his greatest advantage. This 3rd year Mechanical Engineering judoka was recruited to the RP Judo Team after winning the 2003 National Individuals Judo Championships. He has also garnered two golds in his two years of play in the UAAP. Fullled to represent the country, Senales vows to do his best and bring pride to the Filipinos.

Andrea Yang
Andrea Yang is not a novice when it comes to representing the Philippines. During her high school years, she rst played for the country after making it to the National Under 19 team. Still yearning for more experience, Yang tried out for the National Team in her rst year of college. She then showcased her defensive skills, along with the dedication and discipline that also awarded her the UAAP best defender honors back in 2002. In the upcoming SEAGAMES, Yang is hopeful that her team will be able to beat their opponents and bring home the gold in womens football. As an inspiration, she cites her mom, Tess, who won the SEAGAMES gold years ago in volleyball.

Mickey Quilala
First spotted by the National Triathlon coach after his rst swim-bike-run experience in March 2004, Quilala had since become a part of the Philippines delegates in various international triathlon competitions such as the Pan Pacic School Games in Australia and the regular Asia Cup races held every three months. Being a fast learner, Quilala brought home the runner-up trophy in the Asian Cup race held in Singapore last August 2004. As the SEAGAMES slowly approaches, Quilala anticipates tougher competition as he clashes with high-caliber representatives from various countries, including triathlon pros from Malaysia and Singapore. As a preparation, he is currently undergoing rigorous training with three different coaches. Quilala hopes that his experience as a swimmer may serve as his advantage and eventually bring him the gold medal in the triathlon competition.

Marielle Benitez
Despite being young at 24, Marielle Benitez is already a veteran of the National team. She rst became a member in 1999 after receiving an invitation from the head coach. Since then, Benitez has become a part of three SEAGAMES events but a broken leg in 2001 prevented her from participating in her rst one. Playing mideld, Benitez, who carries degrees in Psychology and Marketing Management, has led the Lady Booters to four championships. In addition, she also has a ROY and three MVP titles under her belt. According to Benitez, the countrys main competitors would be regional powerhouses Vietnam and Myanmar; nevertheless, she believes that her team is better conditioned as compared to the last time they faced each other.
WRITTEN BY MISH ANDREWS, JOHN DE LOS SANTOS, JULIUS FABREAG, CELINE HERNANDEZ, JK LEAL, CAMILLE BIANCA PINTO, CARLOS REBULLIDA III, CANDY TING, KIAN TUNGOL, AND GAY ZARENO PHOTOS BY AMANDA VALENZUELA, KARLA PERALTA, SHANA BANIEL, ERIC SIY

Paola Obaana
When it comes to ghting spirit, Paola Obaana is certainly a winner as she has nothing in her mind except to bring home a gold for her motherland. With consistency and perseverance ruling her play, Obaana is one of the countrys top bets in badminton. In her three years in the UAAP,

PHOTO BY ERIC SIY

Already assured of a nals ticket in the ongoing Metro Manila Girls Football Association (MMGFA) tournament, the Lady Booters are not yet tired of winning. In addition, lady luck also appeared to be on their side. After missing four goal attempts due to shots hitting the goal posts, the De La Salle Lady Booters still managed to score a 3-1 win over the Alumnae Club at the Ateneo Football eld last Nov.6. With both teams scoreless at halftime, head coach Hans Smit gathered his team and reminded to start improving the aim of their shots in order to win the game. In the nine-minute mark of the second half, the Lady Booters got their rst point of the ballgame as the Alumnae FC scored its own goal in the process of deecting the Lady Booters goal attempt. Two minutes later, a free kick by Stephanie Pheasant led to great passing between the Lady Booters and an eventual goal by Trina Martirez, who just came fresh from the bench. However, a change in the defensive strategy of the Alumnae players allowed them to score a goal against the Lady Booters. Nevertheless, the Lady Booters striked back after veteran Chesa Ibarra elded in another goal at the 40-minute mark, thus sealing the win for the green and white squad. According to Coach Smit, the key to the Lady Booters dominance is their knowledge and passion for the game. I teach my girls that you cannot play with just all heart or all mind, you have to play football using a combination of both, Smit concluded.

VOL. XLVI NO. 6 THE OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF DE LA SALLE UNIVERSITY 9 NOVEMBER 2005

SPORTS
The LaSallian
IVAN GEOFFREY GAYARES

Lady Booters capture 7th UNIGAMES title T

heir trip to Bacolod was denitely worth it. Being the sole team to represent De La Salle in the UNIGAMES, the DLSU Lady Booters made sure that they wont go home emptyhanded as they bagged their seventh straight UNIGAMES crown via a 7-1 victory over Foundation University (FU) in the nals round last Oct 29 at the University of St. La Salle Football Field. The Lady Booters never gave their opponents an inch as their good passing and playmaking resulted in their dominance over the Dumaguete-based squad, ending the rst half with a 5-0 score. However, the Foundation U players turned out to be very physical in the second half as their rough plays broke the concentration of the green and white squad. FU scored a consolation goal in the process but the Lady Booters sealed the deal by striking two consecutive goals to nish the game with a six-goal cushion. The Taft-based squad demolished all opponents in the eliminations as they started their campaign with a lopsided win against Ateneo de Davao by the score of 7-0. The scoring barrage ensued as the Lady Booters came out unchallenged, giving Central Philippine University - Iloilo and eventual nalist Foundation University a 14-0 and 7-0 trashing, respectively, to end up as leaders in the Group B division. The seminals was a different story as Coach Hans Smits troops faced Group A leader UST. Because of the muddy eld, no team could break the ice, thereby resulting to a 0-all count at the end of the rst half. In the second half, the Lady Booters started to unleash their true potential. Sam Bermudez scored a hat-trick while Justine Adriarte added a goal to arrange the titular showdown against FU, who earlier defeated Group A team Xavier University in the other seminals match. Okay yung performance sa UNIGAMES kasi maraming tao na nagstep-up like Sam Bermudez. She scored so many goals, so makikita mo na gusto talaga ng team na manalo, said team captain and UAAP MVP Stephanie Pheasant. The rookies also stepped up and showed that they wanted to play [for the team]. she added. The DLSU womens football team was the only team to be elded by DLSU in the tournament which featured 39 colleges and universities in ve disciplines that includes: basketball, football, volleyball, chess and tae kwon do. The UNIGAMES organizing committee cut down the number of disciplines this year to ve from last years 11, because of the austerity measures. With the victory, the green and white squad made history by marking the longest running championship streak in the 10-year history of the UNIGAMES. With reports from Patrick Oliver Salomon

PHOTO BY ERIC SIY

Lady Archers partake in Home and Away Invitational

NIKKI ANN TUNGOL AND JEWELYNN GAY ZARENO

PHOTO BY CHRIS KISON

Second shot. In order to redeem their UAAP failure, the Lady Archers will aim for a better standing in the upcoming HAIL.

Coming off a fth place nish in the recently concluded UAAP tournament, the Lady Archers are looking forward to make the upcoming Home and Away Invitational League (HAIL) a venue to redeem themselves. After maintaining a secured slot in the UAAP Final Four for ve years, the green and white squad suddenly went down a notch from qualifying this year. Inconsistencies in their performances turned out to be crucial as it cost them their Final Four ticket. Despite beating top seeds Ateneo and Adamson in the latter part of the second round, it wasnt enough for the Lady Archers to make it to the next round. Hopefully, they wouldnt suffer the same fate as they start their journey for the HAIL crown on Nov. 15. The team will be facing again their same UAAP rivals in the upcoming HAIL, including powerhouses FEU and Ateneo, which stopped them from reaching the Final Four. They are aiming to maintain, if not improve their second place nish last HAIL tournament. However, the squad will have to try and accomplish this feat under a new coach. Former assistant coach Regina Jose will have to take charge as Coach Mon Jose and Assistant Coach Dominic Uy wont be around anymore to do so. Mon Jose is now working in the PBA as the assistant coach of the Coca-cola Tigers while Uy is busy with his hosting career. The loss of dependable offensive player Khristine Prado due to the exhaustion of her playing years might pose a risk to the squads power in the low post area. They will now have to rely on the leadership of offensive players Angeli Gloriani, Kristine Alon-Alon, and Gay Mitra. To further cover the gap left by Prado, changes in the line-up and the game play were also made. Veterans Grace Cruz and Ivory Ojeda, who were not elded last UAAP, will again be added to the teams roster. In addition, a stricter offensive system will be implemented. According to Regina Jose, the team has been practicing since Oct 13. Hopefully, the Lady Archers will be ready for their HAIL campaign and try to snatch the crown from defending HAIL champions, the Ateneo Lady Eagles. Things will be tough but I expect the other players to step up to each and every challenge, Jose nished.

Two coaches air side on leaving UAAP

REUBEN EZRA TERRADO

on page

12 GreenGallery
SEAG SPECIAL

Two coaches from De La Salle sports teams have cried foul to the Administration considering taking a leave of absence not only for the remainder of this UAAP season but to the 69th season as well, and to rumors of an imminent one-year suspension from the league. Thats overkill, said De La Salle womens football coach Hans Smit, adding that it is not fair not only to the Lady Booters but to the other teams as well. Dr. Carmelita Quebengco, Executive Vice-President of DLSU-Manila said in a Nov 3 statement to the academic community that it is mulling over taking a leave of absence starting this seasons second half until the whole of the next season. This will affect the second half squads which include football, baseball, softball, lawn tennis, badminton, fencing, taekwondo, athletics, and judo. The Admin has to think that all the other teams, we have been training since May. Weve been through blood, sweat, and tears since May and then they will let it go? I dont see the logic, Smit also said. The ery head coach, however, commended the measures the Administration undertook to address the issue. But with due respect to the Admin, I dont agree with it (taking a leave), Smit reiterated. The same sentiments were shared by an assistant coach, who spoke on condition of anonymity. Kami kasi, we do our job sa recruitment. Mahigpit kami sa eligibility at sa requirements sa mga players. For us, napaka-unfair kung hindi kami makalaro. Mawawala lang yung mga legacy at glory na nabigay namin sa school. The assistant coach also added that non-participation in the UAAP will be a big loss to the coaches. Our concern as coaches is what will happen if we will leave the UAAP? We coach not for the salary but for the love of school tapos mawawala. As a coach and as a player na rin, masakit yun. Big impact sa amin ito. Psychologically and emotional, down kami, the assistant coach said. Let us pray nalang for the best option. I hope na kapag nagkaroon ng decision, magkaroon ng meeting sa mga coaches kung ano yung best offer na pwede ibigay sa mga coaches, the assistant coach noted. Both coaches also reacted to the talks of a possible UAAP suspension. Its up to them (the UAAP Board) but ang akin lang, sa basketball yung issue. Kung ang decision nila ay one-year suspension, yun na talaga pero sana isipin din nila yung spirit na ang UAAP ay hindi lang basketball. Why should we be subjected to this? Its already enough that I and the other alumni members get ribbed when we go around, noted Smit. I dont care if the basketball team is suspended or not. But just dont pick on the other sports, the coach ended.