114

TOWARDS A PROGRESSIVE
CAMPUS PRESS

years

vol. LXXXViIi No. 9 | FRIDAY, September 2, 2016

BIRIT. Winning first place, Christian Futalan sings his way to victory during the SU Idol Finals Night last Aug. 29 at the Hibalag Booth Area. PHOTO BY Kenno Elum

SUHS alumni reunite in Centennial Fiesta

By Merell Lystra L. Recta

and Karah Jane B. Sarita

WE ARE SO happy that we are

all here in the grounds where we all
grew up I know that were all eager
to recollect, reunite, reminisce and
remember our classmates, friends,
schoolmates, the teacher and our
principals, SUHS alumna and
Centennial Committee Chair said
during the Centennial Fiesta and
Recognition of Teachers last Aug. 25.
Silliman University High School
(SUHS) Centennial Fiesta and
Recognition of Teachers, a part of
the centennial celebration of SUHS,

reunited the alumni of batches 1941,

1951- 2016 at the SUHS Grounds.
Millie Ann M. Estolloso, a
grade nine student, read a letter
to her teachers during the event.
Dear teacher, I was looking
forward to this day all these years,
I was looking forward to be back
home in this dear old Silliman
High Campus, I was looking
forward to see you Estolloso said.
Your presence and guidance made
a huge difference. You went beyond
teaching academic subjects, you
guided me I came here to thank
you personally, together with the
rest of my classmates, batchmates,

and all the other batches.

According to Evelyn Diones Villegas,
SUHS Batch 62, she was very excited
to join the centennial celebration
and to bond with her friends again.
Florante Vicua from Batch 1963
said, Its been fifty-three years since we
were here so... Its nice especially having
just met a few friends, a few classmates
who just came over after several years.
Acknowledgment of gifts from
alumni batches and awarding of
the certificates of appreciation were
the main objectives of the event.
Michelle Lynn C. Wilkins, Ms.
Silliman Sapphire Headline Girl
was also present in the event.~

is very passionate with her job,

especially in her field of pediatrics.
I like innovating for my patients,
even if I have to spend from my own
pocket. The feeling of fulfillment is
inexplicable...we are guided by the
way, the truth, and the life, Turla said.
Turla graduated from Silliman
University
with
a
bachelors
degree in psychology in 1981.
She now serves as the chief
surgeon of the Philippine Navy.
According
to
Turla,

psychologists are one of the most

important components in the
medical corps of the military.
[Our] Medical Service Mission
is topromote the mental and
emotional well-being of soldiers
We need more activities for
our soldiers, especially [those
with] war shock, Turla said.
Turla added that psychological
assessments are constantly given to
military men, therefore, there is a
continue to page 4...

team captain said that at first, he never

thought of being the leader of the pack.
I think I just underestimated
myself,
Brown
said.
But being able to cope with
responsibilities,
Brown
stated
that, I am indubitably proud of
myself because I was able to help
motivate and inspire my team.
Senior
cheerleaders
Yani
Adriatico Pico and John James Tan

Jardaleza were the CBA cheering

team coaches. The team was also
assisted by Shane Eguia Alferez,
former pep squad member at St.
Vincents College in Dipolog.
The juries of the event were
Myca Maala for the basic elements;
Moises Concepcion for the stunts;
and Cleon Cepillo for the tumbling.
Maala
was
a
3-time
continue to page 4...

celebrating
church
music.
Founded in 1951, the Manila
Concert Choir has performed
with various Filipino artists such
as Rey Valera and Gary Granada.
It is currently headed by the
Secretary of the Department
of Education, Leonor Magtolis
Briones. Their conductors are Rachel
Visaya and Paul Locke Torres.
The present members of the
Manila Concert Choir span a wide
range of professions like doctors,

businessmen, government officials,

musicians, housewives, and students.
Before the final performance, they
presented the A Mighty Fortress is
our God, You Raise Me Up, How
Great Though Art, When You
Believe, and Glorious Everlasting.
The United Church of Christ in
the Philippines (UCCP) in Cagayan
de Oro (CDO) Family Choir also
shared their voices by performing I
am, Hallelujah, List! The Cherubic
continue to page 4...

OSA awardee lectures on psychologys role in the military

By Stephanie Ria L. Colinco

AS A MILITARY doctor, my
presence alone can bring peace...
the military is not only for wars,
Outstanding Sillimanian Awardee
(OSA) 2016 said as she described
her role in peacemaking during
the Balik-Talent Lecture of the
Psychology Department last Aug. 26.
Col. Jocelyn Pancrudo Turla,
OSA in the field of medical service
in the military, added that she

CBA reigns cheering competition for the 3rd time

By Julien Marie S. Piero

THE COLLEGE OF BUSINESS

ADMINISTRATION
(CBA)
cheering team went three-peat
win in the Silliman All-University
Cheering Competition last Aug.
25 at the Lamberto Macias
Sports and Cultural Center.
Judah Brown, cheerleader for three
consecutive years and CBA cheering

SU Church Centennial celebration presents Choral festival

By Karah Jane Sarita
and Merell Lystra L. Recta

AS PART OF the highlights of

SU Church Centennial celebration,
the Manila Concert Choir, along
with the other choirs and singing
families, performed in the Choral
Festival last Aug. 28 at the Claire
Isabel McGill Luce Auditorium.
The Choral Festival, entitled
Glorious
Everlasting,
aims
to
entertain
everyone
by

PARADE. Sillimanians gather last Aug. 27 at the Filomeno Cimafranca

Ballfield to watch the arrival of the Parada Sillimaniana participants. PHOTO
BY Jasper Ganhinhin

Masscom alumni get awards for

outstanding success

By Julien Marie S. Piero

TEN OUTSTANDING ALUMNI

from the College of Mass
Communication have been accorded
in the Golden Jubilee Awards
Night due to their outstanding
success in their respective fields.
The awardees were: Carla P.
Gomez (BMC 1982), an awardee
on professional achievement in
community journalism; Marissa
Dames (BSM 1981, cum laude), an
awardee on media entrepreneurship

in
advertising-public
relations;
Adolfo Pacana Beltran (BSM 1984),
was awarded on his professional
achievement in communication
management;
Maria
Zenaida
Sarabia-Panol (BJ 1977, magna
cum laude), was awarded on
her professional achievement in
Academe; Alex Rey Pal (BMC 1983),
was awarded on his professional
achievement
in
government
broadcasting; Emmanuel Dejaresco
(BJ 1969), who excelled in media
continue to page 4...

Student Orgs donate to PWDs

By Merell Lystra L. Recta

SILLIMAN UNIVERSITY
STUDENT GOVERNMENT
RELIGIOUS LIFE COMMITTEE
(SUSG-RLC)
in
collaboration
with Beta Sigma, Leyte-Samar
Sillimanites, Silliman Junior Business
Executives, and Junior Philippine
Institute of Accountants gave gifts
to the 40 persons with disabilities
(PWDs) last Aug. 26 at the
Student Lounge 2 of Oriental Hall.
This event was part of the 11day sharing of the SUSG, an
annual event conducted during
Hibalag as a means to reach out to
the bigger circle - the community.

Rev. Mark B. Augusto, minister

for student and campus chaplaincy,
gave a reflection on Jesus miracles
which emphasized that out of
around 30 miracles of Jesus, 25
of those were done on PWDs.
He further added that the
life of a PWD is not easy
because of certain limitations.
Maayogud ni siya nga gibuhat sa
mga estudyante sa Silliman na usa mi
sa inyong nahinumduman na persons
with disabilities, Aladdin Rosales, the
current president of the PWDs said.
Rosales also emphasized how happy
they were to be invited in the university.
Methushiela Flores and Aprille
continue to page 4...

2 twsopinion

the weekly sillimanian

2 September 2016

the weekly sillimanian

2 Septmber 2016

To Be Free
D

Paula Lynn Obaana: The Sillimanian Who Made It to Rio

emocracy and the freedom of speech is the present generations

favorite right. If this is repressed even just a bit, they cry foul.
Right now, some campus publications in the Philippines are hindered
in their right to free speech.
Due to the campus press freedom violations, the College Editors Guild
of the Philippines (CEGP) held a rally last Aug. 24 at the University of
the Philippines (UP) Dilliman to support the Philippine Collegian fight in
upholding the democratic rights.
The Campus Journalism Act of 1991 states in Section 5 that the Department
of Education or the school administration shall not withhold the release of
funds sourced from the savings of the appropriations of the respective schools
and other sources [and]shall be released automatically to the student
publication concerned.
CEGP reported that conflicts of
interest between campus publications
and school administrations will
always result to repression of student
democratic rights. Furthermore,
CEGP stressed that there are more than 800 campus press freedom violations
during the Aquino administration, and 322 of which are inconsistencies and
suppressions of funds. Jose Mari Callueng, CEGP national president, said
that three-fourths of the 322 cases of publication fund controls are experienced
by state universities and colleges. The Philippine Collegian (UP Dilliman)
and The Catalysts (Polytechnic University of the Philippines) are among that
experiences budget suppression.
The Weekly Sillimanian (tWS) applauds the Silliman University (SU)
administration for not suppressing tWS right to free speech. We believe that
the healthy relationship of the SU administration and tWS only shows that
campus press freedom in Silliman is alive and well.
Campus press freedom is one of the highlights of democracy and of a
freedom-loving country. Freedom of speech is like a bird. Its purpose is to
fly and roam skies. Cage it and it will try to escape. Suppressing freedom of
speech is the bird. Let it fly. Let it be free.~

editorial

sillimaniansspeak
Compiled by Gresheen Gift M. Libby

What are your thoughts on the

Miss Silliman Sapphire pageant?
This years Miss Silliman Sapphire had a smooth flow. It was enjoyable. I didnt even
notice that the Pageant took 5 hours and I commend the Miss Silliman Committee for
that. Miss Medicine was the obvious crowd favorite but nonetheless, the top 3 really
stood out in the battle of Beauty and Brains. Cheers!
Roberto Gonzales Jr., Bachelor of Mass Communication III

Miss Silliman Sapphire has been a memorable night for all. All of them are considered
winners already. But only one has been crowned as the Miss Silliman Sapphire, and I
guess Miss CBA deserves it.
Miles Therese P. Granada, Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy III

Next Issues Question:

What is your stand on the freedom of information act?

For your answers, just text the Circulation Manager (09177013806).
Indicate your full name (with middle initial), course and year.

Editor-in-chief Angelica Mae D. Gomez

Managing Editor Eric Gerard D. Ruiz
News Editor Mary Abigail T. Go
Feature Editor Andre Joshua T. Anion
Business Manager Julliene E. Salboro
Online Editor Jedidiah Jan L. Colinco
Senior News Writer Stephanie Ria L. Colinco
News Writers Ray Chen S. Bahinting, Julien Marie S.
Piero, Karah Jane B. Sarita
Feature Writers Junelie Anthony Velonta,
John Carlos A. Plata, Merell Lystra L. Recta
Cartoonist Cyd Elneth Gia C. Maclachlan
Circulation Manager Gresheen Gift M. Libby
Office Manager Irah Stefan T. Diao
Layout Artist Gloria Gem T. Lumayag
Graphic Artist John Rey L. Villareal
Adviser Ronelaine B. Picardal

The Weekly Sillimanian is published every

week by the students of Silliman University, with
editorial and business addresses at 1/F Oriental
Hall, Silliman University, Hibbard Avenue,
Dumaguete City 6200, Philippines. SU PO Box
24. Telephone number (35) 422-6002 local 243.
https://www.facebook.com/
towardsaprogressivecampuspress/
https://theweeklysillimanian.com
weeklysillimanian@su.edu.ph
Opinions expressed in the columns are
those of the columnists and not of tWS or of
Silliman University. Comments, questions,
and suggestions are highly appreciated. All
submitted manuscripts become the property
of tWS. Manuscripts will be edited for brevity
and clarity.

The Fallacies of Women Empowerment

Junelie Anthony Velonta | Kapitan Halata
Women empowerment is a fallacy. Ive
never quite forgotten the sentence my
classmate blurted out on a seemingly
random history class. We were discussing
on the conquest of a particular Attila
who trashed much of the pre-medieval
Europe when, as if by random chance,
he announces to me that empowering
women is wrong-doing people who were
blinding themselves into. Being the natural
debater that he was, he fanatically went
around challenging anyone who thought
almost otherwise. Finally, he came to
me his nemesis, and slapped his glove
on my thinking. I asked him to enlighten
me. I asked him how. He simply said:
Theyve overpowered men all this time.
I know many have not gone this
shallow within the article. Misled, many
will just rant and rant without reading
more than half of the content, if theyve
even gotten past the title that is. This is
a problem with many of us. We tend to
deduce conclusions right away from
almost misleading titles, and studies
have been published to prove such.
In such way, many are victimized by
unreliable scholarly articles which tend
to suit various preferences and/or beliefs.
Indeed,
women
have
been
condescended in the past. They werent
allowed to vote. Their labor was
segregated. Options for education were
limited for them. Worst of all, some
religions command the feebleness of
wives in comparison to their husbands.
Much action has been taken since then
and many of the women population all
over the world can now cast their votes,
work whatever profession they prefer,
obtain gender unbiased education, and

assert dominance nowhere to be found

in the past. These radical changes now
affect cultures all over the world and the
potential of women has been uncovered.
These changes all happened in the
past but their effects are enjoyed by many
today and in the future. However, absolute
change is not possible to achieve in a system
run by ever-swayed humans. There are still
traces of resistance to these ideologies for
the better. Such resistances have been
equated almost to deterrents of equality;
something we should really think about.
The catalyst and workforce behind the
said changes are usually called feminists.
Back then, they were viewed as largely
radical, up to the point that they were
wrongfully dubbed as rabble-rousers.
Those terms, however, do not apply
to the civilized people in identifying
themselves as feminists. This group of
people brought about change: the kind
that betters the world. The term, however,
has been almost butchered by many who
do not understand the basic concepts of it.
It has become almost like a joke.
Anyone nowadays could identify
themselves as feminists without having
a firm grasp of the belief and ideology
of it. Freedom of expression has eased
the tendency of many to shout out ideals
forced into them or not. Bandwagon has
fooled many into thinking what otherwise
would have been a better disposition. This
is exactly the face of misinformation
under the guise of gender empowerment.
First off, what do many feminists fight
for? It is equality, right? Equality, and not
equity, is the reason why many arguments
sprout out almost instantaneously
almost everywhere. However, when

we listen to the many arguments a

feminist and a sexist has (note the
quotation marks), it is not equality that
is the issue it is hypocrisy. Yes, this may
sound alright however; we must take
into account that the feminist may be
the one displaying the acts of sexism.
A very fine example of the former is
objectification of the sexes. It is rampant
and widespread; however, many do not
know of or deny the fact that this also
happens to men.This is not an attack to true
feminists however; we must acknowledge
this as a truth. For example, Ive read
two articles on a certain international
magazine done by the same writer. The
first talks about how objectifying women
is horrible, derogatory and down-right
offensive and useless but, the second
talks about the bulges of male Olympic
athletes that deserve gold. On a more
local sense, so many balbal words arise
to describe men with the figure of gods
as they say. Many of the said men would
take it as a complement, though the tone
still remains the same with sexist men
objectifying women. It should be taken in
and with context though, as men are not
as objectified as women. Still, this just puts
the point that noble causes are defamed to
become jokes, and that hypocrisy is taking
the toll progressing to defeat equality
and promote one-sided dominance
thats supposed to be eradicated.
I have said it before and I will say
it again: I am not against feminists;
in fact I firmly support their struggle
towards true equality. However, when
dominance is the real motif guising
under true and noble causes, there is
no space for it in the modern world.~

Too Much Talk

Eric Gerard D. Ruiz | Tarantado, Asintado

To those who think that we are

underperforming:
Being part of the Weekly Sillimanian (tWS)
is both an honor and a burden.It is a privilege
to serve the student body as the heralds of
truth. But, it is also our responsibility to
keep the paper circulating, to cope with
the weekly pressures of publishing, to
keep your egotistical minds informed,
to juggle studies and tWS obligations,
and to look for newsworthy beats.
A weekly publication is toxic. Imagine
looking for news stories every week,
writing feature articles every week, drawing
cartoons every week, and writing columns
and editorials every week. In a span of 168
hours, a new broadsheet is in circulation. In
that 168 hours, we spend almost 75 percent
of it in school, as a regular student coping
with academics. The 25 percent is supposed
to be for extra-curricular activities. However,
there are times that academics needs to
be sacrificed for the weekly publication.
We cannot stop this from happening.
Tough times call for tough decisions.
It is us against many. There are a lot of
factors that need consideration in a weekly
publication.Not all interviewees are available
at the time that we requested. It takes days
before receiving confirmation. Sometimes,
there is even no reply. Time is a constraint.
We believe in deadlines before interviews.
It is not just the deadline but also our own
time. Ask me, 24 hours is not enough.
Editing and rewriting takes hours. We

are not magicians. We cannot edit in snap

of a finger. It takes careful scrutinizing
of every word and punctuation.
I dont care about the features. Yes,
its easy to say that because you didnt
read it. You just dont see how beautiful
a feature article just by looking at it, or by
judging the typeface of the title. READ
IT for gods sake. READ IT. The news
is dead. Well to be honest, it has been in
the downward slope of a parabola. tWS
has been sliding downwards. It was at
its peak twenty-thirty years ago where
student activism was also at peak. Its
like the passing of the torch. We carry
the burdens of the past editorial staff.
I dont care about the paper anymore.
Well, we dont care either. Its your apathy
that makes you think that way. Hindi
na naming sakop yung trabahong ipasok
sa bunganga mo yung pahayagan. Anong
drama gusto mo? Sinong mag-a-adjust?
Bias man mo. In tWS, bias is
the abbreviated form of Bleh, Ikaw
Asar Sa min. When you dont like
our write-ups, we are bias. When
you like our write-ups, we are telling
the truth. Man it up, Sillimanian.
Pwes aber, sinong asar talo ngayon?
To keep it short and frank, yes, Im
talking to you regular Sillimanian. I think
you have the guts, then lets exchange
positions. After all, I am presuming
excellence in your part. I am assuming
that you are a master of grammar and

syntax, and you possess the highest level

of journalistic literacy. Its easy to say that
we are underperforming. Its easy to talk
behind our backs. Its easy to criticize the
paper. But, do remember this. Ipasok mo
ito sa iyong alimpatakan (kung meron). You
blabber about our underperformance.
Yes, we also wonder why you didnt
apply. Ayaw sigeg yawyaw, wala baya ka
ni-apply. Its easy to see our mistakes.
But, its easier to see your immaturity.
Lets exchange situations for a month.
Youll be a staff and lets see how you
survive. Lets see how your blabbering
mouth
and
missing
alimpatakan
carry the pressure of a weekly paper.
Its easy to talk. But, imagine yourself
in our shoes. Kakayanin mo ba? O baka
hanggang putak lang ng bibig mo ang
kaya mo? Tagalog na to. Baka hindimo
pa maintindihan kasi missing in action
yung alimptakan mo. Remember,
there are always two sides in a story.
Unfortunately, your 10 percent brain cells
can only process one side of the story
because the rest are focused on talking.
Sincerely,
The one you dont want to mess with
PS
Immaturity is spelled with a u, and that
means you. ~

discourage them, but only drove them

further to rank first in the US upon
qualifying for the 2016 Olympics.
The road to Rio, however, ended
for her last Aug. 14, when she and
her partner were eliminated from the
tournament after losing to Chinas
representatives, sisters Ying and Yu Luo.
Standing proud and true even in defeat,
she acknowledges the fact that making
it to the Olympics was no easy task.
I wanted to forget the struggles I went
through, but I cannot avoid it because I
believe its part of the process, she said.
Remaining focused on her goals, she
was forced to sacrifice her social life.
Moreover, the financial constraints of
being an athlete was something that
Paula couldnt get away from. Her
prayers were answered when Yonex, a
Japanese sporting equipment company,
and a generous person referred to as
Mr. Alex were generous enough
to sponsor the duos adventures.
Amid her struggles, the never-ending
support from her family and friends, her
passion for badminton, and her faith in
God kept her going. She considers her
Olympic journey a time well spent.
I learned to deal with people with
different personalities amidst cultural
diversities. The journey has taught me
to be more patient and goal-focused
to attain what I want in my life.
Paula considers their game against China
as her last intense game before she retires.
Still, in her plans for the future, she plans
to build a legacy and inspire young athletes
by sharing to them the knowledge and
skills she had acquired through the years.
For the young ones out there who
dream of making it to the Olympics one
day, she urges them to never give up on
their dreams and to be prepared for all the
sacrifices that would pay off in the end.
To this day, Paulas Silliman education
remains as her guiding star not only
in her everyday challenges, but also in
making her dreams a reality. She said:
The faith and truth Silliman has given
me served as my light as I propelled towards
my missionto be an Olympian. Despite
the odds and the struggles I went through,
because of that faith, I remain victorious.~
*with notes from http://sports.abs-cbn.com/
generalsports/videos/2016/07/19/filipinabadminton-player-represent-u-s-rio-3378

Paalam at Salamat Po, Ginang Garcia

By John Carlos A. Plata

AMID THE TIME of joy that is
the Silliman University Founders
celebration,
a
truly
saddening
event happened that struck the
hearts of students and faculty alike.
Our beloved teacher, Mrs. Maria Jocelyn
Garcia, passed away last Aug. 23.
In most of her career before
her
departure,
Maam
Garcia
handled the Filipino IV classes in
Silliman University High School.
One would be amazed how after
years of teaching the same material
again and again, she never seemed
to be exhausted or unhappy with her
work. She had already memorized every
chapter, yet her enthusiasm to share
with her students the all-too-familiar
story of El Filibusterismo never died.
A diverse and open-minded person,
she encouraged students not only
to strive hard in their studies, but
also to enjoy lifes joyous moments.
Maam Garcias kindness was not
restricted to the four walls of the
classroom. Beyond her duty as a teacher,
she listens to her students problems, gives
personal advice, and shares experiences
and life lessons. At one point, Maam
Garcia even helped a student convince
her parents to allow her to study
for college in her dream university.
One of the most significant lessons
students would learn from Maam Garcia
is that every decision leads to something
more significant in the future, that starting
from the dinner at Kapitan Tiagos house
in Noli me Tangere, to Simouns painfully
narrated suicide in El Filibusterismo, every
single event in the story accumulated
and led to its tragically beautiful ending.
But as she assigned her students to
reenact their own versions of the storys

conclusion, she had made her students

remember that one can always break the
wheel of fate, that one can deviate from

history even with just a single act of bravery.

Those students who were once fresh
from the cliffhanger of Noli me Tangere,
once ignorant of the knowledge she
would have shared to them later on,
have now grown to remember always in
their hearts their kindhearted mentor.
As shown by the fruits of her labor
and the lives she had touched, Maam

#HugotHibalag
1. Maayo pa ang Hibalag, imuhang ginahulat ug ginaandaman. Tas, kung
moabot na moingon ka nga worth it tanan nimong hago, effort ug paghulat.
Kanusa kaha ka moingon sa akoa nga Youre worth it? Ingana ra man gud
ka kadali ni give up sa akoa. (Ivy Marie Fostanes Salaum)
2. Hibalag ? Higugmaa ra ko mentras kaya ko nimong pag pasensiyaan.
Basin ug di naka ka agwanta mulayo ug mubulag nalang ka. Lami kaayu
hinumdumon tung mga memories natung duha kaso God has other reasons
nganung gipabulag niya tang duha. (Pyrx Ian Martin)
3.The chances of not raining in Hibalag are the same as my chances with you...
Wala, ZERO. NI ULAN NAMAN GANI. (Pol Eldridge Catapusan Caluscusan)
4. Grabeha no. Makumpara jud tika sa Hibalag. Kay sulod sa 11 days na lipay
lipay kaayo ta, naabot jud ug tuig akong pag move-on sukad itung nawala
ka. (Paul Andr Villafuerte)
5. Kaning HIBALAG ba mura ra gud nig gugma LIPAY ug SADYA pa kaau ka kai
Hibalag na peru kailangan gyud nemung dawatun nga panakip butas raka sa
exam nga perteng daghana. (Jean Ponce Paquera)
6. Maypa ang abat sa horror chamber ga paramdam.. siya wala jud. (Alyssa
Marie Despojo Tibunsay)
7. NagkaHIBALAG mis akong ex atung HIBALAG. Nitext siya, gimingaw daw
siya nako. Maytag Hibalag nalang pirmi, arun mingawon lang siya nako sigi.
(Nicole Noble)
8. HBF ba? ako ga Huwat samtang ikaw ga Biga. maypag mag Fuyo. (Vanessa
Conde)
9 Akong heart kay murag nag HIBALAG BOOTHS imo gi haguan, unya
gamiton, alagan after gubon ra pag human. (Karen Arms)
10. Si crush ug iyang uyab murag booth sa HIBALAG. Dili magdugay. (Sylvia
Eurekah Gabucan)
11. Kada event sa Hibalag stage, mu greet man sila ug break a leg para
good luck sa mga mu present. At least break a leg ra. Ayaw ra ng break a
heart. (Henrix Paul Delfino Tubil)
12. Imong love para nako kay murag katong bago nga rule sa hibalag, NAAY
CURFEW. (Kianah Vincoy)
13. Mura kag spotlight sa Hibalag, sig focus bisan asa, dili stick-to-one.
(Tony Onggocan)
14. Be like Hibalag. Dont ever get tired of giving people happiness, bisag
duolon ra ka ug bored na sila. (Christine Ray)
15. Maypa ang mga booth kai imong gi agad, akong higugma nimo wala jud.
(John Marlon Englis)
16. Imong gugma murag curfew sa Hibalag, walay sayod. (Reine Limpao)
17. Mas init pang mais sa Hibalag kaysas imong gugma. (Norris Wagas)
18. Abi kog tinud.anay Booth-booth raman diay. Huhu. (Vanessa Conde)
19. Maayo pa si TJ Monterde nibalik. Ag Ikaw? (Ivy Marie Fostanes Salaum)
20. Makalingaw daw ang mga gimmicks sa Hibalag. Pero nganung sakit
kaayo tong giingnan ko nga love ko niya pero gimmick ra diay to? (Akita Joy
Casalta) ~

Garcias legacy continues to live on.

If Maam Garcias students could speak
to her at this moment,these are the messages
*photo sourced from http://su.edu.ph/updates/colleague-week/1904-mrs-maria-jocelyn-r-garcia

This years Miss Silliman was highly favorable. In as much as minor errors were
committed, such as the Silliman College faux pas of Derrick Monasterio, it was greatly
compensated by the enchanting Miss Silliman Sapphire theme song, the glamorous
outfits and answers of the all-equally beautiful, talented, and intelligent candidates,
and everybodys Miss Silliman hangover/craze over Miss Medicine. There is no doubt
that Miss Business Administration deserved the crown, having witnessed her journey
from the Press Launch down until the Pageant Night as one that favored her most. But
to summarize my thoughts on the said pageant, Id limit it to three things: (1) Hearing
Silliman Idol 2016 Christian Futalan singing Miss Silliman Sapphire; (2) the fabulous
themed wear outfits; and (3) Miss Medicine.
And I hope all the readers agree with me on this. But by the end of the day, what matters
most is knowing that we belong to a community that includes men and women who are
beautiful inside and out.
Edcarl Realiza Cagandahan, SU Law I

GG

potential. This
discovery
kic k-star ted
the numerous
achievements
she
had
acquired
in
her
career.
She
still
v i v i d l y
remembers
her younger
years in SU,
where
her
abilities were
first
honed
and
tested.
I
[trained]
in the SU
Gymnasium
as early as
4:30 to 7:00
a.m.
and
back
at
5:30
*Photo sourced from http://instagrammi.com/wp-content/uploads/Paula-Lynn-Obanana.jpg
to
9:00
p.m.
By John Carlos A. Plata
preparing for local, regional, and
and Julliene E. Salboro
national tournaments, she recalled.
As more opportunities presented
illiman University High School
themselves,
Paula strived to train harder.
(SUHS) celebrated last August
At
12
years
old,
she became the youngest
its 100th year in making a mark
to
join
the
Philippine
National Team
in society and producing competent
and
was
the
only
member
then who
graduates. In the same month, as
if by fate, the school was also given was granted training outside Manila.
Bringing with her the Silliman spirit,
the honor of having an alumna carry
she
spent her college years studying
the name of Silliman in the most
prestigious sporting event in the world. in De La Salle University in Manila.
Paula Lynn Obaana, a world-class Determined to develop as an athlete, she
badminton player from Dumaguete continued to compete as a varsity player.
Two days before turning 21,
City, is a Sillimanian at heart. With
she
joined her family in the US,
parents as alumni of Silliman University
who
migrated
there
in
2006.
(SU) who also went on to work there,
So,
you
are
a
member
of
the
Philippine
Paula had been enrolled in the School
of Basic Education since kindergarten, National Team; we are looking forward
and she graduated from SUHS in 2002. seeing you in the USA Team and in
Six years in the making, she said. the Olympics, said the consul who
That was how long it took her to be interviewed them in the US Embassy, as
able to represent the USA in the 2016 she recounted. After a two-year hiatus
Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. from badminton, she eventually found her
I am still overwhelmed of what way back into the sport. She would later
I have accomplished after all those meet Eva Lee, who would be her partner
years competing internationally in in her journey in the doubles category.
Starting off with the rank of 243 in
badminton. It was indeed physically
and mentally draining, not to mention the world, the duo competed in many
competitions, even ranking
the financial aspect, she said. international
th
17
at
some
point.
They almost made it
Asst. Prof. Manolito Saldivar, her
coach back in her days in SU, was the one to the 2012 Olympics in London, falling
who first took notice of her incredible short of only a hundred points to qualify.
That lost opportunity did not

twsfeatures 3

they would sincerely impart to her:

It may be really sad for us who
would not see your radiant smile and
hear your powerful words again, but in
the end we would feel happy for you,
Maam, because we know what lies
ahead of your leaving. You deserve that
peaceful rest from all the pain in this

world. We know you are with God and

nothing else could be happier. Thank
you for the significant marks youve left.
-Janna Jhea Gumalo, Batch 2015
Thank you for all the help, memories,
and advice not only to me but also to
my other family members. You have
taught me that no matter what pain I go
through, I should never lose hope. You
have taught me to be a better fighter in
lifes trials. Most of all, you taught me
to beat deadlines with utmost grace.
For all those things you imparted,
I will be forever grateful Overall,
you have touched so many lives
including myself God bless up
there. We love you, our guardian angel!
-Jeya Clarize Baylosis, Batch 2015
Thank you, Maam, for teaching
us more than just El Fili. Thank you,
Maam, for inspiring and pushing us to
become the best that we can be. Thank
you, Maam, for simply being a woman
that many wish to become one day. One
day, you will see us achieve all the goals
we told you about, and we hope wed
make you proud. We love you, Maam!
-Ayla
Gaudiel,
Batch
2016
Hindi ko man siya nakausap o
nakapiling muli matapos ng ako ay
lumisan sa Silliman, taos-puso kong
pinasasalamatan ang mga gurong tulad
niya sa pagbabahagi sa amin ng mga
gintong aral ng buhay Salamat, Maam
Garcia. Alam kong masaya ka na ngayon sa
piling ng Dios. Ikaw ay naging isang biyaya
sa Silliman, sa iyong mga kapwa guro,
at higit sa lahat, sa iyong mga estudyante.
P.S Maam, nakakatulong nga yung payo
niyo na manood ako ng maraming teleserye
upang mapabuti ang aking pag-Tatagalog.
-Stacy Danika Alcantara, Batch 2005

I love you, Maam Garcia! The

memories we made will always be
treasured. At least now, you can finally
rest. No more pain, no more sorrow.
Thank you for all the lessons you have
taught us. From the Junior Sillimanian
to Aquino A, you will always be one
of my greatest advisers. I will miss you
so so much. You are now finally home.
Kabalo ko excited kaayo ka sa centennial
kay ikapila gyud ka nag-remind nako nga
mu adto. Karon, makakita na gyud ka sa
centennial celebration with a much better
view! Rest in peace, Maam. See you soon.
-Mykaela Maxino (Batch 2013)
As your former students, we couldnt
thank you enough for your undying support,
your words of encouragement, and your
welcoming aura that made the last moments
in our high school lives unforgettable.
You cared for us like you were our mother,
and for handling several sections in a day, we
are truly amazed by how you managed to care
for all of us. We would never forget how you
uplifted our spirits in our time in your class,
and no matter how difficult the activities
you assign to us, we always knew that what
we were doing was worthwhile, because you
were there to support us every step of the way.
Thank you for showing us that we, the youth,
are truly the hope of this nation and that we are the
ones who could make or break tomorrows history.
Though a cloud of sorrow daunted over us the
moment we learned of your departure from this
world, we soon realized the happiness in the fact
that your suffering has been put to a stop. We are
still grateful that you are now in good hands with
God, and you are now in a better place--up there
in Heaven, where your pure spirit truly belongs.
Paalam
at
maraming
salamat
po,
Ginang
Garcia.
-John Carlos Plata (Batch 2015),
Andre Joshua Aninon (Batch 2014),
Julliene
Salboro
(Batch
2015)~

4 twsbackpage
RANDOMspace:

the

the weekly sillimanian

2 September 2016

FEMALE HEROES. Its not only men who fought for the Philippines, but women as well. Lets meet some of our female heroes.

Remedios Gomez-Paraiso
The Kumander Liwayway
of Pampanga was a stylistic
warrior in war, with her
dresses and make-up getup.

Mary Grace Baloyo

She is the only female
recipient of the countrys
highest military award,
the Philippine Medal of
Valor.

Princess Tarhata Lucman

She aided the release of
abducted nuns in Marawi City
in 1986 and was the first ever
Muslim female governor of
Lanao del Sur.

Gliceria Marella Villavicencio

She was the Ninang mg mga
Rebolusyonaryo who gave up
her wealth and dedicated her
time to support the Philippine
Revolution.

Compiled by: Merell Lystra L. Recta via https://m.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1305883532765760.1073742073.310621318958658&type=3&__mref=message_bubbletopten.ph/2014/11/23/spoken-dialects-entire-philippine-archipelago/

roundup

LSS

from page 1
OSA awardee..
need for psychologists in this field.
In almost every activity in the
military, we are required to take
psychological testsI think dying is
the only activity when we no longer
have to take a test,Turla said jokingly.
According to Turla, she does
not feel discriminated in the
military because of her gender.
It depends on the leadership
ability. Im a commanding officer
in the hospital, so they should

follow me. However, for me, the

discrimination can come in the
form of not giving high positions
to women yet, Turla said.
She added, The position of
general in the medical corps has
not been given to a womanI am
still hopeful that I will get that.
Among her many achievements is
being named one of The Outstanding
Philippine Soldiers 2016 where she
is the only woman in the group.~

from page 1
CBA reigns..
champion at the South East Asian
Cheerleading Open in Singapore.
Concepcion was a former
member of the Rizal Technological
University Blue Thunders pep squad.
Cepillo was a former member of
the National University back-toback University Athletic Association
of the Philippines champion. He
was also part of the team who won
the 2016 World Hip hop Dance
Championship in Las Vegas.
The other winners of the
competition were the College of
Engineering and Design, first runner
up; the College of Computer Studies,
second runner up; and College of
Arts and Sciences, third runner up.
For those who aspire to be
cheerleaders, Brown advised that
they should join a cheerleading team.
I suggest they join a team
because being a cheerleader is just

amazing! I never regretted why

I became a cheerleader because
from the word cheer it gives
happiness from within, Brown said.
Brown also gave a message to the
other teams saying, To [the] other
teams out there, to be honest, it really
doesnt matter that much if you win
or not, but what really matters is the
bond of the team, making new friends,
and helping each other through
motivating. Whenever performing
in the competition, always give your
best so you wont have any regrets.
you dont have to boo or bully
any team when they perform or
when they lose, and you dont even
have to pray for them to make errors,
because real cheerleaders dont have
that kind of attitude. We must cheer
each other up so we could keep the
spirit of camaraderie, Brown said to
the avid supporters of the event.~

from page 1
Student Orgs..
Juanillo, SUSG-RLC chairperson
and vice-chair respectively, gave
an overview of the history of the
university. They answered some
queries which were mostly about the

courses and scholarship opportunities

offered
by
the
university.
An
original
composition
was
sung
by
the
PWDs
before the program ended.~

YESS representative claims the title of

Mr. Hibalag 2016

By Karah Jane B. Sarita

WHAT LED TO my victory? Maybe

my faith in the Lord, maybe its because
I had fun, maybe its just my time. I
have no guarantee of what the reason is
but I have only God to thank for that,
said Don Elton Cerna of the Young
Entrepreneurs Society of Silliman
(YESS) after winning the title of Mr.
Hibalag 2016 during the pageant night
last Aug. 27 at the Hibalag Booth Area.
Mr. Hibalag 2016, an advocacydriven male pageant with the theme,
The Sillimanian in the age of Gender
Equality, was organized by the
Renaissance Youth Leaders Forum.
Cerna stressed that everyone is given
the chance and opportunity by God to
have their own choice of who they want
to be and what they should believe in.
As long as you are not hurting
anyone, as long as youre making
yourself happy, and as long as youre
making this world and the society
better, you can do it, Cerna stated.
Cerna stated that the people who
could never adjust and accept that
there is no dominant gender is the
biggest obstacle for gender equality.
We are all created equal, we are all
created with the same heart, with the
same soul. If you realize that you are
the same as everyone out there, If you
realize that you are no better, but as
better as you can be as with everyone
sharing hand in hand, then you will
realize that there is no such thing
as a dominant gender, Cerna said.

Everyone should learn how to love,

everyone should learn how to accept
each other, and if they learn how to
do that, then they can overcome the
obstacle of gender equality, he added.
CernawasalsoawardedMr.Photogenic,
Mr. JD Fitness Zone, Best in Production
Number, and Best in Formal Wear.
On the other hand, Daniel Tristan
Espaola of the Silliman University
(SU) Medical School Association
won first runner-up, Best in Themed
Wear, and the Peoples Choice
Award. Michael Angelo Palomar of
the College of Education Student
Organization won second runner-up.
Clark Vincent Ferrer of the SU College
of Nursing Association bagged third
runner-up, Mr. Professionalism, Best
Speaker, and Gandang Levy Salon.
Kyle Chester Lerado of HistoryPolitical Science Society was awarded
fourth runner-up and Best in Talent.
The Committees Choice Award
went to John Patrick Buiquil of Surigao
Deep Sillimanites. Roberto Gonzales Jr.
of Illuminates of the SPECTRA was
awarded Mr. Congeniality. Martin James
Acoymo of Silliman Junior Business
Executives won Mr. Power Print Smile.
According to Andrea Dawn
Boycillo, Mr. Hibalag 2016 Committee
Chairperson, she has seen the candidates
become better versions of them and
didnt see any competition within them.
They have proven to the Mr. Hibalag
Committee that this pageant is not just
about winning the crown, but winning
new friends as well, Boycillo said.~

Boring
Lagi...

from page 1
Masscom alumni..
entrepreneurship in community
journalism; Ed Dames (BSM 1981,
cum laude), a professional achiever
in advertising-event marketing;
Andrea
H.
Trinidad-Echavez
(BMC 1992) and Yolanda B. De
Guzman (BMC 1978, magna cum
laude), were both awarded through
their professional achievement in
Advocacy Communication; and
Nilo B. Paurom, a professional
achiever in print journalism.
The judges for choosing the 10
outstanding alumni were: Florangel
B. Braid, president emeritus,
Asian Institute of Journalism
and Communication; Alice C.
Villadolid, former New York Times
correspondent and assistant press

secretary of President Cory C.

Aquino; Betty McCann, former VP
for programs at Hong Kong-based
United Board for Christian Higher
Education and former acting president
of Silliman University; Ramon
Tuazon, president of Asian Institute
of Journalism and Communication
and secretary-general of Asian
Media
Information
Centre
(AMIC); and Domini Torrevillas,
outstanding Sillimanian awardee
and Philippine Star columnist.
The main criteria for the awards
are success and achievements in the
graduates chosen professional field.
As in the Outstanding Sillimanian
Awards, the criteria also consider
the life of the nominee as a

from page 1
SU Church..
Host, and Symphony of Praise.
The UCCP CDO Family Choir
is composed of family members.
It was originally composed of four
families, but has grown to as many
as 35 families at one time. Mr. Paul
F. Salipong was the conductor.
The SU Covenant Choir also
took part in the choral festival.
They sung Kumba Yah, I Walk
Today Where Jesus Walked,
and
Song
of
Exaltation.
The SU covenant choir is under
the direction of Dr. Elizabeth
Susan Vista-Suarez. It has almost
70 members with students from the
College of Performing and Visual
Arts and members of the community.
Two singing families, the Quizo
Family Quintet (QFQ) and the

Fuertes Family Faith Singers

also participated in the festival.
All Choirs presented All Hail the
Power of Jesus Nameand Lift up the
Lamb for the Finale of the festival.
Very entertaining they sang
heart-lifting songs , so all of us, my
daughter, my wife really enjoyed the
event and the show and we are so very
happy.,Mr. Roberto W. Suzon,
Business Development Supervisor,
and one of the audience, said.
Suzon added, My son is part
of the covenant choir, I was
so happy because, instead of
indulging in other activities, he
was so preoccupied with this.
Suzon pointed out that the
performance
was
all
about
unity and being a family.~

In the Aug, 27, 2016 issue

of the Weekly Sillimanian,
an error in spelling has
been committed on the
news story SURE Party
hold mini-lecture series on
leadership. It is spelled as
Ocao and not Ocau.

that they should offer a new

kind of scholarship that is about
board and lodging, in addition
to academic scholarships that
may be available to them.
This way, we can draw more
very talented young men and
women from the hinterlands
and from the shorelines of
the Philippines to afford and
avail of Silliman education.
Moreover, Malayang narrated
that it was in one afternoon tea
with Dr. del Carmen and his
wife, along with Sec. Leonor
Briones where they were just
merely mentioning plans when
del Carmen expressed his intent
in sponsoring the honors dorm.
What we are celebrating
today is a pay forward type
commitment of Sillimanians,
for more Sillimanians to have
the education, values, and
virtues we try to shape in the
university,
Malayang
said.
del Carmen theorized that
if a great student is offered
a
scholarship
by
Silliman

and it would be partnered

by free board and lodging in
the del Carmen hall, students
would choose to study here
rather than other universities.
del Carmen said, I want
Silliman excellence. We are
top six in the Philippines
now, but we can do better.
del Carmen said that he felt
nostalgic because the site of
the del Carmen Hall used to be
his view when he lived at the
Molina home when he lived
there in his sophomore to junior
year at the SU College of Law.
Rev.
Mark
B.
Augusto,
minister for student and campus
chaplaincy, led the invocation and
the blessing and dedication for the
groundbreaking of the Rolando
Villanueva del Carmen Hall.
The del Carmen Hall or the
honors dormitory, which is
projected to be completed next
year, will be home to 28 brilliant
honor students. The guidelines
as to who would qualify for the
dorms are still being finalized.~

reflection of the Via, Veritas, Vita.

The awards night was attended
by Dr. Ben S. Malayang III and
Dr. Crispin Maslog, the first
permanent director of now the
50-year-old college. One hundred
sixty-five mass communication
alumni from all over the world
also came to the memorable event.
Ed Dames, event director said,
tonights event almost didnt
happen given many challenges
that we facedbut if something is
really worth doing, it will get done.
The
Golden
Jubilee
Awards Night of the Silliman
University College of Mass
Communication was held last
Aug.25 at Bethel Guest House.~

ERRATUM

Honors dormitory hopes to draw in great students to SU

By Mary Abigail T. Go

WE OUGHT TO keep bringing

in the best students, Dr. Rolando
del Carmen, an SU alumnus, said
on why the honors dormitory is
an important project to venture
on for Silliman University (SU)
at the blessing and dedication
of the honors dorm last Aug. 29.
Dr. Ben Malayang III, SU
president, said, SU recognized
that there are many young persons
in the world who have been
intended by God to be blessings
to many by way of their ability to
pursue high academic learning.
Many of them, however, are poor.
The university recognized that
those who are really gifted are
often not able to come to university
because while scholarships are
available, they really cannot
afford to be here for their board
and lodging, Malayang added.
Malayang also said that the
idea of the dormitory is a result
of deliberations of the board of
trustees where they recognized