LegazUniver

Aqu

inas

Rawis,

The heat, the beat and the spirit! The First Semes-ter of School Year 2008-2009 was truly a big bang of surprises and fun getaways. The fun started with the word Balintataw, a Filipino term for pupil of the eye. The idea of having a venue to post all our whereabouts and updates regarding school, its activities and its students came into being and they are all here. Seeing thru the Aquinian eyes definitely makes anyone look into what is in AQ and what it is to become part of AQ.

Having been able to travel and enjoy the summer with friends and different people from different places was a great relief from the stress brought about by schooling. These activities however, proved to be beneficial in building a better envi-ronment for every Aquinian. The many activities that we have had attended this summer left a dis-tinct mark in each of us.

Balintataw’s view of every Aquinian was made even broader as it takes into consideration (as much as we could) every Aquinian’s perspective and opinion. This issue includes relevant news and info about the new administrators and offices. We also gave our hats off to those Aquinians who showcased their talents and efforts for the success of the various activities outside the campus. Also, we opened our pages to those who would like to share their thoughts on things they are concerned with.

Through the continuous support of the administra-tion and the students, the Supreme Student Coun-cil in its duty to give public information and build a stronger rapport with the student body, was able to come up with Balintataw to give every one the chance to see thru every Aquinian eyes.

Alvin Sapinoso

ALVIN HOMER B. SAPINOSOEditorSSC Public Relations Officer

GIDEON VILLAR PEÑAAssociate Editor/ Layout EditorSSC President

HELEN P. GARCIAManaging EditorSSC Vice President

KRISTINA DE GUZMAN AZAÑAPhotojournalistSSC Public Relations Officer

RIZZA LIMPhotojournalistSSC, ET AL.

MOZA DUNYA AL-DUMAINIStaffSSC Auditor

FRANK A. BELBESCirculation-in-chargeSSC Secretary

MISHELLE PADULLONCirculation-in-chargeSSC TreasurerBALINTAT´AW:

“n. pupil of the eye”http://www.tagalog-dictionary.com

OFFICE OF THE RECTOR AND PRESIDENT

REV. FR. RAMONCLARO G. MENDEZ, O.P.Rector and President

ENGR. VIRGILIO S. PERDIGON JR.Secretary-General

DR. SUSANA CABREDOExecutive Director, External Affairs

MR. RAFAEL BANZUELA, JR.Executive Director, CRAA

MR. LEO G. LLANADirector, Planning and Development

MR. ROMULO ANTIVOLASite Administrator for the Professional Schools

MR. FELIX M. ADORCoordinator for Community Extension Services

MR. ALVIN M. PEREZHead, MIS/ITC

ADMINISTRATION DIVISION

MR. REYNALDO BOBADILLAOIC for Administration

MRS. JEAN E. CARDIÑODirector, HRMO

MRS. JAYNE FAUSTINOHead, Laboratory & Instrumentation

MRS. LETICIA R. ROQUEUniversity Registrar

MRS. ROSEMARIE E. ANTEChief Librarian

FINANCE DIVISION

REV. FR. JOSEPH R. RAQUID, O.P.Vice-Rector for Finance

MRS. SALVE A. FERNANDEZHead, Accounting Department

MR. BOBBY RIVERAUniversity Cashier

MR. RAFAEL A. CHONGPurchasing Officer

ACADEMIC DIVISION

MRS. ROSALINDA B. BARQUEZOIC, Academic Affairs

MR. JESUS BARIZOCoordinator and Adviser, SSCModerator for Student Affairs

MRS. ROMINA VILLAMORCritiqueFaculty, English Department

VOLUNTEERS (as of July 14, 2008):CATHERINE OCCIDENTALLIZA BANGOLANTAKRISTINE JOY SARZALAURENCE ASNERUBELYN FLESTADOLEONARD IVAN BORILLAGABRIEL JOSEPH BRAGAISMARLO BOBIERMA. DHANA GARCERAKATHLEEN CLAIRE FORCADELACZARINA ISABELLA R. CONTADO

WH

AT’S

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Summer Lessons in Abucay page 2SSC PRO is Mr. Pandayan ‘08 page 3AQ in Albay’s Biggest and Brightest Festival page 4Aquinian Artistry page 5SSC Et Al page 8Rewind page 9Sneak Peak page 10Infra Updates page 10Mayon Volcano for New 7 New Wonders of Nature page 13In Memoriam page 13Blogged... page 14 Soothsayer Me Thematically Speaking Fantasie...Reverie You Do Not Know MeStudent Organization Week page 16Loud and Proud Contests page 16Acquaintance Party page 17My WYD Experience page 20Campus Shoutouts page 22Fun Facts page 24

New Administration Line Up(Source: Office of the Secretary-General)

E D I T O R I A LD E S K

ATTY. EMERSON B. AQUENDEOIC, Professional SchoolsDean, College of Law

DR. JEAN DE LA TORREDean, Graduate SchoolDean, Business Administration

MRS. CLARA A. ALTAVANODean, College of Nursing and Health Sciences

DR. AMPARO D. BINAMIRADean, College of Arts, Sciences and Education

ENGR. MA. TERESA P. BONDADDean, Polytechnic Institute

MR. VICENTE B. PERALTAAssistant Dean, College of Nursing and Health Sciences

MRS. MARIA CHRISTI B. MUÑOZPrincipal, AQUI (High School)

DR. ARLENE AGUILARAcademic Support and Accreditation Officer

ENGR. MARY ANN A. MAPECoordinator for Academic Extension

MR. ABELARDO BELLEZAAcademic Instruction Coordinator

MR. ALVIN A. SARIOAcademic Research Coordinator

CULTURE DIVISION

REV. FR. ROBETO G. REYES, O.P.Vice-Rector for Culture

REV. FR. NORMAN I. QUILAQUIL, O.P.University Chaplain andDirector, AQ Center for Creative Ministry

DR. WALTER RANDOLPH C. JALGALADOAssistant to the Vice-Rector for CultureDirector, Student Development Services

MRS. JASMIN B. LLANADirector, Center for Culture and the Arts

MR. ALDIN M. SONEJADirector, Wellness, Sports and Fitness Center

MR. JESUS BARIZOModerator for Student Affairs andSafety and Security Officer

MR. JUSTO B. SAMARCoordinator, Community Service Training Program

All articles on this magazine reflect the concerns of the Supreme Student Council but do not necessarily represent their official stand unless otherwise stated.

Stamped

LegazUniver

Rawis,

“Nothing compares to a God-fearing atmosphere I experienced in Domnet held in Letran-Bataan, Abucay last April 28-May 2, 2008”.

The journey began when we left Legazpi by the bus. The time of arrival was 6:45 and I was so proud of myself because I got there on time (about 6:38 p.m.) That was my first achievement that day. We arrived at Ermita, Manila at 5 a.m., earlier than we expected. We had our breakfast at a fast-food courtesy of Doc Walter Jalgalado. I had spaghetti (yummie!), my favorite! Right after our eating ses-sion, we took a cab for Letran Intramuros. It was my first time there! And we were so amazed by the structures of the buildings, as if it was my first time in Manila. While waiting for the other del-egates from different schools to arrive, we took shots of the nice views inside the school. It was

Summer Lessons in AbucayMoza Dunya Al-Dumaini

Leadership makes you

ugly...

tions and wisdoms. The activities were designed to give us extraordinary product- the fruit of mind. God used this training to stir my sleeping mind and soul. God picked the best instruments such as bishop, priest and speakers to send his message to us young people and that is to move forward with God. One of the speakers delivered a speech entitled Damdaming Bayani which best suited my life as a leader. She cited several heroes who died for what they believed in. “I, myself can be one of them without shedding blood”, she said. I, re-acting like a child wondered and later on realized that it is truly possible for a student like me to be one. You can show the world the right path with-out dying. It is what you call leadership. With her speech I came up with my own simple definition of leadership. Leadership makes you ugly. Haha! Leaders think much about others than think about how they look like; because of the errands and

tasks. Her words put a smile on my face because I was suffering from that syndrome lately. But then I was happy because of the fact that I am doing my job fairly.

Being a DomNet youth moved me to next best thing to do- speak out. It is not about flaunting what you have, what you know nor what you do. It is about inspiring people. To persuade and to share with them what you have learned. Because when you acquire knowledge on how to be a better being, it now becomes your responsibility to pass it on to others. How? Be a leader. Set free the core that’s hiding in your body. Unleash the initiative of leading.

These realizations came to a pause. My next move is to move. Not mountains, but greater, PEOPLE.

I am very thankful that they gave me this oppor-tunity. I am aware that things happen once in a lifetime.

“The Office of the Vice Rector for Cul-ture encourages the use of the English language with its Fun to Speak in Eng-lish campaign.

OpLan SMILE

After being hailed as one of the safest schools in Legazpi, Aquinas University Safety and Security Officer Mr. Jesus Bar-izo has implemented another aplaudible program: Oplan Smile; Security guards are tasked to smile and to greet students, teachers, administrators & visitors alike.

Speak inEnglish

Uuy... Sisenta na AQ

Aquinas University of Legazpi is celebrating its 60 years of grateful passion and devotion to the true and loving life.

Alumnusdonates

P1MAquinas University College of Nursing alumnus Jerome Balisnomo donated one million pesos to Aquinas University on July 28, 2008,

AQ conducts drills

AQ Students, Staff and Emergency Respond-ers took part in Fire and Earthquake Drills on Aug. 29, 2008 and Sept. 26, 2008.

AUL DT performs

Abaka in UP, PHSA

fun and relaxing because we had the chance to rest before hitting the road again. The participants were completed at around 9 a.m. The exhaustion made me drowse in the bus. We got there just on time for lunch. The gigantic gate of Letran Bataan Abucay appeared right before my eyes!

After the registration, all of us headed to our dis-tinct rooms. I was lucky to be with my schoolmates in one room. But I know I can always cope with others. The dorm was absolutely overwhelming. We never thought of any complaints about the ac-commodation because they gave their best place to us. Thanks!

To cut the whole story short, I never assumed things will turn out very peculiar. That was my first time to attend the Dominican Network, yet it felt like I’ve been with the other DomNet kids for a long time already. My mind was nourished with percep-

Aquinas University of Legazpi Dance Troupe performed their research-to-production Abaka at the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) and at the Philippine High School for the Arts (PHSA) on September 18, 2008 as part of the Luzon Theatre Festival Conference and linkage with the PHSA.

DOMNET KIDS. Participants to the DomNet Summer Camp held on April 28-May 3, 2008 at Colegio de San Juan de Letran, Bataan, Abucay.

”

The facade of Colegio de San Juan de Letran- Bataan, Abucay. Letran is a sister school of Aquinas University of Legazpi.

Smiling Newsbits

youryour

AQ

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Aquinas University Supreme Student Coun-cil, Public Relations Officer, Alvin Homer B. Sapinoso, won the title Mr. Pandayan ‘08 and was awarded as Best in Talent.

Pandayan ‘08 was a collaborative project between Collegio de San Juan de Letran-

SSC PRO IS MR. Pandayan ‘08 Gideon Villar Peña

Calamba and the Philippine Association of Administrators of Student Affairs (PAASA) Region IV A & B and was held on April 11-13, 2008 at the Colegio de San Juan de Le-tran-Calamba, Laguna.

Unlike the previous years, Pandayan was opened not just to High School and College student-leaders from Colegio de San Juan de Letran-Calamba, but also to students from Region IV A & B and other Dominican Schools in the country, such as the Univer-sity of Sto. Tomas, Angelicum College and Aquinas University of Legazpi.

With the theme: “Isang Dekada ng Pagpa-panday!”, it relieved the great moments of Pandayan 1 to 9.

Pandayan is hinged on the belief that stu-dent-leaders are not mere recipients but ac-tive agents of their learning; leadership is a potential that should be nurtured by every-one, and leadership is service.

Pandayan aims to help the participants learn the basic concepts of leadership/ team

The Best in Talent duo.

College of Business Administration Coordinator: Mr. Jordan AverillaBA Student Council President: Richard MonrealBA Sophomore Class Organization * President: Kristina AzañaJunior Institute of Management President: Rey AyalaFinancial Managerial Accounting StudentSociety (FMASS) President: Zialyn E. GuardianJunior and Senior Chamber of Business and Finance (JSCBF) President: Gina Lyn BellezaAquinas University Tourism Society (AUTS) President: Rodolfo Antes

College of Arts, Sciences and Education Coordinator: Mr. Jacinto MacedaCASE Student Council President: Joy Ann BisaAssociation of Psychology, Math, Educ, Science Stu-dents President: Nayser Gayle BobadillaActive Quorum President: Carmelo SiapnoThe Association of Linguists, Artists & Communicators (TALAC) President: Shiela Banta

Polytechnic Institute Coordinator: Engr. Javier ViceraPI Student Council President: Myrllan NavarroUnited Architects of the Philippines-Student Auxilliary* President: Carmela Marie BarbaInstitute of Electrical Engineers of the Philippines (IECP) President: Virginia Karla BaetaPhilippine Institute of Industrial Engineers* President: BaliwasAU Computer Engineering Society (AUCES) President: Marilyn Midua

College of Nursing and Health Sciences Coordinator: Mrs. Lorenzita TamorNursing Student Council President: NIco Guillermo

University-Based Organizations Coordinator: Mr. Jesus BarizoKuntaw ng Pilipinas-AUL Chapter President: Audie RodriguezRotaract Club of Legazpi-AUL President: Leo LozaresBeta Sigma Fraternity President: Ricardo NermelAU Hard Charger Mountaineers President: Gener MundaAlpha Phi Omega Fraternity President: Raul LibardoAlpha Kappa Rho President: Aris AsneTau Gamma Phi/Tau Gamma Sigma* President: Rodel HayaganCFC-Singles for Christ President: Bernard Jerson AtunRed Cross Youth President: John Meryl SiddayaoAU Student Assistants Associations (AUSAA) President: Charlotte AriveAnduyog Youth Volunteer’s Movement President: Joy Ann BisaSupreme Student Council President: Gideon Peña

Note:List of organizations is as of July 14, 2008* under probation

Source: Office of the Student Development Services

List of Recognized Student Organizations S.Y. 2008-2009

building through different learning experi-ences, games and other activities.

Pandayan also aims to help the participants appreciate the importance of camaraderie as a stepping stone towards the achieve-ment of their individual and organizational goals in an atmosphere of fun and togeth-erness.

Furthermore, Pandayan aims to help the participants prepare themselves for their leadership responsibilities as groups and in-dividuals by tapping their own experiences and insights as learning materials.

Together with Alvin Sapinoso were other Aquinians who participated in Pandayan such as SSC President Gideon V. Peña, AUSAA President Charlotte Arive, Creative Ministry Volunteers Riza Lim and Catherine Occidental. They were accompanied by Mr. Jacinto Maceda, Active Quorum Adviser.

As ratified in the July 2007 School Elections, the Su-preme Student Council follows a new Constitution having apportioned three bodies with distinct pow-ers and responsibilities: the Executive Board, Legis-lative Board and the Judiciary Board.

Aquinas University of LegazpiSUPREME STUDENT COUNCIL

LEGISLATIVE BOARD

GERALD PETER BISA (TALAC)Chairman

GINA LYN BELLEZA (JSCBF)Vice Chairman

CHARLOTTE ARIVE (AUSAA)Secretary

JUDICIARY BOARD

ARMIE CERVANTES (CASE)Chairman

Members:

RODOLFO ANTES (BA)

AUDIE RODRIGUEZ (PI)

EXECUTIVE BOARD

GIDEON V. PEÑA (CASE)President

HELEN P. GARCIA (CNHS)Vice President

FRANK BELBES (CASE)Secretary

MISHELLE PADULLON (PI)Treasurer

MOZA DUNYA AL-DUMAINI (CASE)Auditor

KRISTINA AZAÑA (BA)ALVIN HOMER SAPINOSO (CNHS)

Public Relations Officers

yourlife

yourIt’sab

out

choi

From the merry month of May, the Provin-cial Government of Albay moved this year’s celebration of the Magayon Festival to the equally fun month of April. The whole month became an explosion of exciting events and fun-filled activities.

All roads lead to Albay, as the Festival kicked-off in an extravagant fireworks dis-play and a month-long beer plaza. Every night stages a different performance, with presentations from various sectors of soci-ety and from almost all the municipalities and cities of the province. This year’s fes-tivities were diverse and a lot of activities were unique in this year’s celebration. With its theme, “Albay Rising”, Magayon Festival once again became a proof to the resiliency of the Albayano people and its culture.

Magayon Schools’ Fair

One of the innovations in this year’s cel-ebration was the Magayon Schools’ Fair. Institutions of higher learning in the whole of Bicol Region were gathered in one roof. This rare event gave the youth particularly incoming college students to be able to choose the best school for their collegiate studies. Aquinas University of Legazpi, be-ing one of the leading institutions in the re-gion, was fortunate enough to be given the chance to showcase the best about AQ. To-gether with AQ in the said fair were schools like Bicol University, Ago Medical and Edu-cational Center, Immaculate Conception College of Albay, Mariner’s Polytechnic Col-leges Foundation, AMA, Divine Word Col-lege of Legazpi and Amando Cope College of Tabaco. Schools from nearby provinces and cities were also present. From Cama-rines Sur Ateneo de Naga University, Uni-versidad de Sta. Isabel, University of Saint Anthony and University of Northeastern Philippines. From Sorsogon St. Louise de Marillac College of Sorsogon. The collabor-ative efforts of the Provincial Government and the Regional Office of the Commission on Higher Education proved to be one of the best innovations in this year’s Magayon Festival.

Velada

Velada, a bikol term meaning a musical program, was the title of the Festival’s Regional Chorale Competition. Chorale groups from the different provinces sang their way to Albay hoping to take home this year’s top recognition. The competi-tion was intended to develop and to ap-preciate the Bicolanos’ love for music. The Aquinas University Chorale never gave up as they finished in the second spot besting other groups during the said competition. The AUC brought home recognition for the group and for the university as well.

AQ in Albay’s BiggestAlvin Homer B. Sapinoso

Pili-kula

Mass Communication students of Aquinas were able to bring home the bacon as they were given five awards for their indepen-dent films. The films were part of the re-quirements in their course, and with much privilege, their works were acknowledged as one of the best during the Magayon Pili-kula Independent Film Festival.

The awards received were: Best Story and Best Supporting Actress for Banaag and Best Film and Best Actress for Pagirum-dom. The ‘Banaag’ Team was composed of Paul Labini, Jay Alvin Echano, Floranie de Padua, Emma Atento, Diana Banania, Niña Albie Dulay, Joyce Anne Licup, Glady Gon-zales, Shiery Hagosjos, Kristine Latorre, Francis Llona, Ayla Pago and Kerry Anne Sevilla. While the ‘Pagirumdom’ Team was composed of Jeron Almoradie, Honorio An-des Benitez III, Rey Canon, Angelo Mella, Taimak Sevilla and Mayden Valladolid.

Limelight

Let’s not fail to commend the Aquinians who competed in the Search for Mutya and Ginoo ng Magayon. Their wits and guts proved that Aquinians truly have what it takes to be the next faces in the local showbiz arena.

From all the events and activities during the month-long festivities, the Magayon Festival was a resounding success. Aside from the beauty and grandeur of the famed Mayon Volcano, the Magayon Festival gave us another reason to be proud to call our-selves not only as Bicolanos but Albayanos as well.

JUDICIARY BOARD

ARMIE CERVANTES (CASE)Chairman

Members:

RODOLFO ANTES (BA)

AUDIE RODRIGUEZ (PI)

Students enjoy constitutional rights even when they enter school. How-

ever, if the exercise of such right would violate the rights of the school as an

institution, the exercise therof would be wrong.

- Atty. Ulan SarmientoPhilippine Association of Advisers of

Student Affairs (PAASA) SeminarOctober 2007, Tagaytay City

Nota Bene (Take Note)

and Brightest Festival

and

the ArtCulture

CenterIf Aquinas University was a colossal trea-sure chest, the Center for Culture and the Arts would probably be one of its precious diamonds. Apart from the various organiza-tions in the campus, the center had been continuously polishing its edges to render a noteworthy performance each year. It all began when the university felt the need to unify and concretize the operations of the performing groups in the university and to be able to integrate formally cultural and artistic activities with academics. From this simple dream, the center had grown to be one of the university’s pride and honor.

The center is composed of three performing groups, the AU Dance Troupe, AU Chorale and the Sama-samang Tinig ng mga Aktor na Gumagalaw sa Entablado (STAGE). For the past years of the center’s existence, these groups have been able to showcase their talents and skills and were able to be one of the region’s best performing groups.

Abaca

The Aquinas University Dance Troupe once again showed off their dancing skills as they presented Abaca during the last week of February 2008. Abaca was a research pro-duction, a dream come true for the mem-bers and directors of the AUDT. It was a big shift from their usual folk dances and mod-ern pieces. Abaca tells the story of how the lowly plant Abaca, which is abundant in the rich soil of the region, becomes more than what it seems to be. The troupe was able to interpret the steps and processes of Abaca

Alvin Homer B. Sapinoso

The performing organizations of Aquinas University’s Center for Culture and the Arts. (photos courtesy of Leo Ganace, OSG and MIS)

Aquinian Artistryproduction in their modern ballet and jazz moves. It was a big break for the members of the dance troupe since it was the first time that they tried to dance modern ballet. The group’s success would not be complete with-out the expertise of Mrs. Princess Berdin, the group’s choreographer and a graduate of the University of the Philippines and an alumnus of the Philippine High School for the Arts in Laguna, and Mr. Arnel Espineda, the group’s Creative Director. After years of waiting and months of hardwork, the AUDT’s Abaca has become a milestone in their group and the university’s history.

Haplos

The theatre group of the university is the youngest among the three performing groups, but they were able to prove their worth in their craft and gear together with the Dance Troupe and Chorale. The Sama-samang Tinig ng mga Aktor na Gumagalaw sa Entablado (STAGE) was able to give its audience a spoonful of fresh and eye-opening ideas in every performance. The group’s Sanggot na Bulawan written by Bicolano playwright, Julio Mendoza (2006), a play depicting the lives of the people from Rapu-Rapu being affected by the gold mining, was a huge hit after being able to vividly portray the lives of the island-ers in the real sense of the scenario. Follow-ing the success of Sanggot, STAGE was able to present last year’s Haplos; an original play about the lives of three students who had their own share of life’s misery and blessings and how they were able to cope with their own personal lives and live up with their fate.

The success of Haplos doesn’t stop within the corners of the campus. This year, there are plans of bringing the play outside the univer-sity to reach out to more people and inspire more lives. The group has plans of performing in nearby provinces and cities to bring Haplos to a much greater success. Despite the hard-ships and trials the group had encountered, STAGE was able to continue its legacy; with their able Director, Mrs. Sarah Marie Aviado and with dedication to their chosen craft, the Sama-samang Tinig ng mga Aktor na Guma-galaw sa Entablado will continue to inspire more and more lives.

Velada Musika

Last February of this year, the Aquinas Univer-sity Chorale under the training of well-known musician, Mr. Ramon Manjares, teamed up with the BUNGCUL Singers of Bicol University for a friendship concert and to bring choral music in the province to a greater height. It was the first time that the two leading uni-versities in the province tied up to showcase their musical prowess. Velada Musika was another achievement for both of the per-forming groups; they were able to prove that competiton would not hinder their love for music and the art of choral singing. The AU Chorale proved their skills and talents. They were even more applauded after being able to bag various awards from different chorale competitions and being invited in numerous events. The group continuously learns cho-rale pieces and undergoes annual vocal train-ings and workshops to further enhance their talents. Just last June, the group had a vocal

the ArtCulture

for

CenterMy parents always brought me to the places where poor and physically handicapped people live. They wanted me to understand their life and help them. I also worked for Catholic Church when I was in the army. The only thing I learned from Catholic Church was that we have to love our neighbor-hood. And, I have loved my neighborhood. Have you cried for the Philippines? had only three facto-ries. So, would be well off if everyone works hard for

I have cried for my country several times. I also cried for the Philippines because of so many poor people. I have been to the New Bilibid prison. What made me sad in the prison were the prisoners who do not have any love for their country. They go to mass and work for Church. They pray everyday.

However, they do not love the Philippines . I talked to two prisoners at the maximum-security com-pound, and both of them said that they would leave the Philippines right after they are released from the prison. They said that they would start a new life in other countries and never come back to the Philippines .

Many Koreans have a great love for Korea so that we were able to share our wealth with our neigh-borhood. The owners of factory and company were distributed their profit to their employees fairly so that employees could buy what they needed and saved money for the future and their children.

When I was in Korea , I had a very strong faith and wanted to be a priest. However, when I came to the Philippines, I completely lost my faith. I was very confused when I saw many unbelievable situations in the Philippines. Street kids always make me sad, and I see them everyday. The Phil-ippines is the only Catholic country in Asia , but there are too many poor people here. People go to church every Sunday to pray, but nothing has been changed.

My parents came to the Philippines last week and saw this situation. They told me that Korea was

much poorer than the present Philippines when they were young. They are so sorry that there are so many beggars and street kids. When we went to Pasangjan, I forced my parents to take a boat be-cause it would fun. However, hey were not happy after taking a boat. They said that they would not take the boat again because they were sympathized the boatmen, for the boatmen were very poor and had a small frame. Most of people just took a boat and enjoyed it. But, my parents did not enjoy it because of love for them.

My mother who has been working for Catholic Church since I was very young told me that if we just go to mass without changing ourselves, we are not Catholic indeed. Faith should come with action.

She added that I have to love Filipinos and do good things for them because all of us are same and have received a great love from God. I want Filipinos to love their neighborhood and country as much as they love God so that the Philippines will be well off.

I am sure that love is the keyword, which Filipi-nos should remember. We cannot change the sinful structure at once. It should start from person. Love must start in everybody, in a small scale and have to grow. A lot of things happen if we open up to love. Let’s put away our prejudices and look at our worries with our new eyes.

I discover that every person is worthy to be loved. Trust in love, because it makes changes possible. Love changes you and me. It changes people, con-texts and relationships. It changes the world.

Please love your neighborhood and country.

Jesus Christ said that whatever we do to others we do to Him. In the Philippines , there is God for peo-ple who are abused and abandoned. There is God who is crying for love. If you have a child, teach them how to love the Philippines .

Teach them why they have to love their neighbor-hood and country. You already know that God also will be very happy if you love others.

That’s all I really want to ask you Filipinos.

continued from page 9 of the In times of Achilles’ Heel, Hold Hands cover.

For the Love of the Philippinesworkshop with celebrated pianist and choral master Mr. Jonathan Coo. Mr. Coo was a grad-uate of the famed Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York. The AUC was fortunate to have been able to train and perform with famous musicians and chorale enthusiasts. This year, the group is working on a research production about Bikol songs to cultivate the bikol culture, advance their skills and bring chorale music to more listeners.

The Prize is Write

The director of the Center for Culture and the Arts, Mrs. Jazmin B. Llana, MATA has been awarded the prestigious Helsinki prize given by the International Federation for Theatre Research (IFTR). She recently finished her doctorate in Theatre Arts at the University of Wales in Aberyswyth in the United Kingdom. Mrs. Llana was an Aquinian student and was once a member of the Sama-samang Tinig ng mga Aktor na Gumagalaw sa Entablado (STAGE). As CCA Director she continues to inspire more student-artists, and people from all over the world; her works proved that the passion for the arts is a continuous fire that burns within the heart of every human be-ing.

Ranga

One of the most anticipated performances of the CCA artists is the annual show dubbed “Ranga”. For the past years the center show-cases its talents by putting together in one show the three performing groups of the uni-versity. The previous Ranga was dedicated for the victims of typhoon Reming. By September of this year, the center will prepare for anoth-er performance that would prove once more that the Aquinian talent is more than the usu-al. This only proves that Aquinians learn more beyond the four corners of the classroom and they are able to develop their God-given skills and grow as holistic individuals. 7

EmpoweredTrue

AquinianLeader

Supreme Student Council, Empowered True Aquinian Leader (SSC, Et AL) is the Supreme Student Council’s volunteer organization.

Headed by SSC Auditor, Moza Dunya Al Du-maini, it aims to hone Aquinian leaders by empowering them in its activities from con-ceptualizations to planning then execution.

Every two weeks, the Et Al’s will elect among themselves a team leader. The team leader will be in charge of making a project and budget proposal which they themselves will execute.

The volunteers may sponsor any acitivity provided that it conforms with the general norms of conduct of the university.

The Supreme Student Council officers’ role is to supervise them only in their activities.

The screening, composed of paper screen-ing and interview, was first conducted in July. Admission will be year round; applica-tion forms may be secured from the Office of the Supreme Student Council.

The volunteer program is one of the council’s modest contribution to nation building.

SSC, ET AL.

Grab a Hand!Et Al page

Understanding Love

Catherine Occidental‘

Its been more than a year since I came to this institution. I never thought that I could reach the point where I am now- to be ac-tively part of various organizations. I didn’t imagine before that I can manage to be a leader and at the same time take good care of my studies. Come to think about it, it is very difficult to divide and to balance the re-sponsibilities as a student and as a leader.

I remember, it was not easy for a first year student to have such a hectic schedule es-pecially that I was still in the adjustment pe-riod. Much has to be learned from the new environment college life. At first, I encounter ed a lot of difficulties because of new situa-

Resonating gratitude

Rizza Lim

When I was a freshman, my teacher in The-ology asked me and my friend to sing in the mass. Then I met Ate Tin, then director of the AQ Center for Creative Ministry and she asked if we want to be volunteers. My friend and I agreed and started attending mass (we were looking for something that we can do regularly). Later on, Ate Tin oriented us together with the other volunteers of what is now CCM. She said that as a volunteer we have the privelege to use the computer and other things; as a matter of fact, we can go there anytime we want to. I never imagined that I will be part of a religious organization such as CCM where I became more devoted to God. I thought it was easy to be a volunteer. You just have to attend masses, pre-pare the things needed in mass, be a commen-tator, or a reader. But then I realized that it’s not an ordinary kind of volunteerism. It’s special you give more time to God by remembering Him and Loving Him thru service to Him and to His people.

As a volunteer of CCM, I gave my heart, shared my sense of humor and my enthusiastic spirit to our organization. I have had deep appreciation to the Fathers and to Ate Tin, most especially. Their words and pieces of advice really inspire me as a student and as a daughter. Since vol-unteers are integral part of the organization, my co-volunteers and I find ways to help the or-ganization build bridges between students and God through spreading His word.

As a volunteer, I learned something new which I had never learned in the four corners of the classroom. I met new friends. I had fun. Every-thing changed me. I gained the confidence to face many people, I was able to express my ap-preciation of people who have done good things to me. I understood the true meaning of love and of gratitude. Above all, I learned to love every creation of God, be it small or big.

When it comes to giving from the heart, possibly nobody gives more than a volunteer. By defini-tion, a volunteer does not get payment or com-pensation for the services he renders. But some things have worth more than money like the indescribable feeling when you see your work succeed and everybody else appreciate it.

I as a volunteer, see my unpaid work as a won-derful way to build meaning and purpose to life.

As they said

lines from the SSC, Et Al Interview

‘Leadership is not about being on the top. It is about service and sacrifice.’

- Gabriel Joesph Bragais 1BSN

‘The school gives us the opportunity to learn. But the rest is up to us.’

- Kathleen Claire Forcadela 2BSN

‘Ang pagkatuto ay hindi lang matatagpuan sa mga libro o sa loob ng mga silid aralan kundi pati na sa pakikipag-halubilo sa mga taong na-kapaligid sa’yo araw-araw.

- Laurence Asne 1BSN

‘Ang lider masasabi mong magaling kung natu-tuto sakanya at nagkakaroon ng improvements ang mga kasamahan nya.’ - Ma. Dhana Garcera, 1BSN SK Chairman, Sn. Sebastian, Sta. Magdalena, Sorsogon

‘Wag mo munang isipin ang (mga sinasabi ng) iba...lalo na kung ang intensyon mo ay (ang) makatulong...sabi nga nila dapat daw hindi ako sumali (dahil) wala naman daw na benefits. Pero naisip ko, hindi dapat ganun.

- Marlo N. Bobier 1BSN

Lahat ng bagay may paraan, kaya kung gugus-tuhin ko, magagawa ko. - Liza M. Bongalonta 1BSN

Ang leader (dapat) marunong sumunod sa fol-lowers...marunong makinig sa ibang tao para mapaganda ang ginagawa.

- Kristine Joy Sarza Marketing Management 2 Continued on Page 11.

Look at your five fingers then choose one that you think is most important for you.

See page 10 for the interpretation.

EmpoweredSSCTrue

AquinianLeader

Et

“First SemesterAccomplishment Report Suprme Student Council

DomNet National Convention. SSC Officers served as volunteer- facilitators during the Dom-Net National Convention last February 2008, Aquinas University of Legazpi.

1st General Assembly. The SSC-elect met with the newly elected College Council, Col-lege-Based and University-Based Organization Officers last February 16, 2008, at room T-138, Aquinas University of Legazpi.

Nacionalista National Youth Convention. Some officers attended the Nacionalista National Youth Convention held last March 2008 at Pam-panga.

SSC and CSCs attended University Council Meeting. The SSC and CSC Presidents attended the University Council meeting held on March 13, 2008, Bar AQ, Aquinas University of Legazpi.

Pandayan 10. Some officers and Volunteers of the Supreme Student Council attended the Pan-dayan 10 held at Letran-Calamba, Laguna. SSC PRO won Mr. Pandayan. (see article, page 4)

Aquinian Odyssey. The SSC spearheaded a planning seminar and workshop last March 28, 2008 at the Media Center Hall, Aquinas Univer-sity of Legazpi.

Magayon Schools’ Fair. The SSC officers manned the AQ Booth during the Magayon School’s Fair on April 9-11, 2008, Albay Astro-dome. (see article, page 5) DomNet Summer Youth Camp. Some offi-cers and volunteers attended the DomNet Sum-mer Youth Camp held on April 29-May 2, 2008, Letran-Bataan, Abucay. (see article, page 3)

Pre-Strategic Planning. SSC and CSC officers attended the University pre-strategic planning and raised issues of student concerns, held at the Daragang Magayon Hall, Aquinas University of Legazpi.

PUSOng AQ- Strategic Planning. SSC and CSC officers attended the University Strategic Planning dubbed PUSOng AQ held on at the AQ Peak, Taysan, Legazpi City.

Presentation of Draft 2008-2013 AQ Stra-tegic Plan. SSC and CSC officers attended the Presentation of Draft of AQ Strategic Plan on May 31, 2008, 9:00 a.m., Bar AQ, Aquinas Uni-versity of Legazpi.

AQuinian Young Leaders’ Summit (AQyles). The SSC sponsored the annual leadership sum-mit dubbed this year AQyles: Tracing the Aquin-ian Roots, Sowing the Filipino Seeds on June 2-4, 2008, Aquinas University of Legazpi. (seerelated article, In times of Achilles’ heel, Hold Hands Cover.)

Hold your officers accountable for what they do

and more importantly, for what they don’t do.

- Dr. Walter Randolph Jalgalado

AQ-UST Basketball Game. Right after the leadership training, the officers of the different organizations watched and cheered for the AQ varsity during the AQ-UST Basketball Game on June 4, 2008 at the Albay Astrodome, Legazpi City.

Webpage Design Seminar. The SSC spon-sored the MIS-ITC Webpage Design Seminar held on June 13, 2008, at the Computer Labora-tory A, Aquinas University of Legazpi.

Presentation of 2008-2013 AQ Strategic Plan. SSC and CSC officers attended the presen-tation of the output of the group (other than the TWG) designated by the Rector and President to continue work on the draft Strat Plan. Held on June 14, 2008, 1:00 p.m. at the Bar AQ, Aquinas University of Legazpi.

Meeting with Globe. Together with some AQ administrators, SSC and CSC officers had a meeting with Globe on the proposal to set up a cellphone-based information dissemination and feedback system, held on June 12, 2008, 1:00-4:00 p.m. at the Rector’s Conference Room.

COST Lecture Series. Some officers attended the Commission on Science and Technology Lec-ture Series on June 19, 2008, 10:00 a.m. at the Bar AQ, Aquinas University of Legazpi. The Com-mission on Science and Technology launched the Lecture Series. The first presentation entitled “The Community-Based Problem Approach in Teaching Physics” was made by Dr. Shiela Arroco of the College of Arts, Sciences and Education.

Mass of the Holy Spirit. The SSC and CSC of-ficers served as volunteer-collectors during the Mass of the Holy Spirit on June 25, 2008, AQ Dome, Aquinas University of Legazpi. The col-lection was intended for helping the victims of Typhoon Frank in Iloilo.

lAQwatsa with Ates and Kuyas. The SSC and CSC officers toured the Aquinas University High School freshmen around the AQ Campus on June 25, 2008.

lAQbay. The SSC in coordination with the Stu-dent Development Services spearheaded the University Orientation Seminar dubbed lAQbay: Ür School, Ür Home, Ür Journey (Orientation Seminar) on the mornings of June 26 and June 27, 2008 while the different College Councils spearheaded their College Orientations in the afternoon.

Anduyog AQ: Iloilo. The SSC took part in the Anduyog AQ: Tabang sa Tugang intended for the victims of Typhoon Frank in Iloilo.

2nd General Assembly. The student leaders of AUL met on July 5, 2008 and discussed the following agenda: - Recognition of Student- Organizations (see page 4) - Feast of St. Dominic de Guzman - Buwan ng mga Wika - Election of the Legislative and Judiciary Board (see page 4)

Feast of St. Dominic Committee. The Feast of St. Dominic de Guzman Committee was con-vened by Fr. Norman Quilaquil, Director for Cre-ative Ministry.

Special Assembly. The Office of the Student Development Services convened the student leaders. The ff. were discussed: - Induction of Officers

- Student Organization Week - Acquaintance Party

Sports Council. The SSC and CSC presidents and advisers are members of the Sports coun-cil convened for the University Intramurals. The first meeting was held on July 17, 2008.

Induction of Officers. All AQ Student-lead-ers were formally sworn into office on August 1, 2008 at the AQ Chapel.

Intensity AQ. The Supreme Student Council in coordination with the different student orga-nizations of Aquinas University sponsored the Student Organization Week, August 4-7, 2008, Aquinas University, Rawis, Legazpi City. (seear-ticle, page 16)

AQuinian: Loud and Proud! Conceptualized by the Culture and Student Development Servic-es division, the Supreme Student Council spon-sored a Song Writing Contest and T-shirt design making contest; the final judging was held on August 6, 2008 at the Pacific Mall Entertainment Plaza. (see article, page 16 and 18)

AE CYU Republic. The Annual AQ Grand Ac-quaintance Party was held on August 7, 2008, 7:00 p.m. at the AQ Dome with the theme Fig-ments of Imagination. From ASBA EFANEA it was renamed to AE-CYU Republic: Acquiantance, Ex-citement, Camaraderie, Youthfulness and Ulti-mate Party. (see article, page 17)

AQ-HS Leadership Training Seminar. Su-preme Student Council President Gideon Villar Peña gave a talk during the Aquinas University High School Leadership Training Seminar with the theme ‘Growing up Through the Essentials of Leadership’, held on August 9, 2008, Aquinas University Downtown Campus, Legazpi City.

International Coastal Clean-up Day. Stu-dent-leaders and students of the Community Service Training Program joined the Internation-al Coastal Clean-up (ICC) Day on September 20, 2008 at the coastal area of the Albay Gulf.

The ICC is the world’s largest volunteer effort to clean-up the environment and is conducted every third Saturday of September of the year.

Continuing programs/projects:

Balintataw. The SSC Newsletter.

SSC, Et Al. Supreme Student Council Volunteer program. (see related article, page 7)

Notes:- Attendance in University Council meetings and follow up meet-ings were not included.- Reports are as of September 21, 2008.

AQuinian Young Leaders’ Summit (AQyles) ‘08

Et Al page 9

”

rgencyto do

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10

Easy as a Pie (π)Alden Grona, 3 BS ECE Pi or π is a mathematical constant which rep-resents the ratio of any circle’s circumference to its diameter in Euclidean geometry, which is the same as the ratio of a circle’s area to the square of its radius. It is approximately equal to 3.14159—well, so much for that! This article is not about the mathematical constant pi, but rather, about the PI department or the Polytechnic Institute of Aquinas University.

Ok, let me give you some insights about what it is being a PI student. From the name it-self, others have the first impression of it as a department that includes lots of difficult subjects like trigonometry, geometry, calcu-lus, statistics,—and guess what?—algebra. In other words, this department offers courses that include mathematics in their respective prospectus. Yes it’s true. From Engineering to Architecture and Fine Arts and to Computer Science, all have to take Mathematics as a fundamental asset in order to prepare for the major subjects. You have to pass all those subjects first before you can call yourself pro-fessionals.

Another great thing about being a PI student is the confidence of being open to oneself and to others; in expressing their emotions towards others to be understood and for oth-ers to know. It can always be challenging for them to make somebody recognize their feel-ings but they find it effortless making others laugh their hearts out. They are the kind of person who is not afraid to say the way they feel despite of what other people may think.

So, what about the PI department? Well, Polytechnic Institute department is a one of a kind department. They are known as fight-ers but humble, intelligent yet clever and lazy yet outgoing and responsible but easy going, serious people yet still find ways to joke with others. They may be pressured in their aca-demics, but they still have the time to party. From tambayan hours to biruan time and to inuman sessions, who can tell that these stu-dents come from other departments?

So now, who said that being a PI student is difficult? Oh, come on! Success comes with a price and there are no shortcuts. As one of the PI instructors has spoken, “Sa engineer-ing, iisa lang ang sagot—it’s either YES or NO. There are no but’s and no if’s!” And that’s what I am talking about easy as a pie!

SNEAK PEAKCollege News. College Views.

Kasi Ganito KamiJenalyn Valenzuela, AB-Broad 4Kapag estudyante ka ng College of Arts, Sci-ences and Education, dapat talented ka kasi kahit saan dapt pwede kang isabak. Matalino para sa bawat tanong na ibabato, ito’y ma-sasagot. Maabilidad para sa bawat pagsubok, panalo. Responsable kung saan kayang pan-indigan at pangatawanan ang mga sinabi.Friendly para maraming kaibigan (para may mauutangan, hehe) at higit sa lahat, dapat marunong tumawa anu mang pagsubok ang meron parang isang komedyante sa entablado ng mundo. Para sa pangmatagalang mga sa-mahan.

Seryoso sa una, may takot, may pagtataka, ngiti ng konti. Pero sa paglaon na panahon, magiging madali na lang kasi maraming aag-apay na mga kaibigan. May mga pagkakataong masaya at meron din namang mga pagkakata-ong nakakainis. Masaya ‘pag walang pasok at may early dismissal (hehe). Nakakainis naman pag pumasok ka (lalo na pag maaga ka) at wala naman ‘yung teacher. Nakakainis naman talaga di’ba?

Sabi nga, hindi lang natututo ang isang es-tudyante sa apat na sulok ng silid-aralan. Mas matututo pa nga sya sa mga reyalidad ng bu-hay.

Bilang isang estudyante ng CASE, ang mga turo n’yo nandito sa loob ng aking ulo. Ang mga pangaral n’yo diringgin ng mga tenga ko. Mga masasayang oras, nandito sa memorya ko. Natutunan ko ring magmahal at magling-kod ng walang limitasyon bilang isang estudy-ante- ang tunay na bayani ng lipunang Pili-pino.

The Business Administration Sopho-more Class in partnership with the Busi-ness Administration Student Council sponsored a business and leadership-skills training seminar on September 24, 2008 at the Daragang Magayon Hall, Aquinas University of Legazpi.

Smallest finger- You are an emotional person. You priori-tize romance/ love.

Ring finger- You prioritize your security.

Middle finger- You prioritize libido.

Index finger- You prioritize reason/ intellect. You are a studious type.

Thumb- You prioritize your needs- social, emotional, physical and mental.Interpretation from page 8.

The Next Big ThingHelen P. Garcia, 3BSN

For the past years, the world has been in-clined to watching reality shows in search for remarkable talents that would amaze its viewers. The American Idol, being the most popular Talent Show has produced bright stars that continuously top the music hit charts like Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Under-wood, Fantasia Barrino and David Cook. In fact, many countries had already adapted the same concept which includes the Philippines. The Philippine Dream Academy or PDA, for example, has opened doors for many talent-ed Filipinos who wish to make their dreams come true with all the glitz and glamour the entertainment industry has to offer. Today, the quest continues with a new twist! Online talent searches are now beginning to invade the music industry. The likes of italenstar and Ichooztv are a genre preferred by the young-er generations. As such, stardom is just an audition thru video away.

Online talent searches may seem complicated nonetheless. But it is actually easy and acces-sible with the internet. Contestants can send their entries to the producers where respect-able judges choose the finalist through the videos submitted by the competitors. The talent search has worldwide voting through text and calls, wherein the world chooses the next big star!

Unknown to many, an Aquinian has tried her luck in this competition. Ms. Elena Au-rea Amano from the College of Nursing and Health Sciences qualified for the talent search under the POP category. She is using Patty Amano as her screen name. An ami-able and cheerful young lady with a powerful voice, she has been singing since she was a young girl. Joining contests, singing in fam-ily gatherings and school activities was her way of sharing her talent. She joined ichooz.tv because she believes that even a simple girl like her can make it big. To date, the said competition is the biggest singing competi-tion she has ever joined.

Let’s help her make her dreams come true. Log in to www.ichooz.tv for more details.

Dreams turn into reality if we start to believe and realize that it is in living our dreams that we accomplish great things.

rgencyto do

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hat

Kristina De Guzman Azaña

The AQ Center for Campus Infrastructure and Development (CCID) has been conti-nously upgrading the University facilities for the benefit of its constituents. The follow-ing are the completed projects of the said office:

- Dormitory Renovation/ repainting- Coffee Shop/ BarAQ- St. Albert Bldg. Repainting (outside por-tion)- St. Thomas Bldg. Repainting (outside por-tion)- St. Thomas Bldg. covered walk- St. Thomas Bldg. covered walk painting- St. Dominic covered walk- St. Dominic Bldg. Renovation (ground floor)- St. Dominc Bldg. painting (outside portion including walkway)- St. Dominc Ceiling- 3rd floor- Cocofed Bldg. 1 and Bldg. 3 repainting- Cocofed Bldg. Underground wiring- Bookshelves of Library- Drainage Renovation (in front of AQ Cha-pel)- AQ House in Washington- St. Albert Bldg. Ext. (ceiling, windows, til-

Infra Updatesings)- Septic Tanks of St. Dominic Bldg.- Hostel (Cocofed Bldg. 1)- Guard house repair including gate and gate painting- Construction of St. Dominic overhang- Construction of St. Dominic Stage- New Purchasing Office/ bookstore- Signages and Directional- Drainage Renovation (Gate 1 and Gate 2)- Renovation of St. Albert Lobby- St. Pius Bldg. painting & electrical works- Road at the back of St. Dominic Bldg.- Footbridge (from convent going to ranch)- Rewiring of Gen Set Connection to Cocofed Bldgs.- Construction of Transformer platform and installation of transformer (beside Cocofed)- Renovation of Room 9 & 10 in Hostel (Sir-angan Office)- Repair of ceiling in front of Rector’s OfficeRenovation of AQ Dome control room- Repainting of stage (AQ Dome)- Patching of asphalt road

Other infrastructure projects are still on go-ing.

(source: AQ Center for Campus Infrastruc-ture and Development, July 22, 2008)

tions but as the days passed, I have started to enjoy the work and the commitment I have had to my fellow students. As a volunteer of the Center for Creative Ministry (CCM) and the Supreme Student Council, I am happy to share my experiences and knowledge to my fellow students.

Being in the organizations that I am affiliated with, I had joys and more importantly I had life lessons with me. I learned to deal with different individuals. I learned a lot of things that I can use in the future.

I will treasure my experiences because through these, I learned to manage things and to be an effective leader. I can say that as time goes on, I continue learning new things. In everything that we do, we strive to make it memorable to each and everyone.

To Father Norman, Ate Tin, Kuya Gidz and a lot more, my deepest gratitude. Thank you for molding me and my fellow volunteers to be good leaders.

To all my co-volunteers of CCM and SSC, I am grateful and happy for the exciting moments in the organization. To my fellow students, I say “my commitment to my organizations is not yet finished...I am in my continuous journey....

Continued from page 8.

Resonating gratitude

1. In case of an earthquake, “DUCK, COVER, HOLD” while

earthquake is going on.

In case of fire, evacuate the building immediately.

2. When the earthquake stops, wait for instructions

thenvacate building in QUIET and ORDERLY man-ner, following evacuation

signs.

3. Proceed to designated evacuation areas.

4. At the evacuation area, faculty members do a head

count and will report to their respective marshalls.

SNEAK PEAK

HowWh

y WhereWhatAquinas University of Legazpi

SUPREME STUDENT COUNCIL- Legislative BoardRawis, Legazpi City

Resolution No. 001 S.Y. 2008-2009

A RESOLUTION TEMPORARILY TRANSFERING THE FUNDS AND PUBLICATION RIGHTS FROM “THE PHOENIX” (CURRENT UNIVERSITY PUBLICATION) TO “TOMAS” (AB COMM PUBLICATION)

WHEREAS, The Phoenix experienced discrepancies and problems regarding its operation and use of funds, which if proven, is a violation of the Uni-versity Guideline as stated in the 2008-2009 student handbook Part 6 Sec. 3.A.3.;

WHEREAS, only one (1) publication was released on school year 2007-2008; WHEREAS, students paid the student publication fee but none was released on the second (2nd) semester of school year 2007-2008;

WHEREAS, the operations and funds for The Phoenix are currently withheld due to the ongoing investigation by the Office of the Moderator of Stu-dent Affairs; and

WHEREAS, students of Aquinas University of Legazpi have the right to information as guaranteed by the 1987 Philippine Constitution;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the AQ Student Council Legislative Board that the funds allocated for the publication of The Phoenix be temporarily allotted as operating funds for Tomas;

BE IT RESOLVED by the Aquinas University Supreme Student Council- Legislative Board that the operation of the university publication be tempo-rarily assumed by AB Communication’s Tomas to include:

1. Assignment of new editorial staff provided, he is not included in the investigation being conducted;2. Membership to Tomas will be opened to all bona fide students of Aquinas University;3. Use of equipment / office previously occupied by The Phoenix;4. Disbursement of funds and proper auditing thereof;5. Distribution / circulation of the publication; and

BE IT RESOLVED by the Aquinas University Supreme Student Council- Legislative Board that Tomas be recognized as the Official University Publi-cation until issues regarding The Phoenix are resolved;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED AS IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED that the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the SSC Legislative board certify, and the President of the SSC Executive Board and the Secretary of the SSC Legislative Board attest to, the adoption hereof; and that copies of the same be thereafter transmitted to the Office of the Moderator of Student Affairs and other units of the University.

We hereby certify the correctness of the foregoing resolution duly passed and concurred.

Attested:

(SGD.) CHARLOTTE ARIVE (SGD.) GIDEON PEÑA Secretary, SSC-LB President, SSC-EB

DULY ADOPTED BY AQUINAS UNIVERSITY OF LEGAZPI, SUPREME STUDENT COUNCIL- LEGISLATIVE BOARD ON THE 23RD DAY OF JULY 2008.

Concurred:

(SGD.) GINA LYN BELLEZA (SGD.) GERALD PETER A. BISAVice-Chairman, SSC-LB Chairman, SSC-LB

Verified reports have reached the Office of the Moderator of Student Affairs that there are students seen drinking while wearing their school uniform in some beerhouses/ resto bars cre-ating negative impression about AQ. The Student Handbook on Section 2- General Provisions, paragraph 3 states that “In the exercise of their rights and in the performance of their obliga-tions, all Aquinian students are expected to act in accordance with the principles, traditions and ideals that are authentically Filipino and Catholic, whether they are inside or outside the campus. They should show respect for authority and the rights of their fellowmen, endeavor to protect the good name of the University and they must abide by the rules of conduct and discipline formulated by the University.”

In this regard, any student caught drinking in public places wearing his/ her uniform shall be subjected to disciplinary action.12

W

HowWhere

WhatWith over a hundred million votes, the New 7 Wonders of the world were finally unveiled last July 7 of the previous year. This year, the New 7 Wonders Foundation, a non-profit organization, launched its second campaign, the New 7 Wonders of Nature following the success of their first campaign, which took democracy to the global arena. The founda-tion aims to bring in more votes as they start their new campaign.

New 7 Wonders Founder and President Ber-nard Weber notes, “We are finding the New 7 Wonders of Nature campaign to be excit-ingly different from the first one. So many breathtakingly beautiful, natural places are still quite unknown to many. From waterfalls, rainforests to mountain peaks, freshwater lakes to salt flats, we are discovering to-gether the incredible beauty and variety of

Mayon Volcano for New 7 Wonders of NatureAlvin Homer B. Sapinoso

our planet.” (from www.n7w.com)

In its first months, there were already more than a hundred nominees submitted from all over the world. From these nominees, the Philip-pines send in four (4) nominees – the Pala-wan River Subterra-nean Natural Park, the Chocolate Hills of Bo-hol, the Tubbataha Reef and Mayon Volcano of Albay.

The beauty of the Phil-ippine islands has been drawing in tourists from all over the planet. Aside from its wonderful sights and warm people, the nation’s assets lie in its natural wonders. The country has been blessed with almost nothing but beau-tiful sights, and these things are not for the Filipinos alone, but for the whole world to see and to appreciate.

The splendor of our own Mayon Volcano again made news. After being away from public interest in the past years, Mayon is now again making its way to world recogni-tion. Mayon Volcano is an active volcano; 15 km northwest of Legazpi City. It is classified by volcanologists as a stratovolcano (com-posite volcano). It is the most active volcano in the country, having erupted over 47 times in the past 400 years. Its perfect cone be-came a landmark in the province of Albay. It brought benefits to the province and to the region as well. The nomination of Mayon in the New 7 Wonders of Nature proves that Mayon is one of the world’s best and truly a wonder of nature, a proof that our coun-

try is one of the best in terms of ecological diversity.

Let’s support our own. Let’s be proud as Bi-colanos. Let’s make Mayon Volcano a certi-fied Wonder of Nature.

Visit www.n7w.com and vote for Mayon.

PERFECT CONE SHAPE VOLCANO. Mayon Volcano is an official nominee to the new 7 wonders of nature.

It has been very unfortunate that political killings continue unabatedly. Many civilians have been victimized by extra judicial kill-ings. Most of them are members of progres-sive organizations advocating social justice and empowerment for the people.

One of these unsolved crimes was the mur-der of Rei Mon M. Guran who was shot dead by unidentified assailant on July 31, 2006 in his hometown in Bulan, Sorsogon while on board a bus going to Albay. He just turned 21 a day before the incident.

Fondly called “Ambo” by his classmates, friends and fellow students, Rei Mon im-mersed himself to varied issues concerning the poor and the disadvantaged. As a pro-vincial coordinator of the League of Filipino Students in Albay, and a student taking Polit-ical Science in Aquinas University, he joined hands with the studentry in pushing for a moratorium in tuition fees and other demo-cratic rights in campuses. Fully aware of his potential to be of help to others, he put his Christian faith into action, as a youth leader of United Church of Christ in the Philippines’ Christian Youth Fellowship and as a member of the Anduyog Youth Volunteers Movement. He spearheaded the mobilization of students on opposition to the reopening of Lafayette Mining Corporation. He was always present in dialogues, pickets and mass rallies con-demning the destructive and greedy opera-tion of Transnational Mining that would put in peril the lives and health of Rapurapu residents and nearby provinces.

We mourn with indignation the murder of a loving friend, kuya, son and a good servant of the people and of God.

As lives of social activists are reduced into mere statistics of killed persons day by day, and with a government and a military that tag political dissenters as enemies of the state, they are made as legitimate targets for liquidation. We must not falter in searching for justice and defending human rights...

In MemoriamExcerpt from the letter of Justice for Ambo Movement dated August 2006

Active Quorum in coordination with the Student Council of the College of Arts, Sciences and Education, spear-headed a commemoration on the death of Rei Mon Guran on July 30, 2008, 4:30 p.m. at the AQ Chapel, Aquinas University of Legazpi.

The Palawan River Subterranean Natural Park, the Chocolate Hills of Bohol and the Tubbataha Reef

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MaeMata*

The light wasn’t even officially green at the intersection before an army of overconfident yellow cabs roared past the tiny deathtrap I was attempting to navigate around the city streets. Clutch, gas, shift, release clutch, I repeated over and over in my head, the mantra offering little comfort and even less direction amid the screeching midday traf-fic. Was I supposed to shift gears from neu-tral to first or from first to second? The little car bucked wildly twice before it lurched forward through the intersection. My heart flip-flopped. Without warning, the lurching evened out and I began to pick up lots of speed. I glanced down to confirm visually that I was only in second gear, but the rear end of a Marciellago loomed so large in the windshield that I could do nothing but jam my foot on the brake pedal so hard that my heel snapped off. Sh*t! Another pair of seven-hundred-dollar shoes sacrificed to my complete and utter lack of grace under pressure. It was almost a relief when the car stalled. I’d obviously forgotten to press the clutch when attempting to brake for my life. I had a few seconds, which would be peace-ful seconds if and only if one could overlook the angry honking and varied forms of the word “f*ck” being hurled at me from all di-rections, to pull off my pumps and toss them to the passenger’s seat.

Attempting to drive this stick-shift convert-ible through the obstacle-fraught streets of the city at rush hour pretty much demanded that I smoke a cigarette. Good thing Figaro was just three blocks away. I decided to pull over and bombard myself with as much caf-feine as I wanted. Right after I got out of my car, I recognized a familiar black Marciellago parked infront of the café. It was the same Marciellago I nearly crashed into moments ago. I guessed the owner must also be hav-ing a little coffee break himself. I entered the coffe shop and the cold floor sent me shivers through my spine. I almost forgot I was on my bare feet. As I ordered my usual drink, a bearded guy stood beside me. He wore that certain wife-beater look you see in movies. Wait a second, it’s him. He owned that Marciel-lago. Something told me that if he recognizes me, I was in for a coffee par-ty. Hurrah?

“What do you think that was, f*cking driving school?” As if the very essence of life itself didn’t s*ck enough at that particular mo-ment, the guy recognized me.

“I think an apology is mandatory. I’m sorry.” I said stiffly.

He looked at me from head to toe, seemingly criticizing every inch of my being. I grabbed my cup of coffee and calmed myself in one of the café’s sofas. I was in the deepest of my thoughts, thinking about how luck was never my friend when the Marciellago-owner-guy took his seat on the same couch I was seated. What does he want now?

“Are those the newest pair of stilettos? They seem invisible. Wow.” He said sarcastically.

“My I broke my pumps’ heel in attempt to save myself from giving your car a bump, thank you,” I answered.

“Pumps?”

“They’re shoes.” The poor guy didn’t even know what a pump is.

He apologized for not knowing the very con-crete definition of the word “pumps” and in defense, said that his job doesn’t necessarily require him to know these chic words. Well my job does, I told him.

“I’m in the fashion industry. Suede Gucci and Armani are my call of duty. Frances Mae Mata, fashion editor.” After our cars have been nearly engaged in a collision, I thought it would be proper to be polite. “How about you?”

Upon hearing my name, he chuckled and in-stead of answering, he pointed to a billboard outside which showcased a car dealership ad. So he sells cars. He sells luxury cars, to be precise. Still, I don’t remember saying any-thing funny.

Before he could say anything else, I excused myself to make a call. I was supposed to call a batchmate, Darrel Jake Ranin. Other friends from high school had already confirmed at-tendance to the reunion to be held that night except for him. It was helpful that this ran-dom guy I met today also had an incoming call to not make me look rude.

“Hello?” He answered his call. Was it me or was I really on the line with the same guy seated in front of me? I ended the call and seconds after, I was in a laugh fest. This guy, who I nearly victimized in that traffic jam, was the same guy I’ve been trying to contact.

Who would’ve thought I’d run into him this way? We talked about how life was the past years and it turned out he got what he always wanted. He now owns a car dealership and is married to a socialite. He is now a father of two, both enrolled in an exclusive Montes-sori. He was also able to design the latest “it” cyber game, which had him a spot on the People’s Magazine. It was overwhelming that what seemed to be just dreams then were already real now.

It’s not everyday you run into a person from the past and learn about how good life has been.

Because I was once again talking incisively, not to mention laughing hilariously, I acciden-tally dropped my phone. When I bent down to reach for it, there was this unbearably au-dible loud ringing that was starting to get to my nerves. When I turned to look, I saw the digits 9:05 in bright red bold flashes. It was my alarm clock. I was late and all I could remember is the lousy dream I had.

*The writer is a third year BS-Nursing student.

A blog (a contraction of the term “Web log”) is a Web site, usually maintained by an individual, with regular entries of com-mentary, descriptions of events, or other

material such as graphics or video. Entries are commonly displayed in reverse-chrono-logical order. “Blog” can also be used as a

verb, meaning to maintain or add content to a blog.

How To Be A Better Listener

1. Know the difference between hearing and listening. To hear means “to perceive by the ear.” To listen means “to pay attention.” There’s a big difference.

2. Get into the ACT of listening. Employ body language. Look at the person who is speak-ing. Make and keep eye contact. Position your body in a way that shows you are open and receptive to what the person is saying.

3. Adopt the 2/1 rule: Listen twice as much as you talk. Why do you think we have two ears and one mouth.

180 Ways to Walk the Leadership Talk: The How-To Handbook for Leaders at All Levels by John Baldoni.

onlineyour

Express Fantasy…ReverieRheikkan

Dark night overshadowingWith the silence simply overwhelmingBrilliant stars adorning the skySilently singing their own lullaby

Wings of slumber seem to be at bayAs I wile the idle hours awayPen in hand, parchment fillingHere I sit, half-awake and half-dreaming

Reminisce, that’s what I’m busy withI pause for a moment then slowly breatheDrowning myself in this miseryWhich seems to make my life so weary

Candlelight burning vigorously…burning brightAs I continue to think and continue to writeConstantly drawing in some inspirationFrom the very core of my imagination

Ahhh, yes, tonight seems so tranquilAnd time seems to be on a standstillFor this heart that had been battered through timeMy emotions reflecting through every rhyme

How I wish to have a brief glimpse of heavenJust this once…where the sky will glistenGuess I’m caught up in my dreams once moreEntrapped in my fantasies….forevermore

Rhea Mae E. Marapao

See me here as I lieDrenched in a pool of my own sorrowSee me here as I bleedDripping red in a puddle of my own blood

That is what you merely see from me – physi-callyBut you fail to look at what lies withinSee me here as I sit, huddledTangled in my own web of doings

You see me as a pathetic human beingYou see me as someone incapableBut, please, you are not giving me the chanceTo show my true self to thee

Behind this tattered soul is a girl with a dreamBehind this frowning mask that I wear is a smileThat I wish to showBehind this entangled individual lies a personWho wishes to learn

You…yes, you who had always looked down at meYou do not know meThat’s what I have to sayYou refuse to look beyond this façadeBeyond these trappings that I “exhibit”

I am not and I never will be perfectI’m sorry if I cannot conform to what you expectYou don’t know how hard this life is for meI’m struggling hard and hurting myself in the pro-cessFor trying to please you seems so hard to do…

*The writer is a third year BS-Nursing student.

You Do Not Know Me

blogged...blogged...blogged...blogged...

Tsinki Nieva*

Beginning today, I will no longer worry about yesterday. It is part of the past and the past will never change. Only I can change by choosing to do so.

Beginning today I will no longer worry about tomorrow. Tomorrow will always be there, waiting for me to make the most of it. But I cannot make the most of tomorrow without first making the most of today.

Beginning today I will take a moment to step off the beaten path and to revel in the mys-teries I encounter. I will face challenges with courage and determination. I will overcome what barriers there may be which hinder my quest for growth and self-improvement.

Beginning today I will take life one day at a time, one step at a time. Discouragement will not be allowed to taint my positive self-image, my desire to succeed or my capac-ity to love. I will think postively, because for me, that’s all it takes.

Thematically Speaking

- Lady Anonymous -

Yet another day is close to end and here I am, al-leviating myself from this mulish boredom…won-dering what to do, and most especially formulat-ing what would be the best thing/way to express myself in a silent manner.

Then, all of a sudden, a spark of inspiration sud-denly ignites this once quiescent brain of mine, awakening it from its deep slumber and thus sends out the tonnes of info it had long stored within its core.

****************************“Each and every one of us are like huge hollow containers filled with whatsoever material which play the role of portraying/radiating WHO or WHAT we are, what we feel, what we think of and what we desire. Since every single one of us are born into this world endowed with the gift of uniqueness and individuality, these containers are not shaped uniformly, not like those which we see in the cargo department or shipping service. It can be in the form of whatever shape which best symbolizes one’s ENTIRE self.”

The Beginning

And in connection with the aforementioned passage, if I were to be asked what container shape would I be, I would state that I’d choose the HEART-SHAPED item — specifically a BRO-KEN HEART-SHAPED one. Why…? Hear me out, then:

For a long time, I’ve merely relied on what my HEART desired me to do. Instead of waiting for LOVE to come and find me, I chose the opposite — searching for IT. I paid no attention to what would be the consequence of my actions. Thus, I’ve been hurt several times. Despite of that, I continually tried and tried yet again, repeatedly breaking my heart in the process (in the imagi-nary sense, recurrently fracturing, wounding and injuring my heart-shaped container). When I fi-nally gave up on my quest, there I was, transfixed as I gazed into the reflection of what that pursuit transformed me into: a tattered, bleeding, broken heart-shaped case. The effect was so severe. When LOVE finally came around the corner, it found ME, a cold and unfeeling soul.

Up to this very day, my container still remains beat-up and damaged but, compared to that once severe mutilation, the lesions have been reduced to mere scars and are now dressed with bandages. I’ve been partially healed. That once

unfeeling and heartless being has gradu-ally regained her sensations and

inner-self. But, nevertheless, I still have a long way

to go…

Beginning today I will walk with renewed faith in human kindness. Regardless of what has gone before, I believe there is hope for a brighter and better future.

Beginning today I will open my mind and my heart. I will welcome new experiences. I will meet new people, maybe not so soon. I will not expect perfection from myself nor from anyone else: perfection does not exist in an imperfect world. But I will applaud the at-tempt to overcome human foibles.

I admire the beauty of nature, listen to my favorite music, take a shower, have a time of my life just relaxing while eating and watch-ing my favorite shows on T.V... pleasure can be found in the most simple gestures.

Beginning today I will learn something new; I will try something different. (If and only if my daddy approves); I will savor all the various flavors life has to offer. I will strive to become the best I can possibly be. Beginning today. And every day.

*The writer is a second year BS-Psychology student.

15

IntensiOrgani

StudentW

eek

16

The volunteers of the Supreme Student Council had a pedalled tricycyle during the Student Organization Week.

Dr. Walter Randolph Jalgalado, Director for Student Development Services, formally opened the Student Organization Week with the Ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Students stop in awe to the Sama-samang Tinig ng mga Aktor na Gumagalaw sa En-tablado (STAGE) ‘moving’ booth.

Student Organization Week HeldThe Culture and Student Development Servic-es division and the Supreme Student Council sponsored the Student Organization week, in line with the Celebration of the Feast of St. Dominic de Guzman on August 4-7, 2008 at the Aquinas University Rawis Campus.

The Student Organization Week dubbed In-tensity AQ was formally opened in the after-noon of August 4, 2008 at the AQ Skywalk. It was participated in by the different College-Based and University-Based Organizations.

The Student Organization Week served as a venue for the different organizations to ex-hibit their exploits and talents so as to recruit students to be part of their organization.

Awards were given to organizations that had outstanding booths. The 1st prize was award-ed to the Polytechnic Institute Industrial En-gineering Organization, the second prize was awarded to the AQ Phoenix Mountaineers’ Or-ganization while the third prize was awarded to the Sama-Samang Tinig ng mga Aktor na Gumagalaw sa Entablado (STAGE).

Different activities and programs were slated throughout the student organization week. (see articles on Loud and Proud Contests and Acquaintance Party).

Loud and Proud ContestsThe Supreme Student Council, in close part-nership with the Welness, Sports and Fitness Center and the Office of the Vice-Rector for Culture, spearheaded a song writing con-test and t-shirt design writing contest called AQuinian Loud and Proud.

The contest was open to all bona fide stu-dents (high school, undergaduate and gradu-ate) and alumni of Aquinas University of Le-gazpi.

The title also served as the theme whereas all entries should revolve around it although it was not required to be placed (e.g. Aquinian, Loud and Proud, may or may not be in the lyrics for the song writing contest.

The final presentation and judging was held on August 6, 2008, 3:00 p.m. at the Pacific Mall Entertainment Plaza, Pacific Mall Legazpi, Legazpi City.

Shiela Banta a student from the College of Arts, Sciences and Education won in the Song Writing Contest while Geoffrey Paul Estevez from the Polytechnic Institute won in the T-shirt design making Contest. Each of them won Five Thousand Pesos. While the 1st run-ner-up and the second runner-up for each contest won Three Thousand Pesos and Two Thousand Pesos respectively. (see page 18 for the lyrics and designs of some of the final-ists)

Moving Scare-crow of STAGE.

A ‘ritual’ was performed during the Opening Program of the Student Organization Week.

I cannot study on dead skins when these people are dying of hunger.

St. Dominic De Guzman

“

”

IntensiOrgani

StudentWhen drawings talkQuotes from the Cartoons

‘The secret ingredient to the secret soup is nothing. You just have to believe that it’s special.’ -Po’s Father- (Kung Fu Panda)

‘Only true friends can be cruelly honest.’ -Donkey (Shrek)

‘Huwag ka ng mag-isip at bigyan ng dahilan ang isip mo para isipin s’ya. Masaya ang buhay kaya mabuhay ka ng masaya.’ -Doraemon

‘Para kay mommy at daddy, gagawin ko ang lahat ng aking makakaya.’ -Nobita

‘Ang tunay na kayamanan ay pagkakaibigan.’-Mojacko

‘Kung mag-aaral ka lang ng mabuti, matutupad mo lahat ng pangarap mo’ -Doraemon

‘Hindi masusolusyanan ang isang pagkakamali ng isa pang pagkakamali.’ -Meowth

‘Ang Buhay ay isang mahabang Paglalakbay.’ -Tom Sawyer

‘Paminsan-minsan, kelangan din natin matikman ang pagkatalo’ -Judy Abott 17

The Supreme Student Council in cooper-ation with the different College Student Councils and University-based and Col-lege Based organizations, spearheaded the annual University Acquaintance Party dubbed this year AE CYU Republic with the theme Figments of Imagina-tion, on August 7, 2008, 7:00 p.m. at the AQ Dome.

AE CYU Republic: Acquaintance, Excite-ment, Camaraderie, Youthfulness and Ultimate Party is part of the week-long celebration of the Feast of St. Dominic de Guzman, founder of the Order of Preachers- the congregation that runs Aquinas University of Legazpi. It was also the culminating activity of the stu-dent organization week.

The Acquaintance party was broadcast live by PBN- 97.1 Of km. The program started with the invocation and the Phil-ippine National Anthem sang by Shiela Banta, AQ Loud and Proud Song Writ-ing Contest Winner. It was followed by a grooving performance of the AUL Dance Troupe and a skit that portrays Aquin-ian Life by the Sama-samang Tinig ng

SSC spearheads Acquaintance Party The Organizers of AE CYU Republic with

Fr. Mon, Doc Walter and the DJs of Ok fm. Fr. Robie with Aquinian students on the dance floor.

mga Aktor na Gumagalaw sa Entablado (STAGE).

A surprise dance number was performed by a Jolibbee mascot which made the College students remember their child-hood days.

The Acquaintance Party was aimed to empower the different organizations. The superb backdrop was done by the Advertising Students (ADS) Organization of the Polytechnic Institute. The students from the College of Business Administra-tion-Based Organizations sold food and drinks while the College of Arts, Sciences and Education documented the event.

The Alpha Phi Omega (APO) Fraternity and the Tau Gamma Phi Fraternity served as marshllas for the night with the assis-tance of the security guards, under the supervision of Safety and Security Offi-cer, Mr. Jesus. Barizo.

The Acquiantance Party was a success as students look forward for the next AE-CYU Republic.

Stage Backdrop made by the ADS Organization.

Aquinians danced with Jollibee mascot.

Students in costume.

Photo courtesy of Ok fm.

AQand

lou

dAquiniandream

From my heart I am proud to singAquinas University, my future in you I fore-see.

Aquinian Loud and ProudMac Oriel B. MoranteBS Nursing

Nag-simula sa eskwelaTayo’y nagkaisaPuso mong dalisayHalina’t ialay

Refrain:Di ka naman mag-iisaPagkat tayo’y mag-kasama

Chorus:Lakas ng AquinianLoud and ProudHalina sa Pagsubokkasabay ang panahonmaging tulay sa pag-asaisaisip ang madlaLakas na sayo’y nakalaonPag-ibig sa bayan

Isang umagang kay gandaDilubyo’y nagbabadyaSabay tayong aahonDala ang pag-asa

Sikap na Aquinian kaya natin yan…

OdysseyPrince Jasper SantoyoBS Computer Science

EverydayWe find a way How to reach the sky

Ask me whyI could fly

There are things

18

A Letter from an AquinianShiela C. BantaAB Communications

I was once a child, young but without ambi-tionsGoing to school without enough reasonsLiving a simple life, living it my own wayNot worrying the world’ sufferingNot minding with what is happeningBut that was long ago, I have grown up

*Cause here I am, in front of youwanting to be enlightened, needing to be nurturedI have now my aim that I have to fulfillin this confusing world that is realAquinas University, my future in you I fore-see

I am God’s disciple and in my heart I have His wordI am a learner, a dreamerwith this hopeful song in my soulwith a voice that speaks from the wholeAnd with a faith that will never let me fall

*So here I am in front of youWanting to be enlightened, needing to be nurturedI have here the goal I want to achievewith strength an courage in which I believeAquinas University, my future in you I fore-see

Bridge:once I was weak, but was pushed to reach the peakNow I’m near the edge saying it out loudSaying it out proud

*Here I am in front of youStanding strong from this world full

of competitionI have my aim, my

goal, my

you needTo Know

There’s the choiceA chance I will take

We are oneWe are Aquinian

This is the life I’ll takeWhatever it will make

I will stay right here

And all the things weNeed to know

Is just what we are forAnd all the things that we learned

Will go on ForeverWe are the stars that

Fills the skyIn the night we will provide them light

And steal the darknessin their heartsWe are the one who soar beyondTomorrow’s bright we’ll be fine

It’s you that’s writtenIn my life

I Am AquinianSalvadore C. BasalloteBS- Nursing

A life of truth and of loveOut of gratitude (2x)

Chorus:Soar HighSoar beyondBe Aquinian (2x)

I prayed and praised the to the LordI serve and care to everyoneFor the rest of my lifeFor the rest of my soul

I’m Aquinian Forever

I stand firm to be AquinianI sing it Loud and ProudFor the rest of my lifeFor the rest of my soul I’m an Aquinian Forever

Finalists to the Loud and Proud T-Shirt Design Contest and Song Writing Contest

Students voted for their favorite t-shirt de-sign during the Loud and Proud Contests.

Finalists to the Song Writing Contest per-formed their piece at the Pacific Mall Enter-tainment Plaza.

AQP

rou

dandAquinian

We would like to thank Pacific Mall Legazpi for being a major sponsor of the Aquinian Loud and Proud T-shirt Design Contest and Song Writing Contest held on August 6, 2008 at the Pacific Mall

Entertainment Plaza, Pacific Mall, Legazpi City.

Polytechnic Institute student Geoffrey Paul Estevez’ T-shirt design won first Prize for the Loud and Proud T-shirt design Contest.

2nd prize winner.

3rd prize winner and Student’s Choice award ee.

DayYouth

World

20

My WYD ExperienceHelen P. Garcia

“Pack your things Helen, we are going to Australia……” I was speechless for a mo-ment, absolutely overwhelmed and unable to react out of disbelief when I got the text message from Fr. Jeff Aytona, O.P.! I could not talk for a moment. An unexplainable feeling of overflowing joy just filled me. It took me an hour to absorb everything and finally believe the good news. I don’t intend to exaggerate but I felt like winning the 100 million lotto jackpot (without the money. .of course) or perhaps, having to deliver a baby on your first actual delivery case (nursing students would understand..whew!). It was just a joyful moment!

The news just thrilled me to the bones I wasn’t able to sleep that night. After nearly 4 months of patiently waiting, numerous documents and requirements to prepare for screening, preparatory sessions to at-tend to, personal and academic sacrifices to make, and quite a dose of stress from all the pressure... Finally, I’m going to one of the world’s most beautiful city. It was indeed a dream come true! It was a gift from above. Perhaps, a challenge to deepen my faith and an adventure that would teach me lessons I would never learn in a lifetime….

Joining the gathering wasn’t that easy, I even had doubts of leaving since I will have to make big sacrifices especially since I’m a graduating student. Going there would mean more make-up duties during the semestral and Christmas breaks, not to mention the quizzes and classroom activities I will be missing where catching up would be just painstaking. I thought of it for days, weighing things so as to arrive at a good decision. I didn’t even make an excuse letter 3 days before the date of departure because of hesitations(call it wedding jitters!..haha). I was at the bus going to school w h e n

thoughts came rushing to me. Then I start-ed asking myself, will I let all the efforts I made slip just like that? How about those who believed and helped me? Can I sleep at night thinking I would have seen something beyond my scope if I decided to make the sacrifice? I just can’t… Sometimes, making a great deal of sacrifice is necessary if we wish to go beyond what our eyes can see. Giving up something good is indispensable if we yearn to learn and discover more. Setting aside drawbacks would keep us focused on the brighter side of things. Doubts make you think but letting negative thoughts over-power you will instantly put the toils into waste. So on July 12,2008 my WYD journey begun….

Dada and I made our way to Manila that night, we arrived at around 5 a.m. and stayed at a hotel to take rest for my flight later that evening. There were mixed emotions as I wait for the clock to strike 3 p.m., the time set for all the delegates to meet at the air-port. I was bit scared since It’s my first trip to go out of the country, and this time with people I hardly know. I arrived there ahead of everybody in my group(call me excited!), so I watched people walk in and out, as I glanced in my watch. Fr. Jeff came after 20 minutes, he is the National Youth Coordina-tor for the Dominican Network (DOMNET) and our legal guardian for the duration of the trip. Then came Roger, he is an Educa-tion student at the University of Santo To-mas who is a seminarian under the Domini-can order. After a short while, Fr. Jun came and greeted each of us with his warm smile. He is a diocesan priest who will be with us and is also our guardian. He was followed by Apid, the President of Aquinas University- Science High School Student Council who is also joining the big event. Then, we met the other delegates from Episcopal Commission on Youth (ECY-Philippines) whom we will be joining during the event. It was composed

of priests, parish youth coordinators, nuns and students like

me from all over the country. After a short while of orienting us and our parents, our group decided to check-in earlier for some

changes that might arise, just to make sure we’ll

have a safe and h a s s l e - f r e e

flight. We will be travel-

ling from Philip-pines to Hong Kong and Hong Kong to Sydney. At last, I kissed Dada farewell and promised to be a good girl while I’m away just like the way I have always been (hmmmm…) We all left Manila with a happy and hopeful heart.

It was a long trip going there and sitting at the plane just made each

of us more excited!

We arrived in Australia at around 5 a.m. in the morning. We we’re jumpy and uneasy, couldn’t wait to go out of the airport to see the avant-garde panorama the city is known for. We waited there for about an hour since someone will pick us up in the airport going to our assigned accommodation. The airport was filled with different nationalities. Each of them having a flag, singing their songs or making friends with the others. Several slept on the floor, some played and while the rest took the chance of mingling and meeting new friends. It was a humbling sight to see that different races with diverse cultures unite for one reason, to celebrate their faith!

We stayed at Mary Immaculate School near Bossley Park together with delegates from Melbourne, Iraq and U.S.A.. We were warmly welcomed by the hosts and they attended to our needs with all their efforts. Australians are much alike with the Filipinos. Their warmth and kindness are genuinely expressed, re-sponding to the needs of their guests with sincere concerns. Although we weren’t able to be given a room assignment at once, being there just made me feel I’m not that far from home. Many Filipinos who are now living in Sydney went there to bring food, blankets, winter clothing and even opened their homes to pilgrims. Truly. Filipinos has never lost the spirit of “bayanihan” after years of residing away from their native land. The traditions and fine values instilled by our distinct cul-ture is still evident and continuously inspire others.

Sydney is fascinating! It has a rich culture and strong Catholic history which makes it even more endearing. The city lies in the Pa-cific Ocean with a beautiful weather. The sun is up throughout the day. Nevertheless, the cold wind brought by their winter breeze just makes it amusing. It is a home for friendly and warm people who are deeply involved in bringing together The WORLD YOUTH DAY 2008 in their shores. This will be the first time that Pope Benedict XVI will be visiting the city.

Good day mate!... This greeting flooded their picturesque streets last July 15-20. 2008 as the pilgrims walked and explored the scenic metropolis. Many Catholics watched close-ly as the celebration took place in the city. About 300,000 pilgrims from 170 countries

Au

stra

DayYouth

WorldGood day Mate!gathered for the world youth day 2008 in the Great South Land Sydney, Australia.

The World Youth Day is the largest youth gathering in the world. It brings together young people to celebrate and learn more about their faith. Through the WYD08 ex-perience, young people from throughout the world will meet and make a pilgrimage of faith. It is a week-long series of events attended by the Pope and hundreds of thou-sands of young people from all over the globe. World Youth Day is an invitation from the Pope to the youth of the world to cel-ebrate their faith around a particular theme. The WYD08 theme, received from Pope Benedict XVI: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses.” (Acts 1:8). This pas-sage occurs after the death and resurrection of Jesus, just before his ascension to the Fa-ther. It represents the birth of the Church.

The official World Youth Day program con-tained a week-long program of events. The first day includes the Opening Mass cele-brated by Cardinal George Pell, Archbishop of Sydney and the Bishops of the world at Barangaroo (east Darling Harbour). I was stunned to see a multitude of young people with smiles on their faces, overflowing with enthusiasm for the opening ceremony. We laid our mats on the ground, enjoyed the nice view of the harbor as we waited for it to begin. The mass was solemn. Everybody listened as the cardinal welcomed all of us to a week-long journey of faith with the Holy Father. It was already dark when the mass finished, it was chilly but the display of the city lights from the harbor we’re just magnifi-cent you’ll forget it was cold. We went back to Mary Immaculate with our group, all shar-ing stories of many “firsts” during the day. We ate our dinner and prepared to rest since the following day will give us chance to see the pope.

The second day was the arrival and welcom-ing of Pope Benedict XVI to Sydney Harbour, followed by a Papal welcome at Barangaroo. Pope then travelled through the streets of Sydney via motorcade in the Pope Mobile. We were at St. Mary’s Cathedral for the Papal Arrival where all waited patiently to catch a glimpse of the Holy Father in his famous mo-bile. Luckily, we were able to find a good spot so we actually saw him as he waved gladly to

the pilgrims who waited for hours to see and welcome him. Seeing the Pope was a moving experience for me. The serenity of his face took away all the burden and transcended us to a peaceful state.

One of the highlights of WYD08, waas the live theatrical and devotional re-enactment of the last days of Jesus’ life which happened on the third day. The Stations of the Cross took place in Sydney’s spectacular harbour back-drop. The realistic performances of the ac-tors that nearly made the spectators cry. The fourth day includes the Evening Vigil with the Pope at Southern Cross Precinct (Randwick Racecourse & Centennial Park), it was a jubi-lant and moving event, including a ceremony of candlelight and a representation of the ten WYD08 patrons. The mass was celebrated by the Pope himself and was followed by a presentation by Australia’s most renowned singing groups, and performances of aborigi-nal and Torres Strait islanders. The official WYB08 theme song “Receive the Power” was also sang.

On the last day, July 20, 2008, Pope Benedict presided over this high point of celebration in the largest gathering of people in the history of Australia at Southern Cross Precinct. The Pope flew over the precinct in a helicopter at around 9 a.m. and then drove through the precinct in the Pope-mobile. The Pope moved the world when he asked his guards to stop the mobile and hand him a baby which was carried by his father. He kissed the child on his forehead with all his love and the pilgrims just admired the whole scene.

Visiting Sydney also gave us a chance to visit rich places like St. Mary’s Cathedral which is an old church that serves as a place for wor-ship for most of the people in the city, Dar-ling Harbor where you’ll see a breath-taking view of Sydney’s shores was also an unfor-

You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses.

Acts 1:8

gettable spot. The Sydney Harbor where we went cruising on a commercial liner and ex-perienced a spectacular scene of the Opera House, Sydney Harbor Bridge and luxurious waterfront homes, we were accompanied by kind Filipinos to Blue Mountains National Park where we experienced the amazing limestone formations with the temperature lower than that of the city. Visiting the Sydney Wildlife World was an extraordinary encounter be-cause we saw real Koalas and Kangaroos (hahaha). Manly Beach is also a beautiful spot to go swimming (wish we had time!) and relax for just 20 minutes away from the city by means of a ferry boat.

Being in the WYD08 was an enriching expe-rience both personally and spiritually. Meet-ing many young pilgrims and hearing their stories of conversion as they go through a journey of faith strengthened my commit-ment to the church and made me realize that the world is not asleep. That the young gen-eration’s vibrant perspectives, vigor, idealism and enthusiasm have once again awakened dormant spirits of many who are unable to find the true meaning of their existence. The WYD08 gave us a chance to celebrate faith while transcending borders.

Taking part in WYD08 has been a life-chang-ing experience. I have genuinely felt that I am part of a universal church that works for a peaceful and just nation, guided by the Holy Spirit. Sydney is undoubtedly a scenic city, but the WYD is more than just seeing a spectacular view. WYD is not a vacation or a time for sight-seeing. It’s a time to listen, to reflect, to know yourself, and to find serenity amidst the deafening pressures of our daily lives. I gained new friends, saw many places, learned several things but most importantly, I became a better person with a wider under-standing of the world around me...

“”

21

Hop

es DreamsAspirat

Sentime

CAMPUS SHOUTOUTSWe asked Aquinian students, alumni, faculty and staff about their sentiments. The answers reflect their concerns as

Aquinians but do not necessarily represent the official stand of the Supreme Student Council unless otherwise stated. Furthermore, the answers are opinions of the respondents which are not necessarily the opinion of the general

Aquinian populace -Ed.

Dapat guibuhon kan SSC asin iba pang mga organisasyon an trabaho ninda. Dae mag rason

na nag-aadal ta gabos man nag-aadal.

Monching, Alumnus

Kiosks should be made for the purpose of student recreation.

Christopher Yao, APO Fraternity

The University should establish firm standards of academic excellence through a fundamental curricular reform, i.e. teaching students ‘how

to learn best’ to cope with adversities.

The overloaded curriculum that turns out to be a real hodgepodge for students must be

addressed.

The University should find the right blend of education and recreation.

The students should be protected from some of the most pernicious of today’s threat to their

well-being: drug and alcohol use, premarital sexual activity, excessive television viewing/

surfing the net to name a few.

The University should have a stable set of aca-demic administrators who are given long-term mandate to be able to establish and complete

the work they started.

Abelardo Belleza, Faculty

I hope flip flops will be allowed in school.

Mae Mata, BS Nursing

Recall EO 1, SY 2007-2008

Increase Salary of Teachers.

Create an independent student fund separate from accounting office.

Make AB programs advocacy programs- do not squash them.

Make CAS a service college again.

Administration should focus on academics and not on culture.

‘Simon Crisostomo’, Faculty

Sana may shuttle service and College of Nurs-ing.

Sana kahit minsan man lang masuspend ang clinical duties kapag may University activi-

ties (i.e. Intrams)para makapagparticipate ng mabuti ang mga estudyante ng College.

FN, BS- Nursing

Sana more sheds and trees kasi ang init na sa AQ. Ang hirap pag naglalakad. Kung maram-

ing puno, hindi masyadong iinit ang lupa.

Sana meron ding canteen malapit sa gym. At sana may waiting shed malapit sa gate kasi

pag umuulan napupuno ang gate. Mahirap ng dumaan.

Make use of vacant lots. AQ is very spacious.

April Cate Lim, BS Computer Engineering

Sana cancel na ang mga klase pag intrams. It’s our right to enjoy. Ang ibang universities, halos wala ng pasok ng 1 linggo pag intrams/

university week.

Anonymous, BS Nursing

Can we have a smoking area in school? Perhaps in a coffee shop. Many students are

smokers. If there is a smoking area, the risk of accidents outside the campus may be lessened.

We should have more activities that are for sheer fun. We lack that. School Spirit can be

given depth thru those simple activities.

I hope that there will be better infrastructure and academic and sports facilities.

Nevertheless, I’m happy that the University does not settle for less; services are also afford-

able [as compared to other universities].

Merc, AB Philosophy

Sana ibalik sa dati yung set-up ng Univer-sity- yung may six undergraduate colleges pa. Ihiwalay ulit ang CAS sa Education, at ang Engineering at CAFA. Kakalungkot na namerge pa yung CAFA with Engineering

after magkaroon ng topnotcher... was it the price? Ang ibang school, pinapadami ang mga department. Progressive kumbaga. Ba’t parang

baliktad sa atin?

Anonymous, Polytechnic Institute

Buti naman at may improvements na sa mga security guards.

Zel, Business Administration

I hope that AQ becomes more liberal with its policies- its activities, programs, etc. Have pep squad during intramurals. Aquinians displayed

the craftmanship in that field during the last PNSA. It would be great if we give a venue for its development. Why not also have pageantry

back? Even the Vatican had their search for nuns.

Have an aggressive faculty hiring and develop-ment. Many professors are leaving for greener

pastures. Compare the salary of our employees with the other major schools in the region.

Have a good marketing strategy as well.

We are taught to think outside the box. Walk the talk please.

Juan hindi tamad, AB student

I want the canteen to serve more healthy foods.

I want the security (personnel) to allow slippers during rainy days.

Please have an action on the bad smell at the back of the Nursing office.

Japhet Ibarra, BS- Nursing

Sana may mga search din dito sa Aquinas.

Sana prepared tayo pag Intrams.

Nangangarap na titlist- Search for the Next Betty La fea

Sana padakulaon an badyet kan Rokyaw para bongga!

Sana may video editing class pirmi.

Nhej, AB- Broadcasting

Sana libre ang pagpagabot ki ngipon sa clinic.

Me, CASE student

Sana makilala ang Aquinas bilang isa sa mga pinakamagaling na Unibersidad sa Pilipinas at

maging sa mundo.

Cover girl, AB- Communication

Ang ganda na ng Aquinas! At ang babait na ng mga security guard!

Trish, Business Administration

Ba’t pag minsan mabagal ang wifi? Pero atleast bongga ang AQ, wifi campus.

Techno Addict, Polytechnic Institue

The best an Aquinas sa pagtabang sa ibang tawo...Pero sana tabangan man an sadiring mga

tawo. Sabi ngani baga, you cannot give what you don’t have. Tabangan ta an satuyang mga

professor para mas padabaon pa nindang lalo an Aquinas- sa paagi kaini, mas mahugot pa an sain-

dang pagtukdo.

Jonas, Student

22

DreamsAspirat

SentimeCall for ChangeFor the past three years, I had been a silent audience to Aquinas University of Legazpi College of Nursing and Health Sciences- its glories and downfalls. I have witnessed the kind of support that was given to the college- the student body and it’s faculty.

As a student we were given the freedom to do and to excel in most of our crafts both in academics and in co-curricular activities and yes, my fellow students we did great. To name some, we were the over – all cham-pion in the Intramurals, over- all champion in the PNSA—we have proven that together we can make it big.

Learning does not only happen in the four walls of our classroom. There are somethings better learned through friendship, respect for others, self-discovery, self- confidence, ca-maraderie and team work which were never taught to us inside the classroom—these are learned through experiences.

Today, it saddens my heart to see the student body as it “crawls” and is down on its knees. Some people do not know the meaning of balance; they are holding us our freedom in the craft that we do best. An overstatement I may say, but a reality observation—there are now some people holding us in bars; de-priving us of our academic freedom to par-ticipate in co-curricular activities. They think that focusing more on our lessons will bring much glory to the college. Let me ask you this question—DOES BAGGING OF AWARDS IN SPORTS, DO NOT BRING HONOR AND GLORY TO OUR COLLEGE? IS IT JUST A WASTE OF TIME WHEN SOME OF OUR FEL-LOW STUDENTS PRACTICE AND PARTICI-PATE IN OUR CO-CURRICULAR AND EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES?

There are authoritarian persons and our leaders as students have to follow even if

at times they are already violated. Aquinas University, I believe develops servant leaders not servants. But what I can see is that our elected leaders are becoming servants mov-ing against their will; weakened by the au-thoritatian policy of some.

So, I beg of you fellow students, let us unite once again and take that stand to make a change--- TOGETHER, LET US FIGHT FOR OUR ACADEMIC FREEDOM, FOLLOWING THE PRINCIPLE OF SERVICE- THE AQ CULTURE.

To our elected leaders, some fight should never be given up easily. We elected you with a confidence that when our rights are vio-lated you will be the one to take a stand. Do not lose the courage because we are 101% behind you. Learn to pick up your courage...we are here. FIGHT THIS BATTLE. FIGHT FOR YOUR RIGHT...OUR RIGHTS!

The article was e-mailed to the Supreme Student Council.

Add SSC on friendster: ssc_aul@yahoo.comYou may post your

Campus Shoutouts as comments there.

naman po dinggin nyo ang mga estudyante kasi tungkol po sa amin ang Paaralan. Diba ‘your life,

you choice?’

Rea, Polytechnic Institute

Sana pwedeng sumuot ng flip flops sa school tuwing wash day. Mas simple ito. Hindi naman

kasi lahat kayang bumili ng magaganda at mamahaling mga sapatos.

Student, Business Administration

Sana maglagay ng gate malapit sa nursing build-ing.

Sana hindi nagcoclose ang purchasing office kahit lunch break.

Diba nagbabayad tayo ng miscellaneous? Eh bakit pa tayo nagbabayad sa mga Test Paper?

Bakit may oras lang ang paggamit ng aircon sa mga rooms?

Sana marami pa mga lilim sa Aquinas, alsoc grass places, para hindi lang canteen-lobbies-

owen-42 ang tambayan ng mga students.

Improve nila ang student-faculty-admin rela-tions. Dapat alam sana ng bawat isa ang mga

hinaing ng bawat panig.

Phantom Phoenix, BS- Nursing

Sana consistent ang qualifications. Kung ang teacher ay dapat may master’s degree, dapat ang

dean may doctor’s degree---what more dapat yung mga nasa taas?

Laong Laan, Faculty

Hoy! Bungkaras Aquinians! Kumurahaw na! Nagkakaturog kamo sa banwaang nagtitios. Sa

mga pobreng tawong pigpapasakitan kan nagka-pira. Ano na so laban nindo sa Rapu-Rapu? Pag-una ko si Ambo sana so ginadan? Gabos Palan...

So pamasahe! So bagas! So gasolina! Kadakol pa! Aram mo daw an nangyayari? O aram mo man

talaga alagad wara kang piguigibo?

Antinos man

Sana may office man lamang ang PISC sa PI building para pwede ang mga organisasyon sa PI makagamit ki facilities. Maski PC w/ printer

lang...

Yman, Polytechnic Institute

Marami ang nabago sa University that I feel so sad about. Hindi na sya kagaya ng dati... Sana

I’m so proud to be an Aquinian.

Student, College of Arts, Sciences and Education

Sana good grooming lahat ng professors.

Student, Business Administration

The AQ Intramurals ‘08 was held on Sep-tember 15-17, 2008 with the theme “Beyond

Sports.

The four teams that competed were the College of Nursing and Health Sciences Vipers, Poly-technic Institute Pitbulls, Business Admin-istration and Graduate School Racoons and the College of Arts, Sciences and Education

Mantis.

Receive official AQ announcements, up-dates and schedule of

activities for FREE!

Register to GLOBECampus Connect!

Visit the website of Aquinas Universitywww.aq.edu.ph

Info tech

youdid?

24

It is possible to lead a cow upstairs but not downstairs.

No piece of square dry paper can be folded more than 7 times

in half.

There are more than 50,000 earthquakes throughout the

world every year.Know what to do in case of earthquake, see page 11 for the Aqui-nas University of Legazpi Emergency Response Team (ALERT)

instructions.

The Earth is about 4.5 billion years old.

All the coal, oil, gas, and wood on Earth would only keep the Sun burning for a few

days.

The Dead Sea has been sinking for the last several years.

Plastics can take up to 400 years to breakdown in a landfill.Students are encouraged to throw their garbage to the appropriate garbage bins as to its classi-fication: biodegradable and non-biodegradable. Garbage bins in the campus have been properly

labeled.

Hot water weighs more than cold.

The Earth is the most dense planet – five times denser than water, while Saturn is the least dense.

You use more calories eat-ing celery than there are in

the celery itself.

Only time can sober up a person.Any Aquinian student caught drinking in public places wearing his/ her uniform shall be subjected to disciplin-ary action. Please see page 12.

When a person has had too much to drink it is advis-able to keep them awake

and moving.

Alcohol is a depressant.

Alcohol poisoning occurs when you drink too much alcohol too fast, which can lead to coma or

even death.

Research has found alcohol consump-tion does not cause weight gain.

Drinking heavily without becoming intoxi-cated indicates the onset of dependency.

The body takes about ½ hour to feel the ef-

fects of alcohol.

Coffee is not success-ful at sobering up a

drunk person.

A “beer belly” is caused by eat-ing too much food not alcohol.

Walt Disney had a fear of mice.

The yo-yo was originally a weapon used in the Philip-

pine jungles.

The Nobel Peace Prize medal depicts three naked men with their hands on

each other’s shoulders.

Millions of trees in the world are accidentally planted by squirrels who bury nuts and then

forget where they hid them.

A snail can sleep for three years.

The flea can jump 350 times its body length.

The king of hearts is the only king without a

mustache.

Apples are more efficient at wak-ing you up in the morning than caf-feine.

TYPEWRITER is the longest word that can be made using the letters only on one row of the

keyboard.

An ostrich’s eye is bigger than its brain.

Los Angeles’s full name is “El Pueblo de Nuestra

Senora la Reinade los Angeles de Porciuncula”

know

youdid

FUN FACTS

? Sou

rce:

http

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.net

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A catfish has about 100,000

taste buds.

Approximately 70 percent of the Earth is covered with water. Only 1 percent of the water is drinkable.The Center for Campus Infrastructure and Development (CCID) has installed new water fountains in the Campus

which allow students to enjoy cold portable drinking water.

There is about one quarter-pound of salt in every gallon of

seawater.

46 percent of the world’s water is in the Pacific. The Atlantic has 23.9 percent, the

Indian 20.3 and the Arctic 3.7 percent.

Boiling water absorbs 6 times more energy in changing to steam than is needed to heat the water

from freezing to boiling.

The average person can live about a month without eating any food, but can only live about a week without water.

Water has a greater molecular den-sity in liquid form than as a solid.

This is why ice floats.

According to “The Farmers Alma-nac,” to test your love, you and your lover should each place an acorn in water. If they swim together, your love is true; if they drift apart, so

will you.

A small drip from a faucet can waste up to 50 gallons of water daily, which is enough

water to run a dishwasher twice.

Close to 50% of the water used in a home originates

from the bathroom.

Binge drinking can lead to perma-nent brain damage.

The six official languages of the United Nations

are: English, French, Arabic,

Chinese, Russian and Spanish.

The electric chair was

invented by a dentist.

The sentence: “The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog” uses every letter of the alphabet.

It’s impossible to sneeze with your eyes open.

A duck’s quack doesn’t echo.

“Dreamt” is the only Eng-lish word that ends in the

letters “mt”.

It is impossible to lick your

elbow.

25

HoldHands

Hold

Back to Back Covers

(From right)

Art of Holding On

Ms. Moza Donya Al Dumaini, SSC Auditor and a member of the Sama-samang Tinig ng Mga Aktor na Gumagalaw sa Entablado (STAGE) acts as a human mannequin during the Magayon Festival Schools Fair, April 9-11, 2008 at the Al-bay Astrodome.

Hold on...Hold HandsGideon Villar Peña

One must learn the art of holding on as one falls in love; for in loving, it is inevitable to get hurt. But what if it is not who that we love, but rather what? A country called Phil-ippines and a nation called Filipinos.

More than 25 years ago, there was a man who said that to die for our country and for its people means to die with meaning. ‘TheFilipinos are worth dying for’ was a sheer statement of Ninoy Aquino’s immense and profound love for the country.

Ninoy Aquino enjoyed American hospital-ity and a peaceful life with his family in the United States but he never stopped affirm-ing his eventual return. Fully aware of the deteriorating situation of Philippine politics, and of the dangers that awaited him, he per-severed to return as it was according to him, his natural right as a citizen to come back to his homeland, and that no government could prevent him from doing so. As written in his

arrival speech:

I could have opted to seek political asylum in America, but I feel it is my duty, as it is the duty of every Filipino, to suffer with his people especially in time of crisis.

Truly, as it was foreseen, his life was cut upon arrival on the airport that is now named in honor of him.

But what made him hold on to his patriotism…to a country beset with problems? To name a few are poverty, few (and fewer) employ-ment opportunities, high incidence of crime, poor health care, poor education, graft and corruption, insurgence and terrorism.

We may never be able to understand this kind of insurmountable love for our country. But it is understandable beyond human grasp that through his blood, the senses of the Filipi-nos were once again aroused. A reawakening that lead to the end of the dictatorship of de-posed President Ferdinand Marcos and to the restoration of democracy in the Philippines.

For many, a celebration such as the heroism of Ninoy in his 25th death anniversary is a celebration of freedom and of democracy, but have we really nourished what he had left? Are they even still present?

Looking at present Philippines, nothing much has really changed. Picket rallies are still staged crying for change. Many observers of Philippine affairs view political crises in this country as permanent phenomena where stability is not the general rule but rather an exception. Some may argue that some things have changed. At least now we have the

freedom of speech, of expression and of the press. Are they really present? Or they are simply left printed in the pages of the 1987 Philippine Constitution- the legal weapon of the vigilant against tyranny that is sought to be obliterated by those who hold on not to patriotism but to power.

From August 21, 1983 to the present day, have we understood the meaning of justice, freedom, democracy, and the word peace that has become very elusive to our soci-ety?

I believe that the answer is no. The Philip-pines remembers the tragedy that was in the Tarmac of an airport but it didn’t see the on going injustice in its territorial south- the in-justice against the civilians who were either killed or hurt, and displaced because of the war that has been going on in Mindanao.

But what is the war for? To kill the Ninoy Aquinos in Mindanao? To kill the Ninoy Aqui-no in every Filipino?

It is very unfortunate to realize that only a few bother to think about it. I come to ask,

Do we always need blood stains to re-store our senses?

The lives of Rizal, Aquino, and a lot of others were taken away for us to take part in vigi-lance against tyranny and oppression. When a beloved countryman is gunned down, it is only the time that we seek social justice. But after a while, again we forget. And another injustice occurs.

Perhaps it is because of the apathy caused

I AM NINOY is a celebration of hope and idealism, a freedom movement, a community of heroes --- heroes who give out of sheer selflessness and serve the country the best way they can.

In honor of Benigno S. Aquino, Jr. on his 25th death anniversary, the Benigno S. Aquino Jr., Foundation (BSAF) invites all young Filipinos to participate in a year-long celebra-tion of Ninoy’s life and legacy for the benefit of others in need .

Source: http://www.iamninoy.com/

HoldHands

HoldH

and

sBack to Back Covers

”

In time of Achilles’ Heel, Hold Hands

Even a great leader also has his weaknesses. But he must not limit himself; he must surpass those weaknesses- turn them into assets. He must hold on to his ideals and aspirations. The photo shows the participants of the Aquinian Young Leaders’ Summit holding hands in order to accomplish a challenge.

“For I am the LORD, your God, who

holds your hand.Isaiah 41:13

Ano ang mas mahalaga? Tanga mong puso o bayan mong sawi?

Ano ang mas nakakaawa? Pagkabigo mo sa pag-ibig o mga batang lansan-gang walang makain?

Anong mas kailangang hanapin? Damdaming tila naglaho o mga ta-ong dinukot na lang bigla?

Daming problema ng lipunan! Mag-dadrama ka pa ba sa mga pansarili mong kalungkutan?

Sou

rce:

SM

S by the notion that our effort is useless or is

not needed.

I remember Robert Francis Kennedy when he said,

“Let no one be discouraged by the belief that thereisnothingonemanoronewomancando against the enormous array of the world’s ills -- against misery and ignorance, injustice and violence... Few will have the greatness to bend history itself; but each of us can work to change a small portion of events, and in the total of all those acts will be written the history of this generation...

It is from the numberless diverse acts of cour-age and belief that human history is shaped. Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring, those ripples build a current which can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resis-tance.”

Yes, resistance to tyranny should begin among everyone of us as it does need to al-ways come in the form of protest and of rallies. Those are but few of the many ways to be vigilant.

Vigillance should not always be associated with noise. As a matter of fact, to be vigilant means to be a vanguard of justice, democra-cy and of freedom. In such pursuit, the need to be in the cradle of peace is necessary. As Ninoy said, we need not seek confrontation but rather only pray and strive for a genuine national reconcilliation founded on justice.

For we cannot attain something that is good through something that is evil. An act of evil even if it counters a bigger one, will produce smaller evils that in time may turn bigger and greater.

In the case of the war in Mindanao, it is such an irony to seek peace through war. The war

maybe soon over but not the pain that it has brought. Many have lost their parents, their sons and daughters, their husbands and wives.

The war in Mindanao, and the other prob-lems of society that have been mentioned are the Philippines’ Achilles’ heel. In this time of crises, we need to hold hands as we hold on to our ideals and aspirations.

We should hold on…We should be proud that we are Filipinos for it is only us who can make this nation great again…

As you know, we have plenty of Koreans currently studying in the Philippines to take advantage of our cheaper tuition fees and learn English at the same time.

This is an essay written by a Korean student. (Never mind the grammar; it’s the CONTENT that counts) Maybe it is timely to think about this in the midst of all the confusion at present.

MY SHORT ESSAY ABOUT THE PHILIPPINESJaeyoun Kim

Filipinos always complain about the corruption in the Philippines . Do you really think the corruption is the problem of the Philippines? I do not think so. I strongly believe that the problem is the lack of love for the Philippines .

Let me first talk about my country, Korea . It might help you understand my point. After the Korean War, South Korea was one of the poorest countries in the world. Koreans had to start from scratch be-cause entire country was destroyed after the Ko-rean War, and we had no natural resources.

Koreans used to talk about the Philippines , for Filipinos were very rich in Asia . We envy Filipinos. Koreans really wanted to be well off like Filipinos.

Many Koreans died of famine. My father & brother also died because of famine. Korean government was very corrupt and is still very corrupt beyond your imagination, but Korea was able to develop dramatically because Koreans really did their best for the common good with their heart burning with

For the Love of the Philippines patriotism.

Koreans did not work just for themselves but also for their neighborhood and country. Education in-spired young men with the spirit of patriotism.

40 years ago, President Park took over the govern-ment to reform Korea . He tried to borrow money from other countries, but it was not possible to get a loan and attract a foreign investment because the economic situation of South Korea was so bad. KoreaPresident Park sent many mine workers and nurses to Germany so that they could send money to Korea to build a factory. They had to go through horrible experience.

In 1964, President Park visited Germany to bor-row money. Hundred of Koreans in Germany came to the airport to welcome him and cried there as they saw the President Park . They asked to him, “President, when can we be well off?” That was the only questioneveryone asked to him. President Park cried with them and promised them that Korea, and the President of Germany got the strong impression on them and lent money to Korea . So, President Park was able to build many factories in Korea. He always asked Koreans to love their country from their heart.

Many Korean scientists and engineers in the USA came back to Korea to help developing country because they wanted their country to be well off. Though they received very small salary, they did their best for Korea . They always hoped that their children would live in well off country.

continued on page 7 of ‘The Art of Holding on’ cover.

9

2008AQyles

6

Facilitating Smiles. The Facilitator’s Smiles.

THE BIGtime DUO IN ACTION. Catherine Occidental and Richard Monreal of BA Stu-dent Council.

AFTER WORK. They just can’t get enough. Eyes Breaker. Sore Eyes. Sore beyond.

Leadership and Friendship. Smiles and Frowns.

“

“

“Leadership without friendship is like a television without a cable”

Yes indeed, you can make it through with-out it. But then you see yourself doing the same thing every single day. Turning your television on watching those soap operas, commercials, Gloria marching on, Wowow-ee, Eat bulaga and so on. Are you satisfied with all the routine? Imagine how tiring it is to have only two channels knowing we could learn extra and be educated if we have more. We need some blood popping drama to dig the deepest core in us.

We want to be better. All of us I know. But the question is, how can we become better? Some professionals came to us (S.T.A.G.E. family) and gave us a lecture on leadership. We were surprised to see them because it was never really planned. All we knew, we’ll perform as someone will document our performance. To my surprise, these people from Alabang went to us and watched our performance. Af-ter the performance, we had a warm up game which was more of a team building activity. An activity that made me think.

We were all there because of one same interest art. But is that all we need to pro-

Leadership and Friendship. Smiles and Frowns.Moza Dunya Al-Dumaini

duce a good show? No. There should have burning passion, commitment and most importantly camaraderie. Why did the Alabang people gave us such an activity when in fact we almost know everyone? I think what they’re trying to convey is that we need each other more than just simply members of the org. The finest organiza-tion is made of people who work togeth-er in one sensible purpose and having a good relationship with one another. Just the same in politics.

How can you say if a leader is a true lead-er? Is it because he spearheads all the activities? Is it because he knows a lot of things? Is it because he made a very good impression to the public? Those are only effects of being a good leader at the same time a friend. A leader is a friend. If he can be friends with his constituents he can also be friends with his social group. Doing task with a friend is more fun than work-ing with your plain colleague. It is because you wouldn’t feel like working at all. You will feel like your doing things because it is enjoyable.

Smiling at the end of every task is more fulfilling than gaining the whole world’s

applause. Realizing the smiles and frowns expressed during those stressful days of your earthly existence is paid with strengthened bond that holds every mem-ber of your union. Friendship does affect your performance either way. You can be very inspired and sometimes you can be down. It’s natural. And the challenge is you got to practice your professionalism. See! Friendship inside your work is not only teaching you to be friends but also it is one way of knowing how you can ex-tend you limits.

We often hear people say “don’t push your-self too much because it may hurt you”. But I believe that one must push himself beyond his perceived limits and later on see how far he has gone and how far peo-ple around him have become because of his genuine efforts. A leader reaches out; the goal of a leader is never attained by himself alone. We should know that. Smil-ing and frowning are part of the nature of people that are very valuable. But smiling and frowning alone is one man’s choice.

I been through lots of stake but I choose to smile because it is never your muscle that decides to move first, it is your brain.

Make your opinion matter.

WHYNOT?______What are you thinking? We want all your thoughts, opinions and comments! Send us your love or hate mail, with a photo if possible, to ssc_aul@yahoo.com or drop by our office at the St. Albert the Great Building Extension, for your photos, poems, letters, etc.

When we lose our sense of mystery and our sense of humor, life be-

comes base and education, a boring endeavor, a useless pursuit. When we discover that knowledge con-

sists not merely in files and files of information but involves, too, our interpersonal relationships, we re-

alize the immensity and profundity of knowing people and communing

with persons.- Fr. Ramonclaro G. Mendez, O.P.

All grown-ups used to be children. But only a few remembers.

- Antoinne De Saint Exupery

Movements of Convergence, Covenant and Transformation

2003 Reinstallation Speech

‘The Little Prince’ ”

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2008AQyles

AQyles Night- Search for Mr. and Ms. AQyles

MR. AND MS. AQYLES. Joann and Rhed won the ‘coveted’ title.

Happy Docday!

MANY FACES. ONE SCHOOL. AQyles del-egates with with Fr. Mon, Fr. Don Don, Doc Walter, Mrs. Maydan and Kuya Charles.

Leadership and Friendship. Smiles and Frowns.

THE BEAUTY-FALL AND THE BEST. The candidates of Mr. and Ms. AQyles take a pose.

PRESIDENTIAL TABLE. (From left) Fr. Roman Santos, O.P., Fr. Ramonclaro G. Men-dez, O.P., Dr. Walter Jalgalado, Mrs. Maydan Sayco-Jalgalado, Mr. Charles Bau-tista.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY. Dr. Walter Jalgalado, Director of Student Development Services, cel-

ebrated his 41st birthday on June 3, 2008- 2nd day of the AQuinian Young Leaders’ Summit

(AQyles). The AQyles delegates prepared a surprise birthday program for him.

When ‘Dyesebel’ became half man-half sili...and was fried.

Photos by:RIZA LIMKRISTINA AZAÑA

Captions by:ALVIN SAPINOSOGIDEON V. PEÑA

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The AQyles’ JourneyIt’s not about the team that finished the challenges first. It’s simply about the team.

1st Challenge: YOU RAISE ME UPSa mundo ng mga engkantada, hindi inaaasahan ang isang paglabag. Umibig ang Prinsesa Ezra sa isang mortal. Kung kaya’t nagalit ang Inang Engkantada sa buong nasasakupan ni Prinsesa Ezra. Bumuhos ang malakas na ulan at hangin sa buong nasasakupan ni Prinsesa Ezra. Ngunit hindi nagdalawang isip ang mga mortal na tulungan sya.

Maari lamang silang makapasok sa kabilang mundo sa pamamagitan ng pagbuo ng isang linya ng na-kaupo at pagbuhat ng unang tao sa linya patungo sa dulo nito. Ang mga nakasunod ay bubuhatin din hanggang makarating sa pinakahuling tao sa linya.

Alalahanin: Ang tanging paraan upang makapasok ang mga mortal sa mundo ng mga Engkantada ay sa pamamagitan ng tiwala sa isa’t-isa.

Lugar ng Pinangyarihan: 227*0 27***** i-type ng itype para humaba ang layp

Station 2: LAGUS-LAGUSANNagkaroon ng di pagkakaunawaan ang Kaharian ng Capalmukata at Tharantakita. Ngunit di makakayang ipagtanggol ng mga Tharantakita ang kanilang kaha-rian laban sa Capalmukata. Kinailangang mailigtas ng hari ang lahat ng kanyang nasasakupan. Kung kaya’t naisip ng hari na ang tanging paraan ay ang magtago ang lahat sa lihim na kuta. Ngunit, di ganun kadali ang pagdaan papunta dito. Kinakailangang isa-isa lamang ang pagdaan sa mga lagusan at kinakailangang di madikit ang sinuman sa daanang ito sapagkat ito ay masasawi. Kailangang ang lahat ay makatawid.

Alalahanin: Isang samahan, walang iwanan!

Lugar ng Pinangyarihan: _ _ _ _ _ _ OF _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ / _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Station 3: Bituka ng Isa- Bituka ng Lahat.Ang presyo kan bagas ataasonAn sarung pamilya dipisilon na buhayonKaya dapat lang satuyang pagkanigoonAn satuyang mga kokonsumuhon.

Kun ika sarung maorag na bicolano, Na may pagmakulog na totoo sa kapwa moGabos na ighain na kaunon saimoDaing sasayangon hangang maubus ito.

Sa sunod na dudumanan,Saindong patutunayan,Totoong pagkabikolanong ginikanan.

Man laen laen matatanaan Lugar ng Pangyayarihan: Ihanda an saindong alunan. Asin magtarabangan. Lugar na Pinangyarihan: 2 words- English: IWEHT HMBUT

•It is seen at last in MIDNIGHT and at the beginning & end of TWILIGHT, it is the 7th, 13th & 24th letter•The 19th letter of the puzzle is beside the 18th letter of the alphabet.•15th & 10th letter of the puzzle is also the 17th letter of the puzzle.•The 18th letter of the alphabet is also the 17th letter of the puzzle.•Count the alphabet backwards, the 18th letter will be the 4th and 20th letter•The 12th letter of the puzzle is in the CARROT but not in the EGGPLANT, it is in the BROCCOLI but not in the PLANT.•The 2nd & 3rd letter are just the same, it’s the 21st letter of the alphabet counted backwards.•The 6th letter can be found in the sea but not in the air.•6th,9th,18th & 22nd letter are the same.• The first letter is the 15th letter of the alphabet.•The rest is up to you.

Station 4- LUBID-LUBID NA KADIKLUMAN.Nagkaroon ng isang sumpa ang bayan ng Lubid dahil sa hindi pagkakasundo ng mga nasa kapangyarihan. Isinumpa ng isang residenteng mambabarang ang kanilang bayan na mabalot ito ng kadiliman. Ang na-tatanging paraan upang manumbalik ang liwanag sa buong Bayan ng Lubid ay ang pagkakaisa ng mga ta-ong nasa kapangyarihan.At ang dapat nilang maisakatu-paran ay ang pagpasok ng lubid sa kanilang mga damit hanggang sa maipasok ito sa lahat ng miyembro at pagdadala ng isang kandilang may ilaw patungo sa han-tungan na inutos ng mamababarang habang nakapasok ang lubid sa bawat isa. Kailangang hindi mamatay ang ilaw ng kandila at maputol ang lubid sapagkat ito ang tangi nilang pag-asa.

Lugar ng Pinangyarihan: 4..35 -1.21 = ?

Station 5: LIDER BILANG MENSAHEROPass themessage..-Isang simbolo/ aksyon ay katumbas ang isang kahulu-gan. Kailangang mapasa ng tama ang mensahe mula sa pinaka unang tao hanggang sa pinakadulo ng linya.

Lugar ng Pinangyarihan: Lugar na dakula, huruharani sa Yawa Minsan binanga kan bagyo ruminagasa Nginaran sunod sa tawo Tunay na tatak Bikolano Kantahan, tiripon, digdi tigurgulyo gayo

Station 6: SOAR AQYLES!Nawasak ang dalawang kapuluan ng Damayana dahil sa isang matinding pagsabog dulot ng isang labanan sa pagitan ng dalawang mandirigmang panghimpapa-wid. Nagdulot ito ng kaguluhan sa mga tao sa Dama-yana. Isang malaking problema ang kailangan nilang masolusyunan at ito ay ang muling pagdudugtong sa nawasak na kapuluan.

Isang grupo ng siyentipiko ang nagkaisa upang makabuo ng paraan upang maibalik ang nawasak na kapuluan sa dati nitong posisyon. Kailangang mag-ing dalawang pulo muli ang Damayana.

Lugar ng Pangyayarihan: CHAT - T + STOP - STO + FEEL = ?

Station 7: PAKIRAMDAMAN MO, SUSUNOD AKO.Habang nakapikit ang bawat myembro, kailangang mak-abilang ng pasunod-sunod (mula 1 hanggang 20). Hindi maaring magkasabay ang isang myembro sa isang bi-lang. Hindi rin maaaring maging napakabilis o napakaba-gal ng pagbibilang.

Lugar ng Pangyayarihan: DRAG SCLHOO-OMRO WTO

Monk’s MealA test of sensitivity.Rules:- Talking, hand gestures, use of cellphones or any form of communication were strictly prohibited.- No one was allowed to put food on his own plate.- Only one person at a time when putting food on some one’s plate.- One must eat all the food placed on his plate.- One cannot ask for more food, neither can he refuse.- Only water may be served by one’s self.

Frank A. Belbes and Mishelle Padullon

‘Judges 6-8’

If others simply follow...when they are incapacitated by my

absence..when they cannot lead...I fail as a leader.

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Speakers’ Bureau

Professor Abelardo Belleza, Faculty of the Department of Literature, Languages and Humanities of C.A.S.E. and appointed Aca-demic Instruction Coordinator, gave a talk on ‘Writing the minutes of Meetings.’

Professor Jean E. Cardiño, Faculty of the Psychology Department of C.A.S.E, and ap-pointed Director of HRMO, gave a talk on ‘Personal and Public Relations.’

Mrs. Salve A. Fernandez, Head of the Ac-counting Department gave a talk on ‘Prepar-ing Budget Requests and Liquidation Re-ports.’ She also had a workshop wherein the participants had to apply the lessons.

Professor Jacinto Maceda of the Department of Social Sciences and Philosophy of C.A.S.E. �gave a talk on ‘Basic Parliamentary Rules and Procedures.’

Dr. Walter Randolph Jalgalado, Director of Student Development Services discussed the importance of Student Organizations. ‘Aca-demics is good but there’s more to College and life than that,’ he shared.

Engr. Virgilio S. Perdigon Jr., Secretary-General discussed Environmental Leadership. During his talk, he vowed to restore the waste Segragation Program.

Cash to TrashMechanics:- Each group was tasked to look for recy-cable materials and turn it into a product. Materials needed (e.g. tape, cutter) should be borrowed from any office in the cam-pus as a test of communication skills.- After producing something, each group sold it in identified places in Legazpi City. Cellphones and cash were left to the fa-cilitators.- The group with the most profit won.

Mr. Manuel Rangasa of CIRCA also dis-cussed Environmental Leadership.

Dr. Alvin Abainza together with some of the participants of the planning work-shop.

AQuinian Odyssey: Planning our JourneyThe SSC spearheaded a planning semi-nar workshop, dubbed AQuinian Odys-sey: Planning our Journey, on April 11, 2008 at the Media Center Hall.

The Key note speaker, Dr. Alvin Abainza, Academic Chair of the Graduate School, discussed essential qualities of leader-ship. He illustrated leadershiop vs. Man-agement. He also gave pointers on how to make an effective calendar of activities. ”

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WHAT DID YOU LIKE MOST?- HIKING (BABY!!!)- The AQyles night w/ Doctor Walter- The sessions w/ speakers and the talk w/ Doc Wal-ter- ALL [2]- Experience- The Race [2]- Trust, Cooperation- The food! The activities & the delegates- Very well!!- Hindi nasunod yun sked.- All the activities and the foods Ü- Everything- Team work, tricy games

Evaluation of Activity

WHAT DID YOU LIKE LEAST?- TALKS Ü- Simultaneous Sessions- Punctuality of concerned people, sudden changes in the program e.g. b-day Surprise to Dr. Jalgalado- NONE- Sleeping hours - AQyles Night- Some sudden changes in the program activities- Scarcity of H20 during non- sessions- Authoritative persons to the extent that someone will get hurt

WHAT ARE YOUR RECOMMENDATIONS/ SUGGESTIONS FOR IMPROVEMENT?- Time Management- More activities to come.- NONE [2]- Kulang ng cocktails (dapat meron)- Be aware of time- Drinking fountain lang/ water dispenser- Time management/ if you were a facilitator you must set beyond your responsibilities and stick to it and be strict to your friends.

YOUR REFLECTION.- I enjoyed it naman.- SUPER DAMI- Be a responsible and sensitive leader.- Very Good & we learn a lot!- To be a good leader and member of the organiza-tion- Mahaba at maganda- Sensitivity

The candid (unedited) comments of some of the participants.

The Supreme Student Council, in coordina-tion with the Office of the Student Devel-opment Services spearheaded the annual Student-Leadership Training Seminar (S-LTS) dubbed this year as AQuinian Young Leaders’ Summit (AQyles) ‘08 on June 2-4 2008.

With the theme that resonated from the University Strategic Planning: Pusong AQ, AQyles was participated in by the differ-ent student leaders, mostly presidents, of Aquinas University of Legazpi student or-ganizations.

Resident professors were invited as speak-ers during the 3-day activity. (see Speak-ers’ Bureau, page 5).

The activity was fully conceptualized and executed by the student-leaders with su-pervision from their mentors.

AQyles provided a venue for the student-leaders from the different units of the Uni-versity to talk about different issues that concerns them, plan for their own activi-ties, and have camaraderie among one another.

AchillesAchilles was the son of Peleus and Thetis. Peleus was a king in Greece, and Thetis was a nymph.

When Achilles was still a little baby, his mother tried to protect him from harm by dipping him into a river that had special magic water. And it worked; he could not be harmed, except for one heel that his mother held him by as she dipped him in the water. Now when someone is very strong but has one weak spot, we call that their “Achilles’ heel.”

When he grew up, Achilles heard a prophecy. It

VISUAL VISION. In one of the activities in AQyles, student-leaders were asked to draw/ write creatively, their vision for Aquinas Uni-versity- how they wish to see the school 3 to 5 years from now. Some of the visions were improved curricula, faculty, and infrastruc-ture (i.e. construction of a swimming pool, airconditioned classrooms); more liberal and student-friendly policies among others.

was this: He could make a choice to live quietly and without fame or honor, and live a long time and die in bed, or he could choose to be famous in his lifetime and remembered always, but to die young. What would you choose?

Achilles chose to be famous and die young, and you can read about how that happened in Hom-er’s Iliad.

But later when Odysseus met Achilles in the un-derworld, Achilles was maybe not as happy with his decision.

(http://www.historyforkids.org/learn/greeks/reli-gion/myths/achilles.htm)

Hidden MessagesIn every page, there are words used as wa-termark backgrounds. These words tell about something. Try to decode them before look-ing at the answers below.

Art of Holding On pages2 & 3- Aquinas University of Legazpi, Rawis, Legazpi City4- AQ: It’s all about you5- Your life, your choice6 & 7- Center for Culture and the Arts8 & 9- Empowered True Aquinian Leader (Et Al)10 & 11- Know what to do in case of Emergency12 & 13- What. Who. Where. When. Why. How.14 & 15- Express your thoughts online16 & 17- Student Organization Week 200818 & 19- Aquinian Loud and Proud20 & 21- World Youth Day Australlia22 & 23- Hopes. Dreams. Aspirations. Sentiments.24 & 25- Did you know?

In time of Achilles’ Heel, Hold Hands page2 & 3- Tracing the Aquinian Roots, Sowing the Fili-pino Seeds (the theme of AQyles 2008)4 & 5- Aquinian Young Leaders’ 20086 & 7- AQyles 20088 & 9- Hold Hands

Aquinian Young Leaders’ Summit (AQYLES)W

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Aquinian Young Leaders’ Summit page 2

The AQyles’ Journey page 4

Speakers’ Bureau page 5

Leadership and Friendship. Smiles and Frowns page 6

Back to Back Covers page 8

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SowingDARE TO MOVE. DARE TO HIKE. DARE TO SEE THE FACE OF THE EARTH. AQyles delegates take a pose after hiking at the Ligñon Hill with Mayon Volcano as background.

BEST BUDDIES. Mr. Jesus Barizo, Modera-tor for Student Affairs, awards ‘Best Buddies’ to Carmelo Siapno and Rey Canon.

BEST GROUP CHEER. Team ‘Uhm’ won the Best Cheer Award.

BEST TEAM MEMBER. Ronnie Alpajaro, best team member awardee with Mr. Jesus Barizo, Moderator for Student Affairs.

AFTER MASS. AQyles delegates with Fr. Norman Quilaquil, O.P.

Joann Del Rosario and Rey Canon were awarded Best Delegate and Best Team Leader respectively.

On his inspirational message during the Opening Program of the Aquinian Young Leaders’ Summit (AQyles) on June 2, 2008, 9:00 a.m., at the Media Center Hall, Fr. Ra-monclaro G. Mendez, O.P., Rector and Presi-dent of Aquinas University of Legazpi, told the delegates to always implore ‘HUG’ and ‘KISS’.

‘HUG’ stands for, Honesty, Understanding and Generousity while ‘KISS’, stands for Kindness, Integrity, Sensitivity and Sacred-ness/ Sanctity of the Spirit. According to Fr. Mendez, these are the important things that a leader must always implore in order for him to effectively lead.

However, he clarified that leading is different from imposing blind obedience. ‘Pag napa-pasunod mo ba ang mga tauhan mo, ikaw ba ay isang magaling na leader?’, he asked.

Fr. Mendez also added that leadership is not a matter of recognition.

He then wished the delegates to have a meaningful experience on the 3-day leader-ship training seminar.

A Hug & A Kiss from Fr. Rector

Frank A. Belbes

SOAR HIGH. SOAR BEYOND.

Other pictures were uploaded at the SSC Friendster account: ssc_aul@yahoo.com

A person is not just about his strengths but also about

his weaknesses.- Atty. Emersson Aquende

Pusong AQ. University Strategic Planning 2008

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Aquinian Young Leaders’ Summit (AQYLES)

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