a thebedan final

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The Bedan * The Bedan Lamp * The Bedan Herald ‘Sang Bedista

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‘Sang Bedista The Bedan * The Bedan Lamp * The Bedan Herald

Emmanuel MangahasThe Bedan

Ian John Palma Emmanuel James Mangahas Jaynie Cabrera (The Bedan Herald) (The Bedan) (The Bedan Lamp)

Editors in Chief

Associate Editors: Carlo Benedict B. Sison (The Bedan) Juan Horacio Gonzalez (The Bedan Herald) ManagingEditors: Ramon E. King III (The Bedan) Margaux Monteiro (The Bedan Herald) News Editors: Bryan M. Balco(The Bedan) Patrick Philip A Reavey (The Bedan Lamp) Abilene Eden Rovero (The Bedan Herald) FeaturesEditors: Miguel Ebarvia III (The Bedan) Angela Marie V Castillo (The Bedan Lamp) Charles Aames Bautista (TheBedan Herald) Cultures Editor: Eunice Carmela Ariate (The Bedan) Sports Editors: Jameel Joshua Pielago(The Bedan) Migo Limos (The Bedan Herald) Creative Editor: Mark Dela Cruz (The Bedan Herald) MANAGERIALSTAFF Business Managers: Mia Caluttung (The Bedan) Carmina Fruto (The Bedan Herald) HR Managers:Leonard Pua (The Bedan) Martina Apines (The Bedan Herald) Office Managers: Jacqueline Anne Chua (TheBedan) Von Reinhart Gaa (The Bedan Herald) Circulations Manager: Timothy Fino (The Bedan) Senior StaffPatricia Rea Cadaoas, Mona Katherine Felicidad San Juan (The Bedan) Junior Staff Marc Israel Castro, JuanRamon Galicia, Loise Laine Limos, Marjerie Ann Ramos (The Bedan) Adriano Pakingan, Karina Krisha Eustaquio,Ursula Amparo Patricia Lindo, Krizzia Isabel Ranada, Ma Sheila Grace Hora, Vina Kathleen Tanhueco (The BedanLamp) Mary Rose Gonzales, Kim Refuerzo, Elaisha Araojo (The Bedan Herald) Circulations: Crystal Eduardo,Andre Lotuaco, Randolph Artita, Ronald Pasamba (The Bedan Herald) TECHNICAL STAFF Editorial Cartoonists:Ralph Rudolph Adelino, Christian Villanueva (The Bedan) Philip Gungab, Kim Abitria (The Bedan Lamp) SeniorArtist: Russell Lubo (The Bedan Lamp) Graphic Artist: John Michael Benedict Leal (The Bedan Lamp) LayoutArtists: Willie Reyes Jr. (The Bedan) Lorenz Roi Morales, Reinier Matignas (The Bedan Herald) Photographers:Danna Katrina Lim, Stephen Russel Keith Valera (The Bedan) Ainna Fadul, Angeline De Chavez, Nico DelRosario, Hazel Galvez, Vianca Argana (The Bedan Herald) Correspondents: Ribomapil Yuvienco, DonBambino Geno Tai, Daniel Lakan Cailao (The Bedan Lamp) Researchers: Dean Airo Dancel, Sairah Velasco,Rex Cabugon, Dhie Sbaiz, Marianne Nerva, Ernanie Gonzales (The Bedan Herald)

The logo is composed of four elements that echo the veracity of an existingconsciousness: the drummer boy, closed fist, red feather and round knot.

The drummer boy symbolizes the voice of all Bedans with the closed fist behindit to signify and encourage action for this voice to be put into actuality. The redfeather signals the dawn of a journalistic advocacy that emphasizes students’rights and welfare while the round knot signifies the continuity of struggle and unityamong the three student publications to fight for their advocacies.

About the CoverAbout the CoverAbout the CoverAbout the CoverAbout the CoverDarkness, they say, is the absence of l ight. Thus, in this time ofconfusion, chaos, and demise, we, student leaders of San Beda unitewith the goal of shedding some light. Hopefully, with this effort to reachout to the Bedan community, we might be able to look together to abrighter future as a unified San Beda.

About the LogoAbout the LogoAbout the LogoAbout the LogoAbout the Logo

The launching of this publi-cation is not just timely but alsosymbolic.

‘SangBedista reflects the aspi-rations of the three San Bedacampuses (Alabang, Mendiola,and Taytay). It signifies thethree schools’ aim of unitingBedans not just through connec-tions or acquaintances but aboveall through fostering genuinecamaraderie, fraternity, andunity.

After all what binds thesethree campuses is their commonand much-valued Bedan Iden-tity— an identity that Alabang,Mendiola, and Taytay Bedansshould defend, preserve anduphold from any threats of de-terioration, destruction, and ex-tinction.

May this publication be a startof something better for thisinstitution.The proponents ofthis project have the best of in-terests for the school and this istheir way of showing that some-how, there is light amidst thedarkness. A small, yet powerfulglimmer of hope is we need.

We are a breed of lions boundby one name: San Beda. Thispublication aims to strengthenthat bind and make it not justby name but, more importantly,by reality.

So fellow Bedan, smile. Afterall, we are One San Beda!

Animo, San Beda!A unified

publication ofThe Bedan, The

Bedan Lamp,and The Bedan

Herald.

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Logo artwork by :Daniel Lakan Cailao and Danico Adoremos

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FOREWORD

The Writeris MightierthanthePen

EVERYBODY knows thecliché ‘the pen is mightier than

the sword.’ It has been used throughout timeas the ultimate reminder of the inherent role of thepress as the watchdog of those in power and the societyin general. History has proven that the pen is more effective in com-bating oppression by governments and when utilized properly, instigates change.

However, the pen is a mere tool of the person behind it. It is but a symbol of how powerful a person’sthought and initiative can be. The pen is but an avenue used by the writer to express sentiments andtakes on certain issues. The real power lies not on the tool, but on the person handling the pen. The realpower lies on the writer.

A writer alone can influence many to his cause, what more a group of writers united by one name,advocating one principle. As such, we are Bedan writers, writing for our fellow Bedans, promotingunity and celebrating diversity.

Time and again, it has been the student-writers who stood as catalysts of change in the school setting.As a matter of fact, student press in the Philippines came to its peak during the troubling times ofMartial Law. Since then, the student press have been strengthened and solidified; their roles as watch-dogs of power and protector of student rights, well defined.

But in times of need, the student press is not alone. For student governments also defend studentrights, though in a different way. In rare, but worthwhile instances these two vanguards of studentwelfare unite to fight a greater threat in the society or community where they exist. And thus is ourpurpose. We unite to show that the force of the oppressed many can stand against the powerful few.We unite to show the entire Bedan community that we are one, not just in name, but in action. We unitebecause we want the rest of the studentry to emulate our efforts. We unite to set a standard of excel-lence for this generation and those to come. Three student governments, three student publications;united in one call towards one community.

We unite because after all, we are One San Beda. ‘SangBedista.

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NEWS

Three is One

THREE colleges. Three publications. One San Beda.Leaders from the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS - M),

College of Nursing (CON) from Mendiola, and College of Artsand Sciences – Alabang (CAS – A) unite to promote and fostera greater sense of camaraderie and brotherhood as one Bedancommunity as they launched ‘One San Beda’ last November21 at San Beda College – Alabang.

Spearheading the project are student council presidentsJanking Suravilla (CAS-M), Darren Mangado (CON), RonEhmer Pagiuo (CAS-A) and editors-in-chief EmmanuelMangahas (The Bedan, CAS-M), Jaynie Cabrera (The BedanLamp, CON), and Ian Palma (The Bedan Herald, CAS-A).

The event featured the reading and signing of the One SanBeda declaration and the distribution of ‘SangBedista, the uni-fied publication of The Bedan, The Bedan Lamp, and The BedanHerald.

The collaborative effort of these student leaders represents avery powerful force in the student body of the Mendiola andAlabang schools and aims to promote ‘unity in diversity’ inboth campuses.

“The community has just arrived at the point where thestudentry has to meet at center stage order to consolidate theefforts of everyone to start a culture of unity in diversity be-tween the two campuses,” Paguio said.

Further, Suravilla recognized the significance of the event inthe ultimate goal of achieving a Bedan solidarity.

“To realize the spirit of genuine Bedan solidarity not just inthe Red Lions games but also in upholding the quest for truthand students’ rights as well as to remember that there is acause to which we have to commit ourselves,” he ended.

Former Mendiola rector and current Alabang rector Fr.Anscar J. Chupungco, OSB delivered the closing remarks dur-ing the program.

Emmanuel Mangahas

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SBC-A organizesliturgical lectureseries

NEWS

San Beda College - Alabang (SBC-A), incooperation with the Ministry for Liturgi-cal Affairs (MLA) of the Archdiocese ofManila, is currently conducting a seriesof Christian Formation Lectures on vari-ous liturgical topics that will last untilMarch next year.

According to the Roman CatholicArchdiocese of Manila (RCAM) website,the series of lectures on various liturgi-cal topics was organized in line with theChurch’s mission “to deepen the forma-tion of Catholics and to expand their

knowledge of the faith especially thoseaspects that pertain to devotion and wor-

ship.”Presently, the SBCA and MLA-backed spiri-

tual initiative has successfully conducted twoChristian Formation Lectures at the San Beda

Chapel in Alabang Hills Village and SanCarlos Seminary in Makati last Septem-

ber and October, respectively.The first lecture held last September

SBC Alabang College of Lawpushing for autonomy

The SBC-A COL is prima-rily an extension of the COLo f S a n B e d a C o l l e g eM e n d i o l a i n s t i t u t e d l a s tAcademic Year 2004-2005.“The SBC-A COL was in-tended to be an indepen-dent college but because ofa Commiss ion on HigherEducation (CHED) morato-rium [CO 28, s. 1998: Mora-torium on the Opening ofNew Courses Pending theResul t s o f Inspect ions o f

Bryan Balco

focused on the Blessed Virgin Mary and herimportance and significance in Christianworship while the second lecture conductedlast October centered on todos los santos,which is associated with Christian Filipino’scolorful and yet simple commemoration oftheir departed loved ones.

Among those who served as speakers forthe two lectures were world renowned lit-urgist Rev. Fr. Anscar J. Chupungco, OSB,rector of SBCA and former president of thePontifical Liturgical Institute in Rome, Fr.Genaro O. Diwa, minister for liturgical af-fairs of the RCAM, and Fr. Gil Hernandez.

The SBCA and the MLA is set to organizemore meaningful and solemn activities suchas advent recollections (for this comingYuletide season), a lecture series on the es-sence of the Sto. Nino to Filipino spiritual-ity and a Lenten recollection, both of whichwill be held next year.

KEEPING the spirit of the Liturgy alive.

Charles BautistaSan Beda College - Alabang College of Law (SBC-A COL) is soon going independent from San Beda Mendiola College of Law.

Higher Education Institu-tions], the Alabang COL re-mains an annex rather thana n i n t e n d e d a u t o n o m o u sdepartment. Ms. GeraldineBaricaua, Dean and Vice-P r e s i d e n t o f t h e S B CAlabang, said that they arehopeful and confident thatt h e s e p a r a t i o n w i l l p u s hthrough by the next aca-demic year.

The only set back the au-tonomy faces right now is

the discrepancy in the ar-ticle of incorporation whichlacks detail on the forma-tion of the Alabang COL.

“Now, since the morato-r i u m w a s l i f t e d , w e a r ep u s h i n g f o r t h e A l a b a n gC O L c h a r t e r t o C H E D , ”R e c t o r - P r e s i d e n t , F r .A n s c a r C h u p u n g c o , O S Bs h a r e s . H e c o n t i n u e s ,“There is no definite datef o r t h e s e p a r a t i o n y e t .Hopeful ly , we would get

the CHED approval by theend of this academic yearand the SBC-A COL will beon its own by the next.”

The Rector-President alsosaid that both the COL ofMendiola and Alabang arein support of this separa-tion. A referendum was re-leased to the Alabang COLand eighty percent (160 lawstudents ) o f respondentsvoted in favor of the au-tonomy.

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Bedan NursingBedan NursingBedan NursingBedan NursingBedan NursingRe-introducedRe-introducedRe-introducedRe-introducedRe-introduced

A law and business school witha nursing program is somethingindifferent and even preposter-ous to hear, but the boom of thenursing market paved way forits actuality that even other ter-tiary institutions ventured intooffering the program. Now youwon’t be surprised to hear that

an engineering or even an IT schooloffering the program.

Patrick Philip A. Reavey

Bedan NursingBedan NursingBedan NursingBedan NursingBedan NursingRe-introducedRe-introducedRe-introducedRe-introducedRe-introduced

FEATURES

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Their reasons no matter howthey put is obvious – joiningthe bandwagon. Nursing is asure market that would guar-antee the school its financialsubsistence for the next ten totwenty years. Again, the per-petual issue of commercializ-ing education is at play.

But there were still otherschools that propagated thisprogram purely for principledand compassionate academicpurposes that at the same timeadvocates for quality healthcare services to the people. SanBeda College is one of thoseschools who remained firmwith its mission of providingexcellent tertiary educationeven with its expansion tomedical and health services.

The College of Nursing(CON) was conceived last 2003,an academic year after the open-ing of College of Medicine inconsortium with the LoyolaMedical College Foundationheaded at that time by DrJohnny Fong with Tessie daJose, RN, MAN as its first andcurrent dean.

Along with the opening ofthe two new colleges is the tran-sition of the SBC from all-boysto co-educational which trig-gered a lot of controversy sinceit signaled a radical change of aBedan identity from its curricu-lum to student culture.

The stigma of the nursingprofession by itself evoked aninternal disparity amongBedans which was somehowtranslated into a silent discrimi-nation felt every time someonewearing a white uniformpasses through the corridors ofthe campus. We cannot, how-ever blame the students sinceboth the College and its culture

was not yet ready for such im-mediate “transmogrification.”

The Third floor of the StBenedict’s building was used tohouse the first batch and it wasonly in AY 2004-2005 that theCollege provided CON with itsown building. Roster of facultywas mostly composed of part

time while some professorsfrom the CAS teach minorsubjects.The CON administra-tion kept its dedication and per-severance through the years.

Those who attested thesebirth pains if asked to describewould say that CON reallystarted from nothing not evenfrom scratches.

Now, it can be said that CONflourished. It was recognizedby CHED as the 6th best Nurs-ing school in NCR last yearwhich could be trans-lated that CON is al-most at par withnursing institu-tions such as Uni-versity of thePhilippines,Manila andUniversityof StoT o m a swith anaverageof 88 perc e n tb o a r dpassingrate withP e a r lMartinezranking8th. Excel-lence cul-t i v a t e dw i t hcompas-sion is theul t imate

goal of CON.This is CON but as a student

taking up BS Nursing is yet an-other story.

It is as a premise an inebri-ated course but despite beingbusied, its students are still ableto find time to join differentstunizations such as BedanNightingale and Health Stu-dents’ Action were propagatedto further student developmentin and outside campus. Specialinterest organizations such asNursing Choir, LikhaangBedista (for visual arts), Musi-cians’ Circle and Dance Troupewere also given priority to aug-ment and provide an avenueto develop the passion of everystudent likewise with NursingDebate Society and Scholars’Guild. CON also have one ofthe most dynamic Nursing stu-dent publication, The BedanLamp with its guiding principleof Lumen, Pietas, Veritas (Light,Compassion, Truth) and livesup to its allegiance of deliver-ing relevant news and stories,

“ We

write for the people. We are nothere for any personal inter-

Along with the opening of the two new colleges is thetransition of the SBC from all-boys to co-educationalwhich triggered a lot of controversy since it signaled aradical change of a Bedan identity from its curricu-lum to student culture.

FEATURES

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FEATURES

The Tale ofThe Tale ofThe Tale ofThe Tale ofThe Tale ofTwo BrothersTwo BrothersTwo BrothersTwo BrothersTwo Brothers

John Gonzalez and Jaynie Cabrera

THE ties that bind siblingstogether spans more than

mere blood. Such thingscome from a legacy foundwithin a name, but more thanmere letters strung together toform a sound that resonates asa name, kinship is one ofspirit. In talking of siblings,the San Beda educational sys-tem has sired two institutions,each unique and having itsown sense of self and whileinitially separated by dint ofcircumstance and location,both are equally Bedan.Ph

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FEATURES

The San Beda LegacyThe story began at the population up-

surge that occurred at the beginning of the20th century. Benedictine monks embarkedon a journey to spread their culture and tra-dition from Subiaco, Italy to the far cornersof the world. Their journey led them to thefar shores of the Philippines some 105 yearsago. Upon realizing the ever-growing needfor education, the Benedictine monks estab-lished San Beda College then known as ElColegio de San Beda, at that time an all-boysschool, which later blossomed into an in-stitution rich in tradition and culture. Situ-ated at the very heart of Manila and mereyards from the MalacaHang, the seat ofpower in the Philippines, the institution hasweathered the depredations of a world war,mass protests, and natural calamities butdespite it all, the college continues to standproud and strong. The venerable traditionthe San Beda College embodies was re-cently given a new direction for the futureas the institution opened itself to youngwomen (2003) making Benedictine educa-tion truly available to all.A Differing View on Education

During the 70’s, San Beda’s influence spiltover, giving birth to a younger institutionthat is San Beda College - Alabang. Duringthe rage and restiveness of the early 70’s,the monks of the Abbey of our Lady ofMontserrat decided to embark on a ventureof establishing a school in a more tranquilenvironment. The Benedictine monks,hence, pushed forward a plan of building anew school with the concept of open andinformal primary education and thus giv-ing birth to the Benedictine Abbey School.During 1996, the St. Benedict College’shumble beginnings emphasized individu-alism since it was planned and operated bythe Abbey and not by San Beda College.The two may be different in form and struc-ture then, nevertheless from the very be-ginning, they are perfectly related to oneanother in substance and soul.

Not to say that Mendiola became envi-ous, but as Alabang grew more and moredistant so did the friction and tension. No-body wants competition especially in thefamily but everything happens for a rea-son.

Brothers can go by different names,names that would set them apart from eachother. It gives them baselines to pursue theirown identities. At times they mightsquabble, besting each other to prove bothmettle and prowess, yet both, in the endwill come home to a single abode.

Such is the tale of San Beda and his two

children, San Beda - Mendiola and San Beda- Alabang. One won’t fail to notice thesemajestic campuses, strategically locatedacross the National Capital Region. The lat-ter is nestled in the south, providing a some-what placid sense of ambiance. The sheerface of its front wall with the emblazonedgolden Lion on it is enough for a person toget a very bold impression from this grandschool, a school where young men andwomen are trained to become the servantleaders of tomorrow. Indeed, San BedaAlabang is a full-fledged brother to its se-nior, San Beda Mendiola.

A younger brother could occasionallylook up to his elder, but the younger caneither be too strong or too weak. San BedaAlabang didn’t have that option, for it as-serted its lion share to greatness. Undeni-ably, it is one of the premier learning insti-tutions in Southern Manila.

The brothers truly are taking differentpaths. But when will these paths cross?

At the end of the day, these brotherschools are united by the one unifying spiritof St. Benedict. And in this one spirit, maythe differences of Bedans be purged. Butsometimes there are still these feelings ofarrogant disparity of egos. These feelingsare so unbecoming of Bedans, truly the con-trary of the message that they have beensinging in their school hymn.

So who are the Bedans? Who are fromAlabang and who are from Mendiola? Well,it doesn’t really matter for a Bedan, wher-ever he or she hails from, is a person ofhonor and integrity. A person who stretchesthe bounds, daring, bold and proud like theLions they should be. And as Lions, all arebrothers and sisters under one family, onespirit, one pride.All Roads Lead To One Source

Different names, different places, sameschool – San Beda - Mendiola and San Beda–Alabang; from brothers to competitorsand from competitors to brothers. Oneschool, one community, one family.

Like one family, the Tale of Two Broth-ers will continue its journey towards aunited Bedans. It might not happen now butsooner it will. This paper will echo that ide-alism.

sssss

“So who are the Bedans? Who are from Alabang and who are fromMendiola? Well, it doesn’t really matter for a Bedan, wherever he or shehails from, is a person of honor and integrity. A person who stretches thebounds, daring, bold and proud like the Lions they should be. And asLions, all are brothers and sisters under one family, one spirit, one pride.”

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NEWS

Fr. De Jesusproclaimed21st Rector

THE new custodian takes charge.Reverend Fr. Mateo De Jesus, OSB was formally installed as the

new rector-president of San Beda College in a festive ceremonyat the Abbey of Our Lady of Montserrat last July 16.

During the investiture rites, Abbot-Chancellor Rt. Rev.Tarcisio Ma. Narciso entrusted the college mace and the

rector-president’s medallion to symbolize the authorityvested to Fr. De Jesus as rector of the college.

In his inaugural address, Fr. De Jesus emphasized onthe importance of cooperation among the Bedan com-

munity in achieving excellence.“True strength derives from the extent to which

all members of the community share commonhopes and goals and are willing to commit them-selves to achievement,” Fr. Mateo said.

Also, during his speech, Fr. De Jesus expressedhis intention to engage in a dialogue withformer College of Law professors who re-signed from San Beda in 2006 as a sign ofprotest to their Dean who opted to retaintwo failing students despite their opposition.

He called on them to “sit down on thetable of reconciliation” and discuss the is-sue again.

Prominent guests who attended theevent were Bedan alumnus and PLDT chair-man Dr. Manuel V. Pangilinan and Dr.Patricia Watkins, vice-president for Inter-

national Programs at the University of theIncarnate Word, USA., of which Fr. De Jesus

is an alumnus.

Carlo Benedict Sison

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NEWS

“It started during the 82nd

NCAA Season when the SanBeda Cheerleading Association(SBCA) did a halftime perfor-mance with San BedaAlabang high schoolCheering Varsity,” EJMangahas, formerChief Cheer-leader of SBCA,narrates.

With the help of the alumni, SanBeda Mendiola and Alabangfired up the crowd in the half-time show of the 2nd round game

between theMapua Cardi-

nals and ourvery ownSan BedaRed Lions.

W h e nasked of the

rationale be-hind this

move, theformer Chieftain

replied, “I believethat the people from

Alabang also deserve to have ataste of the Mendiola culture,which is apparent in the NCAAgames.”

This year, NCAA season 83,suspension from a halftime per-

One School,One Squad

Ian John Palma

MENDIOLA and Alabang cheering squads reinforce ties as theycollaborate to promote and unite the Bedan spirit in both cam-puses.

formance did not deter bothcheering squads once again toshowcase their unity. By requestof the SBCA, reinforcementsfrom Bataleon de Leon RojoAlabang went to the Big Dometo provide additional arsenal inleading the cheers to a back toback title of the Red Lions.

The alliance did not end there.A week following San Beda’sChampionship victory, SBCAreturned the favor. SBCA cheer-leaders and drummers paid avisit to the Alabang campus insupport of the September 28 PepRally held at the SBC Alabanggym. The high school and col-lege departments cheered in

unison to send off their athletesto the NCAA South and variousathletic tournaments.

There’s no stopping thesquads now as they continue toforge the bond evident in theintegrated trainings they’ve hadand have planned for this year.Stephen Gepaya of the Bataleonde Leon Rojo shares, “It’s a greatexperience for the Bataleon totrain with SBCA and learn allthe traditional cheers. We shallcontinue collaboration and inhelping each other out in thecoming years. After all, we shareone tradition — the Bedan tra-dition. One school, one squad!”

spirit that the Bedan had its root over theyears.

In looking back to the years when theBedan had its beginnings, we come todiscern the spirit that governs the courseof our history as Bedans, as a commu-nity, and as a human institution thatwe should always commit ourselves inshedding lights of hope and truth espe-cially when these lights are vanishingaway from us. Fortunately, we had aman of resilient vision and passion forsolidarity and goodwill for our institu-tion and for the students who hadpaved the way to safeguard our futureagainst those who will invent a newidentity for San Beda. the Bedan is ourbook of history, and any attempt tostifle it perpetrate a sin of robbing us ofour sense of historicity. This also perpe-trates the cardinal sin against the spiritof Bedan solidarity wherein students,faculties, administrators, and monkswork together in the fulfillment of Bedan

ideals and virtues. You neither burn norscratch your family photo albumwhether its presentation of photos andmemories are good or bad.

We Celebrate. The years of Fr.Axtman as the college rector were themost celebrated moment of San Beda.Former Bedans acclaim his term as theyears of Liberalism in San Beda. This isthe time when Fr. Axtman put up thefire of democracy and liberalism in thecollege as part of his vision and missionas rector of San Beda. The The Bedanwas his living legacy of his vision for thecollege. Before the war, the college onlyhad 500 students by the time he setfoot as rector, and it surprisingly in-creased to 2000 students after his termas rector. Among his visions is to im-part the love for the country and thelove for God. Thus, he translated thisinto a dictum, “develop our youth asdemocrats, in the ways of democracy”.Furthermore, he advocated that theproduct of San Beda should become

thinking Bedans wherein they shouldembody what they think that is why heput up The Bedan, to germinate think-ing Bedans. Fr. Axtman said, “We tryto equip our people with the ability tothink and to act as they think.” Thisuniquely characterized Bedans fromother students during his time.

During one of his birthdays as rectorof San Beda, he told the students, whorendered him a celebration, “Rectorsmay come and go, but you go on for-ever. This day should be yours, not mine.You form the school. You are the school.I am merely your Rector. The school isfar more important. This day shouldn’tbe Rector’s day. It should be the collegeday.” San Beda College was not onlyabout the monks. San Beda significantlyrefers to the students as the most im-portant component of the college.

Every history has its own ups anddowns, a sinusoidal effect. We mayconsider the present situation of TheBedan as the down moment of its exist-

ence as a school publication at San BedaCollege-ironically, at its 65th year of es-tablishment. However, we must not suf-fer in amnesia so that the light of hopeshall soon dawn upon us. With all theseunbearable challenges in the institutionsof the student publication and of thestudent council, let us look back andunderstand the history of San Beda Col-lege, and we will begin to see the nameit created in the whole Benedictine Con-gregation and to our society as a whole.Hopefully, we all find the essential les-sons from it so that we’ll start to workand renew the strength of the Bedanspirit, the love for one another and theconsistent commitment for solidarity.In a unified alliance for truth, for SanBeda, and for God, we will be able tolive by our mark as true Bedan com-munity. Let us not lose sight of thepromise land my fellow Bedans!

...from page 13.

Janking is the president of theMendiola CAS student council

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NEWS

At random, the 45 partici-pating countries were desig-nated into eight (8) differentleagues that competed witheach other. San Beda SIFEcompeted with five (5) othercountries: Brazil, Egypt,Ukraine, Albania andTajikistan.

Philippines’ bet was ableto grab both the SIFE Spiritaward and 3rd place inLeague 7, the latter being thehighest group award givenin each league.

“We are really blessed to getthe SIFE SPIRIT award. Theaward represents team workand over-all impact on the

SIFE gain global recognition

students, SanBeda CollegeAlumni Asso-c i a t i o n ,CyberCity Teleservices,Mayor Jeorge ER EjercitoEstregan, the Local Govern-ment Unit of Pagsanjan, Fr.Francisco Mendoza, Fr. Ed Af-rica, Fr. Basil, Rev. Fr. Mateode Jesus, OSB, SIFE BusinessAdvisory Board, San Beda Stu-dent Council, and the SIFEPhilippines.

The team focused on enhanc-ing eco-tourism and likewiseintroduced a unique and alter-native livelihood program tothe community settlers of

San Beda College - Alabang(SBC-A) is one of the few.

SBC-A will open its Center forPerforming Arts at the start ofacademic year 2008 – 2009 to stu-dents who desire to developtheir skills in Music, Theatre, andDance, where each individual canfocus on singing, dancing, or act-ing as their chosen careers.

Though the center will offi-cially open in June of next year,workshops will be offered forcrash-courses in acting, singing,and dance to interested students

center.Why opt in establishing a cen-

ter for performing arts?Major television networks for

years have been giving work-shops on the arts, and they in-deed produced celebrities withworld-class talent.

The purpose of having highlyspecialized centers of learning isto make students who are giftedin the performing arts reach theirmaximum potential.

Center forPerforming Arts

of SBCA, members of the Bedancommunity, and outsiders.

The center is a separate depart-ment from the College, Highschool, and Grade school depart-ments of SBCA and is directlyunder the office of the rectorwith Ms. Joyce PatriciaMontelibano – Aquino as itsstanding administrator.

A theatre that could accommo-date 1,000 people will be builton a vacant lot inside SBC-A toprovide proper means of outputof talent and performance for the

project presented. It is our gift forSan Beda and for our country. Itis a collective effort and we reallyworked hard for it,” said Lee.

On one hand, the team doesnot claim only their victoryto themselves but also to thepeople who have helped themin formulating devices tomake their products better.Among them were Dr. JamesLoreto Piscos, Prof. MaluJimenez, Prof. Lester Toribio,Prof. Albert Oasan, DeanTessie Da Jose, Prof. RaymondAbrea, Prof. Eric Pasquin, Prof.Eunice Mareth Areola,Cedrick Navarro, the SIFE of-ficers, SIFE volunteers, NSTP

Jose Miguel Limos

COLLEGES these days are looking at education with a more holis-tic view to learning. Some of these institutions offer courses spe-cialized in entrepreneurship, culinary arts, and the science of pro-fessional printing to name a few, but few offer specializations inthe performing arts.

If Filipino artists in the pastwere left with very little oppor-tunity to practice their craft in aschool setting because there wasno school or center to go to, nowit is different. With this Centerfor Performing Arts of SBCA,there is hope for our country toproduce another Lea Salonga,Monique Wilson, or BasilValdez, and to show the worldthat Bedans are truly world-classperformers.

Danna Katrina LimLAST October 10 to 12, the San Beda Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) team ledby captain Jikkie Lee (4th year Legal Management), Patricia Salang (4th yearInternational Business and Entrepreneurial Management), Joshua Dino (3rd yearInternational Business and Entrepreneurial Management) Kester Watt Sarmiento(2nd year Accountancy), and Iris Soria (College of Nursing) represented SanBeda and the country in the recently concluded SIFE World Cup 2007 in NewYork, USA.

Pagsanjan in the province ofLaguna, that uses indigenousingredient such as tomatoes;the Tomato Prunes.

Bedan SIFERS adopted thesaid world-class tourist desti-nation of which the mainsource of income is being a‘bangkero’ or boatman. Theyprepared for the project 18months before heading to theBig Apple this year and to datethe team is still on the processof enhancing the product moreand continuing their study.

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13


OPINION

“Doubt is the beginning of wisdom.”-Socrates

In the past couple of months theCollege of Arts and Sciences hasbeen the center of controversy sur-rounding the policies implementedby the new administration. Manycriticize the administration’s newpolicies as anti-student and oppres-sive. On the other hand, the admin-istration has blamed the studentcouncil for apparently turning thestudentry into one uncontrollablemob.The students rallied for their rightswhile the administration tried theirvery best to silence these deafen-ing calls for change. In a more subtleway, the some elders have also ex-pressed their disagreements withthe current leadership. We knowthat some unpopular policies havebeen implemented that affects theemployees, the faculty, and eventhe workers in this institution.This whole situation has turned intoa ‘war’ of sorts between the studentsand some grown-ups against theadministration. It seems that oneviral issue has turned into a hodge-podge of controversies that piledup and has transformed this insti-

tution into one cancer-in-fected patient. It is sadden-ing that many need to behurt and wounded in theprocess of correcting what iswrong. In both sides, wounds havebeen inflicted and unfortunately,these wounds are not quick to heal.However, have we (when is say“we,” I am referring to the entireBedan community including thestudents, the administration, themonks, the faculty, the alumni andthe employees) really stopped andthought about what the real prob-lem is? Are we in this destructivescenario only because of the uni-form and the Magna Carta for stu-dents? Is it only because of the em-ployee policies? Or maybe thefaculty’s discontent? Is this issue amere issue of the removal of TheBedan’s fund? Is this issue a ques-tion of leadership? Or is this di-lemma just about the recognitionof the rights to express and pressfreedom? Is it even about some dis-agreements between the monks?The answer is no.This problem that we are experi-encing as one community is rootedway deeper than the aforemen-

tioned issues. The problem is ineach and every one of us. We havecast the stones at each other with-out thinking of our ownmisdoings. “Let he among us with-out sin be the first to condemn,” asthe saying goes. But it seems thatsinners are very keen to condemneach other without thinking of con-demning and correcting them-selves first for their wrongdoings.

Have we really thought aboutwhat we are fighting for? And if so,what is our role in this so-called‘fight?’ Has the students maintainedtheir respect to our elders whilepushing for their cause? Did the ad-ministrators think of the welfareand rights of the students beforeimplementing such policies? DidThe Bedan try to hear the side of theadministration in presenting thenews? Are both sides open to genu-ine and fruitful dialogue? Was ev-eryone fair and objective in theirstatements and actions? Are our de-cisions well thought of and not just

a product of personal vendetta? Dowe really want to solve our prob-lems or are we just riding along thewaves to further our personalagenda? Are we humble enoughto accept our mistakes, defeat, orcriticism? Do we practice what wepreach? Are we willing to makesacrifices, to compromise, to listen?

And this list of uncertainties cango on. However, we must strive tofind the answers and enlighten our-selves with these questions. Once thishappens, we can slowly shed light tothis dimming institution. W emust, as one community, be reallywilling to work for the solution. Wemust act and think as One San Beda.Because in the end the true victim inthis mess is neither students nor theadministrators, it is this school thatwe all proclaim to love.

The real victim is San Beda.Ora et Labora. Let us pray and work

for a solution to this dilemma. Letus together, as One San Beda, shedlight to this dying institution beforeit is too late.

Shedding Light

We Remember.We, as human beings, have the ca-

pability to remember specific things,people, experiences and events that cap-tured or awakened the essence of ourvery existence whether it is good or bad,pleasant or unpleasant memories. Thesememories direct us in our identity asperson and as pilgrim on earth for wetake into account what we have valuedthe most, what we have tangibly holdfor, and what we have committed our-selves in to. Also, we try to reminiscehow we coped up with our momentsof struggle as a person, as a member ofour families, as a citizen of this repub-lic, and as a student in San Beda Col-lege. We might be asking ourselves, isthere a hope in our present situation?Would there be light that will shine onthe darkest hour of our night? In these

questions, we might put ourselves atthe same place when Christ was at themidst of his sleeping disciples. More-over, we might put our situation on theremarkable experiences of our fellowcountrymen during EDSA 1 and 2. Weare like people in exile who are under-going an exodus experience. We do notknow where this situation will take us.Uncertain on how this distress will end,we might be losing hope like thosepeople who are in those scenarios, butthose struggles never ended up in vain.Christ had His Easter. Filipinos wereable to show the bloodless revolution ofEDSA 1 and 2. The people in exoduswere able to reach the promise land.

In this article, let us remember Fr.Boniface Axtman O.S.B., the firstAmerican rector of San Beda Collegeduring the pre-world war II era. It was

during his term that The Bedan was fullyestablished as the official school publi-cation of San Beda College on the yearof 1941. On his message to the firstissue of volume 1, “Only by workingwith others as a team, and in the truespirit of cooperation, can men achieveanything worthwhile. To place the com-mon good above the individual, nay,even to suppress, if necessary, individualaspirations, if their realization will jeop-ardize the common will-that is the se-cret of real cooperation, the keystone oforder, so necessary for the achievement,in the long run, of even the true indi-vidual good. That is the spirit in whichThe Bedan had its beginning. That is thespirit in which it must continue. That isthe spirit which The Bedan must en-deavor to intensify and perpetuate atSan Beda College.”

He knew that the war is coming over.

He knew that he needed to revive SanBeda’s education. He knew that the his-torical life events needed to be securethrough the The Bedan. That history willbear significant lessons and marks ofour identity as Bedans. His situationmight have been a crucial one for SanBeda’s future. His term might have beenthe darkest of all days in San Beda forhe was not sure on how the war wouldend up. Imagine San Beda’s situationduring those days. And, he perfectlyknew that he has to prepare for the sur-vival of San Beda. He needed some sortof light for those days to come. Heneeded the The Bedan to not just coversports news, but to aflame Bedans’ con-sciousness and to strengthen the spiritof solidarity, this defined the true mean-ing of what we call Bedan identity.Therefore, it was in this calling of soli-darity and continuous revival of Bedan

Remember theyears of Axtman

..continued on page 11

14


OPINION

Nagsama-sama na ang matatandangkapangyarihan sa loob ng San Beda,mula sa mga namumunongumaalimbukay sa ulap ngkapangyarihan hanggang sa mgataga-sambang galamay upangsugpuin ang mga multong gumagala.Mga multong pilit nilang iwinawaksiang katauhan subalit paunti-untinglumalakas sa kapangyarihan. Mgamultong sa una pa lamang ay nakikini-kinitang walang patutunguhan,subalit ngayon ay nabibigyan nanghugis upang maging isang ganap nahalimaw.

Halimaw na susugpo sa kanilangmakasariling panaginip naginagatungan ng kapangyarihangpinagkaloob ng isangmapagkunwang panginoongnababalot sa puting telang binurda sagintong alay ng mga mismongmultong nagsilipana’t inaalipusta.

Matagal nang nanahimik sa isangsulok, walang kibo at sinasarili ang

hagupit ng mapagsamantalangtilamsik ng banal nilang dura atpanukalang bumabalangkas lamangsa kanilang kagustuhan, subalitipinagyayabang dikta ng kalangitanat kabutihan, dahil sila mismo angpumatay sa kabanalan ng bathalangnasa pagitan ng purongmakatotohanang saknong atkasinungalingang hatid lamang ngmahalimuyak nilang pananalitakapalit ng mga salaping kumikinangsa mga bulsa ni Hudas.

Kasama sa panukala ay pilit nilangpagbihis dilaw sa mga multong pulaang kulay. At sa impyerno ngpagkalumbay bumangon ang mgamulto, gumalaw, humiyaw, iginiitang kakarampot na elementongtumutukoy sa pagkilala ng kanilangpagiging isang substansiya sa loobng lipunang binubuo ng mganabanggit.

Hindi pinansin ang iginiit ngunitsa panahong sabayang isinigaw ang

nais, umalingawngaw mula saimpyerno ang iyak na gumambalasa mahimbing na nakaluhod na siChino Roces at ang agarangpagresponde ng mga matatalim nabarb wires upang muling igapos sakatahimikan at takot ang mgamultong dapat na siyangkinatatakutan.

Ngayon higit sa lahat, gusto nilangtanggalan ng balintataw at dila angmga mukha ng halos ‘di na ngangmakilalang mga multo. Ayaw nanilang makakita o makapagsalita angnamimilipit na mga ito laban sa bisang kanilang mga orasyon.

Nagkamali sila.Ang natanggal na lumang

balintataw ay nagbigay puwangupang umusbong ang isang matangmay ibang pananaw at nangagarapna hindi lamang pumalagay sakinagisnang impyerno kundilumuwas patungong purgatoryo, ‘diman langit subalit may liwanag. Ang

dilang tinapyas ay humaba atbumagsik gaya ng sa isangmanananggal na kayang butasin angisang sinapupunan upang hugutinang muwang ng sanggol.Kung pipilayin ang mga binti ng mgaito, higit sa malamang, mapapalitanito ng sa isang tikbalang na may sukattulad ng sa isang nagtatabakong kapre.Kung papatayin man, tiyak iluluwalnito ang mga tiyanak na higit pangmabagsik sa nauna at nasirang mgahalimaw. At lalago, yayabong angangkan ng mga multong naginghalimaw.Sila ang mismong tumutulak sapagiging halimaw ng mga payak namga multong nais lamang ngkaunting pagkilala upang matamoang kaluwalhatiang katahimikan.Sa lahat ng multong nakabasa nito,magsama sama at basagin angtanikalang tinakda ng takot sakanilang dikta.

Ko-multo Manipesto

Darren is the president of theNursing Student Council

Synergetic

San Beda is a great schoolfor me and even for those whoalready graduated from theirrespective courses. But now itseems sinking into a culturethat is anti-thesis to excel-lence.

What is the students’ re-sponse to this? An answer thatis vague yet collective.

“United we stand, dividedwe fall…” a line from the lyr-ics of the song Yesterday’sDream reminds me of themany attempts to have aUnited San Beda. Foolish at-tempts, yet none have suc-ceeded; yesterday’s dream in-deed is turning for the worse,into the future’s folly for a rea-son that Bedans themselves

are propagating in them.This can be seen clearly in-

side the very walls of San Bedawherein animosity betweenstudents occur blatantly. Myfriend told me once how itfeels to be shunned aside justbecause of her course. An un-deniable superiority complexgrips most of our studentpopulation. Still, I’m not won-dering when and how this gapstarted. There is always andwill always be a crevice be-tween students; and ever sinceI studied in this school, I neverfound out the reasons, maybebecause both are holding uptheir pride.

I’m reckless when I set thisscenario of rivalry because it

should not be the issue. It isnot about who wears white orwho wears yellow. The issueis about us as Bedans and thetrue essence of being united.But if you try to search for this,you’ll never find it. It’s be-cause Bedans themselveshaven’t found it yet. Thisunity is still in their hearts andminds and only hopeful butare apathetic and sometimesinsensitive to what is happen-ing, most importantly onlythe few resonates initiative forthis transformation. Kungmeron mang Ora, wala namangLabora.

Fellow Bedans, we cannot beamalgamated as a one com-munity if we will compete

with each other’s ego. Every-one desires power to governthe community and no onewants to be the follower be-cause everyone assumes to bethe leader. In that case we areonly making a faction in ourline? I’m sure that this willagain call for spiteful compe-tition, a competition that willnever cease to tear all of usapart.

Unity is not about the egoand the collective effort of thefew rather a consolidated ef-fort of all. It is time to make achange without egotistic andpersonal intimidation, our fo-cus should be on how to beunited; a community whereineveryone respects and caresfor everyone.

15


OPINION

Red Lions’ Pride

During the rage and restivenessof the early 70’s, the benevolentmonks of the Abbey of our Ladyof Montserrat decided to embarkon a venture of establishing an-other school in a more peacefulplace than Mendiola. Thirty-fiveyears ago, the Benedictines even-tually materialized the plan ofbuilding a new school with a newconcept of open and informal pri-mary education, giving birth toBenedictine Abbey School, whichlater became St. Benedict College.

St. Benedict College’s humblebeginnings emphasized individu-alism since it was planned andoperated by the Abbey and notby San Beda College. The two maybe different in form and structurethen, nevertheless from the verybeginning, they are perfectly re-lated to one another in substanceand soul.

On November 27, 2004, St.

Benedict College formallyadapted the name San Beda Col-lege Alabang – a historic movewhich brought us to where wereally belong and to inculcate thetrue culture that we should bear.Opposition and sentiments frommany members of the Bedan com-munity welcomed such move ofofficially labeling us as part of thepride. But rationale-lacking sen-timents will only bring us no-where, and unpalatable opposi-tion and resentment of a few willonly create adverse factions anddisparities which will only disar-ray us from our ultimate goal to-wards a unified Bedan Commu-nity despite our diversity.

It is high time to do what is wellpast due. The period has come forall campuses to lay down the pil-lars of a strong union. All sectorsof the studentry must now con-verge and initiate different en-

deavors and projects that will con-solidate our visions for our almamater.

No room for divisiveness as itis a thing of the past, and whilethere is no avoiding partisan poli-tics and personal interests, theremust always be a determined ef-fort by all sides to limit the collat-eral damage on a strongly con-verged Bedan community readyto let its strong roars be heard inevery concern of the students, es-pecially those that will seriouslycreate an impact to our unitedcommunity.

What we do is as important asanything our institution does forus. I ask everyone to seek a com-mon good beyond your comforttowards the oneness of all; to up-hold and defend needed changesand initiatives our institution sodeserves against attacks of apa-thy and indifference; and to serve

our institution, beginning withyour friends and seatmates. Whynot join hands in our biggest chal-lenge for the progress of our oneand only alma mater where weall win or we altogether lose? Iask you not to be spectators, notmere students; but responsibleBedans altogether building aspirit of community and an aca-demic institution of character andpride as one.

Bedans may disagree amongstthemselves, but we must never losesight of our greater battle for onepeople, one institution, one San Beda.People need not to bediscombobulated, for Mendiola,Alabang, and Taytay share one iden-tity and one soul. After all, lions mayhave several dens, but they shall al-ways belong to only one pride - ThePride of Bedans. Animo San Beda!

Saboteurs, rumormongers, yourfriendly neighborhood of hypocrites,and for the lack of a better term, power-trippers; all have one thing in com-mon. They are weak and inhibited.

Through the course of my life I haveseen and encountered such personasof remarkable insecurities. Apparently,there seems to be no telling when,where, or how you will meet thesefolks. One thing is for sure though;they’ll never go easy on you. They’lltaunt you, scheme against you, andheaven forbid, try to sully your goodname. Sadly, they live amongst us –lurking, observing, and simply wait-ing for an opportune time to attack.When they do choose to strike, they’llthrow garbage at you till your wit’send. At which point, one wouldinstincntly defend while opting to fight

back sending a flurry of one’s own un-til one finds oneself smelling of gar-bage as well, leading to a never endingbout of mud slinging.

The tides have changed however.An era has begun, where strengththrives in unity, such unity that tran-scends distance and cultural differences.The congregation of the oppressed andrepressed has spoken in one voice,working towards one vision, one end.The goal, a unification forged to flour-ish and to be emulated by generationsto come. Such is a kind of bond whichwill not falter in the face of adversitiesand of foes. It seems a little dramaticrhetoric for a college bound newspa-per article doesn’t it? I believe not, whenyou consider the lack of foresight andinanity going around the country ingeneral today. Our community is

abound with petty tyrants and piss inthe wind administrators whose firstimpulse in acquiring a position of slightpower is to mark their communitywith their own brand idiocy so theycan go and claim that they “did” some-thing. Well, the real worthwhile workis happening now despite of the ama-teurism and lack of analysis that is dis-played by people who supposedlyshould know better.

It’s time to remember somethingvery important. Democracy, free dis-course, and growth do not end at thedoorsteps of an educational institution.The revered poet, artist, and writer,Khalil Gibran said of freedom —“…you can only be free when eventhe desire of seeking freedom becomesa harness to you, and when you ceaseto speak of freedom as a goal and a

fulfillment. You shall be free indeedwhen your days are not without carenor your nights without a want and agrief, but rather when these thingsgirdle your life and yet you rise abovethem naked and unbound.”

The bickering and mud-slingingwith saboteurs, rumormongers,hypocrites, and power-trippers thatlive among us should cease. As weattempt to destroy one another, wedestroy not our rival; rather we de-stroy the very thing that binds ouridentity, our culture, and our tradi-tion — San Beda. Let us do away withour selfish wants, destructive means,and personal vendetta. We areBedans, we live together. We areBedans, and Bedans work together.We do not have much ado, aboutlittle...

Much Ado About Little

Ron is the president of theSBCA- Alabang CAS Student Ex-ecutive Board

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a thebedan final

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