JUNE - AUGUST 2007 N ews 9

CSA
CSAcelebrates AugustinianWeek
celebrates Augustinian Week Jessica Mae C. Orense,7C & Legrand H. Buan,7C

Friendship Day was celebrated last

In the spirit of celebration as August 22 with a Paraliturgical Service;
a n A u g u s t i n i a n f a m i l y, C S A through Public Address Speakers. The
commemorated the Augustinian students, afterwards, were given time to
Week last August 22-29. The usual give out gifts to their classmates,
activities were held.This was in line teachers, and friends as tokens of
with the school thrust: friendship and in jubilation for this
“A community of friends working fraternal relationship.
together engaged in social
transformation towards the With a Paraliturgical service
upliftment of life through the followed by love offering collections in
witnessing of truth, justice, peace, each class, Man for All Men was
and the promotion of respect and celebrated on August 23.
concern for God's creation." Mr. Joey Velasco, a painter
Truly proud to be Augustinian!!
renowned for his Christian-themed
The Augustinian Family Mass Later that afternoon, lights masterpieces also held a short forum
was held in the Grade School flashed and decorations spread in the San AgustinTheater wherein he
Covered Court on August 26, with out the classrooms as the students exhibited his most publicised work, the
families registering as early as 7am. prepared and honored Moms and “Hapag ng Pag-asa” which features
The mass, with its theme Dads through Parents' Day. street children as Apostles in the famous
“Enter through the narrow gate”, Last Supper scene. A short documentary
started at 8:30 am. elaborating on each of the children’s
An agape, with some trials and hardships followed, which
numbers, socialization events, and a brought tears to the eyes of many an
book fair followed. Augustinian student.
Reproductions of his paintings
were sold during the forum, which the
Pista ng Kasuotang Pilipino, students willingly patronized knowing
celebrated on August A million thanks, Dad and Mom! proceeds shall be for the benefit of the
28, lifted up the true The Feast Of St. Augustine was street children Mr. Velasco is helping.
national spirit in thecelebrated August 29 to conclude
form of wearing the week-long merriment.
Filipino costumes. An institutional Mass was
The different outfit held in the GS Covered Court
themes resulted to a where the Service Awardees
variety of attractive were given recognition.
colors and costumes A proper ceremony for them
symbolizing the was then held at the San Agustin
groups of people Theater followed by a luncheon in Hapag ng Pag-Asa by Joey Velasco
around the nation. the High School Covered Court to
A parade was held cap it all. The Alumni returned to CSA last
Back in time:
Filipino clothing eras early that morning. August 24, proudly sharing their
experiences during their crayons and
notebook days.
Ms. Annette Gozon, one of the
distinguished guests, intimated with
select 7th grade sections in the Sta. Rita
de Cascia Hall.
An Alumni Homecoming
celebration in the Gymnasium was held
Awarding loyalty: CSA gives gratitude to those who stayed through thick and thin the following day, August 25.

ArtWork by Beatriz San Mateo, 6K

10 N ews JUNE - AUGUST 2007

To raise student's awareness for the poor, C.S.A. NDCC holds National Disaster
re-launched the still on going Pondo ng Pinoy, a Consciousness Week 2007
collection done all over the Philippines, started by
Flora Anne R. Palabrica
Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales and inspired by
the story of The Rich Man and Lazarus, of our small and “Safe Ka Ba?: Programa Laban sa
little unnoticed coins for the poor. Kalamidad Tungo sa Pag-unlad.”,
Last year, the students have generously given to is the theme of the National Disaster
this Pondo ng Pinoy, shelling out an amount of Php 114, Consciousness Week held on July 28,
364.35. “C.S.A. Makati was the number one contributor to 2007 by the National Disaster
the Pondo ng Pinoy with a total contribution on Php 301, Coordinating Council (NDCC).
402.15,” says G.S. C.L.E. coordinator Ms. Christina The celebration included a logo
G.Santos. “I am very happy that Augustinians are aware design contest, a disaster and emergency
of the Church's project to help alleviate the condition of the
management forum, drills, photo exhibits
poor people. I just wish that they will continue to witness and a stakeholders' assembly. The
the values of generosity and concern for the common highlight of this year's celebration is the
good.” search for “Gawad Kalasag” (Kalamidad at

CSA I'll lean on you and

Sakuna Labanan, Sariling Galing ang
Kaligtasan), the Search for Excellence in
tops you lean on me and
Disaster Management and Humanitarian
Assistance.

PONDO NG PINOY
Abdul Kadir R. Faisal, 7D
With the theme “Kapag May
Access, May Success”; the Regional
Council for the Welfare of Disabled
Persons (RCWDP) hosted the National
Disability and Rehabilitation Week last
July 17-23. This celebration aimed to
enhance public awareness and empower
disabled persons through several
programs and forums.
The council conducted medical
and dental outreach programs and
sponsored cultural presentations and
sports events. A tree-planting activity was
also held in cooperation with the
Department of Environment and Natural
Resources.
Aside from that, a forum was
conducted wherein those suffering from
disability were able to express themselves
and air their complaints. Council members
hoped that through this program, the
Philippines will be more disability-friendly.
we'll be okay According to NDCC officials, “The
Gawad Kalasag is the government's
modest response of gratefulness in
-- Dave Matthews recognizing outstanding performance of all
the partners and stakeholders in disaster
management programs.”
MASSA visits PAGASA Carmela P. Dagdag,7D
The Members of Aspiring Scientists of St. Augustine (MASSA),
together with the science club from other schools, held a field trip last
July 14 in the Philippine Atmospheric Geographical and Astronomical
Services Administration (PAGASA) garden in Quezon City. The trip
seeks to broaden the students' knowledge about science and
technology.
According to Ms. Leiliza Felix, “This field trip aims to enhance the
students' comprehension about scientific and technological processes.”
The field trip included an exhibit which contained information about
Multimedia Info. Systems, Manila Observatory, Philippine Nuclear
Research Institute, and National Mapping and Resource Information
Agency. The exhibit also presented a smaller version of the Manila Water
System. Furthermore, the Philippine Coconut Authority also contributed
information and facts about food production and benefits derived from
coco- sap production.
The field trip ended with a short visit to the Planetarium wherein the
students were shown a 10 minute presentation about the solar system,
stars, and constellations with the use of the Zeiss Type projector.

RCWDP holds National Disability and Rehabilitation Week 2007 One mind and One heart
Flora Anne R. Palbrica, 7C & Angela Rebecca I. Flestado, 5A intent upon GOD
ArtWork by John Michael Mendoza, 6J
JUNE - AUGUST 2007
Student Leaders attend PACERS Weekend (mula d 8)
N ews 11

Ika-limang Baitang
Flora Anne R. Palabrica 7C, &Ma. Raizza
Angela Renella
Rebecca I. P. Bello,7C
Flestado 5A
Aklatang Pagkukuwento
Year in and year out the guidance Nestor DS. Castor Jr., 5L
team has been giving leadership training - gintong katibayan,
seminars (LTS) for grades 1-7 students. This Elise Angela H. Espinosa, 5M
year, for the first time, the guidance planned - pulang katibayan
to maximize grade 7 student leaders through Alyssa O. Concepcion, 5L
PACERS held last August 31 to September - asul na katibayan
1, 2007 at Bluroze Lipa, Batangas. Pagsulat ng Sanaysay
Jean Mariz E. Liwag, 5J
-gintong katibayan
There were five activities during the weekend. The participants were Dana Alyssa J. Macarilay, 5B
grouped into three; yellow, aqua, and royal blue. The first activity was the - pulang katibayan
Sack Turnover; a sample run for the LTS concerning problem solving. The Lara Andrea R. Montales, 5K
second activity was to plan and prepare an - asul na katibayan.
activity for the other participants. The third Ika-anim na baitang
activity, prepared by the Yellow team, was The Pagsusulat ng Tula
Amaaaaazing Race; which is about self- Hidenori Dequito, 6A
awareness. The fourth activity conducted by - gintong katibayan
the Aqua team was the Bola-bola Soup which Raphael Cecilio S. Rodolfo, 6C
addressed communication. The final activity - pulang katibayan
was done by the Royal Blue team named Celina Mae P. Lapitan, 6B
A Modern Fairytale 'PACERS Style' . - asul na katibayan.
Pinakamagaling na Tagadebate
The students also had tent Reena Louise G. Ko, 6C
pitching, breakfast cooking and relaxation Nanalong Pangkat sa Debate
among other things. After conducting their Reena Louise G. Ko, 6C
activity as a group they also did the Ian Frederic Ilagan, 6B,
processing with participants and Horacio Tomas T. Castillo III, 6E,
facilitators critiquing upon the activity they Shaira Joy N. Nacino, 6L
handled. Dennis O. Betito Jr., 6D
“We really enjoyed the whole experience during PACERS. We Ika-pitong Baitang
learned a lot about our role as leaders and we would like to help younger Pagsulat ng Maikling Kwento
batches with what we have picked up during the activities,” stressed Flora Justine Ma. Regina D. Galandines, 7A
Anne R. Palabrica, 7C class Secretary and PACERS participant. - gintong katibayan
Lovely V. Napa, 7B
Grade 7 Guidance Counselor and PACERS - pulang katibayan
facilitator, Mrs. Meyeth A. Angat stated,“I would say Marcy Regina P. dela Pena, 7I
all the participants were creative, dynamic, active, -asul na katibayan
and innovative. I found most of those who attended to Pinakamagaling na Tagadebate
be potential student facilitators.” Jessica Mae C. Orense, 7C
Nanalong Pangkat sa Debate
Jessica Mae C. Orense, 7C
According to Mrs. Cecilia Aurea F. Abando, Guidance Head and Ma. Raizza Renella P. Bello, 7C
PACERS Head facilitator, “We realized that given the opportunity, with Ma. Ana Jacinta L. Jocson, 7D
proper guidance and direction, our 7th grade student leaders could harness Nadine Abbygale E. Apilado, 7D
their potentials and become very good facilitators. With trust and Margaret Mary Casiano, 7E
confidence, they can do it. We planted the seed and hopefully, the High Ralph Jasper Manuel, 7K.
School will reap the harvest.”
Mrs. Abando also explained that part of the commitment is to be a
proactive member of the planning team with the Guidance people, Friends are God's way of taking care of us.
administering and delivering what they learned to younger batches.

ArtWork by Alanna Baes, 5G

12 N ews JUNE - AUGUST 2007

UNFPA Celebrates World Population Day 2007 The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)
Flora Anne R.Palabrica,7C celebrated World Population Day last July 11, with the
theme, “Men as Partners in Maternal Health”.
This is an annual event, which aims to raise awareness of global population issues. This year's celebration
focuses attention on the essential role of men in supporting women's rights, which also includes their right to sexual
and reproductive health.
“World Population Day is a time to focus on commitment and action to ensure that
every pregnancy is wanted, every birth is safe, every young person is free of HIV/AIDS,
and every girl and woman is treated with dignity and respect”, stated Thoraya Obaid,
Executive Director of UNFPA.

World celebrates International Youth Day 2007

Ma. Katrina Louise T. Ong,7D
To give the world an opportunity to realize the potential of the youth and to celebrate
their achievements, the United Nations (UN) and countries all over the world observed the International Youth Day
(IYD) last August 12, with the theme:
“BE SEEN, BE HEARD: YOUTH PARTICIPATION FOR DEVELOPMENT”.

Young people participated in the “Shoot Nations Global Photography Competition” by submitting
photographs and drawings. Shoot Nations 2007 received over 1500 entries from the youth in 85 countries worldwide.
The competition closed on July 23, 2007.
The youth also presented themselves and their message for development in a film for a “Global Youth Wave”.
The clips are to be compiled and uploaded in Youtube.
In the Philippines, a local roadrunners' youth club conducted a 10-k clean-up drive, a 1-day youth exhibit, and
3-k, 5-k, and 10-k Fun Run for IYD 2007 through information, education, communication, and sports. Plans are also
underway to have IYD as a year-round activity culminating in a 12-August event. Local Youth Organizations in
Dumaguete City arranged a mini concert of local bands and the youth. It included slide-show presentations and a live
feed of IYD celebrations around the globe.
A program was held at the UN Headquarters on August 10, 2007. A light-box art installation of Shoot Nations
Global Photography Competition was presented. Speakers shared their thoughts on “Using Internet for Youth-Led
Development”, “Youth, Values, and the Millennium Development Goals”, “Young Professionals for International
Cooperation”, “Life Support Performance”, and “Inspiring Youth to Be Seen and Heard”.
The CSA Grade 2 family
CSARaphael
conducts Emergency Dril s
Rodolfo, 6C &
honored Blessed John of Rieti through
a Para-liturgical celebration held at
Tanya Chua, 7C the chapel early morning of his feast
day. After the agape, an interaction
activity was given among the grade 2
Every year, the Colegio San Agustin Grade School sections, which aims to familiarize the
Department, together with hundreds of other schools in students with their batch mates.
the Philippines, conduct emergency drills for almost A prayer booth was stalled as
every type of calamity possible here in the country; fire, well, wherein students wrote petitions
relatively destructive earthquakes, and bomb threats. through the intercession of Blessed
John.

GRADE 2
These drills; considered by most students as
insignificant and a waste of time- which is the main
reason why we are 1-2 minutes behind the average
Legrand Buan
evacuation time- are preparing us for worst case
scenarios and may even save our lives.
honors
Blessed John of Rieti
ArtWork by Audrey CE,
JUNE - AUGUST 2007
They are good for us It is okay because it The new school rules help the
O pinions 13
They help us to be The new rules are better
because it will make brings good health. It environment. With less usage of good and better and more okay. It helps us if
us healthy. If we will make us more junk food and plastic cups, we Augustinians. They we follow more the rules
follow them, we will disciplined and save money, too. improve us in our and regulations, and by
be better and happy. responsible. daily living. listening to the teacher
attentively.
Allen Lim,1B Jimmy William Go,2K Andrei Miguel Azarcon, 2C
Justin Goyena, 3F Celedonio Pile III., 3
I think these things are to I think they are implemented
protect the Earth, so we must
follow them. We will have
proper discipline and we can
WHAT SAY YOU?
What do you think about the school’s new rules and policies?
How do you think these help you?
because teachers and officers
want us to have a healthy
lifestyle. They help us because
help protect the Earth at the
same time. Ponderin’ POLiCIES
Jessica Mae C. Orense &
they somehow train us to have
good values and eat healthier
food.
Lara Montales, 5K Oscar Acopiado Jr., 7C
Nicole Magnayon, 7C
The rules are basically just the same as before, but some are They make the students more behaved and understanding. If they
harder. These will give more discipline and understanding to follow the rules, they will grow to be more responsible.
us.
Jeanna Lanting, 6A Kristoff Sison, 4A
Most of us nowadays spend most of our free time eyes glued to our PC screen or curled up with a laptop. These
wonderful inventions are what we use for both stressful and relaxing things. Usually, long requirements deprive us of
sleep, but the computer also is our refuge. Games, netsurfing, downloading music, and what else? Chatting. If the
many hours we spend in school isn't yet enough to be with our friends, voila. Real-time communication- we don't need
to wait long periods of time to get replies. We could use web cams or voice chat. Latest technology would even allow
us to do so using our cellular phones. This whole network -being connected, and communicating easily- is what our
government saw advantages in. They would want to have their own exclusive network through the National
Broadband Network or NBN.
The NBN is highly beneficial in the eyes of the government. It would have all national government agencies and
offices connected through telecommunications services, including cellular and internet services, just like an exclusive
highway.
ZTE Corporation, a Chinese company, would be the provider at a cost of S329 million. They say it would be
more cost efficient, at P900 million, rather than the P4 billion already spent each year. Sounds amazing at first.
Broadband connections nationwide, government only, at a low cost!
In the eyes of the critics though, it is to the contrary. They see no necessity for these broadband connections,
and say government offices may lack competence in operating technological devices. They also say that it would just
be more expensive, not using local existing broadband companies. This being unnecessary, the great deal of money
could be used for other projects, such as infrastructures, education, or housing.
The anomalies (as always) start here. First and foremost, the government, as well as ZTE would not like to
explain the deal, nor be interviewed by the media. They have so far used the contract being stolen a few days after it
was signed in China and the court's restraining order as excuses to their silence. Explanations made were also
inconsistent. For instance, the deal was said to be inclusive of

Deal or No Deal?
cellular phone connectivity, yet they claimed otherwise in a
presentation. The P900 million is also being doubted, whether
everything is already charged here, or long distance calls and
such will still be added. (pg. 15)
ZTE Jessica Mae C. Orense, 7C

ArtWork by Kim Sun Kyun, 6H

14 O pinions JUNE - AUGUST 2007
A gadget is a device that has a useful practical purpose and function. Gadgets tend to be more unusual or cleverly designed than
normal technology. These days, gadgets like cellphones, mp3's, iPod's, digital cameras and laptops are the latest fashion. People
sometimes say that they can't live without these things or that it completes their lives. But, is it really a must for students to have all these
things?
An article in the newspaper says that nowadays, people would rather give importance to their cellphones than to their basic
needs. We were quite disappointed upon hearing that. So, we asked ourselves; are cellphones more important than the basic things in
order to live?
Cellphones were made for easy communication. Laptops were invented for portability; i.e. we can bring it anywhere we go.
Mp3's/ Mp4's and iPod's are used for listening to music. Sometimes, we also see children whose phones are 3G models. These latest
technologies are not to brag about.
We have to be a good role model to others by being simple in everything we do in eating, dressing, communicating and even
sleeping. If we are simple in our daily life, we can save a lot in terms of time, money and energy. We must appreciate that simplicity is
beauty. This makes us lead a simple life. Use our talents in humble service to others. Give importance to family value instead.
“Simplicity is in one's heart.” Hans Hofmann. We can live simple lives without gadgets. They are not actually essential to our
existence. They make us enjoy our lives, but we can live without them. We should not make them as a requirement in our lives. As
Augustinian students, we must learn and apply the value of simplicity in our lives.
Let us be simple and humble so that we could follow St. Augustine's footsteps. “… but all of us have something that we consider
a necessary irritant in our life. And it's probably really not necessary. It may even be keeping us from discovering the pleasure in
simple things…” Charles Warner
LivinLaVidaLuxury
Noelle Clara Sofia P. Fajardo &

Augustinian thoughts
For six years, the case against the former
Leanne D. Balmes, 6C

Jueteng is an illegal act in the country. The

President of the Republic of the Philippines, Joseph
“Erap” Ejercito Estrada, remained quiet. Anti-Erap groups
wait for the Supreme Court to give their final decision,
while Pro-Erap supporters are still alive with their hopes
that he will be set free. Now, the Sandiganbayan has
spoken. An explosion of a hidden bomb in a war has been
set free. Erap is found guilty with plunder while acquitted
with perjury charges. But the question is, was the final
decision of the Sandiganbayan fair or not? How will these
affect the country?
The handcuffs are fittingly ready on his hands
and the jails are about to welcome the deposed president
with his sentence, reclusion perpetua; or in simple
terms, a 40-year life imprisonment. I, for one, think that
Erap is guilty. He has misused the money of the people
as a public servant during his time. At the same time,
however, it is unfair that he is the only one who has been
convicted in spite of the fact that there are others out there
who more than deserve such a conviction.
Jueteng money overflowed the pockets of
government has banned jueteng, yet our own leaders
engage in this act. If they continue to do these things, how
will they help in sweeping off illegal practices in the
Philippines? It is like making a rule for the people you lead
that you yourself do not follow. Is it not said that, “ A good
leader is a good follower”?
Erap also misused the public fund for the
tobacco excise share reserved for the Province of Ilocos
Sur under R.A. No. 7171; the Php 130,000,000
representing a portion of the Php 170,000,000 was
scammed with his co-accused Charlie “Atong” Ang,
Alma Alfaro, Eleuterio Tan a.k.a Eleuterio Ramos Tan
or Mr, Uy, and Jane Doe a.k.a. Delia Rajas again
witnessed by Singson.
Erap is allegedly worth Php 4, 097, 804, 173.17,
a wealth unexplained which led the Sandiganbayan to
give a guilty verdict.
Ironically, with the subject of wealth at hand, do
you not find it unfair that the Marcoses, PGMA, (next page)

Ju sti ce System
Estrada as he received, directly or indirectly, more or less
Php 545,000,000 . The same happened with gambling
operators and co-accused Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada,
Yolanda T. Ricaforte, and Atty. Edward Serapio as
allegedly witnessed by Gov. Luis “Chavit” Singson.
Fair Unfair
Ma.Raizza Renella P.Bello,7C
ArtWork by Rainier Jacinto, 6J
JUNE - AUGUST 2007
and others in the
government who have done
the same are not accused
with the same charges?
If justice is really present in
the Philippines, the Marcoses should have
been found guilty years ago. They have killed a
lot of Filipinos and have done harm in the
nation for quite a long time, not just physically,
but mentally and socially as well specially
during the their tyranny with Martial Law. The
same goes with GMA, she admitted some of
her wrong doings to the country, yet why can’t
they impeach and file a case against her? Is
justice really served?
Surely, Pro-Erap supporters will
protest with the decision given. A guilty verdict
for Erap is justice. But if there is really justice
with the system of the Supreme Court, why not
file a case to every official of the government
who have done something against the law?
Looking back to the history of the
country, one may see that there is an unfair
side that roots from the non-conviction of the
other leaders who have themselves engaged
in plunder, perjury, and murder. Maybe this will
make you think about the kind of justice
system we have here in the Philippines.
As Augustinians, we should study
well for our future and the country we will
serve. We should not tolerate the examples
shown by our government leaders today. At
the same time, we should be aware of the
things happening around us. As young as we
are let us help others, through the outreaches,
lfor as St. Augustine said, helping the poor is
doing justice. As we grow, let us learn from the
mistakes our officials have done so as not to
commit it in the future.
O pinions15
Second, it is known that in matters like this, wherein there are
proposed projects, the companies should have bidding. In
this case, they reasoned it was a government-to-government
deal. However, two other companies, American Firm offered S130
million, and Amsterdam Holdings Inc. (owned by Jose “Joey” de
Venecia III), S240 million. Both of these would be Billed Operate
Transfers (BOTs), meaning they are paid for personally, and turned
over to the government after 20 years. This is compared to the loan
we made from China, and with interest rates at 3% per year, our total
cost 20 years from now would be S529 million. Still think it's cost
efficient?
First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo is also a major part of
this issue. According to Jose “Joey” de Venecia III, FG offered him
S10 million dollars to back out of the project, and also told him to
“Back off!” during one of the meetings. This “Mystery Man” is now in
Hong Kong, or God knows where, avoiding the issues. COMELEC
Chairman Benjamin Abalos was also said to receive money prior to
the deal, because he had golfing buddies that were ZTE officials,
who also paid for his China trips.
Our government claims to be transparent, now with two new
committees promoting this, but how are they so if they keep the deal
away from the people whose taxes are paying for it? We also are
righteous, proving it by putting an old president to jail as his
punishment, but does this really prove anything? With the
government trying to get away with this all, and though it is not really
working, who is to trust and depend on?
Joey de Venecia has come forward, telling the people the
“truth”. He renounced his participation to the project, not anymore
fighting for his company, but for justice to be served. He is putting his
father, Speaker Jose de Venecia's job at stake, just to say what he
has to say. Putting this all at risk, along with his own name, some say
these are signs that he is telling the truth. But what is the truth, we
may never know, but only time will tell.
This is but another controversy, with a seemingly good
intention. Is this project for keeps, or to be thrown away? So is it a
deal or a no deal?
Not So Applause-worthy After All
SONA Oscar A. Acopiado Jr., 7C

Probably, if you watched or listened to the State of the Nation Address (SONA) last July 23, you have
been more likely than not brainwashed by the thunderous applause given by the Congress to the President.
Well, I think you better think twice. If you're now tilting you're head because of what I'm saying, look at these
three points wherein Madame President made noticeable faults:
What achievements was PGMA talking about? The SONA failed to describe the real condition of Juan
de la Cruz. Her speechwriter portrayed a country that is already moving forward. Hundreds of billions in
human and physical infrastructure investments, a balanced budget, payment of debt, agriculture focus to
transform beneficiaries into agri-businessmen, Mindanao super region, development of bio-fuels as new
source of energy, enactment of Human Security Act to fight terrorism, development of new and
strengthening of the present tourist destinations and providing road and terminal access to the said areas,
cheaper medicines, senior citizen care, agri-business zones, cyber-corridor and IT, election reforms, end to
political violence, and a lot more for a total of P1.3 trillion medium-term public service program. (p 16)

ArtWork by Kim Soo Hyun, 5H

16 J ournals JUNE - AUGUST 2007

A president who wants to do what is right than what is popular.

Despite of all these policy pronouncements, what is the reality?
o Fund Drive,
The Newspaper
the Pondo ng
Environmentalists took a more critical stand on the issue of La
Mesa watershed which the President said is a protected area but
“subject to private rights.” Reform advocates took offense on the plan of the
n Pinoy, and the outreach
activities.
One may feel it is a
government to transfer the DAR to Davao. She said what better place could it tad too much. Wondering
be situated than in front of the landed class in Congress. On several about why these are done
instances, the President has distorted the difference between public
concerns and private interests. It is for the same reason why that the rift g leads to one answer; and that
is “CHARITY.” All efforts to
between the rich and the poor is widening. PGMA has become the guardian do these things support a lot
of the elite and the symbol of affluence and lack of sensitivity. A senator even
said that her SONA seemed like a Friendster list for having mentioned the
e of people, especially our less
fortunate brethren. Aside
Who's Who list of the President's closest friends and allies and the
infrastructure projects they had asked from her administration as reward for n from their basic daily needs,
they are also given a chance
their political loyalty but failed to address the concerns of ordinary people. for a good education. CSA
The prices of basic commodities are even higher today than five years ago.
The expanded value- added tax is supposed to improve the condition of our
e founded these fund drives
and outreach programs to aid
country, but we haven't seen or felt its value. Shanties and informal
settlements are mushrooming in various parts of the country particularly r society’s indigents. Ms.
Contreras says “The
here in Metro Manila. purpose of these programs
To address all of these, her cabinet members and allies should
experience how hard it is to live in these areas. Likewise, the president
o include to help alleviate the
condition of our less
should focus and provide every Filipino citizen his due and sacrifice her
personal agenda, if any. Another important aspect of nation building is
s fortunate brothers/sisters,
as well as to awaken the
nurturing, rehabilitation and sustaining the environment and natural concern for the poor
resources. Our dream could only be realized if we ensure the future
generations will benefit and have access to their natural resources and
i among our students,
parents, and teachers”.
patrimony. t With this, she encourages
everyone to find it in their
We all take different paths in life, but no matter where we go,
we take a little of each other everywhere.
y hearts to be committed to
these causes, and to
– Tim McGraw generously support it
. Remembering the
Augustinian “Man for all
Almost everyday, glaciers melt in the Arctic. What if one day you wake up Men” celebrations, she
under the sea and discover that the world has sunken into the deep? candidly states that everyone
Global Warming and Greenhouse Effect, are the natural problems in our must have their “offerings
world today. In order to educate and the students be aware, the grades four to from the heart” ready.
seven students watched the film, “An Inconvenient Truth” last June 17 in the St. So why not attend
Ambrose Hall. those outreaches willingly, or
The film shows the possible effects that may happen in the near future if we gather and donate your old
will continue to be careless with our environment. Some countries might sink newspapers, or put your
underwater and will be gone forever. pocket money in that bottle;
This activity should help us realize that we should start taking care of our who knows what rewards
surroundings, not tomorrow, but today. Everything in nature is important and we await you in heaven.
should treasure it. It's up to you if you want to take care or not, but soon you'll
experience the repercussions of your actions. Angelo S. Fernandez 6A &
Jose Ramon Ladlad
When mother nature strikes back
Jeffrey Kyle L. Goyena, 7D
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ArtWork by Pola Dayne Farinas,6L

JUNE - AUGUST 2007
Nervous... anxious... excited... The feeling was
indescribable. It was judgment day for us GSSG candidates. As
I hurry towards the front of the faculty room, where the election
results are posted. Every second then seemed like eternity. I
stopped just in time to see three teary-eyed friends. Like me, they
were also candidates during the GSSG election. Upon seeing
me, one said “Sama ka na sa amin, Jella.” Another blurted,
“Sorry to say, we all lost.” Of course, at first I thought my ears
deceived me. But it was true. And you could only imagine how I
felt that time.
But that was history and there will always be a next time.
Reflecting on it today, I realized the experience wasn’t that bad
at all. In fact, it is like a treasure- filled cave. An unsightly place
that hides within glittering gems. And these gems; they’re the
lessons I learned from the experience.
Lesson# 1: It is not enough to say what you mean, or mean
what you say; you have to do it creatively.
In our campaign, we try to get the students' votes. I won a
GSSG seat last year so I thought I’ve got everything made up. I
spoke clearly of my genuine intentions in vying for the
VP seat. But I noticed that whenever I delivered it, it
N
seemed like my words just came in their right
ear, and went out on the left. Noticeably, when
I tried to improvise and use ...(to page 20)
Jella Marie P. Carillo, 6B H
A DO
Losing the Seat, Winning the Gems
from all corners
E TAF
the chosen few
Mark Gabriel D. Ordonez, 7C
Finally, after the tiring and grueling
campaign and the uphill struggles of the
candidates with their respective parties, the
fog’s been cleared. We now know our Grade
School Student Government (GSSG) student leaders who
are expected to serve their fellow Augustinians well for the
whole school year 2007-2008.
There were the victors and the ones who just
weren't so lucky that day. But all of them have one
responsibility; and that is to be student role models.
But are the elected leaders living up to their
mandate entrusted to them by voters like me?
First let me go back to the campaign period.
According to some people, other candidates had violated
campaign rules, which for me is very disappointing and
unacceptable. If they could not follow the set campaign
rules, how could they be good leaders to the Augustinian
community, and in the future, our society? In spite of this, I
still admire other candidates for their dedication and
commitment to the campaign. Some candidates
impressed me with their speeches that motivated me to
vote for them, and their various gimmicks that earned
them overwhelming support from the pupils.
As for the results, I am pleased with the outcome
and I am counting on them to do their duties well. I believe
ArtWork by Miguel Cid, 6K
F eatures 17
During the elections, it seems I cannot breathe. I was
nervous, wondering if I’ll win or lose. I was not expecting
anything. I comforted myself with the thought that I did
everything that I could to show my voting public that I truly
deserved their votes. And that all I can do now is to just wait
and pray.
Success!!! When I saw the tally of votes, I cried tears
of joy. It was worth everything I did. All the pain and the tears,
the sleepless nights and the absences in class; all of the
sacrifices. All these were wiped away. I felt like a child
receiving a gift; a chocolate or a balloon, from my family.
Simple yet meaningful, it's a feeling like no other.
I was happy and at the same time, frustrated with the
results. Happy because I won; frustrated because not all of
the candidates I voted for made it. But I guess that's life. You
win some, you lose some.
Ah, GSSG life! This experience has made me a better
person, and it will continuously mold me to be better than my
best. GSSG life is definitely like no other, with each
unforgettable moment it brings.
And it's all worth it! All the hard work and
everything paid off. Remembering the old
adage that says “Do your best and God will do
the rest”, I can’t help but testify to God’s
generosity. But of course, one has to believe
F GSSG LIFE
and remain optimistic as well.
Mia Martinez
This past election, you have heard
and seen candidates presenting their
speeches, campaigning for their
respective parties. Some speeches were
convincing while some were plain and
would not even merit one's attention.
For me, a GSSG candidate myself, my voting
basis did not depend on the candidate's speeches
alone. I looked for the sincerity in their words; if they
were campaigning from their hearts of hearts or if
they were merely delivering lip service. I thought it
important to consider and re-consider this: Does
the candidate have the capability and the will to do
the things he said in his speech? Does he even have
time to do the things he said? For he may just mouth
it now but soon not do anything.
I believe these are just some of the things we
must consider when voting. And that’s just what I
did!
Running
Reginald B. THE race
Larracas 6-B
the chosen candidates have great potential and
leadership in promoting the Augustinian values.
As of now, I will be looking forward to the coming
GSSG projects that would hopefully make the Grade
School department better for all Augustinians. After all,
“To whom much is given, much is expected”.
G
JUNE - allery
18 AUGUST 2007 16
JUNE - AUGUST 2007

Joey Matematico, 6H Beatriz San Mateo, 6K

Marina Janelle del Rosario, 6K

Melanie Lara, 6K
Mia Bagaforo Aynrand Daniel Sandstrom, 6L

Jia De Guzman, 6L Mi-Na Kang, 6H Alyssa Talens, 6J

Ramone Erika Pangan, 6L

Maribelle Kassouf, 6L
Nichols Sayson, 6K

Trishaleen Aila Lomboy, 6K Bianca Coronel, 6K Miguel Paolo Cruz, 5J

ArtWork by Kim Ga-I, 6H