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Editors Note
Do not be fooled by that dainty damsel gracing our cover. We havent gone Cosmopolitan.nor have we invoked the malevolent spirits of Brini Maxwell and Martha Stewart. Rigid social norms are indeed one of the most unfathomable contributions of mankind to recorded history. Admit it or not, weve all been forced to conform to an established standard of order. But more often than not, such standards have not only divided classes, but theyve also made individuals subject to labels and prejudice. But we tend to forget that there is more to a person than copying hairstyles from magazines and drinking wine with raised pinkies. So for this July, Menagerie focuses on going beyond supercial facades and glorifying ones self-identity. For our Cover Story, we analyze mankinds ever-present xation on beauty vis--vis the Filipino societys obsession on beauty pageants. For the Lounge, weve been given the honor to feature the DLSU Communication Departments very own Dr. Clodualdo Del Mundo, Jr and his entry to the upcoming Cinemalaya Festival, Pepot Artista. For our Fearless Forecast, our writer predicts how the mushrooming of subcultures might eventually lead to non-conformity becoming the very thing it is rebelling against. And nally, for our 25 Centavos Worth, one of our newest staffers shares her thoughts on how not being pencil-thin should not be a hindrance to self-fulllment. So with that, I leave you an excerpt from director Baz Luhrmanns modern-day Desiderata, Everybodys Free (to Wear Sunscreen): Enjoy your body, use it every way you can, dont be afraid of it, or what other people think of it,its the greatest instrument youll ever own

Rant n Rave

MOVIE
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
D: Mike Newell S: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Ralph Fiennes RATING:

Cellos Doughnuts and Dips RATING:

Burgundy Transpacic Place, Taft Avenue

It is now a matter of time before the thrilled faces of young teenagers and J.K. Rowling enthusiasts are seen back at the theatres for another wild ride with the famous wizard. Yes! Harry Potter is back for another encounter with the mysterious, dark and magical world of Witches and Wizards in the promising Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. The main cast is once again reunited with Daniel Radcliff (Harry), Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley) and Emma Watson (Hermione Granger) ready for the kicks. The start of the lm sets the tone for the whole movie and is obviously written to follow and even polish the steps of its predecessors. Harry, now 14, is frequently haunted by the same dream that leaves him hanging and keeps arousing his wizardly incredulity. This movie takes on the challenge of the fourth book which is lled with the most details about the struggle between Harry, his family and You-Know-Who. No wonder there were even plans of breaking this movie into two, but the producers and crews were adept at sticking to usual conventions by nishing the whole book instead. This time, the dark Lord Voldemort, played by the prolic Ralph Fiennes , (Maid in Manhattan, The Red Dragon) will now appear in the esh, together with a more active group of Dark Eaters roaming Harrys world in search for victims. Pulling free from his hapless disposition while attached to the back of Professor Quirrels head in the Sorcerers Stone, his rise to power is surely an exciting watch. The three movies differ in their focus and emphasis. Although the movie is boasting a widening array of new characters, it may be problematic in allocating more airtime for the leads. Then again,

the movie will not only reect the storys escalation towards more action and a wonderfully complicated plot. Instead, it also develops the broadening personalities of the three main characters. Ron Weasley, with the ever bothered look on his face, has changed since the rst movie. Perrenial bookworm Hermione Granger also develops a love interest in the form of Quidditch star Victor Krum (Stanislav Ianevski). Harry, on the other hand will again be wrapped up in so many things that it makes him look like the most popular kid in Hogwarts, but, he supposedly isnt. Particularly appealing here, of course, are the special effects and creature designs by Nick Dudman who also worked in the previous two sequels. Again, the beauty of the movie lies in the idiosyncrasies absent from the Muggle World. The underwater siren, dragons, other mythical creatures and of course, Horntail the pet, are among the lms amazing concepts and highlights. On the other side of Hogwarts, and lightening the movie a bit is Harrys continuing Quidditch exploits, and his growing crush on Cho Chang (Katie Leung), which promises a lot to the young at heart. With a budget of $170 million, and prominent director, Mike Newell (Four Weddings and a Funeral) in the helm, this movie is packed with ripe adventures and a mixture of Rowling formula that have won the imaginations of readers. Heres another proof of how Harry Potter sequences just keeps on getting better. - Nancy Chua

It all started in Katipunan (thats Eagles turf for you and me), where everyones sweet tooth nds its refuge. With their irresistible doughnuts and mouth watering dips people just cant get enough of these sweet treats. Maybe thats why owner Cello Santos just had to open another branch, which incidentally for La Salle students , is just across the street. And with its bright and lively orange-and-white color scheme illuminating that patch of dark area just across the North Gate, its denitely hard to miss. Cellos Doughnuts offers a total of 12 avors, from the traditional (chocolate, cheese, honey-glazed, sugar glazed, peanut butter, caramel, strawberry, candy sprinkled, and chocolate sprinkled) to the unique (Oreo, chocnut, M&Ms). Aside from that, Cellos also offers tiny square shaped bread called Pillows and curved pieces of bread called Cs. Dips are denitely recommended, making their pillows and Cs go from the normal tasting honey glazed to an eccentric taste. Just like in the doughnuts, there is also a wide variety of dips to choose from - toblerone, nutella, dark chocolate, white chocolate and strawberry. Once an order is placed, the crew sees to it that they give their customers the freshest batch of newly cooked doughnuts that they have. So once the doughnut touches the customers mouth, one can feel the softness of the bread, just right enough to indulge in a few seconds of heavenly feeling. The sweetness of their avors is also made right enough not to make the customers want to drink water every time they take a bite. Though this restaurant bears the imposing aura of a posh doughnut shop, it is surprising to note that their prices are not far from the prices of their competitiors, such as Go Nuts Donuts and Dunkin Donuts. A box of 6 donuts costs P90, with each donut costing only P16. A box of Cs, containing 6 pieces, costs P60, and an addition of a dip makes it P90. A bag of Pillows, containing 20 pieces is only P90, and if added with a dip costs P120. Their cheerful crew is another great aspect as well, greeting their customers once they enter the store. It has such a lively atmosphere wherein students can take their mind off their studies and just unwind. However, being newly opened, there are still areas that need improvement, like the occasioanl inavailabilty of their offered concoctions. But with a little more consistency and steady supply of their products, Cellos is denitely not far from living up to its slogan - Loving it everyday! -Rosanna Guintivano

Looking for a different ice cream experience? This new ice cream bar with prime locations at Greenhills and Eastwood City offers just that. A new approach in the preparation of its ice cream and the introduction of refreshing ice cream concoctions are the main attraction of Floyds Ice Cream Bar. Their innovative Floydstone or frozen granite stone which is used in mixing the ice cream concoctions was a rst in the Philippines. First, customers pick their choice of ice cream avors (from Fruits in Ice Cream) and smoosh-ins (toppings) like Marshmallows, nuts, m&ms, oreo and choco chips, etc. It is then mixed in the Floydstone and Viola! You have your own unique ice cream concoction! You could even have a name for your own creation to be included in their menu. Their Frozen Thrills and best-seller concoctions like the Yin & yang, Almondine, Chocolate Bliss and La dulce Vita are denitely must tries. This ice cream bar also offers shakes like fruit-avored smoothies, milkshakes and parfaits. There are also cakes transformed into ice cream cakes like Turtle pie, frozen tiramisu, mango torte, mud pie, cookies & cream and many more! They also have different pie desserts to complement their wide range of ice cream varieties. Aside from cold desserts, they also offer puttanesca and carbonara pastas and different crepes. The price range is also affordable, with a budget of around a hundred to two hundred bucks, you can denitely try a couple of the best selling concoctions in this bar - a nice alternative to your usual frappucinos. The interior complements the overall inviting feeling of the bar perfect for shoppers and waiting movie-goers. The location is also perfect especially in Eastwood where it is situated near the movie house. This is the perfect ice cream bar for those in quest of a sugar rush, you can never get tired of the varieties that this bar has to offer. Satisfy that sweet tooth with all the possible ice cream concoctions you could ever think of! - Angeline Manuel

Juan Carlos Chavez Menagerie Editor

COVER PHOTO: DIANE REYES COVER IMAGING: JAN MICHAEL JAUDIAN LAYOUT: JAN MICHAEL JAUDIAN LUIS DE VERA

Welcome back to Kansas, Toto. Last seasons Smallville left Lex Luthor (Michael Rosenbaum) being rendered unconscious by a glass of poisoned whisky, Lana Lang (Kristin Kruek) ying to Paris, and Clark Kent (Tom Welling) himself getting sucked into the cave. This time around, the fourth season evolves from focusing on Clarks relationship with his adopted family and deeper into the Superman mythology. It all starts in the middle of things and right away introduces a new character in the form of - gasp! - Lois Lane (Erica Durance). The central storyline this time is the search for the three elusive Kryptonian artifacts that bring about innite knowledge and power to those who can possess it. Greed and lust for power lead the characters to all corners of the Earth in search of the artifacts. Along the way, we meet Lanas mysterious boyfriend Jason Teague (Jensen Ackles) and his mother Genevieve (Jane Seymour) who have motives of their own. Likewise, the traditional Smallville Freak of the weeks new and old return.

Clark and gang enjoy the rigors of senior year while pondering with moving forward. This season boasts great performances from Tom Welling, Allison Mack, and the newcomer Erica Durance. The scheming Luthors steal the show with the best performances in the series. Also memorable are Clarks parents played by Annette O Toole and John Schneider who provide some of the best scenes despite their shortened appearances. Kristin Kreuk is sadly left with weak stuff but nevertheless manages to hold her own. The production values are great, using beautiful lighting techniques and effects that local fantaseryes can only dream of. Unfortunately, the overall story still suffers from plot holes and forced subplots. Superman purists might also be turned off by Lois Lanes early introduction into Clark Kents life. All in all, Smallville Season 4 pales in comparison to a rather strong third season, and it leaves viewers on the short end of the stick. - Franz Francisco Chan

Floyds Ice Cream Bar

Locations: -Kiosk 5, Cinema Lobby, City Walk 2, Eastwood Cyberpark, Libis, Quezon City -2nd oor Promenade, Greenhills Commercial Shopping Center, San Juan

RATING:

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TV SHOW
Smallville Season 4 RATING:
(Studio 23, Tuesdays, 9:00 p.m.)

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The Lounge

A New Path For Dr. Doy

ANJELI PESSUMAL

t seems hard to believe that Dr. Clodualdo del Mundo, Chair of the Department of Communication, after about thirty years of working for the lm industry, had not quite achieved his dream until now. Having worked with legends such as Lino Brocka, and writing screenplays like Maynila, Sa Mga Kuko ng Liwanag and Bayaning Third World, he has nally gotten the chance of directing his rst feature lm, Pepot Artista, a story he had conjured up long before any of his other achievements. Enter Cinemalaya, a festival that has granted rst time directors with P500,000 to produce a lm. Dr. del Mundo is one of the nine nalists in this festival and his lm is among the more highly anticipated ones.
The LaSallian: How did you come up with the idea for Pepot Artista? Clodualdo del Mundo: It all started many years ago, during the school year of 1970-1971. I was the only student in a screenwriting tutorial class under Nestor Torre. I wrote the screenplay for Pepot Artista then. Maybe I was inuenced by 400 Blows by Francois Truffaut, in which a delinquent boy, is the main character. Then I thought of making some commentaries about the lm industry at that time, so I created the character of a boy who wanted to be a star. It all started there. TLS: You mentioned that you wanted to make a commentary. It was set in the seventies yet produced now. How has the message changed over the years? CDM: I revised the screenplay, so the subject covers a wider area. The commentary goes beyond the lmmaking industry. I think the theme has now become about the excessive interest of Pinoys in entertainment, and makes some comments about the entire society. TLS: How realistic is the lm, or did you treat it as an exaggeration? CDM: Its a comedy, so theres a lot of exaggeration in that. It was set in the early part of the lm when the mother lights a candle and drops candle wax on the boy - thats an exaggeration already that sets the tone for the lm. TLS: Was Pepot Artista your rst choice when you submitted it for Cinemalaya? CDM: Yes. I forget now the details, but I thought of it at once, when I learned about the festival. TLS: What can you say about the selection of other entries in Cinemalaya? CDM: I think its going to be a good festival. There are two other lms that are made by LaSalle graduates. Rica Arevalos entry is ICU Bed #7, which stars Eddie Garcia. And the other lm, also by LaSalle graduates Corinne Jimenez and Mario Cornejo, made Big Time. Ive seen their lms and theyre very good. I know the other projects in the festival, I think theyre good. Theyre very different lms, so its going to be an exciting festival. Also, theyre not formulaic lms, or genre movies. There are as many kinds of lms as there are lmmakers. TLS: How involved was Cinemalaya in the production process? CDM: They just monitored the production, nding out how it was going. Periodically we had to submit some requirements, like unedited footage, stills from shooting. At least in my case, they did not interfere with the production itself. TLS: Why did you decide to try your hand at directing? CDM: Ive wanted to direct since I got interested in lms. Id done short lms, and videos when I took my masters in the early seventies. I also made a 16 millimeter lm documentary. I shot it myself and I edited it myself. But there was no opportunity for me to direct in a full-length movie. The only opening I got then was as a scriptwriter.

TLS: Screenwriting is a very private routine as opposed to directing. How did you manage the shift? CDM: There was not so much adjustment that I had to make because Ive directed for television, educational television, like Sineskwela and Math-tinik. Ive worked in lm production and television production so Ive worked with people. So it was not a problem. TLS: Whats your screenwriting process? CDM: How do I write? Well, in this particular project, maybe its been a part of me so much that I did not have to think about it too much. I just relied on whatever was happening around me, and owed with the events. I knew the story by heart, I knew the characters by heart. In revising the screenplay, I just let it ow. And when I saw things around me, like for example, a birdhouse on a rooftop. I saw it while I was looking from a building overlooking Leveriza, and I just thought it might be a good detail that the boy could be taking care of pigeons. It all fell into place, and I was able to use it as an important detail in the story. The idea of using Biyaya ng Lupa as a reference was not in the original screenplay, its in the revision. It just came to me out of the blue, and I thought I could use details in Biyaya ng Lupa. For instance, the mother being one of the actors who appeared as an extra in the lm or one of the children being deaf. Those references just came out of the blue, and I just owed with the events. Catch Pepot Artista at the following screenings: July 13 9:30 PM CCP Studio Theater; July 14 1:00 PM CCP Little Theater; July 16 9:30 PM CCP Multi-Purpose Hall; July 17 7:00 PM CCP Little Theater

TLS: What about your directorial style? Was it also as subconscious? CDM: Maybe not, because I had to make decisions on the set. I had to consider problems that we encountered on the set and I had to make adjustments. But I just wanted to make things as simple as possible. I didnt want to call too much attention to style. Its not a amboyant style, its not an MTV-ish style. I guess I was looking for a simple, functional style, an almost absent style. That was what I was aiming for. TLS: Of all the lms youve been involved in, which is the most personal to you? CDM: I guess the documentaries that Ive done, especially Maid in Singapore. I shot it during my stay in Singapore. Pepot Artista is close to me because Ive wanted to do it since the seventies. So if only because of that, its more personal than the others. And I directed it myself so I have more control over the lm. TLS: What are your hopes for Pepot Artista? CDM: I hope that it will be shown to a greater public. We plan to bring it to the different schools, and to nd other venues to show the lm. I just want to show it to different audiences and hopefully they enjoy the lm.

About Pepot
Dr. Clodualdo del Mundos directorial debut for a feature lm is Pepot Artista, a story about a young boys quest for stardom. Set during the Martial Law years and a time when bold lms were beginning to reign over wholesome love stories, the lm brings us a rather nostalgic homage of the Nora Aunor-Tirso Cruz III love team, as well as a clear reference to the 1959 lm Biyaya ng Lupa. Pepot (Elijah Castillo), a boy of about ten who delights in mischief at school and sells comic books to help with his familys nancial struggles, dreams of something more than richness: a desperate longing to become a movie star. Despite letdowns from has-beens and failed wannabes his mother (Rio Locsin), and performers at a fair, played by Bituin Escalante and Jeffrey Quizon he continues to believe that greater opportunities are out there for him. It arrives at a chance encounter of a lm shooting, with calls for young kids as extras. Pepots adventures make him realize that the world is much too big for him, and the articial world he yearns for isnt quite at his arms reach. Highlights of this lm include Pepots drive to earn enough money for his big break; the rather unconventional quirks of his parents; and the uniquely crafted clichs every boy goes through, from being bullied to having crushes to running away. The lms appeal is further enhanced with cameos from Tirso Cruz III himself, Jose Javier Reyes, Yoyoy Villame, and Tado Jimenez (who plays a female teacher reminiscent of Iskul Bukol), among others. A comedy, a musical, and a period lm combined, Pepot Artista relives a genre that barely exists in current Filipino cinematic trends, yet remains marketable to all audiences. It is more so apt for todays Filipino, where, at a time when the lm industry is said to be dying, brings optimism to the obsessive leisure that is attached to our culture. This, as well as the understated fact that every Filipino dreams of stardom and fame, gives enough assurance that Pepot Artista is worth watching.

Pepot Artista may be an inspiring take on achieving ones dreams, but Dr. del Mundo is living proof that it is, indeed, possible. It may have taken him thirty-three years to do so, but the wait was well worth it.

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PHOTOS BY ERIC SIY AND APRIL DE GUZMAN

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Cover Story

ruth, beauty, freedom, love. The unforgettable words that immortalized Moulin Rouge into 21st century cinema ring of a very old tune. Years ago, French women danced to the can-can to celebrate these four declarations. After so many years, truth and freedom and love have eluded most of the human species, but beauty has always remained invariable. It has found its pedestal in history, from the legendary Helen of Troy to Chen Yuan Yuan of China, whose legendary beauty indirectly opened the agging doors of the Ming Dynasty for the Manchurians. Renowned beauties have all played crucial roles in the politics and economics of everyday life. Whichever way it is put, beauty transcends all races and all time. It is no surprise then that since the rst Miss Universe crown was put on then 18-year old Finnish Armi Kuuselas head in 1952, the world has opened new perspectives in dening beauty, and inevitably, brought a string of controversies with it.
Birth of Beauty When Americas Neil Armstrong set foot on the moon, the whole world witnessed history in the making. But when Gloria Diaz was crowned Ms. Universe, it was a mark of a new sensation that fascinated Pinoys more than laying eyes on the newest scientic breakthrough. Year after year beauty queens became the most anticipated inventions that gave challenge, from trainers to fashion designers. Filipinos love to idolize. Who would forget Miriam Quiambaos famous fall? Hilarious? No, it was condence added with grace, as the country sang in praises. Filipinos have always had a thing for presenting their best foot forward, something manifested in the tradition of hiya, of hospitality and of estas. We want to look good because we are attracted to anything that looks good. We know that about ourselves, albeit implicitly, and so we nd ourselves drawn to anything visually impressive. That means billboards (check out EDSA), movie special effects, and yes, beauty pageants. Beauty is an obsession the world over. And Pinoys know that the most interesting things need not be the most unique ones when they switch on their TV sets. Eyes get drawn by attractive women parading their glorious assets. Men gape, women compare, and children start internalizing beauty. Filipinos predilection for beauty pageants go beyond the traditional obsession with lipsticks, powders, and the occasional blush. It has a deep-seated history associated with the television culture that sprouted a series of beauty queens and failed wanna-bees.

more appealing. Its no wonder why most of the youth today aspire to be models or beauty queens. A lot of pageantsthe Mutya, Ms. Earth, and Bb. Pilipinas in fact, exist to give them hope. Its clear why a hard-up people like our own aspires for instant stardom through beauty pageants. There is much prestige attached to even just getting in the Top Five of any renowned pageant as it opens so many golden gates of opportunities for a quick lift up the social ladder. Think of Charlene Gonzales showbiz career, and Gloria Diazs and Margie Morans high-prole marriages to politicians. Youll see the same Cinderella-like escape that makes beauty pageants so dazzling. And sometimes, it can be funnier than you think. Amidst the spectacular event, its dazzling parade of candidates awaits the vital part of the evening the question and answer portion. But why do eyebrows turn down all of a sudden? Its not because of beauty queens incapacity to answer questions critically, but language usage is one vibrant that we all ought to give a thought. What could be used to express views in maintaining culture-sensitivity has become unfavorable or least acceptable. Why then do we settle to either of their lousy answers on the pageant night or their comical quotes in TV interviews that has seemingly become an oddity? Our vernacular language will not make us any less deserving. The Lottery For many young girls who ip their remotes to beauty pageants, there is a raging question burgeoning on their subconscious: Are beauty queens made or are they born? Beauty is a very subjective factor. But in pageants, there has to be a fairest of them all. Aside from the usual training sessions, one of the rst steps towards taking part in beauty pageants is enrolling in beauty schools. In countries such as Venezuela and India, children are taken to beauty schools as young as ve years old. That explains these countries constant semi-nal streak. According to Andrea Elrington, Miss Belize Universe 2005, I dont think its a lack of intelligence or beauty with the other countries, rather a lack of preparation thats necessary to come here (Miss Universe pageant) and compete at such a high level. Thanks to Gregor Mendel, genetics can tell us that most of our inborn traits are passed on to us biologically. That especially refers to physical features. So it then means that if you are pretty, you were most likely born that way. But, whos to say whether your chromosomes produced what is beautiful? Beauty is said to be in the eye of the beholder, so it also helps to be born with your beholding society declaring you beautiful. So, which ones which? The stage is set, the judges on to their picks, and the audience, each holding on to their bets. Enter into a world where looks are anything but a standard, set! But with all

the perfection there is, and of all the shades of beauty it has, there is still that dening factor to t the one crown and stand out. Its the cutting edge and its not just a matter of putting in ones condence. Given that perfect face and that body shape after weeks of preparation, they denitely have what it takes. But other than that, it really is the dening moment rather the X-factor. In a night where everything seems just right or just so, decisions keenly arrived at with winners fatefully chosen. No questions asked! It may be the night for the rest of their life, the title, the prestige, and the crown that goes to one, all given in a single nightnow call that lucky! Beauty in Full Circle As the simple adage reveals, theres no such thing as perfection. But it absolutely doesnt stop us from working our ways to it. The world has become one vanity fair and that does not limit to women alone. That explains why the cosmetic industry has always been on the rise these days. As much as society attaches the sense of condence to beauty, this capital word has become basis in increasing ones self-worth. Our social norms dictate that our appearance is a reection of our well-being. Beauty has come along in this form and for everyones grasp for perfection it will remain a paradox, therefore possible. In the 21st century, the fashion industry rules the cosmetics, clothing, and many consumer industries. Today, the words face value connote a different meaning: plastic surgery, Botox, and Diamond Peels are the sassy womans guide to looking good. As the tricks of the trade become more and more widespread, a womans intelligence becomes a much sought after asset. People today are more appreciative of a good head between ones shoulders. In todays standards of beauty, any of the black, white, or yellow races can be branded beautiful. What is important is invisible to the eye. One of the truest declarations of Antione de Saint-Exuperys Little Prince. And, what is perhaps the most invisible beauty lies somewhere inside. Take the Binibining Pilipinas pageant. While it is the search for Miss Universe, International and World contenders, what most people dont know is that its original purpose was to raise funds for various philanthropist causes. Beauty then means having not just a pretty face, but a heart and soul, too. Real beauty changes the tides of time; it touches hearts, minds, and souls. It changes the world, and brings forth new perspectives. True beauty within reminds us that despite the worlds madness, we still have reason to hope for change. And this is perhaps one of the deepest roots of our fascination with pageants. Deep inside, we all realize that true beauty enlivens what is now lost truth, freedom, and love.
PHOTOS FROM GOOGLE IMAGE SEARCH

There is much prestige attached to even just getting in the Top Five of any renowned pageant as it opens so many golden gates of opportunities for a quick lift up the social ladder.

Unearthing the Tiara

6 the lasallian menagerie

ALEJANDRO ALMENDRAS IV, KRISTEL KAYE CHUA, AND NICOLE TANGCO

When Maria Clara Danced on Center Stage One of the basic cultural conundrums of Filipinos is that they are perpetually enthralled by beauty queens. The beautifully made-up face, the mestiza look and awless accent, and yes, the immaculate dress, make them seem so unreachable. And all the

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OffLThe Beaten Track

respectful behavior for the people around you; rigid etiquette requires highly structured behavioral patterns that scream: Im royalty! Manners are about holding up your wine glass and drinking as noiselessly as possible from it; etiquette is about clasping your ngers around your wine glass and subsequently raising your pinky at precisely the right angle. Strict practice of this kind of etiquette can project an inhuman sort of perfection that is noticeably wanting in regular people. Articial would be best suited to describe it. Not to mention that this stiff, methodical culture is so far from whats familiarly Filipino. Filipinos have a very expressive culture that imbibes an atmosphere of friendliness and warmth. In the older days, it wasnt much of a problem when someone walked funny or dressed up baduy. It wasnt a big deal whenever we chose to eat dinner with our bare hands, nor did anyone mind when we cackled heartily at a good joke. What mattered most was the sense of community that we fostered and the ease at which we could express ourselves in our everyday dealings. Rigid etiquette, on the other hand, is more of a European outgrowth, stemming from the stiff decorum of royal courts and stately households. It adheres to a strict code of conduct that one must follow based on gender, social standing and age, among others. Theres a specic way to do even the simplest of tasks, from walking to talking, and sitting. Talk about spontaneity! In such a culture, self-expression is curtailed in favor of keeping up with social expectationsand appearances. Those bows and curtsies that little earls, dukes and princesses were taught in the old days are all part of their everyday rounds of procedural etiquette. Of Mushrooms and Champignons Somehow, people are eager to practice social etiquette that would undoubtedly give them away as upper class folks. And to a growing number of imageconscious Filipinos, anything European qualies as classy and sophisticated. This does not exclude my classmates, who giggled and bounced in excitement when one of our instructors taught us how to pronounce the French word champignons. Henceforth, they refused to utter the word mushrooms. That day, I heard champignons more times than I had ever heard it before that. More and more, urban Filipinos are easily falling prey into the clutches of the Western invasion. Sure, globalization is a modern boon thats brought more than enough things onto our shores to conjure up never ending tides of oohs and ahhs in fascination. But increasingly, people are starting to set aside whats inherently Filipino in favor of whats blatantly foreign. And no, this doesnt just apply to consumer goods on supermarket shelves and shop racks. Nowadays, the perfect image has actually become the European image. An Ode to Perfection Urbane culture has never been more obsessed with delicate refinement. The world is becoming more and more critical of the way you dress, talk, and behave. These are the criteria that will ultimately determine how many friends youll have and how far along the popularity track youll get. Hence, more and more etiquette-branding institutions and modeling agencies are cashing in on the image-conscious culture of todays youth, each enticing gullible teenagers to jump into the bandwagon with promises of supermodel makeovers and artista prospects. But how perfect can we really become by adopting a lifestyle thats so unnatural to us? How can we be so proud of ourselves by turning our backs on our cultural identity? How much longer can we go on laughing at the stubby, ugly duckling who thought he was a duck, when were the ones blinded by our pretentious vanity? During my short summer vacation stint at the image empowerment center, the only part of me that got empowered was my sense of spontaneity. It makes more sense to call that place the etiquette renery. Over there, I was taught that the only way to be able to project an aura of condence and renement was to sit down a certain way, walk a certain way, and pick up my drinking glass a certain way. Theres nothing wrong with adhering to this rigid etiquette and for a while back then, I tried to do just that. But I didnt feel comfortable holding my head up high for too long. Maybe Im not meant for royalty. But for me, Im as perfect as anyone of them can ever beI can always be sure of that.

What aspect or quality about yourself are you most proud to possess?

CONVERGENCE

Being a fashionistapeople can clearly see my mood and personality through my clothes. Christine, LMG I am an individual who never fails to rise up again despite frustrations and failures. I have God to thank for that. Ace Labuac, III-BSA I am very much proud of my strong personality. It gives people an inkling that I am capable of greater things than I appear to be. Geneve Parr, II-MEM Im proud to possess the condence both in carrying myself and in expressing my views. Through it, I gain the respect of others; and thats something I consider as a great fulllment. Carlo Jamer, III-MFI My smile, because it brightens up other peoples day. Angel, IV-CS-IT Im friendly, resourceful, and smart. Because of these qualities, I can really hold my chin up high and can really stand out especially in dealing with others. Bien Morales, IV-MTH-BAP Being a good listenerthrough it I can help others release their emotions and even relate with their problems. Pao Gatmaitan, IV-MFI I love that I have one heck of a sense of humor. I consider it a gift to be able to bring happiness to other peoples lives and somehow, affect them and make even the slightest difference. Athena Boncan, III-BSA I am a street smart person! The wisdom that I possess was not obtained from any written text or lecture. Being street smart makes me very madiskarte. Brix Aquino, IV-BSA
COMPILED BY DIANNE MARGARETH TANG

PHOTOS BY LUIS DE VERA

Manners involve showing respectful behavior for the people around you; rigid etiquette requires highly structured behavioral patterns that scream: Im royalty!
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hen I was once asked to write about my nail care habits, I thought the question was pretty elementary. All it involved were a pair of clippers and dirty nails, after all! I thought I did a good job of keeping my nails tidyuntil my older classmates started sharing up front the rigorous processes of the manicure and the pedicurenice names for otherwise relentless regimes of cutting, ling, buffing, and French tips. When my turn came, I clutched my paper tightly and shoved it to my face. For the next few minutes, I bluffed my way out of embarrassment, trying to recall the evasive details of an imaginary pedicure. To me, taking care of my nails was a simple task. Hey, what was I to do? I was a giddy 9-year unwittingly trapped in a branding institution for all that was prim and proper. And when youre a little kid who dreams of nothing else but a summer of lazy cartoons and playground exploits, this was the ultimate nightmare. Raise Those Pinkies! For the next few weeks, the model-instructors of the image-empowerment-slashmodeling agency did their best to camouage my rowdiness into every appearance of ladylike renement. Predictably, I did not have the greatest time, but what fascinated me was how everyone else in the room seemed to have been enjoying all thiseveryone, that is, but me. Had I seen The Stepford Wives back then, I would have better understood what these nice folks were trying to make of me. I have nothing against learning my good manners. But manners are one thing, rigid social etiquette, as I would call it, is another. Manners involve showing

MindYour Manners!
ANNE LORRAINE NG

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Subcultural Style
MARIANE LOURDES PEREZ

Fearless Forecast

25 centavos worth
In the movie Madagascar there is a character named Gloria the hippopotamus. The hippo is known as one of the biggest and laziest animals. However, Gloria could still stand tall and be proud despite her not being too good looking and lazy. She knows its what on the inside that matters which gives her a high level of condence. A lot of people think the same way she does, then again a lot more dont. Going riceless Being overweight 90 percent of my life, I know how it feels to realize that sometimes size does matter. I have tried to lose weight but it never worked, except for now since I am on the riceless diet. I am proud that I have not let rice touch my mouth, then again I hate every moment that I see it in front of my face which is every minute of when I eat. I will not be a hypocrite and say that I never wished that I were thin. I have been teased a lot of the things from the simple fatty to the sometimes hurtful Titanic. I cant get proper clothes in my size and settle for anything that ts. People always tend to think differently of you. They think youre lazy, dumb or that youre depressed. A fat person most of the time has to be able to prove his/herself and show that he/she isnt as lazy as one would think. People stare and you dont get treated the same way other smaller people would. Im no DUFF! On the other hand, I would still have to say being fat isnt as bad as it seems. Its not the worst thing that could happen. I agree it does have some health risks, the reason why I am on the evil riceless diet. Ive got no problems at all oating in a pool. When I cross Taft, Im safe because only a blind person can hit me, and if I do get hit I have enough cushion. Are we depressed? No! The overweight people who I know are some of the funniest and happiest people that Ive met. Every group of friends has a fatty and most likely they are the life of the party. They wouldnt care if they were to make a fool of themselves in front of a thousand people their self-condence is amazing. I remember a guy on a TV program having said Every good looking girl has a DUFF. (d ugly fat friend). She is the friend who knows whether a guy has good intentions or not. For me, its because we can know if the guy will still be there years from now when she is overweight and her skin is sagging. We know its the inside that counts. For me, being fat or having any unwanted physical feature actually increases ones condence, we get so us to the insults that it does not bug us anymore. We realize that we are just as good or even better than the people who insult us. Riceless = Priceless People just dont get it, the only difference between a thin and a fat person is the size. Society makes it seem like its a crime to be overweight which pressures people to resort to eating disorders like bulimia and anorexia. Its not just about being overweight. Individuals seem to think that if youre short, or you if dont have a good body or anything else then youre just plain ugly or youre not good enough. Individuals who hate the way they look for any reason should learn to appreciate the brighter things in life and enjoy the cheap thrills. Being riceless isnt just about a diet its doing anything just to look good in hopes that life would be better and perhaps you wouldnt be considered ugly. It sounds clich but people should just go back to the old saying Dont judge a book by its cover and enjoy the good things life has to offer. In the end of it all, is the result of being riceless really priceless, cant we just make life priceless now? Which reminds me of an Indian song where men are told the advantages of having a wife who is tall, dark or fat. (A line in English) Even a husband whose wife is fat should consider his wife great, because he does not need a bed.

As more and more people become part of these subcultures, therefore outnumbering mainstream society, conformists might then become the new subculture.

Since birth, our genetic congurations have predestined us into becoming one-of-a-kind. No two people, save identical twins, have the exact same genetic makeup. Yet we know that despite this three in a thousand1 phenomenon, the similarities between twins are often only in the physical. So, if were all different, why do we strive to conform? GGPM (Gaya Gaya Puto Maya) In the 1950s, social psychologist Solomon Asch conducted a so-called visual perception experiment. Asch showed subjects two Exhibits. Exhibit A was a line. Exhibit B was a set of 3 lines of different lengths. Asch then asked test subjects which of these lines were of the same length as the rst. Piece of cake? Well, pretty much, as 95% of the observers were able to do this accurately (in a separate test)2. However, when Asch placed subjects in a group, with 6 other confederates who were asked to give the incorrect answer most of the time, the average subject conformed to the group response on 32% of the trials, while 74% of the subjects changed their minds at least once3. This change in attitude is what sociologists identify as conformity, a yielding to social pressure even when no direct request to comply is made. Sociologists identify many factors that bring about this groupthink, among them are factors we can identify with ourselves- social support, acceptance, and the need for respect. Inevitably, it is easier to conform than it is to stake your own claims, which is sometimes positive as bonds people by

giving them something to relate to. However, when people lose their individuality in the rush to conform, then perhaps all this following may not be to our best interests. Light and Dark But however novel the concept of non-conformity may seem, it is important to remember that there are people who have been going against the ow for years. Unable to nd fulllment in the larger societal context, these people form their own meaning systems, and lifestyles, resulting in a distinct subculture. Goths, Punks, Nerds, Artsy Types, Hippies, Grunge, and Metalheads, are just some of the many subcultures identied by sociologists. But, what is most striking is that a lot of us are very familiar with the elements that distinguish these groups. Thirsty for fresh perspectives, society has often taken ideas from these subcultures, incorporating them into the mainstream culture. Inuencing fashion, movies, music, literature, and perhaps even increasing in size, these idiosyncratic groups are have truly made themselves indispensable to popular society. Punkd! The Internet, as well as other advancements in communication, has opened us to a world of limitless information. Consequently, it has also made it easier for us to ourselves freely share information, a lot of which may be about our personal selves. Add to that societys continuing adherence towards concepts of diversity, tolerance, and political correctness,

and you have the perfect petri dish to grow a world that truly embraces individuality. And who better to lead the pack than those who have been going against the ow for years? Research has already shown that demographic diversity provides a lot of benets in higher education and the workplace. So if demographic diversity is good, then wouldnt the cultural diversity offered by subcultures be healthy for society as well? And if demographic minorities can be protected by laws enacted by some countries, like those on Afrmative Action, shouldnt there likewise be laws protecting the right of minority cultures? Although it is much easier to do your own thing now than it was before, society still prefers to keep its members in line through traditions, norms, and the like. But if and when society does decide to throw out the old rulebook, or at least loosen the reins, so to speak, will we still be as eager to be different, or will we actually crave a more rigid social structure? The answer to that question is simple. We will always crave what we do not, or cannot have. So in a world dominated by conformity, subcultures will be those we may now consider as deviant. But soon enough, as more and more people become part of these subcultures, therefore outnumbering mainstream society, conformists might then become the new subculture. In a world lled with more people who are deviant, looking just like everyone else is sure to be the next big thing. Uniforms anyone?
ARTWORK BY IAN ROMAN

Riceless
ROSHAN NANDWANI

Individuals who hate the way they look for any reason should learn to appreciate the brighter things in life and enjoy the cheap thrills.

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PHOTO BY KARLA PERALTA