A Chapel Corrupted

Being a pre-dominantly Catholic country, most schools in the Philippines dedicate areas for religious purposes, be it a chapel or a small grotto. AU-PHINMA is one of the many non-sectarian academes with this feature: the Holy Family Chapel was a project of the Pamantasan ng Araullo Faculty and Employees Association 1983-1984. However, the gymnasium is currently the preferred venue for the Holy Mass since it can accommodate more people. Celebrating the Eucharist in the chapel is now a rare occasion; it has become a mere structure just like the rest of its concrete neighbors.

Ultimately, it has completely lost its essence with the students’ lack of discipline and respect for the place. They eat, gossip, and even date inside a supposedly place for prayer and reflection. Food wrappers, paper cups, and dusty shoe prints left on the pews are evidence of manifest irresponsibility and disrespect. Is the idea of caring for our second home, our alma mater, not reiterated enough? Paying tuition fees does not give us the license to litter, vandalize, and destroy. It should instead give us a sense of responsible stewardship for whatever we are paying for. The chapel deserves this kind of respect, as much as the rest of the campus does.

The photo of a child praying inside our chapel recently posted on Facebook gained comments from tagged student leaders, professors, and alumni. They shared sentiments regarding its misuse, and they all hoped that Araullians will soon realize that it is more than a hang-out place where one can kill time. Some of them also stressed that being a Catholic is never a determining factor of how an Araullian should treat the chapel. The wall post sparked a more important issue and absolutely drove the point home: regardless of spiritual belief, the chapel should be given utmost respect because it is still a house of worship, just like any other house of worship of any other religion. The logic behind this is another no-brainer: a Muslim would not want his mosque scattered with trash, and a Buddhist would frown upon anyone who would act intimately inside his temple. Simply put, a person would not be happy if somebody else is disrespecting his church in any way. Sadly, the possibility of Catholic Araullians defiling their own church cannot be ignored.  In fact, it might be a greater possibility than non-Catholics doing the aforementioned activities in the chapel.

When asked what he was doing, the child in the photo said he was praying for his sick mother. He definitely knew what the chapel is for, and he is not an Araullian to begin with. While everyone else satiates hunger and boredom in the chapel, someone had enough sense to seek refuge and guidance from his Divine Being. This incident does not call for any major spiritual transformation on our part. This just reminds us to shed the devil-may-care attitude and start giving the respect we want to gain in the first place. Ma. Gladys Repollo

Basic Ed, AUPA fight for nature; COC, CAS continue the Green Project initiative

The Basic Education Department (Basic Ed.), together with the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), took part in the fight against global warming and climate change through the Green Project held at Sitio Alorma, Doña Josefa, Palayan City last September 21. More than 100 students planted narra seedlings in the said activity; they were led by Basic Ed. Dean Corazon Esguerra, Language Department Head Shirley Pajarillo, and University Discipline Coordinator John Paul Vicencio.

Members of the Araullo University Performing Arts (AUPA) and seniors from the College of Criminology (COC) engaged in the same activity last September 28. They were accompanied by AUPA Director Michael John Esteban, COC faculty member Randy Maure, Guidance Counselor Alexis Ramirez, and Forester August Fariñas.

From the first tree planting activity on July 13 up to now, the site was prepared for tree planting by the Pinagbigkis Primary Multipurpose Cooperative led by Chairwoman Norma Lawas. Ma. Gladys Repollo

Firefoxes go for the gold in CITE Olympics 2012

The College of Information Technology and Engineering (CITE) broke down barriers as its students from three different courses united for CITE Olympics 2012 last September 24 and 28. CITE-SC Governor Kelvin Vendivil noted that the primary purpose of the fest is to demolish any wall dividing Information Technology (BSIT), Computer Science (BSCS), and Civil Engineering (BSCE) students so that they can easily reach their goals as a college.

The heterogeneous teams Red Opera, Green Amaia, Yellow Chrome, Blue Skype, and Black Navigator competed in different contests: Group Cheer, Minute to Win It, Tug of War, Basketball Shooting, Obstacle Relay, Keyboarding, Text Twist, Tetris Battle, Poster Making, Digital Photography, Paramihan ng Alam (Quiz Bee), Basketball, and Talentadong cite.

Jim Paul Espino, 4th year it, and Sunshine Santos, 2nd yr. It, were crowned as Mr. And Ms. Cite Icon 2012 on September 28 at the Grand Victoria Club House. Pauline Joy Gelacio

You.Org – AU joins Battlefield

You.Org – au attended the second installment of the youth conference Battlefield held at Christian Faith Center, Aduas Centro, Cabanatuan City last September 21. Themed “Fight for This Generation”, more than 1000 participants from different schools joined the event.

For Exceptional Talents, our very own Vindicated Voice won as champion in the Battle of the Bands, while Marcelino Halili III and Melanilene Balot placed 2nd in the Duet Singing Competition.

Battlefield, which was organized by the Ever Increasing Church, featured an inspirational talk from Pastor Kevin Loo of Malaysia as well as appearances of singers Yeng Constantino and Acel Van Ommen. Sweet Cel dela Cruz

Advocates welcome new dean

After a year of serving as Officer-in-Charge (OIC), Mr. Nicomedes Palafox is now the official Dean of the College of Nursing (CON).

According to Dean Palafox, working in accordance with the AU-PHINMA’s mission and vision is the imperative plan of the college.  He envisions CON becoming number one in Nueva Ecija in terms of nursing education. He is also plans to innovate operational activities in both academic and clinical aspects of the nursing program to effectively facilitate transfer of learning.

CON has already achieved a measure of success under Dean Palafox’s administration as OIC as they tallied a passing rate of 13 out of their 16 fresh graduates in the recent nursing board exams. Christina Sanchez

JPIA – AU rakes in awards in Regional MYC

Representatives of Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants – AU Chapter won in different academic and non-academic competitions in the Mid-Year Convention of National Federation of Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants – Region 3 (NFJPIA – R3) held at Club Balai Isabel, Talisay, Batangas last September 20 to 22.

In the academic category, Jayson dela Cruz won 2nd place in CAT Cup, Level 3, while Laydel Balaquidan placed 3rd for the Cup’s Level 2; Mhel Jon Legaspi earned 2nd place in the SGV Basic Accounting Wizard, while Maureen Joyce Angeles ranked 4th in the Manabat San Agustin Cup. Also, Angeles and Rachel Merez qualified in the Top 31 of CPAR Meet the Standards.

For the non-academic field,JPIA-AU was declared as champion in the Grand Variety Show with their rendition of The Little Mermaid and 1st runner-up in Laro ng Lahi. Christopher Cabural clinched the 1st place in Scrabble, while Sarah Pablo and Kevin Jose secured 2nd place in Poster Making; Rovi Mairel Martinez and Almira Martinez came in 3rd in the Paragons Video Making Contest. Lastly, Frances Danielle Mizona was hailed as Ms. NFJPIA – R3 1st runner-up and Voter’s Choice awardee, while Dominador Garcia was awarded Mr. Congeniality. Ma. Gladys Repollo

[Sour] Cream of the Crop

Teaching is a gift of immense power. As instruments of change, teachers are regarded as individuals worthy of respect and emulation. However, there is always a spot of imperfection to stain a pristine work of art that is the teaching profession. As we students continue to grow under the guidance of our so-called beloved teachers, this spot alarmingly grows too; it has now become a gaping hole that threatens to crumble the mighty wall of being a teacher.

As a graduating Araullian, I have seen too many teacher stereotypes pass through the haunted portals of our alma mater. I have encountered the enthusiastic and the apathetic. I have experienced the best and worst of classroom situations. During my 3 years of residency, the ugly truth gradually unfolded right before my eyes: we are not only haunted by ghosts living within the walls and pillars of our buildings. We are being haunted by the ghost of rotten traditional teaching.

You might ask, what is it I am referring to? It is authoritarianism, wherein the teacher is the sole source of knowledge and the students are just receptacles; the teacher is always right and the students cannot say otherwise. This shall never be a problem if the teachers are righteous in every aspect. Sadly, some of them who pass through our portals are either only waiting for their salary or the opportunity to slack off. Add to these the “ghost stories” about professors that create a steady buzz around campus: they seem to be traversing the wrong path in teaching by making things unreasonably difficult for students instead of facilitating productive learning.

On the other hand, we students allow the ghost to permeate our system as we continue to embrace mediocrity. We choose to remain silent despite our parents’ (or our own) hard-earned money going down the drain with the persisting presence of this culture. As for students who have already realized that they are deprived of their right to quality education, we are always given the choice to fight for what we deserve or to settle for less. Disrespecting or harassing these teachers is never an option, but expressing our desire for change is an imperative. After all, we are the center of the Araullian community. It is only proper that we contribute to the maintenance of the excellence we intend to showcase to the rest of the world. It is high time that we take the sour out of the cream of the crop. Ma. Gladys Repollo

We Deserve Better

“If you cannot do good, at least, do no harm.” – Kurt Vonnegut

Everyone deserves the best that there can be. But we cannot always get the best that there is. That is how life works. However, that does not mean we cannot make the most of what we have. Nor does it give us the right to act violently.

Recently, very disturbing actuations plagued the campus to the point that school property is damaged. No longer confined to old school vandalism, the culprits have found creative new ways to destroy. They dumped cement in the toilet, they bashed toilet fixtures, they even punched holes in the walls. What is to come next?

For most people, this can only be seen as retaliation: A medium of expression, albeit a vicious and alarming one. Man, by nature, is given to believe that he is not getting enough. Most of the times, it is true; sometimes, it is not. But this is no longer a question of receiving what we deserve. This has turned into a chaotic upsurge of mishandled emotions, misdirected hostility, and misguided thinking.

Students, if the culprits really are students, have many avenues by which to convey their feelings in a healthy manner. Even one of the world’s worst crimes, a crime against freedom itself, was resolved in a most peaceful manner: the bloodless revolution in EDSA that Philippines will always be remembered for. Furthermore, modern technology has paved the way for more freedom available to the youth of today. Indeed, getting the message across is not as difficult a task now as it is a few years back.

On the other hand, there are plenty of other suspects as well. Though it is highly unlikely that faculty and staff are behind these events, we cannot dismiss the idea entirely. After all, some instructors cannot even follow simple classroom management protocol like asking their students to clean up after themselves (in line with CLAYGO) or erasing the writings on the board. These might be small issues, but these are signs that not every instructor cares about our facilities.

Why must we resort to barbaric methods of releasing pent-up anger? Is the Araullian not mature enough to build for himself a healthy existence while fighting for the right to get the best? After all, this is our University, our home. This University, as much as some would hate to admit, is a reflection of what we make of ourselves. And who, in his right mind, would go damaging his own home, his own person?

You believe that you deserve better? Prove it. Dan Kevin Roque

Where Are We Now?

Have you ever seen someone picking up their own plates and setting the utensils they used to their respective places after eating? Have you noticed a sign bearing the acronym “CLAYGO” is present in places where students gather to eat? “Clean As You Go” is a part of a bigger project implemented last school year, the “Zero BASURA” campaign. Looking back now, what have we achieved so far in terms of having a clean environment?

The “Zero Basura” campaign which encouraged students to keep the environment clean without being dependent on iClean staff was indeed successful at first, especially in the Basic Education department. But with the influx of new students along the hallways of the university, it seems like a new culture was introduced where the campaign is no longer reinforced, if not totally forgotten. Some students still follow the Zero BASURA policies, preserving the green perspective that the University has adopted. However, if we want to keep an environment conducive to learning, we should do our part as well. As students, we can’t just stand here and forego our responsibilities; we must actively take part in the campaign for a greener Araullo.

Participating in this campaign by picking up your trash and cleaning up after yourself might seem a small act, but it is a great start in the fight to save Mother Nature. Time is running out. Are we going to let it stay this way? If we want to maintain the cleanliness that our university is well-known for, we must spark ourselves into action and start the change from within. As Mahatma Gandhi once said, we should be the change that we want to see in the world. Barry Sim

Chieftains join the Green Project

College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) students went all green in Sitio Alorma, Palayan City last two Fridays, September 7 and 14. Together with their NSTP Instructors, John Bernardino and Pauline de Leon, CASNSTP1 and CASNSTP14 planted seven hundred fruit-bearing and native trees on over a hectare of land in the first excursion that was graced by the presence of Chief Operations Officer and Executive Vice President Ms. Ana S. Chua.

For the second visitation, CASNSTP5 and CASNSTP20, together with Social Sciences head Dr. Fidela Aban, conducted a maintenance and protection session as they helped in ring-weeding, checking the planted seedlings, and cleaning up the site. According to Forester Orvel Pagaduan of CENRO, maintaining a 1-meter radius of weed-free soil is essential to ensure the health of the newly-planted seedlings. He also said that continuous maintenance is necessary to guarantee the successful restoration of the deforested area, hence creating an ecologically sustainable resource. Christina Sanchez, Dan Kevin Roque

Yuppies celebrate CMAzing Days

Themed as L.I.F.E. (Leading with Integrity For Excellence), the CMAzing Days gave students under the College of Management and Accountancy (CMA) a well-deserved break with its different academic and non-academic competitions from September 5 to 8. According to CMA Governor Arvie Suarez, the annual college fest aims to promote camaraderie and sportsmanship among its four divisions: Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants (JPIA), Business Management students (Junior Marketing Association or JMA, and Junior Banker’s Club or JBC), and Hotel and Tourism Management Society (HTMS).

During the first two days, a trade fair conducted by the CMA organizations served as an avenue for fund-raising and also as an intro for CMAzing days. The following Friday and Saturday were dedicated for volleyball, table tennis, badminton, and women’s basketball as well as for other events such as general information quiz bee, essay writing, public speaking, scrabble, word factory, scrapbook making, poster making, avatar, hip-hop dance, and yell competition. Also, the Amazing Race-inspired X-Challenge gathered the Yuppies for a series of fun, thrilling tasks.

The night of September 7 saw Gabriel Stephen Fernandez and Kimberly Santos, both Accounting Technology students, crowned as Mr. and Ms. CMA 2012.

Finally, the college culminated the fest with the CMA Night Fever on its 4th day, wherein JPIA was declared as the Gods (overall champion), Business Management students as the Warriors (2nd place), and HTMS as the Merchants (3rd place). Denise Elizabeth Gutierrez, Joanne Carla de Tumol

AU-PHINMA dominates PICPA Regionals

Accountancy students brought honor again to the University as they took home the bacon in the recently concluded PICPA (Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants) Regional Accounting Quiz Bowl held at the Central Luzon State University last September 8.

3rd Year BSA students Maureen Joyce Angeles and Leo Niño Punzalan won in the Level 1 category as champion and 1st runner-up respectively while Aslainie Sultan, 4th year BSA student, won 2nd runner-up in the Level 2. The event highlights the intellectual prowess of accountancy students across the region. Jillian Vergara

Firefoxes rule SAITE

Araullo University – PHINMA’s Information Technology (IT) students participated in the Student Assembly in Information Technology Education (SAITE) conducted by the Philippine Society of Information Technology Education (PSITE) last September 6 and 7 at Plaza Leticia, Sumacab Este, Cabanatuan City.

Liberty Belen, 3rd year, placed 1st runner-up in the first day’s IT essay; Mr. Noel Umerez and Mrs. Evelyn Juliano ranked 2nd in the Audio Visual Program for Faculty; while Odezza Pangilinan, 4th year, won 2nd runner-up in the second day’s Quiz Bee.

Other competitions held in the assembly include the global warming-themed Audio Visual Presentation, Digital Photography, Ambassador and Ambassadress of Goodwill, and Modern Dance. Attendees also learned about Search Engine Optimization, IOS Application, Blackberry Application Development, and Animation. Krisia Aira Nicolas

Mentors train for tutorship

In spite of the power interruption, the College of Education (COE) pushed through its Training for Tutorship last September 7 at the AU Main Library, with the College of Education Student Council (COE-SC) as its organizing body.

Attended by 2nd year Mentors, the training comprised of lectures discussing different factors affecting tutorship. COE faculty member Ms. Anna Kristel Cuevas tackled Understanding the Nature of a Child; Basic Education Department Dean Corazon Esguerra’s lecture dealt with Tips on Tutoring Grade-School Children. Lastly, COESC Governor Edward Rodriguez ended the three-part training with a comprehensive talk on Understanding the Adolescent, Tutoring High School Students, and Ethics on Tutoring. Academic exchange between the participants and the speakers concluded every lecture. Ma. Gladys Repollo

COC welcomes new Warriors

It was a significant day for 387 2nd year Criminology students as they got to wear their Type A uniforms and took a step on their Investiture last September 6 at the AU Gymnasium.

The ceremony, which serves as a welcoming event for sophomore Warriors, featured awarding of certificates of recognition and conducted the pinning of ranks to the members of Class Pinag-anib 2015. Police Superintendent Randy Apolonio of Cabanatuan City Police Station – Investigation Unit graced the event as guest of honor and speaker while AU-PHINMA’s First Aiders Club President Robert San Pedro, also a sophomore, delivered an inspirational message for the parents. Celina Castillo