VANGUARD OF TRUTH The Official Student Publication of Bicol University PROBE. WRITE. EXPRESS College of Business, Economics, and Management VOLUME XIII ISSUE NO. 6 AUGUST - DECEMBER 2019 proposed legislation while the remaining 79 stand otherwise. Those who answered ‘yes’ to the question “Do you think that SOGIE Bill should be passed as a law?” expressed their agreement on S eventy-nine (79) percent of students of BUCBEM think that the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Expression Bill also known as the SOGIE bill should not be approved as a law. Among the 100 respondents, 21 support the RESTLESS FARMER. Alvin Reblando, a farmer from Talongong, Oas, Albay harvests palay under the scorching sun on January 12, 2020, a Sunday, which is supposed to be a rest day. The 45-year-old farmer owns a two-hectare rice field at Calzada of the same town where he takes advantage of dry palay selling at P14 against P12 for average production. (Photo by Solomon Mig S. Bustamante) BIZ TALK. One of the guest speakers, Prof. Franklin T. Agamata, President of CERTS Educational Services Inc., from Davao City, discussing the relevance of accountancy to entrepreneurial activities towards nation building during the 5th Students and Educator’s Summit at BUCENG Gymnasium on October 4, 2019. (Photo by Precious Joy A. Deuda) INSIDE Local farmers resort to retailing for larger profits Rice tariff law aftermath Months after suffering from the serious impact brought by the enactment of Rice Tariffication Law on March 5, 2019, affected farmers in the province shifted to retailing of rice to sustain their families. Republic Act 11203 was recently signed by President Rodrigo Duterte allowing liberalization of rice imports and permitting traders to import a near-unlimited quantity of rice. This move addresses the urgent need to reduce rice prices in the m a r k e t , i m p r o v e t h e availability of supply of rice and stabilizes inflation rate in the country. However, local farmers carry the burden and are the most affected in result to the entry of foreign competitors. “ L u g i o n t a l a g a . Nag- ani akong 100 sako sa one hectare, an presyo kada kilo 13.50 sana. Kada sako mga Php 600 makukua. Ata garu kami naglana ki lago,” Amadeo Bibon, a farmer in Bacacay said. He also added that the l a b o r c o s t , e x p e n s i v e fertilizers, pesticides and other overhead expenses merely equal to their sales even though he owned the land as well as some equipment and By Charmaine Hannah B.Torrecampo tools needed. “Su gibo ko ngunyan pinabakal ko gabos kong paroy buda binakal ko ki bigas, iyo an igpabakal ko. Dae na ako nagbalad ta mapagalon. Mas m a k a k a d e l i n s y a k u n pabakalon bagas na,” Bibon further stated how he retailed rice to gain more profit than selling his palay at a very low price. On the part of Jose and Emilia Berido who do not own the land being cultivated, their expenses are lesser and instead of selling palay, they chose to have the palay milled which took them a longer process. “Igbalad mi na sana buda kami naman nagretail kan bagas ta mas may delinsya”, Emilia shared. Bibon had been given assistance by the government in the form of rice seeds while the Beridos refuse to receive the seeds due to quality which they consider unsatisfactory. “Dae na nagkua si agom kaito ta naaraman na maluya su tambo. Su aki ko nagkuha sa munispiyo kaso grabe daa kayang bulong, dapat hugasan ki maray bago ito idadapog,” she added. Stated in RA 11203 that a PhP 10 billion annual as s is ta nce to fa rme rs nationwide called the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) will be given for the next six years. Of the entire fund, 50% is allocated for the implementation of Rice Farm Machineries and Equipment by the Philippine Center for Postharvest D e v e l o p m e n t a n d Mechanization (PHilMech) component; 30% is for the development, propagation and promotion of inbred rice seeds to be implemented by the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice); 10% for the expanded rice credit assistance and the remaining 10% is allocated for extension services. Farmers and farmworkers listed in the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA) and rice cooperatives accredited by the Department of Agriculture are expected to be given support. 8/10 CBEMians oppose SOGIE Bill By Mannylyn V. Cullon 8/10 CBEMians / page 2» Su gibo ko ngunyan pinabakal ko gabos kong paroy buda binakal ko ki bigas, iyo an igpabakal ko. “ Amadeo Bibon, Farmer Bacacay, Albay ANINAG SA KWENTO NG ISANG BULAG FEATURES page 11 EDITORIAL page 7 GRASSHOPPER DEVCOMM page 5 DOLE TUPAD Wish Granted for Displaced and Disadvantaged Workers in Bicol No seller with a sound mind would offer his goods for a price lower than his input. That is, unless, you are a Filipino rice farmer trying to recover at least some part of your capital after such a brutal drop in farmgate prices. If you happened to pass by a group of workers in complete uniform – green long-sleeves shirt with, a native buri hat, dust mask, rubber boots and hand mask – then you have already come across the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/ Displaced Workers (TUPAD) beneficiaries.
[email protected] • facebook.com/vanguardsoftruth • issuu.com/theappraiser2007 PROBE. WRITE. EXPRESS 2 THE APPRAISER Vol. XIII No. 6 August - December 2019 NEWS The IPESR coordinated with the satellite campuses in disseminating the information being in-charge for the performance. To clear out the limited participation, Sales explained that it was agreed by the Deans and Directors of the colleges. The decision was up to the Deans of the satellite campuses if t h e y w a n t t o s e n d participants in the annual event. HATAW NA! BU students from different campuses participate in Golden BU Hataw together with the PE Instructors of IPESR, amidst pouring rain last Sept. 17, 2019 at BU Sports Complex. (Photo by Solomon Mig S. Bustamante) Exhibit showcases 'past, present' of BU GINTONG GUNITA. Abalang pinagmamasdan ng magasawang Bicolano ang mga makasaysayang larawang tampok sa 20-araw na paggunitang eksibit ng Pamantasan ng Bicol kahapon sa SM City Legazpi. Ang pagbabalik-tanaw ay bahagi ng pagdiriwang ng ginintuang kaarawan nito. (Larawan kuha ni Precious Joy Deuda) P ortraits of Bicol University's (BU) historical marks, events and people were displayed in a photo exhibition held in SM City Legazpi, last September 16, 2019. In connection to BU's 50th anniversary, the exhibit was held to showcase important visuals which are rare and unusual regarding the development of the institution. Ping Peralta, the main organizer of the activity, said the activity is a recollection of memories as he began gathering the images since 1974. "When I was in high school, I started collecting old photos not only of BU, but anything connected to Albay as a whole. Collecting anything has become a passion for me," he said. He added that the exhibit was conducted for free with the help of his colleagues and the mall itself. " W h e n P r e s i d e n t Mascariñas told me to present an exhibit about BU's past, I accepted it and made arrangements with SM for free. I have staged arts exhibits with friends and with SM in the past." Photos were staged on adjacent panel walls at the ground floor of SM City Legazpi until October 6, 2019, where people could look at them in different phases. Notable marks like the Centennial Tree, sculpture of Ms. Valeria Ll. Millena, the enduring icon of the College of By Vitus A. Moron Education since 1966, and the statue of President Manuel A. Roxas at the then Roxas Memorial Agricultural School, which is now the BU College of Agriculture and Forestry, were among others that were presented in the held activity. Pioneers from the history of BU were also shown in the exhibit such as the professors of BU College of Fisheries Batch 1974-1975, winners of the Bicol Meet Baseball Champion, cast and directors of Albay High School o p e re t t a , " T he Gy p s y Traubadour" and the different students and faculties of the different departments of the institution. Most recent images were also included like the community speech of Dr. Arnulfo Mascariñas, the infamous BU Hataw, the former BU President Fay M. Lauraya receiving an honor from former Philippine President Benigno Aquino III and BU's current landscape. S t u d e n t s o f t h e university have their thoughts about the event. "Ang ganda lang na dahil dito sa photo exhibit, mas marami akong natuklasan about sa BU, most especially na 1st year student pa lang ako," said Dianne Rose Tan of BS Accountancy 1-B. Some viewers thought the event provided them insights as an outsider about the historical beauty of the university. "It's nice na even as someone who is not enrolled in BU, we got to know how it evolved as time goes by. Kahit di kami part ng history ng university, we felt like we were visiting the past because of the photos," stated by Trisha Bitara, a student of Legazpi City Science High School. Peralta furthered that the exhibit is a way to not forget the past as it will "guide us to where we would like to be in the future. But what matters most is the now." F or about 12 years of being out of the Bicol University’s highlight event, satellite campuses of Tabaco, Polangui, Gubat and the College of Agriculture and Forestry (CAF) in Guinobatan joined in the most awaited Hataw last September 17, 2019 at the Albay Sports Complex. Since 2007, Hataw had been one of the annual highlights of the celebration of Bicol University’s (BU) Founding Anniversary every September, where satellite campuses are not able to partake for the past years. Embarked as the golden year of Buenos, estimated 5,400 first and second year students performed during the opening program together with selected high school students from the Integrated Laboratory School of BU College of Education. It tallied larger number of participants compared to last year’s where only freshmen and senior high school students of BU took part. Professors of the Institute of Physical Education, Sports and Recreation (IPESR) choreographed the 13-minute dance routine led by Carina Sales, IPESR director. Garbed in their PE uniform and golden yellow knee socks, golden pompoms served as the students’ props in line with the university’s 50th year. On the average, 50 students per satellite campus were invited to represent their colleges, giving rise to appeals for additional slots. An anonymous online confession, regarding the said issue pointed out equality on all satellite campuses. The confession was filled with both support and negative comments. “Maka-inggit. Gusto mi man kuta na magsabay sa hataw,” Melson Celso, Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in Math (BSED) student from BUTC said expressing his sentiment. However, he added that it may be due to the space which is why not all students can be accommodated. He has high hopes that next year will be their year to participate. “Dapat po sana lahat kasama,kasi once in a lifetime experience yung hataw and usually yung mga 2nd year, it will be the best memories of their lives bago sila mag 3rd year, ” a student from CAF who requested not to be named, said in an interview. Moreover, Christine Avony Oliquino from BUPC said, “Bakit 50 lang? Eh kaya naman namin pumunta dun sa main. In fact, kami ang pinakamaraming delegates during the parade. Why limit to 50? During the parade that proves na active [ang] campus namin, kasi sa aming mga satellite part rin naman kami ng BU. Oo, malayo kami pero kaya rin naman naming makipagsabayan sa main. ” Also, Gubat Campus CSC president Rachel Grulla explained that only 50 from their campus participated on hataw, despite the great number of students who wanted to join the event, as directed by their Sports Club who is in charge of the practice. “Yung lang sinabi ng nagturo 50 lang kada colleges. Hindi lahat ng gusto sumali ay nakasali talaga. Marami ang gusto pa na sumayaw pero dahil sa limited lang, hindi na sila Satellite campuses join Golden Hataw Studes air comments on limited participation nakasayaw,” this is according to our Sports Club president because our participants on Hataw came from the Sports Club,” she said. Some comments from the confession had the same opinion as to the limited space of the venue. Positively thinking, one noted that it may symbolize the golden year itself as 50 students per satellite campus for 50 years. 8/10 CBEMians / page 1 » the ground that it does not only promote the welfare of the LGBTQ community but of e v e r y o n e a s w e l l . Furthermore, they also argue that although not as p r e vale nt as be for e, discrimination based on gender still exists and SOGIE Bill is the solution for it. “ O o k a s i s a pagkakaintindi ko for all genders naman yung SOGIE Bill and hindi lang yun para sa mga miyembro ng LGBTQ community. Makakatulong yung bill para mawala yung discrimination sa work, school, etc. and para na rin maging pantay-pantay yung trato sa lahat kahit ano pang gender ng isang tao,” an Economics student said. On the other hand, those who responded no believe that the bill is not a matter of urgency and necessity and that the c o u n t r y h as s e ve r al Anti-Discrimination laws that address the concerns included in the SOGIE Bill. “Di naman kasi siya necessary. I mean if it applies to everyone para hindi sila madiscriminate, may iba naman na batas for that,” emphasized by a Financial Management student. In the national stage, talks about a more e n c o m p a s s i n g Anti-Discrimination Bill instead of SOGIE is a topic of a heated debate between politicians. When asked about the matter, 11 of the respondents chose SOGIE while 83 chose ADB. 6 of the respondents chose neither of the two. “Sayang ng perang ini-spend sa mga ganiyang bill, sana ginastos nalang for health and pang lessen ng poverty. ‘Diba meron na rin naman mga Anti-Discrimination Law? Para sa akin hindi lang praktikal yung issue about gender,” said one of the respondents who chose neither ADB nor SOGIE. D u r i n g t h e interview, The Appraiser asked those that do not agree with SOGIE if they think the bill imperils the religious freedom of the Filipinos, especially those who belong to the Catholic c h u r c h . 33 o f t he respondents said yes while 67 of them said no. “ I t ( S O G I E ) promotes equity among gender groups, however, it relatively compromises freedom of religion. For most religions, there are only two genders but SOGIE is for recognition of multiple genders and does charge and sanction those who resist to do so, depriving religions to stand against the ideals of the bill”, an Accountancy student said in the random interview. Currently, the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Expression Bill is still under S e n at e interpellation. By Charmaine Hannah B. Torrecampo
PROBE. WRITE. EXPRESS [email protected] • facebook.com/vanguardsoftruth • issuu.com/theappraiser2007 NEWS Vol. XIII No. 6 August - December 2019 THE APPRAISER 3 BUCBEM celebrates ‘statement’ through Pride Fashion Show By Vitus A. Moron and Jamaica B. Blancaflor PRIDE COUTURE. Kaile Matociños, a CBEMian model, is wearing one of Lester Dellosa’s design of accessories from Ciccada as he struts down the runway during the Pride Fashion Show held at Bicol University Commencement Grounds on August 24,2019. (Photo by Precious Joy A. Deuda) With the aim of strengthening the promotion of gender equality and acceptance, the Bicol University College of Business, Economics, and Management College Student Council (BUCBEM CSC) spearheaded the first Pride Fashion Show during its Freshmen Welcome Party last August 24, 2019 at the BU commencement grounds. The fashion show is in partnership with Ciccada, a clothing brand, and one of the platinum sponsors of the event, which included designs of Hablondawani, Alexandria Sy, and Lester Dellosa. Lester Dellosa, a 22-year old designer shared his passion in design and fashion as a way of remembering and thanking BU as his Alma Mater, where his dreams were unleashed in pursuit of becoming a successful businessman. "Two things, first, I'm a BUeño. Graduated from Bicol University College of Arts and Letters. Number two, I would always go back to Bicol University kasi dito ako tumubo. Dito ako tinanim and at the same time, it gave me a lot of opportunities and it's always a pleasure of giving back to where I came from," he said. Meanwhile, John Mark Imperial, the BU CBEM CSC President stated the importance and implication of this new addition to the annual commencement. "Primarily, all we want is to convey a message and support students who want to unleash creativity with their sexual orientation, gender preference, identity and expression. May they be straight or curved, they are free to express their feelings in a way they could find h a p p i n e s s a n d belongingness. The Pride Fashion Show was just an extension celebration prior to the Pride month (LGBTQIA+) recently held." The clothes modelled by the students, catering all genders, highlighted the essence of the fashion display. Models took this event as an opportunity to showcase what they have in the m in e xpr e s s ing themselves freely and fashionably. “Masaya. I grabbed the opportunity since minsan lang naman mangyari ang Museum for Bueños is now accessible. Bicol University exhibited its achievements through the years by opening the University Students’ Museum for its 50th founding anniversary last Sept. 16, 2019 during the inauguration at the Student Union Center. Students’ Museum displays notable marks in the history of BU such as the alampay, commemorative medals, Order of the Blue Feather Society, evolution of student handbooks, portraits of outstanding graduates, and others. Prior to the opening of the museum, the University Student Council initiated an inauguration for the ribbon cutting, held at the ground floor of the Student Union Center. As part of the celebration of BU Week, the museum primarily enfolds the theme, “Sarong Pagsalingoy: A journey into meaningful memories of the students of the university.” Furthermore, the event was attended by the university president Dr. Arnulfo Mascariñas, the administrators, college deans, and other participating members. Bicol U launches univ student museum By Jeremiah B. Cordial ganitong fashion show ‘diba?”, said by Jeric Zavier Miranda, a BS Economics student, who was included in the line-up of models for the show. M o r e o v e r , C B E M students expressed their thoughts about its intent of opening their eyes in embracing equality and freedom of expression. “The Pride Fashion Show enables those people in the LGBT community to express themselves freely. Through this, a student like me could further extend my support since the institution itself openly supported it. I am glad that this was brought in the Freshmen Welcome Party,” Shannen Mae Abion, a first year BSBA Management student, said. Alyssa Joy Mediario, a s t u d e n t f r o m t h e Accountancy Department, stated that the fashion event recognized all students r e g a r d l e s s o f t h e i r differences in all forms. “Since the school is like a second home to us, it is a relief that the students can be themselves, given this type of platform to give a wonderful statement. It reflects freedom despite our differences,” she stated. Matapos ang tagumpay ng pambato ng BUCBEM na si Lancelot Reyeg bilang Mr. Bicol University noong nakaraang taon, muli na namang bumandera ang nasabing kolehiyo ngayong taon sa pagkapanalo ni Kurt Dani Vida kahapon, Setyembre 16, sa MMBU 2019. Isang freshman ng BS Accountancy, dinaig ni Vida ang 13 pang mga lalaking kandidato sa paligsahang ginanap sa Ibalong Centrum for Recreation, Lungsod ng Legazpi bilang bahagi ng ika-50 anibersaryo ng unibersidad. "Overwhelming po and proud na CBEM ulit ang nakakuha ng korona," wika niya matapos makoronahan Vida, inuwi ang korona Sunurang panalo sinelyuhan ng CBEM ONCE AGAIN. USC Chairperson student regent hands over the trophy to Kurt Dani Vida, the newly crowned Mr. Bicol University 2019 during the coronation night of MMBU held last Sept. 16, at Ibalong Centrum for Recreation. Vida follows the footsteps of Lancelot G. Reyeg, the title holder last year, as he won the said title. (Photo by Solomon Mig S. Bustamante) Ni Mikko M. Panesares bilang Mr. BU 2019. Bilang sagot sa isang bahagi ng paligsahan, b i n a n g g i t n i y a a n g pagtataguyod ng apat na haligi ng unibersidad kung sakaling siya ang papalaring manalo. "In my reign, I will promote the four pillars of Bicol University for my fellow countrymen," sambit niya. Kasamang lumahok ni Vida si Donna Marie Tribiana na kumatawan naman bilang Ms. CBEM. Dala ang kanyang adbokasiya sa pagnenegosyo, nagwagi si Tribiana bilang 3rd runner up sa patimpalak. Plano ng dalawa na ibalik muna ang atensyon sa p a g - a a r a l h a b a n g naghahanda na rin sa mga s u s u n o d p a n g m g a kompetisyon.
[email protected] • facebook.com/vanguardsoftruth • issuu.com/theappraiser2007 PROBE. WRITE. EXPRESS 4 THE APPRAISER Vol. XIII No. 6 August - December 2019 NEWS ACLADEB ties serve int'l openings for provincial studes By Vitus A. Moron P rospects of more oversea opportunities to Filipino students are inked as international organizations and the country's local institutions forged bonds with Asian + Council of Leaders, Administrators, Dean and Educators in Business (ACLADEB) last October 4, 2019. Through the partnership of ACLADEB, Bicol University (BU), CERTS Educational Services, and Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry; the 5th Students and Educators’ Summit took place at BU College of Engineering Gymnasium which was attended by more than 1,200 students coming from different schools from all over the Bicol Region. Memoranda of understanding and of agreement were signed for the purpose of strengthening education in the Philippines and creating possible international breakthroughs for students living outside the national capital Metro Manila. “We would like to reach out [to] schools outside of Manila [for them] to be updated in the trends of education particularly, in the international and ASEAN education ac tivitie s.” s aid ACLADEB Founding Chairman and President Dionisio Magpantay. The summit tackled themes and topics regrading stock market education, starting up a business, the accountancy program, and entrepreneurship, among others. RECOGNIZING EXCELLENCE As part of the event, ACLADEB awarded ten excellent students and educators, in which eight students are from BU College of Business, Economics and Management (CBEM). Two of the awarded professors also came from the same university. FEEDBACKS AND FUTURE ENDEAVORS Magpantay expressed his appreciation to BU after amassing more than a thousand participants. See kicks off BUCBEM 15th year anniversary A fun-filled day, free from stress was Dr. Eddie See's vow to the students of CBEM in commemoration of the college's 15th year of establishment. "Sa aldaw na ini, dapat warang mase-stress. Aldaw ini ning pagsaya," said by the Dean of the College of Business, Economics and Management (CBEM) during his opening remarks. To signify the start of the BU CBEM Organizational Festival (OrgFest), he led the balloon flying ceremony, together with the faculty, College Student Council (CSC), and the presidents of the organizational clubs. The event commenced with a series of activities: Zumba that was led by the CSC, a Thanksgiving mass, and the presentation of the cosplayers of every booth managed by the organizations. In line with this, during the afternoon, different games were conducted which were participated by different clusters namely Tank (JIM, JPMAP, JPIA), Fighter (OMC, YES, JMA) and Marksman (MFSO, JFINEX, ECOSOC). The games include amazing race, talong relay, who rules the flag, centipede relay, dodge ball, patintero, tug of war, bomberman, sack race, and longest line. For the festival of culture and arts; poster making, pencil drawing, charcoal renderng, painting, photo contest, extemporaneous speaking, essay writing, dagliang talumpati, pagsusulat ng pagsasanay were also the activities participated by the different clusters. Students had a mixed reception about the simultaneous conduct of activities. "The org fest was fun, exhilarating, and made clusters unite through different activities," said Jana Belmonte, a BSA 1-D student. Cherrielyn Asaytuno of BSA 1-C, thought there could be an improvement in terms of giving students a chance to participate in the games. "Nakakapagod pero nakakaenjoy din ang foundation day ng CBEM kasi nabigyan kami ng chance na makapag interact sa ibang courses. At organized naman ung events and ung flow and overall okay naman siya kasi nakita ko man na hands on ung mga facilitator sa mga palaro nila, pero maganda sana kung nabigyan ng chance lahat na makasali ng laro or mabigyan ng tasks." John Gay le Br uc e, CSC Representative and Event Chairman, stated that they are thankful that they were able to pull of this event despite the past and on-going activities that happened and will happen. "I am still overwhelmed that I thought this day would never come. Those sleepless nights, midnight going home, those circumstances which were quite normal, paid off." By Jamaica B. Blancaflor and Vitus A. Moron Bicol U opens golden Agri-Tech Fair Crafts from BJMP Albay exhibited university joined hands with the Bureau of Jail Management and P h e n o l o g y ( B J M P ) , L o c a l Government Unit of Polangui, Special Therapy and Education Program, Oma-Oma Conservation F a r m i n g V i l l a g e s F a r m e r s Association and Bicol Regional Food Innovation and Commercialization Center in the week-long celebration of its 50th Founding Anniversary. BU Tabaco, Polangui and Gubat campuses also actively took part on the said event showcasing food products such as marinated boneless bangus, shrimp lumpia, delicacies, vegetables and more. The Bachelor of Arts in Industrial Design department of the College of Industrial Technology displayed the students’ well-crafted art using various materials for the design. In addition, BUCIT had been a partner of the BJMP on its extension program and is continuously extending help on the long run project of the agency for Persons Deprived of Liberty. Finished crafts made by the PDL f ro m th e muni cipa li tie s o f Sto. Domingo, Camalig, Guinobatan, Oas an Polangui District Jails and cities of Tabaco, Legazpi and Ligao are exhibited and sold. Bonsai and other flowers made from recycled materials, baskets and native hut lampshades are some of the created products. “Haloy na ining proyektong ini, iriba-iba an haloy sa kada produktong igagibo. Sa bayong mga 5 years na, ining bonsai siguro mga 4 years, sarong taon naman digdi sa paggibo kan lampshade. An profit hali digdi, napapaduman sa mga PDL buda diit na amount para sa continuation kan project”, Jail Officer 3 Gilie Ardenete of the Camalig District Jail said. BU President Arnulfo Mascariñas ended the ribbon cutting with a message of encouragement to support the said event hoping for more exhibitors and participants to add to the beauty of celebrating the golden anniversary of the university. beneficiaries yesterday, September 16, 2019 at the BU Main campus. Headed by the BU Extension Management Division of the Office of the Vice President for Research Development and Extension, the By Mannylyn V. Cullon anad Charmaine Hannah B. Torrecampo “This is the first time that we were able to gather more than 1200, the biggest so far. Last year was in Palawan, which was only 800,” he said. H e a l s o s t a t e d t h e organization’s plans for next year, which involves another convention for participants. "Next year... we will be awarding presidents, deans and officials, [and it] will be also held here. We’ll also be the host on the convention. That will be on the last Thursday and Friday of January 2020. That would be the next activity which will be negotiated again with Bicol University. We hope for the best on the next convention," Magpantay added. B eing the epitome of excellence, leadership, character and service, Bicol University aimed to strengthen its foundation by launching its first-ever Agri-Tech Fair in collaboration with its partners and extension project BREAD AND BUTTER. Si Nanay Remedios habang pinatutuyo ang mga butil ng palay sa tabi ng National Road, Libon, Albay, sa kabila ng P12 balik nito sa kada kilo ng bigas na mas pinalala pa ng Rice Tarrification Law. (Larawan kuha ni Solomon Mig S. Bustamante)
PROBE. WRITE. EXPRESS [email protected] • facebook.com/vanguardsoftruth • issuu.com/theappraiser2007 DEVCOMM Vol. XIII No. 6 August - December 2019 THE APPRAISER 5 I f you happened to pass by a group of workers in complete uniform – green long-sleeves shirt with, a native buri hat, dust mask, rubber boots and hand mask – then you have already come across the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/ Displaced Workers (TUPAD) beneficiaries. TUPAD is one of the two components (the other one is the Kabuhayan Program) of DOLE Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (DILEEP). It is geared towards providing emergency employment for displaced workers, underemployed and seasonal workers, for a minimum period of 10 days, but not to exceed a maximum of 30 days depending on the nature of work to be performed. IMPLEMENTATION As a community-based package assistance, it generates jobs to be performed by the beneficiaries from various community projects of the LGUs classified under social, economic and agro-forestry categories. Before the beneficiaries’ engagement on assigned jobs, they undergo an orientation on Occupational Safety and Health. They are being provided with the necessary Personal Protective Equipment that serves as their uniform together with the TUPAD identification card. As its social protection element, the beneficiaries are also enrolled in group micro-insurance. Every beneficiary is entitled to receive payment of wages equivalent to 100% of the highest prevailing private minimum wage in the region. As its post implementation phase, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) or its accredited training institutions will be tapped to conduct the skills training for the TUPAD beneficiaries under its Training for Work Scholarship Program (TWSP). This is done to prepare them towards self or wage employment after the project. TUPAD IN ALBAY It is after every destructive calamity that DOLE in cooperation with the International Labor Office (ILO) readily put into place TUPAD program to the rescue. Just like how it benefitted 79,655 affected workers on the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda last 2014, its purpose has also been extended in the province of Albay. On May 28, 2014, the DOLE-Bicol Regional Director then, Nathaniel V. Lacambara announced that P56 million is allotted for the TUPAD program in the region that will benefit more than 4,000 families. To help the rehabilitation efforts of the different LGUs, DOLE-Bicol re-aligned its TUPAD program to Oplan Glenda. On July 30, 2014 the first batch of beneficiaries were seen in action along high-ways and water ways, de-clogging drainage systems and clearing road networks. Later that year, 247 were chosen as additional TUPAD workers from 9 barangays of Malilipot, Tiwi, and Malinao. They received their salary of P 260 per day, during its distribution on October 22, 2014. DOLE allocated P 752,500 for the project. In an ABS-CBN news on Jan 31, 2018, DOLE allotted another P 10 million for the emergency employment for the evacuees affected by the Mayon eruption. Each beneficiary received a total of P 2, 900 in a span of 10 minimum work days. The beneficiaries were in charged in planting and cleanliness maintenance of the evacuation center. Six months after, the provincial government of Albay received P 3,322,800 for rehabilitation of damaged barangay facilities, and ‘clean and green’ project of Libon, Camalig and Polangui. Meanwhile, Tabaco City also received P 6,611,250 for the clearing and desilting of various river channels, clearing of various creeks and coastal clean-up in Tagas, Tayhi and Pawa rivers in. This benefitted 1,025 resident beneficiaries. At the beginning of 2019, due to the massive landslide brought by Tropical Depression Usman last December 29-30, 2018, DOLE allocated another P10 million that will provide 15-day community work for around 3, 000 affected and displaced families in Tiwi, Albay, and Sagñay, Cam Sur. Each beneficiary received P305 wage per day. Nora, 45 years old, a TUPAD beneficiary from Daraga expressed how the program helped her. “Lagi lang naman ako nasa bahay, walang trabaho. Dahil sa TUPAD nakapag-earn din ako ng pera kahit sa simpleng paglilinis ng barangay. Kahit na tumatanda na ako nabigyan ako ng oportunidad na magkatrabaho,” she said. She worked for 23 days cleaning their barangay. She earned P 310 per day. As a country that is vulnerable to natural disasters such as typhoon which mainly affects the livelihood of the Filipinos, there is a need to prioritize provision of disaster sensitive social protection, employment and income support to affected people. It is through DILEEP specifically TUPAD Program that this need is being addressed. By Vitus A. Moron By Niña B. Orido DOLE TUPAD Wish granted for displaced and Disadvantaged workers in bicol Illustration by John Owen P. Pamplona Illustration by John Owen P. Pamplona
[email protected] • facebook.com/vanguardsoftruth • issuu.com/theappraiser2007 PROBE. WRITE. EXPRESS 6 THE APPRAISER Vol. XIII No. 6 August - December 2019 NEWS Notwithstanding setbacks caused by recent Typhoon Tisoy; Bicol University College of Business, Economics and Management (BU CBEM) still plowed the completion of its Christmas activity series before the first semester of school year 2019-2020 concluded. As per original arrangements, the events of "BU CBEM: 15 Days of Christmas" included 10 activities which were scheduled from November 25 Despite delays, typhoon CBEM pushes Christmas activities By Mikko M. Panesares CHRISTMAS CHEERS. Marketeros sing their originally composed jingle during the Christmas jingle presentation as part of BUCBEM’s 15 Days of Christmas activities, Nov. 27, 2019. (Photo by Aron N. Anastacio) to December 5, 2019. Due to u n f a v o r a b l e w e a t h e r c o n d i t i o n s , h o w e v e r , adjustments on dates and venues had to be made by the organizers as classes were further extended for another week. Spearheaded by the College Student Council (CSC), accredited organizations of CBEM participated in events such as Christmas planting, cooking competition, quiz, poem writing, original Christmas carol composition, photography contest, and talent competition. CBEM also worked with BU College of Industrial Technology (CIT) Digital Fabrication Laboratory (FabLab) in launching activities which included the design and creation of 3D printed Christmas lanterns, belens, and tabletop Christmas trees. The said FabLab competitions were to be accompanied by a digital fabrication workshop to introduce the participants to the said technology. However, due to the typhoon, equipment had to be kept for safekeeping, thus cancelling the actual printing; but the seminar was nevertheless held. T ides of the most recent Certified Public Accountants Licensure Examination (CPALE) carried 27 new CPAs from BUCBEM last October 2019. With a national passing rate of 14.32% , BU gained an overall performance rating of 32.93% producing 27 out of 82 accountancy students. This year had been tough for the accountancy profession with only 16.46% passing rate last May and the recently concluded licensure exam last October with only 14.32% or 2075 passers out of 14, 492 examinees. Said passing rate was the lowest for the past 12 years. BU produces 27 new CPAs A side from showcasing the city’s history, heritage, culture and arts in the newly opened museum, Museo de Legazpi extends to the walls of Camp Simeon Ola as it spearheaded the launching of Street Art last October 21, 2019. The aforesaid street art exhibits mural paintings of the heroes from epic of Ibalong, Bicolano devotions, culture and heritage, which are from the works o f v a r i o u s a r t i s t throughout Bicol region. Specifically, the murals were divided into categories. Eight belongs to Bicol heritage, six to the epic of Ibalong, and two to the Executive Order No. 70 or Anti-Terrorism. Among the 53 artists are students from Bicol University, expressing their pride as they contributed to the event. “Syempre proud, ta dati pinangarap ko man makapag-mural, tapos first time ko, diyan kaagad,” Christian Jhan Loba, one of the artists from BUCIT said. He also aired how b e i n g w i t h o t h e r professionals brings him honor as an artist. “Dati tagahanga lang ako kang mga muralist jan, ngunyan saro na ako Museo de Legazpi extends to Camp Ola walls sainda,” he added. Just like how a museum works, the street art also enables people to know more about the city and the region. “Every time you approach the boundary of Legazpi, makikita mo na yung mga many heritage, culture, scenic views, mga natural resources of course Mayon Volcano. So hindi lang ito pampaganda this will also be an education,” stated by Legazpi City Mayor Noel Rosal in an interview from a local television news station. By Mae Joy A. Redito NEWS BITS By Charmaine Hannah B. Torrecampo "Pang-akademika na, pang-kultura pa!" Dr. Arnulfo Mascariñas, President of Bicol University, said as he paraded the significance of upholding Filipino culture in Bicol University through Bangguing Bikolnon, last September 20, 2019 in the BU Commencement Grounds. As part of the Students' Day celebration, the event showcased cultural performances such as music and dance. Dr. Aldrin A. Darilag, CHED Commissioner and Chairperson of the Bicol University Board of Regents, encouraged students and adults alike to immerse themselves in culture-related programs and projects to symbolize the deliverance of service to the country. "Patuloy po tayong umunlad. Patuloy po tayong magsama-sama. Patuloy po tayong tumuklas... at patuloy tayong makiisa sa mga adhikain sa kultura upang ang ating unibersidad ay patuloy na maging simbolo sa paghahatid ng serbisyo at maging ehemplo sa bayan," he said. BU parades culture through Bangguing Bikolnon By Vitus A. Moron
PROBE. WRITE. EXPRESS [email protected] • facebook.com/vanguardsoftruth • issuu.com/theappraiser2007 EDITORIAL Vol. XIII No. 6 August - December 2019 THE APPRAISER 7
[email protected] • facebook.com/vanguardsoftruth • issuu.com/theappraiser2007 8 THE APPRAISER OPINION
PROBE. WRITE. EXPRESS OPINION Vol. XIII No. 6 August - December 2019 9
[email protected] • facebook.com/vanguardsoftruth • issuu.com/theappraiser2007 PROBE. WRITE. EXPRESS 10 THE APPRAISER Vol. XIII No. 6 August - December 2019 OPINION [email protected] • facebook.com/vanguardsoftruth • issuu.com/theappraiser2007
PROBE. WRITE. EXPRESS [email protected] • facebook.com/vanguardsoftruth • issuu.com/theappraiser2007 FEATURES Vol. XIII No. 6 August - December 2019 THE APPRAISER 11
12 THE APPRAISER Vol. XIII No. 6 August - December 2019 FEATURES [email protected] • facebook.com/vanguardsoftruth • issuu.com/theappraiser2007 PROBE. WRITE. EXPRESS
By Solyn E. Sabio I learn to tire myself out, Not by a glass of soothing milk, Or counting sheep. The best way was to let myself weep. Lights were out of sight. My systems shutting down. I’m wide awake in the night. Couldn’t take away this eternal frown. I couldn’t remember what I ate, Or who I was with. It was all a total blur, Like every day did. Voices kept blaring in my head. I’m stressed. The shadows trained me not to blink. I couldn’t wait to close my eyes. Crying could be a tap on the back, But it’s all in vain, like I’m being mocked. I wish to get up or knock my guts out, To fall in a deep sleep I really lacked. The cold air seemed a bit comforting, But not enough to beat insomnia. The night crickets can’t stop singing, In the darkness of my dystopia. Panic started to bubble. In fear, I crashed into trouble. Shivers down my spine, I felt alone. Anyone? Before I turned bleaker than stone. I grabbed my sleeping pills, Sat on bed and stayed on still. I wished the sadness wouldn’t wake me up. Count to three so I can’t get up. Let another morning cut my hope, Of ending this eternal roar, Inside my head, they kept screaming, “You’ll never ever be happy.” Fill this void with forgiveness, To myself and all my weakness. Say goodbye from the high, Can’t go back for another try. Lay me down completely, To the extent of my sanity. Give me strength for I’m not moving, Fighting back would be worth trying. Probably there would be sunshine, But I wouldn’t really know. As eyes would not flutter close, I’ll pack my sleeping pills away, as I peacefully doze. “It will be okay” Most people say it will. But do they really know the impact of the pain we feel? Minds become muffled, The future’s become blur. When the eyes are closed, Darkness always takes over. Seeking for help is an option, Wanting to feel the pain is another. The numbness it brings, We don’t know if we can recover. Screaming to make it stop, but the voices never did. Drowning to thoughts, wanting to be freed. What hurts the most maybe, is how we’ve been expectant in this society. But healing starts on the person, Let people help you to get out of your prison. Mind Prison Pakauli ko sa harong mi Nagshare ako sa FB "A lot of sadness I want to tell" Sabi kang sarong comment, “sml?” Nagluwas ako ki kwarto Nagrani ako ki Mama ko "Ma may ishare lang ako saimo." Atchan na daá ta dakol pang pigagibo. Dinuman ko na lang si Papa Yadto nagatukaw sa samong sala Sabi ko, "Pa, dae na ako maogma." Simbag niya, "Puro ka man sana drama." Nagchat su sakong tigsasabihan Kan gabos kong pig-aagihan, "Susko besh para kaan Nasa isip mo lang an." Bumalik ako sa kwarto Nag-log out sa FB ko Nalilito sa mundong ginagalawan, ‘Di maipinta ang ilusyon sa katotohanan, Ulirat na unti-unting nawawala, Nabubuhay sa ilalim ng patay na tala. Dumidilim pang lalo ang panglaw, ‘Di alam kung san hahanapin ang araw, ‘Di alam kung saan galing ang lumbay, Ang alam lang ay walang buhay ang buhay. May nais ngunit hindi makuha, May gusto ngunit hindi makapagsalita, Isip sa isip na naglalaban, Ngunit sarili lamang ang siyang kalaban. Maingay sa loob ng tahanan, Maingay din sa loob ng isipan, Mahina ang kakayahang magsalita, Mahina rin ang tulong na nakukuha. Sa lipunang pisikal lamang ang sukatan, Mapapansin kaya pansariling laban?, Lahat ba ay kailangang makita?, lahat ba ay kailangang mahinuha?. Dahil kahit anong gawin, Kahit pa ang nais sabihin, Walang boses, walang tinig, At wala rin namang makikinig. Bait Esemel By Vitus A. Moron Sleeping Pills Ni Precious Joy A. Deuda Ni Arjay R. Bejer Illustration by John Owen P. Pamplona PROBE. WRITE. EXPRESS [email protected] • facebook.com/vanguardsoftruth • issuu.com/theappraiser2007 LITERARY Vol. XIII No. 6 August - December 2019 THE APPRAISER 13
[email protected] • facebook.com/vanguardsoftruth • issuu.com/theappraiser2007 PROBE. WRITE. EXPRESS 14 THE APPRAISER Vol. XIII No. 6 August - December 2019 SPORTS Close fight! Matapos makatikim ng isang mapait na pagkatalo mula sa powerhouse volleyball team ng IPESR, pigil-hiningang bumawi ang uhaw na koponan ng College of Business, Economics, and Manage me nt (CBEM) sa sumunod nitong kampanya kontra College of Agriculture and Forestry (CAF) nitong Huwebes sa Balibol-Panlalaki, upang b u h a y i n a n g p a g - a s a n g makaakyat sa semis ng torneyo. Baon ang gigil na makasungkit ng pinakaunang panalo, malabagyong pinaulanan ng Daraga-based team ng mapaminsalang cross court kills nit o ang k at unggali at pinayungan ng malapader na Ni Ian M. Llaneta double blocks ang bawat palo ng kabilang panig. Dahilan upang tuluyang lamigin ang kalaban sa una at sa kritikal na deciding point ng gitgitang three-set game. Mahabang rally kaagad ang nagbukas sa mainit na unang set ng salpukan. Matagal ang naging palitan ng bola bago ibulsa ng Guinobatan-based players ang pinaka-unang puntos, 1-0. Sa pagusad ng laro, nagpatuloy ang sagutan ng mabibilis na solid kills at mapanlinlang na drop shots ng dalawang koponan upang idikit ang laban. Sa pagtuntong ng 10-all score, hindi na nagpahabol ang CBEM matapos simulang bakuran ng rock-solid blocks nina John Edmar Alcantara at CHANCE TO CLOSE. College of Business, Economics and Management (right) and College of Agriculture and Forestry (left) players joust at the net during the intense second set of the game as the Daraga-based players attempts to early close the match after winning the first. (Photo by Solomon Mig Bustamante) Photo Courtesy : philstar.com Yulo snatches / page 16 CBEM Champs / page 16 » back in the elementary level, earning various medals up to his high school where he competed for Palarong Pambansa, finishing as a gold medallist. “Grade three po, ball boy lang po ako noon, pero after ng players maglaro nakikihiram ako ng raketa just to play around and have fun,” narrated Belen, “then nakita ng dad ko na may potential ako, tinuruan nya ako ng basics hanggang naging amateur player na ako.” He also pointed out the lack of time and an insufficiency of facilities, making his preparation tougher. “Wala man po akong time para magkaroon ng formal practice kaya po nakipag-tune up game na lang ako sa tennis players sa DPWH before the games to get my groove back,” he articulated. SHORTAGE OF PLAYERS P r i o r t o t h e competitions, it can be recalled that CBEM initially faced challenges in recruiting athletes for several sports events which resulted to a shortage of representatives for the BU Olympics. “May mga student athletes na priority siyempre ang studies. Acad first. They opted not to try out,” said CBEM Sports Coordinator, Mar Belgica. In effect, CBEM sustained defaults for softball, sepak takraw (women), arnis, archery, karatedo and baseball, levying the campus point deductions from the overall score. “Ang binasehan ng selection meet (tryout) this year ay yung last year events sent by The Athletians. Wala sa list ang mga yan,” Belgica added. He also pointed out the limited time for the selection a n d i n f o r m a t i o n d i s s e m i n a t i o n w h i c h stemmed from the late release of official events as one of the contributing factors for the said deficiency. CBEM pinadapa ang CAF, 18-25, 28-30, 15-11 James Gabriel ang opensa ng C A F a t m a n g g u l a t n g mapagsamantalang kills, drops, at service aces. Tuluyang lumayo ang CBEM at iniwan ng pitong puntos ang kalaban sa pagsasara ng unang set, 18-25. Maagang nagpakitang gilas ang koponan ng CBEM sa pagsisimula ng pangalawang set at pumoste kaagad ng mabilis na anim na puntos kumpara sa pahirapang 4 points ng katunggali. Sa pagtala ng unang error nito, mabilis na tumawid ang momentum sa kabilang panig na nagbigay kumpyansa sa star player ng CAF na magpakawala ng malabomba sa lakas na open hits. Kayod-marinong hinabol ng CBEM ang CAF gamit ang magkakasunod na apat na puntos nito mula sa buwis buhay na mga plays, sapat para itabla ang iskor. Panandaliang natahimik ang mga manonood habang pigil-hingang ikinakasa ng magkabilang team ang panapos na galaw upang selyuhan ang pangalawang set ng girian. Dahil sa pagpapakawala ni Oabina ng multiple solid kills, dumikit lalo ang laro at umakyat sa do-or-die set, 28-30. Hindi na nagsayang ang oras at inumpisahan kaagad ang unahang race-to-15 set ng CBEM at CAF. Dala ng hingal at kaba, nagpalitan ng attack errors ang magkalaban at pumoste ng iskor na pabor sa CBEM. Patuloy pa rin sa pagbayo KOMIKS competition was held on December 1-9 in which Yulo sealed the SEA Games with two gold and 5 silver medals. With his astonishing performance, he triumphed to get the gold in the men’s artistic individual all-around event and floor exercise. He finished second in the vault, parallel bars, horizontal bar, pummel horse and still rings apparatuses. “Late released ang official list of events. Nagpa-try out ang CBEM ng ea rl y k a si n eed f o r accreditation,” he said, “Yung communication or pagcascade ng message for the selection possible ‘di narelay to all since ang dissemination ay through CSC [to the] CBOs [to the] block representatives.” While no final rankings have been announced as of press time, CBEM ranked sixth during last year’s Olympics against other colleges in the overall rankings. Yulo concluded the year strong as a podium finisher and is looking forward for the upcoming Tokyo Olympics in 2020. He is the second Filipino to qualify for the said competition after Ernest John Obiena, a pole vaulter ruled the event cutch in a 5.81-meter record on September. ng kills si Oabina na lumikom ng karagdagang puntos, bahagyang paglapit sa nanginginig na koponan ng CBEM. Hindi nagpakampante ang Daraga-based team at itinaas ang bola kay Ramcy Salivio na pumalo ng pamatay na spike dahilan upang marating nila ang mailap na match point,. Hindi na nakapagpatawid pa ng bola ang kalaban matapos bantayan ng desididong blocks ng CBEM ang kritikal na palong nauwi sa masakit na net touch ng katunggali, 15-11, CBEM panalo kontra sa CAF. Hawak ang 1-1 na win-loss record sa bracket C, nakatakdang harapin nito ang Polangui Campus upang m a n a t i l i n g b u h a y s a BU Olympics. by John Owen P. Pamplona
PROBE. WRITE. EXPRESS [email protected] • facebook.com/vanguardsoftruth • issuu.com/theappraiser2007 SPORTS Vol. XIII No. 6 August - December 2019 THE APPRAISER 15 Illustration by John Owen P. Pamplona EDITORIAL Fair Play S ports have sub-categories that will categorize the players based from their gender (women’s and men’s category). It is presumed that men have different capacity and level of endurance than the women, that’s why separating them during matches yields into an equitable competition. However, as the LGBTQ+ community now continue to emerge into different fields and actively participate as well in sports, involvement of the transgender athletes became a glare of public due to their earnt advantage or disadvantage that will clearly affect the whole game no matter. Many would argue that it is essentially unfair if transgender athletes would compete in their new gender as it gives the transwomen a ticket to championship. On the contrary, transmen can be easily dragged down by male competitors. If the question is ‘are they allowed to compete?’ the answer is yes, of course. But if ‘is it unfair if they compete?’, then that will depend. We can’t deny the fact that even if they have reassigned their sexes, some qualities of their previous sex can still be present. This is the reason why a transwoman player can be of greater advantage than her rivals who are biologically female. In some news, more than half of a baseball competition players once backed out after learning that their opponent would be a transwoman. Rules regarding this issue were implemented to rule out the notion of prejudice. The International Olympic Committee or IOC even created a guideline specifically taking the transgender athletes into consideration. According to it, they can compete in their new gender only if they have undergone sex reassignment surgery, show legal recognition of their gender, and have undergone hormone therapy for at least two years before participating. Consequently, transgender players are also willing to abide to these rules to maintain the fairness so that they could compete freely without backlash and criticisms. There is no need for biological male and female athletes to be scared or feel biased about the participation of those players who transferred into another sex. If pondered thoroughly, transgender athletes winning the championships is a complete myth. The chances of winning lies in the hands of the players who must be fully equipped before their participation. Because even some of the greatest champions, for instance in women’s race, can already pass for a man due to their physical trainings that enhanced their strength close to men’s. A t the age of 65, Efren “Bata” Manalang Reyes still has his powers to make every Filipino and his opponents spellbound through his potent wand, but in this case, a billiard cue stick. H e i s a t r u e manifestation of Filipino pride, g a r n e r i n g o v e r 7 0 international titles, and being the first man in history to t r i u m p h W o r l d Championships in two separate disciplines. He is also a 14-time Derby City Classic champion, a two-time World Cup champion, and a twotime World Pool League champion. Some may say he is the greatest pool player of all time due to his achievements throughout his career. “The Magician” is a title he earned through the years of his mind-bending skills in the pool universe. But with years of experience, it was not always capturing glitters of pixie dusts in vials. Bata was born in Pampanga in 1954 and moved to Manila with his family at the age of 5. As a billiards attendant at his uncle’s billiards hall in Manila, he began learning the different cue sports. He played while standing on Coca-Cola cases due to the fact that he was not tall enough to reach the pool table. Reyes played three cushion billiards in the 1960s and 1970s from gambling at a young age. Having been declared as winner, he was discovered by promoters and b r o u g h t h i m h i s breakthrough by joining bigger billiard tournaments. Eventually, he went to the United States, which opened a door for him to be recognized worldwide after being hailed a folk legend in his hometown due to his exceptional skills in pool. At the beginning of his career as a pool player, he used aliases to conceal his identity so he would be able to compete as his wins started to pileup in America, Europe and Asia. He turned out to be one of the elite players of his homeland, alongside Jose Parica a nd Fra nc isco Bustamante in the mid-1990s. Reyes’ popularity bloomed when he emerged victorious in the US Open Nine Ball Championship in 1994 by defeating Nick Varner in the finals, making him the first non-American to win the event. On that note, Bata’s career jumped into stardom as his winning streaks accumulate one after another, defeating the toughest contenders in the same field. Veteran professional Billy Incardona expressed his admiration to Reyes, telling he was “indisputably the best player in the world— especially when you consider all games—he can play any game as well as anyone, maybe better than anyone…. In my opinion we’re watching probably the greatest player in my lifetime and I’ve been watching pool for the better part of forty years” during ESPN television commentary on a semi-finals match between Reyes and Mika Immonen at the 2000 Billiard Congress of America Open 9- Ball Championship. Efren asserted that he could see the game eight moves in advance, looking at the probabilities as key to win. His analytical thinking and skill in calculating his shots proved to be his exceptional and lasting strength. He manages to find a good shot and cleanly executes it when others don’t see a way to make a good one. He was titled “The Magician” for that very reason. Through this, he was able to snag the highest honors in the field. In 1995 Billiards Digest Magazine named Reyes the Player of the Year. He was also ranked number one on the U.S.’s Pro Billiards Tour the next year and called him as the best one-pocket player of all time. He became the first Asian to be inducted into the Billiard Congress of America’s Hall of Fame in 2003. He was appointed Philippine Sports Ambassador of the 2005 South East Asian Games with some of the Philippines’ greatest athletes (Alla n Caid ic, Rafael Nepomuceno) to promote the event throughout the country. These are just some of the accolades he received but all his hard work and dedication to the sport shone brighter than the material things he obtained. Despite all these achievements and honor, he remained humble and down-to-earth. The fame and fortune didn’t swallow him from living a life where simplicity and contentment exist. Recently, Bata earned his fifth bronze medal in the 30th Southeast Asian Games, falling short to his goal of bagging a gold medal. According to his interview, he said he might take a seat as competitor and focus in his coaching career with his long-time friend and fellow pool legend Francisco “Django” Bustamante, revealing his uncertainty on whether he may proceed in pursuing his pool career. The future for The Magician may be uncertain but one thing is for sure, his mark as a remarkable icon in Philippine sports will never be tarnished even with the most powerful potion. His legacy will linger like a curse, but will be remembered in the purest light. Real Magic: FEATURES By Vitus A. Moron How Efren ‘Bata’ Reyes Learned His Tricks
[email protected] • facebook.com/vanguardsoftruth • issuu.com/theappraiser2007 PROBE. WRITE. EXPRESS Vol. XIII No. 6 August - December 2019 VANGUARD OF TRUTH 16 SPORTS WINNING KICK. BUCBEM on red armor against BUPC on blue gives his powerful kick during the final fight in taekwondo at BUCAL Second Floor, Old Library last September 20, 2019. The college claims the gold medal on welter weight category, men's division. (Photo by Justin Jay M. Recebido) and fourth in men’s and women’s division. TITLE PREPARATIONS After the selection conducted earlier this S e p t e m b e r , O c i n a r underwent rigorous training in preparation for the BU O l y m p i c s T a e k w o n d o Welterweight Division. “Same way kung paano ako nag-piprepare nung naglalaro ako sa Palarong Bicol, iwas fatty foods. Healthy foods always tapos more prayers,” shared Ocinar. Practicing his sport for seven years, the Palarong Bicol silver and gold medallist focused on proper diet and form before earning his first college title win. “Binubully kasi ako nung bata kaya natuto akong m a g s e l f - d e f e n s e k a y a kinareer ko na siya hanggang sa natuto ako,” he added. Me a n w h i l e , l a w n tennis representative Earvin Arthur Belen started playing C ollege of Business, Economics, and Management (CBEM) sealed two sports titles for this year’s Golden Bicol University Olympics after Miggy Briones Ocinar and Earvin Arthur Belen ruled the final matches of their respective events in Men’s Taekwondo and Lawn Tennis. Briones, first year Marketing student defeated the player from Polangui Campus while Belen, from B S B A M a n a g e m e n t overpowered the representative from College of Social Sciences and Philosophy during the last day of the university-wide tournament. Th e col l eg e al so attained a silver finish in taekwondo, secured the third place in badminton and clinched the fourth spot in the basketball, all in women’s event. Both players from table tennis advanced to the semifinal round and finished third By Ian M. Llaneta and Mikko M. Panesares CBEM champs / page 14 » Yulo bags gold in World Artistic Gymnastics Becomes 1st Pinoy, Southeast Asian male world champ By Charmaine Hannah B. Torrecampo A fter snatching gold in men’s floor exercise final with a score of 15,300, nineteen-yearold athlete Carlos Edriel Yulo became the first Filipino and Southeast Asian male world champion during the 2019 World Artistic Gymnastics Championship on October. Year 2019 was Yulo’s breakthrough in his career w i n n i n g s e v e r a l international gymnastics competitions. The four-footnine athlete dominated the headlines as one of the pride of Pinoys in sports, making a big name in the gymnastic scene. Twelve years ago, Yulo was discovered by his grandfather Rodrigo Frisco and let him join in a free training program in gymnastics offered by the P h i l i p p i n e S p o r t s Commission (PSC) together with his sister. The potential seen in him paved way to his participation in the Palarong Pambansa as an athlete of the National INSIDE SPORTS EDITORIAL page 15 SPORTS NEWS page 14 CBEM pinadapa ang CAF, 18-25, 28-30, 15-11 Fair Play THE APPRAISER CBEM champs Taekwondo, Lawn Tennis Faces shortage of players in BU Olympics bid T h e O f f i c i a l S t u d e n t P u b l i c a t i o n o f B i c o l U n i v e r s i t y C o l l e g e o f B u s i n e s s , E c o n o m i c s , a n d M a n a g e m e n t Capital Region (NCR) and clinched a gold when he was 12 years old. At the age of 16, he started training in Japan with the supervision of the Japanese coach Munehiro Kugimiya of the Japan Gymnastic Association to help prepare the Philippine team. His vigorous trainings paid off as he won over 400 medals and competed on s e v e r a l t i l t s s u c h a s Melbourne, Baku, Doha, S t u t t g a r t a n d C o t t b u s editions. The most awaited performance of Yulo was during the 30th Southeast Asian Games hosted by the Philippines on November 30 to December 11. The gymnastics Yulo snatches / page 14 » See Feature story inside / page 15 » Real Magic Digital Art by Joshua R. Araña