Tag: March 13, 2012

FORMER United States Senator Orrin Hatch once explained why graduation ceremonies were called “commencement exercises.” It’s because graduation is not the end, but the beginning.

Like their fellow graduates, Thomasians will now venture into the real world for a shot at success in their chosen fields. The question though is: how does a Thomasian handle that delicate transition from school to work and the so-called post-graduation jitters?

Danielle Marie Cruz, one of the guidance counsellors in the Faculty of Arts and Letters, believes that Thomasians should consider themselves blessed because they are given the privilege to study in one of the top universities in the country.

THE ARCHDIOCESE of Manila has shut down the Manila Cathedral following the discovery of structural problems.

The cathedral, which is celebrating its 30th year as a basilica, was closed to the public beginning Feb. 7 and will remain shut down for a year to allow extensive repairs.

Fr. Carlos Reyes, executive secretary of Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP)-Episcopal Commission on Interreligious Dialogue, said in an interview that the reconstruction will make the church compliant with the requirements of the 2010 edition of the National Structural Code of the Philippines.

IN TIMES of hardships and temptations, a prayer book that nourishes the heart and soul can be of great help.

“Straight from the Heart: A Prayer Companion,” a project of Fr. Mario Jose Ladra, parish priest of San Lorenzo Ruiz Parish in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, compiles prayers written by lay people.

The 400-page book is composed of daily prayers, prayers to Jesus Christ, prayers to saints, Marian prayers, prayers for families, and prayers for personal needs and spiritual healing. There are also prayers for the different professions, prayers for the religious and faithful, and prayers for the dead.

Some of the prayers were written by actor Alfred Vargas and movie director Mario de los Reyes.

In October, another Filipino will be raised to the altars of the saints with the canonization of Blessed Pedro Calungsod.

After the canonization rites to be led by Pope Benedict XVI at the Vatican on Oct. 12, he will be known as “San Pedro de Cebu.”

Fr. Marvin Mejia, assistant secretary of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), said in an article posted on www.cbcpnews.com that CBCP president and Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma has organized three committees in Cebu, at the national level and Rome to prepare for the canonization of Calungsod.

THE ABS-CBN soap opera "100 Days to Heaven," dominated the 8th USTv Students’ Choice Awards last Feb. 16 at the Medicine Auditorium.

The daily program, which tells the story of a ruthless toy business woman who dies in a car accident but is banned from heaven and is sent back to life as a kid to mend her ways, won the Students’ Choice for Daily Local Soap Opera.

A diminutive star, eight-year-old Xyriel Manabat, won Students’ Choice of Actress in a Soap Opera. A new category for Supporting Actress was won by Jodi Sta. Maria, also from "100 Days to Heaven. "

THE SOCIO-CULTURAL dimension of Philippine chairs across history was tackled in the exhibit, in Salumpuwit, Bangko, Silya, Atbp., Chairs in Filipino Life, at the UST Museum from Feb. 13 to 29.

Architect Gerald Lico, head of the National Committee on Architecture and Allied Arts of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, explained how chairs are products of their social milieu.

“Chairs can be symbols of authority,” said Lico. “They can be instruments of discipline.” He added that understanding chairs requires insights into the many forces that have affected forms and functions.

THE JEEPNEY driver did not stop for him. He continued to roll the vehicle towards the next commuter when a tricycle did an overtake and the chase was forced to a halt.

Taking advantage of the faulty gas pedal, Gabby took his chance to get in one of the jeeps that hustled along the polluted streets of Quiapo. He needed to deliver the envelopes that he was assigned to distribute.

He ran towards the jeep as it started to run and nearly stumbled. Luckily he was able to grab hold of the steel handles that help passengers get on. The driver was mumbling furiously; it was apparent that Gabby was an unwanted passanger.

NO GRAND winners emerged from Premio Tomas, the Quadricentennial Literary Contest, during the awarding ceremony at the Alfredo M. Velayo–Accountancy Hall last February 8.

But special jury prizes were awarded to Reynaldo Duque for epic poetry (Premio Recto), Joni Cham for the novel (Premio Jose) and Jose Victor Torres for creative nonfiction or essay (Premio Mabini).

Duque’s Dugo ng Paniki is an epic poetry depicting the audacity of Iluko heroes. It is a narrative of humanitarian ancient leaders who fought for freedom of their civilization.

Duque said that his wife is his inspiration for writing, and the one who kept on supporting him with his literary journey.

TANDA ng pagiging isang tunay na gurong Tomasino ay ang mga bertud gaya ng pagkilala at pasasalamat sa lahat ng kaniyang mga nakamit at karanasan sa nagdaaang mga taon.

Ito ang pinatunayan nina Armando de Jesus, dating dekano ng Faculty of Arts and Letters (AB); Narita Ellar, propesor ng Sikoholiya sa AB; at Crispulo Acuña, propesor ng Teolohiya sa AB, sa programang “Pagpupugay sa mga Maniningning na Bituin ng Fakultad ng Sining at Panitik,” isang pagpaparangal sa mga nalalapit na magretirong guro ng AB noong ikapito ng Pebrero sa Faculty of Arts and Letters Lecture Hall.

ANG DISIPLINA at dedikasyon ay dalawang mahalagang bagay na dapat taglay ng isang nagnanais magsulat, ayon sa isang premyadong manunulat.

Pinamagatang “Panulat at Kape,” isang seminar sa pagsusulat ang ibinahagi ni Ricky Lee noong ika-11 ng Pebrero sa Beato Angelico Audio-visual Room.

Si Lee ay nagbahagi ng kaniyang buhay bilang isang manunulat at ang mga aral na kaniyang naging gabay sa pagsusulat.

“Dinidisiplina ko lagi ang sarili ko. Mayroon akong ritwal araw-araw kung saan nagsusulat ako. Kung ikaw ay isang manunulat, kailangan mong araw-arawin ito... Kung manunulat ka, paghinga ang pagsusulat. Hindi ka maaaring tumigal magsulat dahil ikaw ay isang mangangatha,” aniya.