Tag: May 23, 2014

THE UNIVERSITY has once again witnessed the blossoming of another literary endeavor as chosen fellows were given the chance to be mentored by the country’s top writers.

The UST Center for Creative Writing and Literary Studies (CCWLS) held its first Thomasian Students Summer Writers’ Workshop last April 2 to 4 at the Bulwagang Rogge of the UST Graduate School. A separate workshop for undergraduate students, it runs parallel to UST’s National Summer Writers’ Workshop that started in 2000.

The workshop was born when it was noticed that none was offered for the undergraduate level when the University produced annual workshops for graduate students.

THOMASIANS may have to purchase two different types of uniforms due to the adjustment of the academic calendar starting July.

The University has proposed another uniform to be worn by students during the scorching months of April and May.

According to a memorandum released Secretary General Fr. Winston Cabading, O.P., a complementary school uniform, called the “Type B” uniform, would be a T-shirt or a light-material top, and pants or walking shorts.

Each faculty or college and their respective student councils are encouraged to present a design for their respective Type B uniforms, which will be then submitted to the Office of the Secretary General. These designs will be presented to the Council of Regents for approval.

THE UNIVERSITY now requires a petition from students before offering summer classes for back subjects.

Under Article 9 Section 7 of the new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) signed by the University administration and the UST Faculty Union, summer courses due to student deficiencies will only be offered if students file a petition.

Also, a faculty member will not be allowed to teach a summer petition class if majority of the students failed the course under him or her in the last two semesters.

Starting next academic year, the summer term will be known as the third term, as a result of the shift in academic calendar that moved the summer term to June to July.

IN HOLDING the joint canonization of Popes John XXIII and John Paul II, Pope Francis undeniably has been motivated by political considerations: he has sought to join the disparate forces in the Church that rightly or wrongly are embodied by the two charismatic saints and to foster stronger unity among Catholics.

The two popes, who became saints last April 27, were critical and decisive figures of the 20th century not only for the Church but also for world history.

I RECALL during a class recitation in which our Constitutional Law professor asked for my nickname to which I replied “Enzo, sir.” He said: “From now you’ll be Enzyme.” And for two semesters that he had been my professor, he only referred to me with such name.

“Enzyme” is only one of the nicknames he comes up with for some of his students. I assume he does that to help him easily remember his many students—who come and go as time passes.

As one may expect, the study of law involves memorizing law provisions and digesting piles of cases, which is why many law professors urge their students to use creative study methods such as “remembering by association.” It involves associating law matters with things that people can easily relate with.

Every man’s monumental achievement comes from the smallest dreams.

People are inspired to go beyond their limits and prove to the universe that they’re capable of conquering the impossible.

But when the universe does its tricks and turns its back on you, how would you continue with what you’ve started in achieving your dreams? The answer lies in the question itself: have faith in the power of your dreams.

Such manifesto about the potent force of dreaming, in my opinion, is this year’s central theme of the best picture nominees in this year’s Oscars.

MAY MGA yugto sa buhay natin na dapat dumaan sa isang rituwal—isang proseso ng pagdiriwang para sa isang matamis na pagtatapos at paghahanda para sa isang magandang simula.

Naniniwala ako na hanggang sa panahong ito, epektibo pa rin ang pagsasagawa ng isang rituwal dahil tanda ito ng mahahalagang bahagi ng ating buhay. Ngunit paano nga ba isinasagawa ang seremonya ng pamamaalam bilang isang Tomasino? Ano nga ba ang dapat gawin para markahan ang mga nalalabing araw ng pagiging buhay estudyante?

Although fearful of the water, I went with the tide. Not learning how to ride a bike didn’t keep me from moving forward.

Coming out of my shell two years ago was, as in basketball, the turning point of my career. It was the game-changing shot I never thought I’d make.

Pardon the mixed metaphors. I was just trying to dramatize the choice I made when I joined the Varsitarian, became a sports writer and editor, and later, interim associate editor.

My choice came with a price. I skipped classes and missed quality time with blockmates.

But I would not trade my experience in the Varsitarian for any Latin honor.

I CAN be as overly sentimental as I want to be and speak of personal things you may never understand or relate to. But I will not do that, simply because I feel that even this little precious space that this beloved publication has allotted me for the very last time must be deserved by every Thomasian reader.

CONSTITUTIONALITY issues hound the recently signed Bangsamoro peace pact which the Aquino administration claims will bring an end to decades of conflict in Mindanao.

Under the new Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), a new Muslim-ruled political entity named “Bangsamoro” will replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). As a result, rebel forces and private armies in the region shall be disbanded.