The Letran News

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[letranense1620]

No tuition hike for SY 2012-2013
by PAMD, May 2012

Being aware of the economic crisis that plagues not only the Philippines but also most if not all the countries around the world, the administration announced that for the coming school year, there would be no tuition increase in all levels.

After weighing and considering all the circumstances, the management decided not to increase the tuition for the incoming school year.



Despite the "No TF increase" announcement, the Colegio still offers scholarship programs for students who, for various reasons, could not afford to get a college diploma.

Among the various scholarship programs which the Colegio offers are the Rector's Scholarship Program, where academically gifted students could get a college degree without having to pay for tuition, miscellaneous, supplementary and laboratory fees; Accountancy Scholarship Program, for aspiring accountants; Student Assistantship Program, for working scholars; Athletics Program for talented and skilled athletes in different events; and the Letran Alumni Association Scholarship where alumni sponsor students of their choice to be their beneficiaries.

Students who would like to avail of the different scholarship programs are advised to inquire at the Admissions Office.

[letranense1620]

Letran research center strengthens IMRAD mastery
by PAMD, May 2012

The Letran Research Center (LRC), under the leadership of Dr. Golda Aira Crisostomo, recently held a series of seminar-workshops for Letran faculty members to familiarize themselves and their students with the more prominent structure for research papers, the Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion (IMRAD) format.

"Last semester, [LRC research consultant] Dr. Allan de Guzman gave a seminar on Writing for International Publications using the IMRAD format. After that, [College of Liberal Arts and Sciences] Dean Rowena Capulong-Reyes and I agreed that I should give a similar workshop for faculty members to use the IMRAD format in the classroom.



The mandate of the dean is for all programs to encourage students to read journal articles so that when they go to higher levels they will not be shocked with reading journal articles," said Crisostomo.

Crisostomo has already lined up more seminar-workshops for Letran faculty members.

"This May I'm going to give another workshop to College of Business Administration and Accountancy faculty but I'm going to incorporate some items like standardizing business planning and feasibility, as well. Also this May, we will have another training to be given also by Dr. Allan de Guzman about qualitative research. And then this June, we'll give this orientation to Graduate School faculty because our direction is really to equip them with this kind of trend, which is writing for international publications,"she said.
The LRC research initiative is in line with the Colegio's thrust of being recognized as being at the forefront of scholarly research in the country.

[letranense1620]

Letran civic efforts recognized by national org
by Tessa Distor for PAMD, May 2012

Colegio de San Juan de Letran's National Service Training Program/Civic Welfare Service (NSTP/CWS) students and high school faculty and facilitator Rodrigo C. Murillo were recognized at the Students' Transformation and Enrichment for Truth Values Integration and Promotion (STET-VIP) at the Maryridge Healing and Renewal House in Tagaytay City on May 1.



Classes 318, 319, 320, and 321 won the 2012 STET-VIP Outstanding Community Work Award because of their intensive community projects. Some of their activities include their immersion at Sta Maria, Bulacan's home for the aged; literacy, catechetical, and feeding programs for out-of-the-school-youth at Barangay 655 conducted every Saturday of the previous school year; clean-up drive; book drive; adopt a school program whose beneficiaries are Canumay Elementary School and Canumay National High School; and organization of a Christmas party for the Letran janitors' and guards' children.

These programs were documented and sent to STET-VIP in response to their invitation for the 2012 Search for Ten Outstanding Community Work and Kabalikat Awardees with the theme "NSTP's Role in Achieving Ecological Balance, Cultural Cohesiveness, and Moral-Spiritual Consensus."

Furthermore, Murillo won the 2012 Kabalikat Award. "Pag dating ko doon, hindi ko alam na ako yung nanalo; hindi kami nag-eexpect ng award e," he said, adding, "Ang objective lang talaga ng programs is to reach the less fortunate people, especially 'yung mga abandoned na lolo [at lola] at 'yung mga hindi nakapag-aral."

Murillo extends his appreciation to the alumni, sponsors, teachers, and especially the students and parents. He describes the parents as “supportive," because if they did not allow their children to do community works on weekends, the projects will not have been successful.

For next school year, Murillo, in coordination with Letran's Center for Community Development, plans to conduct a functional literacy program. Initially, "dropouts" of certain communities will be identified and will be made to undergo training using the Alternative Learning System. Therefore, by the end of the program, they can be considered as high school graduates. He said, "ang nakikita kasi namin, hindi maganda yung dole out system; the best is sustainability."

[letranense1620]

Letran's Filipiniana Dance Company named as one of CCP's finest
by PAMD, May 2012

Letran's premier dance troupe the Filipiniana Dance Company has been recognized by the Cultural Center of the Philippines as one of the country's most excellent school-based dance troupe. Because of the constant accolades that the Letran's dance group has made, it has been ranked into the roster of Filipiniana troupes included in CCP's Sunset Presentations. This means that the group has performed most of the finest dances of the country from Luzon to Mindanao.

The recognition also acknowledges the versatility and technical capacity of the Letran dancers to perform an array of Philippine dances from the Cordillera regions to the tribes of Mindanao. With this recognition, the Letran Filipiniana Dance Company (LFDC) is part of the Cultural Center's annual Pasinaya Festival where it is expected to showcase a variety of dance presentations in this open house festival.



With this appreciation, the Filipiniana Dance Company has been invited perform at the Sto. Domingo Church. The dance presentations were for the annual observance of the Siete Palabras. The group opened the program with a dance right after the tradition of the prusisyon. The group also was the group that closed the presentation with its interpretation of Burol ni Kristo with the University of Santo Tomas' Salingawi Dance Troupe. The performances were aired nationwide via GMA 7.

Asst. Prof. Randy Lero Chair of the Physical Education Area and adviser of the troupe claims that the group has been given so much recognition because of the dedication, passion, and talents of the members. "They have achieved all these because they are united," he said. "It's all about hard work. If they do not feel the need to rise and to be known, then they do not achieve anything. I am proud of my dancers," he mentioned.

Other achievements of the LFDC include the dance presentation entitled "Alay kay Pepe" that was organized by the Intramuros Administration. The presentation is centered on the life and contributions of Rizal in the Philippine society. The group performed its dance at the Fort Santiago in Intramuros, Manila.

[letranense1620]

HM students travel to USA for OJT
by Tessa Distor for PAMD, May 2012

Colegio de San Juan de Letran, in partnership with HR International, Inc. (HRI), sent College of Business Administration and Accountancy (CBAA) students to different companies in the United States of America (USA) for their On the Job Training (OJT) for the period of March 5 to June 7. This program is part of the Colegio’s mission to help students become successful professionals in their chosen fields of endeavors.



"The OJTs are there for the experience and the exposure… they will experience practical training in different phases or areas [of Hospitality Management]… and be exposed to different cultures since they will be working with different races such as American and Asian," said Hospitality Management (HM) area chair Asst. Prof. Jinky Batiduan.

Twenty-one HM students were accepted after fulfilling the stringent requirements of HRI’s International Educational and Cultural Exchange Program and after being interviewed by prospective employers from the USA. The interviews were held at the Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila.

The Colegio is in constant communication with these OJT students through the Internet. They are: Rovie Abrahan, Nina Aliento, Ma. Adelle Baguisi, John Dale Dalisay, Kristine De Leon, Nina Wick, Michael Angelo Malinis, and Luigi Miguel Mendoza who were accommodated by Mt. Olympus Water and Theme Parks in Wisconsin; Kimberlee Ann Avila, Ann Marielle Garcia, Daphne Guevarra, and Kichelyn Gajo who are with Hard Rock Cafe, Washington DC; Jastin Jan Ponce, Justine Carlo Galasan, Moanna Alyssa Gayoso, Don Omar Lopez, Danica Mae Malejana, and Angelo Dizon II who were accepted by Best Western Arizona Inn; Lara Camille Reyes and Sarrah Jane Medina who are with Mneg Concessions LLG, Wisconsin; and Carolyn Fernandez, a trainee at McDonalds Maui 2, Hawaii.

"This time I am very happy because even if it's [only] our second year of sending OJT students abroad, there were 21 [who qualified]; it was tripled [compared to last year’s 7]," Batiduan said, adding, "I believe that they already have a slot in the industry considering that there is a very stiff demand now."

Batiduan advises the students who want to avail of HM OJT abroad to attend seminars and trainings as early as now "so that it will be easy for them to adjust to the kind of training they will undergo." They also have to pass HRI’s criteria and complete all necessary requirements such as the series of interviews—initial, job placement and visa—and pre-orientation.

[letranense1620]

Letran student council and rector forge cooperation
by Christian Angelo Jacinto for PAMD, May 2012

In an effort to further strengthen the relationship of the Letran Student Council (LSC) with the administration, members of LSC paid a courtesy call to the Colegio's rector and president, Rev. Fr. Tamerlane Lana O.P on May 15 at the Rector's office.

The council, spearheaded by president William Barry Codera, presented the major plans of the council for AY 2012-2013. One of the plans is the "Students' voice box" which aims to reach out to the students and hear out their suggestions and grievances for the betterment of the Letran community. This was received well by Fr. Lana.



"I'm very happy that you'll have this feedback system. It will be easier for us, the administrators, to know what is going on with our students. That's information from the grass root level.," Fr. Lana said.

Moreover, Lana was pleased with the initiative of this year's council members to reach out to the administrators in order to work hand in hand with them. Lana commended Codera for taking the time to report to the rector about their plans for the Letran student body for the next school year.

"I'm glad that I'm in front of the student council again after two years. This shows the desire of the student [leaders] to reach out and have a dialogue with the administrators," Fr. Lana added.

Codera, for his part, expressed excitement over the fact that the rector was very open to the plans of the council. When asked about how the courtesy call went, Codera said: "I'm very glad that the Rector is very open with [having] a collaborative effort between the student council and the administration," Codera said, adding, "Although things won't come easy, the fact that the rector is very supportive of us, it will already make things easier."

Earlier that day, the LSC Office was blessed in a form of the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, presided over by Rev. Fr. Vicente Cajilig, O.P. at the third floor of the St. Albert the Great Student Center building.

LSC members and administrators from neighboring offices like the Graduate School department and the Office of Student and Cultural Affairs attended the blessing.

[Dweinylane]

A LETRAN ALUMNI TO DIRECT A FEATURE FILM.


//

Cinema One has already unveiled its line-up for the 8th edition of Cinema One Originals. This annual film fest showcases Filipino talents and the diverse voices of the local independent cinema. The entries submitted early this year were meticulously screened and selected by the Cinema One Originals 2012 Selection Committee members: Teddy Co, Sherad Anthony Sanchez, Veronica Velasco, Jennifer Laurel, Oggs Cruz, Raymond Diamzon, Raymond Lee, Kathleen Pador and Ronald Arguelles.


Winners from the past years have achieved local and global recognition, many of them have been nominated and won awards in various film festivals worldwide.


"Cinema One levels up each year and continues to discover new talents while presenting original Filipino stories in various genres. This is a highly anticipated project as we have seven first-time feature length debuts and a trio of entertaining dramatic themes tackled by world-class filmmakers in the new division of Php 2M budget. We are also breaking new ground as we offer more voices from the different regions of the country. The best thing about this year is that we have more titles for production that’s why we’re all so excited. There will definitely be more work for us but it’s all worth it,” said Cinema One channel head Ronald Arguelles.



For this year, three proposed projects shall be awarded with a Php 2M production budget each and ten proposed projects with a budget of Php 1M each. The production of the thirteen films shall start this month.


The three finalists for the Php 2M production budget are: MARIPOSA SA HAWLA NG GABI by Richard Somes, a tale of an innocent woman who unravels horrible truths while in search of her long lost sister in the city; LOURDES by Adolfo Alix, Jr., a story about a typical Filipino mother with a non-stereotypical profession, living a dark, shadowy life in Manila City’s underground; and BAYBAYIN by Auraeus Solito, a unique tale of two half sisters who fall in love with a man who can’t hear and speak to them.


The ten finalists for the 1M production budget are: ANG PAGLALAKBAY NG MGA BITUIN SA GABING MADILIM by Arnel Mardoquio, a story about a boy's journey to safety after his parents are killed in a gun war; CATNIP by Kevin Dayrit, a psychological film on two friends who despite their differences find comfort in being together; MELODRAMA NEGRA by Ma. Isabel Legarda, a dark comedy which follows the “life” of three dead people who find unanticipated things in the acclaimed City of Stars – Quezon City; SLUMBER PARTY by Emmanuel Dela Cruz, a riotous comedy about fraternity initiations and homosexuality; PASCALINA by Pam Miras, yet another untypical story of a simple girl who, after visiting her dying aunt, experiences changes in her life that will push her to the edge of madness and monstrosity; ANAK ARAW by Gym Lumbera, talks about the colonial illusion of an albino who believes that he is a son of an American. He begins learning English but whenever he says an English word, explosions happen nearby. MEKANIKO NI MONICA by Cesar Hernando, a story set in the 50's about a man who struggles between fighting for his love for country and love for a special woman; ABERYA by Christian Linaban, a story about love, sex, and psychedelic potions which intertwine the lives of four people in one night; PALITAN by Ato Bautista depicts the life of lovers who find themselves asphyxiated and trapped in an erotic triangle; and MAMAY UMENG by Dwein Baltazar, a preview into the life of an 84-year-old woman who is alone, waiting, and praying not for long life, but for a quick escape.

By November 2012, these films will be publicly screened and will compete against each other in the Cinema One Originals 2012 awards night.

///

DWEIN is a commarts grad of 2007.

SHARE AND LIKE:
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Salamuch.

[onthebluecorner]

Letran explores tie-up with Japanese learning institutions

by PAMD, June 2012

Letran administrators led by executive vice president Rev. Fr. Napoleon Encarnacion, O.P., and vice president for academic affairs Rev. Fr. Juan Ponce, O.P., visited Kawachinagano City, Osaka prefecture in Japan as part of a cultural exchange initiated by the Kawachinagano International Friendship Association (KIFA) on May 7 to 14.

The other members of the Letran delegation are athletics moderator Rev. Fr. Victor Calvo, O.P., student affairs director Ms. Edna Marco, Intramuros studies director Ms. Ofelia Legaspi, Asst. Profs. Randy Lero, Grace Hilario, Evangelina Laurel, and Ma. Luisa Carlos and members of the Letran Filipiniana Dance Company (LFDC) Dominico Aliz Soriano, Jorge Brium Amarante, Sergio Luis Adriano, Angeluz de Guzman, and Paula Patricia Tamayo.



KIFA president Akihito Yamamoto, secretary-general Kanako Bando, assistant Kana Hamada and volunteer-interpreters Riria Shiba, Hiroko Masamura, and Nelly Tetsumoto greeted the Letran group upon their arrival at the Kansai International airport.

On May 9, the delegation visited Nishi Junior High School to interact with its students. "The linguistic goal of the interaction was posing and answering questions related to chosen themes and the commutative goal was to share about Japanese culture and to inquire about the Philippines' own. The students gamely spoke in English," said Legaspi. The group also visited Amano Elementary School where the members joined their fire drill, as well as Takou Elementary School.

The next day, the delegation visited Mikonodai Elementary School and observed a teleconference with Australian students. Its principal, Manabu Fujiii gave a tour of its facilities as well as expressed his interest for collaboration with the students of the Colegio. Nagano Junior High School was the next stop of the tour where the LFDC performed for the students and administrators.

"They [LFDC] were very popular with the students, many of whom asked to have their pictures taken with them," Legaspi said.

On May 11, the delegation visited Nagano High School where they were welcomed with a presentation thanking the Philippines on their quick response to aid the victims of the Fukishima earthquake. The group also interacted with its students over lunch. They then moved to Seikyou-Gakuen High School where the delegation observed classes in calligraphy and mathemathics.

The rest of the trip was then spent touring Kawachinagano and other picturesque Japanese destinations including Kyoto, a UNESCO world heritage site.

[onthebluecorner]

Letran athletes dominate recent sporting competitions

by PAMD, July 2012

Student athletes from the basic education and collegiate departments of Colegio de San Juan de Letran participated in and won numerous accolades at key local and international sporting events in May and June.

Alberto Lim, Jr. won 16-and-under division Thamrin Cup in Jakarta, Indonesia beating top seed Armando Soemarno of Indonesia in the finals. Andrew Joshua Cano won titles in the 16-and-under and 18-and-under class competitions at the Philta-Palawan Pawnshop Age Group tennis championships beating top seed Marcen Gonzales and fifth seed Romnee Kyle Joseph, respectively.



Members of the Letran Squires joined the NCR team in the high school basketball competition of the 2012 Palarong Pambansa in Lingayen, Pangasinan. The NCR team denied Calabarzon a three-peat in the final game. Also, Rey Benedict Nambatac joined the 18-under Philippine national team to win the crown at the South East Asian Basketball Association championships in Singapore in June.

Nicole Raven A. Dela Cruz placed third at the NCR Kiddie Girls category of the 20 th Shell National Youth Active Chess Championship at the SM Megamall. Also, Alexis Oseña managed a top-ten finish at the ASEAN National Age Group Chess Championship in Hue City, Vietnam. Fide Master Paulo Bersamina also recently won championship titles at the Open 14-Individual category of the 13th ASEAN Age Group Chess Championships in Hue City, Vietnam and at the POC-PSC National Games Open in Dumaguete City.

"Sa Dumaguete po mahirap po kasi mga Grand Master kalaban ko dun. Masaya po at nanalo. Nagpapasalamat po ako sa mga sumuporta," Bersamina said.

Collegiate athletes also posted impressive results. The Letran Women's Volleyball team participated in the 4 th Friendship Game Volleyball Tournament in Tuguegarao, Cagayan in June while paddler Cassandra Bazar recently finished fourth at the Mayor Binay Cup at the Makati Coliseum in Makati City. Triathlete Gabrielle Allen Santiago finished fourth at the Triathlon Junior Elite Asian Championship in Subic, Zambales before surging to a first place finish at the Philippine National Game Triathlon Junior Elite in Negros Occidental in May.

Speedster Archand Christian Bagsit won four gold medals at the Philippine National Games in Dumaguete City in May. He placed first in the 200m, 400m, 4 x 100m relay, and 4 x 400m relay events. He also participated in the Asian All-Stars Athletics Competition in Almaty, Kazakhstan.

"Hindi na dapat ako sasali sa Dumaguete kasi katatapos lang nun ng Grand Prix competition sa Thailand pero sabi ng head coach ko sumali na ako para na rin sa experience," Bagsit said. He also said that he was elated with the gold medals that he won for Letran.

Letran athletics moderator Fr. Victor Calvo, O.P. was equally thrilled with the performance of the Letran athletes. "It is a testament of our commitment to be a living tradition of excellence in everything that we do that involves sports. Our athletics program is effective in responding to our country's call to develop athletes in the grassroots level," Fr. Calvo said.

[onthebluecorner]

Letran dance troupe grabs victory at cultural meet

by PAMD, July 2012

The Letran Filipiniana Dance Company (LFDC), the Colegio's premier dance troupe, emerged victorious at the 3rd International Travel Fair Cultural Dance Competition (ITFCDC) at the SM Skydome, SM North Edsa in Quezon City on July 13. LFDC outperformed other dance companies from different colleges and universities.



"Once again, I'm so happy because I brought another honor to Letran. Because of this, I need to maintain the standard and discipline of my group. This honor is dedicated to my Letran family," said Asst. Prof. Randy Lero, physical education area chair and LFDC mentor.

Former senator and current Philippine National Red Cross chairman Richard Gordon was present at the event. The Quezon City Travel and Trade Fair, Inc. sponsored this year's ITFCDC.

The LFDC will now prepare for the launching of monthly shows at the Letran Boy Scout Monument as part of a tie-up with the Intramuros Administration and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts. The dance company is also slated to perform at the Treasure Island Restaurant at the Sofitel Hotel Manila every Friday and Saturday night.

The LFDC is also preparing for appearances at the Filipiniana Sunsets folk dance series at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) later this year and at the Pasinaya multi-arts festival also at the CCP in 2013

[onthebluecorner]

CLAS dean presents paper to peers

by Diane Marie Reyes for PAMD, July 2012

Envisioning to help Letran mentors in their continuing education, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) dean Dr. Rowena Capulong-Reyes conducted a lecture titled "Public Space Contested Space: the Battle Over the Use, Meaning, and Function of Public Space" on July 27 at the Mabini Hall.

Capulong-Reyes focused on the privately owned Philippine shopping malls in Metro Manila but used as public spaces. These are: Harrison Plaza in Vito Cruz, Tutuban Mall in Divisoria, and Robinson's Place in Ermita.



She emphasized research concerns and discussions about the control and security; purposive usage of public spaces; managements' use of special regulation; use of mall governed by three mentalities namely "by us" or from the point of view of the management, "for us" or in the eyes of the mall goers, and "up to us" or the use of space according to one's agenda including the defiance of regulation; and reasons why people now flock to the malls rather than to the parks which has been an option back then as a source of recreation.

"The purpose of this paper is to establish whether the urban spatial realities of a developing country like the Philippines, is [contested] over the meaning and purpose of public space," said Capulong-Reyes.

At the end of the talk the faculty held an open forum to have some clarifications about the dissertations presented by Capulong-Reyes.

"The lecture delivered by the dean is very informative. We know now what the public space talks about, that it deals with the safety [of the people], and the reason why the people go to the malls," said CLAS faculty club president Asst. Prof. Randy Din.

"I would like to close this forum by saying, gone are the people in the parks, in this humid country of ours, we would rather be inside the coolness and secured spaces of shopping malls where nearly everything we need is present except perhaps a funeral parlor," said Institute of Communication director Asst. Prof. Norberto Bana III in his closing remarks.

This is the first Lectura seminar of the series "by the faculty for the faculty" for this academic year and is now on its third year of implementation.

[onthebluecorner]

Letran holds book fair for children

by Tessa Distor for PAMD, August 2012

Colegio de San Juan de Letran is one with the Philippine Board on Books for Young People in celebrating the National Children's Book Week. In this light, Letran launched a book fair on July 16 to 18 at the St. Thomas lobby.

With the theme "Masayang Magbasa sa Sariling Wika," the Library Services department invited Lampara Publishing House, Inc. and Adarna House to showcase children’s books for pre-school and elementary students.



The book fair aimed to promote Filipino books, to promote children’s literature and reading, and to make them realize that reading in their own language is fun.

"Our students were able to explore the different reading materials and literature, so we were able to emphasize [their] love for reading and the importance of reading books, "said Chief Librarian Carolyn de Jesus.

"We're trying to encourage talaga sa students, especially sa mga bata, to have the love for reading; ang napapansin namin mostly sa gadgets sila nasanay… di na sila natututo gumamit ng libro… at least ma-widen ang imagination and knowledge sa pagbabasa ng libro," said Elementary Librarian Leah Marie Camaya.

The celebration of the National Children’s Book Day was held in compliance of the Department of Education Order No. 39, s. 2009.

[onthebluecorner]

LETRAN HS STUDENTS WIN FIRST PLACE IN INTERSCHOOL BUSINESS PLAN COMPETITION

by Elizabeth Aguirre – Soriano, August 2012

Colegio de San Juan de Letran high school juniors Maria Teresita Andrea M. Gonzales and Jann Ankaa Samantha L. Jumamil won first place at the International Challenge Business Plan Competition held on July 31 at the Sister Miriam Thomas Bldg., Miriam College in Quezon City.

Gonzales and Jumamil, who both belong to the top section III – 420, St. Thomas Aquinas, bested 90 other participants from different schools nationwide. Among the schools which landed in the top ten were Xavier School, Manila Science High School, Miriam School, St. Jude Catholic School, and Immaculate Concepcion Academy.



The pair's winning business proposal is the production of Glowee Shoe Polish, a shoe polish made of biodegradable materials like banana peels. They explained that their product is safe, nature-friendly, and economical which can be used by consumers across all economic statuses. The panel of eight judges tested the product by applying a portion to a leather bag. The bag turned shiny after a few minutes, and the judges commended the product afterwards.

"We believe in our product. It has high quality, thus very effective and yet affordable. We went there in the grand presentation to convince the judges that our product will be worth buying and will be a boost to the country’s economy because we plan to export it eventually to neighboring Asian countries," said Gonzales.

Gonzales and Jumamil will represent the Philippines in an all–expense paid trip to Hong Kong for the regional competition which will be held on August 26 to 30.

Soledad Boquiren, chairperson of Technology and Livelihood Education accompanied Gonzales and Jumamil to the one-day seminar/workshop at Treston International College, Global City, Taguig as well as the business plan presentation at Miriam College, Quezon City.

The contest was sponsored and hosted by FedEx Express and Junior Achievement of the Phils., Inc. (JAPI).

The FedEx Express/JA International Trade Challenge is a program designed to educate and inspire young people to understand how entrepreneurship can improve the quality of their lives and of their communities. Together with FedEx, JAPI provides opportunities for high school students to learn and recognize the advantages of a business entrepreneurship education, thus imbibing in them the possibility of becoming global leaders someday.

[onthebluecorner]

Basic ed students engage Japanese counterparts through video

by PAMD, August 2012

Fifth grade students of Colegio de San Juan de Letran’s basic education department engaged Japanese fifth grade students from Mikanodai Elementary School in Kawachinagano City, Osaka, Japan through a series of videoconferences in July.

Using V2 Conference technology, students from the Grade V – San Lorenzo Ruiz and Grade V – St. John of Cologne sections initially introduced themselves to one another before proceeding to talk about their hobbies and interests.



The Letran students would talk to their Japanese counterparts in Nihonggo while the Japanese students would converse in English. Adjustments in the equipment used also contributed to the better success of interaction in the subsequent videoconferencing sessions.

"We want our students to be exposed in terms of speaking the [Japanese] language. We don't have formal lessons in Japanese but the students did their own preparations. We just assigned topics to them and instructed them to try to form three to five sentences. With that, they were able to, more or less, familiarize themselves with common phrases.

"We would also like our students to experience the wonder of technology as well as further discussions about each others' countries, specifically to explain to the Japanese students why it's more fun in the Philippines," said basic education department principal Asst. Prof. Felipe dela Cruz.

Dela Cruz also said that the basic education department is hopeful that an actual exchange student program will be implemented in the future.

"Our students have already been asking if they will be actually going to Japan. Some students have been telling their parents to prepare their passports and some of them even bought Nihonggo guidebooks so they can say the words properly," he said.

The videoconference sessions will resume in mid-August.

The videoconference program was borne out of a cultural exchange program between the Kawachinagano International Friendship Association and Colegio de San Juan de Letran. In May, a delegation of administrators, faculty, and students led by Letran executive vice president Rev. Fr. Napoleon Encarnacion, O.P. and vice-president for academic affairs Rev. Fr. Juan Ponce, O.P. visited Kawachinagano City.

Shoji Umeda, administrator of the Kawachinagano Educational Media Centre, wrote Fr. Ponce after the trip and suggested the possibility of exchanging lessons via a TV conferencing system.

[onthebluecorner]

Letran researchers deliver papers on Rolando Tinio’s Writings

by PAMD, August 2012

Asst. Prof. Maria Eloisa C. Reyes of the Languages Area of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and Asst. Prof. Manuel Zamora, Jr. of the Center for Community Development were among the speakers at the 21st Annual Manila Studies Conference.

Held at the University Conference Center, Far Eastern University last July 18 and 19, 2012, the conference highlighted works of various professionals and educators from prestigious universities on the various aspects of history, development, and culture of Manila. The event is co-sponsored by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts' Committee on Historical Research.



Reyes delivered her paper entitled "A Journey of a Letranite, A Legacy of a National Artist." The paper uses stylistic analysis of selected works of fiction of Rolando Tinio as an Apprentice writer. As a three-fold study that analyzed history-biography, themes, and stylistics, Reyes mentioned that, "the data presented and discussed in this study were drawn from the collected works of fiction of the young Rolando Tinio in the school paper Letran News which were kept in the Letran Archives Center."

Reyes added that Tinio had helped modernize the traditionally sentimental Filipino style. His works are definitely universal but of the highest order of thought. The study presumed that Tinio's language morphed from "Taglish", which he initiated, a mixture of Tagalog and English, to pure Filipino and back to English. He bridged the gap between English (heaven) and Tagalog (earth).

On the other hand, Zamora presented his paper "UST-Sto. Rosario Writings of Tinio" that focused on the life and work of Tinio in UST. He gathered a list of poems and narratives of Tinio’s life as a UST student. He focused on the list and analysis of the data to construct Tinio in the post-Letran era of his life.

Reyes also added that Rolando S. Tinio is one of the greatest masterpieces of Letran. She further stressed that he may not be a spiritual leader or a political leader, but he was able to achieve his prominence in his own craft- the arts. In the literature, Tinio as a Letranite knows many things but he was not boastful.

He loves his school and he is proud of it. A Letranite is always humble but people need not to ask for it. With the guidance of the Dominican Fathers, a Letranite is always spirited and good hearted.

Both Reyes and Zamora are part of the strong line-up of faculty researchers of the Colegio. Reyes is current faculty researcher of the CLAS for the Languages while Zamora is known for his historical researches that are affiliated with Intramuros Studies.

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Letranites showcase Masaya sa Pilipinas
by Tessa Distor for PAMD, September 2012

The Languages area of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) organized a competition depicting Philippine culture on August 29 at the Student Center Auditorium.

The event titled "Masaya sa Pilipinas" was a competition among 12 sections of students taking up the course FIL101: Komunikasyon sa Akademikong Filipino. Each section presented a Filipino festival celebrated in different months of the year.



Organizers Asst. Prof. Rachel Bernardo and Dr. Racquel Espiritu anchored the event's title to the national slogan "It's More Fun in the Philippines." Meanwhile, the theme "Wika ay Kakambal ng Kapayapaan sa Pagtahak sa Tuwid na Landas" was provided by Komunikasyon sa Wikang Filipino, this year's national organizer of the National Language Month.

According to Languages area head Asst. Prof. Jonalou Labor, the event aimed to highlight that language is not only celebrated through words. "[It is] how you enrich the idea of language with culture," he said.

The winners of the competition are sections: OM1B with its presentation of the month of October's Masskara Festival grabbing 1st place; AC1A with its January's Sinulog Festival landing 2nd place; and FM1A with its November’s Cordillera Festival taking 3rd place. CLAS faculty members Asst. Prof. Randy Lero, Asst. Prof. Maria Eloisa Reyes, and Labor judged the competition.

"Kitang-kita yung efforts ng mga bata; nag-recycle sila ng costumes nila… nadala nila yung judges sa sayaw nila," Bernardo said.

This celebration was held in compliance with the issuance of Proclamation no. 1041, s. 1997 declaring the month of August to be the National Language Month. The poster and invitation for the event were designed by DA2A student Renato Adrian Gatan.