Some of our readers have mentioned access to their Semestral Average for the current semester and their new General Wtd. Ave. (GWA) by going to this URL after logging in to their myUSTe account, although there is still no listing of the subjects ]]> Online grades will be available for viewing on April 3, 2012 (Tuesday).

Some of our readers have mentioned access to their Semestral Average for the current semester and their new General Wtd. Ave. (GWA) by going to this URL after logging in to their myUSTe account, although there is still no listing of the subjects and grades for the current semester.

Please be reminded that this may still not reflect your final Semestral Ave. and General Wtd. Ave. (GWA). Everyone is advised to view their grades online on the scheduled date.

(3/31/2012 8:04PM) UPDATE: The grades for the current semester in the myUSTe Student Portal is now available.

Lone candidate for presidency, Engineering student Rubi Anne Dauan of LTC, secured the position as she garnered a total of 18,884 votes (70.30%) meeting the required “50 ]]> After dominated by the independents last elections, Lakas Tomasino Coalition (LTC) bets overran the Central Student Council (CSC), assuming five of six posts for the academic year 2012-2013.

Lone candidate for presidency, Engineering student Rubi Anne Dauan of LTC, secured the position as she garnered a total of 18,884 votes (70.30%) meeting the required “50 plus one” policy prescribed by the Student Election Code.

Coming from the same party are Kendra Duran with 11,713 votes (43.60%) and Via Guerrero with a 12,318 votes (45.85%) who will take over the Office of the Secretary and Auditor, respectively. 

On the other hand, solitary Lakas ng Diwang Tomasino (Lakas Diwa) winner Joanna Loise Culianan won as the Treasurer as she acquired a total of 11,680 votes (43.48%).

COMELEC Glitch 

Changes have been made on the proclamation of the winners for the Offices of the vice president and public relations officer after the Central Commission on Elections (COMELEC) learned that election returns from the College of Rehabilitation Sciences (CRS) were not included in the final mark.

A week after the initial proclamation on Feb. 22, LTC candidates Argee Gonzales (VP) and Cris Angelo Salazar (PRO) were proclaimed as the winners as they registered a total of 11,376 votes (42.35 %) and 11,318 (42.13 %) after the re-count, displacing initially proclaimed winners Lakas Diwa vice presidential candidate Guammer Partosa and public relations officer aspirant Jan Michael Borja.

 “The Central COMELEC Commissioners panicked upon knowing the CFAD election problem, and focused on resolving it, which was one of the reasons why we were not able to double-check the results,” as stated in the account e-mailed by the Central COMELEC Chairman Glen Buendia to R.A.W.R., explaining why such an error occurred.

Buendia added that they could have retracted the announcement earlier if not for the Neocentennial Retreat since it was already resolved last Feb. 27.

Failure of Elections

The supposed date of the victors’ proclamation on Feb. 18 was moved to the 22nd because College of Fine Arts and Design (CFAD) did not make it due to the senior’s thesis week.

As stated in the Student Election Code, if not all election returns have been obtained by the COMELEC, the pursuance of election depends on the availability of the election returns, but CFAD, having a total number of 2,200 voters, would significantly affect the central election results.

CFAD elections were then moved the following week from Feb. 20 to 21 including its local council elections. 

Meanwhile, the Conservatory of Music was the only college who fully declared failure of elections as only 144 (22.15 %) of the total population voted.

Local Councils

 With the central elections, students also casted their votes in their respective colleges from Feb. 14 to 16 on political groups under the banners of LTC and Lakas Diwa, including independent candidates who vied in the said election.

**Errata:

It has come to the attention of TomasinoWeb that the writer mistakenly identified some of the names of the election winners. As what the CSC Publication issued on March, we reiterate that the following are the newly elected Local Student Council Presidents: 

Paul Argie Cruz of Accountancy, Julius Romel Fernandez of the Arts and Letters, Eizelle Therese Yee of Architecture, Mark Arthur Catabona of Civil Law, Daniel Joshua Custodio of Commerce, Ruth Paulina Mesa of Education, John Marvin Morante of Engineering, Efren Angelo Dela Dingco of Medicine, Michael Kim Genilo of Nursing, John Mark Villena of Pharmacy, Jomar Buenage of Philosophy, Sharmaine Santiago of Rehabilitation Sciences, Polie Atienza of Theology, John Edward Quiepo of Tourism and Hospitality Management, Kamille Louvis Lim of Fine Arts and Design, Sherry Ann Cantor of Music, Cefeleen Cruz of Science, Phoebe Claire Manapat of UST High School, and Michelle Angeline Falcon of UST Education High School.

Our Apologies.

© TW ’11-’12

By Oswald Fabi-Sablay

The Growling Tigers ended with a commanding 298 points, 20 more than second-running De La Salle University who had 278.

The Espana-based athletes had their success in men and ]]> For topping eight events in the just concluded UAAP Season 74, the University of Santo Tomas (UST) has clinched its 14th straight, 39^th overall, UAAP General Championship.

The Growling Tigers ended with a commanding 298 points, 20 more than second-running De La Salle University who had 278.

The Espana-based athletes had their success in men and women’s judo, women’s football, women’s beach volleyball, women’s tennis, men’s taekwondo, men’s table tennis and men’s fencing. 

They finished second in men and women’s athletics, men’s beach volleyball, men’s swimming, men’s volleyball, men’s chess, and men’s football.

A championship in each UAAP event merit 15 points while second and third place finishes are equivalent to 12 and 10 points, respectively.

UST has won the general championship in 28 out of the last 31 seasons. University of the Philippines is third with 219 points while Far Eastern University is at fourth spot with 214 points.

Ateneo is in fifth place with 207 points while University of the East (140 points), Adamson (105 points) and National University (81 points) round out the list.

Meanwhile, UST also won the Juniors event with 125 points.

By Adrian Stewart Co

Atty. Gerthie Mayo-Anda of ELAC said the proposed policy from the Ateneo School ofGovernment is ]]> A representative from the Environment Legal Assistance Center (ELAC) proposed an improved
national mining policy in a conference organized by the Save Palawan Movement (SPM) that
was hosted by the University of Santo Tomas through the Central Student Council (CSC) on Feb.
28.

Atty. Gerthie Mayo-Anda of ELAC said the proposed policy from the Ateneo School of
Government is “evidence-based and grounded on national consensus and a balancing of
stakeholder interests; and accurately accounts for benefits and costs in order to make rational
decisions.”

According to Anda, the existing mining policy is export-oriented and dependent on foreign
capital. She also said the Philippine Mining Act provides plenty of incentives to mining
companies.

Incentives such as tax holiday during recovery of pre-operating expenses for a maximum of five
years from commercial production, income tax carry forward of losses, income tax accelerated
depreciation of fixed assets, and exemption from payment of real property taxes on pollution
control devices.

“Our laws are over generous,” she said.

Anda also said the government continues to prioritize the revitalization of mining industry
through Executive Order 247, a Mineral Action Plan, despite the fact that it did not mention
the measures against abusive mining firms and provide protection for the environment and the
affected communities.

She also said critical decisions were made based on commercial mining’s sites and not on the
concerns of local communities.

“According to the Ateneo School of Government, men need to account for benefits and costs in
order to make rational decisions,” she said.

On its effect in Palawan

The conference discussed whether the costs of mining outweigh its effects on health,
livelihood, and welfare of Filipinos.

SPM argued that despite the decade-long existence of mining industry in the Philippines, it has
not yet proven its impact in the lives of marginalized Filipino families.

According to them, for instance, Bataraza, the host community of Rio Tuba Nickel Mining
Corporation for more than 30 years, still remains to be one of the top ten poorest
municipalities in Palawan. The municipality, according to them, is still in need of basic services,
such as electricity, water, education, and many others.

“This means that whatever development there is in the area does not directly affect the lives of
the people in general,” SPM said.

According to a study by Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) entitled “A Legacy of Disasters: The Mining
Situation in the Philippines-2011”, the enactment of the Mining Act of 1995 (Republic Act 7942)
brought destruction on the social and environmental landscape of the country.

“The sequence of events when the strategy shifted from tolerant regulation to aggressive
promotion brought into spotlight the myriad of problems in the mining sector.”

SPM also said mining operations caused worst environmental tragedies in the country.
Tragedies such as the mining disaster in Marinduque in 1996, the Atlas Mining disaster in
Sapangkaku River in Toledo City, Cebu in 1999, and the Rapu-Rapu mine tailings spills in 2005.

“In Palawan alone, there were two major accidents involving mining operations in 2011 where
coral reefs were destroyed, hectares of farmlands disadvantaged, and tons of nickel spilled into
the sea. And up until today, there are literally hundreds of abandoned mined sites that remain
unrehabilitated and the people around them continue to suffer,” SPM said.

Mining industry’s inputs to Philippine economy

Former Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman and SPM advocate, Atty. Christian
Monsod said: “The development role of mining is always described as ‘potential’ because
mining has never played a major role in our sustainable development, not even during the
mining boom of the 70s and early 80s.”

The National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB) data showed that Mining and Quarrying’s
Gross Value Added in industry sector decreased from 34.583 million pesos in 2010 to 33.866
million in 2011.

Mining and Quarrying shared -2.1 % to the industry sector’s 5.5% contribution in Gross
Domestic Product (GDP) in 2011. The industry sector posted the lowest share in the total GDP.

Among the three industries, service sector recorded the highest share in GDP with 10.1 %
growth rate followed by the agriculture, hunting, forestry, and fishing industries with 6.1 %
growth rate.

SPM said “the contribution of mining in the country’s gross domestic product in 2007 reveals
that mining industry only accounted for 1.4% (90 billion pesos). In contrast, agriculture, fishery,
and forestry accounted for 16.5% of the total GDP on the second quarter of 2009 alone.”

“It should be noted that these sectors—agriculture, fisheries, and forestry—have been
recognized as key industries that are hugely threatened by continuing aggressive mining
promotion in the country today,” SPM said.

SPM, a non-profit, multi-sectoral volunteer organization which campaigns for NO to Mining in
Palawan, organized the Luzon Conference on Mining and Ecology at the Medicine Auditorium.

By Karen Mae C. Guarin

Next best to AB’s entry are the Graduate School’s ‘Basura? Basurahan?’ and College ofEducation’s ‘Red Alert,’ placed as first and ]]> The Faculty of Arts and Letters’ environmental documentary entry entitled ‘Future in Garbage’
hailed the Best Picture, Best Editor, Best Screenplay and Best Director at the Envi-Vid
Documentary Competition Award’s Night at the Medicine Auditorium, Feb. 28.

Next best to AB’s entry are the Graduate School’s ‘Basura? Basurahan?’ and College of
Education’s ‘Red Alert,’ placed as first and second runner-ups, respectively.

Entries were judged by AB Professor Eros Atalia, CSC Vice President Peter Carlo David and
winner of Quadricentennial Short Film Marti Salva.

Winners received cash prizes of 100,000Php for Best Picture, 50,000Php for Second Best Picture
and 30,000Php for Third Best Picture.

As a part of the year-long green advocacy of the Central Student Council entitled ‘Tomasino
Para sa Kalikasan’, the Envi-Vid is a project headed by Secretary Kamille Cruz.

By Oswald Sablay

The Neo-centennial edition of the USTv Students’ Choice Awards have been concluded last night (February 16) at the UST Medicine Auditorium. And here are the winners of the 8th USTv Students’ Choice Awards with this year’s theme “Promoting Positive Values in Pop Culture on Television”.

Special Citation on a Catholic Program – Banal (ABS-CBN ]]>

The Neo-centennial edition of the USTv Students’ Choice Awards have been concluded last night (February 16) at the UST Medicine Auditorium. And here are the winners of the 8th USTv Students’ Choice Awards with this year’s theme “Promoting Positive Values in Pop Culture on Television”.

Special Citation on a Catholic Program – Banal (ABS-CBN 2)
Best Full Animated Program – Spongebob Squarepants (ABS-CBN 2)
Best Foreign Soap Opera – My Girlfriend is a Gumiho (ABS-CBN 2)
Best Sports Program – Sports Unlimited (ABS-CBN 2)
Best Educational Program – Matanglawin (ABS-CBN 2)
Best Magazine Show – Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (GMA 7)
Best Documentary Program – I Witness (GMA 7)
Best Public Affairs Talk Show – The Bottomline with Boy Abunda (ABS-CBN 2)
Best Value Laden Theme/Storyline TV Advertisement – Lucky Me (Tunay na Lalaki)
Best Entertainment News Program – The Buzz (ABS-CBN 2)
Best Male News and Current Affairs Host – Anthony Taberna (ABS-CBN 2)
Best Female News and Current Affairs Host – Jessica Soho (GMA News TV)
Best Local News and Current Affairs Program – 24 Oras (GMA 7)
Best Public Service Program – Wish Ko Lang (GMA 7)
Best Music Channel – MYX (ABS-CBN 2)
Best Local Music Video – Walang Natira (Gloc 9 feat. Sheng Belmonte)
Best Local Music Video Artist – Sarah Geronimo (Sino Nga Ba Siya)
Best Talk Variety Program – Gandang Gabi Vice (ABS-CBN 2)
Best Game Show – Who Wants to be a Millionaire (TV5)
Best Reality Show – Showtime (ABS-CBN 2)
Best Gag Show – Bubble Gang (GMA 7)
Best Variety Show – Eat Bulaga (GMA 7)
Best Situational Comedy – Pepito Manoloto (GMA 7)
Best Daily Local Soap Opera – 100 Days to Heaven (ABS-CBN 2)
Special Citation on a Catholic Program – 100 Days to Heaven (ABS-CBN 2)
Best Supporting Actress in a Daily Local Soap Opera – Jodi Sta. Maria (ABS-CBN 2)
Best Supporting Actor in a Daily Local Soap Opera – Jhong Hilario (ABS-CBN 2)
Best Actress in a Daily Soap Opera – Xyriel Manabat (100 Days to Heaven) (ABS-CBN 2)
Best Actor in a Daily Soap Opera – Coco Martin (Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin) (ABS-CBN 2)

 “Paano kami mananalo? Paano kami ulit mag-chachampion?” These were the words that Leah Mary Gonzales asked herself after she was elected as Team Captain of the Cheermania powerhouse, the Commerce Cheering Squad.

                Despite the ]]>  “Walang natatalo sa pusong hindi napapagod” Commerce Cheering Squad Team Captain Leah Marie Gonzales shares the team’s secret to three-peat!

 “Paano kami mananalo? Paano kami ulit mag-chachampion?” These were the words that Leah Mary Gonzales asked herself after she was elected as Team Captain of the Cheermania powerhouse, the Commerce Cheering Squad.

                Despite the pressure of taking over the squad with a championship tradition, the fourth year BS Marketing student knew from the very start what she wanted: to make their team the champion in the yearly cheermaking competition “Cheermania XVII: Saga” and post a rare 3-peat for her squad.

She was able to pull this off and more; but this year proved to be a tough journey for her and for the team.

The Challenge

                They say every routine has a hidden story to tell. With their flawless performance, no one would think that the team encountered any problems along the way. This, however, was not the case.

“Never kaming naging complete sa mga trainings namin ever since we started training for the Cheermania last November,” Leah shared. “But I know I have to control the situation and do my part as the captain.”

                Since Commerce Cheering Squad is not considered as an organization, Leah shared that they cannot push their members to attend every training session because they are not excused from their academic duties. But Leah believes that’s one thing every member of the squad should imbibe: to take the extra mile because this is their passion.

                “I never considered joining the squad as a burden for my academic responsibilities” Leah pointed out. Ever since she joined the squad when she was still in her first year, she knew that it was a personal choice and should not be considered as a distraction to her studies.

                Their regular trainings, especially during the last weeks before the Cheermania, proved to be another obstacle for the squad. Leah shares that it was a double challenge for her to see her team physically, emotionally and mentally tired. But being the leader meant being the source of strength for the whole team. “I know that they are tired but as their captain, hindi ko pwedeng ipakitang nalulungkot ako or pagod” Leah said.

                But all of the struggling paid off as they emerged victorious in the Cheermania 2012, besting seven other squads who participated.

The man behind their success

                When asked if there was one person responsible for her maturity as a cheerleader, Leah said that all of her seniors prepared her to be what she is now but there was this man who took her under his tutelage.  “Lahat naman sila ay may naituro sa akin pero kung meron talagang malaki ang naitulong sa akin at sa buong squad, siguro si coach Ajjie yun.”

                It was no other than the team’s coach, Ajjie Mendelebar, whom she believes played a significant role in the success of the squad. Leah also proudly shared that coach Ajjie was a member of the UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe during its famous five-peat run in the UAAP Cheerdance Competition.

                Leah divulged that Coach Ajjie kept reminding them to work hard and keep their eyes on the goal. Their secret source of power was Coach Ajjie’s motto: “Walang natatalo sa pusong hindi napapagod.”

                Leah also shared that everything is in order in the hands of Coach Ajjie, “planado kasi siya and yun yung maganda sa kanya.”

Going for Fourth?

                Although Leah is ending her days with the squad as she will be graduating this March, she still remains positive that the squad can bag another title. “Lagi kong sinasabi sa mga batang members ng squad na huwag makokontento na magaling lang, kailangan nilang magsikap para maging mas magaling” Leah said. They are not competing against other teams, but against themselves. Every year the group must level up to battle out the status quo.

During the announcement of winners, where for a split second Leah was disheartened due to a close fight with another team, she remembered the words of Father Senen Ecleo, the College of Commerce and Business Administration regent. At the mass held for the squad and the Commerce Cantemus Chorale, Father Cleo told them “huwag mawawalan ng pagasa hanggang hindi pa nasasabi ang panalo.”

When she leaves the team, her legacy would be:  “lakas ng loob, isiping meron tayong  mga bagay na wala sila at huwag mawawalan ng pagasa.” 

By: Peevi Jannsen N. Juan and Anna Bettina Pangalangan 

The Lady Tigresses were floored in the first set, 22-25, by the Lady Maroons, but became ]]> The University of Santo Tomas Tigresses, coming from a slow start, thrashed the University of the Philippines Lady Maroons via four-set triumph  in the 74th UAAP women’s volleyball tournament held Sunday afternoon at the Fil Oil Flying V Arena.

The Lady Tigresses were floored in the first set, 22-25, by the Lady Maroons, but became resilient to finish the game victorious, 22-25, 25-15, 25-16, 25-18.

UST spiker Maika Ortiz, showered UP with killer spikes, and finished the game  with 16 markers, 14 of those came from attacks.

Maru Banaticla and Ma. Carmela Tunay also stepped up and scored 14 and 11 points for UST.

UP had a chance to grab the win via their 16-12 lead in the fourth set, but fell a little short towards the end.

The Lady Maroons now has 0-4  record after their defeat against De La Salle University last Wednesday.

The Espana-based team, on the other hand, already have a two-game winning skid, and they are now in the fourth place with the Far Eastern University.

Bianca Bernardo