e r s p e c t i v e - De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde

e r s p e c t i v e• Mar. 1 - Mar. 31, 2010 • Volume 11 No. 7 • The official newsletter of De La Salle-College of Saint BenildeBrother Superior Visitsthe Philippine DistrictSuperior General of the Institute of the Brothersof the Christian Schools Br. Alvero RodriguezEcheverria FSC visited the Philippine District fromFebruary 28 to March 6 to touch base with thePhilippine Lasallian Family.- Photo courtesy of Arwin Doloricon,La Salle ProvincialateOn March 1, De La Salle University (DLSU) conferred Br. Echeverriawith a degree on Doctor of Humanities at the Marilen GaerlanConservatory in recognition of “his selfless commitment to the educationof the young as his outstanding contribution to the Institute of theBrothers of Christian Schools.” DLSU and DLS-CSB community memberswitnessed the ceremony.During the his stay, Br. Echeverria made rounds and had meetings,dialogues and tours in De La Salle University-Dasmariñas and the HealthSciences Institute, De La Salle Lipa, La Salle Green Hills and La SalleUniversity in Ozamiz. Because of the limitations of his schedule, Br.Echeverria was not able to visit Visayas schools, but a video conferencewas held with University of St. La Salle and St. Joseph High School fromLa Salle Green Hills.In his visit, Br. Echeverria gave Filipino Lasallians a glimpse of theministry of the Lasallian Family around the world. The Lasallian partnersin turn reiterated their commitment in sharing the Lasallian Mission.- Photo courtesy of Marc Gepaya,La Salle ProvincialateInternationalAward for YoungPeople Now inthe PhilippinesDLS-CSBRocks d’ VoteDLS-CSBSigns MOAwith CCP3SHRIM Dean LeticiaDelarmente in thehot seat!2 4-5Whatwas yourgreatestsacrifice?6-7

Te r s p e c t i v e• Page 2 • Mar. 1- Mar. 31, 2010 •International Award for Young People Nowin the PhilippinesThe Duke of Edinburgh’sInternational AwardAssociation - Asia PacificRegion, in cooperation withDLS-CSB’s School of DeafEducation and Applied Studies(SDEAS), conducted the firstAward Leader Training in thecountry on February 13 and 14at the CSB Hotel InternationalConference Center.- Photo courtesy of SDEASStarted in 1956 in the UnitedKingdom, the International Award forYoung People is a challenging selfdevelopmentprogram which gives youngpeople aged 14 to 25 an opportunity toexperience challenge and adventure,acquire new skills and make new friends.The program was designed with great careby a small team, led by His Royal HighnessThe Duke of Edinburgh, Dr. Kurt Hahn andLord John Hunter. It has since grown andnow operates in 68 countries with 800,000young people participating each year.The International Award in AsiaPacific operates through National AwardAuthorities in ten countries and with 60independent operators in 16 countries.DLS-CSB SDEAS is the first independentoperator in the Philippines and the first tooperate in the world that caters toDeaf youth.The twenty-one (21) attendees tothe event were faculty, coordinators, andstaff members from SDEAS, headed by theDean and concurrently Director of theCenter for Deaf Esteem and FormationMa. Veronica Templo-Perez and Ma.Giselle M. Montero, Director of the Centerfor Partnership and Development. Theattendees are now certified award leaderswho can help participants choose theiractivities, and provide advice, supportand encouragement to the participants.The participants can go through fourmandatory sections: Service, AdventurousJourney, Skills and Physical Recreation inthree levels: bronze, silver or gold.Rob Oliphant, Regional ProgramManager, facilitated the leader training, andwas assisted by Delia Banzuelo-Holohan.Both are from the Asia Pacific Regional Officein Sydney, Australia.Other partners joining the groupincluded representatives from The BritishSchool Manila, Girl Scouts of the Philippines,Boy Scouts of the Philippines, Red CrossYouth, and The Philippine ChristianFoundation.For more information on the Award,you may visit www.intaward.org.Twill be historic. It will be theDLS-CSB Rocks d’ VoteThe 2010 national elections- Photo courtesy of the Center for Social Actionfirst automated elections inthe country. This means thatcounting, transmitting andcanvassing of votes will beautomated. Automation isexpected to speed up theelection process and hopefullylessen the opportunity forcheating and fraud. However,questions about the vulnerabilityof voting machines to cheatingand fraud have been raised.Continued on page 5

e r s p e c t i v e• Page 3 • Mar. 1- Mar. 31, 2010 •DLS-CSB Signs MOA with CCPDLS-CSB signed aMemorandum ofAgreement with theCultural Center ofthe Philippines DanceSchool (CCPDS) ofthe Ballet PhilippinesFoundation, Inc. (BP)for the Bachelor ofPerforming Arts Majorin Dance program.Standing: Ms. Christine Santillan, Arch. Gerry TorresSeated: Mr. Norrdin Jumalon, Mr. Robert Tang,Ms. Margie Moran-Floirendo, Br. Victor Franco FSC, Ms. Leslie NobleStudents under the program will have the majority of the lectureclasses in the SDA campus and the dance technique class andpracticum subjects at the CCP. BP is also entitled to recommendsix scholars per school year for the program.- Photo courtesy ofGerard Teaño, ABMMAPresent at the MOA signing are DLS-CSB President Br. VictorFranco FSC, BP President Margie Moran-Floirendo, BP ExecutiveDirector Leslie Noble, DLS-CSB Vice Chancellor for AcademicsRobert Tang, DLS-CSB SDA Dean Gerry Torres, DLS-CSB SDA Danceprogram Chairperson Christine Crame-Santillan, and CCP DanceSchool Director Noordin Jumalon.ABMMA’s PrideEmerson Reyes’ film “Ang Ebolusyon niKasalanan” won first prize for theExperimental Category in the 21st GawadCCP Para sa Alternatibong Pelikula at Video.This is his second win in Gawad CCP. He firstwon third prize for his film “Ikot” when hewas still an ABMMA student in the College.Reyes is an ABMMA faculty in DLS-CSB.>>Animo Benilde!Congratulations to DLS-CSB Pep Squad forwinning first place in the annual NationalCollegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)cheerleading competition! This is the firsttime the Pep Squad placed first in thecompetition, but it is certainly not the lasttime that they will be aiming for the topspot. Animo Benilde!

e r s p e c t i v e• Page 4-5 • Mar. 1- Mar. 31, 2010 •Dean Leticia DelarmenteTThe School for Hotel, Restaurant and InstitutionManagement (SHRIM) of DLS-CSB is unarguably one of the tophospitality schools in the country today. In keeping withDLS-CSB’s reputation of being innovative and learner-centered,SHRIM continues to introduce advancements in its field andkeeps at par with, if not ahead of, its counterparts, both localand international. Next school year, SHRIM introduces anotherinnovation as it opens its doors to Deaf students, providingthem with more opportunities for learning and development.SHRIM Dean Leticia Delarmente has been integral in thedevelopment of SHRIM into the well-renowned school that itis today, and now she answers questions raised by theBenildean community.1 3What are the challenges that the school faces with theintegration of Deaf students to SHRIM?The biggest challenge the school faces in theintegration of Deaf students would be the availability ofqualified faculty and the types of support services that wecould adopt from other developed nations. We believe,however, that because of the support of the College tothese initiatives, all the necessary support systems willbe in place in order to make our programs for the Deafwork. Furthermore, we are fortunate at DLS-CSB becausewe have embraced the Deaf into our fold and they havebecome an integral part of our Benildean community.2What courses can Deaf students take in SHRIM this year?Some courses that Deaf students may take inthe coming years are: Culinary, Housekeeping, FoodService, and other back of the house-related courses.It is noteworthy to know that the Shangri-La group ofhotels in the Philippines is adopting an advocacy of givingopportunity to Persons with Disabilities to be employed.It is therefore timely that SHRIM can offer courses forthe Deaf so they may become competitive in the workforce. This will also further validate DLS-CSB’s initiatives toprovide Deaf people more opportunities to do whateverthey want to do and become an integral part of thesociety in general.DLS-CSB SHRIM graduates are some of the most sought-afterby the hotel, restaurant, and tourism industries. How do youplan to maintain, and even improve this status?The quality of education we give our students includingexcellent extra-curriculum activities, together with a strongmoral foundation through the effective assimilation of ourLasallian value system, make our students stand above therest. Worthy of mention too are our various overseas trainingprograms in partnership with internationally prestigiousestablishments such as Institut Vatel (France), the EmiratesAcademy (Dubai), the Cologne University (Germany) andthe International Trainee Network that afford our studentsadditional top-of-the line overseas exposure and training.These will serve them very well when they start their careersin the competitive world of hostelry.4What do you think would be your greatest legacy asschool dean?DLS-CSB SHRIM has introduced many firsts such as, butnot limited to:• YHE (Young Hoteliers Exposition) held every term.It is a venue organized, managed and promoted bystudents to showcase their talent in a friendly butcompetitive environment in various areas of hoteloperation including: food and beverage; kitchenproductionand rooms division. Arguably, there is noother hotel school in the country that stageasthis activity.

• Tourism Exposed is a bi-annual activity wherestudents of the travel and tourism trackorganize, manage and promote an event featuringvarious tourist spots – local and overseas –an early exposure for students into the Meetings,Incentives, Conventions and Expositions (MICE) market.Again, this activity has no parallel in other hotel schools.• Partnering with one of Europe’s most prestigiousHotel Management schools, Institut Vatel. Studentsgraduating from the (IHM) International HotelManagement course will earn two degrees: one fromInstitut Vatel and another from DLS-CSB. This is thefirst time such course is offered in the Philippines.• Obtaining PAASCU Level 3.• Out of town (local and overseas) trips for students toenhance classroom learning.• Introduction of a Dress & Hygiene Code for SHRIMstudents to inculcate the appropriate hotel culture tothe students.• We were the first hotel school to introduce trackspecialization i.e. Culinary, Hotel Management, Travel& Tours and International Hotel Management.5What has been your most heartwarming experience in DLS-CSB?To see the transformation of a high school graduate toa self-confident, young professional-to-be must be the mostheart-warming experience, I would say. To positively influencethe perspective of a young adult on the threshold of maturity;to reassure him/her that there is value in education; to impressupon him/her the dignity of labor and the beauty of service – notonly in the hospitality sense, but also in the human sense – theseare heartwarming. To witness the successful conclusion of everyYHE, and to see the joy of triumph and the resolve to do betterin our students are heartwarming. When graduates visit and tellus how they are faring in their careers – that is heartwarming.When graduates employed in leading hotels come to us and tellus that they wish to join the faculty to do their bit of technologytransfer – that is heartwarming. In fact, just to interact with theyoung and listen to their goals, hopes and dreams – and be one ofthe tools for them to achieve these – is heartwarming. In sum, toknow how our faculty and I touched the lives of our students tobecome useful citizens – that is heartwarming. To be the dean ofthe country’s leading hotel management school is heartwarming.These are just a few of my heartwarming experiences which I willtreasure as my own modest contribution to nation building.The Ask Anything Campaign is a section of the perspective that allows members of thecommunity, particularly students, to have their questions answered by a featuredadministrator. Administrators may choose to answer at least five questions and these willbe printed in the perspective. Any additional questions and answers will be published in theDLS-CSB Intranet.To see additional questions asked of Ms. Delarmente and her answers to them,go to http://intranet.dls-csb.edu.ph.The April issue’s featured Administrator will be Mr. Benhur Ong, Dean of the School ofManagement and Information Technology. Questions for Dean Ong may be sent tomco@dls-csb.edu.ph, with [Ask Dean Ong] in the subject line, on or before April 8, 2010(Thursday).DLS-CSB Rocks d’ Vote From Page 2All eyes are on the national electionsbecause this is the first presidentialelections after that in 2004 whichwas marred by allegations of massivecheating. Also, whoever wins thepresidential race will have huge political,economic and military power that isgranted by the Constitution. Many arehoping that whoever wins would takeit as an opportunity for transformativegovernance.With so much at stake, it isimportant to ensure the credibility of theelection process and results. The Centerfor Social Action (CSA) believes that thereis a need for Filipinos, especially theyoung people, to actively participate inthe 2010 elections.Last January 27, 2010, the CSAtogether with Rock Ed Philippines stagedthe Rock d’ Vote Concert at the PlazaVillarosa, DLS-CSB Taft campus. Theconcert encouraged the community toexercise their right to vote and to activelyparticipate in the 2010 elections byvolunteering in activities such as the CSAvoters’ education campaign and as CitizenReporters in the Bantay Eleksyon.The DLS-CSB Pep Squad openedthe concert, followed by performancesfrom rock bands Itchyworms, Klang Bang,Duster, Paramita and Naked Jinx. Thebands persuaded the students to voteand to vote wisely. They said that Filipinosshould value our right to suffrage as therewas a time in our history when only therich and powerful could vote, and it wasonly in 1937 that Filipino women gainedthe right to vote.During the concert, Br. Vic FrancoFSC, DLS-CSB President, encouragedthe students not to limit their focus onthe presidential candidates, and thatthey should also pay critical attentionto candidates running for local positionssuch as representatives, mayors, andcouncilors. Br. Vic further added thatthese local positions play a critical role andhave a great impact on how our countryis being run. Gang Badoy, founder andExecutive Director of Rock Ed Philippines,also encouraged the students to be activelyengaged, and that as Filipinos, we all havea responsibility to transform the countryfor the better, saying “Sabi ni Jose Rizal,ang kabataan ang pag-asa ng bayan. Parasa akin, ang kabataan ang bayan.”Rock d’ Vote is part of the series ofactivities organized by the CSA for the 2010National Elections.For more information on how to beinvolved in the 2010 elections, contact CSAat telephone number 5267441 locals 258and 266.

e r s p e c t i v e• Page 6 • Mar. 1- Mar. 31, 2010 •What was your greatest sacrifice?LLent is all about sacrifice. During Lent, we are encouraged tomake our own sacrifices to show our appreciation of the gift ofeternal life given us when Christ did the ultimate sacrifice andgave up His life for us. We asked Benildeans: What has beenyour greatest sacrifice?Romeo CorderoSDA Detachment Commander“When my brother got sick and neededhelp, I of course had to lend a helpinghand. Now whenever security personnelwill ask to be on leave to take care of somesort of family-related problem, I try to beunderstanding because I know that familyshould always be prioritized.”April JongayStudent, SMS - BSBA - Human Resource Management“I sacrificed my desire to go to the University of Santo Tomasand take up BS-Psychology because of my mother’s wish for meto go to DLSU to study Biology. Unfortunately I lasted there foronly one year. When I transferred to DLS-CSB I wanted to takeup a film or music-related program, but because of my momI am now taking up HRM. I plan to finish this course first beforepursuing my own dreams.”Jess DacilloFaculty, SMS“I am the eldest among six siblings, and I have always wanted toenter into priesthood. Then I received a scholarship offer froma company for an engineering course. However, it required forme to work for that company for at least five years, and I had togive up my dreams to enter the seminary. I accepted the offerbecause I knew that it would be a great financial assistance tomy family.”Benjamin MagnayeStudent, SDA - AB Multimedia Arts“Being in a scholarship I have to sacrificea lot of time for friends and family, butI still manage to find extra time as aYouth for Christ member.”Aldwin SanchezFaculty, SMS“I was a seminarian for eight years, and had to sacrifice timefor my family and friends. Even if I did not complete thecourse to become a full-pledged priest, it was still totallyworth it. I still have with me all the values I learned in theseminary. I valued education more and now hold multipledegrees and teach several subjects in the College.”

Allan FuntanillaSecurity personnel since 2002“When my mother who lives in the province suffered from multiple serioussicknesses I had to sell everything that could be sold and sacrificed my lifesavings to pay for the hospital bill. I even had to loan money from the bankfor which I am still paying for today with extra shifts.After that, my father suffered from an accident while assisting someonehammer nails into wood. The nail somehow got thrown into his eye. Myfather had to be hospitalized and treatment totalled over P100,000.Even then, no sacrifice is too great just to keep my loved ones aliveand healthy.”e r s p e c t i v e• Page 7 • Mar. 1- Mar. 31, 2010 •Anthony Brian CruzFaculty, SDA - BS Industrial Design“When we were doing a group project, one of ourmembers got sick and couldn’t work on hisassignments. My team mates and I had to take overand work until 4 am, after doing our own assignments.”Margarette OmacStudent, SDA - AB Multimedia Arts“Being a good and loving big sister, I sacrificemy time and money for my younger brother.I let him win conversations and fights. I evenbuy his computer upgrades for him. I just wanthim to grow up well and have a happy life.”Joseph F. GalianFaculty, SDA - AB Photography“Teaching is already a great sacrifice. The pay isnot as good as a photography job. You have toaccommodate specific student needs. It is a bitof a convenience as well though since the pay issteady and you don’t have to work as hard.”DLS-CSB Extends Taft Campus- Interview and Photos byGerard Teaño, ABMMATThe College recently announced itspurchase of the Mayflower property(formerly Instituto Cervantes) at thecorner of Leon Guinto and EstradaStreets. The building will be anextension of the Taft campus. Muchrenovation needs to be done torestore the building back into itsfunctional state, but once repairs arefinished we can look forward to abetter Taft campus.- Photo courtesy ofGerard Teaño, ABMMA

e r s p e c t i v e• Page 8 • Mar. 1- Mar. 31, 2010 •LentL“Lent” is derived from the old English “lencten,” which means“springtime.” This reveals the time of the year when it occurs,and probably was chosen to contrast it to another time ofpreparation – Christmas – which takes place in autumn. Fromthis, Lent gets its definition as a time of fasting and penancewhich occurs in springtime and lasts for 40 days.- Photo courtesy ofJC Salamat, ABMMAThis period of 40 days before Easteris intended to be a time of intensivepreparation for the celebration of thePaschal Mystery: the passion, deathand resurrection of Jesus Christ. Thecelebration of the Lenten Season shouldalways be inseparable from the EasterSeason It begins on Ash Wednesday andlasts until the evening of Holy Thursday.This is a time of preparation for the EasterTriduum which has its high point in theEaster night, that is, the commemorationof the Lord’s resurrection and our rising tonew life with Him in baptism. The Lentenseason has a strong baptismal characterthat we come to a renewed commitmentand to a sincere renewal of our baptismalvows in the Easter Vigil.The number 40 is traditionallyemphasized because it is often found inthe scriptures connected with an event ofthe history of salvation: Noah and the rainswhich went on for 40 days and floodedthe earth; the people of Israel’s journey tothe promised land for 40 years; Moses onMount Sinai for 40 days and 40 nights; thebattle between Goliath and Israel for 40days; Jesus fasted 40 days and 40 nights inthe wilderness, among others.The concrete forms of such anintensive preparation for the Easter Triduumare prayer, fasting, abstinence, andalmsgiving. All throughout the LentenSeason, we are encouraged to pray as wecommune and reconcile once again with theFather. Also, we are asked to fast(the discipline of taking only one full meala day) and to abstain from eating meat.The Church prescribes obligatory fastingand abstinence on Ash Wednesday and theFridays of Lent. With this we are able to savesomething for us to be able to help thosewho are in need.Indeed, the Lenten Season does notonly remind us of our baptism and salvationhistory, but more so, it invites us for moresacrifices for our brothers and sisters in need.May we desire what is good for our soul,because it is everlasting, and rediscover thevalue of true sacrifice.Source: Raas, Bernard SVD. Liturgical Year,Volume 2. Logos Publications, Inc. 1998.e r s p e c t i v eMarketing & Communications Office9th floor SDA CampusDe La Salle-College of Saint Benilde950 P. Ocampo St., Malate,Manila, Philippines 1004The perspective is published monthly by the Marketing and Communications Office.The perspective welcomes contributions from the DLS-CSB community. Coordinate with Ms. Carrie de Guzman for par ticulars and appropriate ar rangements.The perspective reserves the right to edit articles submitted for publication. Direct all concerns to the MCO, 536-6752 local 122, or e-mail mco@dls-csb.edu.ph.