The Sword Internal Publication

The Official Publicationof the UP Political Society

Internal PublicationFirst Semester

A.Y. 2014–15

In This IssueFrom the Editor-in-ChiefKey events, ExeComm evaluation results, end-of-semester membership and financial status

UP POLSCi lives dream in 11th yearUP POLSCi goes ASEAN in Ped Xing VIUP POLSCi prevails anew in Gabi ng ASEANUP POLSCi brings voter registration to Brgy. PinyahanUP POLSCi holds ACLE on sensationalism11 new mems join UP POLSCi family

Meet the new membersUP POLSCi’s best membersFrom the AdviserPartners / Blind items

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Shiela Marie C. MalabananDeputy Editor

Alphonse G. SamsonDeputy Editor

Edcel John A. Ibarra Editor-in-Chief, Head Layout Artist

John Rey C. AlviorCorrespondent

Mark Ernest E. MandapCorrespondent

Reiner S. GallardoContributing Editor

Patricia Joy S. IgnacioContributing Editor

Rodolfo L. Lahoy, Jr.Contributing Editor

Pauline Faye S. Fajardo Layout Artist

IN T ER N A L P U B L I C AT I O N E X T ER N A L P U B LI CAT I O N

THE SWORD

Internal PublicationFirst Semester

A.Y. 2014–15

de a r r e a der ,

You are looking at the new The Sword. It used to be a newspaper: broad-casting news on the affairs of the organization, the college and the university, and, at some point, the nation and the world; issuing edito-rials and opinions on notable issues of the day; and featuring creative literary outputs from members. But our trade is political science, not journalism or creative writing. Further, the supposed reader cannot be the member (for opinions and features would make little sense in a limited readership) or the non-member (for internal news would make little sense for her). Besides, our humble newspaper faces a competi-tive market of similar publications already in the university. In theory, notwithstanding financial and logistical challenges, the old model cannot be expected to flourish. In practice, the theory prevailed.

But honor I still confer to my predecessors. I share with them a de-sire for our small publication to excel. In the realization of the same dream, I gamble and take a different path – two different paths, to be exact. I do not anymore insist on a newspaper. In-stead, I am splitting the publication into two based on the log-ic of readership: an external branch and an internal branch.

The external branch publishes members’ political analytic compositions. Internally, it aims to serve as a platform for members to express their views on all things political and, thereby, discursively practice their vocation as students of politics. Externally, it aims to demonstrate to the political science community how the organization and its members do political science – in other words, to exhibit how UP POLSCi does Pol Sci.

Meanwhile, the internal branch publishes articles on the organization’s states of affairs. It seeks to make known to members, especially the alum-ni, inactive, and honorary, what the organization has been doing – in oth-er words, to bridge through information the member to her organization.

Fellow elites, you are reading the internal publication of the new The Sword. I hope you share the same excitement I and my board have for it.

Breathing politics,

edcel john a. ibarra Editor-in-Chief, The Sword 2014–15

From the Editor-in-Chief

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UP POLSCi’s Key Events

End-of-Semester Membership Status

Regular 59Active 55

Inactive 4New 11

Probationary 5Honorary 12

End-of-Semester Financial Status

Total income 42 600Total expenses 53 800

Current debt 11 200

Executive Committee 2014–15Evaluation Results (Overall)*

8.87 summer term8.14 first-half, first semester8.54 second-half, first semester

* The Sword asked for individual evaluation results (without the per-sonal comments). These are the only figures the Executive Committee could disclose.

UP POLSCi lives dreamin 11th year

Eleven-eleven

by edcel john a. ibarra

We dreamt, we lived, we dream again.With the theme “Live the Dream,” the UP Political Society (UP POLSCi) marked its 11th year of leadership, service, excellence, and politics, in a month-long celebration from August

24 to September 19.

“As we usher in a new decade, we shall continue to live the dream our founders had for UP POLSCi – an organization that challenges the status quo by being active and relevant in the study and practice of politics,” shared organi-zation president Allan Cairo Reyes. On the day of the anniversary itself, August 24, the organization feasted on pastas and pizzas, played party games, reunited with the alumni, and chit-

chatted with its adviser, Asst. Prof. Jan Robert Go, at Shakey’s Katipunan. Next, on August 29, UP POLSCi gave out free cotton candies at Palma Hall basement. On September 2, the organization an-nounced the anniversary celebration to the studentry with an exhibit at Palma Hall lobby. Later that day, the organi-zation hosted an inter-organization educational discussion on humanity in the internet age. Geographic Society UP

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(GSUP), UP Kalipunan para sa Agham Panlipunan at Pilosopiyang Pilipino (UP KAPPP), UP Kalipunan ng mga Mag-aaral ng Sosyolohiya (UP KMS), UP Philosophical Society (UP PhiloSoc), UP Samahan sa Agham Pampulitika (UP Sapul), and UP Sirkulo ng mga Kabata-ang Artista (UP Sikát) joined the event. On September 5, UP POLSCi orga-nized a “Grand Pakain” at ASCAL. The next day, September 6, it managed an

outreach program at Brgy. San Vicen-te, Quezon City. As the highlight, the organization donated a bookshelf, which members have constructed on the spot and on which children stamped their painted hands and doodled descriptions of their dreams. The anniversary celebrations con-cluded on September 19 in “Thou Shalt Vote,” a forum on electoral endorse-ment by religious organizations in

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the Philippines. Prof. Manuel Victor Sapitula of the Department of Sociol-ogy and Prof. Dennis Quilala of the Department of Political Science served as speakers. Excluding members, 60 students attended the forum, including those from Adamson University, Poly-technic University of the Philippines (PUP), and University of the East (UE). According to the evaluation, the topic was both interesting and timely, both the speakers and the emcees were effective, and overall, it was value-adding. However, the event scored relatively poor in the appropriateness of the venue. “The forum topic, speakers, and pub-licity were perfect; what I only failed to expect is the vibrant participation and genuine interest of the attendees to the extent that the venue almost failed to contain them,” shared Mr. Alphonse Samson, the project head. Overall, Pres. Reyes expressed, “Despite the mishaps, we were able to live up to the theme and execute the projects we have lined up for this year’s anniversary celebration.”

UP POLSCi began as UP Kalipunan para sa Agham Pampulitika (UP KMAP) in 2003, renamed to UP Ka-lipunan sa Agham Pampulitika (UP KASAPi) in early 2004, until finally, reborn as the Political Society in mid-2004. It upholds the six principles of progressive leadership, diversity in activism, academic excellence, crit-ical thinking, political awareness, and political involvement, which took form in the four pillars of leadership, service, excellence, and politics. The anniversary month celebrations were made possible in partnership with Grab Taxi, Kambal Pandesal, Books for a Cause, Play FM, Rappler, DZUP, ClickTheCity.com, and UP KAPPP.

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by joh n r e y c . a lv ior

High school students delved into the study of politics as they examined regionalism in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) through alternating talks and com-petitions in UP POLSCi’s Ped Xing VI, held on October 18 and 19 at the National College of Public Adminis-tration and Governance (NCPAG) and the School of Labor and Industrial Relations (SOLAIR) at UP Diliman. “The catch here is everything is done in a fun and lively fashion,” said Professor Robert Go, the orga-nization’s adviser, referring to Ped Xing V. But this year’s Ped Xing VI redefined the “fun and lively” when it incorporated the discussions with

essay writing, poster-making, a de-bate competition, and a quiz bee. Ped Xing: Politics 101 Camp is an annual educational camp geared to introduce high school students to appreciate politics and the disci-pline of political science. This year, Ped Xing VI: ASEAN and the Road Ahead tackled the issues and pros-pects of ASEAN Community 2015. Eight schools around Metro Manila sent their sets of campers to partake in a series of talks. Spectators from UP Los Baños also attended. Prof. Maria Anna Rowena Luz Layador of the Department of Political Science introduced students to ASEAN, its background and present structure, as well as the concept of regionalism.

Mr. Paul Raymund Cortes from the Department of Foreign Affairs

Office of ASEAN Affairs discussed how ASEAN and the Philippines

are interlinked, emphasizing

UP POLSCi goes ASEANin Ped Xing VI

our shared destiny with the region. Prof. Eduardo Tadem of the Asian Center rejected precisely this shared destiny in presenting the many chal-lenges that face regional integration. From the talks, the campers applied their insights through essay writing, poster-making, and debate contests. The Meridian International Learning Experience (MILE) bagged the gold medal in essay writing, while Judge Feliciano Belmonte High School in post-er-making. Meanwhile, Ateneo High School prevailed in the debates. Gather-ing the most points from the tourneys, MILE emerged as the victor school.

Apart from advancing the discipline of political science, Ped Xing VI also im-parted the principle of political aware-ness to its campers. “It’s not the end. Perhaps, it’s just beginning. It’s the start of the awareness and involvement in the development of one ASEAN Communi-ty,” shared Kelby Uy, head of the ad hoc Marketing Team, in his closing remarks. Ped Xing VI was made possible in partnership with the NCPAG Student Council, Magnolia Pancake Plus, Mag-nolia Brownie, and Kambal Pandesal, and in cooperation with Birkenstock, Dong-A, and Cha Dao, with media part-ners DZUP and WhenInManila.com.

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UP POLSCi prevails anewin Gabi ng ASEAN

Not once, but twice

by sh i el a m a r i e c . m a l a ba na n

Victory is sweeter the second time around. On September 26, the UP Polit-ical Society (UP POLSCi) defended its title as it once again bagged the cham-pionship in the Gabi ng ASEAN 2014 held at Palma Hall Lobby, UP Diliman. For this year’s competition, the UP Association of Political Science Majors (UP APSM) and the UP People-Ori-ented Leadership in the Interest of Community Awareness (UP POLITICA) joins UP POLSCi in representing the countries of Malaysia, Thailand, and Laos, respectively. UP APSM portrayed women empowerment in Malaysia, UP POLITICA depicted living as an LGBT in Thailand, and UP POLSCi acted the struggle for land in Laos. With the threefold criteria of food presentation, props and costumes, and socio-political relevance, UP

POLSCi emerged as the victor. Mi-nor awards were also given, with the “Best in Food Presentation” award to UP APSM and the “Best in Props and Costumes” to UP POLSCi. Prof. Maria Anna Rowena Luz Layador from the Department of Politi-cal Science, University Student Council Councilor Ms. Menchani Tilendo, and Mr. Bryle Leaño from the UP Reper-tory Company judged the event. Gabi ng ASEAN is an annual festivity of dances, songs, and food organized by the POLIS Core Group to showcase the diverse cultures in the region. Spearheaded by Political Science De-partment Representative Ms. Marielle Marcaida, it was made possible in partnership with UP APSM, UP PO-LITICA, UP POLSCi and UP Samahan sa Agham Pampulitika (UP SAPUL).

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UP POLSCi brings voter registration to Brgy. PinyahanReady for 2016

UP POLSCi brings voter registration to Brgy. Pinyahanby sh i el a m a r i e c . m a l a ba na n

In the effort to raise political aware-ness and involvement, the UP Political Society (UP POLSCi), in partnership with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), set up a voter registration satellite on June 6 and 8 at the barangay hall of Brgy. Pinyahan, Quezon City. The two-day event catered a to-tal of 829 residents of the barangay, 748 of which registered anew and 81 updated personal information. “We want to increase the num-ber of registered voters. [As in so-cial statistics], an increase in the sample size, increases the chances to have a significant difference,” said Kelby Uy, the project head. Members of the organization and barangay officials assisted residents to make sure they have the neces-sary requirements and have filled out their forms properly. Express lanes

were also established exclusively for persons with disabili-

ties, senior citizens, and pregnant registrants. COMELEC Resolu-tion No. 9853 provides that there should be at least one satellite registration for every

barangay in the country. Under the resolution, “satellite registration shall be conducted either in barangay halls, public or private schools, commercial establishments and other public places within the city or municipality.” The satellite in Brgy. Pinyahan pro-cessed the registration of new voters, reactivation of registration (for voters whose records were deactivated after skipping two successive preceding regular elections), transfer of registra-tion to another city or municipality, and correction of entries in voter records. Registration for the 2016 nation-al and local elections began last May 6 and will continue until Oct. 31, 2015. As prescribed by the law, COMELEC shall delist voters with-out biometrics for the 2016 polls. This project was made possible in partnership with Kambal Pandesal, Universal Robina Corporation, Pancit ni Mang Juan, Refresh Purified Water, Nissin Yakisoba, and in cooperation with Globe Telecom, with media part-ners DZUP and WhenInManila.com.

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UP POLSCi holds ACLEon sensationalism

Spectacle

by m a r k er n e st e . m a n da p

The UP Political Society (UP POLSCi) organized a panel discussion entitled “Breaking (Down the) News: Sensa-tionalism and Spectacles of Philippine Politics” as its Alternative Classroom Learning Experience (ACLE) on October 23 at Pillar Herrera Hall, UP Diliman. The organization invited three media experts to discuss the causes and effects of media sensationalism and its implications to Philippine politics. Prof. Perlita Frago–Marasigan of the Department of Political Science spoke on the role of the media in the political system. Prof. Maria Diosa Labiste of the Department of Journal-ism criticized media sensationalism using critical media theory. Lastly, Mr. Ryan Chua, reporter for ABS-CBN, shared his own experiences in the industry, emphasizing the positive

side of creating and sustaining hypes. An open forum followed the talks. Excluding the members, 31 students attended the ACLE. According to the evaluation, the topic was interesting and timely, the speakers were effective, and the event was value-adding. Howev-er, the delayed start of the program re-flected on the relatively poor evaluation for logistics. Attendees gave an average overall grade of 1.37 (UP grading scale). “It did well in its academic aspect/goal, but not so much in the organi-zational side of things,” observed Mr. Rodolfo Lahoy Jr., the project head. Every semester, UP POLSCi partici-pates in the University Student Coun-cil’s ACLE. The ACLE aims to share relevant information and promote edu-cation beyond required lectures within the four corners of the classrooms.

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11 new memsjoin UP POLSCi family

Look Up

by eu n ice m a l ayoDeputy for Membership

After three months of persisting through tasks and requirements for the application process, the UP Po-litical Society (UP POLSCi) inducted 11 new elites from Batch Watson on December 13 at Mang Jimmy’s Bar and Grill, Diliman, Quezon City. From the original 22 applicants, 11 made it through and 5 were placed on probation. The newly inducted mem-bers are Chrimuel Don Casilan, Herby Jireh Esmeralda, Kimberly Fernandez, Ellaine Gayya, Gabrielle Ivy Hernandez, Nina JC Zarene Javier, Fatima Lopez, Adrian Carlo Manlangit, Beatrice Maranon, Marqz Verone Olivar, and their batch head, Renz Pasigpasigan.

This semester’s application process is themed “Up” (from the animated film), which is in line with this year’s anniversary theme, “Live the Dream.” It highlights the journey and adven-ture UP POLSCi has in store for them towards reaching their dream. “UP POLSCi’s application process taught me a lot of things such as giving my best in everything I do, and made me realize that living my dream will never be impossible if I put my heart into doing it. I thank UP POLSCi for giving me one of my best college experiences,” shared Ellaine Gayya, this semester’s best applicant.

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Meet the New Members

R E N Z PA S I G PA S I G A N , Batch HeadSumasayaw ako at marunong akong mag-split.

Mahilig akong kumausap ng hindi ko kilala.

Favorite cartoon character ko si Spongebob Square-pants.

K I N N O C A S I L A N“Chrimuel Don” ang totoo kong first name and wala akong kapangalan sa buong mundo.

Dream school ko talaga Ateneo pero UP lang afford ko.

NGSB coz I’m contented with my family’s love and affection for me.

H E R B Y E S M E R A L DA“Harukist” ako kahit wala akong hard copy ng mga libro niya dahil ang mahal.

“Jireh” talaga ang tawag sa‘kin at pinalitan ko lang ng “Herby” para lumikha ng bagong katauhan.

Mahilig akong manood ng mga indie films.

K I M F E R N A N D E ZMahal ko lahat ng animals maliban sa palaka.

Hindi ako nakakatagal ng few hours nang hindi kumakanta.

Pangarap ko maging vegetarian at makapag-pose for PETA.

E L L A I N E G AY YA

Inuulam ko ‘yong Milo powder.

Only child ako.

Hindi ko kinakain ‘yong chicken ‘pag hindi leg part.

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Batch Watson

E L L E H E R N A N D E ZNoong fourth year high school ako, nadulas ako sa harapan mismo ng crush ko.

Kung hindi ako nag-aaral ng Political Science ngayon, most likely Architecture and kinukuha ko.

Takot ako sa butiki.

J AC E Y J AV I E RBiggest fear ko ay loss of happiness.

I like observing people. I make it a habit to try to learn other people too.

I love movies and books. I just like seeing things in other people’s perspectives para maiba naman.

FAT S L O P E ZI have two guitars named Bobby and Hans Solo.

I’m a pizza lover.

Forever peg ko ang weirdo kasi weirdo rin ako.

A D R I A N M A N L A N G I THate ko ang mayonnaise at mashed potato.

Hindi ako marunong magsaing.

Umiinom ako ng suka.

B E A M A R A N O NParang wig ang buhok ko.

Super ayaw ko ng mayonnaise.

May 1500+ songs sa SD card ko at 20% doon ay kay Taylor Swift.

V E R O N E O L I VA RSi Max Irons ang ultimate crush at idol ko.

Favorite ko ang caramel at vanilla.

Hindi pa ako nakaksakay sa kahit anong tren ng Pilipinas, LRT/MRT man o PNR.

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UP POLSCi’s Best MembersFirst Half, First Semester

Florence CereraInternals

Jeanne RodernoFinance and Logistics

Isah LiliaMembership

Shiela MalabananMembership

Carissa GuintoMembership

John Rey AlviorDocumentation

Carol OcampoExternals

Alphonse SamsonEducation, Researchand Training

Kathleen BabasaPublicityand Publications

BY C OMMI T T EE

isah lilia shiela malabanancarissa guinto

OV ER ALL

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Second Half, First Semester

isah lilia alphonse samsonedcel ibarra

OV ER ALL

Regina BagaforoInternals

Bea De LeonFinance and Logistics

Isah LiliaMembership

John Rey AlviorDocumentation

Berlyn DayacapExternals

Alphonse SamsonEducation, Researchand Training

Edcel IbarraPublicityand Publications

BY C OMMI T T EE

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UP POLSCi’s Best Members

From the AdviserCongratulations for another successful semes-ter of the UP Political Society. This semester has been challenging for all as we adjust with the schedules and demands of the new academic calendar. Based on the number and quality of activities the organisation has both in and out of the university, I am proud to say that UP POLSCi remains to be the most active and productive ac-ademic organisation of political science majors. Continue breathing politics. Continue living the dream. Mabuhay!

jan robert r. goAssistant Professor

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Partners

Refresh

Sa kaarawan ni ate gurl, binigyan dawchi siya ng isaching portrait na iginuhit – ay, guhit! – ni Mr. Dakilang Loverboy na kay tigang, este tagal, nang nalilinkechu kay gurlaloo. Bagay daw silachi, pero abangan!

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Itong si ate wala raw balak ipaalam kay Prof. Pol Sci na crushie niya itechi, pero nadulas ang dila ng friend ni girl sa pagsub… este pagsabi. Aksidenteng naging confessor at nabanggit danggit sa friend ni professor. Dios mio! I bet alam ‘to ni Profie!

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Hindi lang pala guwapings ang type ng mga chix ngayon, dahil ayon sa nasagap ng radar, may humigit-kumulang dalawa na ang nababaliw sa pinakamagandang waterbender sa balat ng lupa. Nalilito at napapaalon niyang talaga ang mga sus… este puso ng mga dalaga.

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Chikaloka!mga bl i n d i t e mn i ch i x m a x i mo