1

The Bedan * The Bedan Lamp * The Bedan Herald ‘Sang Bedista
 2
The launching of this publi-
cation is not just timely but also
symbolic.
‘SangBedista reflects the aspi-
rations of the three San Beda
campuses (Alabang, Mendiola,
and Taytay). It signifies the
three schools’ aim of uniting
Bedans not just through connec-
tions or acquaintances but above
all through fostering genuine
camaraderie, fraternity, and
unity.
After all what binds these
three campuses is their common
and much-valued Bedan Iden-
tity— an identity that Alabang,
Mendiola, and Taytay Bedans
should defend, preserve and
uphold from any threats of de-
terioration, destruction, and ex-
tinction.
May this publication be a start
of something better for this
institution.The proponents of
this project have the best of in-
terests for the school and this is
their way of showing that some-
how, there is light amidst the
darkness. A small, yet powerful
glimmer of hope is we need.
We are a breed of lions bound
by one name: San Beda. This
publication aims to strengthen
that bind and make it not just
by name but, more importantly,
by reality.
So fellow Bedan, smile. After
all, we are One San Beda!
Animo, San Beda!
Emmanuel Mangahas
The Bedan
‘Sang Bedista
Photo Credit: The Bedan Photo Archives
About the Cover
Darkness, they say, is the absence of light. Thus, in this time of
confusion, chaos, and demise, we, student leaders of San Beda unite
with the goal of shedding some light. Hopefully, with this effort to reach
out to the Bedan community, we might be able to look together to a
brighter future as a unified San Beda.
About the Logo
The logo is composed of four elements that echo the veracity of an existing
consciousness: the drummer boy, closed fist, red feather and round knot.
The drummer boy symbolizes the voice of all Bedans with the closed fist behind
it to signify and encourage action for this voice to be put into actuality. The red
feather signals the dawn of a journalistic advocacy that emphasizes students’
rights and welfare while the round knot signifies the continuity of struggle and unity
among the three student publications to fight for their advocacies.
Logo artwork by :Daniel Lakan Cailao and Danico Adoremos
Ian John Palma Emmanuel James Mangahas Jaynie Cabrera
(The Bedan Herald) (The Bedan)
Editors in Chief
(The Bedan Lamp)
Associate Editors: Carlo Benedict B. Sison (The Bedan) Juan Horacio Gonzalez (The Bedan Herald) Managing
Editors: Ramon E. King III (The Bedan) Margaux Monteiro (The Bedan Herald) News Editors: Bryan M. Balco
(The Bedan) Patrick Philip A Reavey (The Bedan Lamp) Abilene Eden Rovero (The Bedan Herald) Features
Editors: Miguel Ebarvia III (The Bedan) Angela Marie V Castillo (The Bedan Lamp) Charles Aames Bautista (The
Bedan Herald) Cultures Editor: Eunice Carmela Ariate (The Bedan) Sports Editors: Jameel Joshua Pielago
(The Bedan) Migo Limos (The Bedan Herald) Creative Editor: Mark Dela Cruz (The Bedan Herald) MANAGERIAL
STAFF Business Managers: Mia Caluttung (The Bedan) Carmina Fruto (The Bedan Herald) HR Managers:
Leonard Pua (The Bedan) Martina Apines (The Bedan Herald) Office Managers: Jacqueline Anne Chua (The
Bedan) Von Reinhart Gaa (The Bedan Herald) Circulations Manager: Timothy Fino (The Bedan) Senior Staff
A unified Patricia Rea Cadaoas, Mona Katherine Felicidad San Juan (The Bedan) Junior Staff Marc Israel Castro, Juan
Ramon Galicia, Loise Laine Limos, Marjerie Ann Ramos (The Bedan) Adriano Pakingan, Karina Krisha Eustaquio,
publication of Ursula Amparo Patricia Lindo, Krizzia Isabel Ranada, Ma Sheila Grace Hora, Vina Kathleen Tanhueco (The Bedan
The Bedan, The Lamp) Mary Rose Gonzales, Kim Refuerzo, Elaisha Araojo (The Bedan Herald) Circulations: Crystal Eduardo,
Andre Lotuaco, Randolph Artita, Ronald Pasamba (The Bedan Herald) TECHNICAL STAFF Editorial Cartoonists:
Bedan Lamp, Ralph Rudolph Adelino, Christian Villanueva (The Bedan) Philip Gungab, Kim Abitria (The Bedan Lamp) Senior
Artist: Russell Lubo (The Bedan Lamp) Graphic Artist: John Michael Benedict Leal (The Bedan Lamp) Layout
and The Bedan Artists: Willie Reyes Jr. (The Bedan) Lorenz Roi Morales, Reinier Matignas (The Bedan Herald) Photographers:
Herald. Danna Katrina Lim, Stephen Russel Keith Valera (The Bedan) Ainna Fadul, Angeline De Chavez, Nico Del
Rosario, Hazel Galvez, Vianca Argana (The Bedan Herald) Correspondents: Ribomapil Yuvienco, Don
Bambino Geno Tai, Daniel Lakan Cailao (The Bedan Lamp) Researchers: Dean Airo Dancel, Sairah Velasco,
Rex Cabugon, Dhie Sbaiz, Marianne Nerva, Ernanie Gonzales (The Bedan Herald)
The Bedan * The Bedan Lamp * The Bedan Herald
FOREWORD 3

The Writer
is Mightier
than

Photo Credit: The Bedan Photo Archives

the
Pen
E VERYBODY knows the
cliché ‘the pen is mightier than
the sword.’ It has been used throughout time
as the ultimate reminder of the inherent role of the
press as the watchdog of those in power and the society
in general. History has proven that the pen is more effective in com-
bating oppression by governments and when utilized properly, instigates change.
However, the pen is a mere tool of the person behind it. It is but a symbol of how powerful a person’s
thought and initiative can be. The pen is but an avenue used by the writer to express sentiments and
takes on certain issues. The real power lies not on the tool, but on the person handling the pen. The real
power lies on the writer.
A writer alone can influence many to his cause, what more a group of writers united by one name,
advocating one principle. As such, we are Bedan writers, writing for our fellow Bedans, promoting
unity and celebrating diversity.
Time and again, it has been the student-writers who stood as catalysts of change in the school setting.
As a matter of fact, student press in the Philippines came to its peak during the troubling times of
Martial Law. Since then, the student press have been strengthened and solidified; their roles as watch-
dogs of power and protector of student rights, well defined.
But in times of need, the student press is not alone. For student governments also defend student
rights, though in a different way. In rare, but worthwhile instances these two vanguards of student
welfare unite to fight a greater threat in the society or community where they exist. And thus is our
purpose. We unite to show that the force of the oppressed many can stand against the powerful few.
We unite to show the entire Bedan community that we are one, not just in name, but in action. We unite
because we want the rest of the studentry to emulate our efforts. We unite to set a standard of excel-
lence for this generation and those to come. Three student governments, three student publications;
united in one call towards one community.
We unite because after all, we are One San Beda. ‘SangBedista.

The Bedan * The Bedan Lamp * The Bedan Herald ‘Sang Bedista
 4 NEWS

Three is One
Emmanuel Mangahas

THREE colleges. Three publications. One San Beda.

Leaders from the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS - M),
College of Nursing (CON) from Mendiola, and College of Arts
and Sciences – Alabang (CAS – A) unite to promote and foster
a greater sense of camaraderie and brotherhood as one Bedan
community as they launched ‘One San Beda’ last November
21 at San Beda College – Alabang.
Spearheading the project are student council presidents
Janking Suravilla (CAS-M), Darren Mangado (CON), Ron
Ehmer Pagiuo (CAS-A) and editors-in-chief Emmanuel
Mangahas (The Bedan, CAS-M), Jaynie Cabrera (The Bedan
Lamp, CON), and Ian Palma (The Bedan Herald, CAS-A).
The event featured the reading and signing of the One San
Beda declaration and the distribution of ‘SangBedista, the uni-
fied publication of The Bedan, The Bedan Lamp, and The Bedan
Herald.
The collaborative effort of these student leaders represents a
very powerful force in the student body of the Mendiola and
Alabang schools and aims to promote ‘unity in diversity’ in
both campuses.
“The community has just arrived at the point where the
studentry has to meet at center stage order to consolidate the
efforts of everyone to start a culture of unity in diversity be-
tween the two campuses,” Paguio said.
Further, Suravilla recognized the significance of the event in
the ultimate goal of achieving a Bedan solidarity.
“To realize the spirit of genuine Bedan solidarity not just in
the Red Lions games but also in upholding the quest for truth
and students’ rights as well as to remember that there is a
cause to which we have to commit ourselves,” he ended.
Former Mendiola rector and current Alabang rector Fr.
Anscar J. Chupungco, OSB delivered the closing remarks dur-
ing the program.

‘Sang Bedista The Bedan * The Bedan Lamp * The Bedan Herald
 NEWS 5

SBC-A organizes
liturgical lecture
series Bryan Balco
KEEPING the spirit of the Liturgy alive.
San Beda College - Alabang (SBC-A), in
cooperation with the Ministry for Liturgi-
cal Affairs (MLA) of the Archdiocese of
Manila, is currently conducting a series
of Christian Formation Lectures on vari-
ous liturgical topics that will last until
March next year.
According to the Roman Catholic
Photo Credit: The Bedan Photo Archives
focused on the Blessed Virgin Mary and her
importance and significance in Christian
worship while the second lecture conducted
last October centered on todos los santos,
which is associated with Christian Filipino’s
colorful and yet simple commemoration of
their departed loved ones.
Among those who served as speakers for

Archdiocese of Manila (RCAM) website,
the series of lectures on various liturgi-
cal topics was organized in line with the
Church’s mission “to deepen the forma-
tion of Catholics and to expand their
knowledge of the faith especially those
aspects that pertain to devotion and wor-
ship.”
Presently, the SBCA and MLA-backed spiri-
tual initiative has successfully conducted two
Christian Formation Lectures at the San Beda
Chapel in Alabang Hills Village and San
Carlos Seminary in Makati last Septem-
ber and October, respectively.
The first lecture held last September
the two lectures were world renowned lit-
urgist Rev. Fr. Anscar J. Chupungco, OSB,
rector of SBCA and former president of the
Pontifical Liturgical Institute in Rome, Fr.
Genaro O. Diwa, minister for liturgical af-
fairs of the RCAM, and Fr. Gil Hernandez.
The SBCA and the MLA is set to organize
more meaningful and solemn activities such
as advent recollections (for this coming
Yuletide season), a lecture series on the es-
sence of the Sto. Nino to Filipino spiritual-
ity and a Lenten recollection, both of which
will be held next year.

SBC Alabang College of Law

pushing for autonomy
Charles Bautista
San Beda College - Alabang College of Law (SBC-A COL) is soon going independent from San Beda Mendiola College of Law.
The SBC-A COL is prima- Higher Education Institu- the discrepancy in the ar- the CHED approval by the
rily an extension of the COL tions], the Alabang COL re- ticle of incorporation which end of this academic year
of San Beda College mains an annex rather than lacks detail on the forma- and the SBC-A COL will be
Mendiola instituted last an intended autonomous tion of the Alabang COL. on its own by the next.”
Academic Year 2004-2005. department. Ms. Geraldine “Now, since the morato- The Rector-President also
“ T h e S B C -A C O L w a s i n - Baricaua, Dean and Vice- rium was lifted, we are said that both the COL of
tended to be an indepen- President of the SBC pushing for the Alabang Mendiola and Alabang are
dent college but because of Alabang, said that they are COL charter to CHED,” in support of this separa-
a Commission on Higher hopeful and confident that Rector-President, Fr. tion. A referendum was re-
Education (CHED) morato- the separation will push Anscar Chupungco, OSB leased to the Alabang COL
rium [CO 28, s. 1998: Mora- through by the next aca- shares. He continues, and eighty percent (160 law
torium on the Opening of demic year. “There is no definite date students) of respondents
New Courses Pending the The only set back the au- for the separation yet. voted in favor of the au-
Results of Inspections of tonomy faces right now is Hopefully, we would get tonomy.
The Bedan * The Bedan Lamp * The Bedan Herald ‘Sang Bedista
 Bedan Nursing
6 FEATURES

Re-introduced
Re-introduced
Patrick Philip A. Reavey

A law and business school with

a nursing program is something
Photo Credit: The Bedan Lamp Photo Archives

indifferent and even preposter-

ous to hear, but the boom of the
nursing market paved way for
its actuality that even other ter-
tiary institutions ventured into
offering the program. Now you
won’t be surprised to hear that
an engineering or even an IT school
offering the program.

‘Sang Bedista The Bedan * The Bedan Lamp * The Bedan Herald
FEATURES 7

Their reasons no matter how was not yet ready for such im- goal of CON.
they put is obvious – joining mediate “transmogrification.” This is CON but as a student
the bandwagon. Nursing is a The Third floor of the St taking up BS Nursing is yet an-
sure market that would guar- Benedict’s building was used to other story.
antee the school its financial house the first batch and it was It is as a premise an inebri-
subsistence for the next ten to only in AY 2004-2005 that the ated course but despite being
twenty years. Again, the per- College provided CON with its busied, its students are still able
petual issue of commercializ- own building. Roster of faculty to find time to join different
ing education is at play. was mostly composed of part stunizations such as Bedan
Nightingale and Health Stu-
dents’ Action were propagated
Along with the opening of the two new colleges is the to further student development
in and outside campus. Special
transition of the SBC from all-boys to co-educational
interest organizations such as
which triggered a lot of controversy since it signaled a Nursing Choir, Likhaang
radical change of a Bedan identity from its curricu- Bedista (for visual arts), Musi-
cians’ Circle and Dance Troupe
lum to student culture.
were also given priority to aug-
ment and provide an avenue
But there were still other time while some professors to develop the passion of every

Photo Credit: The Bedan Lamp Photo Archives

schools that propagated this from the CAS teach minor student likewise with Nursing
program purely for principled subjects.The CON administra- Debate Society and Scholars’
and compassionate academic tion kept its dedication and per- Guild. CON also have one of
purposes that at the same time severance through the years. the most dynamic Nursing stu-
advocates for quality health Those who attested these dent publication, The Bedan
care services to the people. San birth pains if asked to describe Lamp with its guiding principle
Beda College is one of those would say that CON really of Lumen, Pietas, Veritas (Light,
schools who remained firm started from nothing not even Compassion, Truth) and lives
with its mission of providing from scratches. up to its allegiance of deliver-
excellent tertiary education Now, it can be said that CON ing relevant news and stories,
even with its expansion to flourished. It was recognized “ We
medical and health services. by CHED as the 6th best Nurs-
The College of Nursing ing school in NCR last year
(CON) was conceived last 2003, which could be trans-
an academic year after the open- lated that CON is al-
ing of College of Medicine in most at par with
consortium with the Loyola nursing institu-
Medical College Foundation tions such as Uni-
headed at that time by Dr versity of the
Johnny Fong with Tessie da Philippines,
Jose, RN, MAN as its first and Manila and
current dean. University
Along with the opening of of Sto
the two new colleges is the tran- Tomas
sition of the SBC from all-boys with an
to co-educational which trig- average
gered a lot of controversy since of 88 per
it signaled a radical change of a c e n t
Bedan identity from its curricu- board
lum to student culture. passing
The stigma of the nursing rate with
profession by itself evoked an P e a r l
internal disparity among Martinez
Bedans which was somehow ranking
translated into a silent discrimi- 8th. Excel-
nation felt every time someone lence cul-
wearing a white uniform tivated
passes through the corridors of w i t h
the campus. We cannot, how- compas-
ever blame the students since sion is the
both the College and its culture ultimate

The Bedan * The Bedan Lamp * The Bedan Herald ‘Sang Bedista
write for the people. We are not
here for any personal inter-
 8 FEATURES

The Tale of
Two Brothers
John Gonzalez and Jaynie Cabrera

T HE ties that bind siblings

together spans more than
mere blood. Such things
come from a legacy found
within a name, but more than
mere letters strung together to
form a sound that resonates as
a name, kinship is one of
Photo Credit: The Bedan Photo Archives

spirit. In talking of siblings,

the San Beda educational sys-
tem has sired two institutions,
each unique and having its
own sense of self and while
initially separated by dint of
circumstance and location,
both are equally Bedan.

‘Sang Bedista The Bedan * The Bedan Lamp * The Bedan Herald
 FEATURES
The San Beda Legacy
The story began at the population up-
surge that occurred at the beginning of the
20th century. Benedictine monks embarked
on a journey to spread their culture and tra-
dition from Subiaco, Italy to the far corners
of the world. Their journey led them to the
s
far shores of the Philippines some 105 years
ago. Upon realizing the ever-growing need
for education, the Benedictine monks estab-
lished San Beda College then known as El
Colegio de San Beda, at that time an all-boys
school, which later blossomed into an in-
stitution rich in tradition and culture. Situ-
ated at the very heart of Manila and mere
yards from the MalacaHang, the seat of
power in the Philippines, the institution has
weathered the depredations of a world war,
mass protests, and natural calamities but
despite it all, the college continues to stand
proud and strong. The venerable tradition
the San Beda College embodies was re-
cently given a new direction for the future
as the institution opened itself to young
women (2003) making Benedictine educa-
tion truly available to all.
A Differing View on Education
During the 70’s, San Beda’s influence spilt
over, giving birth to a younger institution
that is San Beda College - Alabang. During
the rage and restiveness of the early 70’s,
the monks of the Abbey of our Lady of
Montserrat decided to embark on a venture
of establishing a school in a more tranquil
environment. The Benedictine monks,
hence, pushed forward a plan of building a
new school with the concept of open and
informal primary education and thus giv-
ing birth to the Benedictine Abbey School.
During 1996, the St. Benedict College’s
humble beginnings emphasized individu-
alism since it was planned and operated by
the Abbey and not by San Beda College.
The two may be different in form and struc-
ture then, nevertheless from the very be-
ginning, they are perfectly related to one
another in substance and soul.
Not to say that Mendiola became envi-
ous, but as Alabang grew more and more
distant so did the friction and tension. No-
body wants competition especially in the
family but everything happens for a rea-
son.
Brothers can go by different names,
names that would set them apart from each
other. It gives them baselines to pursue their
own identities. At times they might
squabble, besting each other to prove both
mettle and prowess, yet both, in the end
will come home to a single abode.
Such is the tale of San Beda and his two
The Bedan * The Bedan Lamp * The Bedan Herald
9
“So who are the Bedans? Who are from Alabang and who are from
Mendiola? Well, it doesn’t really matter for a Bedan, wherever he or she
hails from, is a person of honor and integrity. A person who stretches the
bounds, daring, bold and proud like the Lions they should be. And as
Lions, all are brothers and sisters under one family, one spirit, one pride.”
children, San Beda - Mendiola and San Beda
- Alabang. One won’t fail to notice these
majestic campuses, strategically located
across the National Capital Region. The lat-
ter is nestled in the south, providing a some-
what placid sense of ambiance. The sheer
face of its front wall with the emblazoned
golden Lion on it is enough for a person to
get a very bold impression from this grand
school, a school where young men and
women are trained to become the servant
leaders of tomorrow. Indeed, San Beda
Alabang is a full-fledged brother to its se-
nior, San Beda Mendiola.
A younger brother could occasionally
look up to his elder, but the younger can
either be too strong or too weak. San Beda
Alabang didn’t have that option, for it as-
serted its lion share to greatness. Undeni-
ably, it is one of the premier learning insti-
tutions in Southern Manila.
The brothers truly are taking different
paths. But when will these paths cross?
At the end of the day, these brother
schools are united by the one unifying spirit
of St. Benedict. And in this one spirit, may
the differences of Bedans be purged. But
sometimes there are still these feelings of
arrogant disparity of egos. These feelings
are so unbecoming of Bedans, truly the con-
trary of the message that they have been
singing in their school hymn.
So who are the Bedans? Who are from
Alabang and who are from Mendiola? Well,
it doesn’t really matter for a Bedan, wher-
ever he or she hails from, is a person of
honor and integrity. A person who stretches
the bounds, daring, bold and proud like the
Lions they should be. And as Lions, all are
brothers and sisters under one family, one
spirit, one pride.
All Roads Lead To One Source
Different names, different places, same
school – San Beda - Mendiola and San Beda
–Alabang; from brothers to competitors
and from competitors to brothers. One
school, one community, one family.
Like one family, the Tale of Two Broth-
ers will continue its journey towards a
united Bedans. It might not happen now but
sooner it will. This paper will echo that ide-
alism.
‘Sang Bedista
 10 NEWS

Fr. De Jesus
proclaimed
21 Rector
st
Carlo Benedict Sison

THE new custodian takes charge.

Reverend Fr. Mateo De Jesus, OSB was formally installed as the
new rector-president of San Beda College in a festive ceremony
at the Abbey of Our Lady of Montserrat last July 16.
During the investiture rites, Abbot-Chancellor Rt. Rev.
Tarcisio Ma. Narciso entrusted the college mace and the
rector-president’s medallion to symbolize the authority
vested to Fr. De Jesus as rector of the college.
In his inaugural address, Fr. De Jesus emphasized on
the importance of cooperation among the Bedan com-
munity in achieving excellence.
“True strength derives from the extent to which
all members of the community share common
hopes and goals and are willing to commit them-
selves to achievement,” Fr. Mateo said.

Photo Credit: The Bedan Photo Archives

Also, during his speech, Fr. De Jesus expressed
his intention to engage in a dialogue with
former College of Law professors who re-
signed from San Beda in 2006 as a sign of
protest to their Dean who opted to retain
two failing students despite their opposition.
He called on them to “sit down on the
table of reconciliation” and discuss the is-
sue again.
Prominent guests who attended the
event were Bedan alumnus and PLDT chair-
man Dr. Manuel V. Pangilinan and Dr.
Patricia Watkins, vice-president for Inter-
national Programs at the University of the
Incarnate Word, USA., of which Fr. De Jesus
is an alumnus.

‘Sang Bedista The Bedan * The Bedan Lamp * The Bedan Herald
NEWS
One School,
One Squad
Ian John Palma
MENDIOLA and Alabang cheering squads reinforce ties as they
collaborate to promote and unite the Bedan spirit in both cam-
puses.
“It started during the 82 nd With the help of the alumni, San
NCAA Season when the San Beda Mendiola and Alabang
Beda Cheerleading Association fired up the crowd in the half-
(SBCA) did a halftime perfor- time show of the 2nd round game
mance with San Beda between the
Alabang high school Mapua Cardi-
Cheering Varsity,” EJ nals and our
Mangahas, former very own
Chief Cheer- San Beda
leader of SBCA, Red Lions.
narrates. W h e n
asked of the
rationale be-
hind this
move, the
former Chieftain
replied, “I believe
that the people from
Alabang also deserve to have a
taste of the Mendiola culture,
which is apparent in the NCAA
games.”
This year, NCAA season 83,
suspension from a halftime per-
...from page 13. ideals and virtues. You neither burn nor
spirit that the Bedan had its root over the scratch your family photo album
years. whether its presentation of photos and
In looking back to the years when the memories are good or bad.
Bedan had its beginnings, we come to We Celebrate. The years of Fr.
discern the spirit that governs the course Axtman as the college rector were the
of our history as Bedans, as a commu- most celebrated moment of San Beda.
nity, and as a human institution that Former Bedans acclaim his term as the
we should always commit ourselves in years of Liberalism in San Beda. This is
shedding lights of hope and truth espe- the time when Fr. Axtman put up the
cially when these lights are vanishing fire of democracy and liberalism in the
away from us. Fortunately, we had a college as part of his vision and mission
man of resilient vision and passion for as rector of San Beda. The The Bedan
solidarity and goodwill for our institu- was his living legacy of his vision for the
tion and for the students who had college. Before the war, the college only
paved the way to safeguard our future had 500 students by the time he set
against those who will invent a new foot as rector, and it surprisingly in-
identity for San Beda. the Bedan is our creased to 2000 students after his term
book of history, and any attempt to as rector. Among his visions is to im-
stifle it perpetrate a sin of robbing us of part the love for the country and the
our sense of historicity. This also perpe- love for God. Thus, he translated this
trates the cardinal sin against the spirit into a dictum, “develop our youth as
of Bedan solidarity wherein students, democrats, in the ways of democracy”.
Furthermore, he advocated that the
faculties, administrators, and monks
work together in the fulfillment of Bedan product of San Beda should become
The Bedan * The Bedan Lamp * The Bedan Herald
formance did not deter both
cheering squads once again to
showcase their unity. By request
of the SBCA, reinforcements
from Bataleon de Leon Rojo
Alabang went to the Big Dome
to provide additional arsenal in
leading the cheers to a back to
back title of the Red Lions.
The alliance did not end there.
A week following San Beda’s
Championship victory, SBCA
returned the favor. SBCA cheer-
leaders and drummers paid a
visit to the Alabang campus in
support of the September 28 Pep
Rally held at the SBC Alabang
gym. The high school and col-
lege departments cheered in
thinking Bedans wherein they should
embody what they think that is why he
put up The Bedan, to germinate think-
ing Bedans. Fr. Axtman said, “We try
to equip our people with the ability to
think and to act as they think.” This
uniquely characterized Bedans from
other students during his time.
During one of his birthdays as rector
of San Beda, he told the students, who
rendered him a celebration, “Rectors
may come and go, but you go on for-
ever. This day should be yours, not mine.
You form the school. You are the school.
I am merely your Rector. The school is
far more important. This day shouldn’t
be Rector’s day. It should be the college
day.” San Beda College was not only
about the monks. San Beda significantly
refers to the students as the most im-
portant component of the college.
Every history has its own ups and
downs, a sinusoidal effect. We may
consider the present situation of The
Bedan as the down moment of its exist-
11
unison to send off their athletes
to the NCAA South and various
athletic tournaments.
There’s no stopping the
squads now as they continue to
forge the bond evident in the
integrated trainings they’ve had
and have planned for this year.
Stephen Gepaya of the Bataleon
de Leon Rojo shares, “It’s a great
experience for the Bataleon to
train with SBCA and learn all
the traditional cheers. We shall
continue collaboration and in
helping each other out in the
coming years. After all, we share
one tradition — the Bedan tra-
dition. One school, one squad!”
ence as a school publication at San Beda
College-ironically, at its 65th year of es-
tablishment. However, we must not suf-
fer in amnesia so that the light of hope
shall soon dawn upon us. With all these
unbearable challenges in the institutions
of the student publication and of the
student council, let us look back and
understand the history of San Beda Col-
lege, and we will begin to see the name
it created in the whole Benedictine Con-
gregation and to our society as a whole.
Hopefully, we all find the essential les-
sons from it so that we’ll start to work
and renew the strength of the Bedan
spirit, the love for one another and the
consistent commitment for solidarity.
In a unified alliance for truth, for San
Beda, and for God, we will be able to
live by our mark as true Bedan com-
munity. Let us not lose sight of the
promise land my fellow Bedans!
Janking is the president of the
Mendiola CAS student council
‘Sang Bedista
 12 NEWS

Center for

Photo Credit: The Bedan Photo Archives

Performing Arts
Jose Miguel Limos
COLLEGES these days are looking at education with a more holis-
tic view to learning. Some of these institutions offer courses spe-
cialized in entrepreneurship, culinary arts, and the science of pro-
fessional printing to name a few, but few offer specializations in
the performing arts.
San Beda College - Alabang of SBCA, members of the Bedan
(SBC-A) is one of the few. community, and outsiders.
SBC-A will open its Center for The center is a separate depart- center. If Filipino artists in the past
Performing Arts at the start of ment from the College, High Why opt in establishing a cen- were left with very little oppor-
academic year 2008 – 2009 to stu- school, and Grade school depart- ter for performing arts? tunity to practice their craft in a
dents who desire to develop ments of SBCA and is directly Major television networks for school setting because there was
their skills in Music, Theatre, and under the office of the rector years have been giving work- no school or center to go to, now
Dance, where each individual can with Ms. Joyce Patricia shops on the arts, and they in- it is different. With this Center
focus on singing, dancing, or act- Montelibano – Aquino as its deed produced celebrities with for Performing Arts of SBCA,
ing as their chosen careers. standing administrator. world-class talent. there is hope for our country to
Though the center will offi- A theatre that could accommo- The purpose of having highly produce another Lea Salonga,
cially open in June of next year, date 1,000 people will be built specialized centers of learning is Monique Wilson, or Basil
workshops will be offered for on a vacant lot inside SBC-A to to make students who are gifted Valdez, and to show the world
crash-courses in acting, singing, provide proper means of output in the performing arts reach their that Bedans are truly world-class
and dance to interested students of talent and performance for the maximum potential. performers.

SIFE gain global recognition

Photo Credit: The Bedan Photo Archives

Danna Katrina Lim
LAST October 10 to 12, the San Beda Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) team led
by captain Jikkie Lee (4th year Legal Management), Patricia Salang (4th year
International Business and Entrepreneurial Management), Joshua Dino (3rd year
International Business and Entrepreneurial Management) Kester Watt Sarmiento
(2nd year Accountancy), and Iris Soria (College of Nursing) represented San
Beda and the country in the recently concluded SIFE World Cup 2007 in New
York, USA.
At random, the 45 partici- project presented. It is our gift for students, San
pating countries were desig- San Beda and for our country. It Beda College
nated into eight (8) different is a collective effort and we really Alumni Asso-
leagues that competed with worked hard for it,” said Lee. c i a t i o n ,
each other. San Beda SIFE On one hand, the team does CyberCity Teleservices, Pagsanjan in the province of
competed with five (5) other not claim only their victory Mayor Jeorge ER Ejercito Laguna, that uses indigenous
countries: Brazil, Egypt, to themselves but also to the Estregan, the Local Govern- ingredient such as tomatoes;
Ukraine, Albania and people who have helped them ment Unit of Pagsanjan, Fr. the Tomato Prunes.
Tajikistan. in formulating devices to Francisco Mendoza, Fr. Ed Af- Bedan SIFERS adopted the
Philippines’ bet was able make their products better. rica, Fr. Basil, Rev. Fr. Mateo said world-class tourist desti-
to grab both the SIFE Spirit Among them were Dr. James de Jesus, OSB, SIFE Business nation of which the main
award and 3 rd place in Loreto Piscos, Prof. Malu Advisory Board, San Beda Stu- source of income is being a
League 7, the latter being the Jimenez, Prof. Lester Toribio, dent Council, and the SIFE ‘bangkero’ or boatman. They
highest group award given Prof. Albert Oasan, Dean Philippines. prepared for the project 18
in each league. Tessie Da Jose, Prof. Raymond The team focused on enhanc- months before heading to the
“We are really blessed to get Abrea, Prof. Eric Pasquin, Prof. ing eco-tourism and likewise Big Apple this year and to date
the SIFE SPIRIT award. The Eunice Mareth Areola, introduced a unique and alter- the team is still on the process
award represents team work Cedrick Navarro, the SIFE of- native livelihood program to of enhancing the product more
and over-all impact on the ficers, SIFE volunteers, NSTP the community settlers of and continuing their study.

‘Sang Bedista The Bedan * The Bedan Lamp * The Bedan Herald
 OPINION
Shedding Light
“Doubt is the beginning of wisdom.”
-Socrates
In the past couple of months the
College of Arts and Sciences has
been the center of controversy sur-
rounding the policies implemented
by the new administration. Many
criticize the administration’s new
policies as anti-student and oppres-
sive. On the other hand, the admin-
istration has blamed the student
council for apparently turning the
studentry into one uncontrollable
mob.
The students rallied for their rights
while the administration tried their
very best to silence these deafen-
ing calls for change. In a more subtle
way, the some elders have also ex-
pressed their disagreements with
the current leadership. We know
that some unpopular policies have
been implemented that affects the
employees, the faculty, and even
the workers in this institution.
This whole situation has turned into
a ‘war’ of sorts between the students
and some grown-ups against the
administration. It seems that one
viral issue has turned into a hodge-
podge of controversies that piled
up and has transformed this insti-
We Remember.
We, as human beings, have the ca-
pability to remember specific things,
people, experiences and events that cap-
tured or awakened the essence of our
very existence whether it is good or bad,
pleasant or unpleasant memories. These
memories direct us in our identity as
person and as pilgrim on earth for we
take into account what we have valued
the most, what we have tangibly hold
for, and what we have committed our-
selves in to. Also, we try to reminisce
how we coped up with our moments
of struggle as a person, as a member of
our families, as a citizen of this repub-
lic, and as a student in San Beda Col-
lege. We might be asking ourselves, is
there a hope in our present situation?
Would there be light that will shine on
the darkest hour of our night? In these
The Bedan * The Bedan Lamp * The Bedan Herald
tution into one cancer-in-
fected patient. It is sadden-
ing that many need to be
hurt and wounded in the
process of correcting what is
wrong. In both sides, wounds have
been inflicted and unfortunately,
these wounds are not quick to heal.
However, have we (when is say
“we,” I am referring to the entire
Bedan community including the
students, the administration, the
monks, the faculty, the alumni and
the employees) really stopped and
thought about what the real prob-
lem is? Are we in this destructive
scenario only because of the uni-
form and the Magna Carta for stu-
dents? Is it only because of the em-
ployee policies? Or maybe the
faculty’s discontent? Is this issue a
mere issue of the removal of The
Bedan’s fund? Is this issue a ques-
tion of leadership? Or is this di-
lemma just about the recognition
of the rights to express and press
freedom? Is it even about some dis-
agreements between the monks?
The answer is no.
This problem that we are experi-
encing as one community is rooted
way deeper than the aforemen-
questions, we might put ourselves at
the same place when Christ was at the
midst of his sleeping disciples. More-
over, we might put our situation on the
remarkable experiences of our fellow
countrymen during EDSA 1 and 2. We
are like people in exile who are under-
going an exodus experience. We do not
know where this situation will take us.
Uncertain on how this distress will end,
we might be losing hope like those
people who are in those scenarios, but
those struggles never ended up in vain.
Christ had His Easter. Filipinos were
able to show the bloodless revolution of
EDSA 1 and 2. The people in exodus
were able to reach the promise land.
In this article, let us remember Fr.
Boniface Axtman O.S.B., the first
American rector of San Beda College
during the pre-world war II era. It was
tioned issues. The problem is in
each and every one of us. We have
cast the stones at each other with-
out thinking of our own
misdoings. “Let he among us with-
out sin be the first to condemn,” as
the saying goes. But it seems that
sinners are very keen to condemn
each other without thinking of con-
demning and correcting them-
selves first for their wrongdoings.
Have we really thought about
what we are fighting for? And if so,
what is our role in this so-called
‘fight?’ Has the students maintained
their respect to our elders while
pushing for their cause? Did the ad-
ministrators think of the welfare
and rights of the students before
implementing such policies? Did
The Bedan try to hear the side of the
administration in presenting the
news? Are both sides open to genu-
ine and fruitful dialogue? Was ev-
eryone fair and objective in their
statements and actions? Are our de-
cisions well thought of and not just
Remember the
years of Axtman
during his term that The Bedan was fully
established as the official school publi-
cation of San Beda College on the year
of 1941. On his message to the first
issue of volume 1, “Only by working
with others as a team, and in the true
spirit of cooperation, can men achieve
anything worthwhile. To place the com-
mon good above the individual, nay,
even to suppress, if necessary, individual
aspirations, if their realization will jeop-
ardize the common will-that is the se-
cret of real cooperation, the keystone of
order, so necessary for the achievement,
in the long run, of even the true indi-
vidual good. That is the spirit in which
The Bedan had its beginning. That is the
spirit in which it must continue. That is
the spirit which The Bedan must en-
deavor to intensify and perpetuate at
San Beda College.”
He knew that the war is coming over.
13
a product of personal vendetta? Do
we really want to solve our prob-
lems or are we just riding along the
waves to further our personal
agenda? Are we humble enough
to accept our mistakes, defeat, or
criticism? Do we practice what we
preach? Are we willing to make
sacrifices, to compromise, to listen?
And this list of uncertainties can
go on. However, we must strive to
find the answers and enlighten our-
selves with these questions. Once this
happens, we can slowly shed light to
this dimming institution. W e
must, as one community, be really
willing to work for the solution. We
must act and think as One San Beda.
Because in the end the true victim in
this mess is neither students nor the
administrators, it is this school that
we all proclaim to love.
The real victim is San Beda.
Ora et Labora. Let us pray and work
for a solution to this dilemma. Let
us together, as One San Beda, shed
light to this dying institution before
it is too late.
He knew that he needed to revive San
Beda’s education. He knew that the his-
torical life events needed to be secure
through the The Bedan. That history will
bear significant lessons and marks of
our identity as Bedans. His situation
might have been a crucial one for San
Beda’s future. His term might have been
the darkest of all days in San Beda for
he was not sure on how the war would
end up. Imagine San Beda’s situation
during those days. And, he perfectly
knew that he has to prepare for the sur-
vival of San Beda. He needed some sort
of light for those days to come. He
needed the The Bedan to not just cover
sports news, but to aflame Bedans’ con-
sciousness and to strengthen the spirit
of solidarity, this defined the true mean-
ing of what we call Bedan identity.
Therefore, it was in this calling of soli-
darity and continuous revival of Bedan
..continued on page 11
‘Sang Bedista
 14
Synergetic
San Beda is a great school
for me and even for those who
already graduated from their
respective courses. But now it
seems sinking into a culture
that is anti-thesis to excel-
lence.
What is the students’ re-
sponse to this? An answer that
is vague yet collective.
“United we stand, divided
we fall…” a line from the lyr-
ics of the song Yesterday’s
Dream reminds me of the
many attempts to have a
United San Beda. Foolish at-
tempts, yet none have suc-
ceeded; yesterday’s dream in-
deed is turning for the worse,
into the future’s folly for a rea-
son that Bedans themselves
Nagsama-sama na ang matatandang
kapangyarihan sa loob ng San Beda,
mula sa mga namumunong
umaalimbukay sa ulap ng
kapangyarihan hanggang sa mga
taga-sambang galamay upang
sugpuinangmgamultonggumagala.
Mgamultongpilitnilangiwinawaksi
ang katauhan subalit paunti-unting
lumalakas sa kapangyarihan. Mga
multongsaunapalamangaynakikini-
kinitang walang patutunguhan,
subalit ngayon ay nabibigyan nang
hugis upang maging isang ganap na
halimaw.
Halimaw na susugpo sa kanilang
makasariling panaginip na
ginagatungan ng kapangyarihang
pinagkaloob ng isang
mapagkunwang panginoong
nababalot sa puting telang binurda sa
gintong alay ng mga mismong
multong nagsilipana’t inaalipusta.
Matagal nang nanahimik sa isang
sulok, walang kibo at sinasarili ang
‘Sang Bedista
are propagating in them.
This can be seen clearly in-
side the very walls of San Beda
wherein animosity between
students occur blatantly. My
friend told me once how it
feels to be shunned aside just
because of her course. An un-
deniable superiority complex
grips most of our student
population. Still, I’m not won-
dering when and how this gap
started. There is always and
will always be a crevice be-
tween students; and ever since
I studied in this school, I never
found out the reasons, maybe
because both are holding up
their pride.
I’m reckless when I set this
scenario of rivalry because it
hagupit ng mapagsamantalang
tilamsik ng banal nilang dura at
panukalang bumabalangkas lamang
sa kanilang kagustuhan, subalit
ipinagyayabang dikta ng kalangitan
at kabutihan, dahil sila mismo ang
pumatay sa kabanalan ng bathalang
nasa pagitan ng purong
makatotohanang saknong at
kasinungalingang hatid lamang ng
mahalimuyak nilang pananalita
kapalit ng mga salaping kumikinang
sa mga bulsa ni Hudas.
Kasama sa panukala ay pilit nilang
pagbihis dilaw sa mga multong pula
ang kulay. At sa impyerno ng
pagkalumbay bumangon ang mga
multo, gumalaw, humiyaw, iginiit
ang kakarampot na elementong
tumutukoy sa pagkilala ng kanilang
pagiging isang substansiya sa loob
ng lipunang binubuo ng mga
nabanggit.
Hindi pinansin ang iginiit ngunit
sa panahong sabayang isinigaw ang
The Bedan * The Bedan Lamp * The Bedan Herald
should not be the issue. It is
not about who wears white or
who wears yellow. The issue
is about us as Bedans and the
true essence of being united.
But if you try to search for this,
you’ll never find it. It’s be-
cause Bedans themselves
haven’t found it yet. This
unity is still in their hearts and
minds and only hopeful but
are apathetic and sometimes
insensitive to what is happen-
ing, most importantly only
the few resonates initiative for
this transformation. Kung
meron mang Ora, wala namang
Labora.
Fellow Bedans, we cannot be
amalgamated as a one com-
munity if we will compete
Ko-multo Manipesto
nais, umalingawngaw mula sa
impyerno ang iyak na gumambala
sa mahimbing na nakaluhod na si
Chino Roces at ang agarang
pagresponde ng mga matatalim na
barb wires upang muling igapos sa
katahimikan at takot ang mga
multong dapat na siyang
kinatatakutan.
Ngayon higit sa lahat, gusto nilang
tanggalan ng balintataw at dila ang
mga mukha ng halos ‘di na ngang
makilalang mga multo. Ayaw na
nilang makakita o makapagsalita ang
namimilipit na mga ito laban sa bisa
ng kanilang mga orasyon.
Nagkamali sila.
Ang natanggal na lumang
balintataw ay nagbigay puwang
upang umusbong ang isang matang
may ibang pananaw at nangagarap
na hindi lamang pumalagay sa
kinagisnang impyerno kundi
lumuwas patungong purgatoryo, ‘di
man langit subalit may liwanag. Ang
OPINION
with each other’s ego. Every-
one desires power to govern
the community and no one
wants to be the follower be-
cause everyone assumes to be
the leader. In that case we are
only making a faction in our
line? I’m sure that this will
again call for spiteful compe-
tition, a competition that will
never cease to tear all of us
apart.
Unity is not about the ego
and the collective effort of the
few rather a consolidated ef-
fort of all. It is time to make a
change without egotistic and
personal intimidation, our fo-
cus should be on how to be
united; a community wherein
everyone respects and cares
for everyone.
dilang tinapyas ay humaba at
bumagsik gaya ng sa isang
manananggal na kayang butasin ang
isang sinapupunan upang hugutin
ang muwang ng sanggol.
Kung pipilayin ang mga binti ng mga
ito, higit sa malamang, mapapalitan
ito ng sa isang tikbalang na may sukat
tuladngsaisangnagtatabakongkapre.
Kung papatayin man, tiyak iluluwal
nito ang mga tiyanak na higit pang
mabagsik sa nauna at nasirang mga
halimaw. At lalago, yayabong ang
angkan ng mga multong naging
halimaw.
Sila ang mismong tumutulak sa
pagiging halimaw ng mga payak na
mga multong nais lamang ng
kaunting pagkilala upang matamo
ang kaluwalhatiang katahimikan.
Sa lahat ng multong nakabasa nito,
magsama sama at basagin ang
tanikalang tinakda ng takot sa
kanilang dikta.
Darren is the president of the
Nursing Student Council
OPINION
Much Ado About Little
Saboteurs, rumormongers, your
friendly neighborhood of hypocrites,
andforthelackofabetterterm,power-
trippers; all have one thing in com-
mon. They are weak and inhibited.
Through the course of my life I have
seen and encountered such personas
ofremarkableinsecurities.Apparently,
there seems to be no telling when,
where, or how you will meet these
folks. One thing is for sure though;
they’ll never go easy on you. They’ll
taunt you, scheme against you, and
heaven forbid, try to sully your good
name. Sadly, they live amongst us –
lurking, observing, and simply wait-
ing for an opportune time to attack.
When they do choose to strike, they’ll
throw garbage at you till your wit’s
end. At which point, one would
instincntly defend while opting to fight
During the rage and restiveness
of the early 70’s, the benevolent
monks of the Abbey of our Lady
of Montserrat decided to embark
on a venture of establishing an-
other school in a more peaceful
place than Mendiola. Thirty-five
years ago, the Benedictines even-
tually materialized the plan of
building a new school with a new
concept of open and informal pri-
mary education, giving birth to
Benedictine Abbey School, which
later became St. Benedict College.
St. Benedict College’s humble
beginnings emphasized individu-
alism since it was planned and
operated by the Abbey and not
by San Beda College. The two may
be different in form and structure
then, nevertheless from the very
beginning, they are perfectly re-
lated to one another in substance
and soul.
On November 27, 2004, St.
The Bedan * The Bedan Lamp * The Bedan Herald
back sending a flurry of one’s own un-
til one finds oneself smelling of gar-
bage as well, leading to a never ending
bout of mud slinging.
The tides have changed however.
An era has begun, where strength
thrives in unity, such unity that tran-
scendsdistanceandculturaldifferences.
Thecongregationoftheoppressedand
repressed has spoken in one voice,
working towards one vision, one end.
The goal, a unification forged to flour-
ish and to be emulated by generations
to come. Such is a kind of bond which
will not falter in the face of adversities
and of foes. It seems a little dramatic
rhetoric for a college bound newspa-
perarticledoesn’tit? Ibelievenot,when
you consider the lack of foresight and
inanity going around the country in
general today. Our community is
Benedict College formally
adapted the name San Beda Col-
lege Alabang – a historic move
which brought us to where we
really belong and to inculcate the
true culture that we should bear.
Opposition and sentiments from
many members of the Bedan com-
munity welcomed such move of
officially labeling us as part of the
pride. But rationale-lacking sen-
timents will only bring us no-
where, and unpalatable opposi-
tion and resentment of a few will
only create adverse factions and
disparities which will only disar-
ray us from our ultimate goal to-
wards a unified Bedan Commu-
nity despite our diversity.
It is high time to do what is well
past due. The period has come for
all campuses to lay down the pil-
lars of a strong union. All sectors
of the studentry must now con-
verge and initiate different en-
abound with petty tyrants and piss in
the wind administrators whose first
impulse in acquiring a position of slight
power is to mark their community
with their own brand idiocy so they
can go and claim that they “did” some-
thing. Well, the real worthwhile work
is happening now despite of the ama-
teurism and lack of analysis that is dis-
played by people who supposedly
should know better.
It’s time to remember something
very important. Democracy, free dis-
course, and growth do not end at the
doorsteps of an educational institution.
The revered poet, artist, and writer,
Khalil Gibran said of freedom —
“…you can only be free when even
the desire of seeking freedom becomes
a harness to you, and when you cease
to speak of freedom as a goal and a
Red Lions’ Pride
deavors and projects that will con-
solidate our visions for our alma
mater.
No room for divisiveness as it
is a thing of the past, and while
there is no avoiding partisan poli-
tics and personal interests, there
must always be a determined ef-
fort by all sides to limit the collat-
eral damage on a strongly con-
verged Bedan community ready
to let its strong roars be heard in
every concern of the students, es-
pecially those that will seriously
create an impact to our united
community.
What we do is as important as
anything our institution does for
us. I ask everyone to seek a com-
mon good beyond your comfort
towards the oneness of all; to up-
hold and defend needed changes
and initiatives our institution so
deserves against attacks of apa-
thy and indifference; and to serve
15
fulfillment. You shall be free indeed
when your days are not without care
nor your nights without a want and a
grief, but rather when these things
girdle your life and yet you rise above
them naked and unbound.”
The bickering and mud-slinging
with saboteurs, rumormongers,
hypocrites, and power-trippers that
live among us should cease. As we
attempt to destroy one another, we
destroy not our rival; rather we de-
stroy the very thing that binds our
identity, our culture, and our tradi-
tion — San Beda. Let us do away with
our selfish wants, destructive means,
and personal vendetta. We are
Bedans, we live together. We are
Bedans, and Bedans work together.
We do not have much ado, about
little...
our institution, beginning with
your friends and seatmates. Why
not join hands in our biggest chal-
lenge for the progress of our one
and only alma mater where we
all win or we altogether lose? I
ask you not to be spectators, not
mere students; but responsible
Bedans altogether building a
spirit of community and an aca-
demic institution of character and
pride as one.
Bedans may disagree amongst
themselves, but we must never lose
sight of our greater battle for one
people, one institution, one San Beda.
People need not to be
discombobulated, for Mendiola,
Alabang, and Taytay share one iden-
tity and one soul. After all, lions may
have several dens, but they shall al-
ways belong to only one pride - The
Pride of Bedans. Animo San Beda!
Ron is the president of the
SBCA- Alabang CAS Student Ex-
ecutive Board
‘Sang Bedista
 16

‘Sang Bedista The Bedan * The Bedan Lamp * The Bedan Herald