From victims to survivors

(Photo from Ajay's Writings on the Wall.)

“We facilitate and help them articulate their feelings and try to organize their thoughts. We don’t push any advice; we stay away from giving advice. At the onset, we let them express their thoughts and their situation, because it helps clarify things in their mind. When they are clarified, this helps them explore ways to rebuild their lives,” Wendell explained.

It is true, he said, in times of trauma and disaster, sometimes all that the survivors need is someone to listen to them. “Listening to them is important. Initially, they are confused and their thoughts are cluttered. When things are finally clear in their mind, some of them nanggaling na sa kanila what to do next. And it’s better when that happens, when they figure out for themselves how to move on.” (Click Something Like Life for the rest.)

On the DLSU-ADMU basketball game

CONGRATULATIONS to the Green Archers for putting up such a fight when all the sports analysts where clearly betting on Ateneo's Blue Eagles winning the game easily. For a team like the DLSU Green Archers with so many rookie players, their play, 3-point shots, and assists were definitely impressive. (Mejo mahina lang ang rebounds kids.)

It was a very exciting game that put me on the edge of my seat. Even towards the very end, as the game went into overtime, no one was sure anymore who would win. With the game ending at 76-72 in favor of the Blue Eagles, that was not a bad showing by the Green Archers. Not at all. And by god, that boy Joshua Webb can play! Wow, I'm sure his lolo, basketball legend Freddie Webb was so proud of Joshua's performance yesterday. Woo-hoo!


(A sea of yellow at the Araneta Coliseum, Aug. 9, 2009. Photo from BusinessMirror.)

But what I'm most proud of is seeing both teams, as well as students, alumni, and other guests, casting off their team colors for once and wearing a solid yellow in tribute to former President Corazon C. Aquino who passed away last week.

As Bro. Bernie Oca FSC told Jiggy Aquino Cruz, grandson of the late president, who was in the Araneta audience yesterday, Tita Cory was watching the game and is now watching over us. Aren't we so lucky?

(Take a look at the yellow shoe laces of Team La Salle. Aren't you just proud of these kids?! Photo by Ryan Ong. More photos of our team in the Green Archers' blog.)

ANIMO LA SALLE!

Ateneo parents on 'open parties'

"We all know that going to parties is a way for teenagers to develop their social skills. So these parents are not trying to be killjoys. They are just concerned about their kids’ safety and welfare.

I fully support these parents and suggest that perhaps some kind of consultation be held between the students and the school administration, including faculty members and parents, about social activities like these. Maybe an agreement can be reached where these parties organized by the students would be required to have some adults present. Hey, we survived chaperones and parents at parties, the kids today will, too." (Read the rest of my column here.)

(The STOYA boys' open letter to their supporters in Chuvaness.)

It's late, do you know where your kids are?

All I know is that alcohol, plus raging testosterones, make quite the lethal combination. So I am curious why the homeowners’ associations who oversee these exclusive villages’ clubhouses allow alcoholic beverages during these open parties? The law is pretty clear—alcohol should not be served to minors, meaning those 18 years old and below.

Let’s not get cute here, parents, and reminisce about sowing one’s wild oats. Should we just allow the kids to booze up and screw every guy or girl they like? (My thoughts on the Celine Piezas story.)

More from Mrs. Piezas in this Friday's column in BusinessMirror.