The anatomy of the modern Lasallian: Observations of Green Beings

These are observations from outside observers of the Academic Reformatory Establishment known as De La Salle University. These observations are taken from the log of these external observers.

For this entry, our field observers have examined that this typical specie has found itself in the aged pillars of Taft. Past findings have shown that these Green Beings have built communities and creating an environment abundant with low-valued delicacy corners, fairly valued watering holes, and minimal parking spaces.

As each generation passes, constant renewal of the ecosystem is done for the assurance of a growth, which is very important for Green Beings as they constantly look for the current trends that will determine the continuity of the present system.

But recent findings show that these creatures have started growing fond of the old and dated. Whether it be their current obsession for charcoal portraits of themselves, or ancient compositions by greying artists, there is a sense of sentimentality runs deep in the alcohol-streaming veins of Lasallians.

And it was no wonder that so badly the ecosystem was stirred, when a beloved field of patched greenery became the unlikely location for an academic reformatory establishment. For many years, Green Beings have feared the dreadful orchestra of a once cherished childhood tune (Beautiful Dreamer), as it means another 90 minutes inside the four-cornered white walls of an ARE.

It comes as to no surprise that much chaos ensued when they added another schoolwork-infested structure on what was once a field for athletic endeavors. But disorder quickly subsided, and rejoicing began when rumors circulated of the structure supposedly containing miles of open spaces, comfortable seating, and smooth tables for sleeping.

Other studies have found correlations between the chosen location of the Green Being, and the species’ characteristics. For example, stone-encrusted Agno can be clogged with creatures that are constantly trying to master how to breathe fire. Highly “chilled” U-mall is infested with the same cool and breezy type of the specie, and sparkling spots of One Archers are usually packed with the free and rebellious type of the specie that seem to know no fear for missing classes.

These Green Beings come from different areas, and though they have converged among these barren structures and aging pillars that make up Taft, they bring with them their own native tongues. Despite this being the case, the very first language that was associated with these Green Beings was English.

According to Dr. Tereso Tullao, the well-loved Economics professor that has seen these Green Beings develop as time had gone by, while the other beings from the Ateneo and Letran used Spanish as their medium of instruction, we continue to use English since DLSU was established in Manila during the American occupation.

Perhaps, this is what may have contributed to the smallness of their population back in the day. But right now, when we look at these Green Beings in Taft, they seem to number into the tens of thousands – a testament not only of the ARE withstanding time, but also with implications on its quality.

Right now, English has become the Green Beings’ forte. Currently, the beings from Taft are ranked among the top 50 universities in Asia that teach English best, clearly cementing their status as one of the “alpha females” in that field.

However, let us not forget the other tongues that these beings speak, whether it be out of habit or something they have learned through their travels. Among these tongues, one that stands out is “Taglish”, where both Filipino and English are mixed together. “Can you make para here?” “The test was soooo mahirap!” Classify them as Conyo, but whether you like or not, these linguistic (d)evolutions more are part of what make up these Green Beings.

According to other observations, it seems that these Green beings vest themselves not only according to their moods, but according to their places of origin as well. The more investing-propensity species from the College of Business choose to garb themselves with corporate ensembles, while those emerging from the fields of artistry choose to display themselves as models of trends, and arbiters of style.

Some, however, prefer simpler bearings, arraying themselves with minimalist laptops and whatever cloth lay on their backs. Rarer species from colleges engrossed in research are usually seen with glasses and textbooks, while engineers are seen rushing through the ARE wearing only utilitarian garb – this species is predominantly male. Unfortunately, due to sampling size concerns, there was insufficient data gathered from the College of Education.

Looking back in the past, in 1986, when the great emancipation that was the EDSA Revolution was in full swing, the first thing that would come to mind would be Maroon Beings from Manila and Diliman who were at the forefront; but let’s not forget the Green Beings that were there too, with their “Laban” signs raised. To put it into perspective, “once you were on the street, there weren’t any labels of so and so coming from this school, you were all part of one body, fighting for the same cause.”

In modern times, Green Beings are not passive; they react, and react with a purpose. When the controversial Anti-Cybercrime Law was passed, there was uproar. It was black, black everywhere. From Facebook to their clothing, these Green Beings had an affinity for the shade.  That’s how these Green Beings roll.