VOLUME XVI ISSUE NO.2

AdU proposes TOSFI amid inflation

IN

The Adamson University Administration presented its plan for a five percent tuition fee increase for college and a higher eight percent for graduate school, during the Tuition and Other School Fee Increase (TOSFI) Consultation for Academic Year 2023-2024.

The University Controller, Marissa Gandia, cited inflation as one reason for the TOSFI

proposal. Inflation rate in the Philippines increased to 5.8% from 3.9% in the past year, with a forecast of 6.1% in 2023.

The TOSFI justification includes personnel cost, increase of guidance fee for psychological tests, upgrading of technology for digitalization, improvement of learning services, library spaces and study areas.

The University Admin also aims to enhance cultural services and programs through technological advancements, modernization of AdU Theater and Art Gallery, upgrading musical instruments, and increasing production costs for outsourced professional companies.

Meanwhile, stakeholders expressed

PolSci student opposes college degree requirement among politicians in speech contest

By Abrecht Mauro Beltran

Fourth-year Political Science student, Jeremiah Baniqued, left the audience second-guessing on requiring public officials to have a college degree in ‘Hakbang: Boses ng Kabataan, Destinasyong Kamalayan,’ a university-wide speech contest, held at the Ozanam AVR last February 13.

“When education is not

liberating, the dream of the oppressed is to become the oppressor,” Baniqued quoted from Paul Priere’s Pedagogy of the Oppressed in opposing the amendment of the qualifications for politicians by making a college diploma compulsory for running.

Baniqued, who also chairs the Students’ Rights and Welfare

Committee of the Adamson University Student Government, explained that a leader with corrupted morals will manifest wickedness, no matter how welleducated they are. “A college degree alone does not guarantee the moral competence of a politician,” he added.

their concerns over the proposed TOSFI last March 20 during the consultation meeting attended by Adamson University Student Government (AUSG), Adamson Graduate School Student Association (AGSSA), Adamson University Alumni Association Inc. (AUAAI), and Faculty and Employee Association.

According to the AUSG, the TOSFI would

only add up to the financial burden of the students. Furthermore, the student body representative questioned the lack of professors during prelims, which resulted in students struggling to comply with rushed academic requirements.

AGSSA also disapproved the TOSFI proposal. However, the Faculty and Employee Association, as part of

the working force, were in favor of the increase. The AUAAl also expressed their support for the proposal.

In his closing remarks, Vice President for Financial Affairs Fr. Rafael Eloriaga assured that any increase will “get down to quality education.” He also guaranteed that the management will remain open to any form of communication.

I may disagree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.

-Voltaire

A DEGREE OF KNOWLEDGE. Mr. Jeremiah Baniqued, the winner of the speech contest “Hakbang: Boses ng Kabataan, Destinasyong Kamalayan,” bitterly opposed the demand for politicians to have a college degree, which was held on February 13, 2023.

PHOTO BY DARYL ROSABAN

SOLIDARITY

DIRE STRAITS. Adamson students wear black to show unity when facing adversity.

PHOTO BY CHARLES DOMINIC L. UBANA

By Ser Christian Albert I. Capoquian

After nearly three years, AdU starts 2023 with ‘safe’ full F2F classes

By Christian Joshua D. Corcuera

Adamson University has started the second semester of Academic Year 20222023 with full face-to-face classes for the first time in nearly three years, after the pandemic forced classes to go either full online or hybrid since March 2020.

Dr. Janice Ang, Director of the University’s Center for Health Services (CHS), believes that the resumption of full faceto-face classes at AdU this semester was safe as far as COVID-19 transmission is concerned.

“We are relatively at a low-risk of COVID transmission right now,” the director said.

Meanwhile, Atty. Jan Nelin Navallasca, Director of the Office for Student Affairs (OSA), echoed a similar tone.

“So far, hindi naman alarming ang ating [COVID] cases,” the lawyer said. “As to issue of COVID, something like over 70% of our population is vaccinated,” he added.

Thousands of Adamsonians reported back to school this January 23. Despite the university’s relatively large student population, reported COVID cases within AdU were close to zero.

“From the time we started face-to-face, we

had about two to three [cases] among students, none from our faculty and employees,” Dr. Ang stated.

In response to these cases, standard protocols were observed to prevent the further spread of the virus and ensure everyone’s safety.

“Of course we have to isolate and contact trace,” the CHS director said, “look at the classes attended by the student, inform yung mga professors, and have them quarantined for five days,” she continued.

Furthermore, Dr. Ang believes that the

University community takes actions to end FRV

By Christian Joshua D. Corcuera

Students of Adamson University call for the end of fraternity-related violence at the SV Facade last March 3, 2023. The movement was headed by the AUSG after the heinous act of the members of the Tau Gamma Phi that resulted to the death of Adamsonian John Matthew Salilig.

BY CHARLES DOMINIC L. UBANA

resumption of face-to-face classes was successful.

“Noong foundation week, ang dami nating activities, pero after that wala naman kaming [COVID] surge,” Dr. Ang said. “Wala naman naging effect ang institutional activities,” she continued.

Although she acknowledged that physical distancing is difficult to follow, she noted that most students still wear face masks within the campus premises.

Meanwhile, Atty. Navallasca emphasized that the University is prepared to adjust the teaching set-up to ensure

Various offices of Adamson University are taking steps to prevent fraternity-related violence (FRV), following the case of John Matthew Salilig, the Chemistry student who died last February 18, due to alleged hazing.

Atty. Jan Nelin Navallasca, Director of the Office for Student Affairs (OSA), emphasized that AdU does not recognize membership in fraternities even before the Salilig case.

“That is in our student manual, and that is also discussed during orientation for new students, and of course, in some NSTP classes, ROTC, and we have the reiteration seminar about anti-hazing,” Navallasca explained.

Likewise, the OSA will tighten its policy to avoid the case of Salilig from happening again.

“We had already a meeting with the deans and principals that they will do their share in monitoring students and their

the safety of students from COVID-19.

Last December 13, 2022, the University President, Fr. Marcelo Manimtim, issued a memorandum regarding the resumption of full inperson classes.

“As the need arises and as the situation calls,” Fr. Manimtim wrote, “the University may use Hyflex Learning as an alternative modality at any time during the 2nd semester,” he ended.

A possible change of modality is not only to maximize everyone’s safety, but also to prevent interruptions on learning

activities,” the lawyer said.

While fraternities are not allowed inside the University, there are currently 45 recognized student organizations (RSO) which Adamsonians can join, according to the OSA Director.

“We will also tap our RSOs and also through dissemination from the beginning of the class, during the orientation we will have a massive campaign emphasizing again [that] hazing has no place in the university,” Navallasca mentioned.

Before the Salilig case, the Adamson University Student Government (AUSG) informed new students about RSOs, according to AUSG President Patrick Patiño.

The OSA Director warned professors who are actively involved in recruiting students to fraternities, though he acknowledged that mere membership in such organizations “cannot be used to penalize or deprive a person of his or her employment”

due to other factors.

For instance, a strike last March 6 and 7 against the government’s plan to phaseout traditional jeepneys caused classes to shift back to online temporarily. Students reported back to school physically on March 13.

Last year, COVID-19 is no longer included among the top 10 causes of death in the Philippines, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority. With a vast majority of Filipinos vaccinated against the disease, cases of COVID-19 in the country have not spiked again so far.

because of the right to form unions or associations in the Philippine Constitution.

“If the professors have nothing to do [...] then they can be at peace,” Navallasca said.

“But if they are found abetting, supporting, organizing, then they will face the rules and policies of the university,” he warned.

Responding to criticisms that AdU is not taking enough steps against FRV, the OSA Director remarked that, “the school does not teach violence, we teach about respect for human rights, human dignity, charity.” He added that, “generally, Adamsonians are good. Of course may kasabihan, in a forest there is always a snake.”

Engr. Virgilio Lomotan, Director of the Physical Facilities and General Services Office (PFGSO), said that the Campus Security and Safety (CSS) is

PHOTO

Adamson University started the second semester with full face-to-face (F2F) classroom setting as a learning method for the first time since March 2020. This marks the official end of the HyFlex way of learning.

PHOTO BY JERICA ISABELA MASCULINO

ACUP 2023 embraces ‘synodality’; AdU delivers largest delegation

By Christian Joshua D. Corcuera

Delegates from Adamson University attended the 2023 National Conference of the Association of Catholic Universities of the Philippines (ACUP) in Baguio City last February 23 to 25.

The delegation from AdU, which was recognized by ACUP as the largest for this year, had a total of 23 participants which include administrators, executive officers from The Adamson Chronicle, the Adamson University Student Government, and the Campus Ministry Office.

The association of 36 universities across the archipelago opened with the theme, “Embracing the Spirit of Synodality: Communion, Participation, and Mission.”

Archbishop Charles John Brown, Apostolic Nuncio of the Vatican to the Philippines, delivered a keynote address on the first day of the conference. He noted that the Philippines is ranked 36th globally and 2nd in Southeast Asia in terms of college graduates.

“It is a success story largely

POLSCI/P1

The late former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. was top on the list among the speaker’s examples of officials who best support his argument. In fact, Marcos Sr. studied law in the University of the Philippines and garnered a 92.35% grade in the 1939 bar examination.

The 23-year-old graduating student argued, “We have Ferdinand Marcos Sr. who was a bar topnotcher, but was nevertheless one of the most despicable human beings to ever live.” He added that in spite of legal experience as a lawyer, previous chief executive Rodrigo Roa Duterte, known for his infamous drug war campaign,

contributed to by the Catholic Universities of your nation,” Brown remarked.

Despite this, the nuncio acknowledged that most students attending higher education are economically privileged.

“We need to challenge ourselves to bring young people from [Classes] D and E to Catholic Universities,” Brown said. “We need to think creatively and innovatively how to help them,” he continued, referring to youth from the lower and lower-middle economic classes.

Meanwhile, Fr. Daniel Pilario, Director of the Center for Research and Development of AdU, discussed the mission of Philippine Catholic Universities towards humanization in education through research.

Consequently, the main highlight of the second day of the conference is the community engagement activity. In the said event, participants were transported to Sablan, a municipality in Benguet, to interact with the

still blatantly violated human rights.

“If Bongbong was able to get a college degree, do you think it would change anything? It will not. Because college degrees are not a deterrent to the most violent, to the most corrupt politicians,” the speechmaker asserted.

Meanwhile, Jayvee Macapagal, also a Political Science student, agreed with Baniqued and asked, “How about the people who may not have the privilege to attain a college degree? How would they be represented in the government?” He maintained that the Filipino people must ensure their qualification to vote as well.

locals of the area.

There, local children clad in traditional garments performed a traditional dance, while elders offered products as pasalubong such as ube jam, brooms, chocolate tablea, among others.

On the final day, some participants watched the street dance performances of the 2023 Panagbenga Festival in the morning. After lunch, Fr. Marcelo V. Manimtim, University President, read the message of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines for ACUP 2023.

“The Church has a mission to evangelize,” Manimtim read. “To be witness in proclaiming the word of God, in word and in deed,” he continued.

The Catholic Church, which already has over 1.34 billion followers globally as of 2019, continues to evangelize people by sharing the Gospel and the teachings of Jesus Christ to others.

“We respond to the call of Pope Francis to rediscover the synodal nature of our church by communion, participation,

On the contrary, John Michael Concha from the same program supported the necessity of bachelor’s degree for politicians. He said that it takes a lot of courage, knowledge, and wisdom to lead and it is not easy to study the constitution.

Ultimately, Baniqued was announced champion of the said competition, followed by Macapagal and Concha as the 1st runner-up and 2nd runner-up, respectively.

The said event was a constructive speech contest conducted by AdU-PULITIKA, echoing socio-political issues in the Philippines which showcased the viewpoint of 13 Adamsonians through free speech.

AdU celebrates founding with weeklong onsite activities

By Christian Joshua D. Corcuera

and mission,” the University President said. “Keeping alive the relationship of the faith and the cultures of the people whom you love,” he continued explaining the concept of synodality.

Saint Louis University

UNIVERSITY/P2

monitoring the movements of potential fraternity members inside Adamson.

“We place CCTVs in strategic locations inside the campus to include all the study centers where they usually meet and gather, with that we prevent any untoward occurrence of any incidents,” Lomotan said.

He added that the majority of rumbles and fistfights occur outside Adamson.

“For the last 8 or 9 years that I’ve been with the CSS, prior to becoming the director, we do not have major incidents inside the school,” the PFGSO Director remarked.

With this, the PFGSO

Adamson University held various face-to-face activities, for the first time in three years, during the celebration of its 91st founding anniversary last February 13 to 18.

The foundation week started on February 13 with a mass at the Saint Therese (ST) Quadrangle. While several renowned and rising talents performed at HIWAGA: Falcon Fete 2023, at the Saint Vincent (SV) Grounds on February 17.

Some performances played on the concert were Lola Amour’s “Fallen”, “Torete” by Moonstar88, and “Akin ka na lang” by The Itchyworms. Other performers include Leanne and Naara, Hey June, and Nikki Nava, among others.

The celebrations culminated on February 18 with the Falcon Run, an annual cause for the university’s scholars, held at the CCP Complex.

The last edition of the said activity was way back in early

President Fr. Gilbert Sales, who was re-elected ACUP President until 2025, delivered the closing remarks. Further, the board of directors of ACUP until 2025 was announced, with Fr. Manimtim retaining his position in the board.

coordinates with barangay captains and the police community precinct to prevent violence outside campus.

“But even though that those things happen outside, we are informed by the authorities, by the police station, the key here is about networking with the community,” Lomotan explained. “With close coordination with them, we monitor also the movements outside,” he continued.

The PFGSO Director believes that proper monitoring and strict policy implementation are crucial to ensure the safety of students.

“Siguro we will be going to have a stricter training with the security guards on how

2019, as the pandemic forced its suspension in 2020 until 2022. On the same date, several University alumni gathered at the SV Grounds for their homecoming.

International students also participated during the weeklong festivities with the ‘Taste of the World’ showcasing foreign culture, clothing, and cuisine at the ST Quadrangle on February 15. The said event was attended by Diplomatic Corps from various embassies.

The weeklong onsite celebration did not cause an increase in reported COVID cases in the university, despite the relatively large student population of the University.

More than a week after the event, Dr. Janice Ang, Director of the Center for Health Services of Adamson, shared that there was no reported surge of COVID-19 inside the University.

“Noong foundation week,

Supposed to be held every year, the pandemic forced the suspension of the event from 2020 until 2022. The previous national conference in 2019 was hosted by the University of the Immaculate Conception in Davao City.

to handle those things, the fraternities and everything, [...] ano ‘yan eh working hand-tohand with the OSA,” Lomotan said.

Meanwhile, Patiño assured that the AUSG is open to help students who are being bullied or intimidated by fraternities, if any. The student government conducted an anti-hazing seminar at the Saint Therese (ST) Quadrangle last March 18, in collaboration with the OSA.

Last March 16, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) recommended filing charges in violation of the Anti-Hazing Law against 20 officers and members of the Tau Gamma Phi fraternity in connection to the untimely demise of Salilig.

ang dami nating activities, pero after that wala naman kaming [COVID] surge,” Dr. Ang said. “Wala naman naging effect ang institutional activities,” she continued.

AdU adopted the theme “Initiate, Inspire, and Innovate towards shaping the future” for its 91st founding anniversary which was hosted by the College of Science.

Founded in 1932 by George Lucas Adamson as the Adamson School of Industrial Chemistry, the San Marcelino-based institution became a university in 1941. Since 1964, AdU has been owned and administered by the Congregation of the Mission.

At the start of Academic Year 2022-2023, the university is home to over 17,000 students. Further, Adamson is among the 16 Philippine educational institutions included in the 2023 Asian University Rankings by Quacquarelli Symonds.

INITIATE, INSPIRE, AND INNOVATE. Adamsonians, participates in HIWAGA: Falcon Fete, Falcon Run, and Taste of the World in celebrating Adamson University 91st Founding Anniversary last February 13-18 2023. PHOTO BY KRISTINE MAE BALANAY

RESURGENCE. Delegates from the Adamson Community partake in the the comeback of the annual conference of the Association of Catholic Universities of the Philippines in Baguio.

PHOTO BY SER CHRISTIAN ALBERT I. CAPOQUIAN

STUDENTS BRACE FOR IMPACT

In light of the proposed Tuition and Other School Fee Increase (TOSFI) for Academic Year 20232024, stakeholders have raised concerns, especially now that we are still in a pandemic and facing a whopping 5.8% inflation rate in the country. While the University administration laid out justification for the proposal, the stakeholders’ concerns should also be considered while deciding.

The TOSFI proposal includes a 5% increase for college and an 8% increase for graduate school to cover personnel costs, guidance fees, library spaces, and study areas, among others. The administration also plans to modernize the AdU Theater and Art Gallery, upgrade musical instruments, and increase cultural programs through technological advancements.

While all of

these are valid, the Adamson University Administration should address the concerns while balancing the need for improvements, such as the lack of professors during the prelims, which resulted in difficulties for the whole term.

Students’ representatives in college and graduate school have raised the financial burden that the proposed increase would impose on students, along

with the painful swelling of daily expenses.

Adamson University has a responsibility to provide accessible, quality education, and the proposed TOSFI should not unduly burden students. The administration should prioritize the interests of the students and ensure that the proposed tuition fee increase will indeed translate into quality education, should it transpire.

I make sacrifices, too

Growing up, I had the fondest memories of my mother. When it was my first day of school during the first grade, I remember her sending me off with a packed lunch that she prepared with so much love. She used to peck me on the cheek every morning. I remember her donning me a red princess costume at my 7th birthday party which she intricately organized.

All thanks to her (and my lolo and lola), I spent most of my childhood never have to worry in life. However, time came when she had to work overseas. It was heartbreaking, at the very least, for a 10-year-old to bid her mother a temporary goodbye. Inevitable, yes, but her going abroad was necessary.

At a very young age, I have learned to do things for myself. While most of my classmates would ask their parents for help on our project, I, on the other hand, would do it independently. Siguro, magiging proud sa akin si Mommy, I thought to myself.

athlete in a Facebook status.

Then, our recognition ceremony came. I was extremely grateful for my grandparents for coming. With a medal hung on my neck and a ribbon pinned to my left chest, I sent a picture to my mother. I knew she would be proud of me.

Many more birthdays, recognition ceremonies, and graduation rites later, I have learned that the closest thing I would have to a celebration with her is a video call from more than 4,500 miles away.

Of course, I had to understand the situation we were in. If she had never taken this opportunity 13 years ago, our lives

wouldn’t probably have changed for the better. However, had the country presented more room for progress and advancement, families would never have to be robbed of spending these worthwhile moments together in their lives.

While she would spend one-month vacation every two years, I always felt that it was never enough for the time we spent away from each other. No amount of chocolates and gifts would ever suffice for milestones that she has never personally witnessed.

I am a daughter of an OFW, and I make sacrifices, too.

VolumeXVI No.2

February-April 2023

PH gov’t fails Filipino athletes

From podium finishes to glistening trophies, the Philippine government has been the loudest to cheer for Filipino athletes — but turns mute when contenders struggle and fret.

Last February 8, Ernest John “EJ” Obiena, the first Filipino pole vaulter who bagged bronze in the World Athletics Championship, broke the news that he can’t participate in the upcoming Asian Indoor Championships in Kazakhstan.

“None of the airlines serving Astana will bring the poles. My mentor, James Lafferty, even worked with Pepsi Kazakhstan to drive the poles from Almaty to Astana. That didn’t work as it’s a 17-hour drive,” wrote the struggling Filipino

The government’s little to no expenditure for athletic growth in the Philippines tells their blatant disregard for sports. Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time they neglected the struggling Filipino athletes aiming to bring glory to the country.

It can be recalled that Hidilyn Diaz, the first-ever Olympic gold medalist from the Philippines in the weightlifting category, put up a gallant fight trying to fund her bid back in 2019.

“Is it okay to ask [for] sponsorship sa mga private companies towards Tokyo 2020? Hirap na hirap na ako, I need financial support,” begged the Filipina weightlifter in a Facebook post.

More scenarios of sheer dereliction on athletes can be observed — when Filipino-American chess grandmaster Wesley So had to switch representation from PH to the U.S. flag as the Philippine Sports

Commission held back his incentives — when Filipino figure skater Michael Martinez had to set up a GoFundMe page for the 2022 Winter Olympics due to lack of financial support.

Meanwhile, in 2017 and 2018, the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) was allocated a total of ₱400 million. In 2019, the PSC secured ₱5 billion as the country was tasked to host the Southeast Asian Games, not to mention the ₱50 million “kaldero ng Diyos” stunt, followed by a pandemic that caused the realignment of the alreadylittle budget.

That said, where does Philippine athletics head, if not in a future that doesn’t honor the integrity of Filipino athletes? Now’s the time for the government to bat an eye at them — for the government to provide more than just pretentious congratulatory messages.

These water down to one conclusion; that is, the Philippine government

TheAdamsonChronicle

The Autonomous and Official Student Publication of Adamson University

does not, in the slightest, care for its Filipino athletes. The sorry plight of players has been severely normalized — so much that they don’t just compete in athletics, but also against a nonchalant government, if not selfserving.

It takes immense determination, sweat, and pride to represent the country on a global scale. The government must be involved in the preparation process — from proper funding of equipment, flights, and meals down to necessary training to secure victory.

Filipino athletes have more than just the potential to take medals home, which the government is quick to snatch, but never quick to give an ounce of financial support. They have failed at their jobs, perhaps purposefully.

Lest we forget, and if it isn’t obvious enough for the Philippine government: moral support alone cannot make an athlete win.

The Adamson Chronicle is the official Student

Publication of the Adamson University. It is an autonomous student organization and classified as a tertiary level student publication that aims to serve the University community, especially the students through the dissemination of relevant, reliable, and impartial information, and the advancement of civil liberties, social consciousness, nationalism, humanities, and Vincentian values through responsible campus journalism.

Ser Christian Albert I. Capoquian, BA Comm Editor-in-Chief

Christian Joshua Corcuera, BSA

Associate Editor

Wencel R. De Lara, BSCS

Managing Editor & Senior Illustrator

Justine Denise S. Cruz, BSChE

Human Interest & Entertainment Editor Mat Jefferson T. Richter, BA Comm

Literary and Science & Technology Editor

Marielle Nadine A. Dautil, BS Geology

Office Manager & Senior Staff Illustrator

Maximillian S. Wandag, BS Arch

Chief Illustrator Charles Dominic L. Ubana, BSCE Chief Photojournalist Ricardo Martin H. Tecala , BSCE

Chief Layout Artist

Trisha Mae P. Barredo, BA Pol Sci

Online Manager & Senior Layout Artist Jerome P. Monte, BS CpE

Social Media Manager & Senior Layout Artist

Michaela Ann Marie R. Razon, BA Comm

Senior Staff Writer

Aleckine Troy N. Rada, BSME Jeremay G. Onayan, BSChE Senior Staff Photojournalists

Sophia May D. Salamat, BS Arch

Jamaica P. Almazan, BS Arch

Senior Staff Illustrator

Janzell Nicole D. Rosuello, BA Comm

Maica Shane A. Oira, BS Arch Senior Layout Artist

Alessandra Angela C. Gomez, BS Pharm

Allysa Mae P. Saldivar, BA Comm

Sheena R. Sagales, BS Chem

Junior Staff Writer

Angelyn D. Oliverio, BS Arch

Junior Staff Illustrator

Mark Rainier P. Ignacio Technical Adviser

3 Things we Love About Trisha Tubu

By Anthea Rae M. Grape

Getting hit in the face is unacceptable. But, if it’s Trisha Tubu? Say less!

The Lady Falcon’s 5’8 lefty power spiker has a lot of things to offer under her wings. She is incredible inside the court, and even more outside of it with her hidden charms.

Once you meet her, you’ll understand. For now, here are the three reasons why we are all under her spell and why Trisha is just #ToogoodTUBUtrue.

1. Her Unfazed Mindset

Nothing is more dangerous than a woman with goals and will do anything to attain them.

The Tarlaceño rookie standout has always been a perfectionist in a good way. She knows what excellence

looks like for her and doesn’t depend on society’s poor standards. A regular player who becomes exceptional through the “I want it, I got it” mantra and years of hard work.

In an interview with Tubu, she admitted that she is willing to go through needles to meet her expectations of herself.

“Ako ‘yung taong pag gusto ko, gusto ko. Hindi mo ‘ko mapipigilan do’n so gagawin ko talaga lahat hanggang sa makuha ‘ko ‘yun [...],” she said.

The 22-year-old outside hitter also lives life in a positive light, turning negativity into rainbows and sunshine. In fact, she can’t be bothered by critics as she believes that God has a better plan for her.

2. Her Outstanding Skills

How can one not get awed by her playing skills?

Trisha can bring her teams to their first podium finish. In 2018, she helped to reap Tarlac Province’s first silver medal in a regional meet. The following year, she also contributed to writing history by earning Adamson Baby Falcons its first silver medal. Amazing, right?

However, the difficulty in learning the basics of volleyball doesn’t exempt Tubu. She also had it rough, maximizing her free time for self-training. The Scorpio player shared how she practiced alone and asked her parents for volleyball equipment in exchange for good grades.

“Like every

achievement ko, imbis na iba ipapabili ko sa parents ko, papabili ako ng bola[...] Tas self-training and selftraining,” she added.

Her initial goal in entering the sports scene was to overcome her shyness. Now, she admitted that volleyball is no longer a hobby she plays but a respon sibility that sustains her living. Tubu is grateful for attaining such victories she never planned before.

3.

Who would have thought that Trisha Tubu also has a talent for arts?

The Tarlac-raised rookie has a national certificate level two in welding and knows how to create furniture from scratch. Her hobby is doing

paintings made of string and actively selling them online during the pandemic.

She is an independent, goal-driven woman with a bit of overthinking on the side. Tubu stated that overthinking has advantages as it helps her imagine the outcome before making decisions, mentally preparing her for the worst.

“Para hindi ako magulat sa mangyayari, talagang ini-i-imagine ko na ‘yung worst na kalalabasan. Hanggang sa di naman pala ganon ka-worst pero at least ready ako don. Hindi na ako maapektuhan [...],” she stated.

Unlike other players, the third-year IT student badly wants to accomplish her studies as soon as possible, making her the only member

on her team with a full-load unit.

She is well-disciplined, humble, and a Furmom with over nineteen dogs. When asked about her biggest fear, Trisha said that losing oneself is, probably, the scariest thing in the world.

“Siguro ‘yung mawala ‘yung ako [...] ‘Yung mawala ‘yung passion ko sa mga ginagawa ko kasi ‘yun ang nangyari sakin nung nawala ‘yung volleyball. Akala ko masaya ako, ” she continued.

Indeed, she is a one-ofa-kind player with a total packaged personality. Trisha deserves to be spoiled with love; fortunately, her partner is there to shower her with it.

We are proud of you, klasmeyt! The whole Falcon community got your back.

Trisha Tubu shows appreciation to her supporters after their game against the FEU Lady Tamaraws at Mall of Asia Arena on March 4, 2023.

PHOTO BY CHARLES DOMINIC L. UBANA

Her Remarkable Attitude

AdU Batters end season with a bang, soar with podium finish

By Ser Albert Christian I. Capoquian

After an admirable season in the competition, Adamson University earned the third slot in the UAAP Season 85 Baseball Tournament.

The Falcons proved their skills on the diamond by winning their first medal since their championship run in Season 80.

The Soaring Falcons did not have an easy journey to

the top. The San Marcelinobased squad had a strong start to the season, defeating National University (NU) and University of Santo Tomas (UST) in the opening round.

They then competed in a string of matches against University of the Philippines (UP), De La Salle University (DLSU), and Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU).

The Adu Batters defeated NU in their final match of the first round to secure a victory, which provided them with momentum going into the second round of the competition. The Falcons maintained their winning streak in the second round, defeating AdMU and DLSU, but lost to NU and and a close fight with UP in the

Running Past Hurdles: The King James story

By Jessa Mae Gabalones

next games.

The Batters vied with the Growling Tigers in their final game of the season, a team they had also defeated in the tournament's first round. The Falcons, who were keen to have a good finish, defeated UST to win the bronze medal.

Adamson University ended their campaign with a commendable 6-2 in the

As a Falcon trackster, King James “McLing” Reyes didn’t let his disability limit where he could go. Instead, the 20-year-old amputee saw it as a new starting line.

Kicking off his track and field career in 2018, McLing— a high school student at the time— decided that the life of an athlete was meant for him. Now, as a sophomore in Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sports Sciences major in Fitness and Sports Management, he continues to live out his dream.

McLing shared that the first event he participated in as a high schooler was the regional meet held in Surigao City which ended with him bagging the 3rd place in the said competition. He recalls that the next running events that followed the regional meet, such as marathons and fun runs, got him into track and field. According to the Agusan native, his family and God were his driving force to

final tally.

The contributions of each AdU Batter were crucial to their victory. In their last game, John Matanguihan, relief pitcher Raymond Nerosa, and leftfielder Kean Matanguihan shone, scoring twice each in the sixth inning of their final game with the Growling Tigers, which brought a close advantage against the España-based

cross each line at the end of each race.

Years after the start of his career, McLing has graced both national and international competitions, reaching new heights with Adamson University’s Track team.

Despite his ability, he is proud that he can catch up with able-bodied athletes. “Kaya ko pa po silang sabayan, napakalaking tulong po sa akin [ng Adamson] dahil mas lalo pa po akong mahihila sa lakas nila” he mentioned.

During UAAP 85, the Agusanon para athlete faced off with other University Track teams. As his first time, he vowed to do better in the upcoming season. “Patuloy ko pa po ipupush ang sarili ko na maipakita sa kanila na di hadlang sa akin ang kapansanan,” McLing added.

The first time the Adamsonian para-athlete raced on an international scale was at the ASEAN Para Games, held in Surakarta, Indonesia

team.

Despite ending the campaign pinning their hopes on beating UP this season, the Soaring Falcons managed to secure a commendable podium finish and are ready for the UAAP Season 86 with their rookieladen squad.

The University of the East is set to host the next UAAP Season.

last July 30-August 6, 2022. He competed in the Para Athletics Men’s 5000m T46 event. By outrunning athletes from Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, and Myanmar by mere seconds, McLing was able to bring home 1 out of the 5 gold medals the Philippines has won.

He admits that he still has a long way to go, as he still takes time to reflect after every match to determine where he needs to improve on.

“Meron pa talagang kulang, at sa ngayon, po ay pinag-aaralan ko ngayon kung paano ko mas mahigitan ang nakaraan kong laban,” McLing shared.

McLing’s story goes to show that no matter what, he is willing to bridge the distance between the disabled and the abled, all for inclusivity. Despite the number of races he participated in, King James Reyes has yet to reach the finish line as he promises to soar higher than he already has.

ROAD TO PODIUM. Adamson Batters line up as they chant the Adamson Hymn after winning the tournament against DLSU.

PHOTO BY SER CHRISTIAN ALBERT I. CAPOQUIAN

Para athlete James Reyes competes with able-bodied athletes in the athletics tournament of UAAP Season 85 in PhilSports Complex, Pasig City.

PHOTO FROM THE ADAMSON UNIVERSITY FACEBOOK PAGE

AdU Softbelles ‘sweetest championship ever’: Santiago

By Allysa Mae P. Saldivar

The Adamson Softball Team and head coach Ana Santiago returned home as UAAP Season 85 Champions, its 10th consecutive championship.

The San Marcelinobased Softbelles defeated the University of the Philippines, 2-0, yesterday at the UP Diliman Baseball Field.

Adamson won its 19th overall title, and its 15th UAAP softball championship in the last 17 years.

“Pangarap ko talaga na maka-isang dekada ng kampeon, 'yun talaga ang isa sa [mga] pangarap ko bilang coach,” Santiago shared.

Talking about the struggles they faced throughout the season,

Santiago admitted how proud she is of her players' eagerness and drive to defend their title.

“Ang maganda sa nangyari today, si Rusia, noong natalo kami sa UP, sinisi niya 'yung sarili niya. Natutuwa ako sa kaniya dahil 'yung championship, nanalo kami dahil sa kaniya,” she expressed.

Meanwhile, the Softbelles also claimed multiple individual awards.

Best Pitcher Glory Alonzo was named as Finals' MVP, while Madaelene Domaug had the Most Stolen Base, and Ma. Angelu Gabriel received the Most Home Runs.

The multi-awarded coach added, “Lumalaban silang lahat hanggang sa huli.

Hindi sila bumibigay.”

Mae Langga, a firsttimer team captain, believed that her teammates' talents were initially not enough as they entered the season struggling to harmonize the team.

"Pero nu'ng second round, nag-usap kami na kailangan naming ipanalo every time na naglalaro kami,” Langga said. “Nu'ng papataas na 'yung competition, nandoon na 'yung unity, 'yung goal na magcha-champion kami," she added.

The pinch hitter also acknowledged the support of the Community, "'Yung panalo po natin ngayon, para po sa inyo 'to.”

AdU Softbelles celebrate their winning moment to claim their 10th consecutive championship in the UAAP Season 85 softball tournament

PHOTO BY UAAP MEDIA TEAM

VICTORIOUS SMILE! Adamson and UAAP notables pose to immortalize the historic 10-peat championship of Adamson Softbelles

PHOTO BY UAAP MEDIA TEAM

Entertainment

Spilling the T about Drag Evolution

By Sheena R. Sagales

Thanks to the Emmy Award-winning TV competition RuPaul’s Drag Race, the fabulous art of gender-bending fashion made its way into pop culture.

By spotlighting the extravagant effort that went into drag artistry and awespiring performances by the queens—from lip-syncing to celebrity impersonations—it has built a cult following to the performative art.

While the appreciation for the “eleganza extravaganza” art became

more prominent in the 21st century, the practice of drag dates back to Antic Greece.

A theatrical origin.

Performing in costumes different from your gender was visible back in Greek Tragedy—a form of theatre in the 6th century BCE, up until the Shakespearean era in the late 16th to 17th centuries. It was a period when women were not allowed to perform on stage—resulting in men taking on female roles.

Drag was then believed

to be a coined term as the costumes male performers wore to play female characters would “drag” along the floor.

Roaring into the 1920s, drag became more of an individual performance known as “vaudeville”—a theatrical genre born in France referring to unique one-man acts, paving the way for female impersonation to spice up with a touch of burlesque, comedy, and dancing.

Werking through the shade. Gender-bending performances were not linked to homosexuality until sexology—the study of sex and sexual practices present in cultures—developed the idea that a third sex exists. Unfortunately, the discovery of homosexuality caused the art and the gay community to be stigmatized and judged for cross-dressing, forcing drag artists—who were referred to then as “pansy performers”—to express themselves in

underground gay bars. Due to the constant criminalization of homosexuality, police hunted down drag-safe spaces, which in turn led to the banning of gender impersonation in New York. With World War two also ongoing, the performative art continued to suffer through unjust laws and stigmas.

The 1969 Stonewall Riots—a series of protests from the queer community led by drag queens—was then organized as a call for

equality and a response to the frequent police raid of gay bars.

Realness in the spotlight. The documentary Paris is Burning (1990), actor Tim Curry’s “Rocky Horror Picture Show”, the hit song “You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)” by Sylvester, and a whole lot more crafts that featured drag symbolized the acceptance

SPILLING THE T/P3

New Stages, New Phases: PH Film Industry Enters Another Era

By Jessa Mae Gabalones

The curtains are closing on the old themes of Filipino films. Just as the encore finishes, the Philippines welcomes a new style to the stage—one that strays away from the usual family drama, love affairs, and criminal action often seen on the big screen.

Over the years, the Filipino film scene came to be dominated by classic movies about drama, love, action, and occasional comedy. As 2022 came near its end, Pinoy films have found new horizons as they explored themes of mental health mixed with techno-horror, historical romcom, and revenge sprinkled with murder mystery just enough to keep you clinging onto your seat.

To move the unmoved. Akin to ocean waves,

Deleter (2022), directed by Mikhail Red, caused ripples to rip through peaceful waters— leaving its audience with a lasting impression of just the right mix of disturbance and awe.

Deleter follows the story of Lyra, an online content moderator, and how she slowly descends to madness. The movie implies subtle hints of mental illness and trauma through a series of flashbacks that uncover the main character’s past.

Lyra, who seems desensitized by everything cruel found on the internet, gets triggered by coming across footage of her co-worker committing suicide. This event signals the start of chaos in both her personal and work life.

Through the use of technology throughout the film, Mikhail Red managed to capture

the essence of psychological thriller/horror while tackling modern issues such as mental health and power abuse in the workplace.

The film ends with Lyra grappling to escape both her trauma and what seems to be a supernatural force. Hence, leaving the audience haunted by the movie and by the weight mental trauma may carry.

Deleter (2022) indeed came in a sudden wave, disturbing not only the genre’s peaceful repose but also unnerving even the calmest of watchers.

To retell the tale.

Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo are classic pieces of Filipino literature that have

Jopay, kumusta ka na?

By Justine Denise S. Cruz ‘

Wag ka nang mawala.

Even upon reading the first line, your heart knows too well the tune of this famous record-breaking hit. Nearly two decades later, it had a brand new lease on life.

Jopay, written and recorded **by alternative rock band Mayonnaise, was released in 2004 as their first single in their self-titled debut album. A hit then, the 19-year-old anthem had found its way once more to the hearts of listeners today, bringing together old and new fans.

Jopay, kumusta ka na nga ba? First time listeners would most likely ask themselves, “Sino nga ba si

Jopay? ”.

Monty Macalino, the lead vocalist of the fivepiece band, shared that the inspiration for this song is no other than Jopay Paguia, one of the original members of Sexbomb Girls.

The band frontman shared that when he saw a Lenten special of *Eat Bulaga!* back in 2002, which featured the Filipina dancer, he instantly knew that he would like to write a song about her.

“Pagbukas ko ng TV, nakita ko ‘yong isang SexBomb dancer (Jopay)

umiiyak. Sabi ko, ‘Ba’t kaya umiiyak ‘to? ‘Di ba nasayaw lang ‘to?’ So, pumasok sa utak ko parang ‘ayaw ko siya makitang umiyak,

ayoko siyang makitang malungkot,” the Kapag Lasing Malambing singer shared in a 2021 interview with OG

After composing and recording the demo for the song, he shared that he personally handed out a taped copy to the then 17-year-old dancer after one of her tapings for the noontime show. The song wasn’t released to the public until two years later.

Meanwhile, Jopay only first heard the song dedicated to her on a taxi ride years later. That’s when she remembered the demo copy given to her.

Stream, share, repeat

By Justine Denise S. Cruz

Ahallmark of a trueblooded Filipino is being able to belt out a song (with full confidence) as if they are vying for a fourchair turn in The Voice.

Funnily enough, a birthday party here in the Philippines wouldn’t be complete without a karaoke machine. Your tito’s rendition of My Way and your mom’s version of many Whitney Houston hits would be heard throughout the whole neighborhood. Who needs a vocal coach when you have years of karaoke experience?

Admittedly, we are often stereotyped as great singers—but for all the right and evident reasons. Homegrown powerhouse belters, like Lea Salonga and Arnel Pineda, and artists of mixed heritage, such as Bruno Mars and Nicole Scherzinger, are living testaments of how our race has dominated the international music scene.

With the influx of rising artists here in the country, there is no doubt that musical prowess runs in the veins of Filipinos who are rising to local stardom—even when COVID-19 held the world at a standstill.

The recent pandemic gave birth to a new era of

NEW STAGES/P1

been introduced to Pinoys since high school. With its premiere during the last quarter of 2022, Maria Clara at Ibarra broadcast by GMA Network, took the Philippines by storm through its creative storytelling following a Gen-Z main character traversing through Jose Rizal’s magnum opera.

The series tails Klay, a present-day nursing student that is mysteriously transported to

1880s Manila after reading a copy of Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere. She wakes up in Maria Clara’s room, hearing the people around her naturally speak Tagalog tongue. Shortly after, she crosses paths with characters that are exclusive to Rizal’s novel.

Maria Clara at Ibarra retells the tale of Rizal’s timeless masterpieces with a modern twist. The series garnered the attention of many Filipinos by

reinventing historical romcom, and by introducing modernity to the classics.

To shine and to shed.

With buried bodies and buried secrets as the central theme of Dirty Linen (2023), Filipinos’ interests have been piqued as they encounter a murder mystery unlike any before.

The series, directed by

young Filipino artists and musicians. Aside from having strong contenders in R&B and pop, the country is also home to promising boy and girl groups.

R&B newbie Denise Julia blew local music charts with her post-break up single “NVMD” in 2022. The threeminute-long anthem rose to millennial fame as a viral sound on Tiktok.

In an interview with Bandwagon Asia, the 21-yearold Filipino singer-songwriter admitted that she was afraid her song would only be a onehit wonder. However, she also knows that she has a lot more to offer her fans.

“I’m not really about the numbers. It’s all about my connection with the fans and making sure I’m putting out good music and good vibes,” the rising R&B star proudly revealed.

With musical inspirations such as Beyonce and TLC, no wonder she had everyone bopping together with her in the song’s chorus, which now has over 81M streams on Spotify.

Another R&B and pop superstar is Ylona Garcia, who is known for being a teen housemate in Pinoy Big Brother in 2015. Her

international success started when she was taken under the wing of 88rising in 2021.

With hits such as “All That ” and “Entertain Me,” the Filipino-Australian singer was named as the “the new global voice leading R&B Pop” by American fashion magazine V.

“Everything that I put out, it’s all inspired by living. It’s just living—that’s the inspiration. That’s where my mind is at,” the 20-yearold performer shared in an exclusive interview with Metro.Style

Meanwhile, BINI, an eight-piece girl group, and SB19, a five-member boy band, are two of the most widely-distinguished P-Pop groups in the country.

Focusing on genres like dance-pop and EDM, BINI is known for their singles “Na Na Na” and “Lagi.” To further solidify their mark in the industry, American music magazine Rolling Stone named the Star Magic-formed band as one of the rising global artists for RADAR in 2022. Currently, the nation’s girl group has over 125,000 monthly listeners on Spotify.

On the other hand, SB19, formed in 2018, gained popularity after the release of

“Go Up,” their second single, in 2019. “Mapa,” a song made as a tribute to parents, was released in 2021 and further skyrocketed their group’s reputation. It is currently ranked as their most streamed song, with its official lyric video containing more than 80M views in YouTube.

As these artists enjoy their growing fanbase, Steve Choi of Korea Music Copyright Association (KMCA) shared that in order to thrive in this challenging industry, their craft should be built atop the pop culture of the country. This way, they are able to speak to the feelings of the listeners.

“Music should contain common issues so that anyone can understand. But on top of that, it is important to incorporate your national identity so that it can be differentiated,” Steve Choi of Korea Music Copyright Association said.

The versatility of these youngsters in the music scene is proof that their talent and hard work deserve to be reciprocated with support. If local artists can produce quality music, what hinders the public from rallying behind their backs? Stream, share, and repeat.

Onat Diaz and Andoy Ranay, trails the story of generational grudges harbored by the loved ones of those who inexplicably disappeared in the hands of an aristocratic family. To carry out their vengeance, each member infiltrates the household under varying identities in hopes of exposing the family’s secrets. However, as the team slowly shines light upon the truth, buckets of bloodshed only stare

back at them.

Aside from offering a twist to the usual noontime revenge dramas, Dirty Linen also gives a different viewpoint when it comes to social injustices and power dynamics. The murder mystery genre of the series makes you want to close your eyes in suspense, but at the same time, it makes you want to force them open and stare at the harsh reality of unfairness within our

world.

As the Philippine film industry closes its curtains on a century-old act, it welcomes a new era filled with twists and turns of the past’s remains. As 2023 starts, what the people have seen so far is just the opening act of what is yet to come as new stages are bound to arise with this new phase the industry is braving.

JOPAY/P4

and path to popularity of the performative art.

Notably, the life and career of one of the most well-known drag queens RuPaul Andre Charles played a huge role in bringing great publicity to the art as stated earlier—with her hit song “Supermodel (You Better Work) in 1993 and her drag reality TV show.

The local runway.

In the second half of the 20th century, drag was first featured in the Philippine media through the works of comedy king Dolphy Quizon—he was the first to spotlight the discussed performative art in the local scene with his portrayal of a hyperfeminine gay man in the film Ang Nanay Kong Tatay (1978).

August last year, one of the spin-offs of RuPaul’s Drag Race: Drag Race Philippines premiered, in which 12 contestants competed for the

Art 101: Create and Survive

title “Philippines’ First Drag Superstar,” with a total of ten episodes. Professional dancer Precious Paula Nicole reigned winner.

Drag Den PH with Manila Luzon, the first local drag reality competition, then aired on Amazon Prime months after the Philippine franchise, with 26-year-old Naia Black hailed as the “First Filipino Drag Supreme.”

Drag has come a long way from its rough journey as a common-theater practice to an award-winning art form—proving that it is a craft of passion encouraging queers—and allies—to use their talents to inspire others and give awareness about sociopolitical issues.

Drag is undoubtedly an art of charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent with a touch of protest.

May the best drag queen win.

By Albrecht Mauro R. Beltran Jr.

Art mirrors reality. Our sufferings and victories, our peaks and valleys, are unknowingly embedded on four-cornered canvases. Art lets us understand the fullness of our existence. This proves that it makes a difference in everybody’s lives.

For Jose Glenn Blanco, an artist for over 44 years, it was through art where he expressed his experiences during the pandemic. Painting became his only escape from reality. His works, painted from 2019 to 2022 featuring the scenes of everyday life, were displayed in his Hope & Faith Art Exhibition at Adamson University Art Gallery last February.

The pandemic has built up this overlapping situation where some people question the existence, meaning, and purpose of their lives, all at the same time. Even their faith in

God was challenged as cases rapidly increased and loved ones were lost.

On the other hand, this crisis became an eye-opener for some people, with some even regaining an even closer connection with the Almighty God. The Angono-born talent then relatively introduced the importance of nature with his paintings in dealing with the pandemic. According to him, the closer we are to nature, the closer we are to God, the creator.

The exhibitor of 25 masterpieces disclosed that if he had to pick one among all, ‘Munting Paraiso,’ an oil on canvas painting, would be his favorite. Illustrated in the artist’s pick is a scenery of a stream surrounded by various plants as the subject.

“Lahat kasi sila favorite ko e. Kasi hindi mo masasabing mas gusto ko ‘yon, o isa do’n.

Like this particular painting (Munting Paraiso), ‘yan lang ang painting na ginawa ko na walang tao,” he said.

The University of Santo Tomas and University of the Philippines-Diliman graduate then explained one of the concepts of oriental philosophy, in which a person is just a small part of nature. In the thick of the lockdown, daily routines halted—the outside was a ghost town, and business days were as silent as the weekends.

Given the restrictions enforced during this sudden pause worldwide, art has suffered without a doubt. Galleries, museums, and other usual venues were forced to shut down, which left the artists, art educators, and production staff at the edge of the cliff for a moment.

Yet, one thing is certain— the value of love for craft, hope, and resilience carried on. These

three have secured the oneness of friends and families towards another day of survival as they indulge in the exceptional product of creativity.

Art is a two-way communication between the creative minds of the artists and the eyes of the audience. While the prior continues to strive for their passion, it is in the latter’s hands to appreciate, advocate, and even purchase art.

As the world started to spin again, we have learned that the beauty of art has left us with coping mechanisms that help us respond to unfamiliar circumstances—leaving us with marks and scars.

As every stroke of the brush reminds us that we are all human beings, it is a reminder that we all share universal life experiences. And so is art— in some way, it is also an allembracing blanket.

Concert Essentials 101: The must-haves in your checklist

By Allysa Mae P. Saldivar

Wag ka nang

mawala.

‘Wag ka nang mawala

ngayon... What if I told you that I’ve fallen... Umuwi ka na, baby... It is ultimately the season to start bidding goodbyes to the online set-up era. Finally, physical concerts are back!

When the pandemic shut down live concerts, mass gatherings, and public events, they were all shaped through virtual connections. It was a disheartening phase as concert goers who used to bawl their hearts out, carry out throat aching screams, and headbang to the beat of the music had become mere watchers of online concerts on their screens.

After three long years, we can now see our unnies and oppas back on stage. In their next concert, should you ever have the chance to attend it (fingers crossed), here are the

few essentials you should not forget!

1. Your physical ticket worth ₱₱₱

This is one of the smallest and thinnest things anyone could ever bring, yet, the most important one. It contains the details such as the concert’s name, venue and time, seat number, and barcode.

Some die-hard fangirls and fanboys even give their tickets an after-care like putting them in an acrylic frame or laminating them. They even cover it with clear nail polish to keep the printed ink on the paper!

2. Your mobile phone and a powerbank Tip: You need extra batteries to bear the whole day! Concert-goers often make fancams as part of their routine

when attending live events. In a simple context, drained gadgets are the villains of your story. You can take as many photos and videos as you want, as long as your phone’s battery isn’t begging for a good ol’ charge.

3. A small stash of money and your IDs

A concert is always going to be a long tiring day. Whether you like it or not, you will spend money to avail food, services, merchandise, and more. Some attendees even book hotels near the concert venue. Believe it or not, money is the key to surviving the rest of the day.

Aside from cash, your identification cards are also important; you will easily prove your identity when something comes up.

Photo Courtesy by Prime Video Philippines

PHOTO BY JERICA ISABELA C. MASCULINO

“Parang narinig ko na tong music na ‘to. Jopay? Ako ba ‘yan? Tapos naalala ko, may nagbigay na pala sa akin ng tape,” she exclaimed in an exclusive interview for Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho this 2023.

Well, Jopay, kumusta ka na nga ba? It seems like she is doing well and having the grandest time of her life. Today, the former Sexbomb dancer is happily married to Joshua Zamora and is a mother to two beautiful girls.

Salamat, Mayonnaise

With the critical success of the song and its latest rebirth, Mayonnaise had hit another milestone after almost twenty years in the industry.

This all-time classic from the band hit the airwaves once more when it became a viral sound

‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ exists for further representation

By Arehta Mae T. Capistrano

Sterling.

It is only appropriate to describe Marvel’s Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022) on such excellence and set a high standard as the film celebrates and wisely represents the culture of people of color through the plot, detailed costumes, and unique sounds found on its scoring.

Black Panther (2018), the prequel of the 2022 hit, is the first to represent an African superhero in the mainstream media. The story interweaves diverse ethnicities of Africa for the franchise that amalgamates the continent’s rich history.

For instance, the first film revolves around a fictitious land of Wakanda set in Africa, and a vast part of each character and the narrative comes from the South African language used by the main characters’ mother tongue known as Xhosa.

As for the costume design, the production ensured that actual garments based on a particular tribe, like Kente clothes, were worn by the characters. The striking yellow, red, and vivid colors from interweaving cotton and silk strips symbolize prestige and reputation.

Movies in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) often incorporate fantastical worlds with possible futuristic realities. In further detail, Black Panther and Wakanda Forever push a clear agenda to be seen by the viewers and to give allude to the indigenous. However, director and cowriter Ryan Coogler remarks on the sequel to be about grief and rebirth in the face of overwhelming loss in its storyline and connection to

Chadwick Boseman’s passing who played as T’Challa, the titular Black Panther and king of Wakanda.

The film begins with T’Challa on the brink of death, while his sister, Princess Shuri (Letitia Wright), struggles to create a cure in the confinement of her lab. With turmoil inside the room, their mother, Ramonda (Angela Bassett), suddenly enters to declare his death. On to the next scene, a funeral with rites and requiem comes after to mourn and celebrate his life.

It is accurate to say that grief has a theme to play in the narrative with Coogler’s aforementioned statement. With a funeral, such an affair depicts an opportunity to express love and admiration for lost loved ones. However, in the film, mourners are dressed in white with smiles instead of tears. A ceremony drawn from West Africa of grief, ritual succession, and healing soon followed.

The sequel to the 2018 top-grossing film deepens knowledge and understanding in Africa’s spirituality than further societal structure. Except, what also forefronts in the film comes in extension another tale and culture— the Maya civilization and Mesoamerican influence added as part of the narrative. The arc of this sequel further connects Talokan, a Mesoamerican-inspired underwater civilization.

From this introductory plot, each scene pulls the audience emotionally and intricately through cultural or historical inspiration or even both. Each tug in African and Mesoamerican references also marks these countries’ actual story of the past: in

a suppressed state, and a deep reservation of crafts, traditions, and everything that embodies their culture.

The complexity and real-life connection create not only a story, but artistry through the wardrobe and music supporting the film. Its soundtrack is filled with diverse scoring that supplements each scene— used to introduce two prominent lands—from Latin trap and reggae. Various drums and shakers also augment the culture presented, while the official soundtrack ‘Lift Me Up’ engages in Afrobeat and orchestral instrument as tribute to Chadwick Boseman’s life and legacy.

For costume designs, a mix of garments weaved and beaded illustrate the respective cultures for the characters from Talokan and Wakanda. Colorful interpretations of grief, as worn, like Queen Ramonda’s purple dress and crown, and neutral colors for the Dora Milaje, the warriors protecting Wakanda. Prominently, Shuri’s ensemble of wearing black traditional clothes also convey her change of position and maturity.

Meanwhile, instead of focusing on the Talokan’s garment and clothing, the costume designers decided to focus on jewelry, such as headdresses, ear spools, and beaded necklaces, to adorn the inhabitants of the sea.

Marvel’s Black Panther franchise opened doors for creating more stories centered around indigenous cultures in the silver screen. It has become a pioneer in treating equal representation and diversity as an essential cog in modern society.

on TikTok for ‘What if?’ monologues last 2022. The guitar riff would play and the spiel would begin with, “Paano kung bumalik ang greatest what if mo? ”.

The 2022 romance drama film Ngayon Kaya, which was released on Netflix, also featured the song. Janine Gutierrez and Paulo Avelino starred in the romance drama film. Of course, Jopay was part of the movie’s official soundtrack—a perfect fit to the flick’s friends-to-almostlovers trope. It also included one of the band’s 2004 hits, Bakit (Part 2)

Due to its resurgence in popularity, Jopay has entered Billboard’s top 25 Philippines Songs by the last quarter of 2022. It peaked at number 5 in Spotify during

the same period with over 25M streams.

“Sobrang grateful talaga ako kasi it’s been years [since we released Jopay] and it’s gotten a second life. The thing that is happening right now happened to us back in 2005 so it’s surreal that the buzz we got back then is happening all over again,” Monty happily confessed.

While it is a far cry from their usual compositions, Jopay is, undeniably, a timeless OPM rock classic. It has cemented itself as part of the modern Pinoy pop culture—a hit to the titos and titas, and even to the teens of today. Thanks for this gem, Mayonnaise.

Now, on cue: ‘Wag ka nang mawala ngayon.

4. Your trusted lightstick

If you’re familiar with K-Pop, you will know what this object means. Lightsticks have different designs depending on what group you stan. It is a portable device that lights up during the concert, and you can be part of the so-called lightstick ocean wave.

Even local groups in the Philippines, known as Pinoypop or P-Pop, also started embracing lightsticks. Of course, it is fun to support local artists, as well!

5. OOTD

If you’re picky, a drip check should be in your checklist.

Some concert-goers love to put spice into their outfits, like glow-in-the-dark sticks in their clothes, cosplay costumes, and more, making them different from the crowd.

A gentle reminder: wear what will make you feel comfortable.

6. Have enough rest

Everyone knows how hard it is to sleep the night before the concert, especially if it is your much-awaited first-time experience. Nevertheless, give your body the rest it deserves. Among the listed things, strength and presence of mind

are the most important things you should have on the day itself. Your goal is to enjoy every single moment. Above all, it’s gratifying to witness the spirit of the concert industry in the Philippines. The Filipinos’ dedication to supporting music and live events is always one of a kind. Unquestionably, the country’s entertainment is rekindling— and finally, after almost three long years, the arenas are back to welcome the fans again.

JOPAY/P2

CONCERT/P3

By Jessa Mae Gabalones

Looking into the mirror, you will always find another “you” staring right back. This phenomenon is backed by science, even earning the term reflection discovered some thousand years ago. However, no one talks about what happens when our reflection goes missing—an occurrence that happens too often but is talked about too less. People will always assume this is due to a manufacturing issue or

The Girl in the Mirror

human error. In these situations, most people don’t know that the fault lies within the viewer, not the object used to view.

A simple concept most of us forget is that to understand is to perceive. As children, looking in the mirror was easy. We would stare at our reflection and notice the specks of dirt we have in our hair from playing outside, even the stray strands of hair sticking out because of the heat. We understood life as

we saw it—as long as we’re happy with the big picture, everything would be okay.

As we age, we start to understand things beyond the surface level, and we eventually realize that it’s as if the big picture is out of the picture itself. We magnify the smallest things, highlighting even the littlest of errs. Lingering thoughts of who we used to be and what we did wrong cloud our vision, hindering us from perceiving who we are in

the present. Ultimately, the simplicity of a reflection’s nature is blurred by the complexity of our existence.

There may have come a time when the ghosts of the olden days scare us from looking into what we’ve forced ourselves to consider an atrocity. Contrary to what we may think then, the girl in the mirror did no wrong—she did nothing but live out her life.

We might have focused too much on what we deemed a monstrosity, so much

so that we have forgotten that humanity demands mistakes to be committed for us to exist and learn.

To forgive entails a lot of courage, more so if the one that needs forgiveness is yourself. Forgiving the previous versions of yourself and whatever wrongs they might have done is one step toward leaving the past behind.

Showing mercy to yourself can come in waves—you don’t necessarily have to do it

all at once. Maybe you’ll embrace the past someday, so it’s alright if today is just another Tuesday. Sometimes, we are blinded too much by bygones and the thoughts of what could’ve been that follow them. We fail to understand that our history and mistakes make us, not break us.

The answer to this mirror mystery lies in plain sight: the girl in the mirror has always been there, and it is just us that fail to see her.

Clothes and hair have no gender

By Allysa Mae P. Saldivar

The discourse about gender identity and expression among students has long been a hot topic for years now. Expressing one’s identity and freedom through fashion almost always causes controversies.

Especially for those who belong in the LGBTQ+ community, the existing hair and uniform policy for universities prohibits them from doing so.

Having a genderresponsive environment, on most days, will always feel like shooting for the moon. Everyone knows the drill; if it is a Catholicinclined institution, the policies are set for the

students to comply with.

People always have different stances about it; many argue that it is a way of good grooming and being decent-looking , that is just a harmless policy that doesn’t mean to discriminate against students. Hence, how does it ensure that every student has the same consideration to express themselves?

In real life, most students feel motivated to excel in their studies when they are confident—looking like one likely means you feel the same way, too.

Your sorrow is valid: ways on how to handle bereavement from your pet’s passing

By Michaela Ann Marie R. Razon

People say that owning a pet is like signing a contract, as you agree to take care of them for the rest of their lives. But like change, nothing is permanent.

Legend claims that pets are angels without wings, the reason for their owners to feel joy and secure under their presence. How can they not be? The cute faces that their fur-babies make after turning their belongings into pieces is surely irresistible, the sound of their paws running excitedly towards them when they come back home is surely

a routine they don’t want to end as it eases their weariness, and of course, during those times of uncertainties that the only being which was there for them are their fur-friend is undeniably a heartfelt moment.

Indeed, given such instances, no pet owner will wish for their fur child to not live forever.

Those unfeigned scenes when finished will solidly cause a thorn to a fur parent’s heart for losing a pet is just as hard as losing a loved one. Make your agony mitigate by following some tips from the experts on coping with

your canine’s demise.

According to HelpGuide.org, the first thing to do when your pet crosses the rainbow bridge is to recognize your sadness. Let your tears flow down and know that it is not a sign of weakness, rather a symbol of your unending love for your beloved fur-friend. Do not let anyone dictate your feelings and address your grief by freeing yourself to feel any emotions and do not mind others’ judgments towards your behavior.

Secondly, try to connect with other furparents who had the

same case, for they will understand what you’re going through. Talking to a person who has the same experiences will let you feel that you’re not alone and they might share some tips too on how they overcome such unhappy moments in their lives.

Third, give your departed pet a burial, for having a decent farewell will lessen the pain you’re feeling. Having a proper goodbye will ease the heavy baggage on your chest as you are able to treat them right until their last breath and make memorabilia, seeing the

things they used before will remind you of how happy you were before, and it will help you overcome your agony by focusing on the bright time you had together.

Next, do not forget yourself. Being sad is valid, yet you shouldn’t forget that you must keep going. Keep in mind that had your pet been alive, it would not let you wallow in sorrow. In the instance of getting another one, you should keep doing the routines you used to do with them for it will keep you busy and help you recover soon.

Lastly, try to seek an

expert’s help. They can professionally evaluate your situation and can give you the proper medication if you need so.

Truly, we shouldn’t make fun of someone’s grief towards their pet’s death, for we do not know the connection they had for each other. Thus, expressing their sorrows causes no harm to anyone—another reason to let them grief if they want to.

Indeed, having a pet is a responsibility; accepting the call to be a fur-parent means you’re ready for the bright and dark days.

Femininity, only a social construct: Adamsonian women who broke down gender stereotypes

By Michaela Ann Marie R. Razon

Women’s struggles in the past are infinite as they were under the rule of male feudality, wherein their actions had been limited and controlled.

Fortunately, we have entered a new chapter as women are currently shining in various field of specialization. This Women’s Month, it is but proper to recognize the remarkable victories of the Falcon ladies for their exemplary works.

First in line is Dr. Carmen Z. Lamagna, who is an alumna of Batch ‘78, Chemical Engineering Program and the first woman Vice Chancellor of the American

CLOTHES AND HAIR/P1

For instance, members of the LGBTQ+ community often seek campus safety and inclusivity, when in fact, they should have it in the first place.

Last November 2022, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila joined other universities in adopting gender-neutral uniform policies. The order allows the students to wear uniforms based on how

International University in Bangladesh. She is the first woman Vice Chancellor at the American International University in Bangladesh. In 2012, she was chosen as one of the top 100 women of the world under the education category by the International Alliance for Women.

Next in line is Coach Merenciana “Ewon” Arayi, who played on our Women’s Basketball Team from 2003 to 2007. She snatched the Most Valuable Player trophy of University Athletic Association of the Philippines in 2004 and she continues to prove that sports has

they identify themselves as in the spectrum. The University also lets its students choose any hair color that they would like to go for.

In addition, three of the Philippines’ Big four universities—Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle University, and the University of the Philippines—are some of the major institutions in the country that promote diversity by

no gender by being the longest-tenured national team player and captain of the Philippines women’s national basketball team, Perlas Pilipinas.

We also take pride in Dr. Mary Jane Alvero Al-Mahdi who will probably take you the entire day counting her achievements. She is a Chemical Engineering graduate in 1991 and is now hailed as one of the rising tigers by The Nation Builders in Asia Magazine. Al-Mahdi is multiawarded female global business leader, a Chief Executive Officer of the leading multiresearch laboratory— Geoscience, Prime

letting the students wear what they want.

The public usually knows the concession about the policies between the students and the school. When it comes to Catholic institutions, the students are envisioned to observe those—just to be classified as respected, and to be looked at as good role models.

If the school’s dress and hair code are made

Certification UAE— with partners and branches in Europe, India, China, and in the Philippines. One of her recently-obtained awards is the Global Women Empowerment Icons 2022 Exemplary Woman Corporates Leadership.

Education, leadership and sports are three of the many things that women were forbidden before. But upon fighting for equality, women today are slowly conquering the existing patriarchal system.

On the other hand, if only the society did not dictate gender roles, women before can do more and have the chance to contribute for the

to show a better image of oneself, then it has no comparison in letting the students show off their true colors. Allowing the community to unveil their true selves is just one of the many proofs of diversity. Regardless of someone’s sex, they have the means of expressing the identity they associate themselves to. Everybody has the right to be called by their

betterment of the world. But no matter how many “what ifs” we have in mind, we cannot bring time back. The best thing to do in the present is to acknowledge what women are capable of and to normalize having no room for gender discrimination. Everyone has to accept the truth that gender has nothing to do with someone else’s capabilities.

Aside from these Lady Falcons, we have our Philippine women heroes namely, Gabriela Silang, Melchora Aquino, and Magdalena Leones, who also broke down the feminine image towards them.

respective pronouns.

In fact, a real safe space is something that makes the students feel valid. They should be visible, and never make them feel apologetic because of who they are.

Campuses that advocate gender equality are also thought highly of. The school itself should be an environment where the students don’t need to question themselves and explain their identity.

We can conclude that even before, women are already eager in breaking the barriers imposed by society. As the years pass by, we can say that finally we are entering a progressive page wherein women can express themselves—however, traditional perception is still there. Indeed, we can admittedly say that equality is not yet achieved, but with the stories of these women who continue to surpass the traditional perception about them, we can definitely conclude that we have a bright future for young ladies waiting ahead.

At the end of the day, students deserve to have enough support and attention. It takes no money to hear what kind of world they hope for. Everybody, mainly the LGBTQ+ community, is just too beautiful to be hidden in a closet. Remember: There is nothing more empathic than people who give students the experience of living equally.

The reality behind chasing success as an indie artist in PH

By Anthea Rae M. Grape

Vulnerability is

often associated with weakness. It has a negative connotation, making society think of it as an abomination more than a strength. Going against the stigma, Carlos de Guia is a rising Filipino independent artist from Las Piñas who courageously embraces his flaws and hones them into musical masterpieces.

The 23-year-old singersongwriter started composing amidst the pandemic, releasing seven breathtaking songs. Few of them are “Ano ba Tayo,” “Hi, Love You,” and “Kaibigan.” Fame also followed after his “Iwas Kilig” featured in a TikTok playlist, hitting 200k streams on Spotify.

In an interview with De Guia, he enthusiastically

unraveled his journey as an indie artist in the Philippines and hinted at some challenges that came along with it.

He admitted that his initial intention was only to put his feelings into words and that entering the music industry was never part of his plan. Although, there’s no denying that he also dreams of performing on a big stage.

“I started na magsulat lang, then [I] uploaded it on Youtube and Spotify. But, as in, no plans […] Mas andun ako [sa outlet]. Mas I do it to express lang,” he said.

The young artist is fearless in facing the present and encourages everyone not to shy away from emotions. He firmly believes that feelings exist to be felt, not hidden.

“Kung anong

nararamdaman mo ngayon, damhin mo lang siya. ‘Wag mo ibaling atensyon mo. Kung feel mo malungkot ka, umiyak ka,” he continued. Through his art, it is also the same lesson he’s eager to share with his listeners. De Guia’s music compositions fall under the umbrella of romance, but he confessed that the lyrics don’t come from his own experiences and, instead, from the people he interacts with.

One can say that he is a singer with a wellbalanced personality. However, behind his strong facade is a person who is constantly challenged by life.

At such a young age, Carlos is not exempted from the struggles that independent artists must go through in the

Embracing Real Skin

By Alessandra Angela C. Gomez

F or the longest time, watching videos of beauty influencers online once convinced us that skin could look a certain way—perfectly airbrushed, clear, and free from all sorts of texture. The comparison has been inevitable, how make-up and skincare do not seem to lay on us the way they do on them.

Behind this facade, what we internally wanted to achieve were actually expensive cameras, blurring filters, and digital effects that no one has ever really talked about but needed to be said earlier. Something you have been partly

hard on yourself for in the mirror was something natural on anyone online. Skin in the actual light has its ways of telling you where it has been. Pores, bumps, acne, sunspots, hyperpigmentation, fine lines, patches, and texture—these are what makes your skin, skin.

Putting a brush down and calling it quits on your routine then becomes easy. Especially, when it doesn’t seem to be working the way you expected it to from others, but your skin deserves more than that. We should bring ourselves to do it not to achieve the mask of someone else’s

features, but to express art, love its imprints, and genuinely care for it. It shouldn’t be something we refuse to accept as it’s a part of us that is living as it should be.

Recent beauty-related content has turned such kind of self-appreciation up a notch as skincaredriven and clean makeup looks have thrived by emphasizing skin up close and the confidence you can bear from it, not hiding but rather embracing. Skin that we used to see without a single trace of its attributes now mirrors true skin—our skin.

EMBRACING/P6

country and must learn the ropes by himself the hard way.

“Yung pinaka-challenge as an independent artist is wala kami masyadong channels to let our audience hear our pieces. Kasi ang hirap samin is kami lahat. Unlike pag may labels, may radio and show guestings. So, ang pinaka-challenge talaga is ‘yung reach namin,” he added. His struggles also include the poor stereotype of art and how it is underestimated by the same people who demand high-quality movies and songs from artists. Thankfully, today’s generation no longer lives with the same mentality, making the music scene strive and progress. Not to mention how the youth is more accepting of genres

deemed as “corny” before.

“Di na sila ‘yung nagho-hold ng thread of music. Ang nag-ho-hold na is ‘yung mga 20s-30s na mas educated sa music appreciation,” the third-Year Civil Engineering student said.

Organizing one’s thoughts also causes problems for the singer-songwriter from time to time, as he admits to having scattered ideas during the writing process. He moves past it by allowing himself to breathe and pause.

When asked about his advice for his fellow rising artists, Carlos emphasized not to focus on materialistic things like money and only create art with pure intentions.

“Don’t let money drive your passion. Kasi pag do’n mo na kinukuha ‘yung

gasolina mo to create, dun mo ma-e-experience yung susuko ka na kasi hindi lagi may makikinig sa’yo,” he said.

In 2019, he visited the University for the first time to attend Gunita, an annual event organized by The Adamson Chronicle.

Carlos again serenaded the Falcon community with his songs last February 2023 in the same program. In the universe’s perfect rhythm, fortune comes to those who work hard and live genuinely. It will knock on your door when you least expect it, surprising you with a life-changing gift.

For now, let us support our local artists and forget about “gatekeep” culture. Their songs deserve to be shown off to the world, anyway.

Let’s be real: money can buy happiness.

A good fortune in life can buy you comfort, peace, and a future— one that lets you sleep peacefully at night without any worry. However, even with all the money in this world, it can never buy you class and character.

Earlier this year, Alex Gonzaga earned flak on social media for smearing cake icing on a waiter’s forehead during her 35th birthday bash. In the 12-second video clip, it can be seen that the server shyly looked away and proceeded to ride on the comedian’s gag with a smile.

“Simpleng katuwaan

WTB: manners, will get ASAP

lang naman ‘yon! Para namang hindi kayo mabiro,” said those who failed to see what’s wrong about it. For her, and for them, it’s just a simple prank—a normal antic not supposed to be taken seriously.

Yet, for people who work an 8-5 job and live — or had lived through — on the other side of the fence, offensive is an understatement.

Power dynamics, in a work environment, refer to how a person of higher authority can influence or control people who belong in lower positions. This can either show a balance or imbalance of power between two separate

By Justine Denise S. Cruz

parties. It is not limited in the workplace, as this is also evident in the society that we live in.

With the recent “joke” that this well-known actress made, it clearly showed the reality of power dynamics in society. While it is difficult to admit, it showed the undeniable divide that lies between the elite and common laborers.

Unquestionably, the server put on a real show of professionalism. His job, apart from taking orders from guests, includes emotional labor. It is the act of suppressing and managing one’s feelings to put on a facade that keeps customers satisfied. Hence, for those in the service

industry, employees are expected to nod, smile, and agree with customers as they are always right.

While paying customers have the right to demand service, workers in the same industry also have the right to ask for respect. In the end, the bill doesn’t include getting humiliated and laughed at by a number of onlookers. However, things will always be easier said than done.

If you were to put yourself in the shoes of the server, you won’t have any choice but to just play and laugh along with the silly, innocent gag that the birthday celebrant made. If it’s a hit to the crowd, what harm could it bring? Never

mind the humiliation if it meant you get to keep your job by the end of the night.

Yet, if you were to stand your ground, you’d be rude and disrespectful. Because how dare you ask for respect when you only make a mere fraction of their earnings?

As Beatriz Saw famously said during her time in Pinoy Big Brother, “Ang respect hindi ‘yan ini-impose, ine-earn ‘yan.” Respect is a twoway street—you can’t have it unless you give it. Treat how you want to be treated. Speak how you want to be spoken to.

While she did issue an apology later on, it received bad press as it

only solidified the idea that those who sit atop of the clouds only apologize when they are called out. According to her, this incident taught her “humility, kindness, and better judgment.” Had this not happened, would she not have learned these “Godtaught” lessons in life?

Having the luxury to throw a grand party with your closest friends and family but still forget how basic human decency works is an indication that money can cloud your moral judgment, but only if you let it.

A bank full of cash can get you far in life, but it will never buy manners.

When numerous voices from the public stir a need for proper mental health awareness, they warrant plans and action.

Even before the pandemic, information about mental health continuously spread with progressive details from research on how psychological and social well-being matters to societal groundwork by The World Health Organization (WHO) and Department of Health (DOH).

Making an expression to support such a cause is no longer viable, as in reality, the number of people with mental conditions worsens and cases continue to rise. In an academic institution, students mostly promote basic knowledge on understanding

EMBRACE/P4

It is important for someone to take into consideration what works best for them as everyone’s skin

Mental health programs: Is it lip service or a plan?

By Aretha Mae Capistrano

mental issues, but how others can help remains vague.

We expect swift actions from government agencies, but the public still cries due to heightened cases. The issues commonly amok in ordinary citizens, employees working on a daily basis, and students suffering mentally aside academic performance, leading to depression and worse conditions.

In 2018, former President Rodrigo Duterte signed Philippine Mental Health Law or Republic Act 11036. The law secures the rights and welfare of each individual in terms of mental health, down to improving facilities and services, and pursuing promotion of mental health education to various organizations and

type is different. On top of this, inclusivity continues to be explored by rising make up and skincare enthusiasts for deeper skin tones and those with

companies aside academic institutions. We finally affirm better access to mental health facilities without scorn or condemnation towards mental illness, with local government units (LGUs) establishing their separate program.

Furthermore, the DOH’s plan spanning to 2019 till 2023 maps out mental hospitals, outpatient and inpatient facilities attached to general hospitals, and children’s centers,whichmeansaccessible council and medicines. Thus, the public lauds the start of improving mental health care in the country.

By the succeeding year, the law is still praised as the first legal framework for comprehensive psychological care. Psychologists, psychiatrists, and volunteers

varying skin sensitivity. While promising brands have shown that they have what’s best for certain skin types over the years, the industry still has a long way to go

alike promote public and private facilities to those in need. However, in the next three years, a pandemic struck, enclosing us to limited space and lesser social interactions. Depression, isolation, and suicidal ideation pass through their minds.

Under the newly elected officials in June 2022, a DOH secretary was yet to be appointed. As such, a study published in the National Library of Medicine highlights further—the Philippines was deemed with prohibitive economic conditions preventing equitable access care, proper budget allocation, and recognition of home or barangay level concerns to be addressed.

Ironically, out of the DOH’s ₱301B allocation

in elevating the majority towards that level. As we turn to see our real skin in this way, we can look forward to viewing this physical aspect of ourselves in

from the 2023 budget, only ₱2.1M is to be provided for mental health programs. The foregoing praise changed into a spiral of doubts. Moreover, a briefing earlier this year cemented the suspicions surrounding the cause as house committees and legislators found that notable government divisions, such as Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and Department of Education (DepEd), do not have concrete plans to alleviate the problem. It is worth noting that a series of student suicides has been relentless for the past ten months. DepEd recorded over 2,147 attempts in the preceding school year, equating to more than 200 attempts per month.

Yes, the Mental Health Law was created. However, when programs are not

a much healthier state.

We can always work on its progress not as a race to solely get rid of something based on what the world looks like on screen but as a form of

adequately funded and disregard higher costs of medicines and consultations, especially to a lower middleincome economy, then it is only an outdated plan. A single consultation and hospitalization do not result in healing immediately. They live on a daily basis with these conditions, fending themselves. Progress of planning an actual program does not indicate such a slow process, especially when the citizens suffer, and agencies continue to talk about initiatives but show no actual movement outside conferences. Based on such progress under unexpected turbulence, did the government really succeed in its laid plans? We are still far from providing quality mental health care in the country.

self-care and love for oneself. It then ends with something that is much more rewarding— radiating what makes us who we really are.

“Pay with Sibuyas” apparently became a thing for a day—with a local branch of Japan Home Center launching the campaign last February 4, buyers were purchasing select in-store items for one onion bulb.

A Filipina bride also walked down the aisle with the vegetable—instead of the traditional welcoming flowers, onions became the decorative element in their wedding.

Onions in Manila markets cost as high as ₱600 last December 2022, costing more than the daily minimum wage in in Metro Manila worth ₱570, encouraging consumers to utilize the pungent yet tasty bulb in unusual ways.

With the price hike of what was once an affordable ingredient, Filipinos cannot help but treat this common household vegetable as edible

gold. Therefore, what caused the kitchen staple in the country to be sold at such a high cost?

A shortfall on supplies. As early as last August 2022, agriculture officials warned the government that the supply of onions in the country would be insufficient to meet the demand for the vegetable as the projection for the consumption of it was to rise during the holidays. As a result, this forced the price of the commodity to be higher.

“This happens year in and year out because we harvest only once a year (between February and April), so stocks have to be kept in cold storage to maintain supply until the next harvest. Normally, local production is from 10% to 20% short of local demand, so stocks have to be augmented by imports,” Raul Montemayor, the National Manager of the Federation of

Free Farmers Cooperatives Incorporated, told Rappler.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., also the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture (DA), then allowed the importation of onions last January. Montemayor then claimed that they should have executed it months before as the imported ones would clash with the harvest season of the local onion farmers.

“This will further depress prices for farmers, allow traders to take advantage and buy low from farmers, and give them the opportunity to hit the jackpot again during the offseason later this year when prices go up,” the national manager claimed.

Just this February, Philstar reported that the DA found out, through their local monitoring, that locallysourced red onions are sold in wet markets per kilogram

for above the suggested retail price of ₱250 to ease the upsurge—still comparably high from the global average price of $1.54 or around ₱84.47 for the commodity.

An impact of illegal trade. Hidden together with the delicious smell of bread and pastries were ₱20M-worth of smuggled onions that were confiscated in the Philippines last 2022, per The Guardian. A few days later, shipment boxes supposedly containing household items were full of the mentioned ingredient.

Due to the skyrocketing price of onions, a staggering ₱500M to ₱600M seized illegal stashes of the commodity took place last year.

With the frequent smuggling of the kitchen staple, the DA suspects that a syndicate is hoarding red onions to be sold at a high cost, giving them a hunch

that illegal trading is one of the causes behind the gold-like price of onions.

Factors beyond control.

National Statistician Dennis

Mapa stated in a press conference for the Philippine 2022 inflation report that the country reached a 14-yearhigh last December—an 8.1% upsurge of commodity costs, and onion making up 0.3% of the percentage.

Supply of locally grown onions became more deficit with farms dealing damages from super typhoon Karding, typhoon Neneng, and severe tropical storm Paeng.

“Onions are usually planted during dry months (starting November to January), but some farmers gamble by planting as early as September. But these were affected by a series of typhoons, so it is very possible that stocks reached a

very low level in November,” Montemayor highlighted. What to expect. Authorities launched probes into the smuggling and cartels of onions in the country as lawmakers filed resolutions to address the illegal trading acts. Moreover, the Office of the Ombudsman claimed that they would investigate the DA officials regarding the high cost of red and white onions in the market.

Historically, the Ancient Egyptians viewed onions as a symbol of eternity and an object of worship due to their belief that the circlewithin-circle pattern of the vegetable reflected eternal life.

Ironically, the present time proved that onions are still a significant figure in our lives—but sadly as a symbol of inflation and pressing social issues in the Philippines.

Unpeeling the Onion Conundrum

By Sheena R. Sagales

When Pope Francis said that “Homosexuality isn’t a crime,” a lot of public opinion rose as they opposed the idea expressed by him. The approximate population of the Philippines is over 113M, in which 86% of it are Catholics Ranked as having the third largest Catholic population in the world. This explains the uproar made in the Philippines regarding Francis’ statement as the Philippines remained conservative in addressing queer topics.

In the past, the Church strongly believed that there are only two genders that God created—male and

Entering an era of acceptance

female. As the story of “The creation” found in the book of Genesis in the Old Testament stated that God only made Adam, a man, and Eve, a woman which made them swallowed the idea that there are only two genders that God created which made them exclude others as part of God’s creation.

A humble call. In an interview in the associated press in Vatican City with Pope Francis, he acknowledged that there are still ministers of the Church who support antihomosexual laws and encourage them to undergo a process of change to accept other’s identity.

By Michaela Ann Marie R. Razon

The humble call of the 86-year-old pope uplifted the victims of gender discrimination as he came from a sector that contributed the most to their struggle of being unaccepted in the society. As his faith is still inclined with the Church’s teaching, he still considered homosexuality a sin but not a crime. He also reiterated that lack of charity among others is also a sin as Jesus taught us charity among our neighbors, may it be to our enemy or friends.

That said, the statement made by the head of the Catholic Church is a light victory for the age-long struggle of the members of

the Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and others (LGBTQ+) community for it is high time that this issue is to be addressed worldwide.

Besides, homosexuals can do the things that straight people can do, so the question arises: why are we treating them like a black sheep in society?

Putting faith into action. The major thing that religion is teaching us is kindness; in this, we are expected to act accordingly among others, regardless of their gender and who they are.

As Christians, Jesus told his followers that they

should love God and their neighbors regardless of identity, race, and wealth. A real believer of Christ is not selective when giving respect, because a true follower is indiscriminate when doing kindness.

Aside from Christianity, other religions also promote common good among individuals. There is no religion dictating us to be cruel against people who are different from us.

For an instance, Confucianism—a system of belief originating from Ancient China—tells us that we shouldn’t do to others, what we don’t want others to do unto us. In this sense,

if we don’t want others to decriminalize our gender, we should not do the same thing to them. Indeed, our faith must be put into action, because if faith is only meant to be proclaimed and not lived by, how can we make nonbelievers accept our religion? Religion shouldn’t be the reason why queer people feel degraded and excluded in society. Instead, it should be a promoter of kindness and equality among people. Homosexuality may be a “sin” biblically but remember that it is also a sin to despise someone not just morally, but in all forms.

Science and Technology

The G in generational trauma stands for genetics

By Justine Dela Cruz

Having unresolved grief, being somehow emotionally distant to your parents, possessing unhealthy coping mechanisms—if you manage to tick all the boxes, then you’re probably suffering from generational trauma.

You may deny it—which is also a classic symptom of harboring ancestral trauma— but science proves so, otherwise.

Blame it on genetics.

It could’ve been generational wealth, but instead, you’re stuck with the other kind.

While the youth seem to just laugh about unknowingly having it, almost as if it is a desensitized topic, there is a scientific explanation as to why pain and despondency is passed from parent to child.

Deep-seated trauma comes

from many forms, such as domestic abuse, violence, natural disasters, and hate crimes. As a result, those who have experienced it tend to behave in a way that negatively affects those who surround them.

Epigenetics is the study of how environmental influences and factors affect gene activity. This does not alter the DNA sequence but it does control how the gene functions in the body. It is a direct contributor to how trauma is passed on from parents to their children, down to their children’s children.

Without the clinical intervention of a therapist or a mental health professional, the result of experiencing generational trauma is never actually talked about in the family.

The first reported clinical case of transgenerational

trauma was reported by Vivian M. Rakoff in 1966. At the time, the then 38-year-old psychiatrist was working at the Jewish General Hospital in Montreal, Canada. A number of descendants of Holocaust survivors, including children and grandchildren, residing at the same area were noted as having significant amounts of psychological distress. Other researchers assessed that they also have anxiety, and depression.

Michael Skinner, a biologist specializing in epigenetics at Washington State University, has proved that trauma inheritance can be traced back to the epigenome. His study implies that the transformation of the epigenome, the chemical and biological alterations to DNA, can be passed down from generation to generation.

Moreover, trauma can

also affect the microglia, the brain’s resident immune cells. According to Gayani Desilva, a child and adolescent psychiatry specialist, when a person is responding to trauma negatively, these cells eat away at the nerve endings.

"The microglia go haywire in the brain and cause depression, anxiety, and dementia. This can translate into genetic changes, which can be passed down to further generations,” Desilva added.

While there are only a fair amount of studies suggesting that epigenetics is the sole explanation for familial trauma, it is well-known that a huge ordeal can manipulate a person’s mental, emotional, and physical health. That being said, it makes sense that researchers believe that trauma can be bequeathed epigenetically.

The history and wonders of CGI

By Allysa Saldivar

The wonders of computerized graphics elevate as years go by. Computergenerated imagery (CGI) is one of the powers of technology—undeniably adopting what kind of media the world is living for. It seems incredible to see the emergence of films, video games, advertisements, and photography from how they actually work.

From greenscreens to impressive scene backgrounds, manipulated photos, how Spider-Man's suit features are enhanced, the realistic-looking disasters from the film San Andreas—these are

the common concepts if someone brings up what CGI-loaded masterpieces are. But when exactly CGI started in the industry?

What does it mean, and what can it do in film and entertainment?

In a nutshell.

Today, in a simple context, CGI refers to the animation, special effects, and graphics people commonly see everywhere. It often works for threedimensional (3D) imaging or rendering, but it can also create two-dimensional (2D) works.

In films from the 1950s, mechanical computers

were used in designing patterns. The first CGI film was Vertigo by Alfred Hitchcock in 1958, and it was 2D trickery. In 1972, Edwin Catmull made it in a 3D animation after creating 350 triangles and polygons; the short film was titled "A Computer Animated Hand" with Fred Parke.

The advancement of CGI was embodied in the long run, and it started gaining people's attention. In 1976, the outlines of CGI made a historical movie like "Futureworld", the world's first 3D animation.

In the 1980s, CGI escalated in giving colors and life on television.

Although it has been said that experiments were hard to push through, many works from crafts were still done. The first CGI music video was even created in 1985, titled, "Dire Straits: Money For Nothing.”

A huge improvement in this technology occurred during the 1990s. It started to create photorealistic and fully computer-generated films. This decade produced box office hits, such as Jurassic Park (1993), Toy Story (1995), Titanic (1997), and The Matrix (1999).

How does CGI work CGI/P2

Here’s to hoping for the best.

Generational trauma has no actual diagnosis, only the health conditions that result from it—clinical anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Nonetheless, it is acknowledged in the medical community.

In parenting, trauma is often disguised as the constant fear of acting like one’s own parents, overcompensation, and the unceasing need for the child to be academically successful. For children, symptoms include behavioral disorders, hyperarousal, and sleep disturbances, among others.

Although inherited trauma cannot be healed overnight, the disorders attributed to it can be aided to by means of substance treatment and intervention. Family members can also turn

to trauma therapy and ask for the help of a psychologist. For example, cognitive behavioral therapy, which is used for patients suffering from PTSD, can be in the form of exposure therapy and cognitive reconstructing.

"When we process things and understand them, we can then often find coping mechanisms. When we find coping mechanisms, we can heal, and redefine ourselves. and reclaim a part of our life,” shared Melanie English, a clinical psychologist and parenting evaluator.

While there is no surefire way to stop generational trauma, working through one’s family problems is a start. It sure does require a huge amount of effort and encouragement, but stopping the cycle is the only way to care for yourself and the future generations to come.

HoloAnatomy: your high-tech supplement to cadavers

By Sheena R. Sagales

Are you an aspiring doctor? If yes, chances are, you will go through the rite of passage for every medical student: dissecting a cadaver.

Studying corpses is a vital learning experience about the human body for future physicians and other allied health professionals. Moreover, cadaver-based teaching helps students to be physically, intellectually, and emotionally prepared for the challenges when they practice their profession.

CGI/P1

CGIs are typically used in modern movies, especially right after the 2000s came into the picture—the technology became more advanced with the things they can do. In photography, CGI allows manipulation, even without your subject being

However, did you know that some parts of the world are experiencing a shortage of cadavers? For example, Nairobi University in Kenya—even with its bodydonation program—only receives two to three bodies each year due to the lack of awareness of the program.

Solution? Reduce the need for cadavers, which is essentially what Case Western Reserve University's (CWRU) School of Medicine is working on through virtual reality.

physically present. It emphasizes the beauty of technology and gives life to people's imagination. From multiple layers and adjustments, CGI provides out-of-the-world outcome projects.

However, technology could have a downfall,

Anatomically virtual.

Via Microsoft HoloLens, the CWRU School of Medicine launched a VR medical training program named HoloAnatomy Software Suite that utilizes mixed-reality technology to show the human body from a three-Dimensional perspective.

Ilumis Incorporated was then launched to help CWRU spread the usage of the virtual learning platform to as many anatomy programs as possible.

"Now universities can

reduce the expensive, time-consuming task of obtaining cadavers, and students can enter a world of new possibilities where they learn faster, retain more vital information, and transcend the classroom with unprecedented collaborative potential,” Ilumis CEO Mark Day told LifeWire.

More zooming, less dissection.

Medical students wear the HoloLens headset to examine a full-scale

virtual model of the human. Through the software, learners can work on the macro and microscopic levels of anatomy.

"Unlike the cadaver lab, where the preserved body's colors and textures can make it difficult to discern, say, a nerve from a blood vessel—or to see a lymph node—HoloAnatomy gives students a crystal clear 3-D map of these anatomical structures and their relationships to each other,"

Mark Griswold, a professor at the CWRU School of

Medicine highlighted in an email interview with LifeWire.

With the students able to zoom in on the fine details of each body part, universities are looking into the possibility of merging anatomy and histology courses into one in their curriculum.

Noninteractive interaction. Dexterity is a crucial skill for health professionals, which is an apparent flaw in HOLOANATOMY/ P3

as well. Nowadays, it is hard to distinguish what a specific visual looks like. For example, a CGI-loaded promotional video or photo is sometimes destructive— the brand might end up alluring people too much with their services.

Nevertheless, CGI has

drastically improved the entertainment and media industry in ways one could’ve never thought of in the olden days. With just a few edits here and there, film producers can now either merge reality with fantasy or create the former with the latter.

Death, Decoded: The Scientific Inquiry of Passing

By Mat Jefferson Richter

according to Forensic Science International, a peer-reviewed high-level international journal for health and science, enzymes and bacteria also eat down the body's tissues, generating gases that cause the body to inflate and discolor. After death, the body's temperature then progressively decreases until it reaches room temperature, known as “algor mortis.”

Consequently, the body's muscles tighten

and become rigid within a few hours following death, known as "rigor mortis," which is caused by lactic acid accumulation in the muscles. This usually appears two to six hours after death and can continue for up to 48 hours.

Lastly, gravity causes blood to settle in the lower portions of the body— resulting in purple staining of the skin known as "livor mortis," which develops 30 minutes to two hours after death. As uncomforting as

HOLOANATOMY/ P2

the HoloAnatomy Software Suite due to the lack of a feature wherein students can feel each body part.

The brain behind the software intends to solve the issue by partnering it with Haptic VR Gloves — a system that will stimulate the user’s touch and motion through computer simulation.

Another challenge with VR training is the student-teacher interaction, as instructors will have a hard time answering the inquiries of their learners as they cannot view what their students see through the headset.

"In many medical schools, interacting with cadavers marks the medical student's

transition into the immeasurable privilege and responsibility of taking care of the human body; digital tools should not 'replace' humans, but they can play an essential role in helping students acquire critical knowledge,” Ilumis Inc. CEO highlighted.

Even with a few gaps in the program, the VR medical training software still undoubtedly takes the known-for-gaming technology to a new level by using it as a medium to show an in-depth and digital perspective of the human body—making it a great supplement in training future health professionals with a bonus of lessening the reliance to cadavers.

We’ve witnessed death to some extent, perhaps on screens like Grey’s Anatomy or The Good Doctor, if not in real life. Yet, despite death’s inevitability, mankind still falters at the idea of dying—but who or what won’t, when it implies an irreversible end of life?

Even with years of study, the issue of what occurs after we die remains one of the universe's unfathomable mysteries. Recent scientific advancements, on the other hand, have shed new light on the physical processes that occur after death.

‘Life Recall’: When the heart stops beating Brain activity during death has long perplexed researchers, especially neuroscientists. That said, scientists were employing electroencephalography

(EEG) equipment to study and manage seizures in the brain of an 87-yearold epileptic patient, who eventually suffered a heart attack and died. This unforeseen development enabled them to document the activity of a dying human brain.

In turn, Dr. Ajmal Zemmar, a physicianscientist, and a neurosurgeon at the University of Louisville, measured 15 minutes of brain activity in the said unpredicted study.

When the patient’s heart stopped functioning, brain waves or “oscillations,” which are rhythmic brain activity patterns dealing with memory retrieval, are generated. This causes the brain to reminisce about memories similar to a neardeath experience known as “life recall,” as if a flash of one’s memory bank.

Meanwhile, Dr. Zemmar

further hypothesized that “the brain may be playing a last recall of important life events just before we die.”

The science behind postmortem decay

Dr. Roger Byard, a professor of pathology at the University of Adelaide and expert in forensic pathology, disclosed that "the study of postmortem decay is not only essential for forensic investigations, but it also provides valuable insights into the processes of life and death."

That said, when the heart stops pumping, the brain is deprived of the oxygen and glucose it needs to operate. This implies that brain activity begins to decrease within seconds and terminates altogether within a few minutes; precisely put, the brain function ceases.

Following that,

it sounds, passing does not exempt anyone.

No life after death? Physics disagrees

The human body is made up of matter and energy, both electrical and chemical in nature. Surprisingly, the body has around 20 watts of energy, which is tantamount to the need for a light bulb to illuminate—and which is adequate to cover a person’s whole thinking capacity.

As per the law of conservation of energy, energy cannot be generated or destroyed, only converted from one form to another. When a person dies, the energy held in their tissues is released and turned into other types of energy, such as heat and chemical energy. This is also seen in the cremation process—when the heat from the flames causes the body to decompose into ash and fumes. The body gets progressively disordered

as it decomposes, with the molecules and atoms that comprise its tissues becoming increasingly disorderly. In other words, the energy we have continues to live on as our atoms are repurposed throughout space, even if it means after passing.

Rounding off, the science behind death has always intrigued the interests of many, as it’s still left almost undiscovered despite today’s scientific and research advancements, especially in brain activity. In an attempt

to decode, theorize, and explain death scientifically, society hopes to peek into the scientific inquiry of the afterlife, too, even just a glance.

The whole concept of death may cage us in a fret—but with knowledge of what transpires after death, we may be well-equipped to accept this collective, inevitable experience, at least in perfect timing—and realize that, perhaps, death is something humane.

Food is in the Air: Solar Foods on Your Next Menu

By Alessandra Angela Gomez

If something were to disappear into thin air, fortunately, food won’t be one of them as Finnish company, “Solar Foods” defied the laws of traditional food production by planting not on solid ground—but through the atmosphere.

By means of the cultivation of growing single-celled bacteria from hydrogen and carbon dioxide, a protein-rich golden powder appears as an eco-friendlier alternative for other proteins typically formed from animals and plants.

Established last 2017, Solar Foods CEO Pasi Vainikka further described its limitless capacity for growth, not just anywhere under the sun – but even in

space too.

Independent from the ever-changing climate and weather conditions such as the desert, tropics, and even in freezing places, “Solein” can be produced unfazed, making it land recently in the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) Top 11 finalists in Phase 2 of the DeepSpace Food Challenge for further development of various astronaut food.

Crop of the wind

In line with this novel food technology, Solein encompasses the agriculture of feeding microbes with gases and nutrients similar to how beer or wine is brewed, except that fermented sugar is

replaced with hydrogen and carbon dioxide, alongside electricity. A sample is initially extracted from soil particles and measured before gas becomes fermented in a bioreactor.

If plants are fed and grown off of soil, these microbes rely on nutrients such as calcium, phosphorus, nitrogen, and potassium. The gas fermentation from the bioreactor then presents itself as a liquid in which cells become rapidly separated from its contents, revealing nutritious powder.

Farmers of this particular procedure are called “production specialists” and look after each step with precision in ensuring the safety of the substance harvested.

The production process is then kept sterile and secure through appropriate lab wear and heavy-duty steel equipment that consist of centrifuges and other reactors.

While the extraction of the final protein could last up to 70 hours, you’re in business as Solein consists of 65-70% protein, 5-8% fat, 10-15% dietary fibres and 3-5% mineral nutrients.

Whether your palette may or may not be in for an unusual neutral taste, mixing this gold-colored powder into your everyday food and drink intake is a great way to add extra proteins to your diet.

Across the world

Acknowledging its

competent advancement, Solar Foods had Solein touchdown in stores, particularly in Singapore as approved by the country’s official food agency back in September, 2021.

The Finnish food technology company has yet to proceed with its official commercial sales in production facility, “Factory 01,” plans to begin in 2024. Its expansion for regulatory approval in other countries worldwide is one of their future ventures.

Future for food Sustainability was key for Solein as electricity partly used in the process can come from renewable sources of energy.

Its manufacture does not

necessarily take up much of resources and land as it can be created all under one production roof. It caters to address potential food supply problems by enhanced availability and informative transparency of the protein we consume in certain food products.

Solein then serves as a tangible blueprint for other food and nutrient sources to possibly scale up, allowing us to experience the science behind food formed from air on a broader spectrum. When it comes to the future of food supply and its longevity, we can certainly learn to flip the pages for our next meal to be green and contain environmentally friendly ingredients.

Arts & Letters

A Farmer’s Handprint

By Alessandra Angela C. Gomez

The sun hasn’t been visiting as a deliverance of hope

But a new ounce of sweat awaits to touch the ground. If only the hands of the clock could hastily turn To when the rain washes off traces of turmoil in the mud.

They plant to reciprocate in due time for a harvest, To break free from the chains of soaring prices. But foreign roots have made their way to the local surface, Taking hold of the hands who sought to supply the next market.

A worker rides on top of a hill of stocks painted red, Wheeled in for the day to feed and nourish the public. The seller then beamed at the great amount of progress As the worker hid a faint smile from the farm’s losses.

His companions sit and wait for the return of their lasses, But next to crops, wiped out by a storm’s uppercut. In a race to climb above the treetop of demand, Is a farmer who carries his life to lift someone else’s.

The Thing about Luck

By Jessa Mae Gabalones

It was a warm afternoon

amidst the chilly winter days when luck came knocking on my door.

She stood there, freezing, enveloped by snow. It took me a second to recognize that familiar face from a decade ago. She told me she was lost — that she was new around town, and that they’d only moved in at the apartment next door.

A minute passed by, and then two. She stood there with a smile, and I could only reply with silence from awe. I then realized that the feeling of familiarity was one-sided, and she had not recognized who I was.

It didn’t matter to me. Besides, the existence of a 16-year-old classmate who sat beside her in English for 4 years was much easier to forget when you don’t stay in touch. Perhaps it was normal.

The feelings I tried so hard to bury for a decade came back from the dead, clawing their way out from 6 feet under.

What were the chances that my first love and I would reunite this way? At that moment, I could only think of

luck.

During the next few weeks, I decided to man up and invite her to the local ice cream parlor. Disguised as a local tour, I was nothing but a man who just wanted to be with the woman I adored.

It was only then I found out that she liked sweets, while strawberries stood above all in her eyes. At that moment, I could only think of how unlucky I was, since strawberries made my throat itch.

One time became two times, and two times eventually turned into our Fridays. On all those Fridays, I did nothing but savor the taste of strawberries, her sweet presence, and the bitterness of antihistamine.

As the ice in our bowls melted, so too did my walls. Layer by layer, thawing slowly each time she smiled.

Seasons have passed, and leaves have shed. Before I knew it, it was winter again.

Trips to the ice cream shop remained our thing for the past year. This time around, I was planning to visit the ice cream shop with her as my lover — and so, I braved

that path with hopes of lady luck once again being on my side.

With the ring nestled in the middle of my palm, I noticed the lines engraved on it. I dared to scrutinize every dash, every segment. I was convinced that luck bound us together — so much so that I was confident each little line in my palm all lead to her.

I was expecting a myriad of events that day — from her saying yes, to her hugging me and telling me that she reciprocates my feelings. However, seeing her walk toward the ice cream parlor with another man in hand was something that never crossed my mind.

She looked over her shoulder and for a moment, our eyes locked. What lies behind those orbs lay an abyss I do not dare to explore for fear of getting answers.

I turned my back and walked the other way. I had no choice but to clutch my fingers and once again keep it to myself - the ring and my intentions. Amidst the freezing winter snow, I was returned to summer graduation, walking away with my feelings intact

yet shattered simultaneously. It was a warm afternoon when someone knocked on my door.

She stood there, freezing, enveloped by snow — a moment of jealousy passed by me as I wished how that could’ve been me feeling her

warmth, slowly melting at her touch.

She said she could explain, that she was going to tell me eventually.

A minute passed by, and then two. She stood there with eyes begging to be heard, and all I could reply was silence. I

closed the door, stealing one final glance at the figure I was about to let go of again.

I suppose that’s the thing about luck — on some winters, it’s a fleeting blessing, and on others, it’s a curse that lingers for a lifetime.

How the Enemy Creeps Up on Us

By Alessandra Angela C. Gomez

Follow the path

Where your soles crush the tiniest rocks, Finished grey, surrounded by small weeds. Although the sun will now hide— “Trust in me.”

Just follow the path

Though clouds will cover the heavens, Like tears building up To drop irons of torment.

Do not be shaken

Although the wind will brush your hand

With crows arriving uninvited.

“Perhaps I should go back” But superiority chooses the darkness.

Trudge on what’s left of the path

Although the trees make faces, And crickets fill the air with noise. Add the storm ringing in

your ears now

For you stopped following the path.

You press on with your next foot

But the mud cuffs your sole And gravity strengthens its pull.

Your eyes mirror the drops of the rain, But light suddenly held up your face.

Drawn to the remainder of the sun

Sinking down in colors, waiting.

You discard the last of your enemy, Not giving what it wanted.

Dirt has made its mark, Underneath the print of your skin.

But you found your way out Away from the opponent’s hold.

So, carry on with the path, For light will forever wait Your appearance until then.

Tahimik na Lumisan

By Alessandra Angela C. Gomez

“Ganito talaga ang buhay, Kiel. Huwag ka kasi puro asa.” Naalala kong sinabi ni Tito. Binaba ko ‘yung relo sa kamay ko at bumungad ulit sa’kin ang mahabahabang pila sa istasyon ng bus, abot hanggang kabilang tulay.

“Bata, sa dulo ka, kanina pa kami nandito,” saad ng isang lalaki. Isang oras na ang lumipas, hindi pa rin ako nakakauwi. May mga nasa harapan na kumuha pa ng litrato ng pila para iparating ang sitwasyon sa mga kakilala nila.

“Bakit ang tagal mo?” Bungad sa’kin ni Tita pagdating ko. Napunta ang atensyon ko kay Tito na tahimik na nagbabasa ng dyaryo. “Nagcut-off po sila ng mga pasahero eh,” tugon ko. “Kumain ka na, ‘yan lang muna ang ulam at nagmahal ang mga bilihin,” turo ni Tita sa lamesa.

Pinili kong manood ng TV pagkatapos. Ibinalita ang mga kasalukuyang kalagayan na kinakaharap ng ekonomiya, at kung nasaan ang taong pinagkakatiwalaan ng tinatawag na karamihan. Si Tito nga ay isa roon, o tila ayun lang ang akala ko. Hindi ‘tulad noon, wala siyang masyadong sinasabi tungkol dito.

Nagpatuloy ako sa gawaing-bahay sa sumunod na araw. Rinig ko ang tawanan nila Tito at ng mga kumpare niya sa may terrace. “Nanghihinayang ka ba? Parang mali yung binoto natin,” saad ng kaibigan niya.

Hindi na ako nagtagal para pakinggan ang usapan nila nang bigla akong inutusan ni Tita na pumunta sa bangko. Untiunti na namang lumalakas ang ingay ng mundo sa pandinig ko.

Pero nangingibabaw ang sinabi ng kaibigan ni Tito kanina. Umasa ako. Hindi lang puro depensa sana ang itinawid niya sa’kin noon, kung ‘di pagpruweba na aangat talaga ang kalagayan namin.

Paano na at hindi na rin pala sila naniniwala ngayon. Matagal ko nang tinatanggap ang mga kailangan nating maranasan na pagsubok sa buhay, ngunit may mga pagkakataon din na hindi naman kinakailangang tiisin ang lahat, dahil nasa tao rin ang makakapagayos ng sistema.

Katulad ng mga ibon na nakahahanap ng lupa sa gitna ng dagat na mukhang walang hanggan, patuloy ko pa rin inaasam ang totoong pagbabago.

A Child’s Prayer

By Jessa Mae Gabalones

On one cold autumn night a ray of hope braved through the cracks of the crumbling village. On that night, the child had prayed that may this beam grow into the people’s guiding light.

During the freezing days of winter darkness would often knock on the child’s door begging to be let in just like the other villagers had. On those nights, the child had prayed that may the darkness grow weary and that luminescence prevail.

On the days of spring, a concoction of anxiousness and joy flooded the village. The child remembered clear as day, what happened on that one day in May. He had come to resent the village people, with their ears that played deaf and their eyes that stayed closed.

On that day, the child had prayed that may the people learn that the world has a sun, and that the pitch black they are accustomed to is the darkness caused by light being deprived of the opportunity to shine and save.

Ang Bolpeng Walang Tinta

By Michaela Ann Marie R. Razon

Ang paghahayag ay malaya, Mapa-sulat man o sa salita.

‘Yan ang paniniwala ko, mo, at nila Pero bakit parang iba?

Tulog noon ang buwan at habang sumasayaw ang panulat ko, biglang may kumalabog sa pinto!

“Dapa!” Sabi ng mamang matipuno, Sa mga oras na ’yon, taranta ang bumalot sa’king puso.

At sa bawat pag-usad ng minuto, ay siya namang pagtigil ng aking mundo.

Anupa’t lumipas ang ilang segundo, Mula sa pagkakadapa ako’y pinatayo

At isa sa kanila’y nagsabing

“Tara sa presinto.”

“Bakit?” ‘ika ko, ANG

A Walkway to Remember

By Albrecht Mauro Beltran

Legs stretched, core warmed up, shoulders relaxed, all prepared for an uphill battle

I have no choice but to willingly take stance balanced and upright— come rain or shine.

With a positive mindset to start an early Monday morning, I enter AdU walkway and keep convincing my hesitating mind that I’ll be as quick as a rat up a drainpipe.

But, who am I kidding?

That path always seems like a mile long, not even those little rodents can finish off the race in one fall swoop. Nevertheless, I still have to start the unremitting day on a good note.

Along the way, I can hear the melodic crunch of

Ang Pangaral ni Tatay

By Justine Denise Cruz

Kapos kami sa pera, Salat kami sa buhay.

Hindi marangya ang aming buhay, Hindi palasyo ang aming bahay.

Sa ilalim ng tirik na araw, Walang reklamong namamasada ang Tatay, May maipangbaon lamang si Ate at si Bunso, Pati na rin ang aming panganay.

Mga kamay na puno ng kalyo

At mga paang manhid katatapak sa preno, Hindi na iniinda ng Tatay ang kirot Masiguro lang na pangarap namin ay aming maabot.

Madalas niya kaming pagsabihan, Lumalaki na raw kami, Hindi raw habangbuhay Siya ay nariyan. “Maging mabuti ka sa

iyong kapwa,” Huwag ka raw mangmamata Dahil bukas o sa makalawa, Maaaring ikaw na ang nasa baba.

“Maging mapagbigay ka sa lahat ng pagkakataon,” Sa oras na ikaw ang mangailangan, Tiyak na gagawa ng paraan ang mundo Para ikaw naman ang tulungan.

“Higit sa lahat, ikaw ay magpakatao at maging makatao.”

Kapos nga kami sa pera, Salat nga kami sa buhay.

Subalit, hindi naman nagkulang Sa mga pangaral ang Tatay.

the dry leaves swept by the morning air, as I gently step on them in a rhythmic pattern while I compete against the clock’s whirlwind.

For the nth time, my eyes are bathed in vivid colors by the muraled walls of the walkway— psychedelic almost— and surprisingly, I am still not sick of the whole nine yards yet.

Silence is then filled with a consistent crescendo of chitter-chatters and there I saw my Klasmeyts from the other class, waving at me with smiles that pierce through their facemasks.

Who am I to let myself miss the boat? So, I tag along and thereafter, I am not alone in the

seemingly never-ending tunnel and I feel like I am on a route for a shortcut I have been mapping. As the finish line comes closer to my sight, I just know that I have won yet another race. And although I am a minute late for my class, it is fun quenching the need of my senses with the beauty of the tiring alley.

A series of stories actively lingers around the open air of the AdU Walkway and it is already engraved therein— a history that the next generations of Adamsonians will witness right before the inquisitiveness of their unpolluted eyes.

Dasal ng TagaKanayunan

By Michaela Ann Marie R. Razon

Ama namin abot langit ang hinagpis namin, Lupang ninuno ay balak agawin, Anong landas na ang aming tatahakin

Kung sa sinilangan ay patuloy na kaming papalayasin?

Sambahin ang ngalan mo ang tanging nagagawa Pagka’t ito lamang ang sandata naming mga maralita

Wala rin namang magawa kundi sumunod at lumuha

Laban sa mga taong nagiinteres sa aming lupa.

Mapasaamin nawa kung anuman ang nararapat, At kami nawa’y pagkalooban ng lakas na sapat Upang mapasan itong suliraning mabigat, At hiling naming lumaban sila ng patas at tapat.

Ang kaharian mo ay kung saan kami nakadepende, Dito rin kaming inaakusahang kasapi ng mga rebelde,

Pagod na kaming lumuha ng ga-balde, Katatanggol sa aming sarili laban sa mga naka-unipormeng berde.

Sundin ang loob mo, ‘yan ang aming gawi Kahit ang iilan sa amin ay tuluyan nang nakapiit, Sa kabila nito’y pananampalataya Sa’yo’y ‘di mababali, Sa tanging grasya mo na lamang kami kumakapit.

Dito sa lupa na kami ang may karapatan Sumibol ang aming kamalayan, Na hindi lahat ng kawani ay kakampi, ‘Pagka’t sila pa itong sa’min ay pasimunong nang-aapi.

Para nang sa langit, kami nuo’y matiwasay Kapayapaan at kaligtasan lamang ang sigaw ng aming pusong dalisay, Sana’y ang mga higante ay lumisan nang tuluyan ‘Yan ang tanging dasal naming mga taga-kanayunan.

When the Long Ride Fell Short

By Alessandra Angela C. Gomez

The day feels like carrying bricks

From the strains of vigorous steps up the station

Where my muscles stretch and my breathing hastens

Faster than the screeching rails.

Freed from the green light upon entry

Where I can now wait for my remaining enemies

Sweat runs down my chest like cold beer bottles

From departing the institution’s avenue.

A train would stops in a stance pulling us in all together.

Time-bound to lock me in—

Retreating from the wave of a second army.

Now I’m in a sea of mortals

Hoping I won’t sink any

time.

A few more grains left in my hourglass

Before all this weight frees my energy.

I played a nomad alone in the battle

But then a wanderer lost a wheel in her cart. I carried everything but what you needed

Yet you insisted on meeting my match.

It was only mirages I found a day ago

But now your words filled the journey, And I found my map appeared shorter.

I thought it was shelter that rids me of ache

But your presence felt like straps were off my shoulders.

No way out of this unpredictable ocean

But you always looked above the strongest waves ever.

An Unsteady Lit Candle

By Alessandra Angela C. Gomez

Ithought I was ready for this. I once knew that a candle’s fire can melt its body, but people around me caused mine to, faster than a dying matchstick. They light up so brightly while I burn and fluctuate at the comparison of my capabilities, not realizing I have put myself too close to their flame.

I thought it would strengthen the intensity of mine, but I returned to the corners of my home with empty fuel at hand. It seems that I have not carried my own matches lately, only brought to be rekindled by the fire of another.

“She isn’t so aggressive.” The voice of a person from my block was suddenly the only thing I could hear. I recalled letting her friend take the topic I wanted to work on, having me settled for what was left.

“Cyne, what chapter are you in right now?

I was hoping we could review.” My friend, Finn, cut off my thoughts. “Uhm… I haven’t started yet.” I saw the disappointment painted in his face. Our classes then went by, one with a heated debate on the climate of the economy.

Hands were raised and words were

confidently voiced. My eyes glued on Finn who shared a captivating point, wishing that I had expressed the same when I was called.

“Great job, everyone, I expected nothing less from a leading section.” Our professor said and bid goodbye for the day. Pain slowly crawled over me, much of the competition’s wind sought to blow what’s left of my flame, until light was no longer needed for it seemed enough that the others had adequate radiance.

I flipped the pages of my readings for the week, the clock in my

room ticking along with my progress. Hours flew, my head dropped slightly from the depleting support of my arm. I rubbed my eyes from drowsiness and decided to clear papers that landed on the floor.

I then sighed in frustration as separate colored sheets slid off of the folder I held. My eyes darted at its big bold letters, loudly craving for my attention. I didn’t think I needed to hear it as though my life depended on it, but it wrote the girl I envisioned prior to this semester. It was words that gave me a reason as to why I woke up to the

dawn of the day.

How disappointingly easy it was, to be drawn to the presence of others and their game, to put myself out from the light I was trying to give off.

I was reminded of what I had to meet, that I once believed in a capacity that I could build, and that I was meant to be where I am.

I then left for school the next day, competing with no one but myself. “Cyne!” Finn called my attention by the entrance. Some of my matches may have bent and been broken, but a flame unfazed becomes lit in the next strike.

ANG BOLPEN/P3

Puno raw ng armas at bomba ang aking kwarto!

‘Yun ang kwento kung bakit sa pagsulat ako’y nagpahimakas Isang taon na rin pala ang lumipas?

Ngunit ang delubyong ‘yon sa’king isip ay ‘di pa rin kumukupas.

Sa poot na nararamdaman ko’y tila mababali ko na itong bakal na rehas; Ngunit, kailangan kong magpalakas, ‘Pagkat may laban pang kahaharapin sa mga susunod na bukas.

Ang mga ganitong pangyayari nawa’y magsilbing pag-asa, Wala dapat maging puwang ang takot sa’ting mga peryodista, kahit tanggalan pa nila ng tinta, itong aking bolpen na pula.

Just Butterflies Being Silly

By Mat Jefferson T. Ritcher

Perhaps love is told only in folklore, a bedtime story my mother loved alternating with lullabies when her voice turns cloyed. It exists merely in between the pages of antiquated books. How could the zoo envy my stomach when I sew my mouth at the sight of a hatching cocoon?

The collapsing of my rib cage at half noon, mourning, is neither admiration, I must’ve just forgotten to chew the stale bread properly. But maybe, my stomach could be a warm place for these cocoons to hatch.

What is this? What drum roll do I hear in my

belly? I mistook her eyes as paint residue in brushes and unconsciously cited her name whilst kneeling on the altar. My cheeks seemed dipped in cranberry juice; palms have turned to waterfall streams, teasing my fingertips to crawl gently on her scalp.

I, too, would love to tell mankind about this folklore. I knew love exists when my stomach envied the entire zoo. Like a jealous deity demanding butterflies to make my throat their pathway to home. I would gulp a gallon of brewed tea just so it could soothe the itch and mimic their habitat.

My palms ceased sweating when I intertwined my fingers with hers; her lips, the ripe mangoes I savor with salt. What sport must cupid have played that I slowly began feeling my spine mend? I removed the hollow blocks I cemented piece by piece, delicately, like washing antiquated plates.

The light that passes through my tavern wasn’t blinding; for once I did not fear a visitor reclining her back to my cement; for once I didn’t mind it collapsing. But the butterflies I whispered could merely be passersby, deeming my body as a

tourist spot. This is a garden that’s yet to turn into an arctic forest, but I grew succulent plants nonetheless.

Even rubbed my palms together, breathed at them heavily to warm my skin they mistook as silk pillowcases. Perhaps this way, they won’t consider migrating. The candles that I lit to dispel the pests started weakening; the blaze became a dying matchstick, gasping for the smoke of another.

I flickered matchboxes amid rainstorms, hands cupped, trying to shield them from the mist, but the cold breeze hampered their flutter.

The wings, no longer crisp. They crawled out of my stomach, weighed down by drench; they will suffocate if I keep my mouth stitched. Their wings will begin cutting through my tendons, and never have I been so terrified of blood.

The paint residue on her eyes turned transparent, perhaps this is what the folklore warned the storytellers about—the aching may bleed ink from the body but the wound that cut deep, no matter the stitches, will never seal; every visit of winter will remind me of flutters that strayed away, incapable of

thawing.

Perhaps this, too, is a myth; nothing will mend as winter continues to visit. The wound might harden and leave in time as if plastic balloons drifting on thin air, but the arrow that struck through my spine will never cease. The remnants of the butterflies’ pollen and chipped wings, will remain to reside in my belly, a home-turnedgraveyard.

I could poke the walls of my throat to vomit what I once loved digesting, but nothing can mend the cuts; fret not, or fret fully, their new habitat is poetry.

Photo by Jerica Isabela C. Masculino

Photo by Charles Dominic L. Ubana

Photo by Jeremay G. Onayan

Photo by Charles Dominic L. Ubana

Photo by Kristine Mae G. Balanay

Photo by Irys Mae Jhunette I. Capoquian

Photo by Irys Mae Jhunette I. Capoquian

Photo by Kristine Mae G. Balanay

Photo by Jeremay G. Onayan

Photo by Jerica Isabela C. Masculino

“This Too Shall Pass” Angelyn D. Oliverio

“Hassles” Adrean Jan G. Quidor