I may disagree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it. -Voltaire
TheAdamsonChronicle
Informing, Inspiring, and Influencing the Community since 1941
The Autonomous and Official Student Publication of Adamson University
JANUARY-APRIL 2021
VOLUME XIV NO. 2
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AdU re-implements postponed TOSFI By Aeron Gabriel V. Pantig
In front of St. Vincent (SV) Building of Adamson University. PHOTO BY ALECKINE TROY N. RADA
In a memorandum issued last May 26, Adamson University declared the re-implementation of the previously deferred Commission on Higher Education (CHED) approved Tuition and Other School Fees Increase (TOSFI) for the Academic Year (A.Y.) 2021-2022. Signed by VicePresident for Financial
Affairs Fr. Rafael K. Eloriaga, CM, the memo stated that the tuition fee increase shall only begin on the 2nd semester of S.Y. 2021-2022 while the other school fees shall commence on the first semester. Collection of the miscellaneous fees shall remain limited to the necessary minimum and will continue to be under a
reduced rate for as long as the University is on a remote mode of learning. Last May 11, a consultation meeting was held with the representatives of the different sectors of the school on the subject of TOSFI, which was approved by CHED on April 13. University Legal Counsel Atty. Agnes V. Rivera clarified that the
tuition fee increase would only apply to third and fourth-year students. However, the increase in Other School Fees will be implemented for all students of the next A.Y. The University is also set to collect PHP 750 for the Learning Management System (LMS) Fee beginning the next Academic Year ‘to cover
the school’s subscription to Blackboard Learn’. Adamson University initially presented a seven percent TOSFI in the first consultation meeting held on February last year. Later on, the University adopted ‘the 5.4 percent education deflator as its maximum proposed increase in the tuition fee and other fees’
However, on April 29 and May 4, 2020, Adamson University decided to make adjustments “as an expression of solidarity with the students and their families during this pandemic.” The University only implemented a 5.4 percent increase in tuition fees for freshmen students of A.Y. 2020-2021.
Charity in a pandemic: AdU it this way By Aeron Gabriel V. Pantig More than a year since the pandemic struck and Adamson University has been consistent with one of its core values-- Social Responsibility. From the daily distribution of meals to street dwellers, the Vincentian Community, inspired by St. Vincent de Paul’s compassion to those in need, extended its service beyond the streets of Ermita, Manila.
/TheAdamsonChronicle
SVP Community Pantry Almost a week after the Maginhawa Community Pantry was established, Saint Vincent de Paul Parish opened its Community Pantry last April 20. The *Bayanihan sa tahanan ni Enteng* was organized by Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Joel L. Rescober, C.M in coordination with the Basic Ecclesial Community to help struggling fellow Filipinos amid the COVID-19 /ADUchronicle
pandemic. “Hindi mali, masama ang tumulad lalo na kung ang ating gagayahin ay mabuti at maganda,” said Rev. Fr. Rescober, C.M. through San Vincent de Paul Parish’ Facebook page. The community pantry is open at 8 AM from Monday to Saturday serving at least 500 people. “We will not grow tired of thanking our donors for their continued support. Your
generous donations keep our pantry going day after day,” the University’s Facebook post read. The Vincentian Community is accepting donations at St. Vincent’s Building Gate and St. Vincent de Paul Parish. Falcons’ Nest to an isolation facility Adamson University
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CHARITY IN A /P3
AdU performs in the pandemic: SVP lead the community pantry in front of St. Vincent de Paul church. PHOTO BY ALECKINE TROY N. RADA
chronicle@adamson.edu.ph
Adamson Chronicle, 2nd floor, Francis Regis Clet Bldg.,Adamson University, San Marcelino St., Ermita,1000 Manila, Philippines
Page 2 • News
TheAdamsonChronicle • VolumeXIV No.2
AdU Chemistry Dept. remains successful amid COVID-19, to pursue closer ties with gov’t, industries By Antonio Gabriel D. Tongco
Image source: https://www.adamson.edu.ph/v1/?page=academicsv&col=10&link=108&cat=I
Despite the pandemic threat, Adamson University’s Chemistry Department garnered several researchrelated achievements and are looking forward to maintaining their pace as they continue to pursue closer ties with government agencies and other institutions.v “Weeks before the pandemic, I started to personally hold a formal meeting with various officers in charge of different companies, both private and government institutions, to formally arrange negotiations for the benefit of our department—particularly collaborations for student and faculty research, on-thejob-trainings (OJTs), and faculty immersions,” wrote the Department Chairperson, Ms. Kresta Muluken R. David. Due to the partial lockdown that covered Metro Manila starting last year,
only two physical meetings pushed through; one with the local subsidiary of The Dow Chemical Company (TDCC), a globally known producer of chemicals and other materials that focus on sustainability, and one with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA). The dialogue with TDCC Country Director Mr. Roberto Batungbacal was supposed to have led to a partnership activity for Earth Week the following month, where they were to promote green chemistry and sustainability research to the Department. Simultaneously, the former laboratory director of the PDEA, Mr. Derrick Arnold Carreon, agreed with partnerships in their laboratory, if there would be a memorandum of agreement (MoA). ADU CHEMISTRY/P3
IE Dept, PIIE-ORSP AdU Chapter bag awards in the PIIE-NSC NCR By Aeron Gabriel V. Pantig Adamson University continues to demonstrate competence as students from the Industrial Engineering Department and Philippine Industrial EngineersOperations Research Society of the Philippines – AdU Chapter won in the Qualifying Rounds of Inter University Quiz Category of the Philippine Institute of Industrial Engineers National Student Chapter last January 30. Ian Charl Tubban, John Griffin Faculin, and Edilberto Tuason Jr. land second runner-up in the Quiz Bee Competition. Meanwhile, Jose Jaime De Leon, Rhea Antolihao, and Allyssa Tandoc aced the Research Competition. De Leon, Antolihao, and Tandoc presented a research study about the risk management of laboratories at Adamson University. It was Industrial Engineering Department Chairperson Engr. Lourdes P. Lasian who formed the team and arranged the students requirements for the competition. The research was conducted as a guide for the University to guarantee the safety of the students and staff as there were previous instances that only student assistants hand the chemicals to their fellow students. “It is actually very helpful for the Administration also, for
them to be aware that there are instances na we can’t really guarantee safety just for the student assistants,” said Antolihao. Among the research suggestions are methods on how to properly deal, handle, and dispose chemicals. The research also recommends that there should be a laboratory staff or head to hand the chemicals to students properly. However, behind the success, the research team had their fair share of struggles. They only had five days to study the research and prepare for the competition. “It was very rushed. We didn’t even have the time to sleep,” Antolihao shared. The commencement of the second semester on January 25 also lessened the team’s preparation time. “The three of us, actually almost every night, every free time, we managed to meet (through) Google Meet or Zoom meeting. And if we have question, we asked the help of the researchers themselves. She added.” Aside from the time constraints, the team also faced the difficulties of working online setup. Antolihao, a second year Industrial Engineering student who is residing in Leyte, experienced blackouts and internet connection issues. Meanwhile, De Leon
The PIIE-ORSP AdU Chapter student representatives during the Research Competition of the Philippine Institute of Industrial Engineers - National Student Chapter. Image source: JJ DE LEON
has synchronous classes until 8 pm. “We had blackouts now and then so we had to postpone our meeting on the later time of the night since we need to work as a team. They can’t just proceed with the two of them, I need to be there also. So we had to compromise with each other,” she said. Mapua University, De La Salle University, and Holy Angel University were among the other universities who participated in the competition.
Images source: https://www.facebook.com/piiensc
TheAdamsonChronicle • VolumeXIV No.2
Page 3 • News
CHARITY IN A/P1 volunteered Falcon’s Nest, the male athlete’s dormitory, as a Temporary Isolation Facility (TIF) of the Philippine Red Cross. Falcons’ Nest started house asymptomatic and mild Covid-19 patients from Metro Manila last April 21 after the final inspections and preparations conducted by of Red Cross. With its 22 rooms, the dormitory can occupy 56 patients -- four on the first floor dedicated for medical staff and 18 rooms good for three patients each on the second floor. The project is a tripartite agreement with the Manila City Government and Red Cross, which gives the University responsibility for the site, utilities, water and electricity supplies, and security. The offer for the project
came from the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines’ (CBCP) Health Ministry, according to Fr. Aldrin Suan, CM, Director of the Office for Athletics and Recreational. Even before the project, the University already volunteered Falcon Residence, the dormitory used by the Women’s Volleyball Team, to the Makati Medical Center. As of writing, the dormitory is used as TIF for MakatiMed personnel who tested COVID-positive. Athletes staying in the Falcons’ Nest were transferred to the Athlete’s Dorm at the Saint Vincent’s Building compound. Sponsoring a housing program Adamson University sponsored three houses in
Just One House, a housing initiative program in Malitbog, Southern Leyte. University President Fr. Marcelo V. Manimtim, CM and Chairman of AdU’s Board of Director Fr. Gregorio Banaga, CM, backed the construction of two households. The program allots Php 30,000 for a ‘simple yet decent and secure house’ to be awarded to chosen beneficiaries. Meanwhile, the Vincentian Heritage classes in the Graduate School supervised by Dr. Pamela Mantuhac, Director of the University’s Institutional Development and External Affairs (IDEA) Office, and former head of the hibernated Office for Vincentian Identity and Mission funded the third household.
“A serious problem”: AdU instructor publishes article on antimicrobial resistance By Antonio Gabriel D. Tongco
Daily recipients of Program COVID raises to 600 By Justine Denise S. Cruz and Mat Jefferson T. Richter Image source: IC Duay
To serve the poor is to serve God: Fr. Advincula, CM., serves hot meals to hundreds of street dwellers and underprivileged residents around ermita, manila. PHOTO BY ALECKINE TROY N. RADA
Since it was initiated in March last year, the Program Charity Over Virus Indifference and Despair (COVID) of the Vincentian Community now accommodates 600 street dwellers daily from 250 weekly recipients of hot meals. Spearheaded by Adamson University President Fr. Marcelo Manimtim CM, St. Vincent de Paul Parish Priest Fr. Joel Rescober CM, and Fr. Rolando Limjoco Jr., the program promises the recipients a continuous operation until April 14, and hopefully, further. “Sa awa ng D’yos, so far, kaya pa namin sa budget until April 14, and as per the donations, every month may dumarating naman, ‘pag hindi, we will go back to every Tuesday [na] feeding program or we will lessen the days so that kahit papa’no, we continue [onwards],” shared Fr. Rescober. At the height of the pandemic, the Vincentian Community drove around the
slums of Roxas Boulevard, Kalaw, United Nations, Lawton, and Sta. Cruz to distribute hot meals while church gatherings were prohibited. As time progressed, the General Community Quarantine (GCQ) no longer prohibited such; hence, the University’s walkway area served as an avenue to distribute hot meals. The said program’s primary sponsors are the University’s parishioners, faculty departments, alumni, students, other board members, athletics, and the like. As of writing, the program’s financial situation then remained intact despite the sudden increase of recipients. As of writing, the program was able to gather more than ₱4M. “Dahil po malaki ang aming budget [for the program], ngayon, nagrerelease ng ₱10-12K per day, so more or less, ₱40K every week,” Fr. Resober revealed. “Ang atin lang naman, it is just a pot or a share of
our contribution para at least mayroong kumalinga at tumulong sa mga mahihirap lalo na sa panahon ng pandemya.” Fr. Rescober added that this endeavor is the contribution of the Unviversity and the SVP Parish in aiding the government’s duty to provide for the people’s needs. As the end of the pandemic is still out of sight, he also encouraged everyone to continuously pray be inspired of St. Vincent de Paul’s charity and compassion to the poor. “In times of [the] pandemic and difficulty, we really have to look and take care of the poor. Whatever resources that we have, let us not neglect the poor,” Fr. Rescober concluded. Besides helping street dwellers in the University’s vicinity, Program COVID also aided medical frontliners in the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) from March to May, last year, by letting them reside in the campus premises.
Through a review article in the American Chemical Society Chemical Reviews, Dr. Searle Aichelle S. Duay of the Adamson University Chemistry Department provided possible directions for future research on the development of new antibiotics. During his doctoral studies at the University of Connecticut (UConn), Dr. Duay worked in laboratories supervised by Associate Professors Drs. Eric May and Alfredo Angeles-Boza. Having been exposed to Dr. Angeles-Boza’s research niche on antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), he and his colleagues were motivated to write an article on the same topic. AMPs are naturally produced by all kinds of organisms as a layer of defense against viruses, bacteria, or fungi. Given this nature, its potential
to be developed into novel forms of antibiotics has been a key area of study in addressing AMR today. Dr. Duay’s laboratory at UConn concentrated on AMPs that used metal ions, which are also natural to humans and other living organisms; copper and nickel ions are some examples. “There are AMPs that can bind copper and nickel ions through a certain portion of their structure, called the amino-terminal copper and nickel (ATCUN) binding motif.” Through this process, he and his co-authors hypothesize that “such AMPs can be developed into an antibiotic for humans,” especially when considering that ATCUN-containing AMPs are already utilized against a variety of disease-causing bacteria. With these
recommendations, the review article helps build on the body of knowledge that could solve the AMR problem in the future. Dr. Duay advises patients prescribed with antibiotics to follow and finish their treatment plans, and pharmacies and physicians to make prescriptions backed by science. “I do hope that Filipinos will realize how serious this problem is before it is too late,” wrote Dr. Duay while discussing his advocacy to promote the proper use of antibiotics. Although Dr. Duay only began teaching at the University in August 2020, he knows that some of his colleagues, including the Chairperson of the Chemistry Department, Ms. Kresta Muluken R. David, advocate for the same cause.
Page 4 • News & Editorial
TheAdamsonChronicle • VolumeXIV No.1
VolumeXIV No.2 January-April 2021
TheAdamsonChronicle The Autonomous and Official Student Publication of Adamson University
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.
Nina Pia M. Boco, BA Comm Editor-in-Chief
Aeron Gabriel V. Pantig, BA Comm
Associate Editor & Sports or News Editor
Lloyd Raphael R. Navarro, BSBA-MM
Managing Editor & Senior Staff Layout Artist
Verity Anne N. Banogbanog, BA Pol Sci Human Interest & Literary Editor
Nina Pia M. Boco, BA Comm
Science and Technology & Entertainment Editor
Antonio Gabriel D. Tongco, BA Comm Online Manager & Senior Staff Writer
Janelle Ava S. Alcala, BA Pol Sci Chief Illustrator
Diana Ann G. Tuazon, BSCE Chief Layout Artist
Aleckine Troy N. Rada, BSME Chief Photojournalist
Paul Adrian D. Hular, BA Pol Sci Christian Joshua D. Corcuera, BSA Senior Staff Writers
John Renz P. Tubale, BA Comm Ysea Francis B. Asprer, BSCA Maximillan S. Wandag, BS Arch
Why is the University deaf ? It’s been more than a year since the pandemic hit. While the rest of the world like New Zealand is almost back to their normal lives, the Philippines just recently hit an all-time high when it comes to the everyday positive cases and deaths so, the struggle of the Filipino continues and even got worst. While all of these is happening in the country, the students are expected to continue being students or at least die trying while all the rest of the country crumbles. Ever since the online class started, the struggles of the students when it comes to adjusting from what they have been used to
all their lives have not been kept, mum. The Adamson University Student Government has been asking for a more lenient academic set-up as well as academic breaks from the University right from the beginning of the current semester until the surge of cases started to inflate in the country again. All of which were declined by the University. The question of the student body is why is the university being deaf by these calls for academic breaks? It is not a secret that this pandemic has been tremendously affecting everyone’s lives financially, mentally, and physically.
Some lost their loved ones while others lost their lives. And though it is easy to say that studying should be easy for the students since they are just home, everyone’s household situation is different. That’s why there are schools in the first place because homes are not conducive for learning, it is supposed to be for resting. Even though times have changed and everyone has to make do of what they have, necessary adjustments to make the experience better is also necessary to survive. This heed for a break by the students is not because of mere laziness; students and the faculty members
together with their families are struggling and would want to have the time to breathe from so that they’ll be able to focus on actually acquiring education and teaching once they are given time to process the things that are happening in the country and in their own lives. The current situation of the Adamsonians will not give the University the quality of learning they wish to impart to their students; giving importance to the mental and overall wellness of the students does. May this call for help be heard once and for all.
Senior Staff Illustrators
Reanne Mae A. Bernardo, BSCS Senior Staff Photojournalists
Trisha Mae. P Barredo, BA Pol Sci Ricardo Martin H. Tecala, BSCE Senior Staff Layout Artists
Lovely S. Bernardo, J.D. Technical Adviser
Image source: https://live.adamson.edu.ph
TheAdamsonChronicle • VolumeXIV No.1
Page 5 • Editorial
ADU CHEMISTRY/P3 Although the pandemic hampered progress with these collaborations, a joint research project was already underway with the PDEA. Rapid drug detection with the PDEA “’Yung research is about rapid detection ng mga psychoactive substances, ‘yung mga tinatawag nating illegal drugs,” said the first author, Ms. Marnie Martha M. Racho, in an interview. This collaboration with the PDEA was geared specifically towards the faster detection of suspected plant-based new psychoactive substances (NPS) as well as providing further information for future regulations. It focused on Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa), a tree native to Southeast Asia, and Angel’s Trumpet (Brugmansia candida), a toxic flowering plant usually used as an ornament. There are already existing equipment for rapid detection; the problem is that not many laboratories have them because they are expensive. In addition, different plant drugs require different procedures. “Nagsuggest kami ng pinakamabilis, pinakacostefficient na magbibigay ng results within 24 hrs (We suggested a faster, more costefficient method of detection
that can give results within 24 hrs.),” added Racho about the study’s recommendation to combine Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) with Attenuated total reflectance (ATR). Integrated with multivariate analyses, which “cite[s] related studies on other plants,” detection can be significantly accelerated. Her advisor and coauthor, Mr. Ronald Jefferson A. Narceda of the Chemistry Department, continued the discussion: “We have to have research on these substances for future policy regulations. […] They should be based on scientific evidence.” He stressed how plant-based NPS in our midst are prone to abuse, but are yet to be internationally or locally controlled. Narceda is an AdU Chemistry graduate who now works as a part-time instructor for the University, and full-time as a Drug Forensic Chemist in the Special Research Division, Laboratory Service, of the PDEA. Inevitably intertwined with his line of work are problems relating to substance abuse, and, more specifically, the current administration’s war on drugs. He revealed that “[Drug users and pushers] alter the main chemical structure of regulated drugs to evade arrest,” and that
NPS is becoming more of a problem because syndicates are shifting to more nontraditional drugs. According to him, such alterations can be dangerous, especially considering how they are performed with the assumption that the drugs will remain psychoactive—when, in reality, they become different substances altogether. He reasoned, “Syndicates aren’t after quality, they are after quantity.” The research was presented at the Asian Forensic Sciences Network’s Annual General Meeting hosted by the Indonesian National Police in the first week of December 2020.
namulat ako sa mga tunay na nangyayari nang magsimula akong maging parte nito. Kamakailan lang ay tinanghal na kampeon ang Blacklist International sa Mobile Legends Bang Bang Professional League o MPL Philippines Season 7. Dinomina ng koponan ang buong torneyo at halos perpekto ang kanilang kartada sa torneyo. Ang Blacklist International ay pinangungunahan ni Johnmar “OhMyV33NUS” Villaluna, ang kaisa-isang nagdadala ng bandera ng LGBT community sa professional scene. Matapos matanggap ng Blacklist International ang kanilang unang pagkatalo sa MPL-PH, bumuhos ang sari-saring hate comments kay OhMyV33NUS ukol sa kanyang sekswalidad. Karamihan sa mga homophobic questions ay nagmula sa mga fans ng kalaban nilang koponan na Bren Esports, ang kasalukuyang World Champions. Agad naming sumaklolo ang ilang personalidad sa loob ng industriya at mga MPL-PH fans upang ipinagtanggol si OhMyV33NUS. Walang sinuman ang nararapat na makatanggap ng hindi magagandang
salita dahil sa kanyang sekswalidad. Suportado ng Esports at Gaming industry ang LGBT community. Hindi nililimitahan ng industriyang ito ang sinumang nais na pumasok dito, magaling ka mang maglaro o hindi. Ngunit kung ikaw ay homophobic at walang moral, walang puwang ang mundong ito sa iyo. Napapadalas din ang mga insidente ng sexual predators sa aspetong streaming. May ilang mga streamers ang nagbibigay sa kanilang mga tagasuporta ng tiyansa na sila ay makapag video call. Ngunit may ilang halang ang kaluluwa na nagpapakita ng kanilang mga pribadong parte na siyang nagbibigay ng trauma at hindi maganda karasanan sa mga streamers. Sa patuloy na pagunlad ng Esports at Gaming industry sa bansa, samasama nating puksain ang mga gantong klase ng masasamang gawain. Masaya at maganda ang mundo ng Esports at Gaming, ngunit may mga kanser na pilit sumisira sa komunidad na binubo ng mga taong may pagmamahal sa paglalaro. Nawa’y magkaisa tayo sa adhikaing gawin safe space para sa bawat indibidwal ang Esports at Gaming industry.
Waste utilization with the DOST-PTRI Although initially separate from David’s initiative, one of Racho’s batchmates, Mr. Jared Vincent T. Lacaran, also published a study at the Cellulose Chemistry and Technology journal on waste utilization using banana (musa acuminata x balbisiana) pseudostem. “[My research interests include] the environment, specifically environmental remediation in which I can utilize materials from waste, like agricultural waste, specifically, to cleanse environmental pollutants,”
said Lacaran on how he first came up with the idea. The study specifically utilized adsorption, which, according to one of its coauthors, Narceda, is one of the cost-effective means for treating environmental pollutants; in this case, lead and copper. He emphasized that those two metal contaminants are highly toxic even at low concentrations and could cause health problems such as mental retardation and physical disability. “For example, kakain tayo ng isda, […] if mataas ‘yung lead [or copper] doon sa habitat nila, mattransfer ‘yun sa kanila, at mattransfer sa atin; doon nagkakaroon ng poisoning,” he explained. In Lacaran’s terms, his study “utilized waste material to cleanse other waste,” because banana pseudostem are normally discarded and treated as having little to no economic value. The material is easy to obtain, reproduce, and apply, but it successfully addresses the enormous problem that is environmental contamination. Narceda, who is an environmentalist, commended Lacaran: “Nabilib din ako kay Jared kasi naisip niya ‘yung mga ganyang research.” Through the success of this research, Lacaran was absorbed by the Department
of Science and Technology – Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI). The future for the Chemistry Department Despite the growing significance of his study, Lacaran called it a bandaid solution, saying that environmental pollution would persevere if not tackled at its source, which he asserted were mostly large foreign industries: “Tayo pa rin ang lugi.” Similarly, studies relating to NPS such as that of Racho have a long way to go before they can be considered for regulation. Overall, there is still a variety of areas in chemistry that require further research, and Narceda believes that collaboration with the government and industries is the key to “systematically include additional development and training” for students. According to him, it will also allow for more funding and resources. Lacaran’s advice for aspiring researchers is to practice curiosity and perseverance: “Essentially, research is hard, and there are times when what you’re doing doesn’t make sense. What’s important is that you persevere to achieve your initial goal.” Directly responding to Narceda’s claims, he also said that securing funding requires
strong ideas. Racho had similar advice: “Kung ano ‘yung gusto niyong i-pursue or i-research, ‘wag kayo matakot, gumawa kayo ng paraan.” Motivated by these recent achievements, the Chemistry Department is looking forward to secure more collaborations with government agencies and various companies with chemical laboratories for virtual OJTs this midyear term, according to David, since physical partnerships remain impossible due to the COVID-19 quarantine. “I am hoping that once the pandemic is finished, […] I will go back again and pursue the pending negotiations that I have started last year,” she added. As of writing, there is an ongoing research collaboration handled by Department instructors Dr. Searle Aichelle S. Duay and Mr. Franklin V. Amandy with the Philippine Normal University as part of the research collaborations under the South Manila Educational Consortium. The study is about an instructional material on computational chemistry that will make for more interactive and visually appealing lessons—a topic of increasing relevance for Chemistry students as online classes persist.
SEASON 82 COULD/P7
Esports scene should be a safe space Magmula sa mga computer shops na pinagdadausan ng mga maliliit na torneyo, dahan-dahang lumaganap ang industriya ng Esports sa bansa. Ito ay pinaghirapang itaguyod ng mga taong may pagmamahal sa mga online games at naniniwalang malaki ang potensiyal nito sa hinaharap. Simple lang naman ang konsepto ng Esports at Gaming industry: Entertainment, Competitiveness, at Acceptance na ang bawat laro ay natatangi. Walang lugar ang isang taong walang respeto at bastos sa industriyang ito. Ilang buwan pa lamang ang nakakaraan nang simula kong pasukin ang mundo ng Esports, hindi bilang isang propesyunal na manlalaro kundi bilang manunulat sa isang sikat na mobile game; parte rin ako sa pagpaplano at paggawa ilang marketing strategies dito. Matagal na akong tagahanga ng Esports at Gaming industry, pero mas
In the middle of the tournament, another reinforcement came who helped Genesis improved her game and prepare the team for Season 82. Two-time UAAP champion coach Tai Bundit was tapped to be the Lady Falcons’ conditioning coach. The Lady Falcons nailed Adamson’s first ever PVL crown as Genesis, who delivered 10 attacks and four service aces against the UST Golden Tigresses, was hailed as the Conference Most Valuable Player and Best Open Hitter. The 5-foot-7 Lady Falcon also finished as the tournament’s top gunner racking up a total of 73 points from 58 attacks and 13 service aces.
Just when pieces are already falling into place, the Lady Falcons were dealt a huge blow when Lucille Almonte suffered an ACL
injury in a tune-up game against College of Saint Benilde. “Nakakapressure kasi isa talaga si Nyat (Lucille) sa mga inaasahan namin, and sobrang laki ng impact nung nainjured sya. Everyday iniisip ko, na sana gumaling na agad sya, na mawala na agad yung injury nya, kasi kailangan talaga ng team si Nyat, pero naisip ko din na walang may gusto ng nangyari so need namin magadjust,” shared Genesis. Heading into Season 82 with a steady momentum and support from Akari, hopes are high for the Lady Falcons. Despite a straight set loss against the National University Lady Bulldogs in their Season 82 debut, Trisha Genesis rained 12 points on top 11 excellent digs. “Pwede nga first game jitters s’ya kasi mostly sa line up namin mga first year, pero sabi nga ng coaches walang first game jitters if gusto talaga namin manalo, siguro nag-lack talaga kami sa madaming bagay that game kaya ganun yung resulta.” Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the women’s volleyball tournament was postponed until the UAAP decided to officially cancel Season 82 last April 7.
File Photos
Season 82 could have been the year that Trisha Genesis is waiting for her to be able to introduce herself to league once more. It could have been the competition where the Laguna-native is about to unleash her. It could have been her breakout season if it was not due to the pandemic. “Malungkot sobra, kasi the whole year na pagpprepare para sa Season 82 nasayang, yung pagod, luha, paggising namin ng sobrang aga, nabalewala,” Genesis shared. Season 82 and 83 may be unfortunate for Genesis but Coach Lerma believes that the right time will come for her to prove that she is definitely one of the best collegiate volleyball players in the country.
Page 4 • Editorial
TheAdamsonChronicle • VolumeXIV No.1
Coach Lerma sees a bright future ahead of the Lady Falcons By Aeron Gabriel V. Pantig
Adamson University proves to be a home for bluechip recruits as eight studentathletes have committed to the Women’s Volleyball Team. Coming up from the Lady Baby Falcons squad are Season 82 Second Best Outside Spiker Kate Santiago, Season 81 First Best Middle Blocker May Ann Nique Jen Villegas, Ishie Lalong Isip, Trisha Tubu, Ella Toring, and April Tagsic. The hard-hitting Kate Santiago dropped 26 points on 19 attacks, four service aces, and three blocks against the UST Junior Tigresses, to lead Adamson to its first-ever championship appearance in the Girls’ Volleyball Tournament. Aliah Marce will be reuniting with her high school mentor Lerma Giron as she suits up for the Lady Falcons. Marce was hailed as the 2018 Palarong Pambansa Best Opposite Spiker during her stint with Holy Rosary College in Laguna. “Excited ako. Excited ako sa una i-train sila at syempre sabihin natin na kumbaga hindi basta-basta yang mga bata ‘yan. Sa batch nila Trisha, sa batch nila Louie, then itong batch na ‘to. Kumbaga excited ang lahat sa mangyayari,” Coach Lerma shared. Alongside Coach Lerma in facilitating the virtual practices are Assistant coach Karlo Santos and Conditioning coach Noel Zorilla. Unlike the usual twice a day training, the
coaching staff divided the Lady Falcons’ schedule to three days of conditioning and strengthening practices and two days of ball drills. “At the end of this pandemic season, ang pinaka-nagfocus kami is we want them mag-improve physically even though very limited yung resources and yung facilities na meron sila and equipment. We want them to improve physically, mentally, emotionally, morally.” The coaching staff also organized programs and team buildings, which will help the Lady Falcons. Daily meditation and reflection to keep everyone mentally healthy. On Saturdays, the team gathers in an online meeting that focuses on the mental and social aspect of each student-athlete. “So kumbaga ginawa naming holistic. Not just physical, pero ito siguro yung maganda sa nangyari ironic man maganda nangyari yung mga di naming natututukan before now we have time para mag-invest sa kanila.” The rookies will be instrumental for Adamson’s Season 83 campaign as veterans Thang Ponce and Krislyn Uy have already graduated while Ceasa Pinar and MJ Igao will focus on their studies. Looking back at Season 82 The Adamson Lady Falcons are about to make waves in the UAAP Season 82 if it was not halted by the pandemic. Despite a straight set
defeat against the Lady Bulldogs in their season opener, 24-26, 15-25, 25-21, the Lady Falcons showed a glimpse of what could have been a promising campaign for a youth-laden team. “Sa totoo lang, I don’t want to make excuses. Hindi ko kasi ano yung gumawa ng excuse kapag natalo. So ayokong gawing yung excuse na puro rookies pero it plays a big factor doon,” Coach Lerma expressed. Coach Lerma has all praises for her prized rookies Louie Romero, Lorene Toring, and Rizza Cruz who came big on their debut game in the UAAP stage. “Sa akin, they played well. Specially louie, nakita natin yung leadership niya. Nakita natin yung mga ginawa niyang paraan, sabihin natin kahit yung mga receive eh hindi sumasakto, napagana niya yung dalawang middle natin,” Coach Lerma said the Lady Falcons’ rookie captain. “Actually sila (Toring and Cruz) yung dalawa talagang, sa game na ‘yun to be specific, sila yung gumawa nang todo. In blockings and in attacks, they performed well. Ginawa talaga nila yung trabaho nila beyond pa sa ine-expect nila.” Right after the match, Coach Lerma had a discussion with Coach Tai Bundit, who was the conditioning coach of the Lady Falcons last season. Both coaches identified what to improve with the team and how will they prepare for their game against FEU Lady
Better Days are Coming: Lady Falcons’ Coach Lerma Keeps an Eye to the Team’s Gameplay Inside the Court. PHOTOS BY JOHN ALVIN A. TAN
Tamaraws, until the UAAP was canceled. “[Noong] naglockdown, pinauwi ko sila tapos I think ilang days lang kasi nga hoping pa kami noon na matuloy pa yung UAAP Season 82. Siguro after a month, we’re hoping, talagang high hopes naming noon. Mga after ilang days lang, 3 days, 4 days, resume ulit kami ng training online,” Coach Lerma shared. Season 82 did not turn out how everyone expected it to be, especially after their stellar performance in the FilOil Preseason Cup, but the Lady Falcons head coach has some words for the Adamson Community and to those who continue to support the team. “‘Di man nagyari yung mga inaasahan nating for the past two seasons no, so
sana wag kayo magsawang sumuporta sa mga promising players na ito na talagang sabihin nating bright ang future ng women’s volleyball ngayon. Sana wag magsawa especially the Adamson Community, the Adamson management, the Akari, sana ‘wag magsawa,” she expressed. “I know all of us are affected by this pandemic so hang on, better days are coming. Maging positive pa rin tayo na better days are coming pa rin. So ayon excited pa rin kaming bumalik, gusto na nga eh na magface-to-face eh kaso ‘di pa rin talaga allowed.” Off the court duties Coach Lerma gladly shared that aside from conditioning themselves, the
Lady Falcons are fulfilling their responsibilities as students. Despite the physical exhaustion due to early morning trainings, the women’s volleyball were able to earn impressive grades. “They are doing good, ang gaganda ng grades nila. Talagang every period, tinututukan namin sila. Talagang as much as possible gina-guide naming sila all throughout. So yung naging resulta ng first sem ang ganda, sobrang tuwangtuwa ako,” Coach Lerma mentioned. Last year, UAAP Executive Director Atty. Rebo Saguisag said the league is eyeing to start its 84th season this September if the situation improves.
TheAdamsonChronicle • VolumeXIV No.1
Page 5 • News & Editorial
Adamson keeps Jrs. MVP Jake Figueroa, three other Baby Falcons By Aeron Gabriel V. Pantig
Assets of the Adamson Baby Falcons : Jake Figueroa from the Adamson Baby Falcons who seized the MVP award during the UAAP Season 82 Men’s Basketball Tournament. PHOTOS BY JULIUS DOMONDON
UAAP Season 82 boys’ Most Valuable Player Jake Figueroa, Matt Erolon, Joshua Barcelona, and Didat Hanapi of the Adamson Baby Falcons have committed to remain with the University for their collegiate careers. The 6-foot-2 Figueroa came out of nowhere and seized the top individual award in his lone year playing for the Mike Fermin-led Baby Falcons. He was the first boys’ basketball MVP from Adamson since Mark
Juruena in Season 71. The 18-year old Rookie MVP averaged 13.2 points on 49-percent shooting, alongside 14.2 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.4 blocks in 27 minutes of play last UAAP Season 82. The Pampanga native was supposed to play one more year in the junior’s division, but since UAAP Season 83 was cancelled due to the pandemic, he will return whenever the league will be allowed by the government to resume play. Figueroa scored 15
points and a game-high 22 rebounds during their stepladder semifinals match against the Ateneo Blue Eaglets. Matt Erolon, on the the other hand, was a steady outside threat for the Baby Falcons. Last season, the 6-foot sniper averaged a team-high 15.44 points on 31-percent shooting from the deep to go along with 3.63 rebounds, 2.81 assists, and 1.69 steals per game. The Soaring Falcons will be needing Erolon’s three-point arsenal came
next season as Jerrick Ahanmisi has forgone his final year of eligibility to apply for the PBA Draft. The sweet-shooting guard tallied a league-best 62 triples last season. Meanwhile, Joshua Barcelona, who made his UAAP debut in Season 81, was an efficient bruiser in the shaded lane. After averaging just 2.9 points and 2.3 rebounds in his rookie year, the 6-foot-4 forward elevated his game and averaged 7.3 points on 53-percent shooting, to
go with 6.3 boards in 18 minutes in his sophomore year. The 6-foot- 2 Didat Hanapi posted 6.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in 20 minutes last season. Hanapi, who delivered 19 markers, led the Baby Falcons in its Final Four matchup against the eventual-champions NU Bulldogs in Season 81. The Baby Falcons finished third place last UAAP Season 82, toppling the Ateneo Blue Eaglets in the semifinals before losing
to the FEU Baby Tamaraws. The high school standouts will be joining the pool of talented new recruits in Andrei Abellera, Mario Barasi, Jhon Calisay, Roger Syvels delos Reyes, Joaquin Jaymalin, Adrian Punzalan, and RV Yanes. The Soaring Falcons will be bannered by returnees Jerom Lastimosa, AP Manlapaz, and Joem Sabandal for the UAAP Season 84, which is set to open in September if the situation gets better.
Season 82 could have been Trisha Genesis’ breakout year By Aeron Gabriel V. Pantig
The Right Time Will Come: Adamson Lady Falcons’ Trisha Genesis makes an Offensive Play against the NU Bulldogs in the UAAP Season 82 Women’s Volleyball Tournament. PHOTO BY ALECKINE TROY N. RADA
Coming from a stellar performance in the 2018 Palarong Pambansa, a promising collegiate career awaits Trisha Genesis as almost all UAAP schools hoped of getting her services. The offensive prowess
of the hard-hitting skipper, by that time, was already comparable with three-time UAAP Most Valuable Player Allysa Valdez and UST star Ej Laure. However, hurdles came too early for the rising star
from Sta. Cruz, Laguna. After committing to the Adamson Lady Falcons, Genesis injured her ankle during their game against BanKo Perlas in the PVL Open Conference. Trisha Genesis did not
have the best rookie year for a highly-touted recruit. As she struggles to find her offensive rhythm, the Lady Falcons were dealt three straight losses to open their Season 81 campaign. The three-game losing slump prompted Adamson and Akari management to tap Palarong Pambansa veteran and team consultant Onyok Getigan as new head coach, replacing American mentor Airess Padda. The Lady Falcons clinched their first win against National University on Coach Onyok’s debut match but the team continued to struggle. The San Marcelinobased squad ended its UAAP Season 81 campaign with a disappointing 2-12 record. Genesis was unable to show the full extent of her potential throughout the tournament. She was playing under the shadows of former Lady Falcons Bern Flora, Eli Soyud, and Joy Dacoron.
Until the offseason came and the coaching staff roster was revamped once more. However, this time, it was different. Genesis’ high school mentor Lerma Giron was appointed at the helm of a rebuilding Lady Falcons. Under Coach Lerma, Genesis saw herself back on track and ready to flaunt what she is capable of. “Si Teacher Lerma kasi, former coach ko siya since Grade 7 talaga, siya rin yung dahilan para mahalin ko yung volleyball, kasi walang araw na hindi sya nagtiyaga para maturuan ako and to be a better version of myself,” Genesis shared. “Kaya nung siya (Coach Lerma) na yung naging head coach, binalik nya lahat, yung confidence ko, yung saya ko sa paglalaro, even my teammates, sabay sabay na kami nangangarap, and iisa na kami lagi ng gusto. Upon Coach Lerma’s arrival, a set of high school
standouts reinforced the team. The Lady Falcons have secured the commitments of 6-foot-1 Lorene Toring from Adamson Baby Falcons, Louie Romero, Lucille Almonte, Rizza Cruz, Antonette Adolfo off Kings Montessori School, and Maveth Torres from Holy Rosary College. The youth-laden Lady Falcons surprised the collegiate volleyball scene when they achieved a Cinderella story in the 2019 PVL Collegiate Conference. Trisha Genesis was a consistent offensive firepower throughout the competition. She scored 19 points off 12 attacks, six aces and a block, while making nine excellent receptions against the reigning UAAP champion Ateneo Lady Eagles.
SEASON 82 COULD/P5
Athletes of the Adamson University after the PepRally 2019 in St. Vincet Gymnaisum. PHOTO BY ALECKINE TROY RADA
Adamson, sponsors still support student-athletes during pandemic season By Aeron Gabriel V. Pantig Adamson University, alongside Big Boss Cement, Akari, and Metro Stonerich Corporation make sure that student-athletes are well taken care of while collegiate sports remain at standstill due to the pandemic. “Wala tayong tinanggal, ni-retain natin ang scholarship. Lahat, kung anong mayroon silang academic scholarship binigay natin ‘yun sa studentathletes.” Vice-President for Athletics and Recreational Fr. Aldrin Suan, CM assured. The academic standings of all student-athletes are reviewed by the Athletes Academic Committee at the end of each semester based on the Section 11 of the Adamson University Student Manual. The Committee evaluates the semestral grades of the student-athletes as basis for eligibility in the UAAP and other leagues, continuity in scholarship and financial accountability due to failed subjects. “For some na-dismiss because of academic reason or for disciplinary reason, natanggal sila sa pagiging athlete. Pero as long as you are an official student athlete, you receive your scholarship,” Fr. Suan, CM explained. Aside from the Academic Scholarship, the University also provided 10,000 pesos loan assistance
to 49 student-athletes which they used to afford laptops for distance learning. Akari, on the other hand, retains the coaching staff it provided the Women’s Volleyball Team to help the student-athletes condition themselves through online trainings. ‘Di nila kami iniwan. Since pandemic, nag-ECQ, nag-extend pa sila ng mga tulong sa mga bata natin. Then dahil nag-online class, nag-extend na naman sila ng tulong. And until now, they are helping us and supporting the team. I am very very grateful sa Akari,” Lady Falcons head coach Lerma Giron shared. All UAAP events were suspended until March 14 when President Duterte declared a state of Public Health Emergency in March 9 after confirmed COVID-19 cases in the country continue to rise. A day after, league president Emmanuel T. Fernandez and executive director Rebo Saguisag announced that the tournament suspension is extended until March 17. “All of us are on the guessing game and we don’t know the announcement of the UAAP so we cannot yet advise them to go home hoping na after 1 month [the situation is already better]. Then suddenly when the
UAAP announced na it was already cancelled, we started to facilitate of at least going home na to their families,” shared Fr. Suan, CM. At the height of the pandemic, the University made sure that the necessities of student-athletes who stayed in their dormitories are given. The student-athletes made good use of their time by helping in the University’s relief efforts for frontliners in the battle against the pandemic. The Softball Team supported the Vincentian priests’ Charity Over Virus Indifference and Despair (COVID) and Facemasks Cover Your Face Not Your Hearts program. On April 7, the UAAP decided to cancel all of the second-semester sports in Season 82. The decision came after the government decided to extend the Luzonwide lockdown until April 30 to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. There are just eight student-athletes, in which four are foreigners, staying in the Falcons’ Nest as of writing. As the University renews most coaches, Fr. Suan demanded that online training should not be as intensive as face-to-face training but rather just maintain the agility and weight of the student-athletes
Rev. Fr. Marcelo V. Manimtim, C. M gives opening remarks for the athletes of the Adamson University during PepRally 2019 in St. Vincent Gymnaisum. PHOTO BY ALECKINE TROY N. RADA
for them to easily adjust once college trainings are already allowed. “I keep on reminding them (coaches), don’t add stress sa mga estudyante. Sabi ko you should change your role, kung ang role niyo nung face-to-face ay pinupukpok niyo sila, kung ang role niyo dati ay ipe-pressure niyo sila,” he mentioned. “Sabi ko you have to change your role now, you should be on the side of supporting these studentathletes, monitoring their mental health.” Aside from maintaining the student-athletes’ physical
condition, the Office of Athletics and Recreation is organizing a webinar that will help coaches and team captains ‘handle the stress of players during this time of pandemic.’ Fr. John Era, CM, a Vincentian priest who has Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Doctoral Degree in International Psychology, will preside in the said webinar. “On my office, I see to it now not so much into sports ang focus. Ang akin lang is how to be of support sa ongoing ng student-athlete,”
said Fr. Suan, CM. “We try to give assistance na maging madali sa kanila yung hamon ng pandemic na ‘to. Iyon yung way natin of caring for them, na in spite of the pandemic hindi natin inalis yung mga benefits nila as student-athletes,” he added. The dormitories of the student-athletes are under renovation to give them better accommodation. The flooring of the SV court is also getting an upgrade, which will be beneficial for both athletes and P.E. students once face-to-face classes resume.
Science and Technology
Stronger Storms due to human-caused climate change>> Page 3
Touch deprivation: A toll on one’s mental well-being By Matt Jefferson T. Richter
A
mid the fetal stage, when our growing nervous system can finally identify that we are in our mother’s womb, and it can officially sense the amniotic fluid, or the protective liquid sac wrapped around our body, being touched and felt then becomes our whole concept of the self. However, when the pandemic struck the globe, social distancing became one of the protocols implemented to flatten the curve. While it’s a progressive tactic to combat the continuous rising cases, it left people alone at their homes,
often incapable of interacting with anyone but themselves. This then leads to touching deprivation; the saying “no man is an island,” therefore, isn’t a myth, as humans are social animals that need social interaction in order to survive. We are often unaware of the lack therein, leading to a deteriorating mental and psychological well-being. According to Professor Francis McGlone, a neuroscientist in Liverpool John Moores University, “When we talk about the problem of loneliness, we often ignore the obvious: what lonely people
aren’t getting is touch.” The absence of physical interaction, and the shortfall of knowledge alongside it, negatively affects people’s mental capacity; worse, such is more likely to lead to lingering anxiety, depression, and psychological disorders alike, especially in the midst of an ever-detrimental pandemic. Dr. Katerina Fotopoulou, apsychodynamic neuroscience professor at University London College, said that “Touch is a modulator that can temper the effects of stress and pain, physical and emotional, and our research proves that a
lack of touch is associated with greater anxiety.” While we acknowledge that there are people who loathe being touched due to reasons that may range from trauma, senses, or even preferences, the complete absence therein, however, is immensely discouraged, as our physique and mentality are inseparable entities of our being.Amid high-emotional states of stress, the body feels like collapsing. While words of encouragement are endearing, a simple hug or a tap on the back stimulates one’s brain that he is not alone; therefore, feeling an eminent sense of relief.
Professor McGlone added that “stimulation of these neurons, of any comforting forms of physical interaction, releases oxytocin and dopamine, and has a direct impact on cortisol levels, which regulates our mood.” That said, it is then a primary tool of humans to survive the chaos of life. When there is no substitute in physical interaction, amidst the pandemic when we need it most, “vicarious touching,” or perceiving touch through the naked eye, may partially serve as an alternative. By seeing people hugging on TV, we then likewise feel a sense
of being felt. At a chaotic time like this, catching up with your friends through text messages, video calls, and the like may also delegate the deprivation of touch; this way, an individual may still feel a sense of social interaction, despite it not being physical.We underestimate the powers of genuine touches without knowing that the possible reason behind our deteriorating mental health could trench from the lack of physical interaction. Hence, you may opt to break your walls a little bit; you might need a hug or a rub at the back more than you think.
The Science behind Digital workspaces By Antonio Gabriel D. Tongco
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igital workflows have existed for nearly a decade now, but only during the COVID-19 pandemic have many people considered using them. People who use the traditional pen-andpaper note-taking, or the classic sticky note system for reminders, now tend to experience difficulties with the new system where most, if not all transactions, are done online. Beyond the traditional vs. digital debate, there is more to online workspaces than meets the eye. The holy trinity of
productivity, according to the gurus, includes (1) a calendar, (2) a to-do list, and (3) a note-taking system— which we all started doing with pen and paper. Those who went digital and were satisfied have a shared testimony, which is: “It made things much easier.” But what does easier mean? How is it easier when the only difference is that they’re digitized? The simple answer lies in the concept of friction. Friction in productivity refers to the little sub-tasks you need to accomplish before the “primary” task. For example, before you can
clean your shoes, you must first look for the necessary tools, which may be a bucket of water, a scrub brush, and baking soda (if you’re whitening the sole), or any other cleaning agent. In the same way, before you can cook any dish, you must first gather ingredients and buy from the market, if you don’t have them readily available. The more preparations you need to make before starting tasks, the more friction there is between you and finishing them. THE SCIENCE/P2
TheAdamsonChronicle • VolumeXIV No.2
Page 2 • Sciennce and Technology
How cycling helps our health and the environment By Christian Joshua Corcuera
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he Tour de France and the yellow jersey would first come to mind when someone hears of cycling. But it’s more than a sport, especially that cycling serves as a widespread mode of transportation in various parts of the world. Unlike here in the Philippines, there are countries where the majority of its population commute regularly by bikes, such as Japan and Finland. While in Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, there are more bicycles than there are people. And globally, over two billion bicycles are being used frequently. With this, it won’t come as a surprise that riding bikes is widely seen as an optimal means of transportation. But there must be a reason why cycling is a preferred way of commuting from Copenhagen to Tokyo. And the short answer would be its benefits to the human body and its contribution to the environment. First off, the health benefits of cycling. According to Harvard Medical School (HMS), cycling presents five main physical benefits. One, it’s easy on the joints. Compared to walking, riding a bike is better for anyone with joint pain or age-related stiffness. Two, pushing pedals provides an aerobic workout. This is good for the heart, HMS claims, since aerobic exercise triggers a release of endorphins — the body’s feel-good chemicals. Three, pedaling strengthens the bones because resistance activities, like pushing pedals, increase bone density. Four, cycling enables muscle-building as we use abdominal muscles to balance ourselves. And last, these benefits can help us in our everyday activities such as walking, standing, endurance, and the like. Altogether, people who bike open themselves to numerous health benefits. After all, cycling is a physical exercise. Aside from personal health benefits, however, cycling can contribute to the betterment of
society as a whole. Specifically, it can help the environment. One obvious environmental contribution of cycling is that it reduces air pollution. Contrary to vehicles, a bicycle does not emit any smoke into the atmosphere since it moves by merely pushing its pedals. Looking at the larger picture, consumption of non-renewable fuels like diesel and oil would decrease had there been more people commuting by bicycle. With more people commuting by bike, problems in parking spaces can also be alleviated. As illustrated by the University of Montana, six to fifteen bikes can fit easily for every one car parking space. Thus, there is less space needed for parking in a community where bikes are the norm. It’s not only personal health that would benefit from a society of cyclists, but also the environment. Despite the scientific benefits offered by cycling, most Filipinos commute through other means. One reason why is that the infrastructure, in Metro Manila at least, is inhospitable for cyclists. The lack of proper bike lanes would attest to this claim. However, the future of cycling as a common means of commuting in the country is bright. Due to the pandemic, bicycles emerged as a post-lockdown commuter option since trains, buses, and cars limited their number of passengers. At the same time, local government units are starting to invest in bike lanes to ensure the safety of cyclists. For example, Iloilo constructed an 11-kilometer bike lane — a haven for people on bicycles. Whatever the future of cycling would be in the Philippines, the benefits it offers to one’s health and to the environment are encouraging. More importantly, in a world where human-caused climate change is becoming a major issue, cycling could be a part of the solution for the planet’s well-being.
THE SCIENCE/P1 Online classes and distractions In their study, Gloria Mark, Daniela Gudith, and Ulrich Klocke concluded that it’s unrealistic to eliminate distractions as a whole; instead, we must work on reducing them. In the context of online classes, it’s general knowledge that the internet is a pandora’s box of potential interruptions— it was made that way to capture your attention through advertisements and notifications, to keep you from whatever you need to do. This is a technological problem, but more often than not, if technology gives the problem, it also provides solutions. These solutions used
to be out of reach for the average user, but recent innovations have made them more accessible. Reducing friction through technology Notifications are doubleedged swords. In some situations, a single one from Instagram on Twitter could get you sidetracked, but on the other hand, they also make for a good reminder system. Newer digital calendars and to-do lists can now notify you of upcoming events or tasks at certain time intervals, a feature that has been life-saving for many. You may directly upload files or photos as well, just in case the tasks involve specific guidelines or formats.
Other than these, you can also leave notes in the form of comments (e.g., “don’t forget to save as a PDF,” or “make sure to submit during class hours”). Services such as Forest or Cold Turkey can easily remove distractions as well. The former is a Pomodoro timer that blocks your chosen websites while you work, while the latter is a typing service that won’t let you switch to other applications until you’ve reached a certain word count. That’s a little less friction already, but digital workspaces have way more to offer. Today, most to-do lists can be integrated into your chosen calendars so you can view both your tasks
and schedules in a single place. Additionally, there are Google Chrome extensions you can install for quicker access. That way, you can check pending assignments and events with a single click without leaving the tab you’re working in. You can even insert descriptions and links when you add events, in case there are specifics you need to keep in mind when you attend classes. The same goes for note-taking apps like Google Keep, Evernote, Notion, and many others. They’re integrating extensions and shortcuts so you can type down lectures or save links on-the-go. If you need it, their customization taskbars for bolding out, italicizing, or adding color to
your notes, are also readily available. Digital note-taking is often more efficient in many ways. Most people type faster than they can write, so it’s a better option for documenting information during synchronous classes. Additionally, the find (Ctrl + F) function makes it easier to find specific words from your documents. Finally, your pets can’t rip apart digital notes. Or, if you accidentally delete them, you can often use the undo (Ctrl + Z) shortcut or visit your chosen application’s recycle or trash bin, which makes them a little more secure than handwritten ones. Creating a system
Online technologies have evolved immensely over the past years. All that’s left for us is to utilize them to better our lives, and consequently, ourselves. It’s much easier to deal with work when you know what you need to do and when to do them, and more difficult to forget when notifications are nudging you about their existence. As more processes become digitized, online workspaces become more worth the investment. Technology helps streamline workflows and make them more efficient. With the proper usage, they can dramatically better our performance as students.
TheAdamsonChronicle • VolumeXIV No.2
Science and Technology • Page 3
Stronger storms due to human-caused climate change By Christian Joshua Corcuera
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hat a terrible year 2020 was, wasn’t it? As Filipinos started the year with Taal’s eruption and dealt with the pandemic that came after — 2020 is indeed one for the history books. But there was a series of events that was not given much attention in that year compared to the public health crisis — the powerful typhoons Quinta, Rolly, and Ulysses which devastated the country last October and November. These devastating disasters cost the country billions of pesos in damages, aside from the hundreds who lost their lives. One might hope that typhoons as strong as these would never occur again, but it’s just the tip of the iceberg. Whether we like it or not, human-caused climate change is a reality and will be here to stay for years or even decades. Worse, it is correlated with the rise of stronger typhoons. According to a 2018 study from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), climate change increases the number of extreme storms. Some might ask how strong storms became common due to climate change. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) explained that climate change causes more water vapor to be evaporated into the atmosphere leading to the development of more
destructive typhoons. Unfortunately for humanity, climate change won’t be solved in just a few years, or even decades, as human activities have greatly damaged the environment already. It is also common knowledge that climate change would affect the entire planet, from the tropics of the Amazon to the tundra of Siberia and from the seas of Australia to the vast forests of Africa. But some places would be more affected than others. Unluckily, Manila was mentioned as one of the six places in the world that will face the most severe consequences of climate change. Hence, it won’t come as a surprise that humans — especially Filipinos — are bracing for the impact of climate change, from stronger storms to rising sea levels. Since the Philippines is usually battered by typhoons, what actions have we done at present as we face a future of even stronger storms? Dealing with climate change involves two main responses: mitigation and adaptation. Mitigation is focused on eradicating the sources of pollution such as factories emitting carbon into the atmosphere. Moreover, decreasing greenhouse gases is another way to mitigate climate change since these gases
contribute to a warming planet. Reducing greenhouse gases involves putting a stop to burning fossil fuels, such as coal, for energy purposes. Instead, renewable sources of energy, like solar and wind, are pursued since these are safe and clean. On the other side of the coin, adaptation would cause communities to adjust to the expected effects of climate change. For example, people reside further inland rather than living in coastal areas given that climate change is causing a rise in sea levels. Also, stronger storms present a risk to coastal communities with destructive waves and storm surge. Other adaptive measures include building flood defenses, evacuation centers, and crafting plans in case of a typhoon. More importantly, even if we feel that we’re a small part of the world, we must remember that our actions would impact the world — for better or for worse. For this reason, there is a need to promote awareness on climate change and educate the masses on what they can do. As various environmental groups put it, we should change our habits to prevent things from getting worse. And sadly, we have to brace for more typhoons as destructive as Quinta, Rolly, and Ulysses in the future.
Human Interest
Female Leaders are Way Better than M(ysogonistic)ale One>> Page 3
Good Men Shouldn’t be Celebrated and Here’s Why By Justine Denise S. Cruz
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ince God knows when, men had always been glorified for doing the simplest things. If a woman cooks, cleans, or does the laundry, we barely get appreciation because as society brands it, it is our job. But whenever a man does the same, the world loses its mind and throws a party. To an even higher extent, we are indebted to thank them for being decent human beings whenever they aren’t abusive or whenever they don’t sexually assault their female friends after drinking a bottle or two. Society celebrates them, simply, for being ‘good’. Let me be clear about this: we should not. Men doing the bare minimum are always placed on pedestals. Acting like a well-mannered, thinking human being doesn’t require extra brownie points, yet, the world continues to admire men who show the tiniest flicker of integrity. Have we become so accustomed to mistreatment that getting the least amount of kindness from men has us opening bottles of champagne? To applaud someone for doing the bare minimum only fosters complacency. There aren’t enough words to explain how frustrating it is to see the unnecessary glorification for men who aren’t doing nearly enough. Metaphorically
speaking, men could be peeling carrots and the whole kitchen would be swooning over them, whereas, women could be creating the whole menu and the only thing we’d be getting are a few pats in the back. For doing so little, men get a lot. Believe it or not, it is fine to show gratitude for a man who goes above and beyond for you, but kissing his feet for helping you do household chores isn’t something to be extremely proud of. Although gender equality has drastically improved, we still have a long way to go to abolish gender-demeaning roles. This is mostly recognizable in parenting – how come a mother does not get the same amount of praise a father does whenever she changes their child’s diaper? The longer the society upholds men for doing the bare minimum, the longer it takes for equality to be achieved. The issue does not stop with gender stereotyping. To think of this in a wider, more serious angle, a woman is expected and pressured to feel grateful for her male friends who ‘behave’ in certain situations and ‘do not take advantage’ of her vulnerability. If this isn’t absurd enough, a large fraction of the society thinks that wearing short and tightfitting clothing is a clear
cut invitation for women to be sexually harassed. The problem is that these violent assaults have become so ubiquitous to the point that they’ve become normal. *Got catcalled even when wearing the baggiest clothes you have? That’s nothing new. Boys will be boys.* Because of this lousy excuse, a lot of men continue to use this to their benefit. As this happens, society continues to embed the ridiculous belief that a woman is to be held accountable for the consequences of showing too much skin. A woman’s terrifying experience, be it with strangers on her daily commute or with people she trusts her life with, can never really take center stage. We are obligated to fall back and hail the ‘good’ men who didn’t take part in our trauma to reassure their ego. To live in a patriarchal society requires women to take a stand against inequality and abuse. While it’s nice to know that we have a number of men as allies, we don’t have to give them a gold medal for things that they should’ve been doing since day one. In fact, why did we even start thanking people for being decent human beings? Celebrating good men is tantamount to lowering our standards. We deserve more than just good men.
Red-Tagging: An Excuse to Witch-Hunt By Justine Denise S. Cruz
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tudent activism is not terrorism.” In case anyone is forgetting, being a proactive member of the community, showing dissent towards the government’s questionable actions, and fighting for human rights aren’t grounds to be red-tagged. Red-tagging is the public persecution of governmentcritical individuals and organizations as communist terrorists or members of leftist groups. The recently amended Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 or Republic Act No. 11479, which has a lot of faulty and vague stipulations, claimed that opposition groups will be protected. With the administration’s history of labeling political opponents without due process, it is hard to believe that they would live up to their promises. The amendment of RA 11479’s timing could
not be any better as it was signed into law during the surge of COVID-19 in the Philippines. After all, it would be much convenient to pin accusations on government critics when they are actively showing disapproval of the administration’s management of the pandemic. On an unshocking, expected turn of events, the people who were red-tagged in the past for being vocal about extrajudicial killings, corruption, and serious human rights violations are the same people being baited now for disagreeing with the government’s handling of the crisis. Those who are commonly red-tagged are human rights groups, media personalities, and students. Huge academes had always been labeled as breeding havens for communist groups. Just
recently, Antonio Parlade Jr. publicly named top universities in the country as centers of leftist recruitment. Adamson University (AdU), Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU), Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), and University of the Philippines (UP) are among the 18 schools that made it to the general’s baseless list. There is nothing new with this as students are always at the spotlight of red-tagging for being too critical to the ills of the nation. The youth had always received flak for being chronic complainers and for being – as society brands us – know-it-alls. The worn-out question, “Ano bang ambag mo?” became the go-to rebuttal of those who embrace tyranny. To criticize the government is RED-TAGGING /P3
TheAdamsonChronicle • VolumeXIII No.3
Page 2 • Human Interest
Why “Real Men Wear Pink” is more than Just A Slogan By Mat Jefferson T. Richter perceived as a masculine and robust color. Hence, men’s preferences in history, especially in clothing, were drawn upon pink. Unlike today, genderneutral clothing was the norm; colors back then were not associated with any avenues of perpetual stereotypes against men. Society before was then progressive for not boxing colors into gender expression, making today’s gender construction is but an immense regress.
Painting faces, slaying in flow-free crop tops, coveting pink, and rocking three-inch heels—did you know that men in history spark these? Gender’s fluidity continues to wade the waters of self-expression to date. Society, especially gender identities apart from male and female, has amplified its uproars to collectively dismantle the reoccurring sexist remarks, or any form of discrimination that trenches from gender. The gentlemen of
current society, however, still experience sexism stemming from toxic masculinity, which, if scrutinized, is quite ironic, as they spearheaded some of the perceived feminine things today. That said, we then unearth the concept of masculinity from its soils; to identify the roots of the said impasse, and to dissect the social construction of gender in today’s time, delving into men. Pink was a color for boys
In the late 19th century and early 20th century, blue was associated with Virgin Mary. Her cloak dipped in cerulean hues sparked feminine connotations that women in history verily adhered to. Young girls would then show up in dresses at family occasions, colors alike with midnight skies. The writer and color expert Gavin Evans, on the other hand, explained the inclinations of the color pink to men; such color was linked with red, which was
Heels were designed for men Dubbed as “women’s feet nightmare,” high heels weren’t actually designed for fashion and height endeavors. Rather, heels were established for ancient Egyptian butchers to keep their feet clean from any blood as they slaughter animals. In the Middle East, both for men and women, wearing heels also symbolized functionality, and they wore such amid ceremonies to portray luxury. Now, heels have progressed to stepping into runways alike, but men are discouraged from wearing such as they’re presumed to be “feminine.” The gentlemen first wore
makeup Although men painting faces today have begun to enter mainstream media, the taboo and toxic masculinity inclined therein isn’t still wholly disjoint yet. The enterprise also played a huge role in the said gender construction as makeup is often advertised as a feminine product. Not later than 4000 BCE, Egyptian men used black pigment to achieve a dramatic eyeliner as such customarily signifies a wealthy social status. It then stemmed from their culture; from green eyeliner, lip and cheek stains, malachite eyeshadow, and the like. The purpose then is dissimilar to today, an era wherein makeup is used to artfully paint faces, boost one’s self-esteem, and a list more reasons, as the Egyptians who spearheaded the wearing of such believed that it wards off harmful illnesses, preserving their culture. Male bodybuilders popularized crop tops Around the early 70s, gym owners forbid bodybuilders from showcasing their muscles inside; simply put, they
spearheaded a “movement” to defy dress codes by ripping the bottom part of their shirts. This way, they were able to be “shirtless” as they enter the gym premises. A decade later, popular clothing brands such as Nike began creating crop tops, whereas men wore such unperturbed, creating trendy progress from a movement to the artistry of fashion alike. Taking these into account, the soils which we’ve exhumed then prove that gender is but a social construct, and we’ve regressed from an era of men who are free to express themselves to boxing them in the cages of today’s gender construction. Note that toxic masculinity doesn’t end with the construction of social preferences as such may include internalized homophobia, misogyny, and the like, which prevalently bags a heavier weight on the scale. That said, men who wear pink and who exhibit respect to the marginalized, while being society’s progressive social entities who abide by their civic duties, are arguably the finest beings to walk on the facets of Earth.
Between divinity and legality: the contrasting beliefs towards divorce in the PH By Mat Jefferson T. Richter
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efore Spain’s imposition of a legal order, divorce was already practiced by the Philippines’ indigenous in Kalinga, Ifugao, Manobo, and Mindanao. Hence, if we are to exhume the past, opposing divorce may or may not be a colonial concept that we still adamantly try to forfend. Upon today, the Philippine legislature has persistently disputed divorce’s legalization despite numerous calls to dissolve marital disputes throughout time. Apart from Vatican City, the Philippines is the only country worldwide where divorce isn’t legalized. The role of catholicism against the implementation of divorce Along with religious Filipinos, the Catholic Church played the most prominent roles in keeping the cultural beliefs intact. Such arguments often dwelled on the unwavering belief of religious and cultural preservation,
which still persists to date. From a demographic angle, 80% of Filipinos belong to the Catholic Church, which strongly condemns divorce as it is said to exude “disrespect” to its teachings and promote marital feud. Meanwhile, the opposing party asserts the significance of starting anew without the constraints of a dysfunctional partner. Historically, the country’s religion in itself has been colonized. Thereafter, colonial influence played a role in the current era’s cultural preservation of disagreeing with divorce’s implementation. While others celebrate such preservation, it can come at the expense of a changeless decision that may or may not plague the both of the partners’ material conditions. A lens to ponder: the pleas of women Amid marital union, domestic violence became the customary form of violence against women. The tension
inclined with such harms women’s general health, from their antibodies, mental, physical, and psychological well-being. Based on the National Demographic and Health Survey conducted by Philippine Statistics of Authority in 2017, data shows that 25% of Filipino women face domestic violence, unfortunately increasing throughout time. In the present time, the call for divorce is still increasing which, more often than not, stems from the plight that women face from the patriarchal society; that it is women who have shouldered the burden of the country alongside its culture’s dispute against divorce. The long term altercation of the Church and State’s separation According to the Philippines’ 1987 Constitution, Article 2 Section 6, the separation of church and state shall be inviolable; thus, the Catholic Church’s
long-term interference with divorce’s legalization could be an abridgment of the constitution. Dismantling domestic violence against women, ratification of the church and state’s separation, and the opportunity to provide the spouses a chance to remarry for a more fruitful marital union are only a few of the many things that divorce’s implementation can bear. It is collectively secondable that every social entity reserves the right to a functional partner and family for it will shape the succeeding generations’ material conditions of survival. All accounted for, cultural preservation is imperative for one and the succeeding generation’s self-identity. It shapes not only people’s moral and cultural beliefs but also how they are bound to function in a religious society and/or country such as the Philippines.
Human Interest • Page 3
TheAdamsonChronicle • VolumeXIII No.3
Why are women better leaders?
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n another episode of why misogynistic leaders are up to no good, President Rodrigo Duterte strikes again with another lewd statement against women. Infamous for his sexist tirades, it is truly no shocker when it had only been 14 days since the start of 2021 when he blatantly expressed that presidency is no job for a woman. To dismiss speculations in the upcoming 2022 elections, the 75-yearold president said that his daughter, Sara DuterteCarpio, would not be running for the position. According to him, the job is
By Justine Denise S. Cruz
not made for a woman as the emotional setup of a female is different from a male’s. His 42-year-old daughter is no stranger to politics as she succeeded her father’s reign as mayor of Davao City. According to her, she has no intentions of becoming a presidential candidate. Whether this is true or not isn’t the case here. President Duterte is the one to talk when he said that a woman isn’t fit for leadership. Living in a patriarchal society is already a challenge for most women as we are belittled and mocked due to our gender, let alone being headed by an insecure
chauvinist. To add insult to injury, a lot of his followers share the same brain as his. These are the same people who laugh at his rape jokes and approve of his other wild, scandalous antics. For a man who only gets satisfaction from ridiculing women, this can explain why he believes that the opposite sex isn’t capable of governance. The roots of female leadership can be traced back in 1960, when the first woman elected as head of a state was Sirimavo Bandaranaike, the earliest female prime minister of Sri Lanka. In the Philippines alone, there had been
two female presidents, Corazon Aquino and Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Since then, over 90 female leaders have been elected. As of this year, 21 wonderful women are the trailblazers of 193 countries. For instance, the emergence of Covid-19 is a living proof as to why female leaders also have what it takes to lead a nation. Female-led countries – New Zealand, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, and Germany, to name a few – all coped better with the pandemic. They sealed the borders of their countries earlier and they believed in
science. Aside from these technical decisions, they showed empathy to their citizens, contrary to the iron fist approach displayed by male leaders. This global crisis showed the call for diversity and how different leaders managed their countries. Obviously, the presence of a female premier and the decreased number of casualties aren’t directly correlated to each other. To better frame the argument, it is not a question which sex did it better and who is more efficient, but rather, what certain women-associated qualities should every leader
embrace. The struggle for men to see women as equals is already difficult on its own. Politically speaking, misogyny fuels fascism and if the highest-ranking official projects his own insecurities to aspiring women leaders, so much to the extent that he questions their abilities to run a country, then isn’t it high time to dismantle patriarchy? One more year left before everyone bids goodbye to the misogynist who doesn’t believe that a woman has what it takes to guide a nation. Who knows? He might eat his own words.
made. The only purpose of red-tagging is to shush critical minds and suppress progressive groups. The Anti-Terrorism Act is just another sorry excuse made by the government to serve its own interest. Red-tagging is the modern witch-hunt for students who are exercising their civic duty of criticizing a poorly headed government. Sadly, the executive has too many blind followers to see this truth. While some proudly wear their I-will-die-for-thePresident shirts, some refuse to take sides. For them, it is better to stay in the middle to
avoid any form of argument. After all, everyone has to see the silver lining, right? No. Neutrality is never an option these days. To be neutral is to side with oppression. Speaking up is not easy. Taking a stand against a draconian regime while being just in the middle of reaching our dreams requires a lot of bravery. It’s scary but if no one will be bold enough to defy the system, then what does await of us in the future? The light at the end of the tunnel will only draw farther and farther if we let fear live in us. Repeat after me: “student activism is not terrorism.”
RED-TAGGING /P1 no crime. To turn a blind eye is. If the administration isn’t acting amiss, what should they be scared of? Dura lex sed lex… unless you’re power-tripping. In our country, being outspoken has its own repercussions. Red-tagging can be an easy avenue for warrantless arrests, violence, coerced disappearances, and the most horrific of them all, death by extrajudicial killing. This is the reason why human rights advocates disapprove of the pronouncement of the AntiTerrorism Act. You can be shot to death just for being tagged as a terrorist and no further investigation will be
TheAdamsonChronicle • VolumeXIII No.3
Page 3 • Human Interest
Encountering America’s Relationship with Immigrants
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very year, many Filipinos would go abroad to search for work opportunities and decent pay with high hopes that they would be able to lift their families and themselves from poverty. However, some Filipino immigrants would witness their dreams shattered as they were welcomed with racism and xenophobia. This is particularly true in America where some Filipinos — as well as some people from other races and ethnicities such as Latinos and Blacks — are victims of hate speech committed by some Americans. But this problem is not entirely new. Carlos Bulosan’s semiautobiography “America Is in the Heart” provides a vivid, firsthand encounter with America’s relationship with immigrants when he traveled to the “land of the free”, way back in 1930. He was merely 17 years old at the time and, just like overseas Filipinos today, was forced to search for opportunities in America as life back home was harsh.
By Christian Joshua Corcuera The novel was divided into four parts starting with Bulosan, also known by his nickname Allos, sharing his rural background. Born to impoverished and illiterate parents in Pangasinan, Allos was determined to free himself from the chains of poverty. He depicted his parents as hardworking as his father cultivated the four hectares of land they once owned, while his mother earned extra income as a vendor. Over time, his parents pawned their land to fund the children’s education — only for things to go downhill from there. When one of Allos’ brothers worked after finishing education, his income wasn’t enough to reclaim their mortgaged land entirely. And soon after, the older brothers of Allos would have their own families to feed. This led young Allos to leave his native Pangasinan in pursuit of economic salvation in America. His arrival in America and his experiences there served as the second part of
the novel. During the 1930s, racism against minorities and non-whites in the United States was rampant already. To make matters worse, his hopes of economic salvation were unfulfilled as the Great Depression took place in 1929. Carlos was in the wrong place, at the wrong time. Yet he encountered experiences where whites helped him with his struggles — some gave him shelter, others nursed his wounds when he got involved in brawls. This led to a personal realization that while America could be harsh, it could also be kind. From there, the novel would chronicle how Carlos and his fellow Filipinos dealt with the issues that matter during his time, in a land that he thought would give him comfort. Bulosan died in 1956 and despite dying at such a young age, his rich experiences revealed a harsh reality — that America is not impeccable, that America has its share of social imperfections. Eight decades after a young,
desperate teenager from the Philippines set foot in foreign land seeking economic salvation, his novel remains as relevant as ever. With millions of Filipinos still finding opportunities abroad in the 21st century, Bulosan’s semi-autobiography spreads awareness of the risks they have to enter — not only the potential benefits they could receive. More importantly, the enormous number of Filipinos trying their luck abroad to this day exposes a deeper problem — the lack of decent work and pay at home. From the complex reasons why people desperately search for opportunities in a foreign land to the hatred and violence between different races and ethnicities, Bulosan’s voice resonates with the millions of Filipinos working abroad today — and will continue to do so for the years to come. First published in 1946, America Is in the Heart can still be found in some notable bookstores in the Philippines.
Entertainment
Fashion aesthetic cores that sparked throughout the 21st century>> Page 3
Next Chapter: Webtoon’s steady rise in the content creation production By Paul Adrian D. Hular
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aunched in 2004 under NAVER Corporation, a South Korea-based company, WEBTOON became a platform for artists, authors, and a combination of the two to let their works reach a wider audience. Jun-Koo Kim, the creator and the brilliant mind that was all behind the platform we know now, this publishing portal-turned-application was somehow the answer to give a breath of fresh air to the dying culture of comic publication which at the early 2000s rivaled with the rise of the internet and through combining the two, the cultural value of comic
production was able to be reintroduced in a highlyindustrialized market. A cartoon that can be read and viewed on the web in the convenience of our own hands, was primarily the driving force for its entry into the market. In its initial years, it worked handin-hand with its Japanese counterpart, Manga who became both popular to their respective audiences and also making it available in Japanese and Korean language. The platform was able to go global in 2014 when LINE Corporation was tapped in to create an application that was
made available worldwide opening an arena for international artists to have their works be published on this digital publishing site. With growing popularity across Asian countries, the WEBTOON is a cut above the rest due to its “daily system” where fans and readers get daily updates from the on-going contents which also brings in new webtoons across a variety of categories gives the fans a lot to choose from. Aside from the convenience it entails, webtoon contents have to come to life due to the rise of series adaptations that
was able to transcend the fiction fantasies of the fans into live-action. Series that hooked us up, made us patiently wait for fresh episodes and leads that became the living figures in channeling out our adorations and love for their webtoon character include: W: Two Worlds, What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim, Cheese in the Trap, Love Alarm, Itaewon Class, True Beauty, The Uncanny Encounter and a lot more. Behind the visual facade being put up by the digital platform is an opportunity for artists and aspirants to get compensated with the work and passion that they
pour towards these artistic creations. Content creators can actually have the chance to earn a partnership with LINE WEBTOON. Since opening its doors to the international arena, a plethora of genres and styles can be found in the application that caters to viewers’ preferences and will soon feature more diverse stories to obtain more engagements and open an avenue where artists can express themselves and at the same time put a decent value to their pieces. The series adaptation of webtoon contents has contributed to the already wide audience it reaches
and seems to be a strategy to expand the platform now that most of the people are confined to their homes and most of the time is in front of their screens, this illustration-to-screen crossover enables us to become a consumer of art and satisfy our cravings for a series that we can binge watch at the same time. With growing competition in content creation, WEBTOON proved that tradition and innovation can be combined in order to present a culture that has been existing for decades and be embraced by a generation of tech savvies and internet-dwellers.
ZAYN: From Pillowtalk to Vibez By Antonio Gabriel D. Tongco
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mong the many Youtube comments about Zayn’s new album, “Nobody Is Listening,” one of the most popular is, “I feel like he’s exactly the person he’s wanted to be for so long,” and after thorough hearing of the tracks, anybody would find it difficult to disagree. Like most of his music since he debuted as a solo artist, however, the chance that he performs them live remains slim. At this point, people question whether his latest album’s name rings true— does nobody listen to Zayn anymore? On March 25, 2015, the One Direction social media pages announced Zayn’s departure from the band.
In the post, Zayn says that he left to become “a normal 22-year-old who is able to relax and have some private time out of the spotlight.” Apologizing to the fans, he assured that he had “four friends for life” in his former bandmates, Liam, Louis, Niall, and Harry. Zayn released his firstever single in late January 2016, called “Pillowtalk,” which was a bold display of the type of music he could never release as part of a boyband. On March 25, exactly a year after he left, he dropped his debut album, “Mind of Mine,” which made him the first British male artist to top the United States (U.S.) and the United Kingdom’s official charts
with a debut single and album, simultaneously. His first live solo performance was at the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, where he sang the then-unreleased track, “It’s You,” which met a mix of positive and negative criticism. Those in the former category said that Zayn’s vocals, specifically his falsettos, are as smooth as ever, showing no signs of straining. On the other hand, some said that they needed a studio version of the track as soon as possible because they could barely understand his “mumbling.” Some stood in the middle, saying that ZAYN/P3
TheAdamsonChronicle • VolumeXIV No.1
Page 2 • Entertainment
Hitting the Woah with Miss Rona By Justine Denise S. Cruz
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hile Miss Rona is traveling the world from city to city, everybody is doing their best to stay indoors. Far long from over, this pandemic is truly testing our patience (and sanity). Just as we’re about to rip our hairs out, TikTok saves the day. TikTok, arguably the most visited video-sharing social media platform of 2020, was released internationally on 2017 by ByteDance. Since the start of the pandemic, its rise to popularity is undeniably remarkable, with over 700 million active users worldwide to date. From baby boomers to millennials, everyone easily became hooked with the creativitydriven app. What better way is there to kill time during the quarantine than by dancing out to hit songs and making whipped coffee? Numerous dance trends have grown in popularity on the app. Who could even forget the “Renegade” frenzy? With over 30 million users who tried its highspeed choreography, only Jalaiah Harmon, the 14-yearold creator, can bop to its every beat. Another trend that had us jiving from 9 to 5 during the early months of the pandemic is the “The Weekend” dance challenge. Doja Cat’s “Say So” and Megan Thee Stallion’s “Savage” also live in our mind rent- free. Closer to home, Sarah Geronimo’s “Tala” had the whole nation grooving to her 2016 hit song. Aside from dancing, Filipinos are apparently good singers, as well. Miley
Cyrus’ “When I Look at You” and Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance” were among the top picked tracks for singing gimmicks in the app. The “Sing with Me” challenge is also a smash for people who’d like to sing along. In addition, a lot of inspiring musicians used TikTok as means to reach to their fans. Other artists, like painters, made use of the platform’s growing audience to share their craft. Surprisingly, the year-long lockdown allowed us to have more time to take care of ourselves. Hence, it was no surprise when “glow up” videos and beauty content surfaced the feed. Men and women took turns in vying for everybody’s heart with the “Wipe it Down” and “My Heart Went Oops” challenge. Aside from this, local and international beauty gurus gave free makeup tutorials and fashion hacks for women, and even men, to follow. Satires and skits made its way to TikTok, too. In the Philippines alone, there are a lot of rising social media personalities. To name a few, who could forget Mark Averilla, better known as Macoy Dubs and as Auntie Julie, for making sketches that gently discussed the country’s current situation with a comedic hint. Marvin Fojas also gained popularity from his classroom skits and his famed “luh” catchphrase. Ms. Everything, with her innate humor, gained the nation’s attention from her comical rendition of Anne Marie’s “2002.” Inka Magnaye also launched her online career by posting a
video of her and her mom reading spiels from flight announcements, who used to work for Philippine Airlines, as well. Celebrities, from the young Maris Racal to the 71-year-old Gina Pareño, also took part in the lip-syncing trend in the app. 2020 also kept us busy in the kitchen as we started to hop on the latest food trends. Pancake cereal, tortilla wraps, and the food trend that signaled the start
of this unending pandemic, dalgona coffee – name it and TikTok will recommend you a 60-second video on how to do it. Gordon Ramsay also left the audience smitten for his crazily honest food reviews. We wouldn’t want him to sandwich our face with two slices of bread so we better do good on our quarantine-fueled cooking! TikTok did not only give a platform for content creators to share their art, but
it also allowed communities to shed light on more serious matters. TikTok aided as a channel for the youth to fully express their sentiments against current social issues. This include the demand for better governance, the fight against the current pandemic, the much needed recognition for front liners, and other movements, like the Black Lives Matter protest overseas. It also served as the medium of
promotion for brands and other small businesses. It proved that it is more than just an entertainment platform. Who would’ve thought that from making cups of dalgona coffee, we would be ending up here? Surely, there would be new trends that await us this year, since it seems like Miss Rona would be extending her haul. Another dance craze, perhaps?
The heart-wrenching story behind Olivia Rodrigo’s successful hit “Driver’s License” By Mat Jefferson T. Richter
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ith its spearheading success in the music industry, behind the spewed flowery words in Olivia’s chest-rending composition, however, are the ones that withered in her garden; little did she know it was only her who’d been watering the flower pots all along. Dubbed as Generation Z’s You Belong With Me and Chasing Pavements, Driver’s License throbbingly struck the listeners’ chest, delving into both unrequited love and alleged third-party romance that sparked various controversies in the industry. The High School Musical: The Musical: The Series actress' debut single, as per the fans’ speculations, involved 20-yearold Joshua Bassett, the series’ lead actor who’s rumored to be dating with her, and the alleged
third party, Sabrina Carpenter, an actress in Disney Channel. The wrecking lyrics "And you're probably with that blonde girl / Who always made me doubt / She's so much older than me / She's everything I'm insecure about,” appears to point fingers on Carpenter: a 21-yearold blonde woman and the song’s asserted third party. The song was then a roller-coaster of jealousy and unrequited love, with hints of longingness as the sceneries portrayed in the lyrics, E.g., the suburbs, stop lights, streets, front yards, and the like are reminders of her intimate memories with him, to which she now mourns over. Further, the lyrics "Guess you didn't mean what you wrote in that song about me" are testified to be directed towards Joshua, as the guy wrote a song back in
July 2020 with the composition "How am I supposed to think about anything else? I am done pretending I want anyone else." Although Olivia herself did not confirm the love triangle, she neither denied it. Thus, the fans remained adamant of such speculations, surfacing claims on TikTok and resonating with a myriad number of listeners, which to date leaves an exceptional spot on the playlist of romanticists. In January 2021, the pop ballad debuted at No. 1 on both the Billboard Global 200 and U.S.- based Billboard Hot 100 Chart, making it the first hit of 2021. In an interview with Billboard, she tried filtering the atmosphere’s fog by exuding that what matters to her is success. "I totally understand people’s curiosity with the specifics of who the song’s about and what
it’s about, but to me, that’s really the least important part of the song," she says. "It's resonating with people because of how emotional it is, and I think everything else is not important," she added. Olivia’s whisperto-belt singing technique sparked praises, making her one of the most successful song debutants at the ripe age of 17. Furthermore, Filipinos also played a huge role in her success through streaming as the actress’ bloodstream attains a lineage of half-Filipino. Despite the narrative’s uncertainties, the song is continuously streamed on various platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, etc. That said, she then might’ve spoken for the people whose hearts were wrecked from loving the wrong people; from planting seeds on the wrong garden.
Entertainment • Page 3
TheAdamsonChronicle • VolumeXIV No.1 ZAYN/P1 they loved the performance regardless of the flaws. Laden with an extremely successful album, Zayn pushed through with some more live performances. Come June 2016, just as he was set to perform at Capital FM’s Summertime Ball at Wembley Stadium, he posted a tweet, apologizing to those who waited to see him: “My anxiety that has haunted me throughout the last few months around live performances has gotten the better of me… With the magnitude of the event, I have suffered the worst anxiety of my career.” For similar reasons, he also canceled his show in Dubai in October. According to him, he’s been working on his anxiety but has acknowledged that he does not feel “sufficiently confident” enough to continue. The model, Gigi Hadid, his partner at the time, said that she’s seen what Zayn has gotten through and that she’s proud
of his bravery. Despite his growing anxiety over live performances, he managed to star in the hit single, “I Don’t Wanna Live Forever,” with Taylor Swift, at the end of 2016. The following year, he collaborated with the Canadian artist, PartyNextDoor, for “Still Got Time,” and the Australian singer-songwriter, Sia, for “Dusk Till Dawn," whose music video now has 1.5 billion views on Youtube, surpassing the earlier single with Taylor Swift tenfold. Zayn was active with his music, although his releases were occasional. However, his growing repertoire of tracks didn’t mark his return to the stage; his most recent performances are still that of his debut album. In 2018, Zayn released his 27-track second album, “Icarus Falls,” whose reception paled in comparison to Mind of Mine. From over 110 thousand sales in the U.S. with his
debut album, it peaked at a measly 4 thousand, just like his third one. He’s attempted an inconsistent series of promotions, but his lack of stage performances seems to have caught up—an action critics severely crucify him for. At this point, at least compared to the earlier stages of his artistry, there indeed was nobody listening anymore. But for Zayn, he’s achieved almost exactly the life he wanted for himself: his journey as an artist continues, although not as extravagant as before, he has a child with his long-time girlfriend, Gigi, and most of all, he’s enjoying his peace away from the limelight. Zayn describes Nobody Is Listening as his “most personal project to date.” According to him, he had full creative control of the album, as well. Although critics have pointed out its “flaws,” Zayn does not seem to mind anymore, as if he’s merely doing what he wants to do, freely, unshackled
from the anxieties of public perception. In the lead single, “Better,” he sings, “Your dad probably loves me more than ever he did now,” which hinted at a finally stable relationship with Gigi. The following release, “Vibez,” showed that he had no plans of conforming to what anybody had to say about his music because of its classic Zayn feel. For a couple more reasons, fans think that he’s grown to the person he’s wanted to be: someone who just rides the tide, not too conscious of anything else but his wellbeing. There remain people listening to Zayn, definitely, but right now, he’s just looking to tell stories for those still willing to hear them, and that’s fine by him. He left his band to live like a normal person, and it seems like he is. So if you’re up for a quick listen to some vocally tantalizing tunes, you might want to be the “nobody” that listens to him.
Fashion aesthetic cores that sparked throughout the 21st century By Mat Jefferson T. Richter
S
ince then, fashion has played an eminent role in portraying artistic expression through dressing up, accessorizing, and styling alike as it represents an individual’s personality and how he perceives the world’s overall aesthetic. With societal development also comes the inevitable changes in artistic expression, and predominantly, the interest in clothing has never once faded nor remained stagnant. That said, here are some changes that fashion sparked throughout the succeeding years.
E-boy / E-girl Spearheading in the late 2010s, E-boy is a youth subculture that portrays a semi-gothic and anime vibe, mostly attaining only Black and White hues, bombarded with silver chains, stippled dangling earrings, middle-parted hair, and dashes of eyeshadow. Although more often seen on social media, such aesthetic core is deemed anomalous and vain. An ideal fit would entail a baggy trouser paired with dark pants; the catch is to heavily accessorize, from rings, earrings, chains, belt, and the like. This core catches the public
eye due to its perceived heaviness in dressing up, alongside the nonconforming vibe that’s glued therein. Billie Eilish and Belle Delephine then are two of the most recognizable names who once embodied the core of being an E-girl. Soft boy / Soft girl This core is the contrary of the former as the color ranges from anything pastel to lighted schemes— anything but black and vain colors. It likewise emerged in the late 2010s and is often associated with femininity and tenderness. They dress up in a cardigan or
vintage tees and don’t forget the trademark: the 24-7 trendy pastel converse shoes. Collars flaunted inside the sweater, polo tuck-in, and soft hair. Although more traditionally seen in men, such is deemed to subvert the expectations of toxic masculinity. Some women, however, humorously claims that they are f***boys merely disguised as a soft person. VSCO boy / VSCO girl Oversized tees, scrunchies, hydro flasks, Birkenstocks, shell necklaces, beach-related dresses; these are the distinguishable clothing of VSCO girls, perfect for
the ‘gram—with vibes transcending in high schoolers amid wash day. It was inspired by a photo editing app, “VSCO camera.” Taking pictures candidly—even though p r e t e nt iou sly — wou ld heave your qualifications in bagging the core of a VSCO girl. Generation Z feels most comfortable and identifiable in this beach-inspired aesthetic. They are also teased with the use of Gen. Z language such as “sksksksk” and “and I oop-“as these are their means of vocalizing their feeling of enticement in a way that only they could understand.
Artsy boy / Artsy girl If you’ve ever wandered in an art school, this is definitely no longer an ice breaker to you. From the core itself “artsy,” this trend then transpires from art students who wear stunning, innovative dresses inside the university premises. There isn’t any specific rule to identify the trend, but you’d definitely be wary of a person embodying the artsy aesthetic if he or she rocks his or her outfit in brimming confidence, FASHION/P4
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TheAdamsonChronicle • VolumeXIV No.1
Persona non grata: I Decided to Live as Me By Paul Adrian D. Hular
I
n a world where the life of other people can unfold right before our screens and see them living a life different than ours, it is easier to lose your idea of oneself and a feeling of insecurity is inevitable. But what if there is a way to get out of the quicksands of inferiority, what if there is something that can slap you back to reality (unless you will take it literally which can also be a way to do so, your call.) Life coach? Conscience? Higher being? Look no further, I Decided to Live as Me is the answer you never knew you needed. Written by a South Korean author Soo-hyun Kim, do
not be mistaken, she is different from the actor of the same name. The book she has written and also illustrated encapsulates the bottled feelings of adults and young adults who are lost on how are they going to toggle their lives now that they are at the age of doing so. It is not just your typical 10-tips-to-adulthood and the like but rather a well-threaded desire and struggle which may at some point provide the words to your unexplainable train of thoughts. Originally, the book was written in Korean characters and was sold primarily for the Korean market but the boom in
sales made it possible to reach our country and have an English translation made by Ma. Kristina Carla Rico and Kyung-Min Bae is its accidental exposure in a travel series by the global K-Pop boy group BTS named “Bon Voyage” and on its third season, it was seen that one of the members named JungKook was seen packing and reading it. Despite the exposure, we cannot solely point to this circumstance as the reason why it became a runner-up in the Korean E-Publishing Competition, it speaks to you, reading this book will make you feel at home and combined with an accidental endorsement from an influential person,
knowledge. They are dressed in posh and earthtoned clothing, mainly encompassing long coats, plaid skirts, and kneehigh socks—a timeless vintage watch is likewise a good staple. Classic silhouettes and repetitive layering will best bring out this core’s aesthete, carrying the vibes of an intellectual. While these are just a few of many fashion aesthetic cores, they prove that society’s taste in art expression is continuously evolving, and more people become
confident as they embody what aesthetic suits them the most. Fashion isn’t a mere form of entertainment, but rather an art. You are then the artist; your body is the empty canvas, patiently waiting for you to weave magic in it. Now, what are you waiting for? Go rock that vintage dress you slid under a pile of boring clothes if you must! Chin up, back straightened, shoulders untensed. Make the world your personal runway; the audience is waiting.
FASHION/P3 ranging from an artistic mix-match of colors, tuckin dresses and tees, torn clothing, and basically anything. The trick is to be unapologetically anomalous with what you wear; walk as if the street is your runway, stare as if the conservatives are your audiences. Dark academia The writers in a secluded coffee shop, the artists in a small apartment, the professors who teach linguistics and history— this is how they dress, reflecting a subculture of learning and imparting
a book review is now being presented to you. Reading this would not guarantee you that everything will now go as planned but it gives you the confidence to accept the defeats and triumphs, embrace highs and lows and appreciate the red lights and speed-bumps of life. The book will not help you achieve perfection rather a realization that life isn’t perfect and so is you. The balance between the experiences and critical analysis that drives those experiences makes the reading worth pondering, it provides a deeper layer of circumstances which allows the reader to immerse
himself/herself in the situation and leave him/her to decide the conclusions beyond the texts written in the book. I Decided to Live as Me is like a noise-canceling room where for a moment it brings you to a place where you can be your bare self without having to worry about the pressures and expectations of society. A society dominated by standards, ought to’s and should be that tends to dehumanize a person if he/ she fails to qualify to those parameters. The systems are already worse but the humans make it worst, it is easier for them to say those words that shoot
daggers without realizing the gravity of it, the walls of self-preservation are slowly being pulverized by people who think that life should be lived in accordance with their so-called rulebook. Guess what? We are not living in the stone age or some time from a dynasty or empire, the choice is in your hands, you are the master of your own life and this book is just a reminder that your decisions are the texts that are being imprinted to your story, that people will blab until their tongues roll out but most importantly, just like what the cover of the book says—don’t let your life get hurt by passersby.
Arts & Letters
Décalcomanie >> Page 2
Byahe By Verity Anne Banogbanog
I
ba pa rin talaga ang tama ng kapeng barako sa umaga, ngunit sa pangalawang tasa pa nagigising ang aking diwa. Kailangan din pilitin dahil alas tres nang madaling araw ako nagmamaneho ng bus mula Taytay papuntang Quiapo. Alas dos pa lang, gising na kami ni misis. Deretso na ako sa banyo pagkabangon samantalang siya naman ay magha-handa na ng aming umagahan habang tulog pa ang mga bata. Alas otso pa naman maguumpisa ang kanilang mga klase. Pagkarating ko sa terminal – 20 minutong lakad lang mula sa amin –
ay agad kong iniha-handa ang sasakyan na aking ima-maneho. Tinitignan ko muna kung nasa kondisyon ba ang mga makina, kahit na na-ayos ko na ito bago ako umuwi mula sa byahe kagabi, at kung malinis ang mga upuan. Sampung minuto bago mag alas tres ay naka-puwesto na ako sa loob, at ngayon ay nagaantay na lang ako na mapuno ang bus ng mga pasahero. Nakadantay na lang ako sa manibela. May ilang minuto pa ako para makapagisip-isip nang mga bagay-bagay. Ang paborito kong parte sa byahe ay kapag dadaan na sa overview kapag
palabas na ng Antipolo, Napakagandang tanawin, umaga man o gabi. Ang bulubundokin, maliliit na bahay na nagmimistulang laruan na nakabalandra lang sa ibaba ng daan. Ang malawak na dagat na kumikislap kapag nasisinagan ng araw at nagtatago naman sa ilalim ng gabi. Naka pintura na ang buong tanawin sa aking utak, na kahit minsa’y makalimutan ko man itong lingunin ay parang tinititigan ko parin. Kabisado ko na ang aking byahe, anim na beses sa isang linggo ko tinatahak ang iisang
BYAHE/P2
The Suffering Isn’t Over
T
he year was 2023 and it was supposed to be a great time to be alive. The pandemic finally ended, vaccines saved the day, and life returned to normal. But to my mother and I, suffering is what’s normal to us. “Amirah,” my mother shouted. “Wake up, today’s the last day of enrollment,” she said. Living in poverty all my life, I was told that education would be the only answer for my suffering to end. It was a sunny Monday morning that May in Maguindanao. We went to the town school. Never have I stepped on the muddy road to the town for years — three years to be exact. While walking to our destination, I could only hear our footsteps. So, I tried to break the deafening silence. “Ma, will we see Pa in the town?” I asked. “Didn’t I tell you not to talk about your father again?” she whispered and smiled. It was one of her intimidating looks, trying to tell me she’s controlling her anger. Though, I’m genuinely curious about where he is right now. Before the pandemic, my father went to Manila to find new opportunities and to send money back here in
By Joshua D. Corcuera Maguindanao. He must be brave, I guess, for it takes guts for someone this far south to travel to an unfamiliar place. I was four years old when I last saw him, we never heard of him again. Finally, we arrived in town. The buildings look gloomy with their gray color, the city scenery is filled with smoke, and most people don’t wear masks anymore. There are some who still do, probably traumatized by what happened in the past. We arrived at our destination, the school my mother told me so often. And there’s a very long line for enrollment, so long that we stayed in the line for hours. When it’s our turn, the school staff asked for some papers. “June 9 would be the first day of classes,” the staff told us. “You need to pay five thousand pesos for all the expenses for the school year,” she added. My mother pleaded for me to enter without payment as she shared our poverty in life. The school staff rejected our pleas. “I heard that there’s a public school three blocks from here,” she told my mother, “you could send that poor child there.” Away we went, what
else could we do anyway?** “Is this the public school?” I asked. “I think so, Amirah,” my mother replied with uncertainty. It looks more of a haunted house and less of a school — the floors creak, the roof leaks, the halls were meek. “How can I help the two of you?” someone inside asked. “I’ll enroll my child,” my mother replied. “We’re not going to operate for this school year, there’s a lack of teachers,” he said. “And can’t you see how ruined the school is?” Turns out, the school we went to earlier is the only one that will hold classes in the town. Worse, the next school I could enroll in would be tens of kilometers away — with rivers and mountains to cross. With no other choice, my mother and I went home. “Sorry, Amirah,” she said. I just moved on and shifted the topic. “Would we eat something back home? I’m hungry,” I said. “I will do everything so next year you can surely go to school, to have a bright future, and to be able to eat something,” she answered back, crying. I don’t know what to do so I just cried as well.
TheAdamsonChronicle • VolumeXIV No.2
Page 2 • Arts & Letters
Décalcomanie By Paul Adrian D. Hular I had high hopes for you, I used to have a lot of aspirations for you, It seems like everyone will adore you, Looking at you, an artwork that came true. Will you even recognize me? Will you even see through me? Will I be able to embrace the reality? Will I be able to replicate this *décalcomanie*? This canvass has turned me into a prisoner, As I get older, the paint gets darker.
With every stroke I make, The image becomes a lot harder to take. I need you to paint me, I want you to imprint me, I need you to show me, What décalcomanie is supposed to be. The search for that image became a rummage, This act of finding turn s out to be an act of hiding, Now I am a lost persona, When all I wanted was to become my own decalcomania.
Point Blank By Justine Denise S. Cruz
Kalbaryo By Mat Jefferson T. Richter
L
uha ang pinanglanggas sa daplis n a ‘si n g l a l i m n g balonmula kagabi katunggali ang lansak na papelna tila salansan ng mga pinggangnalimutang banlawan, nanggigitataang tirang sinangag, ilang buwan naang kumatok s a’y o n g b i n t a n a’t h i n di ka pa tumatahan, patawarin moang hindi mo pagsabak s a k a l b a r y o‘ p a g k a t
nakapapagod ang gerangwalang sinasamba— ang iyong paghinga, naghihingalomula sa pakikipagpatinterosa kanila. Nakabibingi ang ingay ng mundo —mat u t o k a n g m a g t a l u kbong, mamaluktot sa kumot,mamahinga. Pangako kong sa susunod na pagsalakay nila ay nakatahan at handa ka na.
Woman on an island
T
By Verity Banogbanog
he cocktail party starts at 8 P.M.; she wakes up at 4:30 at dawn, the skies still painted cobalt blue, the roosters still in slumber. She proceeds to scavenge her closet like a deprived glutton chasing its prey. “Corsets are too captivating,” she said as tones of angst surfaced in her voice. A pile of clean clothes crowds her room only to find nothing, and in another basket—only nothing. When
she heard the roosters crow at 6 A.M., she starts facing the mirror and discoursing with herself, like throwing a party of her own. “Hi!” *imaginary handshakes*, my name is Rebecca! I work at a grocery store near the Sixth Avenue street,” she says as her fingertips remain unsteady, voice trembling like Arges’ footsteps.
WOMAN/P3
In a land that greets death as a familiar face, what makes the men in blue different from the vicious wolves who prey on elks? The morning sun cloaked his face without knowing it was the final memory it would have of his being and I wonder, did he wake up knowing it was his last? He had never missed the soft, snug sheets of linen this much when the hard, cold concrete f loor became his bed later that night as he bathed in his own pool of crimson after the golden bullets ripped through his skin and f lesh, through his hopes and dreams.
He welcomed the Reaper like an old pal, with a faint smile on his face and a glum look on his eyes – his last sight being of the first woman he ever loved now in shambles and demise. It’s amazing how a mother’s embrace makes everything still, warm, and safe. But when she held her son on that austere December day, a gun pointed at their heads left them lifeless, cold, and awaiting decay. A parent, a child, a brother, a friend, a lover, a stranger – I begin to ask myself, “Can I walk out these doors without being just another number?” A gun to the head, a finger in the trigger, and we’re a click away
from point-blank jeopardy, “20-year-old shot after fighting the police,” it’s real and it brings shudders to my spine that we can become just another headline for the world to see. “Nothing new,” that’s what everybody says.
It’s an ordinary day for a city who is used to the crimson sea. I do not wish to stand in pool-blooded streets with a gun pointed to my head as I speak the truth the many refuse to believe.
napapaisip kung ano ba ang nasa loob ng mall. Ang aking panganay – na malapit nang magbente ngayong katapusan – nakapasok na. Minsan, pinapasama ko ang kanyang mga kapatid sa SM Taytay para makapasyal din paminsan-minsan. Hindi lamang ako nakakasama dahil, siyempre, nakabadyet na lahat ng gastusin sa bahay at mas gusto ko na lang magpahinga kasama si misis. Araw-araw ko’ng nadadaanan ang Robinsons Galleria, mukhang maganda sa loob. Mas agaw pansin ‘yon kumpara sa ibang mall dahil mas malaki at mahaba sa labas.
Ay oo nga, nakapasyal na din ako minsan. Tuwing malapit na ang pasko, pumupunta kami nang isang beses sa Meralco. Nagiging sikat na pasyalan ‘yon tuwing Disyembre dahil sa mga magagandang ilaw na nakadisplay sa buong lugar. Isang sakay lang naman mula sa amin, nagbabaon na din kami ng mga pagkain para doon na maghahapunan. Hindi ko pa pala nasubukan mag-sine. Alam ko lang na nanonood sila ng mga palabas sa isang malaking tv. Madalas ko itong naiisip tuwing nagmamaneho ako. Nasanay lang ako na para
hindi antukin ay iisipin na lang kung gaano ba kaliwanag, kalamig, at kalawak ang loob ng mga pasyalan na ‘yon. Natatawa ako sa sarili ko. Hindi naman sa gustonggusto ko makapasok dahil alam ko naman ang mga prayoridad ko, pero kailan kaya ako makakapasok no? ‘Yong hindi kailangan mamroblema sa gagastusin, na hindi na kailangan magtipid, at hahayaan na lang ang mga anak na kunin ang kanilang gusto bilhin sa loob. Wala lang. Malapit na pala mapuno ang mga upuan. Makapagdrayb na nga.
BYAHE/P1 daan sa loob ng sampung taon. Kailangan sipagan para sa tatlong anak at asawa. Maaga pa lang ay marami na ang bumababa sa SM East Ortigas. Ayun pala, di ko kabisado ang loob ng mga mall. Maraming bumababa sa mga gano’ng klaseng lugar, at halata naman na doon sila sa loob nagta-trabaho dahil iba sa kanila ay naka-uniporme na papasok. Hindi ko lang din sigurado kung ganon ba talaga ang sinusuot ng mga empleyado doon pero sa tingin ko ay ‘yon nga. Madalas akong
Arts & Letters • Page 3
TheAdamsonChronicle • VolumeXIV No.2
Lopsided By Mat Jefferson T. Richter The mind and the beholder: a conversation Mind: But what if you stumbled at the canteen’s aisle? You, an unaddressed elephant, may find the matted floor slippery. The tray you carry is just as lopsided as your knees at a crowd; it’s lunchtime. Choose to drown if you must. Beholder: The crowd isn’t an ocean for me to drown—I have tied my shoelaces twenty-nine times before blending in this capitalist prison. All I have to do is fall in line, get my tray, pay the cashier, and eat my lunch at an empty table. I am not an elephant but a student who merely wants his stomach filled amid break time, nothing similar to what you insist. Please begone.
Barya ang halaga By Mat Jefferson T. Richter Muling nakadantay ang kapitalismo
bawat kilos sa umaga—ang pagbati ng itlog,
sa’king paghimbing, masuring pinagmamasdan
timpla ng kape, at buntonghininga.
ang pagwagayway ng pilikmata, binibilang
Pagtitirikan ko ng kandila
ang mga hibla na tila mga tupang lumulukso sa hatinggabi— maliban sa hindi ‘to marunong humimbing. Sa’king pagdilat ay karga ko na ito, kwentado ang
Mind: But what if you fail to foresee such this thirtieth time? The oxygen you breathe then turns to an ocean, and you become surrounded by people, eyes locked. The ballistic-turned-
elephant is now glued on the school’s news headline, a laughing stock the audiences murmur about. Beholder: The last time my tongue felt tingly was two days ago; I am starving, and I need to eat. My stomach is starting to pang from the deprivation when you, my mind, are a little overfed of thoughts shackling padlocks at my feet. Mind: But the thoughts I exude must already be enough for you to feel full— your body is tricking you. The thing you should be famished of is peace of mind and sanity, an exclusion of angst in your flesh. Beholder: I’ve been preyed over thrice this week; I have grown tired of listening. Let the murmur turn rowdy if it must. Fist unclenched, the beholder then walks on the aisle in brimming confidence.
Inevitable Wither
H
By Mat Jefferson T. Richter
ealing isn’t reckoned to bea feast of flowers dancing in the gardennor a perfectlybaked applesauce cookieand neitherthe drive to hear birds chirping when the sunseeps deep into your skin; rather,acknowledging that rainbows don’t always visit at each onslaught of rainstorm and havoc. Healing is sometimes about the tulips’ wither
WOMAN/P2 She starts whisking eggs for breakfast at 8:30 A.M., only for it to spill on the dusty floor. She spreads jam on her sandwich and brews coffee in her solemn living room; quite eerily, she hears the voices of people in the cocktail party like galloping metals and screeching chalkboard. Deafened, the afternoon turns into a series of monologues she practices. The cocktail party starts at 8 P.M.; she takes a hot bath at 1 in the afternoon, dresses
ang namatay na pangarap, paglalamayan ang purol ng susi. Ang pagbaklas mula rito ay pagbaklas sa pagkaalipin; naninirik ang mata sa alingawngaw ng kalansing.
despite bathing in the waters of Puerto, the spilling of cookie batter on the table cloth, staining the satin to remind youthat you can create magic out of your callused hands. The moonbeam is just as capable of piercing deep into your bones; the fragility,a memento that you, even with spoilt milk,are capable of lifting a pile of wrecked flower pots. in a long-sleeved white polo tuck in a hoop skirt. The monologue intensifies by 4 P.M. And when she heard a phone rung by the shelf, her stomach starts twisting like pretzel knots; her eyes as blurry as a moist eyeglass— she passes out. She then wakes up at the sound of cricket noises, scrunches the torn paper of her dialogues with her hands; there follows a vast relief: “I didn’t make it to the party.”
Before I quit
R
emember the times we’re told to dream high and those years we spend thinking that life is all candies and rainbows? Yes, it may still be sweet.. but only for those who can afford it. Looking back to a time where you used to be so great at almost everything but now even getting up from bed requires a lot of thorough thinking, you already feel tired right before actually feeling it. It feels like...life has been sucked out of you without prior notice, does adulting really come with a price? Does it also implement the “no return, no exchange” policy? I sometimes feel like a battery for the society only to be recharged and drained, it also crosses my mind on how people prepares and grooms us as if our lives are
By Paul Adrian D. Hular already predetermined and we are at this point in our all we have to do is to obey existence where you are not the rulebook. Deciding for excited about your dream your own life will not kill anymore, you are now you but blind obedience more excited of just getting will. I once encountered through with it and die at this typical “tita” during a least with a degree with family gathering that asks no pending school works. and questions your chosen Kidding aside, losing your career path and compare passion while actually you to their child, people realizing it is another level like them would tend to of pain, seeing how easy it humiliate others in order is for you to accomplish a to seek validation for their task to not even knowing existence and use this a how to start it is just a scapegoat for their leaking testament that growing up inferiority, how pathetic does not always equate to right? Just by recalling the strength, that maturity does situation makes me feel sick not guarantee you a life and makes me regretful of served in a platter. not being able to clapback Dealing with the ideals and shut her down for once... of our own lives has taken soon, when I muster the a toll on our confidence courage and not in a messy whenever we encounter state like this haha. a setback or a deviation Time really spares no from the original plan. one and the tragedies of Walking on eggshells on a life serves as its clockwork, daily basis is no joke, you
become overly-sensitive and highly-conscious of what is happening around you, a sudden change will make you go bananas even though it is not even related to you. At some point, you just want the world to shut up even for a minute, you just want to yell at it to stop giving you false hopes, to whoever was able to reach this certain sentence and paragraph, do not be afraid to let go of your ideals when you were young because the moment you get to take off that blindfold, adulting will comfort you with the truth. (Take this moment to relive all your passions and hopes, to laugh at those one-sided decisions and to congratulate yourself for whatever victories you have triumphed.) I will not keep you hanging for a long time
considering that I’m still young to say all the things about adulting and I am deadass sure that not all of you will find the relevance of this or maybe even say a waste of space in the broadsheet. While typing this, it made me think that I should not be living a life only to fulfill the voids
and correcting the past, doing such will only ruin my present...for what? For a fabricated future? I think I may have to pass on that one. So I say goodbye to that side of me who lives a life for the sake of conformity but before I quit, I’ll make sure that you are able to read it.
TheAdamsonChronicle • VolumeXIV No.2
Page 4 • Arts & Letters
Photos by Reanne Mae Bernardo
Photos by Jeremay G. Onayan
Arts & Letters • Page 5
TheAdamsonChronicle • VolumeXIV No.2
Photos by Aleckine Troy N. Rada
Arts & Letters • Page 6
TheAdamsonChronicle • VolumeIX No.2
Photos by Aleckine Troy N. Rada
“Future’s Running”
John Renz P. Tubale
“Roots”
“Target”
John Renz P. Tubale
“Hidden Gem”
“Inner Truman” “POOF!”
Ysea Francis B. Asprer
John Renz P. Tubale
Marielle Nadine A. Dautil
Janelle Ava S. Alcala