Volume XV ISSUE NO.2

TheAdamsonChronicle

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

-Voltaire

Informing, Inspiring, and Influencing the Community since 1941

The Autonomous and Official Student Publication of Adamson University

JANUARY-MARCH 2022

VOLUME XV NO. 2

VP Leni takes part in SOGA 2022

By Verity Anne N. Banogbanog

TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP. Vice President Leni Robredo encourages student leaders to expand their horizons especially during this critical time of pandemic in her brief message during the AUSG’s SOGA 2022.

Philippine Vice President (VP) Maria Leonora “Leni” G. Robredo contributed a brief message during the second online Adamson University Student Government’s (AUSG) State of the Government Address (SOGA) which happened last February 18, 2022.

VP Robredo emphasized in her speech how COVID-19 stands as the greatest challenge for humanity today.

“It has disrupted every aspect of our lives creating ripples across all sectors of society. Long existing gaps in society are not just getting more exposed but also exacerbated as those in the margins bear the brunt of the impact,” she delivered.

She also acknowledged that “despite the disruption and uncertainty,” there is initiative taken to learn

how to contribute to society better.

The VP said that the pandemic has reminded us of the need for more young people to be engaged and be provided more avenues to contribute and empower.

The Generation Z (GenZ), Robredo conveyed, will clear the way to a better normal.

“Your generation will carry on the ideals and responsibility of working towards sustainable development, advancing gender equality, protecting the environment, and freeing people from hunger and poverty,” Robredo added.

VP Robredo reminded the student leaders to “keep engaging, keep moving with others, keep widening and strengthening your networks.”

She also said to stand up for the truth and that

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every effort counts.

“Always remember, you are not just mere spectators or leaders in the making. Even now, you are already partners in the work to achieve humanity’s goals,” Robredo added.

She ended her speech by highlighting more of the capacity of youth leaders in contributing to the society.

“Much work remains to achieve this mission but with you among our ranks I have faith that we can and will realize the future of our hopes,” Robredo concluded.

The SOGA was spearheaded by Jason Marfori, president of the AUSG academic year 2021 - 2022, alongside other event speakers Professor Dionessa Bustamante from the Social Science Department and AUSG VP for Internal Affairs Ronald Faduga.

Vice President and presidential candidate Maria Leonor “Leni” Gerona Robredo interacts with her supporters during a campaign rally in Balanga, Bataan last April 19.

PHOTO BY ALECKINE TROY N. RADA

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Page 2 • News

TheAdamsonChronicle •VolumeXV No.2

TAC, AUSG partner for 2022 AdU Mock Election

By Aeron Gabriel V. Pantig

ADAMSONIAN’S ELECTION GUIDE. The AUSG, together with The Adamson Chronicle, AdUOSA, and Bayan Mo, iPatrol Mo, hold a webinar that aims to guide each Klasmeyt about responsible voting as preparation for the upcoming Election 2022. PHOTO BY JEREMAY G. ONAYAN

The Adamson Chronicle (TAC), the official and autonomous student publication of Adamson University, and the Adamson University Student Government (AUSG) joined forces to get the pulse of the Adamson community in the upcoming National Elections.

Unlike the usual mock election wherein the participants simply declare their preferred candidates, the 2022 AdU Mock Election is anchored on 10 social issues which are picked by 4th year Bachelor of Arts in Communication students for their Data Storytelling and Digital Analytics course.

The 10 social issues are the following: Pandemic response, Safe reopening of schools, Benefits for healthcare workers, Corruption, Environmental issues, Police brutality, SOGIE Bill, Press freedom,

Agricultural sector, and Territorial dispute with China.

The mock Election was held last April 4-5 and the results were released on three days later on TAC’s official Facebook page.

“Malaki ang papel nating mga Adamsonians sa nalalapit na Eleksyon 2022, ang mga natutunan natin sa Voters Education Forum last March 26, ay inaasahang mangibabaw sa ating Mock Elections. Ang malaking event na ito ay sukatan rin kung epektibo ba ang aming campaign sa isang malinis at maayos na halalan,” AUSG Vice-President for External Affairs Paolo Binasbas said.

Before the mock election, AUSG, in collaboration with Bayan Mo, iPatrol Mo, LENTE, The Adamson Chronicle, and the Adamson University-Office for Student Affairs, organized

“AdUVoteItThisWay: Gabay ng Adamsonian sa Pagboto” last March 26 to give emphasis on the significance of youth vote ahead of the National Elections.

Binasbas further mentioned that educational institutions like Adamson University have a huge responsibility in leading the way for its students to vote for what is right and for competent candidates who can change the lives of the Filipinos.

“With over a thousand college students enrolled and eligible to vote in our university, it is our responsibility as the supreme student government of Adamson University, which envisions itself as promoting student empowerment, to emphasize the power of youth in making a significant change,” AUSG said in a press statement.

Adamson priests led by University President Rev. Fr. Marcelo Manimtim, CM grace the year-long celebration of the university’s 90th founding anniversary in an opening mass February 14, 2022.

Image Source: Adamson University Facebook page

AdU’s 90th Anniv: A YearLong Commemoration of Grit and Grace

By Mat Jefferson T. Richter

With eight months’ worth of preparation, AdU’s 90th Foundation prides itself on its new and prolonged celebration of the University’s inception until December 2022.

LikhAdamsonian, a digital art contest that speaks about the commemoration’s theme, was held on a percluster basis to highlight student participation and to showcase the community’s artistic drives. The top five awardees’ digital artworks were featured on Adamson University’s Facebook page apart from the respective prizes.

Musicians of the University were also given the chance to exhibit their talent. The original song compositions with 2-3-minute music videos portrayed how Adamsonians overcome the challenges amid the enduring pandemic, along with the Canticle Chorale Festival to lift the Vincentian spirit through worship songs.

Lighter contests like virtual trivia, bingo, and photobooth on an individual and per-cluster basis were likewise held.

Prior to the competitions mentioned, the logo-making contest had already been finished back in August 2021, which received 27 entries in less than 10 days.

Participant Mhae Leen Basas from the Accountancy Department bagged 1st place, and her award-

winning logo is integrated into all collaterals of the Founding Anniversary.

While the Foundation week last February 14-19 succeeded in heightening public awareness through the Vincentian quiz bee, Adamson University Student Goverment (AUSG) Valentine’s special, virtual alumni reunion, and various culminating activities and contests, the commemoration had more to offer.

Despite the online setup, the feast’s second phase, which started in February and will last for the rest of the year, aims to make Adamsonians be felt by the community through its theme “The Adamsonian Spirit: 90 Years of Grit and Grace.”

Theme developer and event spearhead Ar. Sylvester Shaun Seño, Dean of the College of Architecture, accented the concept’s significance amid the forbidding times. “’Grit’ means determination to succeed, while ‘Grace’ means we are still blessed despite what has happened all around us. We’re still alive and kicking. Imagine, there are many schools that closed during the pandemic, but still, Adamson is blessed to continue to serve and to operate for the students.”

He also emphasized the year-long Foundation Anniversary’s objective of wanting to exude progressive

resilience and influence.

“We want to inspire the people kasi times are really extraordinary and we’re lost with what’s happening around us. But grace is given to us by God, even we’re not asking for it, he’s still very gracious to us.”

After the week-long commemoration, various activities like Engineering Research Colloquium/InterEngineering Quiz Bowl, Soup Kitchen ni Ka Enteng, College of Education and Liberal Arts’ outreach program, Architecture Dept’s Clinic Vlog via AdU FB Page, and other unitlevel activities by respective departments will be executed throughout 2022.

The highly-anticipated event aims to be inclusive of all Adamsonians’ talent and compassion by providing the 4Gs: to give, glorify, gamify, and grow. The students’ participation will help the famished, heave spirituality, build camaraderie, and grow the Vincentian community through the foregoing series of activities.

Meanwhile, Ar. Seño recalls AdU’s most remarkable event since the University’s inception. “We marched from Intramuros [and] had a parade on the streets starting at Sta. Cruz, Manila. It was the time when Adamson University was accredited by CHED and we were first time ranked as one of the outstanding Asian schools in 2012.”

TheAdamsonChronicle •VolumeXV No.2

At this point, the thought of face-to-face classes terrify me In early 2022, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) announced that limited faceto-face classes for all degree programs in areas under Alert Level 3 will begin on January 31, while the Department of Education (DepEd) similarly

got approval from President Rodrigo Duterte to expand face-to-face classes in areas under Alert Level 2.

Reports say that the President had “no objections” to the DepEd’s plan and the Philippine government seems generally supportive of slowly returning students to campus. To be fair, inperson classes are relatively long overdue, considering the fact that the Philippines was the last country in the world to re-open schools since the pandemic began in March 2020.

Page 3 • Editorisal However, even when I’m especially supportive of students and professors finally escaping the suffocating environment of distance learning, I still find it so difficult to trust that everything will go smoothly.

I remain terror-stricken that each day I come home from school, I might be unconsciously bringing the virus to our home.

This is because at the end of the day, implementing face-to-face classes is not a challenge isolated to schools alone, but also for the

government, which is still so obviously incompetent amidst the pandemic.

It’s easy to implement additional rules within the campus, but everything else outside is a product of the government’s decision. For example, schools can be strict with social distancing on-campus, but what answer will they have for students who need to commute to school? How will they assure that no outbreak will occur, if students, faculty members, and other staff aren’t tested for the virus every now and

then? What if, in the first place, some of them had already been asymptomatic?

There are just too many factors that schools don’t have control over, and with cases on the rise again because of the new Omicron variant, marching back towards classrooms with only our inadequate government response up our sleeve might just be a recipe for disaster. Until cases die down and the authorities improve their handling of the pandemic, face-toface classes will remain a

terrifying thought, even for those who want it.

With the 2022 elections right around the corner, we need to choose leaders who understand these problems enough to provide a comprehensive and sufficient solution instead of politicians who make promises with no concrete plans to show for them. The implementation of in-person classes is not a mere badge of honor for politicians to wear for bragging rights, it is a matter of life and death that needs to be taken much more seriously.

Page 4 • News & Editorial

TheAdamsonChronicle •VolumeXV No.2

VolumeXV No.2 January - March 2022

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.

Aeron Gabriel V. Pantig, BA Comm Editor-in-Chief Antonio Gabriel D. Tongco, BA Comm Associate Editor Anjaneth Lyka E. Raymundo, BA Comm Managing Editor & Senior Staff Illustrator

Verity Anne N. Banogbanog, BA Pol Sci News Editor Christian Joshua D. Corcuera, BS Accountancy Science and Technology & Human Interest Editor Justine Denise S. Cruz, BSChE Entertainment Editor Mat Jefferson T. Richter, BA Comm Literary Editor

Janelle Ava S. Alcala, BA Pol Sci Chief Illustrator Aleckine Troy N. Rada, BSME Chief Photojournalist Diana Ann G. Tuazon, BSCE Chief Layout Artist

Trisha Mae P Barredo, BA Pol Sci Online Manager & Senior Staff Illustrator Wencel R. De Lara, BSCS Social Media Manager & Junior Staff Illustrator

Nina Pia M. Boco, BA Comm Senior Staff Writer Jeremay G. Onayan, BSChE Senior Staff Photojournalists

Everything is at stake The May 2022 Elections will go down as one of the most critical political events in Philippine history.

The next Head of State will inherit all the issues and suffering that the Filipinos are experiencing.

From economic recovery, health and welfare concerns, security issues, the safe reopening of schools, to the poor transport system, everything will be assumed by the next administration.

Politics can be an exhausting and boring topic, especially for those who are already comfortable with their social status. With all the arguments across different social media platforms, not to mention the grueling battle against misinformation, anyone can easily divert away from political discourse.

However, whether you

John Renz P. Tubale, BA Comm Maximillan S. Wandag, BS Arch Marielle Nadine A. Dautil, BS Geology Senior Staff Illustrators Lloyd Raphael R. Navarro, BSBA-MM Ricardo Martin H. Tecala, BSCE Senior Staff Layout Artists Jeane Marie P. Custodio, BS Pscych Mayumi Angel B Castillo, BS Arch Junior Staff Writers Jamiaca P. Almazan, BS Arch Junior Staff Illustrators Charles Dominic L. Ubana, BSCE Ser Christian Albert I. Capoquian, BA Comm Junior Staff Photojournalist Czarinah Marie C. Langit, BSIT Maica Shane A. Oira, BS Arch Jerome P. Monte, BSCpE Junior Staff Layout Artists

Mark Diyco Fernando Technical Adviser

You are what you watch When I was still a freshman in college, I remember attending an Art Appreciation class that had a lasting effect on me.

That time, my professor was explicitly discussing the history of Philippine cinema. He went on to share how the country produced critically acclaimed reels in the 1950s, how important the propaganda films were during the Marcos regime – he had endless knowledge to impart.

like it or not, the May 2022 Elections will determine every aspect of your life for the next six years.

The current college students are already in their late 20s by that time. To all the parents and grandparents, what kind of Philippines do you envision for your children?

Last March 4, it was reported that the outstanding debt of the Philippines had already hit P12.03 trillion, the largest pile that the country has recorded in history. The debt grew by almost 19.7 percent or P2 trillion over the past 12 months.

Two years after the coronavirus outbreak, schools and universities have started conducting limited face-to-face classes.

63.1 million Filipinos are already fully vaccinated, but the anxiety of contracting

the virus remains as the Department of Health reports more or less a thousand new cases every week.

Aside from the different social issues to ponder, there are also candidates who muddle the voting decisions of Filipinos.

Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., son of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos, is aiming to restore his family’s name 36 years after the first EDSA revolution.

Despite leading by a huge margin in the latest surveys, Marcos Jr.’s candidacy is plagued by the fact that he benefited from the sins of his father and never apologized for them.

In the senatorial race, Harry Roque, who was a former human rights lawyer, claimed that Bongbong Marcos Jr. didn’t commit human rights violations.

But in fact, Marcos Jr. and her mother, Imelda Marcos, were sentenced to a $350 million contempt judgment for violating an order prohibiting any action on the Marcoses’ property, which was reserved for human rights victims during Martial Law. The official voter statistics released by the Commission on Election showed how young Filipinos can shape the future and make a lasting impact on the country. 56 percent of the 65.7 million registered voters fall under the youth age bracket.

To the youth, this is the time that the famous quote from our national hero will be tested. Use the power of suffrage as a commitment to yourselves and the country, and may democracy always prevail.

“A show of hands if, at least, one of these names is familiar to you. Lino Brocka? Ishmael Bernal?

Peque Gallaga?” Less than half of the class responded, including me. A frown was painted on his face.

You can see the look of disappointment in his eyes.

Yet, he proceeded with the lesson. All went smoothly until we arrived at the part where we had to discuss what became of the mainstream Filipino film industry. That’s when it hit me: I’ve never fancied films from the motherland because of what it has become.

The ills of mainstream cinema lie in the themes presented to the viewers.

Most of the time, these films’ goal is to provide entertainment.

Nothing more, nothing less.

Romance, comedy, or even a combination of both – these are usually what they focus on.

The problem with this is that, although they bring comfort to their patrons, it is way too complacent in nature. It doesn’t make people think.

Unlike independent films, they steer away from sensitive topics like oppression, poverty, and just the mere reality of living.

Another dilemma is the monotonous narrative present in almost every film. After observing locally produced features for years

now, isn’t it funny how the same story gets rehashed over and over again? A new title, younger leads, but the same, tedious plot.

Still, huge thanks to the industry for sharing their art with us. Good movies are still produced every now and then. However, is it wrong for viewers to crave for more than just mediocrity?

Of course, it’s called entertainment because it’s there to entertain. In some way, I get it. I get why people choose feel-good movies over those that address social issues. Why would you even opt to watch something so distressing? Yet, you are what you feed your mind.

Page 5 • Sports Feature

TheAdamsonChronicle •VolumeXV No.2

AdU MBT S84 Preview: Soaring Falcons on a rebuilding stage

By Aeron Gabriel V. Pantig

CHAMPION COACH. Newly-minted tactician Nash Racela familiarizes the Adamson Soaring Falcons with the new system. PHOTO BY ALECKINE TROY RADA

AdU MBT S84 Preview: Soaring Falcons on a rebuilding stage After the departure of multi-titled coach Franz Pumaren and pivotal cagers Jerrick Ahanmisi and Simon Camacho, the Adamson Men’s Basketball Team is on a rebuilding process.

During the Pumaren era, the Soaring Falcons returned to the UAAP Final Four after five years. The San Marcelino-based squad has been consistently part of it for three consecutive seasons, including an almost Finals appearance in Season 81.

Pumaren left a young Soaring Falcons squad a year after the pandemic struck and Adamson University responded with a monumental decision to continue developing its promising athletes. Last December, veteran mentor and collegiate champion Nash Racela was officially named as the new Soaring Falcons tactician for

UAAP Season 84.

Match made in heaven During his last UAAP championship with the FEU Tamaraws way back 2015, Racela had the likes of Mike Tolomia, Mike Belo, Roger Pogoy, Russel Escoto, Achie Inigo, and Alfrancis Tamsi.

Racela was known for his run and gun system and fondness for the small ball playstyle - which compliment the current roster of the Adamson Soaring Falcons.

In his comeback to the collegiate ranks, Racela will be at the helm of a pool of talented guards such as Jerom Lastimosa, Joem Sabandal, Joaquin Jaymalin, Joshua Yerro, and the returning Jed Colonia.

Racela will be aided

by Baby Falcons interim coach Mike Fermin and his Blackwater deputies Rommel Adducul, Ryan Betia, Ed Lorenz Dela Torre, Gilbert Lao, and Benjie Sipin.

“It’s a rebuilding process, dahil all players naga-adjust sa new coaching staff and at the same time, we have to prepare the new recruits.

It’s a new coaching staff, a new style of coaching, so we have to yung mga oldies natin na players, they are used to Pumaren’s style so they have to adjust,” said Office for Athletic Development Director Fr. Aldrin Suan, C.M. Key Additions Two years since the Men’s Basketball Team’s last UAAP game, there is already a new pack of Falcons in the nest.

1. Tricky Peromingan Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (CESAFI) standout Tricky Peromingan will suit up for the Soaring Falcons for a one-and-done ADU MBT S84/P6

TheAdamsonChronicle •VolumeXV No.2

Page 6 • Sport Feature

ADU MBT S84/P6

NEW ERA IN THE FALCONS NEST. Coach Nash Racela gathers his players to give them motivation as the Soaring Falcons aim to return to the Final Four once again. PHOTO BY ALECKINE TROY RADA

season.

The 6-foot-1 wingman out of the University of San Jose-Recoletos is no stranger to the UAAP stage as he played for the FEU Baby Tamaraws during his high school years.

Peromingan is one of the athletes that Pumaren recruited before he left the Soaring Falcons.

2. Ray Allen Torres Adamson University has secured the services of Ray Allen Torres, the leading scorer of the UAAP juniors division from the University of the Philippines Integrated School.

The six-foot guard averaged 21.21 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists per game last UAAP Season 82. He also had a 35% shooting percentage from beyond the arc, which is remarkable in comparison to the other local players in the juniors division.

According to Fr. Aldrin Suan C.M., it was the rising star’s respect for Racela’s program and his ability to bring out the potential of his guards that made him commit to the University.

“Nakikita ni Allen na with Coach Nash mentoring him, he will achieve his full potential as a player,” Fr. Suan, C.M. shared.

3. Joaquin Jaymalin Ateneo High’s former team captain Joaquin Jaymalin is one of the Soaring Falcons’ first recruits when the pandemic started.

The one-time UAAP High School Boys’ Basketball champion, who has been highly-touted for his longrange shooting, averaged 6.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.1 assists in 21 minutes of action last UAAP Season 82.

The 6-foot-1 swingman said that he is improving other facets.

“Syempre kailangan ko i-perfect and i-develop ‘yung shooting ko pa kase ‘yun ‘yung expected sakin and gusto ko rin mag-add ng dribbling skills para din mas versatile, and lastly is ‘yung defense ko dapat ko pa i-improve,” said Jaymalin in an exclusive interview with The Adamson Chronicle last year.

Mainstays 1. Jerom Lastimosa Du mag uete-native Jerom Lastimosa is expected to play a huge role this season as the Soaring Falcon’s principal facilitator.

Last Season 82, Lastimosa played behind former one-and-done guard Valandre Chauca and averaged 8.5 points, 4 rebounds, 3.21 assists, and 1.43 steals per game.

Before Pumaren’s departure, he assured that the 5-foot-10 do-it-all guard will surprise the league with his improved skillset. The veteran mentor boldly said Lastimosa is going to be one of the top 5 point guards in the league.

Lastimosa has already shown glimpses of his

massive potential when he stepped up during their semifinal match against the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons way back Season 81. Lastimosa, who was still a rookie that time, drained a cold-blooded offthe-glass triple to send the game to the overtime period.

However, his late-game heroics weren’t enough to lead the Soaring Falcons to the Finals.

This season, it’s exciting to see how Jerom Lastimosa will adapt to Racela’s fastpaced system and step up as one of the leaders of the young Soaring Falcons squad.

2. Joem Sabandal Joem Sabandal is one of the highly-anticipated talents out of the Adamson Baby Falcons. However, the 5-foot-11 guard’s collegiate debut was restrained after he suffered a left-hand fracture during training.

Sabandal had a breakout game during the second round of UAAP Season 82 against the eventual finalist UST Growling Tigers, finishing with 18 points, four of which are triples.

Fr. Suan, C.M. assured that the former juniors division Mythical Five member is on his 100 percent and will be one of the Soaring Falcons’ key cagers for the upcoming season.

3. AP Manlapaz Before he started to carve his own place in the collegiate ranks, AP Manlapaz was only

RUN AND GUN. The Adamson Soaring Falcons prepare for Season 84 at Saint Vincent (SV) Gymnasium. PHOTO BY ALECKINE TROY RADA

known as an athletic forward who once posterized Filipino hoops sensation Kai Sotto.

The 6-foot-2 forward had a rough start in the seniors division after he erupted for 17 points against the UP Fighting Maroons in front of a mammoth crowd.

Since then, Manlapaz started gaining confidence to show what he is capable of.

4. Lenda Douanga Who would

have

forgotten when a 6-foot-11 Congolese big man saved the day for the Soaring Falcons with a triple from the top of the key? It was against the NU Bulldogs when Lenda Douanga finished with 26 points and drained the biggest shot of his young basketball career.

But other than that, all he has shown was a pure potential to be one of the more dominant foreign athletes in the league. The length and

height are already there, but what Douanga has to work on are his footwork, basketball IQ, and build to be a solid force in the shaded lane.

The Adamson Soaring Falcons may not have the best roster on paper, especially now that they are on a rebuilding phase, but this team can definitely give everyone a run for their money.

Adamson Lady Falcons celebrate after a remarkable play against National University Lady Bulldogs in Season 82. PHOTO BY ALECKINE TROY RADA

AdU WVT S84 Preview: The Resurgence of the Lady Falcons

By Aeron Gabriel V. Pantig

The youth-laden Adamson Lady Falcons dropped their UAAP Season 82 debut to the towering National University Lady Bulldogs. However, that game was just a testament to the immense potential that the team has. Two years later, the San Marcelino-based squad returns to the taraflex.

With Coach Lerma Giron at the helm, the Lady Falcons are looking to reintroduce themselves in the UAAP Season 84 Women’s Volleyball Tournament. Alongside Coach Lerma are former Soaring Falcon JP Yude and Strength and Conditioning Coach Noel Zorilla.

“Since malawak yung experience ni Coach Yude dahil Final 4 contender sila noon madami siyang binibigay na advice regarding sa skills and attitudes kay Coach Noel naman naka tulong siya sa amin to gain muscle endurance and tinuruan niya

din kami ng proper techniques on jumping, running, and lifting of weights,” said middle blocker Lorene Toring.

Returnees: 1. Trisha Genesis If there’s one Lady Falcon whose collegiate career was arguably the most gashed by the coronavirus pandemic, it’s Trisha Genesis.

Hurdles came too early for the young power hitter who just came out of a phenomenal high school career. Genesis injured her ankle in a game during the 2018 PVL Open Conference. After healing from the injury, the Sta. Cruz, Laguna-native played under the shadows of former Lady Falcons Bern Flora and Joy Dacoron.

Genesis’ collegiate career was revitalized after Coach Lerma, her high school mentor, was appointed at the helm of the Lady Falcons. From

A QUEEN FALCON IN THE MAKING. Louie Romero played a huge role in Season 82 as a playmaker and a rookie team captain.

PHOTO BY ALECKINE TROY RADA

there, Genesis started showing why she was once compared to three-time UAAP Most Valuable Player Allysa Valdez.

The 5-foot-7 Genesis dominated all hitters during the 2020 PVL Collegiate Conference and finished with a total of 73 points from 58 attacks and 13 service aces.

She was also hailed as the tournament MVP and Best Open Spiker.

As she develops into a Queen Falcon in her own ways, Adamson will need Genesis’ lethal offensive arsenal to compete against the best collegiate teams in the country.

2. Louie Romero In her debut season in the collegiate ranks, Louie Romero was already tasked with being the captain of the rebuilding Lady Falcons. Being a rookie captain added to her already challenging position as a setter.

Aside from being a leader, Romero had to be an extension of Coach Lerma’s brain inside the court to orchestrate the offense effectively.

The former Palarong Pambansa Best Setter rose to the occasion and proved that she has what it takes to bring back Adamson to the Final Four. Romero notched a league-high 6.75 excellent sets per frame during the 2020 PVL Collegiate Conference and led the Lady Falcons to their first-ever PVL title.

The Lady Falcons will once again bank on Romero’s brilliance playmaking skills this UAAP Season 84.

PLAY YOUR HEART OUT. Trisha Genesis attacks against the towering blockers of NU Lady Bulldogs. PHOTO BY ALECKINE TROY RADA

Looking back on her deceiving and fast tosses, it’s exciting to see how the young setter has matured two years after her first collegiate match.

3. Lorene Toring Coming from the juniors division, Lorene Toring wasted no time introducing herself to the collegiate ranks.

The six-foot skipper averaged 0.63 blocks in the 2020 PVL Collegiate Conference and bagged the Best Middle Blocker plum.

After the UAAP Season 82 was halted by the pandemic, the Cebuana-native returned to her hometown and continued polishing her skillset.

“Ang ginawa ko to stay conditioned ay dinisiplina ko ang aking sarili like ginawa ko ng maayos ang training program na binigay ng coaches at nagmeditate,” Toring shared.

Toring was among the 60 local athletes who were invited to the national team tryouts for

the upcoming Southeast Asian Games in Hanoi.

This UAAP Season 84, Toring vowed that the Adamson Lady Falcons will take “one game at a time” to reach the Final Four and bring back the glory to San Marcelino.

4. Rizza Cruz Even before her rookie season, Rizza Cruz was no longer a stranger to the Lady Falcons as she also donned the blue and white as reinforcement during the 2017 Premier Volleyball League Open Conference.

Cruz and Romero’s lightning-fast combination made wonders for the Lady Falcons during their Season 82 opener. Cruz, who was just a rookie middle blocker that time, went toe-to-toe against national team member and Lady Bulldogs veteran Risa Sato.

Promising Outside Hitter

Lucille Almonte also returns this season after missing the UAAP Season 82 women’s volleyball tournament due to an ACL injury. The twoway player was an integral cog in the Lady Falcons 2020 PVL Collegiate Conference campaign.

The Lady Falcons will no longer have Maveth Torres and Gracelchen Ave on their Season 84 roster, but a new batch of stunning rookies have arrived in the Falcons’ Nest. Adamson secured the services of Lady Baby Falcons standouts Ishie Lalongisip, Kate Santiago, Jen Villegas, Ckyle Tagsip, Trisha Tubu, and Aliash Marce of the Holy Rosary College.

The Adamson Lady Falcons are stacked with student-athletes who have high ceilings. No matter what is the outcome of UAAP Season 82, there is a bright future ahead of the San Marcelino-based squad.

Human Interest

PINK IT IS: Behind Adamsonians’ support for Robredo presidency >> Page 3

Whatever happened to the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant?

T

he Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP) has long been a contentious and polarizing issue. One side claims that it should be revived to lower electricity costs, while the other emphasizes safety concerns and the enormous costs required to decommission the BNPP. For starters, construction of the BNPP started way back in 1976 and was completed eight years later—but it never produced a single watt of electricity.

In a country where historical distortion is strife, certain pro-Marcos figures claim that the succeeding Aquino government did not fuel the BNPP because people “will be grateful to Marcos,” whom they replaced in a popular and peaceful revolution in 1986.

Such claims by historical revisionists seem to be false, however, as

By Christian Joshua D. Corcuera the truth is much more complicated.

According to Dr. Kelvin Rodolfo, former professor of earth and environmental sciences at the University of Illinois at Chicago, the BNPP incurred construction costs of $2.3 billion. This gargantuan cost does not include the estimated $640 million to finance the debt related to its construction.

Such amounts were not yet adjusted for inflation.

All these costs—close to a whopping $3 billion— were incurred for a nuclear power plant that had a nameplate capacity of 621 megawatts. In comparison, the Monticello Nuclear Power Plant in Minnesota had a nameplate capacity of 647 megawatts, but only amounted to a mere $455.8 million. Basically, issues of corruption become pervasive once the BNPP comes to mind. After all, red

flags were already observed before construction even began.

Prior to the start of construction in 1976, two proposals were submitted: one from General Electric (GE) and another from Westinghouse Electric. The proposal by GE estimated a cost of $700 million, higher compared to Westinghouse’s $500 million. But, the Westinghouse proposal did not contain any details in contrast to the detailed specifications of GE. A committee tasked by the government back then preferred the GE proposal, but former president Ferdinand Marcos Sr. went on to sign a letter of intent awarding the project to Westinghouse in June 1974. By March 1975, the estimated cost ballooned from $700 million to $1.2 billion without much explanation.

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A closer look: The head researcher behind “The Jessica Soho Presidential Interviews”

By Antonio Gabriel D. Tongco

N

early 300,000 tweets on Twitter, over 4.1 million engagements on Facebook, more than 3.6 million overall livestream viewers, and a 16.2 percent people rating according to the Nielsen TV Audience Measurement— these are the numbers behind the hit special, “The Jessica Soho Presidential Interviews (TJSPI)” which aired on January 22, 2022.

Even without these statistics, though, everyone felt how the much-anticipated interviews by veteran journalist Jessica Soho took the entire nation by storm.

Across all presidential interviews done in the past, another thing aside from its exceptionally high viewership sets the TJSPI apart: the public’s immense appreciation not just of the interviewer, but also of the researchers behind the questions.

LOOKING BACK. Angelie Rose Dela Rosa expresses her insights about the recent The Jessica Soho Presidential Interviews in a Zoom meeting on February 8, 2022.

PHOTO BY CHARLES DOMINIC UBANA

A big break “Nakakaloka. ’Yun ‘yung term ko talaga.

Nakakaloka ‘yung reception ng tao (Insane. That’s really my term. The people’s reception was insane),” said TJSPI Head Researcher (HR), Angelie Rose R. Dela Rosa in an interview. “Sa

Adamson, actually, nag-post sila, nahiya rin ako kasi ano ba ‘to, anong nangyayari?

Normal na tao lang ako (Adamson posted about it, and I got shy because I didn’t know what was happening.

I’m just a normal person),” she added.

Alongside many other posts congratulating the program’s researchers, more especially Dela Rosa for being the Head, the Adamson University (AdU) Facebook page similarly acknowledged her role in the TJSPI the following day.

On the same night of airing, however, a post by Facebook user “James Primo” congratulating them had already gone viral, amassing over 52,000 reactions and 37,000 shares as of writing.

Dela Rosa said, “Hindi sa akin lang ‘yung praise.

For me, dapat do’n, ‘yung researchers talaga and then ‘yung mga producers namin kasi sobrang sila ‘yung naglinis at sila ‘yung naghalungkat (The praise should not be for me alone.

The other researchers and producers deserve it too because they’re really the ones who polished the questions and dug for information).”

According to her, despite supervising

the research process, the questions wouldn’t have achieved such quality if her fellow researchers didn’t dig through the tiniest possible details about the candidates.

Through the process To begin with, she gave the researchers a standard protocol for each candidate. They started off with basic information such as educational and family background, bills authored and co-authored, controversies, stances on issues, and similar data.

Although seemingly straightforward, the research process was no walk in the park. Like all studies, they had to present the information to the higherups and receive criticism as to which questions can be rendered obsolete. Through a series of brainstorming sessions, their initial 25 to 30 questions per candidate boiled down to a few but sharp queries days before taping.

“Si Ma’am Jess, chinecheck niya pa ‘yung question[s]. Hindi pwede na mali ‘yung isang word. May isang word na magpapabago ng buong context, kailangan mo siyang i-revise. Ganun siya (Ma’am Jess checks the

questions. There can’t be any errors even with a single word, because they could change the context of the question and would have to be revised. She’s like that),” Dela Rosa explained.

Despite their team’s confidence about the interview questions, they were not exempt from anxiety that the program might not attract viewers because of former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s (BBM) unattendance. She narrated, “May fear kasi sa ‘min na magbabacklash ‘yung wala ‘yung isa (We feared that his absence would create backlash).”

Their unease proved to be reasonable when BBM’s spokesman, Atty. Victor D. Rodriguez released a statement morning of the TJSPI’s airing, saying that the former senator’s rejection of the invitation was “founded on [our] belief that the hostess of the said popular talk show is biased against the Marcoses,” and that the questions will therefore focus on negativity about BBM instead of more important matters such as solutions for the country’s ills.

A CLOSER LOOK/P2

TheAdamsonChronicle • VolumeXV No.2

Page 2 • Human Interest

Influence as the basis of new credential

By Jeane Marie P. Custodio

I

nfluence is powerful especially in these times where, in just a glimpse, you can see how much people rely on modern technology.

New inventions such as social media can even be accessed

anytime and anywhere.

Before, influencers were people with unquestionable, well-known credibility. But, in modern times, they’ve become extremely common in all social media sites such

as TikTok, Facebook, Twitter and many others.

“Content” is the one thing social media users constantly search for. Content creators can easily capture viewers’ attention depending

Tomas). I was a Chemical Engineering (ChemEng) student noong 2012 until 2014. Actually, first choice ko sya (I really started college at UST. I was a ChemEng student from 2012 to 2014 and it was actually my first choice),” she recounted. But no matter what, there were subjects she just couldn’t pass, such as Organic and Analytical Chemistry. She was eventually debarred, and in her search for a different school to study at, she found AdU, whose Chemistry laboratory is among the largest in Asia.

Although she was willing to give ChemEng another shot, the only options she was given was to either return to a freshman standing or temporarily stay in another course until she’s properly adjusted to the University.

Not wanting to put her first two years of college to waste, she decided to pursue the latter, but three years later, graduated not as an aspiring Chemical Engineer, but as a Communication alumna.

Her interest in a Communication degree began in her second semester in the program, when she heard journalists such as Atom Araullo at one of the University’s Media Summits, an event wherein various speakers are invited to talk about their experiences in their discipline. According to her, the talks gave her more ideas as to what careers she can pursue after graduating.

“Nag-eenjoy ako do’n

sa part ng production na kailangan mong mag-shoot, mag-field, mag-produce ng segments or stories (I enjoyed the parts of production where you have to shoot, go onfield, and produce segments or stories),” said Dela Rosa.

Eventually, she joined the production team for the AdU Media Summit as a production assistant (PA), and even served as an intern for the DZRH and PETA Theater Center where she gained more experience and insights on other possible career paths.

When asked about how much the University prepared her for her current job, she said, “Actually, ‘yung stay ko sa Adamson, I believe na it’s one of the best decisions para sa ‘kin (Actually, I believe that my stay in Adamson is one of my best decisions).” Although her being a Communication major was serendipitous, it provided a myriad of opportunities she was able to learn from.

on what they post. In that case, they are considering a kind of content that is in line with the interest of many people, the one which viewers will fully enjoy to the point that they will request for more. Some creators share to the people a sneak peek of their wealthy lives, some are showing life hacks and strategies to survive in life, some do educational contents as a virtual help for all the students who are facing a lot of difficulties at the moment, some do general awareness for safety and right decisions, while some just do contents to simply entertain people with their sense of humor.

From all the mentioned social media sites, TikTok is the most popular, especially during these times since many people tend to spend their time watching bitesized videos in social media.

Most trending videos seen on Facebook or Twitter now come from TikTok, as it consistently stands as a main source.

This is why many entrylevel influencers choose to create and publish their content in TikTok. Once

they get a good follower count, they usually switch to YouTube to further the growth of their communities.

There are various kinds of influencers and online content creators around the world, both in the content creation field—where you will get to see content creators engaging in some collaborative works and brainstorming all by themselves—and on the TikTok “FYP” (For You Page), where a lot of trending random videos can be found.

Some prefer to have a content that is in line with others just to make sure in advance that there will be people who will view their videos, while others choose to take another path and be unique since their goal is to become a trendsetter, rather than going with the flow.

Online influence can be both positive and negative. Social media can be a powerful tool but, at the same time, a scary one. The more their followers grow, the greater influence they can wield. Also, the more that they will be inserted in the “talk of the towns”, then they will be able to feed the

curiosity of the people who are not familiar with them in the first place. The more curious people are there who will search for their profile, their uploaded contents would see a rise in viewers.

That is how the impact of influence works in a digital world. The moment the world revolved more to digital, it resulted in people being on their different gadgets and using them for almost 24 hours or even more.

With this shift towards digital content, society has began to perceive that someone with many followers is more credible, while someone with less followers is less credible. Meaning to say, one’s credentials depend on the number of following, whereas this should not be case. It stands as an interpreted situation.

The goal of the aspiring and well-known creators is to meet such credentials because it’s become the standard. That certain feeling can pave the way for their personal indulgence, hinting that they’re doing well on the internet—though not necessarily.

with other personalities such as Susan Enriquez for the “Pera Paraan” program and even went from program researcher to producer for “Imbestigador.”

Prior to her career in GMA, she enrolled at graduate school and was unemployed for a year when a friend from AdU reached out to her for a PA position, whose interviews she thought she failed. Fortunately, she received another message later on, asking if she would be willing to become a researcher for “Reporter’s Notebook,” her first show in the network.

For Communication students who want to experience similar triumphs, she has an extremely simple piece of advice: “Tibay saka lakas ng loob. ‘Yun talaga, as in, kasi aabot ka

talaga sa point na ayaw mo na (Resilience and strength.

You’ll really need them because you’ll get to the point of wanting to give up).”

She explained that the industry has become rather complicated and difficult to grasp, but if one wants to achieve success within it, they would have to continue their passion towards it because learning does not end in the four corners of the classroom. “Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game,” she advised.

Dela Rosa does not subscribe to encouragements as empty as “kaya mo ‘yan” or “laban lang.” Instead, she insists that people look to their friends, family, and other support systems when going through difficult times.

According to her, “It’s

a matter of [your] mental health din. May times na ‘pag hindi ko na nararamdaman ‘yung jive ko to work, nagpapahinga ‘ko (It’s also a matter of mental health.

There are times where I just rest when I no longer feel like working).” When left with no choice but to abide by tasks and deadlines, however, she just looks for others in similar situations and would therefore understand her struggles.

While still uncertain of what her true passions are, Dela Rosa says that she’s making the most of what she’s doing at the moment.

After all, she believes that in any journalism industry, learning is a constant process, and one will always be on the lookout for new knowledge.

A CLOSER LOOK/P1 According to Dela Rosa, she received multiple messages asking about the situation, but naturally couldn’t respond due to the issue being an internal matter in the network. Nevertheless, GMA responded swiftly, saying that “The questions are tough because the job of the presidency is tough.”

That said, the absence of one candidate did not hamper the research team in any way. They instead focused on what they could improve with the other candidates’ questions. Despite lack of data in some cases, Dela Rosa recalled, “Hindi siya pwedeng ‘wala po eh.’ [...]

Hindi nagwowork ‘yung ‘wala po’ kasi meaning no’n, hindi ka nag-research. Hindi mo kinalkal (You can’t say you found nothing. It doesn’t work because it means that you didn’t do your research, you didn’t dig deep enough).”

For the duration of their research, the little details they managed to dig up were exactly what gave the TJSPI’s questions their signature grit.

Early beginnings at AdU Despite such an achievement, Dela Rosa’s current stature as a noteworthy program researcher for GMA did not come easily. In fact, it wasn’t even the direction she wanted to pursue when she first entered college.

“I really started college sa UST (University of Santo

Getting in and surviving in the industry “Madalas naman akong makuha sa The Atom Araullo Special, so ‘yung dating nakita ko lang si Atom sa Adamson Media Summit, nakaka-work ko na siya (I often get asked to work at The Atom Araullo Special, so from merely seeing Atom at the Adamson Media Summit, I now get to work with him),” said Dela Rosa. She’s also worked

Human Interest • Page 3

TheAdamsonChronicle • VolumeXV No.2

PINK IT IS: Behind Adamsonians’ support for Robredo presidency

By Antonio Gabriel D. Tongco

I

n October 12, 2021, the Adamson University (AdU) Facebook page explicitly expressed its support for Vice President (VP) Leni Robredo’s candidacy by lighting the Saint Vincent (SV) Facade in pink.

The post wrote that VP Robredo has displayed “resistance to corruption, disdain for injustice, and an untainted love for the poor,” and encouraged netizens to choose “genuine servant citizenship.” As of writing, the post has garnered over 43,000 reactions, 33,000 and 7,000 of which are hearts and likes, respectively. It has also been shared over 16,000 times.

The following day, AdU posted yet another statement of support, calling VP Robredo a “Vincentian in her own right” for being an alumna of the Universidad de Santa Isabel, which is run by the Daughters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul.

Despite hints of backlash here and there from supporters of other presidential candidates, the University stood its ground, even sharing a news story from the Philippine Star that featured the SV Facade in October 14.

Through a series of interviews, the Publication

PHOTO BY ALECKINE TROY N. RADA

asked some members of the AdU Community to share their reasons for supporting VP Robredo’s candidacy in the 2022 elections.

The short answer is “performance” In an interview, University President Fr. Marcelo V. Manimtim, CM, expounded on AdU’s expression of support for VP Robredo’s candidacy, but began by clarifying that the University continues to respect its stakeholders’ choices.

“It maintains, however, the freedom of each individual member of the Adamson University to express his or her preference for the presidential candidate in the coming May 2022 elections,” wrote Fr. Manimtim.

He summarized his answers using the term “performance,” citing Robredo’s consistency from the beginning of her career up to her present role as VP despite having a rather turbulent introduction to the world of politics after the death of her late husband, Jesse Robredo.

Fr. Manimtim mentioned Robredo’s early beginnings as a lawyer at the Sentro ng Alternatibong Lingap Panlegal (SALIGAN), a non-

governmental organization that promoted legal education for marginalized communities in the country, and how the SALIGAN empowered anybody, “be they farmers, fisherfolks, laborers, urban poor, the indigenous peoples, the battered women and abandoned children, etc.”

The University President then discussed Robredo’s term in the Philippine Congress from 2013 to 2016, saying that “participatory governance and transparency” were central to her legislative agenda. He proved this claim using the Robredoauthored House Bill (HB) 19 or the Full Disclosure Bill as an example, since it paved the way for financial transparency among all government agencies and their sub-units.

In line with this are HB 3432 or the Comprehensive Anti-Discrimination Bill and HB 4911 or the People Empowerment Bill, which, according to him, prohibited discrimination on multiple bases and established people’s councils in every local government unit.

The University President also talked about what Robredo has gone through since 2016: “As Vice President, Leni Robredo was

asked by President Duterte to be the head of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council on July 7, 2016, only to be told on December 4, 2016 ‘to desist from attending all Cabinet meetings starting December 5.’ On November 4, 2019, Duterte asked Robredo to be co-chairperson of the InterAgency Committee on AntiIllegal Drugs (ICAD), only to be fired from the post 19 days later.”

Fr. Manimtim lauded how Robredo, despite various attacks from President Duterte and an extremely limited budget, was able to launch her antipoverty program “Angat Buhay,” which helped nearly a hundred thousand families in its first year, including those undergoing rehabilitation in Marawi City.

He added other contributions amidst the pandemic such as free shuttle services for frontline workers, swab tests, telehealth services, and fundraising programs nationwide.

Not a thief, not a liar, just competent Vincentian students, leaders, and educators alike share similar sentiments with the University President as well, accentuating how both Robredo’s credentials and

reputation earned their votes for the upcoming elections.

“While the constitution does not include educational attainment as a qualification for those aspiring for a particular position, I do believe that it is a salient consideration especially for those vying [for] the highest position,” wrote Adamsonian Theology instructor Mat C. Florece. According to him, her being a lawyer and economist will assure that she will not be easily swayed by “ill advice” from advisers and other external factors. “[Si Leni ay] hindi magnanakaw, hindi sinungaling at nagpaparamdam in difficult times (Leni is not a thief, not a liar and shows up during difficult times),” he added.

Adamson University Student Government (AUSG) President Jason Alejandro P. Marfori similarly discussed that the Office of the Vice President had received the highest audit rating from the Commission on Audit (COA) for three years straight, “in stark contrast to the red flags” pointed out by the COA across government agencies with stronger ties to President Duterte.

A glimmer of hope for the education sector

When asked about how he thinks VP Robredo can help the education sector amidst the difficulties of online learning, Florece wrote, “She is an educator herself. […] Thus, if someone can understand better the plight of the educators and students among presidential aspirant(s)—it is VP Leni.”

This is because prior to Robredo’s career in politics, she taught economics from 1987 to 1997 at the Universidad de Sta. Isabel, the university in which she studied at from elementary to high school.

Third year AdU Chemical Engineering student Ma. Angelica B. Chua, on the other hand, believes that Robredo’s awareness on the existing struggles of online learning could pave the way for either a more inclusive way of conducting them for those with little to no access to the internet or a safe resumption of face-to-face classes for all.

“In many of her speeches, she stresses the importance of insuring that all the needs of the teachers and students are met, particularly with regard to classroom and school equipment, if education is to become a true vehicle for progress,” expounded Florece.

PINK IT IS/P4

AS LONG AS/P1

The project suffered from various issues from kickbacks to its location.

Speaking of location, it is important to note that the BNPP is situated on the western coast of Mt. Natib, a potentially active volcano whose eruptive history is relatively unknown. This is why when there were talks of reviving BNPP in 2016, Dr. Bartolome Bautista

of PHIVOLCS proposed a network of at least four seismic stations around the BNPP to detect faint earth tremors from the volcano and its vicinity.

Ultimately, the costs incurred for the project skyrocketed to more than $2.3 billion by the time it neared completion. The BNPP was completed, but it never operated largely

due to safety concerns.

In April 1986, barely two months after the revolution, the worst nuclear disaster in history would occur in Chernobyl.

Likewise, residents of Bataan during the time protested in opposition to the BNPP. Moreover, the cost of decommission once the BNPP has fully depreciated is also

expected to be as enormous as the cost incurred for the construction of the power plant.

Though there might still be a chance to revive the BNPP, vice president of Rosatom for Southeast Asia, Egor Simonov, warned that it may not be cost-effective.

In 2012, the country’s anti-graft court—the

Sandiganbayan—ordered Marcos crony Herminio Disini to repay the Philippine government the amount of $50 million in connection to the construction of the BNPP. Disini would die in 2014, but the Supreme Court in June 2021 ordered Disini’s estate to pay the amount of PHP 1.1 billion—affirming the anti-graft court’s

ruling.

Altogether, our country spent billions of dollars for a project that never benefited the masses. It may have been completed in 1984, but it never operated, nor did we see any benefit. And there is a reason for such: concerns for safety, corruption, and cronyism.

TheAdamsonChronicle • VolumeXV No.2

Page 4 • Human Interest

Technology: on the cusp of innovation and revolution

By Mayumi Angel B. Castillo

H

umanity has gone a long way thanks to technological innovation.

Technology has improved various aspects of our lives, including communication, transportation, education, healthcare, infrastructure, and many others. If we look back and compare how technology has impacted our lives through the years, it becomes much easier to see and appreciate how much we’ve improved.

In the current digital age, the world is practically at our fingertips—almost everything is a few clicks away.

Our everyday mundane lives have been made easier with the help of several applications. From grocery shopping, bills payment, and messaging from anywhere in the world, all of these are made easier with the help of technology.

With each passing year, humans continue to push the boundaries of innovation. Several kinds of new technologies such as ‘foldable technology’,

the ‘metaverse’, 3D-printed houses, and many others will likely take the world by storm in years to come.

The world was taken aback when the concept of foldable displays was initially revealed. This led to the rise of folding smartphones and laptops, and without them, tech businesses would never have ventured into such uncharted territory if no one dared to do it first. Samsung and Microsoft are two of these corporations, and they are the frontrunners in the socalled foldable technology.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 has a tall, thin screen on the outside that opens out like a book to reveal a single larger screen inside, making it a device that can seamlessly switch from smartphone to tablet mode. Meanwhile, the Surface Laptop Studio from Microsoft is a 2-in-1 device that acts as a laptop but can be folded into a tablet-like device. Its display can be folded into three different configurations: laptop, stage, and studio.

The laptop model simulates how a typical laptop would work, while the stage mode folds the screen forward, obscuring the keyboard and making it ideal for watching videos or playing games. On the other hand, studio mode folds the screen flat over the keyboard, transforming it into a tablet for drawing or taking notes.

These gadgets are adaptable enough to allow their users to utilize them however they see fit. Furthermore, they are very much portable and doesn’t compromise too much storage capacity in the average person’s bag.

Talks of a virtual world being of the same stature as our physical lives have also become prevalent. In theory, we’d spend a lot of time in virtual space conversing with our friends and coworkers, so we would also spend money on costumes and other accessories for our digital avatars. The metaverse is simply a virtual environment created by combining numerous technologies, including

virtual and augmented reality.

This ‘extended reality’ is projected to be the next step in the internet’s evolution, erasing the lines between physical and digital existence.

3D printing has similarly grown in popularity because it allows users to construct items using a layering approach and computer-aided design.

What began as a method of creating minor objects

evolved into something more when construction technology companies such as WASP (World’s Advanced Savings Project) and ICON, demonstrated how 3D printing might be used to manufacture dwellings.

They discovered a technique to dramatically reduce the amount of waste and carbon emissions in the construction process through further research.

These 3D-printed homes

can combine design, functionality, low costs, and environment-friendly construction.

There is no doubt that ideas we initially thought were impossible can now become realities with the help of technology and the brilliant minds of innovators.

The technology of today is only the beginning, and there is so much more we can achieve as time passes.

PINK IT IS/P3

PHOTO BY ALECKINE TROY N. RADA

Vincentian leadership The VP has “imbibed the Vincentian ideals” not only through her simple way of living, but also through her acts of charity, according to Fr. Manimtim, and other members of the Community hold similar beliefs as to how Robredo lives up to other values upheld by Adamsonians.

Chua circles back to the VP’s untarnished reputation, saying that among all candidates, she is the “most transparent with no history of corruption,” while Shanley Mae S. Villanueva, a third year Psychology student of the University, says that the upcoming election is “the time to be selective, vigilant, smart, and well-informed about politics.”

“A country with a great leader will be our greatest weapon,” Villanueva added.

AUSG President Marfori stands by the same assertions.

He wrote, “Her works signify compassionate, moral, and progressive leadership. […]

That is the kind of leadership we seek: leadership that inspires and drives us to reach higher.”

Marfori says that the AUSG will continue to promote truth, justice, respect, and peace by providing students fact-

based information, voter’s education, and other programs before the upcoming elections.

Meanwhile, Florece builds on Fr. Manimtim’s claim of Robredo subscribing to Vincentian ideals: “As an Isabelina, VP is true to the Vincentian spirit—she has a better grasp of the situation on the ground, because prior to her political career she immersed herself in the rural community, used to lived and mingled with the people in the grassroots.”

Pink it is With all these reasons combined, a good amount of Adamsonians continue to rally behind VP Robredo’s candidacy. Be it for her much cleaner reputation compared to other candidates, consistency as a public servant, or embodiment of Vincentian values, the Community seems to have a deep appreciation of Robredo brings to the table.

As AdU wrote in its first statement of support, “We have had strongmen and political dynasties lead our nation. It’s time we don’t settle for less. Let us choose genuine servant-leadership.”

Profit Over Nature: Irresponsible Mining Practices In The Philippines >> Page 2

Science and Technology

Struggling with online group work?

Messaging app “Discord” can help

By Antonio Gabriel D. Tongco

I

n the midst of online learning, some students struggle to balance their studies with their jobs, while some find it difficult to juggle responsibilities at home with their school requirements.

However, all of them battle a common enemy: group chats, as well as the sheer organization it takes to make them work efficiently.

Communicating in an online setup can be an arduous task when there are

lots of other stuff that also require investments in both time and energy. For example, micromanaging groups for various classes by merely scheduling meetings, creating meeting rooms, or sending reminders feel hard to pull off during exam weeks and other busier days.

Something as trivial as switching to another messaging application like Discord, though, could make for small but noticeable

improvements to any student’s online workflow.

Discord was launched in 2015 and initially targeted the gaming community exclusively. Because a lot of multi-player games require voice communication for strategies or in-game callouts, it was promoted through the motto “Chat for Gamers.”

They even partnered with streaming platform Twitch since it started to gain momentum as the most

popular streaming service for gamers.

In 2020, however, they switched to “Chat for Communities and Friends,” signifying their expansion to a broader market. And with the features Discord had up its sleeve, it wasn’t too difficult for them to succeed. In the same year, they went from 56 million monthly active users to 100 million, and by 2021, they breached the 150 million mark.

The success of their expansion is mostly because despite starting off with gamers as a target audience, Discord has always been versatile. It merely took something like the implementation of workfrom-home and distance learning setups for people to fully realize its true potential as an all-in-one platform for communication amidst quarantine.

Discord’s unique selling

point lies mostly in its organization. Their “servers” are equivalent to group chats in other platforms, but within them, separate text or voice “channels” can be created.

Simply put, it’s like having multiple conversations for a single group chat. For example, a professor can create one Discord server for all the classes they handle, but STRUGGLING/P2

TheAdamsonChronicle • VolumeXV No.2

Page 2 • Sciennce and Technology

Profit over nature: Irresponsible mining practices in the Philippines

By Christian Joshua D. Corcuera

W

ith the global population constantly rising, so does demand for basic necessities. In urban areas, people strive to meet their daily needs: housing, transportation, and technology. These needs, however, can only exist with ample natural resources usually found in forests and other environmental and ecological wonders. As a result, manufacturers conduct more mining projects to meet increasing demands, but whether or not they do it with care for the environment is a different story.

To be fair, it is difficult to imagine a world where mining is non-existent. We need to acknowledge that some of the things we use in our everyday lives can only exist due to mined resources. For instance, we need oil to run our cars and jeepneys; in the same vein, we need aluminum and cobalt in our phones which we use to communicate.

It seems hypocritical to say that we are absolutely against mining while we use products derived from such activity. What society must be alarmed about, however, is irresponsible mining and not mining per se.

Mining, basically the extraction of natural resources, can be done either responsibly or irresponsibly.

Responsible mining has three pillars which (1) it must benefit, or (2) at least do no harm to. Such pillars are namely environmental, social, and economic.

Obviously, mining contributes to the economy.

According to the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (ATIC), the Philippines has mineral resources assets valued at PHP 48.73 trillion. “The Philippines is the fifth most mineralised country in the world,” says a report from the ATIC. They also added that we have the “third largest deposits of gold, fourth for copper, fifth for nickel and sixth for chromite.” Most of these assets, however, remain

enormously untapped.

These gifts of nature, if utilized, could uplift our nation and alleviate poverty with more employment opportunities and larger exports that could accelerate economic growth. It must be remembered, however, that inequality in the Philippines is a huge, systemic problem that cannot be addressed easily.

Large mining corporations have been controversial for allegedly

enriching themselves with the country’s natural resources, while taking advantage of mining employees by not paying them their fair share.

Though mining has a huge potential of transforming our economy for the better, it is not as easy and straightforward as it sounds.

Aside from the economic pillar, the social pillar is another concern. Mining activities, not only in the Philippines, have long been

criticized for disrespecting ancestral lands of indigenous peoples. Some locals have been coerced to move out from where they were born and raised without the capacity to protest, given the prominent power of huge corporations.

Finally, and the most obvious issue about mining, is the environmental pillar.

Globally, mining can lead to serious environmental problems that would last for

years, if not decades, such as erosion, deforestation, loss of biodiversity, significant use of water resources, wastewater disposal issues, contamination of soil, and so on. All of these can lead to serious health issues especially for those living nearby mining sites. Locals who drink water may suffer from mining activities if such acts are done irresponsibly as water can also be contaminated.

With this, it is imperative for the state to ensure that the three pillars of responsible mining are observed at all times. Punishments against those who conduct mining operations irresponsibly must be sought; incentives, in the form of tax exemption, for those who conduct mining operations responsibly can be used as a means of encouragement. After all, the planet is much more important than profit.

for files, reminders, and other necessities. With this method, important attachments don’t get buried in by the classes’ day-to-day conversations, making the course contents much easier to navigate.

Meetings become less of a hassle as well because voice channels can be accessed in the click of a button with no external links

required whatsoever. Since multiple voice channels can be created in a single server, administrators can create separate channels for discussions, consultations, hanging out, and other purposes.

Applied in the context of group works, the possibilities are endless depending on what kind of output needs to

be worked on. On one end, creatives could find some value in having a text channel where members can dump ideas and references for a photo shoot, or for those going through thesis season, a text channel for updates on the study can help all members stay on track. Both of them could have voice channels readily available if chats

won’t suffice for planning, but whatever the case, Discord can make collaboration much more seamless during the pandemic.

Although Discord admittedly has a learning curve, it’s not necessarily steep. It just takes some getting used to because it’s feature-packed and doesn’t follow the same format

as traditional messaging applications such as Facebook Messenger, Viber, or WhatsApp. For students stuck learning and working on requirements from home, Discord can definitely be the most practical and efficient option; with a little tinkering, they could say goodbye to annoying chat heads and confusing group chat labels.

STRUGGLING/P1 have different text channels for each class. They can also manage each channel’s privacy settings to make sure that students don’t pry on other classes’ calls or conversations.

Such arrangements are merely the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Discord.

After organizing channels per class, the professor can still include additional ones

Entertainment

Netflix All of Us Are Dead is more then just your typical zombie dystopian series>> Page 3

Netflix’s All of Us Are Dead is more than just your typical zombie dystopian series

By Justine Denise S. Cruz

W

hen you can’t choose between the dead walking off the face of earth and a comingof-age story, All of Us Are Dead is the newest Korean series to binge watch over the weekend.

An addition to Korea’s growing titles in the zombie division, this apocalyptic drama is directed by Lee Jae-kyoo and Kim Namsu. It chronicles the tale

of a band of high school students who try their best to survive and to not get eaten by the living dead while also dealing with issues of their own.

The Walking Dead meets Riverdale of the East.** Before ranking fifth as Netf lix’s most watched non-English series and as one of South Korea’s best shows in the streaming app along with Squid Game, it first

made buzz as a webtoon comic, Now at Our School, created by Joo Dong-geun in 2009, where it was heavily based on.

Set mainly in the fictional Hyosan High School, the ground zero of the outbreak, the Jonas Virus is created by a teacher whose son is tormented by bullies on the campus. After a sneaky student was bitten by an infected hamster, all hell

broke loose. Students who once peacefully roamed the halls are now vile creatures whose primal need to survive includes a diet of f lesh and blood.

Now, it’s up to the gang to fend for themselves.

What isolates this show from other frontrunners in the industry is that it is its own genre. A zombieinfested high school campus? Check. Angsty hormonal teenagers?

Check. A bow-and-arrowwielding chick? Check.

Hambies (half-human, half-zombie hybrids)?

Check. They tick off all the boxes under the “juveniles killing off f lesh-eating monsters in their school uniform” category.

More than just a gorefest. The SoKorproduced show has spanned over 12 episodes, each one having its fair share of pure bloody goodness

with filler comedic banter from the gang. The light moments are balanced out with the tackling of deepseated societal issues.

Much like Parasite, a 2019 South Korean thriller film, it touched upon themes that could’ve been easily missed if the viewer was only focused on the leads bashing the heads of the undead.

Zombies wouldn’t NETFLIX/P3

Taylor Swift remembers it ‘all too well’ and so do we a decade later

By Justine Denise S. Cruz

“

Maybe we got lost in translation, maybe I asked for too much, but maybe this thing was a masterpiece ‘til you tore it all up.”

Be right back. Screaming, crying, and throwing up.

Taylor Swift finally did it. She dropped the fulllength edition of her most heart-wrenching song yet.

First heard on her fourth studio album, Red, All Too Well (and the whole album)

was an allude to her former flame, actor Jake Gyllenhaal, whom she dated from October 2010 until January 2011.

The history of their shortlived whirlwind romance, from dancing around the kitchen in the refrigerator light down to mailing back things, were sung in a haunting melody and we were there to witness it all.

In a 2012 interview with Jimmy Fallon, the pop icon sent fans haywire crazy when

she revealed that the original track was initially ten minutes long before being cut down into five minutes of punchto-the-gut sadness we had all known and loved. And voila, almost ten years later, we are reliving the birth and death of their affair in full technicolor.

She remembers it all too well. Released as part of Red (Taylor’s Version) TAYLOR SWIFT/P3

TheAdamsonChronicle • VolumeXV No.2

Page 2 • Entertainment

Staying vogue with Vogue PH

By Mayumi Angel B. Castillo

H

eads up, fashionistas!

Vogue Philippines is coming.

An American monthly lifestyle and fashion magazine that started way back in 1892, Vogue is soon to set foot in the Philippines, the third Southeast Asian country to be included in the fashion issue’s growing family.

Undoubtedly, many are thrilled and excited, knowing that the Philippines will have its own edition of the iconic

New York-based newsletter.

Confirmed by publisher Condé Nast, Vogue Philippines will debut its monthly print and digital issues in September 2022. “We’re thrilled to launch our 29th edition of Vogue in the Philippines, a country with a growing luxury fashion market and a vibrant creative scene,” said Markus Grindel, Vogue’s managing director for global brand licensing.

Partnered with Filipino publishing house Mega

Global Licensing Inc., Vogue Philippines aims to showcase the country’s rich culture, diversity, and outstanding skills in fashion with a goal to connect the past with the future, street with couture, and the Philippines with the world.

These days, local celebrities are showcasing their love for fashion on the international stage. One of the earliest advocates of the Maria Clara gown, Michael Cinco, is a Filipino fashion designer.

Books deserve some love, too

By Jeane Marie P. Custodio & Justine Denise S. Cruz

L

aunched by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on April 23, 1995, the World Book Day is an annual event dedicated to the art of reading and publishing. It is also meant to honor authors who had committed their time and life to this craft.

While bookworms mark this day as special, the very concept of reading seems to be dull for many, especially in modern day wherein people tend to prefer scrolling through social

media because it’s much easier and convenient than holding an actual book.

As pressuring as it sounds, reading is one of the best hobbies to discover for yourself. Deciding whether put down a book and sleep or to continue flipping the pages until the last chapter is an unbeatable feeling. If you are a bookworm yourself, you have to fight the urge of spoiling people about what will happen in the middle of watching bookto-screen adaptations.

Yet, reading is not as celebrated as other forms

of art. Often, people would only get to know that the series they have been binge-watching all along is from a book after they’ve topped the week’s mostwatched list. So, why is that?

An underrated truth is that reading is just as rewarding as watching because it allows you to feel firsthand sensations.

In a way, it’s a form of emotional catharsis via escapism—through this, the experience of reading could become therapeutic BOOKS/P4

But, what’s striking these days are the recognition of local celebrities worldwide.

Going with some Filipino artists in line with the fashion industry, singeractress, Arci Muñoz had a great time at New York Fashion Week. She was spotted singing her cover of Guns N’ Roses’ “Sweet Child O’ Mine” on the 16th of February 2022. The event was held to highlight the platform’s relationship with the brand Hekka.

When talking about

fashion itself and being a fashionista, socialite, and currently first lady of the province of Sorsogon, Heart Evangelista cannot be forgotten on the list.

She again proved why she is a style queen by serving stunning ensembles during this year’s Paris Fashion Week. The actress sported both luxury labels and local designers to showcase Filipino talents. She was also recently welcomed as a part of the luxury brand, Dior, for being one of the

style icons for the country sharing her love of fashion with the rest of the globe.

The Philippines’ entry into global fashion and luxury brands marks the country’s ascension as a significant participant.

Fashion is not only alive and well in the Philippines, but it is also making a big return. This only proves that Filipinos can keep abreast with other countries and are competitive in the fashion industry.

Entertainment • Page 3

TheAdamsonChronicle • VolumeXV No.2

NETFLIX/P1 have wiped a percentage of humanity in the fictional city of Hyosan if it weren’t for the school teacher who

started his own version of Armageddon. Later, we would understand that his actions were to protect his son from his bullies.

Director Lee, in an interview with The Korea Times, believed that school bullying isn’t much different from what

Mountain actor later revealed that the 9-year gap between the two of them was one of the many reasons why their romance fizzled out.

Ironically, Sadie Sink and Dylan O’Brien, who starred in the short film, also have the same age gap.

Coincidence?

Knowing Taylor, we think not.

Another lyric that references how far apart they were in age goes by: “And I was never good at telling jokes, but the punchline goes / I’ll get older, but your lovers stay my age.” The now-41year-old actor recently made headlines for dating 25-yearold model Jeanne Cadieu.

An Us Weekly insider, however, revealed that the couple weren’t bothered with the 16-year age gap, further saying that, “Jeanne is very mature for her age.”

Could the singersongwriter have predicted this, too?

He remembers it, too, just not as well. Taylor recalled in a 2013 interview with Vulture that the actor called him and said, “I just listened to the album, and that was a really bittersweet experience for me. It was like going through a photo album.”

However, the rerecorded version put the Nightcrawler star in a bad light as it was in graphic detail of how toxic things became. In an exclusive scoop with Esquire in February 2022*,* he stressed out that the infamous track has nothing to do with him.

“It’s about her relationship with the fans,” he remarked.

“It is her expression.

Artists tap into personal experiences for inspiration, and I don’t begrudge anyone that,” he went on.

All’s well that ends well.

Taylor is notoriously known for her narrative songwriting.

This is what keeps her apart from other artists, which is why this song embraced fans like a familiar friend.

Although released years ago, it still manages to tug at most people’s heartstrings.

It became easy to identify with as it portrayed the ugly truth behind most real-life relationships passionate but damaging, blissful yet all-consuming.

The 2012 version has always been contemplative, but the 10-minute cut is raw, revealing, and real.

It wasn’t just a song that recounted how a couple loved and lost each other.

It’s an experience; a fleeting romance with an enduring sorrow. Dare I say, this is the magnum opus of her career.

Taylor, who has been recently engaged to Joe Alwyn after five years of being together, finally said, “It’s really nice to be able to put this album out and not be sad. Not be, like, taking breaks in between interviews to cry.” Taking her relationship with Joe to the next level is a long-overdue closure that she had always deserved.

All Too Well is haunting enough, even before the extended cut. The addition of new stanzas just proved how amazing her mind is. For her 21-year-old self to boldly write such tragedy in complete beauty continues to amaze fans and casual listeners alike.

One way or another, her story became ours*,* too.

Well, ours is, I guess, without the dancing in the kitchen or the long drive upstate.

We need that scarf back, though, Jake.

TAYLOR SWIFT/ P1 in November 2021*,* the rendition offered a lyrical supercut of their romance. It was more than having a frontrow seat to their relationship.

She gave her fans an allaccess backstage pass.

The new version of the power ballad revealed what happened inside their threemonth-long controversial love story with the addition of three verses, a prolonged chorus, and an extended outro.

The 11-time Grammy Award winner exposed her former sweetheart in fresh one-liners that carry the same, if not more, amount of sting that the old tear-jerking anthem has. Taylor retold their story in a way that reopened old wounds – him not returning her old scarf, missing her 21st birthday party, only saying the L word after their breakup.

This wouldn’t be all possible without her mom possessing the CD that contained the full-length version that was recorded when she was 21 years old. ”I started ad-libbing what I was going through and what I was feeling. And it went on and the song kept building and building and building in intensity,” she said.

A day after the launch of the 30-track album, a 14-minute-long short film inspired by the song was posted on YouTube. Power dynamics, gaslighting, relationship polarity – the feature couldn’t have been any better.

If they had been closer in age, maybe they would have been fine.** One of the most intriguing themes in the unabridged version suggests that age became an issue between the pair.

The Brokeback

happens in the community.

“At first, you might think how cruel those kids can be. But as you get through the episodes,

you will see that some of the elements run parallel to this society,” he said.

Class hierarchy is also a recurring theme in the show, mainly focusing on the high school social dynamics: the untouchable power-tripping bullies picking on the weak, the mean girls leading the tittle-tattle, and the introverts minding their own business, among the many others. “I hoped that the series could offer viewers a chance to ref lect on where they stand in that society,” he added.

Though the show is mostly about zombies almost ruling a fictional city in Korea, it did not fail to parallel the horrors of humanity. It also offered commentary on other issues like teenage pregnancy, moral injury, and abuse of authority.

All of us are waiting.

The first season ended on a cliff hanger – the group

of survivors reuniting with their hambie friend on the school’s rooftop sometime after the outbreak. What now?

Director Lee revealed that plot holes were intentionally included in the first installment to make room for new characters and stories. “If the first season can be seen as having presented humanity‘s survival, the next season can talk about the survival of zombies,” he concluded.

High schoolers against crazed f lesh-eaters only ending in a bloodbath is a dream come true for any gorehound. For the most part, All of Us Are Dead is a breath of fresh air in the zombie department.

Apart from guts spilling on the screen, it did a good job of hinting at social ills – just the right amount to make viewers uncomfortable and realize which parts mirror reality.

Entertainment • Page 4

TheAdamsonChronicle • VolumeXV No.2

tick, tick...BOOM! But time’s a paradox

By Mat Jefferson T. Richter

I

t’s difficult to narrow down this painfully beautiful film into a single spectrum for having tackled the dilemma of every artist to pursue the arts like a soldier at war, or just succumb to the demands of the corporate cosmos.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re running out of time to climb up the ivory towers—this masterpiece is for you. Directed by Lin-Manuel Miranda, tick, tick...BOOM! (2021) is a film adaption based on the

autobiographical musical by playwright and Rent composer Jonathan Larson.

Apart from its adroit musical scoring that delved into the protagonist’s dilemma, one gets to witness the immense passion that was sleeved into this film—from acting, color palette, cinematography, screenplay, and to other craft left unmentioned— as if all the commendable art pieces fused into one.

However, the

BOOKS/ P2 for some.

Not only does reading unwind the soul, it can also be the key for you to discover your passion for writing. It fosters imagination and may even push you to write your own story and build your own words.

In line with this year’s theme, ‘You are a reader,’ exert some time into reading. There’s no pressure when it comes to how many hours you put into it. You can be the type who loves to flick through pages with a very limited attention span or one who has a long list of titles to dive into. You may be even a newbie to all this – and it is never too late to feed your curiosity or to try your hand at it.

The world is your oyster, and in this case, it’s the endless aisles at your local bookstore. Get to explore different genres and read as many as you

want – from the classics of Salinger and Austen down to the modern must-haves of Coelho and Murakami.

A few good reads every once in a while will eventually turn the interest into a habit.

Ironically, the love for reading won’t come overnight. However, the more you do it because you want to – and not because you need to – the less it would feel like a chore.

You can begin your journey with a book about your favorite movie and go from there. Three to five pages a day is a good start.

Having a reading buddy will make this experience more fun, too.

Be it an innate bookhound or a rookie to the field, everyone is invited to celebrate the World Book Day happening every April 23rd. While it only comes once a year, it is a reminder that reading is a fun thing to do as well!

masterpiece also painted the painful reality in which theater artists are coerced to participate in. Lest we forget, theater, at the end of the day, still has no choice but to conform to a capitalist system that plagues theatrical poetic license.

The theater cosmos is also a commercial factory; a test to see if artists can abide by the craft that can sell. As much as art is subjective, most theater artists adhere to derivative crafts to hook producers—

so that they can provide food on the table and not starve to death while trying to hog the limelight.

Producers, not just in theater but also in poetry, music, modeling, and all sorts of art, prioritize the pieces that are audiencefriendly and easier to digest. Take literature, for instance, when Rupi Kaur’s modern poetry skyrocketed into fame— all because her craft participates in mainstream cultures, which the readers

can easily empathize with.

In addition, most producers refrain from any condiment that may alter the mainstream image. They prefer the types of art that are derivative because it’s already proven to sell, and not those that can challenge the status quo or exude new rhetoric. The movie proved that the passion for the craft is often inadequate in a system that favors conventional languages.

Nonetheless, tick, tick...BOOM! is a must-

watch film for all types of artists. Almost every artist has felt like their talent is inadequate, if not running out of time. Watching the film feels like a comfort movie, but also a disturbing film to challenge the mainstream culture and emancipate from the chains of what type of art can sell.

Remember that regardless of your artistic path, your pen shall transpire when time tells it to.

Arts & Letters

Comb with Missing Teeth >> Page 3

Mga Piyesang Lalangawin, Ating Pansinin

By Mat Jefferson T. Richter

Isa… dalawa… tatlo… iiwan mo rin ako.

Biro lamang!

Alam ko kung pa’no nanginig ang iyong kalamnan sa pagbasa ng talata na ‘yan. Ika nga nila, ang lakas naman makaJuan Miguel! Tila naiugnay na ang “hugot culture” sa bansag ng pangalan niya.

Ngunit sa paglipas ng panahon, ang mga mambabasa’y nagnanais na ng mga tulang matayog ang lipad papalayo sa naturing na kultura ng pagsusulat.

Una, maaaring

nakasusuya na ang mga tulang deribatibo. Ayun bang paulit-ulit na lang ang paksa’t wala nang bagong timpla. Mga tula na kapos sa aparatong pampanitikan at isinusulat na lamang sa ngalan ng pagsusulat. Sa nais ng mga makata na makakawit ng mambabasa, ginagawang dulugan ang mga tulang naisulat na.

Nako po! H’wag naman sana tayong maihawig sa pamamalahiyo.

Pangalawa, ang mga tula na nakakawit lamang sa tumutugmang salita. Lingid

sa’ting kaalaman, hindi lahat ng kasulatan na may magkakatunog na salita sa bawat hulihan ng talata’y matatawag na nating tula.

Masyadong malikhain ang sansinukob ng panitikan upang ikahon lamang ito sa kung ano’ng kaaya-aya sa pandinig.

Pangatlo, ang pagtalakay sa mga temang gasgas kung sikmurain.

Muli, masyadong malikhain ang panitikan upang ikulong lamang ito sa paksa ng pagibig; mas partikular, mga tulang pag-ibig na naisilang

at naihele na nang paulit-ulit.

Bakit hindi tayo magsulat ukol sa pakikibaka ng mga maralita, sa kamalayang pampulitika, at marami pang iba?

H’wag tayong matakot na langawin ang ating piyesa, lalo’t kung ito ang paraan upang kumawala tayo sa gapos ng pampanitikan na ang tanging layunin lamang ay makakawit ng mambabasa.

Tandaan: walang talim ang espadang itinabi sa plumang baluktot ang tungki.

TheAdamsonChronicle • VolumeXV No.2

Page 2 • Arts & Letters

Basta do’n, sa may bandang lapida

By Mat Jefferson T. Richter Napapakamot ng anit ang mga santo sa sementeryo t’wing nakikita ang binata­ng matayog ang tanaw— nakasupot ang liham ng pagibig, lamukos, ngunit taglay ang timbang ng toneladang ginto.

Gabi-gabing hinihiling ng binata na muling mabuhay ang namayapang pag-ibig.

Nakaluhod sa tapat ng puntod, binabaybay ang libingan habang binibigkas ang

munting dasal sa Panginoon. Inggit na inggit ang mga patay sa puntod— sa kung paano nito patuloy na binibisita ang pag-ibig na namayapa.

Ani ng mga santo, ibulong na lang sa himpapawid ang mga berso’t dasal—labis na naghahalakhakan sa pagtangis ng binatang walang muwang sa kahahantungan.

Ani ng binata, ang balikat ng

dalaga sa liham ay pahinga sa mahabang araw. Tahanan sa panahon ng unos.

Mga labi’y ‘singtamis ng nektar sa paraiso. Mga pilikmata na tila kuwerdas ng biyolin, haharanahin ang dalaga sa tono ng Misa de Gallo hanggang sa ito’y humimbing.

ay lumbay. Pangungulila sa namayapang pag-ibig— nananakit na tuhod mula sa pagluhod sa banig ng asin, ngunit tatanday pa rin sa lapida’t matayog pa rin ang tingin.

Magkalakip na palad pa ring hihingi ng kapatawaran mula sa sirang plakang mga hiling.

Subalit sa araw ng penitesya, hapunan ng binata sa gabigabing pagbisita

Pila

By Verity Anne N. Banogbanog

D

agsaan tuwing umaga, patibayan ng sistema sa nakakapagod na hapon.

Naglalakad ka pa lang papunta sa istasyon ng LRT ay dahan-dahan mo nang hinahanda ang iyong sarili sag era, bitbit ang baluktot na sandata.

Nilalakasan mo na iyong loob, suot ang bag paharap, at binibilang kung ilang tao na ang nakapila, anong oras ka ba makararating sa tahanan ngayong gabi.

Minsan, ‘di na nasisinagan ng araw. Aalis sa madaling araw, uuwi sa gabi.

Nakikihabol ka pa rin na tila isang batang hamog lang

makasakay ng jeep.

Ito na ang iyong nakagawian. Araw-araw.

Pawisan na dahil sa sobrang init sa buwan ng Abril. ‘Wag lang sana masira ang payong kapag naman sa tag-ulan.

Sanay ka na.

‘Di mo namamalayan— hindi ka na nagrereklamo.

Hihinga na lang nang malalim, pikit ang mga mata, sasabak na ulit.

Marami ka pang kasabay—kakumpitensya sa upuan, kaagaw sa espasyo ng bagon. Isang malaking paligsahan ang pagku-komyut.

Mahabang pila. Isang oras nakatayo na tila rebulto

sa museo. Makakatulog sa byahe. Lalagpas sa pinaroroonan.

Bakit mo nga ba pinipili na tiisin ito araw-araw?

Para saan pa ba ang pagtitimpi, pagpaparaya, pag-intindi mo—sa trapiko, mga tao, kalat sa daan, layo ng uuwian?

Kung mapapansin mo, mas lalo kang tumatatag.

Lumalakas. Araw-araw. Sa pagtakbo, paglalakad, paghihintay.

Gumagaling ka na sa larangan na iyong pinili.

Kung hindi mo pa ramdam ngayon, makakarating ka rin sa iyong paroroonan.

Pumila ka lang.

Sino

By Verity Anne N. Banogbanog

Sino ka na ba?

Nakatulala— nagmumukmok kaakbay ang utak na tila isang pugita, mga galamay na nakabalot sa leeg, binihag na ng sariling isipan.

Ililibing ang katawan sa ilalim ng kamang dalawang talampakan lamang ang haba, samantalang isang daang talampakan ang taas ng iniisip at nakatikom na

ang bibig.

Ayaw dumilat, batiin ng magandang umaga ang himpapawid, ngunit hirap din magsara ang paningin, ni pagbuka ng bibig.

Dahil ano pa ba ang sasambitin?

Ano na ang nangyari sa’yo? Tila isang batang hamog na naging talunan sa palarong patintero.

Ayaw mo na bang makipaglaro?

O ayaw mo lang lisanin ang papag ng imahinasyon kung saan ka nagtatago? Sapagkat naukit mo na sa panibagong mundo ang mga larawan na ‘di naipipinta sa reyalidad kung saan ka ‘naman talaga’ nararapat.

‘Wag ka na lang dumilat.

Arts & Letters • Page 3

TheAdamsonChronicle • VolumeXV No.2

The Last One

By Nina Pia M. Boco

D

o you remember the first time you felt that burst of passion for something?

You know, when the young blood is eager and doing this thing that makes you feel like you’re actually great at it, and the potential of flourishing is starting to sprout root in your heart.

And then one day, you feel this jolt of happiness and satisfaction as if you were always sculpted to do exactly what you were doing at that moment, even though it was tiresome or difficult. Like, every paint slash stains the empty canvas so perfectly and you see exactly where your future is going.

Then once this passion is ignited and the happiness is intact, as if nothing is ever going to go between you and this passion, life

just throws all types of firefighting things known to man. It becomes life versus a dream. So, you fight for the love you have found like a wounded soldier amid warfares, no matter how stressful, no matter how exhausting. Because you fight for what you love.

That’s what we’ve been taught, right?

Somehow, your journey just takes a new route. You get a once-in-alifetime chance to pursue this passion. A door opens to what felt like a way to endless possibilities. You meet people with the same passion who fuel this fire.

You get to experience once in lifetime opportunities that fit all the missing puzzle pieces your whole life. You even get to meet personalities you just imagined meeting in your

dreams. At this point, you feel like all the hard work you’ve been doing since you were young has paid off and you can’t wait to explore what more there is in the vastness of the universe. It felt like, this is it. This is the future I see myself in.

But, life isn’t a linear road. It has turns and unexpected barricades and sometimes, we just crash.

Suddenly, the world lost its meaning. The fire that was igniting brighter than life just becomes a lump of burning coal. Waiting for fuel to start the fire again.

But nothing comes. Trying to do the very thing that you could do before with eyes closed becomes a perpetual task of walking on eggshells. It becomes a chore you can do but not be great in. You cry about it.

Because losing something

you love and cherish very much and for a long time can no longer be saved.

You try your hardest

to keep the love until the rope you hold onto becomes slippery. You finally accept that it’s time to lead a

Comb with Missing Teeth

Marionette

By Mat Jefferson T. Richter When I stare at the water basin, I see the reflection of a boy, face plagued with restlessness, eyes as droopy as a hanger carrying a winter coat, lips chapped by the smoke of a pack of cigarettes, cheeks drier than the Sahara Desert’s eye.

I see my cheeks crack open when I yawn, my bones splintering when I stretch.

I lay down, peeking at my to-do lists. I saw them as a stack of filthy plates in the sink, a grocery run with perpetual, slippery aisles. I feel like a comb

different life.

The future is this already. That’s why this is the last one.

By Mat Jefferson T. Ritcher

with missing teeth—the morning feels like a replica of the things that could have been.

I wake up, trying to emancipate my limbs from the shackles of yesteryears. Perhaps when dawn decides to visit— if I hold on tighter on the thinnest string, I can gossip with the birds and, yet again, pretend that I am part of their flock.

The Shepherd and His Flock

By Justine Denise S. Cruz Wolves in sheep’s clothing live within the halls of the tall, white mansion and you are the proud shepherd of the flock.

Outside the lofty, wroughtiron gates lie the bodies of the slaughtered, the silenced— mothers, children, and friends— with minds tortured like the sinless amid medieval punishments, coerced to play

T

hide and seek but were hidden in plain sight.

Curious as ever, you looked beyond the walls and witnessed the bloodbath— unprepared with what you have uncovered.

Them— awakened spirits but with sheer cold bodies.

You— once blind but now, seeing the light.

Then and only then will you realize their coats had always been blood-stained, never were they snow white.

You left the herd without looking back, determined to make everything right.

he favorite hobby is sightseeing. By the farm. Atop the ivory towers. Rocking their feet like a kid on a swing.

Spitting on the landscape that fills their stomach.

Cracking banters about how the people under them don’t carry a jetpack to skyrocket into wealth. Gaslighting farmers on their poor work ethic and inadequate strength in plowing the field. The fairytale laziness.

They ride on the farmers as if chariots in aristocratic castles. As if machines that are programmed to function

for the lords’ satisfaction.

They play them like puppets on a string; the puppeteers don’t run out of yarn to keep on pulling. But they fear the scissors. They fear the uproars. They tremble upon the first stomp of dissent.

They worry for an educated marionette who flips the status quo. They quiver at a sight of a class revolution that demolishes ivory towers. They dread caressing steel poles and waking up to sightseeing the farm—this time, from a distance behind the bars.

Arts & Letters • Page 4

TheAdamsonChronicle • VolumeXV No.2

Photo by Aleckine Troy N. Rada

Photo by Jeremay G. Onayan

Photo by Aleckine Troy N. Rada

Photo by Jeremay G. Onayan

Photo by Charles Dominic L. Ubana

Photo by Charles Dominic L. Ubana

“Chasing Mirrors” Anjaneth Lyka E. Raymundo

“Different but not” Wencel R. De Lara

Photo by Aleckine Troy N. Rada

“Television” Janelle Ava S. Alcala

“Bada” Janelle Ava S. Alcala