One PLM, the political union of all student councils and organizations in the university said that it is another desperate attempt of the NTF-ELCAC to cripple the growing dissent of the youth. They added that the recent red-tagging would endanger the students, particularly student activists, of PLM on top of the Anti-Terrorism Law and recent termination of the University of the Philippines and Department of National Defense Accord. One PLM added that they did not only condemn the accusation, which they deemed unfounded, but also challenges the task force to stop going after the students but the National People’s Army (NPA) itself instead, and allocate its billions of budget to actually address the roots of armed conflict.
See more on page 2 PLM OGTS PLMayer’s“HappinesslaunchesDare”formaintainingmentalhealthFace-to-failQuaranniversary:It’syesterdayoncemore
A perfect balance between providing quality education among the students and ensuring their health security is what we need to prohibit failures may it be now or in the near future.
“No to Red-Tagging”- PLM student councils and organizations, Pres. Leyco slam Parlade
JOHN COBY CABUHAT
The students and the administration of the Pamatansan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) pushed back against the remarks of Lieutenant General Antonio Parlade Jr., spokesperson of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTFELCAC), tagging PLM among other 17 universities and colleges as places of recruitments of communist groups.
ContinuityandRegencyEducation
Miting de Avance, Harapan 2021, Supreme Student Council (SSC) candidates from Ang Partidong Tugon (APT), Bukluran Student Alliance (Bukluran), and Student Alliance for the Advancement of Democratic Rights (STAND) - PLM faced each other and debated on the pressing socio-political issues and concerns of the studentry. The debate highlighted the issues on student regency and continuity of education amidst the pandemic.
ON STUDENT REGENCY Bukluran standard-bearer, presidential candidate John Eldrine Roxas asked on what will be done first to establish student regency.
A parent also expressed her disappointment saying “Grabe kayo. Pinaghintay niyo ng ganun katagal ang mga bata. Inexpose niyo sila ng husto sa chance magkasakit. Nagpapunta kayo dun sa school [nang] walang plano. Paiba-iba kayo ng process. Simula umaga nakapila na ang bata tapos hangang hapon. Hindi din nakuha dahil kailangan nang umuwi. Hindi na naka-attend sa klase nila. Anong klase yan?” See
NICOLE ANNE MENDOZA
The webinar aimed to help students develop better resilience techniques through different activities that they can enjoy.
STAND PLM vice presidential candidate Katrina Mikaela Villarin responded that they must educate first the studentry about the relevance of student regency and consolidate their“Pagkataposstance. natin i-aware ang mga estadudyante na kailangan ang student regency, tsaka palang tayo hahanap ng isang congress - parte ng kongreso na siya mag-i-sponsor para mapalitan at ma-revise ang PLM Charter,” Villarin added. Presidential candidate Miguel Asiel Bautista, STANDPLM standard-bearer, also said the relevance of education on the move to establish student regency. He added that after this, step-by-step actions to strengthen the call for the post in the board of regents.
In the official statement of the
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SC ELECTIONS
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As the country commemorates the year-long pandemic, yet again, we face a seemingly familiar situation we had when this health crisis began.
READ ON PAGE 3 READ ON PAGE 4 READ ON PAGE 7 NEWS EDITORIALFEATURES Volume 41• Issue 3 Dec 2020 - Jan 2021
Harapan 2021 Studenthighlighted
KNOWIN THE
Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) studentbeneficiaries of the Social Amelioration Program (SAP) were advised to claim their November to December 2020 allowance at the campus from December 16 to 18, 2020. Although the PLM administration ensured that the announced timeline and health protocols were to be strictly enforced, most students and parents remain disappointed due to waiting beyond schedule and believed exposure to health risks. On December 13, 2020, PLM announced that student-beneficiaries could claim their allowances following a schedule in accordance with the students’ last names. On the following day, the PLM Supreme Student Council (SSC) released further information to encourage a more efficient and informed process of allowance payout.
The process starts with the submission of the health declaration form and reverification of the documents. After these simple steps, beneficiaries can claim their allowance payout. However, reports suggest that the process took longer than expected, and some also expressed their concerns regarding the possible health risks brought by the accumulation of claimants.
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SAP distribution fiasco
WAITING BEYOND SCHEDULE. PLM students and parents wait in line to claim their SAP allowance, December 16-18. Parents were dismayed on waiting beyond their schedule due to exposure to health risks. • Photo from NewsBytesPH
The Official Student Publication of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila INSIDE
BE
For the second day, January 21 of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM)
JOHN COBY CABUHAT
A student commented “Balewala lang naman po pala yung schedule na ‘to if random din naman po pala yung patawag niyo ng mga apelyido. For example, kanina, mga iba’t ibang letter na dapat hapon pa naman dapat pumila. Dumating po ako at exactly 7am and yet natapos po ako ng 3pm.”
As covered by ABS-CBN TV Patrol, there are still lines of parent and student claimants until the evening of July 16. In their interview with the University President, Emmanuel Leyco, he stated “Ang request po sa mga cashiers, kahera, kahero ng City Hall and I think they already agreed to stay on until maubos yung mga tao na nakapila ngayon.” Later the same day, PLM announced that it regrets the enormous lineups that formed both inside and outside the university on the first day of SAP payouts, and it asks for the understanding of students and parents who waited in line to claim their SAP benefits. According to the announcement, the delivery of the cash and payout staff from the city hall has been delayed thereby hampering the scheduled distribution and causing extended waiting time. The University President also added “We regret the deviation from the original plan but we expect the Manila City Hall paymasters to start the payouts at 8 a.m. on Thursday to avoid crowding at PLM,” For the remaining distribution days, PLM promised to disburse student SAP payouts on time by strengthening the on-site cash release method. Despite this, several concerns arose from the students even in the succeeding days. A student reported that aside from the line of students and parents outside the university, the queue extends around the corridors of Gusaling Bagatsing (GB), Gusaling Lacson (GL), and Gusaling Estrada (GE). Then, student-beneficiaries and parent representatives are called to proceed to the University Activity Center (UAC) according to their last names. Another student also claimed that preceding surnames were prioritized even beyond their schedule. In addition, they have also observed that the process somehow angered some parents. Some of them are believed to have expressed their complaints whileFollowingwaiting. these events, PLM announced that the beneficiaries who were unable to claim the allowance previously may proceed to PLM on December 22 to 23, 2020 to claim their October to December allowance. In contrast with the prior instances, students reported that the payout process during the extension period ran efficiently because there were fewer claimants during this time.
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DISSERVICE TO MEN AND WOMEN OF PLM - PRES. LEYCO
DISPLAY OF POWER-PLAY - PLM STUDENT COUNCILS
“Billions of budget for intelligence only to be used to (redtag) students is enough proof that the NTF-ELCAC should not wield that much power, and thus, should be abolished.” One PLM added, demanding to abolish the task force.
In a separate unity statement, the PLM Supreme Student Council and College Student Councils describe the red-tagging as a blatant display of power-play. They mentioned the necessity of the government officials knowing their responsibilities and the implications of their actions. PLM Student Councils echoed and emphasized the danger that the statement of Parlade brought to the PLMWithcommunity.thepossible implications of Parlade’s statement, the PLM Student Councils will remain “undaunted and firm” in their mandate to ensure the safety of the studentry. “One student wrongfully accused is a student too many, and a strike against the university is a strike against its constituents.” said the PLM Student Councils.
“No to Red-Tagging”- PLM student councils and organizations, Pres. Leyco slam Parlade
Bautista emphasized that the establishment of student regency is a collective action, and student convention will be conducted.
ON CONTINUITY OF EDUCATION Harapan Moderator Denzel Castillo asked for clarifications on the effect of the academic freeze.
“At we call for academic freeze para itigil, para… kundi para magkaroon ng time para ipanawagan yung improvement of infrastructures, cell communication structures, at i-consider yung mga nasa far-flung areas at mga nasa remote areas kung paaano sila mag-o-online class na may inclusivity ng bawat estudyante sa pagcheck ng modules, and distribution ng modules,” Roxas said. This is his response to the question of Villarin on the difference between academic freeze and safe and effective “balikeskwela” (return-to-school).
The PLM Student Councils will remain “undaunted and firm” in their mandate to ensure the safety of the studentry.
FIGHT AGAINST RED-TAGGING
“And then, provide data allowances for the teachers, and as well as on-time compensation in which is for them,” Bacsafra added. She also mentioned the call for the Social Amelioration Program (SAP) for every PLM student regardless of their area of residency. Roxas, Bukluran presidential candidate, said that an academic freeze does not mean the stoppage of formal education. It is about recalibration and better planning for effective education and the welfare of the student. “This [means] to recalibrate [and] plan better, more effective education for the welfare… or kapakanan ng mga estudyante” he said. The Bukluran standard-bearer also added that the call is not only for the students but also for the professors and that they push for an academic freeze to have more time to call for the improvements to better cater to students amidst pandemic.
On January 30, days after the statements were released, the PLM Student Council and other organizations posted materials to educate more the studentry about red-tagging and bust cards on relevant rights they are entitled to. The College of Law Legal Aid, in withcoordinationPLMLaw Center and College of Law Student Council, also offers legal assistance for PLM students. On February 3, PLM Student Council and other organizations also initiated an online petition against Parlade’s red-tagging. In an interview on GMA News’ Super Radyo DZBB last January 23, Parlade said that the military listed 18 universities and colleges as places where NPA, the armed-wing of Communist Party of the Philippines, recruitments conducted.
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On the other hand, PLM President Emmanuel Leyco said in a post that the administration is not aware of such recruitment or previously being advised by the authorities of such activities and mentioned that the classes in PLM are actually being held online.
Harapan 2021 highlighted Student Regency and Education Continuity
Photos from The PLM Supreme Student Council (L), One PLM (R)
justifications.theirrespondedthewhocandidates,Bukluranpushforsaidaction,withplansand Bukluran SSC secretary VincentcandidateSottosaid that they are prostudent and welfare must prioritize. He added that there should be a concrete plan for the continuation of education.“Bilangisang Bukluran, syempre naniniwala tayo na dapat prostudent and welfare of the student muna ang nauuna so dapat talaga magkaroon muna ng academic freeze kaysa naman i-delay natin ‘yung para kaysa naman [apar] may konretong plano tayo. ‘Yun po, para may kongkretong plano,” Sotto said. In addition, Bukluran Daphne Pia Bacsafra explained that if academic freeze were granted, like student council, they will recalibrate the plan for the resumption of classes or revise the student manual and onlineguidelinesomnibusforclasses.
Aside from the PLM, Parlade also named the theUniversityrecruitments:forasinstitutionseducationalfollowingahaventhesaidofPhilippines, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Far Eastern University, Ateneo de Manila University, University of Santo Tomas, De La Salle University, University of Makati, among others.
STAND - PLM SSC treasurer candidate Nicole Dela Pena said that demanding the student regency is a “long push” and must not be stopped only on their term.
On the other hand, the sole candidate and standard-bearer of APT’s Edwin Karl Basa responded to the question of Roxas if online classes are anti-poor and ineffective and should be stopped.
Most comments are geared towards the need for more effective cashless transactions. “Ganito po ang nangyayari kapag traditional pa rin ang sistema. PLM should not tolerate this.” Geian Mark V. Denorte stated. After which, he emphasized the importance of having automated systems that make real-time results.
Online classes are anti-poor and antistudent, but students’ right to accessible and quality education must not be stopped.
SAP distribution fiasco
“This allegation is a serious disservice to the men and women of the PLM and comes at a very bad time when its faculty, students, and staff are struggling with the challenges of online education. Such distraction in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic is indeed reprehensible.” said Pres. Leyco. He also added that the redtagging to the university is an insult to its distinguished faculty, staff, and students who are to become the future of the country. It can also be expected that PLM will continue to uphold the rights of its stakeholders to academic freedom.
PAMANTASANANGThe Official Student Publication of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila Volume 41, Issue 3 • December 2020 - January 2021news02
Basa answered that he believes that online classes are anti-poor and anti-student, but students’ right to accessible and quality education must not be stopped. “This system should be managed or should be assessed, kasi kahit na ganito na nandito tayo sa gitna ng pandemya, dapat mas maging innovative tayo,” Basa added. He clarified that they are not pushing for online classes but inclusive and accessible online classes. The SSC candidates faced off during the Harapan 2021, first to be done virtually due to the pandemic, via Facebook live on a private group.
Nonetheless, the student financial assistance for the MSRS program will include free tuition fees; an allowance for prescribed books, supplies, and equipment; clothing or uniform allowance; an allowance for dormitory or boarding house accommodation; transportation allowance; internship fees, including financial assistance during the mandatory internship; medical board review fees; licensure fees; annual medical insurance; and other education-related miscellaneous subsistence or living allowances.
ANGPAMANTASAN The Official Student Publication of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila Volume 41, Issue 3 • December 2020 - January 2021 news
Photo from Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila Facebook Page
Last January 8 and 13, 2021, the Office of the Guidance and Testing Services (OGTS) launched the flexibletransitioncontinuesPLMservicespartHappy”beingWorkshopDare:“HappinessAonMindfullyasoftheirasthecommunitytheintolearning and work setup. Intended for maintaining good mental health and wellbeing, the webinar aimed to help students develop better resilience techniques through different activities that they can enjoy. It also sought to help students recognize especiallythismindfulness;withadaptingstyleshappinesstheirinittheirisinline,with the current pandemic situation and the continuous harmful exposure to social media. Four batches of sessions allowed for conflicting schedules: sessions held on January 8 were during 10:00 AM and 2:30 PM, while sessions held on January 13 were during 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM. These sessions were held via Microsoft Teams Video Conferencing. With the different circumstances that came with the pandemic, the OGTS arranged for their counseling and consultation services to be available online. Webinars and activities like the Happiness Dare were also developed to promote better mental health for PLM students and employees. It was made possible via the official platform of the university on MS Teams, MS Outlook, and even via phone calls. Recent programs and activities held by the OGTS include classroom and plenary activities focusing on mental health awareness and psychoeducation, as well as training like the “Resiliency program and Caring for your Mental Health” and “Mental Health Facilitation (MHF) Training.”
In addition to the statement, prior to the health crisis, the PLM Board of regents had already planned to raise the number of enrollees at the College of Medicine to 200 first-year students; however, it was constrained by the lockdowns banning face-to-face classes.
PATRICIA GABRIELLE MARQUEZ KENJO DE PAULA JOHN COBY CABUHAT
The “Happiness Dare: A Workshop on being Mindfully Happy” is also set to be re-implemented for its second run during the upcoming second semester.
Today’s doctor wannabe is tomorrow’s MD! With the signing of Republic Act 11509 or Doktor Para sa Bayan Act, the government shall be granting scholarships for aspiring medical doctors in the country, December 23. As our health care system was roughly challenged during the COVID-19 pandemic, RA 11509’s swift ratification signals a green light on resolving the country’s declining number of medical practitioners. The bill offers Medical Scholarship and Return Service (MSRS) programs for poor but deserving Filipino students in state universities and colleges (SUCs) and private higher education institutions from regions with no SUCs offering a medicine course. As stated in the law, qualified applicants from towns or municipalities without government physicians shall be prioritized to have at least one doctor serving every municipality in the country. The mandatory return service shall be at least six years for those who took the four-year program, while seven years for those who underwent the five-year program.
Justice Jhosep Y. Lopez. Photo from SC Public Information Office
Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) College of Law Faculty member Justice Jhosep Y. Lopez was appointed as the 190th Supreme Court Associate Justice on January 23, 2021. Prior to his appointment, Justice Lopez served as Court of Appeals (CA) Associate Justice for almost nine years and was the Fifth Division Senior Member. Aside from PLM, he also teaches at UP College of Law and New Era University College of Law.Justice Lopez served the City of Manila as well in 1992 - 1998 as one of the youngest Councilor of the third district and the chief legal consultant of then Vice Mayor Lito Atienza. At that time, he was consistently voted as Outstanding Councilor by the Manila Press Club. From 2001 to 2006 he served the city again as Councilor and until 2012 as City Prosecutor before he was appointed to the CA.
PLM OGTS launches “Happiness Dare” for maintaining PLMayer’s mental health Doktor Para sa Bayan Act grants free medical scholarship
In line with this, as one of the top-performing schools in medicine, the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) President LeycoEmmanuel expressed his delight with the passage of the law as it provides another platform for the university to enhance its medicine andcoursesaccept additional deserving students who want to pursue the MD degree. “Public health is a priority area for PLM. Even prior to the global health crisis, PLM has taken steps to increase our enrollees medicinepursuing and related courses … the new unit will provide quality training and education to aspiring public
The guidelines for the scholarship grant qualifications shall depend on the Department of Health (DOH) and Commission on Higher Education’s (CHED) crafted agreement.
PLM President Emmanuel Layco also congratulate Justice Lopez for his appointment. “May he continue to uphold PLM’s values of karunungan, kaunlaran, at kadakilaan as he takes his seat at the en banc and delivers just decisions.” he added. In addition, PLM College of Law Dean George Erwin Garcia said in PLM’s post that Justice Lopez’ appointment to SC also affirms that law students in the university are being mentored by professors who display the highest excellence in the profession of law. Justice Lopez was also a chief legal counsel and consultant in the Senate and the Health Department, respectively. He is also the country’s first agriculture attaché to Beijing, China. From 1993 to 2006, he was a partner at Lopez Rasul Maliwanag Baybay Palaran Law Offices. He graduated cum laude in his undergraduate program, Political Science, and took law while being a research assistant at the University of the Philippines (UP) - Diliman. Justice Lopez passed the bar examination with an average of 84.55% in 1989. The PLM professor will fill the post vacated by Associate Justice Priscilla Baltazar - Padilla, who retired early for health reasons.
PLM aims to produce more Doctor Lopez, PLM prof named as 190th SC Assoc. Justice
ISKO PRIDE
It [Happiness Dare] also sought to help students recognize their happiness styles in adapting it with their mindfulness. As our health care system was roughly challenged during the COVID-19 pandemic, RA 11509’s swift ratification signals a green light on resolving the country’s declining number of medical practitioners
health professionals and health policy practitioners, who will be our future frontliners,” stated by Pres. Leyco via Official Facebook page of PLM.
Undo
Parlade, pointing accusations here and there, poses a great danger to the critical-minded youth and discourages criticism in its many forms. More concerning is that this ill-founded speculation came a week after the unilateral abrogation of the University of the Philippines (UP) - Department of National Defense (DND) Accord. A threat to safe spaces birthing critical and urgent interrogation regarding the issues of our time, this sends a chilling message to all institutions that serve as a hotbed for critical and independent thinking—the administration continuously erodes our hard-fought democratic spaces. Far from creating a heroic image of a leading military figure eradicating terrorism, Lt. Gen. Parlade’s call to fame is his recklessness. His actions, as once wonderfully described by Senator Kiko Pangilinan as “giving the AFP institution a bad name,” were truly problematic. But what can we expect from someone cut from the same cloth as President Duterte? It is not a surprise that his visions and aspirations align more to the President than to the people.
ART CEDRICK ROMERO
The
The skills of these future exercised.enhancedarepractitionershealthcareessentiallyand question is up to what extent?
Face-to-Fail
More than just a science, allied medical practice is also defined as an art. Besides science that focuses on theories and concepts, practical application is an equally vital aspect of rendering care. Therefore, the skills of these future healthcare practitioners are essentially enhanced and exercised. The question is up to what extent? On January 26, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte approved the limited face-to-face classes for medical schools and allied health programs. While it is true that physical learning is crucial healthprograms,skill-basedfortheofthese students must always be the top priority.Among the medical schools allowed to conduct the limited face-to-face classes are UP-PGH, UST, CEU, OLFU, DLSU-HSI, and just recently, PLM was added to the list. Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said that this measure ensures that our county would not run out of doctors and healthcare practitioners.Toensure quality care is rendered to their future patients, such institutions mentioned above could not resort to online distance education until the end of time. “We are honing skills, hindi lahat ito kayang i-deliver via virtual” Dr. Ma. Lourdes Maglinao, Dean of UST College of Medicine, even stated. Visualizing a particular concept without adequate laboratory exposure is one but challenging task. What more performing medical procedures without proper demonstrations towards the actual patients? Imagine a clinical instructor left without a choice but to ask his students to practice improvisation based on whatever is available within their resources since medical and allied health programs are ‘art’ after all. It may be applicable not until the students face the actual setting where even the smallest detail about performing the procedure matters most. The shortcoming brought by distance learning would never be an acceptable excuse. The burning desire of the future healthcare professionals to serve is undoubtedly exceptional. As a matter of fact, in a survey conducted by OLFU College of Medicine, 70% of their students voted ‘yes’ for the resumption of face-to-face classes. However, the problem arises when their fear and anxiety about acquiring the virus are being talked about. One week after the country officially started its vaccine rollout, nearly 30,000 Filipinos were vaccinated. Most of which were health workers. According to piece process chief Carlito Galvez, the government aims to vaccinate all 1.7 million health workers in the country within this month. Yet, as of writing, the country has only received a total of 1.1 million doses of COVID vaccines based on the news published by ANC. With that said, it is indeed apparent that the students would most likely not receive even a single dose of vaccine before the official implementation of these limited face-to-face classes. Although a joint memorandum was issued by CHED and DOH containing the guidelines for its conduct, including their thorough inspection and the presentation of medical insurance of each institution, it will never be enough to ensure the safety of these alsomemorandumstudents.Thestatesthat the conduct face-to-faceof classes shall not be mandatory as those who can only oblige could participate. Reality check, most of the students, if not without the best assurance. On this note, the best assurance the government could offer is to warrant the welfare of every student. Securing a vaccine for each is not just the best, but somehow the only possible solution to put the students and their loved ones at ease. The efforts invested by the government must then be doubled or tripled to comply with this demand. The irony of life is undeniably evident with the health workers. The state of health of these supposed health advocates is compromised most of the time, yet they still eagerly report to their duties, mainly because they are tagged as ‘modernday heroes.’ We certainly need more like them, and we would not be able to produce one when education stops, more so, when we have no one to educate. The resumption of the limited face-to-face classes is a giant leap in the education system the government has been trying to establish in response to the ‘new normal.’ A perfect balance between
04 editorial
A Lousy Attempt to Heroism: Lt. Gen. Parlade is a danger to criticalminded youth The Duterte administration loves an uninformed mass, the type of blind veneration that they can easily sway to his liking. This is why dissenters and activists have no place in his my-best-buddies list. The more blinded the fanatics are, the more he can easily manipulate them with his troll farms of misinformation in his deliberate ploy to bolster his popularity, enough to buy another run for candidacy. Lt. Gen. Parlade, like a chess piece in orchestrating this ploy, is a mastermind in redtagging—a tactic that is very well used in the President’s political playbook. The absurdity of red-tagging finally dawned on the public, not because of its ubiquitous nature in the media, not even the unwarranted arrests of activists but funnily enough, because of Parlade’s accusations against the renowned actress Liza Soberano, the nation’s darling. After being the subject of public scorn and criticism for falsely accusing three female celebrities, the executive director of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) now points their accusing finger to our academic institutions, including the country’s top four universities. Lt. Gen. Parlade’s witch-hunt, it seems, cannot be impeded even in the face of public humiliation and scrutiny.Ina unified statement, the top four universities denounced the accusations made by Parlade and pinned down the importance of student expression and flourishing critical thinking within the youth. President Emmanuel Leyco, in a post on his official Facebook page, condemned the accusations as well, stating how: “This latest attempt to red-tag the university is an insult to PLM's distinguished faculty, hardworking staff, and dedicated students who are being prepared to join the country's future leaders in business, government, and civilThesociety.”creation of the controversial Anti-Terrorism Law had already been a flashing red-warning beacon for the rest of us, and it still does. The AntiTerrorism Council has already designated the Communist Party of the PhilippinesNew Peoples' Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPANDF) as a terror group. Thus, in the words of Kabataan Representative Sarah Elago, linking these educational institutions as recruitment centers of the CPP-NPA-NDF thoughtlessly endangers the students’ and all stakeholders’ lives and security with the threat of warrantless arrests and violations of human rights.
In this time, UP is still thrown with its negative connotation as rebels. Many would still argue that UP shouldn’t fear if there’s nothing to hide. But this isn’t about having nothing to hide, but the threat to life that none could understand unless they’ve been inconvenienced, stressing that they could be arrested and interrogated innocently at any moment. On Jan. 23, NTF-ELCAC spokesperson Lt. Gen. Antonio Palarde announced 18 other campuses considered as CPPNPA recruitment grounds—and PLM was among them. There is no assurance of safety for long years for student activism. Even in this time when we are under an economic and medical crisis, the DND is taking advantage of this pandemic to continue its agenda to tag those entities they consider as enemies at their own volition. Yet, despite the sequence of events creating a chilling effect towards activists against this Administration, it is still our collective right as students to stand firm on the freedom that many other student activists once fought for, and hold this government’s claimsWhileaccountable.closelylooking at the pattern: from the termination of the franchise of the network giant ABS-CBN; to the conviction of the Legislative Body with the Anti-Terror Bill; and now, the termination of the UP-DND Accord, events aligned with the history of purging critical oppositions against an authoritarian government. Who would say that history is obsolete—when it is coincidentally repeating? would say repeating?coincidentallywhenobsolete—historythatisitis
Tipping Points Practice then Preach History is Not Obsolete: In the case of UP-DND Accord of 1989 JILLIAN CRISTOBAL
MARY
PHOEBE STACEY ALMARIO
The Department of National Defense (DND) welcomed the University of the Philippines (UP) this new year with a big surprise: the termination of the 1989 UP-DND Accord. With various praises and criticisms about the actions of the DND, it was unbelievable but not surprising, given the political climate between the University and the Duterte Administration. Student activists, analysts, and netizens bombarded the social media platforms as UP was yet again the target of such claim, being the "breeding ground of CPPNPA" on January 19. This was after Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana announced the unilateral termination of the UP-DND Accord to the public on the night of January 18. According to the letter submitted to UP President Danilo L. Concepcion, three days before its pronouncement, the Accord hindered the Department from providing adequate security, safety, and welfare for the UP students and other stakeholders. Moreover, the letter stated that recent events identified the members of the terrorist group must have come from the said university. "Some of them were killed during the military/police operations, while others were captured and surrendered to the authorities," stated the letter. Because of this, the Department presumed the Accord as a shield to abuse UP as a hideout for terrorism. But claims, as they should, must come with detailed evidence that would burden the verdict. Sec. Lorenzana terminated the agreement one-sidedly with his "own volition,” subjectively stating his concerns without consulting the UP President. Though the latter was notified earlier, the event happened without waiting to discuss the consequences it would bring to the community and other campuses. Moreover, the UP President agreed that this action would only lead to more confusion and mistrust between the university and the military since there is no assurance of what operations would take place after its termination. Later on Jan. 25, the DND and UP agreed to discuss the matter further. Assuming that UP is a breeding ground for terrorists had already been marked within our society. For the past years of this Administration, Pres. Duterte has repeatedly red-tagged UP alongside other campuses as grounds for terrorist recruitments, leading its followers to indeed think the same thing. It is not then the University’s fault to benefit from the doubt that the DND might take a crucial step to militarization. Beyond the assurance that the Department tries to instill that no officers will impinge their rights, history can tell those reckless arrests took place amidst this COVID-19 Pandemic. With many peaceful protests threatened by civilian officers, invading the UP Campus and other learning institutions, arresting rallyists without a warrant, and in time when the Accord is still in power—how much more could UP be vulnerable with these kinds of unnecessary intrusion to their basic human rights? And how much more could campusesother that practices these rights be essentialprotectsagreementgivenvulnerable,thatnothem?Itisalsoto look back and reflect on why the Accord safeguardisplace;inestablishedwasthefirstitsheartnotjusttothe academic freedom and forms of expression that UP upholds but also to defend its students and constituents from warrantless arrests. It is an agreement born from the struggles of hundreds of students during the Martial Law era under the PresidentDictator, Ferdinand Marcos. And to say that the agreement is “obsolete” is more of ignoring the fact that the past had happened at all. Now, abolishing the Accord would help the DND to process its operations effectively inside the campus. Without the need for prior notice, the military police could operate in cases of threats such as hostage-takings, bombings, and terrorist activities. But it is a wonder that intelligence funds were increased during thisoldabolishproblemnationalthemYet,administration.thewayfortoresolveasecurityistoa30-year-Agreement that had already brought peace and respect between the University and the military. This only showed that our government could not defend the public enough with its budget without impinging a common agreement that ironically brought security.
Regardless of conquering another year, the country’s current tragedy continues to drag along. Undeniably, not only the nation but also the whole world aims for emancipation from the pandemic. However, piles of worsening matters, other than the biological terrorist, continue to emanate in the Philippines. As forecasted and recently reported, the nation welcomed an incredibly increasing debt, inflation, and unemployment rates this year. True enough, the local system continues to expose its flawed ways and is yet to improve anytime soon. Before even being able to breathe from local dilemmas, citizens are yet to suffocate again from the expected and usual mishaps from one administration to another. It has been reported that a short-term loan amounting to P540 billion from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) zooms the outstanding government debt to a shocking P10.33 trillion in January 2021. Furthermore, the inflation, which increased faster and above the midrange of the government’s target, also greeted the new year. The end is yet to be reached because recently reported by the administration, 4 million Filipinos were jobless in January, resulting in a 16-year high unemployment rate. The Philippines is heavily bruised economically; thus, burdening the lives of people, especially the marginalized.Thepandemic contributed to the country’s continued rise in debt – still unable to completely address the uncertain extent of inflation and unemployment rates. Simply put, outstanding foreign debt is said to have declined by 3.2 percent monthon-month to P3 trillion in January, while the domestic debt increased by 9.4 percent month-on-month and hugely rose to 43 percent yearon-year to P7.33 trillion in the same month. Therefore, the bigger slice of debt, approximately 71 percent, is accounted for locally since the domestic market as a loan source is considered less risky. In 2021, the national government looks forward to borrowing a gross amount of P3.03 trillion from the domestic and foreign debt market; hence, an unbelievable outstanding debt of over P11 trillion is expected by yearend. Despite said continued efforts to maintain financing, at the same time, combat the bioterrorist, the concrete and visible achievements of wherever such amounts are directed remain behind the scenes.
The foreseen amount of a greater outstanding debt may be allocated properly to address the underlying and related predicaments, such as the never-ending saga of both unemployment and underemployment rates. Although the economy began to gradually reopen, together with the administration’s economic managers raising the need to ease the restrictions further to allow more people to report back to work, joblessness still prevails. As per the preliminary results from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), its labor force survey (LFS) conducted in January revealed how the unemployment rate aggravated to 8.7 percent from 5.3 percent last year. Furthermore, the national statistician Dennis Mapa emphasized that such an accumulated rate was the highest since the government implemented its current employment metrics in 2005. Considering the increase to 16 percent from 14.4 percent of underemployment showcases how the Philippines continues to head south. Despite the data gathered, the local economic team headed by Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III still believes that the survey results “are promising” and even presents that the country is back on track to regaining lost jobs due to the pandemic. Moreover, supported by presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, he stated that amidst the aforementioned high unemployment rate, the national government plans to reopen the economy further and ease transportation restrictions. However, a percent of the increase in unemployment is already and obviously one too many. With more jobless Filipinos, the further increase in inflation does not help anyone, nor does it reflect anything promising. For this year, Citi’s Nalin Chutchotitham forecasted inflation to 3.3 percent – requiring some caution – while Makoto Tsuchiya of Oxford Economics foreseen 2.8 percent. The country’s chief economist stated that the government would alleviate the price burden, which continuously makes it harder for Filipinos to purchase essentials, such as food and the likes. On the contrary, the financially challenged, among the bottom 30-percent income households, already suffered and continues to do so after spending larger amounts due to a 2.9 percent growth in consumer prices last year. The national government sustains its blinded, sugar-coated, and toxic positivity amid the contrasting data and percentages. Indeed, the country continues to excel and increase in debt, inflation, unemployment, and even in the reported COVID-19 cases; generally, in everything but legitimate progress. As much as everyone would like to believe that the country is beginning to rise again, the suffering and gnawing stomach of the Filipino people beg to disagree.
ANGPAMANTASAN The Official Student Publication of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila Volume 41, Issue 3 • December 2020 - January 2021 editorial 05 Who
The predictable fate of the Philippines
By the Numbers 8.7% 5.3% unemployment rate vs last year P10.33T outstanding government debt January 2021 3.3% foreseen inflation rate this year by Citi’s Nalin Chutchotitham As much as everyone would like to believe that the country is beginning to rise again, the suffering and gnawing stomach of the Filipino people beg to disagree.
Photo courtesy:
PhotoWarcourtesy:Espejo
Every year as the calendar flips to December, the aroma of freshly-cooked bibingka and puto bungbong fills up the air in our country. Families bring out their dusty Christmas trees and lanterns to start decorating their homes. Flights are booked, out-of-town trips are planned, and parties are organized. Children are going house to house to sing Christmas carols, parents buy new clothes for their kids, and people shop for gifts for their loved ones. These Christmas traditions are always present each year, but not in 2020. With a total of 467,601 COVID-19 cases on December 25, 2020, in which 27,748 are active, some places in the Philippines are still under strict quarantine. Those with ages below 15 are not allowed to go out, travel restrictions are implemented, and social mass gathering is still prohibited. But Filipinos, being family-oriented and exceptionally fond of the Christmas season, will always find a way to celebrate it— even amidst the pandemic. 2020 is the year in which almost everything is done online—and Christmas will not be an exception. Online shopping apps became the go-to place for buying gifts since traditional shopping may risk one’s health. Instead of children going to their godparents’ houses to get their gifts, now it’s being delivered
For most of us, we didn’t anticipate that the world would come to this. A year ago, we were freely walking around and doing as we please. There were no face masks or face shields, no stickers on the floor indicating the social distance, no required contact tracing forms, and no alcohol at the entryway of establishments. But these are all just the minor changes that we are facing. Underneath the masks and face shields, there are far worse problems that have cropped up since the beginning of the Lastpandemic.March 9, 2020, the Philippines only had 24 coronavirus cases. Classes were suspended for all levels, and we were left wondering what happens next. The optimistic part of us thought that this would only last a few weeks or months at worst. That expectation was quickly let down by the way that the government responded to the health crisis. The protests that were held in the streets made their way into social media platforms. There was a demand for better response, accountability, and concrete solutions. How much have we progressed since then? From 24 coronavirus cases, as of March 10, 2021, we have a total of 603,308 cases. Vaccines have slowly been arriving this March 2021, and the vaccinations have already begun in selected areas. Easing of quarantine restrictions has also been implemented. With museums and cinemas opening up and establishments being allowed to operate at 50% capacity, these decisions implemented cause worry to citizens. Recently, COVID-19 cases have surged. March 7, 2021, Metro Manila saw an average of 1,025 new cases per week, a 47% increase from the past week and a 130% increase compared to two weeks ago. According to experts, the surge is happening much more quickly than it did in July to August 2020. That is just the main problem in this pandemic. But it also brought on other issues. Human rights in the Philippines were already in poor condition before the pandemic happened. Yet, it further deteriorated in 2020. During the COVID-19 lockdown, there has been an increase of over 50% of killings compared to the previous four months.
and the Appeal of Retail Investment DENZEL CASTILLO
WSB
Gulf News (left), and The Guardian (right)
ALAIZA ELAINE MANANSALA March 2020 vs. March 2021
features
Recently, the internet was lit ablaze with articles and videos regarding retail investment, seeded by a popular (if not notorious) message board in Reddit called r/wallstreetbets. The subreddit is an exciting place to be in, with its own special insider language and brand of degenerate humor. Members of the subreddit often refer to each other as “apes,” stocks are called “stonks” and gains are called “tendies”; short for chicken tenders. “I like the stock” is a phrase thrown around by the members to express their belief in the fundamentals of the company, “to the moon” is an expression about a stock’s value shooting up, “diamond hands” refer to holding on to a stock for an extended period of time, and YOLO’ing, or throwing a significant amount of money, which are usually their life savings, into stocks in hopes of ludicrous returns. The community also flings around derogatory (if not selfdeprecating) humor, which runs relatively abundant in a message board focused on an audience that many of us would stereotype with men in suits or people on the floor of a trading However,center.these investors are not the run-off-the-mill ones that we’d normally think of (if that wasn’t established enough). WSB is not an organization, nor is it a collective of large investors representing a company. It is a community of retail investors with day jobs looking for the next big thing to invest their money on. Some place money at reasonable amounts, while others treat the market as an accessible, fancier casino where they can throw all their money at. Corporate investors find retail investors to be rabid and unpredictable. Some find them nothing more than a nuisance, barely a threat to the market that large hedge funds and venture capitalists dominate. Their belief in a market that is dominated by established actors was unshakeable. To them, retail investors were not a threat; and why should they be anyway? Their companies were too big to fail. Until they did, when Reddit investors found out about a stock that has been endlessly shorted by large hedge funds due to the bad performance of its company. When a stock is shorted, a stock is essentially borrowed, sold at its current price, and returned to the broker by buying it out later at a lower price. When WSB found out about how often and how much GME was being shorted for, the signal lit up and started. The outpour of purchases that spiked its price led to many corporations closing their positions on a loss, further elevating the cost of the stock in a cascade of movements in what’s called a ‘short squeeze,’ with billions of dollars siphoned out of the investment firms, with many earning more than double or triple their initial investment. On the flip side of the coin, however, some bought during the spike and failed to sell for a profit, suffering tremendous losses. The prospect of making easy money from the stock market is an attractive concept to the majority of this article’s readers. The appeal of making money from your own home without working is even more attractive during this pandemic, as trading can be done electronically through online stock brokers. Not to mention the fact that saying “I earned my money trading stocks” has a particularly special ring to it. These reasons are a few of many on why so many young adults are dipping their toes in the water of retail investment. However, the risk involved in investing in stocks is high, and there is no promise of positive and instantaneous returns.
straight to their doorsteps. And if you think Christmas carols are gone—it’s still here as it took place online through social media apps like Facebook and Instagram. Some posted lyrics of popular songs like Christmas in Our Hearts by Jose Mari Chan and All I Want for Christmas is You by Mariah Carey, while others took a video of themselves singing.
PAMANTASAN ANGThe Official Student Publication of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila Volume 41, Issue 3 • December 2020 - January 2021
Monetary gifts in exchange for the carols can be sent through a Gcash or bank account provided in their posts.It’s not just classes and work that takes place through videoconference platforms; it also became the venue for Christmas parties, family reunions, and Noche Buena. Since buffet is not possible and KKB or “kaniya-kaniyang baon” is also not applicable, “kaniya-kaniyang handa'' became the trend—in which people will eat and drink whatever it is they have at home through video calls. Games like calamansi relay, trip to Jerusalem, and group yourselves may be absent, but online bring me, TikTok battle, and online bingo are some of the games present this year. However, most of these parties omitted the exchange gift segment as delivery of gifts ordered online has varying dates. Most Filipino families go to the malls and parks on the 25th day of December, visit their relatives, or travel locally or abroad, but we stayed at home this year. Some watched travel vlogs to live vicariously through others. Some ate their leftover Noche Buena food while watching movies on their televisions. Some video called their family and friends, while others slept throughout the day. Apart but still together in spirit—this is how the Filipinos celebrated Christmas amidst the pandemic. Some Filipino Christmas traditions and culture may be eliminated or altered this year, but they can always be reinstated once everything is back to normal. For now, what matters more is the health and safety of every one.
The Anti-Terror law has also been implemented, which can be utilized to silence the government’s critics. Threats, harassment, and killings of activists are also becoming more rampant.That is just the tip of the iceberg. More problems are going on in the country, with some of them not being given the spotlight. The Philippines has a long way to go before it can fully recover. We have taken hard blows throughout 2020, ones that won’t be fixed for years and years to come. So, we continue to keep our masks on.
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The allure of day trading should be considered as a farce; what we would commonly see online about braggart traders should be taken with a hint of suspicion since only around 1% of all day traders are actually making money. Pumping money into stocks without learning about the market is essentially just burningPlacingresources.aninvestment is an excellent opportunity, but there is so much more depth to it than what we generally see and glorify online. Lucrative and exciting as it may seem, there is more to it than a line in a chart moving up and down. Reading at your own personal time is an effective way to gather knowledge before diving in, testing the waters with your feet before dunking in full. Part of learning investments is in joining a community. In an endeavor as big as risking your hard-earned cash, taking in knowledge from your peers is a good way to shield yourself from losing hard. Filipinos in Reddit also have their own version of a trading and finance community in r/phinvest. Compared to the western-oriented audience of WSB, PHInvest is a much more sane message board that allows its members to ask questions without readily being called a slur. Members of the subreddit are generally welcoming and informative, and the place itself is full of helpful information to put anybody towards the correct trajectory. Stock markets are volatile, and while we may comfortably predict its direction, we can never really set into stone the safety of any investment, which is why the saying ‘Invest only what you’re willing to lose’ holds merit. However, whether you do decide to test out the market, be reminded that the best and safest investment to make is towards bettering your skills and yourself.
Christmas at the time of the pandemic
DAPHNE SAGUN
According to World Report 2021, “Threats and attacks, including killings, against left-wing political activists, environmental activists, community leaders, Indigenous peoples’ leaders, journalists, lawyers, and others rose in the past year.”Back in March 2021, the government responded to the pandemic by having the military enforce quarantine restrictions. Thousands of people were arrested and held in crowded jails and holding centers, which increases the risk of spreading the virus.
later,variantDecemberUnitedLocsinAsasJanuaryvaccinesmillionvaccines.transactiongovernment-to-governmentontheprocurementofThefollowingmonth,10dosesofPfizerandBiotechweresupposedtoarriveby2021.Itwascompromisedsomeone‘droppedtheball.’perDFASecretaryTeodoroJr.,flightstoandfromtheKingdomwerebannedlast25asanewcoronaviruswasdiscovered.Fivedaysthetravelbanwasextended
First half: It’s a joke The quarantine series began as the first-ever local transmission of the virus was confirmed a year ago, on March 7. The “Bayanihan To Heal As One Act” was enacted on March 25, aiding Filipinos with financial assistance, or so they thought. In the same month, to the misfortune of the Filipinos, retired police generals were chosen to take charge of positions relating to the containment of the virus. In the following month, as an attempt to revive our crippled economic state, NCR, Laguna, and Cebu city were placed under Modified Enhance Community Quarantine (MECQ), allowing some establishments to perform their services. In a Social Weather System (SWS) survey, at least 3.9 million families experienced involuntary hunger and joblessness. Still, amidst that, the government’s priority lies elsewhere–on shutting down a media network, to the woe of not just the employees but millions of people relying on accurate information during these times.In the early half of the yearlong pandemic, our country made its effort to reassure the people by joining the COVAX facility or COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access Facility designed to guarantee rapid, fair, and equitable access to coronavirus vaccines worldwide. In a statement on July 31, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte said, “I promise you, by the grace of God, I hope by December, we would be back to normal,” which, just like most of his promises, were sweet nothings.
Hello, Hallyu: Wave Rendering Emotional Support and Escapism Amid COVID-19 Onslaught courtesy: BeKorean Website (left), and Samosa Website (right)
PAMANTASAN ANG The Official Student Publication of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila Volume 41, Issue 3 • December 2020 - January 2021 features 07
It’s yesterday once more KEN JOSHUA DE PAULA
Social
Hallyu Wave has opened doors of hope, comfort, and escapism, serving a meaningful purpose for Filipinos amidst the COVID-19 onslaught, even more so, in a pandemic-led lockdown that forced people to stay within the confines of their homes. Hallyu Wave is a denomination of an industry trend that, when translated, equates to “Korean Wave.” It is a collective term for the emergence of a global phenomenon parading South Korea’s cultures in the form of films, dramas, shows, cosmetics, cuisine, and of course, music, which takes a significant fraction in the entirety of such culturalFairly,prominence.theKorean diaspora was not something that is totally unheard of. It has since been present and popular among locals even prior to the traction it is forthwith gaining at present. According to a comprehensive study, Beyond the Fad: Understanding Hallyu in the Philippines, the arrival of Korean dramas in the early 2000s marked the advent of Hallyu in the Philippines. When South Korea has finally recognized the latent need to produce and cultivate its culturalbased arts and humanities during an economic collapse, K-dramas such as Autumn in my Heart (2000) have been crafted. Filipinos have warmly embraced K-dramas, locally coined as “Koreanovelas,” upon its Philippine premier. The unforeseen twisted plots, timeless OSTs, and heartfelt acting of the casts have won over the hearts of the Filipinos as people bawled their eyes out, wishing a different fate for Johnny and Jenny, who are stuck in a forbidden love as mistaken siblings. Pioneering global impact to the Southeast Asian market, it has been followed by consecutive favorite classics people would nostalgically look back on to today like Endless Love: Winter Sonata (2002), Stairway to Heaven in 2003 (the carousel ride has never been the same since!), Full House (2004), My Girl (2005), Princess Hours (2006), Coffee Prince (2007), and many more. K-dramas have been an entertaining gateway of showcasing the totality of distinct Korean culture through an episodic series. It encompasses captivating themes, creative plotline, beautiful cinematography, along with cut-out OSTs. Every K-drama recommendation list will never be complete without Reply 1988 (2015), which profoundly touched the recurring themes of friendship, life, love, family, and career through a very relatable storyline approach. Nowadays, the utopian perspectives and plots used to enfold K-dramas are slowly being converted into realistic views of the pretty and ugly aspects of life, which piqued many. The slice of life genre has so much to offer, allowing casual viewers and avid fans to see different human perspectives and realistic representations of life, establishing an underlying connection between actual realities and the alternate possibilities that the dramas create. Among the must-watch dramas under this genre are Because This is My First Life (2017), Age of Youth (2016), and Misaeng: Incomplete Life (2014). K-dramas exploring mental health themes are also increasing in number, sparking discourses on the once-taboo topic in the K-drama community. It’s Okay, That’s Love (2014) and It’s Okay to Not be Okay (2020) are to name a few. Moreover, popular K-dramas that have been the sweet escape of many during the lockdown are Crash Landing on You (2019), Hospital Playlist (2020), and Itaewon Class (2020). Some points that make K-dramas special are the scenes that go over and beyond what the frame is supposed to tell, the plot twists that do not come spontaneously but flashed in subtle foreshadowing, the perfectfit original soundtracks that create the right atmosphere when inserted in the necessary scenes, and the relatable and familiar stories it depicts along with the striking lines that seem to understand and empathize with people, and further, even narrates the stories of our own.The great impression on K-dramas in the local market is one thing, but another global driver of success has come to light through Korean pop music or simply K-pop. Historically, the three-member group, Seo Taiji and the Boys is credited to have paved the way for the change in South Korea’s musical and performance landscape. While second-generation K-pop groups such as TVXQ, Wonder Girls, Super Junior, Girls’ Generation, 2NE1, and Bigbang, from the powerhouse entertainment companies, SM, JYP, and YG, heavily contributed to the gradual ascendancy of K-pop on the Philippine entertainment scene. These groups, alongside SS501, ZE:A, U-Kiss, 2PM, F.T. Island, KARA, Psy, 4minute, and many others, have dominated mainstream media platforms like MYX Daily Top 10, which had been part of almost every child’s memory of routinary mornings, those of whom are now juggling their adult lives as of writing. At length, especially for long-time fans, K-pop surpassed the layers of pure musicality. The music, alongside its complementary cultural compartments, has played an integral part in the most personal narratives of their lives, partaking largely in the memories of their youth and being a genuine source of emotional support, influence, and joy during the pinnacle of their fanboying and fangirling eras. Today, in its universal sense, K-pop has become a pillar to many—a hug in the form of music, of people even from across the oceans, and of those people’s words and actions that speak through souls. Amidst the looming uncertainty and the delimitation, if not the absence of physical comfort, listeners delved into K-pop songs that seemed to resonate with how they are feeling perfectly. Among the good deal of comfort music that transcended the barriers of language and enveloped people into a very much needed embrace are Lee Hi’s Breathe, Epik High’s Home is Far Away, DAY6’s Zombie, Bolbbalgan4’s To My Youth, Red Velvet Wendy’s When This Rain Stops, IU’s A Flower Bookmark EP, EXO D.O.’s That’s Okay, Seventeen’s Hug, BTS’ Magic Shop, NCT U’s Coming Home, and Treasure’s Slow Motion. It is truly astonishing how something so intricate, diverse, and complicated as emotions can be conveyed in an artist’s music, sometimes even in a language, we cannot understand. Aside from music, many fans have adamantly been vocal about how their favorite artists have become a safe space for them amidst the existing adversities. As the culture slowly shifts into a genuine showcase of idols being their authentic selves and breaking the ideal personas they were impelled to portray, fans seemed to have overcome another inch of long standing barrier between their favorite artists. Witnessing the vulnerable sides and humanly imperfections of their idols have given them some sort of validation that nobody is perfect and feeling certain emotions is what makes one alive, which is proportionately antithetical to the mainstream perception of obsessive pedestal idolatry and blind fanaticism on K-pop fans. Contrary to the stigmatized belief of fans having romantic feelings involved with their biases, having an emotional support K-pop idol is merely about feeling a healthy personal attachment, gaining a sense of reassurance and encouragement, and having unfeigned appreciation for these musicians as both an artist and a human.The cumulative success of the Korean Wave sweeping over the cultural scene has undoubtedly become a perfect solace for fans from the mounting mental health upshot brought upon by this tragic milestone in the face of an unprecedented health crisis. For some, this cultural phenomenon has become a beacon of light in their lives—perpetually keeping them sane, making every single day bearable, inspiring them to better themselves, and even to the extent of saving them from succumbing to life.
ANNE NICOLE CARIG Photo
As the country commemorates the year-long pandemic, yet again, we face a seemingly familiar situation we had when this health crisis began. With the spike of COVID-19 cases increasing daily, ballooning to 9,838 just recently, stricter quarantine measures (a GCQ-ECQ hybrid in the Metro firstyetseemscountry.otherareBulacan-Cavite-LagunaManila-Rizal-bubble)againimplemented,alongwithpandemic-struckcitiesintheBillionsofdebtslater,itlikesomuchhashappened,tonoresolve,aswenearouryearinquarantine.
to 19 other countries. At the beginning of 2021, Local Government Units (LGUs) and private medical firms signed deals with British-Swedish pharmaceutical firm AstraZeneca to procure vaccines. In February, the Inter-agency Task Force (IATF) against COVID-19 adopted a vaccination priority framework intended to weigh urgency on who must be vaccinated first. At the same time, the toll of health care workers infected by the virus already reached 1,000. Vaccines like Sinovac and AstraZeneca arrived in the country this March, signaling a ‘green light’ for the vaccination process to be instigated. On March 27, the DOH reported 9,595 additional cases, with total cases of 712,442. This is the second time the country has reported a single-day tally of over 9,000 cases. According to the data, the number of new cases this March 2021 alone already surpassed the highest monthly infections tally set in AugustRecently,2020. Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque claimed that the government’s response to the health crisis was “excellent” compared to developed nations with more modern medical facilities. President Duterte, on the other hand, said in his weekly address that COVID-19 is only a “small matter.” With 12,000 deaths, delayed vaccines, 3.8 million Filipinos unemployed as of October 2020, and now that NCR+ is once again placed under enhanced community quarantine—they may want to rethink the use of the words “excellent” and “small matter.” People in power should focus more on the vaccination and implementation of mitigation programs. Political disputes and misunderstandings should be set aside. Now more than ever, it is the people’s health and welfare that must be prioritized, or this weeklong ECQ might extend into yet another year of quarantine.
Second half: Surprise, it’s still a joke In October 2020, Philippines was included in the Top 20 countries worldwide with the most number of COVID-19 cases. In the same month, DOH made its first move to seek a
Quaranniversary:
Korean
Last year’s pandemic response resulted in a lockdown—negligence in the first weeks of local transmission, frivolous manner of addressing the public, deliberately playing politics, and implementing null programs brought us back to the start. Haven’t they learned from thisApandemic?yearhadalready passed since this crisis boomed, and instead of improvement, all we had was a downstream turn of events, placing us in a far-from-over situation in this pandemic. Lives were already taken, hundreds of thousands are still at risk, and millions are projected to fall prey to this curable disease. The government should quit being sly and idle in handling our second year in the pandemic, instead be steadfast and serious in putting an end to this health crisis. Are we going to face a brighter day after this ECQ or succumb to the misfortunes of yesterday once more? The answer to this question is still unsure.
Oo na,Paborito ka na ni Mama
Punong-puno na naman ng kabadtripan aneswa, paano ba naman kasi parang paulit-ulit na lang ang mga ganap! Pero siyempre, gamitin natin ang makapagpabagong power ng meme para slightly ay sumaya naman tayo. Katulad ng laugh react, tumawa ka lang nang tumawa hanggang sa magetla mo na ang ganaps sa phlegm. Ang mga nasa ibaba ay usapin na hindi para sa bulag kung ‘di para lang sa mga may kakayahang uminom ng mainit na tsaa. Saan ka ba mas relate? Sa matapang na manginginom ng tsaa? Taga-tapon nito? ‘Yung bulag? O ‘yung nagpapabulag? OooOOoOhHH, interested ako sa sagot mo ka-Pamintasan!
Spaghetti 08
ILLUSTRATION BY ASHLEY MAY HERNANDEZ
SuperGravi-tiHhH!jirap naman pala ang mag-aral tulad ni Rizal! Whysung ko ba naman kasi naisip mag fly dito sa pugad ng mga hAriBoNerz? Turn-in dito, tapusin ang requirement doon. Hays, mas hard core pa sa earth at mas mabigat pa sa gravity ang kayod tiH! Dagdag pa sa bigat ang #FACT na wit masusukbit ang Latin honors sa aking name kahit umabot ako sa gRadwEyShoWn. Bye-bye na agad sa rampa sa piAySiSi nang may laude sa dulo kasi ngayon, “law daw eh” na lang ang nasa mindset ng badet n’yo Ayern pa nga din, wit na nga magiging lawdee kahit makajoin sa mga bonggang LiZtErsZ, matagalpamapapatambaymukhangakisnangmassaloobng phLegM. Whysung naman kasi ganern siz? Nalampasan ko na nga, pagdadaanan ko pa ulit? Anes ba ang difference ng doon at ditey na wit talaga bet tanggapin ng mga masterZ ang natapos ko na? U-turn ka, gHorL? Knows naman ng ate n’yo na isang #Karangalan ang makapag-aral sa isang unibersitey na tulad nitey, na maging isang isKoLar ng mAyniLuhH. Pero ang jirap, tiH. Kahit makalayo ka na, babalik ka lang din mula sa kung saan ka inihagis. SaTrue pala ang saying na majirap makapasok, pero mas majirap makalabas.
PAMANTASAN ANGThe Official Student Publication of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila Volume 41, Issue 3 • December 2020 - January 2021
Isyung Isko
Boomerang
Izkalaaats! May chika aneswa! Berry sure akes na wis mo pababayaang hindi updated sa inispluk na itey! Sinech itey na miyembro ng hukuman sa phLeGm na may agenda diumano na baguhin ang kwalipikasyown para sa phLeGm presi? O to the M to the G talaga mga mamshie! Kahit ako ay shocked at irita sa nalaman ko. Nagetla ko ang news na itey somewhere in the internet na inispluk talaga ng isang #insider. Sinech itey kayang insider na may #care sa phLeGm? (Iharap mo sa akin, bigyan ng maraming jacket ‘yan!)
Well, sa nasagap ng aming radar, want daw nitech na miyembro ng hukuman na #baguhin ang istandarz ng isang magiging presi ng pinakamamahal nating phLeGm. Ang say daw nitong member ng hukuman na itu ay kesyo dapat daw ay oks na kahit hindi holder ng #DoctorateDegree basta may #MasteralDegree. Like *insert maraming ?* E, malinaw naman na nasa listahan ni mareng CHED kwapikasyowngang ito sa lahat ng pamintasankalidyes.at Sad at angry react na lang tuloy ang naisagot ng mga nakarinig at naka-alam ng tea na ito sa meeting na yern. Ano yern? Bakit naman may pagbaba? Spaghetti ka? Pababa nang pababa?Samantalang ‘yong mismong pagpasok pa lang sa phLeGm, nakakakalbo na ng bangs! At ang #pressure sa istudentz, gano’n pa rin, PATAAS NANG PATAAS. Kesyo, nasa phLeGm kaya super dapat na galingan? Tapos may paganito pa lang eme sa taas? Disclaimer: No ha, hindi ko naman sinasabi na babaan din ang expectation sa istudentz tapos #oks na yung agenda nitech na kitang kita naman sa lens na para lang sa #personal interest. Berry no! At, payo ko lang ha, paki-recite nga mamshie ‘yong tatlong bibe ng phLeGm, starts with M, V, at C, baka sakaling mauntog you! Para sa closing, ang masasabi ko lang, kapag hindi #qualified, atras! Pero, teka, hindi pa nga ba talaga tayo nauungusan? Just asking.
So heto pa nga mga mamshie, soaper trainding itech na MamSer ng ating Pamintasan sa bird app noong nakaraang buwan. Sagap na sagap ang mga tsaa at chwismax ng buwan pagkapindot mo nitong nagbabagang key word sa tweetur. Insert key word, press enter. Wapak! Labas mga g na g na mga izkalatz! Well, masisisi mo ba itech na mga bagetz na itey? Panawagan nila ay: WE DESERVE BETTER!!!! Ganern! Well, story time lang naman ang ganap ko rito base sa aking mga nakalap na mga mainitinit at nagbabagang mga tsaa na mukhang kakaahon lang sa kalan. Nag-share ng isturi itong mare mula sa pHieLehM tungkol ditey sa MamSer na jiritz siya. Nilapagan niya pa ang mga izkalats from all over the inTurnet ng isang bidyong fresh na fresh from d oven para i-justify ang kaniyang pagka-jiritz. Huli pero ‘di kulong, mga mamshie!! Hot topic at trainding itong isyu na itey dahil lumabas ang mga nagsisigawan at naghuhumiyaw na mga c0ncerned at g na g na mga izkAlatz of d internet. Hearsung ko rin kasi na may ganap at d1sturbing m0ments din sila from this ispesipik MamSer. Sabi nila, why raw kasi kapag ang mga izKalatz ang wit na pasok sa standards ng pAmintAsan, ay matic, wala nang patumpik-tumpik, ekis ka na agad. Pero kapag ayern, kahit anong gawin nila, parang palaging tama. Kayo ba si Teddie??? Paborito ba kayo ni Mama??? Sana all.
Kami?Paano Reena NapakingganRegenciakosa
Assignment: Due today Hindi p’wedeng makiusap, sapagkat kami daw ay sinasanay para sa totoong buhay kung saan walang halaga ang anumang dahilan sa kabiguan. Kapag ngayon, ngayon. Kapag nagtakda ng oras at panahon, dapat tuparin, sa ngalan ng pasadong marka at pagpasa ng grupo at sarili. Sabagay, sino nga ba naman ang papayag sa trabaho na hindi natutugunan kung ikaw ay isang propesyonal o isang adult na? Hindi ba’t ibang kategorya ng mga bulag lamang ang tatanggap sa mga listong palusot at paulit ulit na paumanhin mula sa mga takdang nilagpasan at mga pangakong kinakalimutan na lamang? Assignment: Due in 5 minutes Ngayo’y sumapit na ang panibagong Marso. Isang taon na naman ang lumipas simula noong itinakda ang Disyembre bilang petsa kung saan magbabalik na sa normal ang lahat - normal na kaakibat sa kahulugan ang ligtas na pagbabalik sa pamumuhay na binago ng sakunang bumalot sa mundo. Subalit sa halip na magmartsa tungo sa entablado ang mga estudyante, sila’y nakaharap na lamang sa mga cellphone habang isinasagawa ang seremonyang kaytagal nilang pinaghirapan upang maabot at ipagdiwang. Huli na nga noong nagpasyang simulan ang taon ng online at modular na lamang, patuloy pa ring isinasakripisyo ng mga damay sa kagawaran ng edukasyon ang oras at panahon ng mga mag-aaral upang epektibong ibigay ang edukasyon na kakailanganin hindi lamang para sa kapakanan ng kaalaman, kundi para sa kakayahan at abilidad pagdating sa trabaho sa reyalidad.
TV kagabi na libre raw ang bakuna para sa mga priority groups, salamat sa Diyos dahil kabilang ang Lola ko na siyang nagpalaki sa aming limang magkakapatid. Labis ang pagpapahalaga ko kay Lola kaya masaya ako na makakuha siya ng libreng bakuna para sa COVID-19. Tinititigan ko ang apat kong nakakabata pang mga kapatid habang nagsasagot ng kanilang mga module. Ang haba pa ng kailangang lakbayin ng mga ito sa buhay, kailangang patuloy silang mabuhay. ‘Yan ang mga isip ko pagkatapos kong magpasalamat dahil libre ang bakuna ni Lola. Pero hanggang saan ang pasasalamat kong ito? Hanggang kailan ko tatanawing utang na loob itong libreng karapatang ibinigay para sa aking Lola? Hanggang kailan ko rin tatanungin kung bakit hindi kasama ang lahat ng mga katulad ko, ng mga katulad namin, ng mga kapatid ko sa priority groups? Minsan, hirap pa kaming itaguyod ang isang araw nang hindi nagugutom. Pilit kong isinasabay at isinisingit ang pagkikita ng pera upang may pagkain kami araw-araw.
PAMANTASAN ANG The Official Student Publication of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila Volume 41, Issue 3 • December 2020 - January 2021 09
Hindi ko mawari kung paano ako makakapaglaan ng sapat para matustusan itong bakuna.Mahirap ang buhay ngunit lalong ang hirap mabuhay sa gitna ng pandemya.
Assignment: Closed Hindi ko na rin alam ang kahulugan ng normal ngayon. Hindi ko na rin alam paano tutugunan ang lahat ng takda kasabay ng sitwasyon na hindi magawang malutas ng mga may kapangyarihan. Isang taon mula noong ito’y umusbong sa bansa, isang taon ding lumalabo ang kinabukasan na kaytagal naming inaasam. Paano kami haharap at lalaban tungo sa kinabukasan na hindi naman ipinaglalaban ng mga nasa katungkulan?Ipinipilit nilang maging normal ang lipunang hindi binibigyan ng solusyon at hindi epektibong nilulutasan upang bumalik sa normal. Ngunit may takda rin kami, lalo na paglabas sa paaralan at tahanan. At hindi tulad nila, di namin ito pwedeng idaan sa dahilan at paulit-ulit na paumanhin lamang.
Elecyl Cabalquinto “Ang totoo niyan, gusto ko rin naman talagang magpabakuna,” ani ni Aling Loleng habang nakikipag-usap sa may tindahan, sa kumare niyang si Aling Tasing. “O, ayun naman pala, ano ‘tong naririnig kong ipinakakalat mo raw na ‘wag tayong magpabakuna?” Pagyuko na lamang ang isinagot ni Aling Loleng sa tanong ng kaniyang kumare. Sa puntong iyon, nagpatuloy na lamang si Aling Tasing, “naku Loleng, sa ginagawa mo ay baka gumaya sa’yo ang mga ka-baryo natin, kapag gano’n ay baka dai na talaga kita tabi makahali sa arog ka ining sitwasyon”. “Kumare, ang sa akin lang naman, baka sa sobra nilang pagpupursigi na magpabakuna ang lahat, mawala na ‘yong karapatan nating pumili ng ibibigay sa atin. Alam mo ‘yon, naiisip kong isang araw, sa sobrang kagustuhang bumalik sa normal, ay ibigay sa ating mga nasa baryo ang kung anong nakalatag, samantalang iyong iba, ‘yong mga nasa kanila ang boses, maaaring pumili. Hindi ba parang mali iyon kumare?” Sa wakas ay nagpaliwanag na rin si Aling Loleng. “Sandali, ikaw Tina, bibili ka ba? Kanina ka pa yata nakatayo diyan?,” sigaw sa akin ni Aling Tasing. “Lagot, tapos na ang pakikinig ko”, bulong ko sa sarili. “Sarong kape sana at asukar, salamat tabi,” pagsisinungaling ko, ang totoo kasi niyan nakalimutan ko na ang iniutos sa akin. “Ang departamento ng kalusugan, sinasabing hangga’t aprubado at rehistrado dito sa Pilipinas ang bakunang ibibigay sa atin ay makakaasa tayo,” sagot ni Aling Tasing habang inaayos niya ang binili ko. “Kumare, naiintindihan ko ang sinasabi mo. Ang gusto ko lang naman sa puntong ‘to ay pantay na pagsagot ng mga nasa posisyon sa karapatan at hustisya ng bawat isa. Kung hindi ko ito bibigyang pansin, sinong gagawa nito para sa ating mga kababaryo?” Hanggang dito na lamang ang narinig ko habang patuloy ang hakbang ko palayo. Ang mga nasa posisyon, may pakialam ba talaga sa aming mga nasa baryo?
Noong nagsisimula pa lang na lumala ang pandemya, alam nating lahat na ang tanging solusyon ay ang magkaroon ng bakuna –isang bakuna na magbubura sa agam-agam at ibabalik sa normal ang lahat. Naniwala tayo. Umasa tayo. Naghintay tayo. At ngayong, mayroon nang bakuna, ano na nga ba’ng lagay ng masa? Halina’t alamin
Pangako At mga Pako Elecyl Cabalquinto Labis ko nang kinakaawaan ang lolo ko. Paano ko kaya sasabihing ang tanging paraan na lang para mawala na ang pangamba niya ay maghintay? Ang Lolo Ramon ko, lagpas na sitenta. Kung titingnan mo siya, wala kang dahilan upang masabing hindi siya kabilang sa membership ng mga senior, pero siyempre, gwapo pa rin. Nagdala ng matinding takot sa kaniya ang pandemya, lalo pa’t iyong mga nasa edad niya ang madaling mahawaan. Dahil dito, madalas siyang manood ng paborito niyang mga palabas, lalo na ng balita. Araw-araw, walang palya ang kaniyang pakikinig at pakikisangkot sa pandemyang kinakaharap ng bansa. Bilang pag-iingat, ako mismo ay hindi muna siya masyadong nilalapitan. Ako kasi ang nagtatrabaho sa amin at hindi ‘yon work from home. Samakatuwid, wala akong pamimilian kung ‘di lumabas at mag-ingat.Malika, hindi ito pagrereklamo, ayos lang sa akin kung sarili ko lang ang iisipin, kahit nasa dulo pa ako ng listahan, ayos lang, pero alang-alang sa lolo ko, gusto ko na sanang mapabakunahan siya. Para hindi na ako natatakot sa tuwing magkasipon siya o magkaubo. Ang totoo niyan, labis siyang natuwa nang nalaman niyang isa siya sa mga nasa unahan ng listahan para sa bakuna, ngunit bakit tila yata masyado nang matagal ang paghihintay? Maayos bang sinusunod ang listahan? Kailan ba talaga? Pang-ilan ba talaga sila?
ILLUSTRATION BY ASHLEY MAY HERNANDEZ
Isang Umaga sa Baryo ng VicenteSan
Assignment: Not turned in Takda Francesca Gonzales
Reena Regencia Palagi kong itinatanong sa aking sarili kung bakit gusto kong maging doktor. Hindi ko naman ito naging pangarap kailanman. Ang totoo niyan, gusto kong maging abogado, pero sa kagustuhan kong maging mabuting anak, sinunod ko ang kagustuhan ng aking mga magulang na ipagpatuloy ang kanilang naudlot na mga pangarap. Hindi ko alam kung para saan o bakit ako ang kailangang magpatuloy noon.Ngunit sa gitna ng pandemyang kinakaharap ng mundo ngayon, naisip ko na nangangailangan ang mga Pilipinong katulad ko ng mga manggagamot na tutulong sa mga kapwa rin nila mga Pilipino. Kung mayroon mang itinuro sa akin ang online class, iyon ang kahalagahang matuto ng mga estudyanteng kagaya ko upang makapagsilbi sa mga Pilipinong nangangailangan. Para sa akin, nararapat na ang isang abogado ay makapaglingkod sa bayan at gayon din ang pagiging isang manggagamot. Sa pagsulong ng namumuno sa aming bayan ng face-to-face classes para sa mga kursong medisina, takot ang aking unang naramdaman. Takot na baka imbis na mapagpatuloy ko ang aking daan upang makapaglingkod sa bayan ay maputol ang aking lakbayin patungo sa pangarap na ito. Pero patuloy pa ring lalaban upang makapaglingkod sa mga mamamayan.Labanlang para sa bayan!
angBayanSagot
Assignment: Due tomorrow Pagdating sa loob ng anumang paaralan, tunay na kinatatakutan ang bawat deadline. Kaya naman puspusan ang pagtatrabaho’t pagpupuyat hanggang sa maisumite ang anumang kailangan, upang ito’y magbunga ng puntos at sa dulo - sa pagdating ng Marso - mauwi sa tagumpay ang lahat ng mga adhika’t hangarin. Bilang mga magaaral na dumadaan sa mga pagsasanay at pagsusulit, anumang sakuna’t balakid ang dumating ay dapat suungin upang ang mga itinakda at ipinangako ay maisakatuparan.
ISKUWENTO
Black buttons serve as my eyes, and finally I could see! As she continues to build, I see how her eyebrows were first knit together, how she wrinkles her nose when she sees some snow fall off my sides, then that gum-revealing smile when she does a job well done. She picks up brittle, misshapen twigs for my arms, never failing to shake them every time she visits me from this place called school. Later on, she sneaks out a carrot for my nose, and this wooly scarf that she wraps around my neck “to keep you safe!” (but really, that smile alone can make anyone feel warm). Lastly, she carves my own smile on my face‒ to be her friend I shall be happy all the time, nothing a lil snowman can’t do I suppose!
The first snow is always the best.
PAMANTASAN ANGThe Official Student Publication of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila Volume 41, Issue 3 • December 2020 - January 2021
The key to a good snowman is the snow: it has to be wet snow. And the little girl remembers this as she starts with one roll, trying to make it as perfect as it can be yet still failing to do so. It’s fine, I can be anything she wants me to be! She rolls the snow, on and on until it gets bigger and bigger and bigger! Alas, she manages to make three, gifting me with a body to greet her everyday! As she heaves, I could feel her warm hands hurt from the biting cold, but she goes to get the mission done. All throughout, I feel her will and passion to create, and the strength to bring me to life. It makes me giddy how I’m going to look!
When the air gets a bit too unbearable than usual, when windows become foggy and the dustings of snow become a thick blanket that can conceal even the tallest of trees‒that’s when I feel most alive!
And as I slowly turn into a puddle, she bids me farewell with a forlorn smile and tear-stained cheeks, trying to make me stay to no avail. She’ll forget me- it’s fine. I was never meant to last, anyway.
ILLUSTRATION BY JUNNINE
The sun slowly regains its power and glares harshly again. A deep slumber awaits me, making it unclear when I’ll be back. But when the air gets a bit too unbearable than usual, when windows become foggy and the dustings of snow become a thick blanket that can conceal even the tallest of trees‒that’s when I’ll be most alive! MARIE
10
A warm gift amidst harsh winds by Patricia Gabrielle L. Marquez
And the little girl knows, greeting the cool whispers of changing seasons with sparkling eyes and reddened cheeks. Her grubby hands can’t help but grasp the fluffy and crunchy snow, still unbelieving how clouds in the sky finally came down to earth. A birthday gift for her, perhaps? Nonetheless, she never fails to greet me warmly like an old friend. She tells me of her home, of how she doesn’t want to stay cooped at home and sneaks out to play with me until darkness falls. Of this place where she tries to work and learn, to the point that every chore makes her feel dizzy. Sometimes she asks me some questions, and she makes sure to respond to herself with a different voice, my voice, to keep the conversation going. I’d like to think that they are my answers, too.
by Phoebe Stacey M. Almario
The wind whips her face and ruffles her hair but allows me to stand strong. The outside was dangerously cold, yet offers a dreamy wonderland. The cold around sustains my life, it blows and blurs, the whooshing and the whirring and the blizzard are all the same, challenging others on what it means to be alive. Snow is white, but not purely; it is a part of me that keeps me whole. It freezes and melts, becomes soft yet hard, envelopes the grass, trees, cars, windowsills, roofs and roads into one indiscriminately. Yet at the slight chance of warmth, of comfort, everything crumbles down, collapses and melts.
literary The Season I Have Never Experienced
TUPAZ ILLUSTRATION BY ASHLEY MAY HERNANDEZ
I really did not care about her that much… Not until tonight. As I reached the last step, I saw her bedroom door ajar. It was unusual for her to keep the door unlocked. I went straight to my room and shrugged off even an ounce of concern for her; she does not treat me nicely, anyway. I lay on my bed, eyes wide open and my heart beating fast. A few minutes past two in the morning, I suddenly felt this urge to intrude on her as if I were a stranger. I tiptoed and tried not to breathe too loud as I made my way to her bedroom, just a few steps away from mine. She stood still and kept on gazing at the snowfall by her window— I can only see her silhouette from here. I immediately moved away from the door when I saw her turn and slowly walk to her bed. While she was reaching for something placed on her nightstand, my clumsiness suddenly pushed the door all the way through - my whole body fell on her bedroom floor. To save myself from being exposed as a creep or whatnot, with my voice shaking, I awkwardly told her that I was looking for something small across the hall and in no way did I intend to barge in like that. I slowly picked myself up and pretended to go back searching for something I have not lost, while closing her door. “Wait, can you spare me a minute?” She softly asked and I nodded, for I cannot resist to feed my curiosity of knowing her current situation. We sat on the floor and both of us gazed at the exquisiteness nature has offered during that season; without any exchange of words. As I opened my eyes, sunlight delightfully greeted me. “Spring is finally here!” I excitedly shouted while looking around the room. And then I realized I was alone. I always waited for spring but grew impatient that night. I almost missed it.
“It’s the most wonderful time of the year…”
Snow can be quiet, calm and even unexciting. It can soothe and heal everything it touches, too. Oh, I hope that this lovely whiteness covers us and if only we could have fun together forever! Still, I’m happy to be her friend for this season.
December 31st memory of us haunted me. I saw the time freeze before me and left me desperate; I want to let go, but it’ll only scald my heart ‘til death.
11:43 pm A quarter left before the clock strikes midnight when the thought of you began to reappear. I remember the vivid lights flickering, and the children laughing by the bonfire. But as I stood there frozen, I stared at the shadows that resembled you… my old friend.
PAMANTASAN ANG The Official Student Publication of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila Volume 41, Issue 3 • December 2020 - January 2021 literary 11
Not when you have to deal with the midnight blues, the tears drenching your favorite pillow, and all the sad songs that seem to rhyme. Not when melancholy starts crawling onto your bed at night, and then you start wishing to just feel nothing at all instead of hurting so much. Not when life feels so unfair and when it throws all the problems you cannot handle all at once. And you just crumble. As a nocturnal, I have always had a strong fascination about nights—midnights particularly. It is the time of the day when there is nothing left aside from the serene and liberating silence that fills the vast array of emptiness; it is at times like this when I feel most vulnerable, honest, sentimental, and unrestricted. But it gets too lonely sometimes especially in the absence of the stars to which I usually whisper my worries to. Just like that night. From a near distance, I caught a glimpse of the monotonous night sky. The drops of rain alight nimbly on the window’s glasses, the weather seemed to match the mood I was feeling. I sat on the bed, back pressed on the headboard and knees sheltered in my arms. The clamor of an overthinking mind started to cause the hazy blur of my vision and I was quick to blame the weather for the surge of sadness that walloped me. The cold silence darted in vacancy, so I shuffled some songs on my old Spotify playlist to fill it in. Words would not suffice if I were to describe the exact feeling I had upon stumbling once again to a certain song I heard years back from a band whose music I have always admired but always took for granted. It felt like coming home after years of being lost and astray— so warm yet heart-piercing and painful yet comforting. The lyrics, the melody line, the sound of the instruments, and the voices all seemed to unify, transforming the rawness of the song into an absolute art. I knew it was good music as it did not only transcend the barrier of language, but it enveloped me into an embrace I did not know I needed, as if it was telling me I am not alone. That night, the baggage I was carrying seemed to lighten. I have always thought that it would be nice if someone takes it away completely, but I realized that I just need someone to share it with so I would not have to carry it alone. And I am so glad to have found mine through music. And it did not end there. I brought the remaining baggage and the tears long overdue when I finally had the chance to meet the voices behind that song. And as dimness filled the scene, light caught my vision. It was deafening but instead of silence, I finally heard actual sounds of screams. Amidst all the chanting and the shouting are silent cries as we simultaneously sing to the song with the title forgotten and utter five names whom we stare upon in glee from a far. But it did not matter. More than the need to actually see them perform, I have come to appreciate just hearing their songs from the farthest seat. Being there and feeling comforted is more than enough. It was almost magical, except that it is real.
After years of dawdling on the misconception of the four-letter-word called love, I have finally come into an epiphany that love is not always what I had imagined it to be because the love I found was a love that is safe, calm, vulnerable, spontaneous, reassuring, comforting, and unconditional.
An unexpected chance to celebrate festivities was what greeted me in this coming-of-age; A taxing day and a flurry of activities gave my dear friends a chance to set the stage!
ILLUSTRATION BY JUNNINE MARIE
The Magic Amidst a Polar Night
ILLUSTRATION
by Anne Nicole Carig
I should be greeting you a Happy New Year, shouldn’t I? We should be glad for another year that'll pass us by. But as each day moved forward from the last time we shared our passion and waved goodbye, each minute further made it colder between us.
An
by Mary Jillian Y. Cristobal
If asked for an unforgettable memory of my youth where seasons change yet it shall endure:
One thing immediately comes to mind, in truth a far-away dream so clear yet delightfully obscure, How lovely and sweet were each given rose That accompanied this unexpected gift from every friend that comes and goes fills my heart with happiness beyond words!
To find such a great solace at the most perfect time when you needed it most is like witnessing the northern lights in winter— the magic amidst a polar night.
I became entranced by the whirlwind of events such gratitude and joy for this mild Inastonishment‒delightfularms, the waltzes began in their withpresencehismelodies familiar yet so sweet for the Infinale…loveand pure and brilliant delight I rejoice, deep within, of memories past Echoes of quiet nostalgia reminds me in respite Of seraph-like feelings from unabashed sincerity; And if our paths’ distances become more or less I shall remember the first time I’ve been taken aback and being able to experience with no regrets further to a voyage of new horizons, let’s see! ode for a gift well past by Patricia Gabrielle L. Marquez TUPAZ BYCARL JUSTINE MOGOL MAY HERNANDEZ
ILLUSTRATION BYASHLEY
The breeze of that cold winter night pierced my skin. The air penetrated my veins as the
Now, tell me before this time ends: will this be worth it to hold on to? As I tried to save the embers of what we have had, wouldn’t you be here to make them burn again? Now, the clock struck midnight; the air blew colder, but my words have found its warmth. I felt the snow melt from my heart, even without your presence to keep it clement. Your shadow has been smothered by the new light coming forth; and finally, I have accepted—I'm done with the seasons that left me like autumn. Until then, here’s to the memories that held us too tight. To all the storms we got through, and the ones that covered our trails from sight. Someday, when all is said and done, we’ll be able to greet the morning spring. We'll head on with no regrets and carried grief, but new hope and season to begin. Thank you, my friend. Until the next winter we meet again.
I still remember that night perfectly. Growing up, the idea of love I had in mind was heart pounding, wild, exciting, selfless, romantic, happy, and reciprocal. It was similar to the novels I read, the romantic movies I watched, and to the love songs I heard— happy endings were their common Theydenominator.alwaystold me about the beautiful feeling of beginnings, but not when it ends.
JOHN DENZEL CASTILLO romising athletic talent sprouts in unexpected places. While the Philippine sports culture is heavily invested in mainstream sports such as basketball, our failure to widen our scope of interest has led to impressive feats being swept under the rug. The recent success of tennis’ young wonder, Alex Eala, may suffer Hailing from a family of athletes, with her mother being an Olympic medalist in swimming, it comes to no surprise that her exposure (and eventual prowess) to a sport arose at a young age, beginning her journey with a racket in hand at age 4. After a few years, she began competing in tournaments. Nearly a decade later, she now holds a pro title, peaked at 2nd in the female juniors category, and a scholarship by the Rafael Nadal Academy, led by the tennis champion himself. At the astonishing age of 16, the Filipina has managed to secure the country’s first title in ages, upsetting the competition and hitting the ground running for the rest of her exciting career in tennis. Undoubtedly one of her highlights is the upset she brought after facing and winning against 28-yearold Yvonne Cavalle-Reimers for her first ITF title in Spain. Her victory came as a shock against the home favorite and mirrored her upset against the ITF female singles No. 14 and No. 2 during the tournament. The last time the country bagged an ITF title was in 2015, by Katharina Lenhert. Eala’s sensational victories propelled her from 1,190 standing to be within the top 1000 WTA singles ranking.There has never been a Filipino player that has qualified for WTA tournaments. Not yet. Her astounding feats at an early age put her on a trajectory similar to that taken by the legendary Naomi Osaka. With an outlook like that, there is hope that the Philippines will clinch a Grand Slam title. So long as the country treats its athletes right.
Philippine-borne team Bren Esports bag the title of world champion after felling the Myanmar representatives in the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang M2 World Championship last January 23, 2021. The Philippine representatives for the international tournament went through hell and high water throughout the tournament, carving an arduous path against the field of competitors after being placed in the lower bracket by their would-be finals opponents. In a nail-biting campaign that has seen the homegrown team on the verge of elimination multiple times after losing out the previous series champions from Malaysia and setting aside a worthy team from Indonesia, Bren Esports proved that its roster was a cut above the rest. However, these rubber matches would pale in comparison to the scare that was about to come next. After securing the first two victories of the best-of-seven, it seemed like Bren Esports was going to sweep the Burmese Ghouls with a vengeance. But the upper bracket winners did not take the challenge sitting down. The showdown went through the distance after the Burmese Ghouls managed to take three more victories for their own, disheartening and stopping their momentum. On the ropes and at the edge of defeat, the team decided to switch up their tactics through a draft that caught the Burmese off-guard. This composition clinched them the round, forcing a final standoff for the championship on round 7, which they won after decimating the fan-favorite team. The team pockets a healthy P6.7M for winning the tournament, with the series MVP Karl “KarlTzy” Nepomuceno earning an additional P150,000. The Bren Esports members are CJ “Ribo” Ribo, David Charles “FlapTzy” Canon, Angelo Kyle “Pheww” Arcangel, Ejhay “Ejhay” Sambrano, and Mico “Coco” Sampang, with Francis “Duckeyyy” Glindro as their coach.
The future of Tennis is Filipina
PAMANTASANANG The Official Student Publication of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila 2021 Statistics 18 Left-handed5’9” 513 SINGLES DOUBLES SINGLES CAREER HIGHEST RANKING Data from WTA Tour (wtatennis.com) 754 505 GamesGamesPointsServiceWonServiceWonServicePlayedAGE PLAYSHEIGHT STATISTICSRANKINGSERVING STATISTICSRETURN 46.8% 38.1% 50.0% 44.4% 18 18 SAVAGE. PH Team Bren Esports crowned as world champions in Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) e-sports tournament. • Photo from NewsBytesPH EJ Obiena. Photo from EJ Obiena/FB. Alex Eala. Photo from Preen PH. Volume 41• Issue 3 Dec 2020 - Jan 2021
Bren Esports:World-Class Champions
JOHN DENZEL CASTILLO
Obiena bags gold, silvers in Europe
After pocketing bronze in the Wanda Diamond League Meet in Rome last September, Filipino pole vaulter EJ Obiena continues to outdo even himself. The Tokyo Olympics-bound Obiena recently broke Philippine’s previous pole vault record, which he previously set at 5.81 meters during the qualifiers for the Olympics, setting a new one after clearing a 5.86-meter jump in the Orlen Indoor Cup at Atlas Arena in Poland. He took with him the silver medal for the event, coming behind the United States’ bet in Sam Kedricks after clearing 5.86 meters in one attempt, two less than EJ’s. Olympic pole vault champion Thiago Braz came in with a bronze after vaulting 5.80 meters. “A silver, a new personal best, and a new Philippine record. Back home, we call it 3-in-1. Thank you!” he cheekily said in a Facebook post. He also bagged gold medals in the PSD Bank Indoor Meeting in Dortmund, Germany, and the international athletics meet, ISTAF INDOOR (Internationales Stadionfest).Hisconsistent performance lands him among one of the world’s best pole vaulters, being able to regularly compete against Braz of Spain and Armand Duplantis of Sweden, both of which he’ll face off against in his first Olympics campaign in July.
JOHN DENZEL CASTILLO
