Bagwis AY 2022-2023 1st Sem

The Official Student Publication of Mindanao State University General Santos

FEBRUARY 2023

24 pages

bagwis

BAGWIS EDITORIAL BOARD and STAFF A.Y.

2022-2023

• Hindi Pasisiil para sa mga Kinitil • MSU-Gensan holds first FEMSUSSCO leadership training; advocates for peace building and more...

9, 14, 18

FEATURE

• Tri-SIKLO ng labis na Singil • ON-IONity would not suffice and more...

12 MSULOGY 16 COVER STORY

•

• ON THE RECESSION OF EXPONENTIAL WAILS and more...

•

Engr. Steve Anthony Lim

•

20 LITERARY

• chronicle and more...

22 SPORTS

• Pondering real tactic towards SGBV-ictory

• Lady Reapers Sow Crown as Opsima Whitewashes Foes for Triumph and more...

ABOUT THE COVER

This semester’s cover sported an original stroke of our cartoonist, depicting a woman gazing herself in the mirror and boldly facing one’s ordeal and fears—a reference to Pandora’s box, implying that even in chaos, hope remains with the everbutterfly that flutters with our courage and tenacity. No amount of plotted flees can liberate us from qualms. We will not churn our necks for an escape, but we face fear—dauntlessly and above the bedlam.

EDITOR’S NOTE

The newfangled plague that indubitably engulfed almost the colossal globe draped us in fears of uncertainty. Now that the paradigm of learning has shifted back to face-toface classes, our fears about certain possibilities have never subsided—they have skyrocketed.

Our embers of flame may have

been blown away a bit due to known trepidations, but truth be told, these fears appear to have fanned the fire even more within us in forging the bequest of amplifying the voices of the masses, defending freedom, and publishing truth.

There’s no way we maneuver our faces back, but we face fears.

• Dele lang

Casa Mia

FTF Cutie and more..

• On Pioneering a Satire Shat Cult: Diving on why and how ‘Our Lady of Casa Mia’ tipsied MSU

#PaSTILL pa rin sa UmaTangHap (Umagahan, Tanghalian, Hapunan) and more...

• the flavor of bruises

Aubrey Maye Arrieta Editor-in-Chief

Hindi pasisiil para sa mga kinitil

Hindi terorismo ang pagpuna sa gobyerno bagkus ay aktibismo, at ang tunay na terorismo ay ang pagsupil sa karapatang makapagsalita ng Pilipino laban sa hayok na pinaggagawa ng maraming politiko. Lubos na nakababahala sapagkat ang pangunahing nagiging hadlang sa pagganap ng karapatang ito ay ang takot sa pulang pantakip—ang takot na mahusgahan, maging katatawanan, maitakwil, mapagbintangan, at higit sa lahat, ang takot na patatahimikin—panandalian man o panghabangbuhay. Banta itong maituturing sa kamalayan ng masa—bagay na magbubunsod ng palaging pagbusal upang maglantad ng katotohanan sa isang bayang tanging hangad lamang ay kaunlaran.

Ayon sa International Peace Observers Network (IPON), ang salitang “red-tagging” ay gawa ng mga aktor ng Estado, partikular na ang mga ahensiya ng tagapagpatupad ng batas, upang publikong markahan ang mga indibiduwal, grupo, o institusiyon bilang kaakibat ng mga komunista o makakaliwang terorista. Hindi na nakagugulat ang punto na ang sinumang nagsasalita laban sa pamahalaan ay itinuturing na komunista, subersibo, o terorista. Hindi maitatangging isa ito sa mga naging dahilan kung bakit maraming buhay na ang nanganib at nalagas dahil hindi man lang nabigyan ng pagkakataon upang ipagtanggol ang sarili sa harap ng hukuman.

Sa anim na taong panunungkulan ni dating Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte ay laman na ng balita ang kampanyang “giyera kontra droga” ng kanyang rehimen. Subalit, lingid sa kaalaman ng marami ang tahimik na giyera sa likod ng kaganapan ng kaliwa’t kanang extra-judicial killings sa Pilipinas—ang giyera sa pagsang-ayon at ang makakaliwang terorismo. Nakapaninindig-balahibong isipin na ang red-tagging ay maihahambing na sa isang death warrant na sinang-ayunan naman ng Karapatan Alliance. Ang mga walang pinag-batayan na akusasiyon sa ilalim ng Anti-Terror Law at Executive Order No. 70, na naglunsad ng National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTFELCAC), ay ginagawang legal ang paglabag sa karapatang pantao ng sinumang kritiko ng

nakaraang administrasyon. Gamit ang social media ay nagagawang akusahan ang mga mamamahayag na may kaugnayan sa New People’s Army (NPA).

Si Maria Ressa, isang Nobel Peace Prize awardee at binansagang mukha ng Press Freedom ng bansa, ay biktima rin ng ganitong uri ng pang-aakusa. Hindi lamang siya bagkus maging ang buong newsgroup ng Rappler ay ni-red-tag ni Communications Undersecretary at tagapagsalita ng NTFELCAC, Lorraine Badoy. Batay sa Facebook post ng nasabing pamahayagan, tinukoy na pula ang Rappler sapagkat ito ay kakampi umano at bokilya ng NPA at Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP). Subalit, pinabulaanan ni Badoy ang ibinibintang sa kanya at sabi nito na “there is no such thing as red-tagging.”

Natapos man ang rehimeng Duterte ngunit hindi ang naratibo ng red-tagging. Kung hindi matutumbasan ay marahil mahihigitan pa ng kasalukuyang pamahalaan ang kahindikhindik na kaso ng pagtukoy sa pula sa bansa. Kung nakaya nilang ired-tag ang malalaking tao sa mundo ng pamamahayag ay maliwanag pa sa kristal na tubig ang kahihinatnan ng maliliit na industriya ng midya. Mismong ang Bagwis, opisyal na pamahayagan ng mga mag-aaral sa Pamantasang MindanaoHeneral Santos, ay hindi nakaligtas sa mga akusasyong walang sapat na pinagbatayan. Kasagsagan ng linggo ng pag-alala sa ikagintong anibersaryo ng Batas Militar ay inulan ng pambabatikos at pang-reredtag ang tatlong posts ng publikasyon. Komento pa ni DeeJay Hicban, “Skwela mo oi. Ayaw mo pailad anang CPP-NPA-NDF.” Nakalulungkot isipin na hindi lubos na naintindihan ng

nakararami ang nais iparating ng DP blast na post. Ang pagpanig sa katotohanan ay kailan man ay hindi magiging uri ng daan upang akusahan bilang kalaban ng bayan.

Mahalagang tantuin ang isinasaad sa Artikulo III, Seksyon 4 ng Saligang Batas 1987. Ang bawat Pilipino ay may karapatan sa pamamahayag ng kaniyang saloobin partikular sa maling pamamalakad ng gobyerno. Dito pa lang ay atin nang mapagtatanto ang pananakot sa mga manunulat na siyang nagsisilbing boses ng mga hindi makapagsalita ay pagtapak sa karapatan ng malayang pamamahayag, kaya ay nararapat na protektahan sila laban sa red-tagging. Ang Artikulo III, Seksyon 13 ng Saligang Batas 1987 naman ay kumikilala sa tungkulin ng mga kabataan sa pagbuo ng lipunan. Ang pagpapatahimik sa mga kritiko ay paglabag sa kanilang karapatan at paghadlang sa kanilang adhikain patungo sa isang mas progresibong lipunan.

Harinawang mapagtanto natin na ang paggiging kritikal sa kinauukulan ay hindi paggiging kalaban ng lipunan. Ang pananahimik ay pumapabor lamang sa mga mapang-api. Panahon na para punitin ang pulang pantakip na siyang pilit na nagpapatahimik sa atin at gamitin ito bilang simbolo ng katapangan at kagitingan para sa kaunlaran. Hangga’t hindi tuluyang tinutuldukan ang serye ng red-tagging sa bansa ay magpapatuloy ang kabanata ng pagkitil sa karapatang pantao ng mga Pilipino. Dumanak na ang maraming pula nang dahil sa pagtukoy-pula. Nararapat lamang na hindi tayo ay pasisiil—red-tagging ay itigil sapagkat maraming buhay na ang kinitil!

MSU-Gensan holds first FEMSUSSCO leadership training; advocates for peace building

MARIYA NICOLE SILVA

CoEd’s first BSEd Filipino topnotcher waited 5 years to take LEPT

RHODA MAY EBAD

“A dream delayed is not a dream denied.”

After five long years of waiting, College of Education alumna Zerimar Ramirez has finally sealed the “LPT” in her name as she passed the October 2022 Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers, and emerged as one of the top nine with a 92.60% rate.

Ramirez, who finished her bachelor in Secondary Education major in Filipino in 2017, failed to take the licensure exam when a discrepancy was found in her birth certificate.

“Honestly nainggit ko sa akong mga classmates na nipasa sa LET and nakasulod sa public school. Saksi akong habol ug unlan sa akong tanang luha sa akong kagustuhan nga makaexam na jud,” she shared.

Frustrated by what had happened, Ramirez decided to work at a private school until 2019.

The Mindanao State University- General Santos City (MSU-GSC) hosted the first Federation of Mindanao State University Supreme Student Councils Organization (FEMSUSSCO) Adaptive Leadership, Peace and Conflict Management Training, December 4-7 at Venue 88 Hotel and Events Place, General Santos City.

The four-day event in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) had sessions and workshops about MSU as a National Peace University, Adaptive Leadership in Peace Promotion, Understanding Violent Extremism and Prospects of Building Community Resilience, Conflict Management, Understanding the Peacebuilding Spiral, Design Thinking for Peace, Gender and Peace Building, and Designing of Peace Projects.

“This is an opportunity to engage with young people, both young men and women in gender and responsive peace building that contextualize the context of Mindanao and as an MSUan, I am really grateful that we developed partners like UNDP and that MSU is organizing this event,” said Yasmira Moner, lecturer regarding the topic Gender and Peace building.

Moner has also expressed her gratitude to Atty. Basari D. Mapupuno, the MSU System President, for his tantamount support in promoting peace in the university and for promoting a future towards a gender fair and peaceful world.

“I hope that the students will bring a peace agenda in the MSU System and we will champion conflict-sensitive peace,” Moner added.

The following year would have been her time to secure a license but the

COVID-19 pandemic suspended the examinations. Heartbroken Ramirez lost hope in getting a chance of taking the exam and thought of going abroad instead.

NOW OR NEVER

Last year, when rumors broke out that graduates from the old curriculum would not be allowed to take the 2023 licensure exam, now-topnotcher Teacher Zar immediately decided to pursue, for the last time, her dream license.

“A dream delayed is not a dream denied,” the first-ever BSEd Filipino topnotcher of MSU-Gensan quipped.

“Mahirap talaga i-top ang Filipino at English pero posible pala. Just focus on your review and have faith,” she added after knowing that she made a history of being the first one to top in her major.

Ramirez was joined by fellow alumna Errah Mae Plana , who majored in Biology, in the Top 9 podium.

Mentors namayagpag sa kontemporaryo at katutubong

sayaw

Muling

pinatunayan ng Mentors mula College of Education (CoEd) ang kanilang hindi matatawarang husay at galing hindi lang sa pagtuturo kundi pati na rin sa pagsayaw nang hiranging kampeon sa Contemporary at Lowland Folk Dance contests ng 2022 Mindanao State University-General Santos City (MSUGSC) Intramurals, Nobyembre 22.

Ipinamalas ng mga Mentors ang kanilang pokus, ekspresyon, at sabay-sabay na aksiyon sapat upang maibulsa ang kampeonato sa Dance Competition.

Ang naturang patimpalak ay nahati sa apat na kategorya: Lowland Folk Dance, Contemporary Dance, Hiphop at Retro.

Kaya naman nangibabaw ang saya ni G. Marlito P. Dingcong, mananayaw mula Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education (BEED), matapos iproklama ang sunod-sunod na panalo ng kanilang kolehiyo.

“Overwhelmed, grabe ka kalipay. Abot sa langit na kalipay sa nakuha namo. We took lot of sacrifices; like sleep, gi sakripisyo namo among leisure time, weekends for the practice, talaga and lahat-lahat. No time to study na po just to practice,” saad ni Dingcong.

Samantala, wagi ang College of Engineering sa Retro Dance at Tycoons ng College of Business Administration and Accountancy para sa Hiphop.

MIC IN, WORDS OUT. Yasmira Moner deliberated talks about gender and peace building.

BAGWIS fights disinformation through Batch Project; hones journalistic skills

ALEX TUMAGANTANG

Bagwis, the Official Publication of Mindanao State University-General Santos, conducted its first ever physical Batch Project on January 4 at Labangal National High School, General Santos City, in line with fighting disinformation and misinformation.

Bagwis Editor-in-Chief, Aubrey Maye Arrieta, highlighted that the main purpose of conducting the project is to combat the proliferation of misinformation and disinformation in the country.

“As this nation struggles to find light past the looming darkness brought by the proliferation of disinformation and misinformation, our role as campus journalists is very needed,” Arrieta said.

“Do not give up your dreams in campus journalism, because you [we] have what it takes to amplify the voices of the masses, defend freedom, and publish truth,” she added.

Youth-led Network for the Right to Information advocate (YNFORMer)

Realee Gabarra, meanwhile, tackled disinformation and its effect on society,

while YNFORMer Leonard Tucjayao discussed the status of journalism in the Philippines, and Herkurt Tamba deliberated strategies for combating disinformation.

CAMPUS JOURNALISTIC PROWESS HONED

Bagwis members also discussed lectures in the morning on various journalism fields, including news, editorial, feature, and sports writing, photojournalism, cartooning, layout, and video editing.

A competition was held after the proper lecture, in which winners received prizes and certificates.

Diana , one of the participants from News Writing, expressed her gratitude to the publication for conducting the batch project because.

“Masaya po ako na isa po

ako sa mga participants sa batch project na ito. I will use what I have learned here as I immerse myself in campus journalism competition soon,” she emphasized.

The batch project of Bagwis is mandated for trainees as stipulated in the publication’s Constitution and By-Laws in Article XV.

MSU-Gensan nasungkit ang 10th Best Adj Award sa Mindanao-wide Flores Debate Cup

Ibinandera ng Mindanao State University – General Santos City Debate Society (MGDS) ang kagalingan nito sa talakan matapos maiuwi ang mga karangalang natamo sa katatapos na Mindanao-wide Flores Debate Cup (FDC) 2023 sa Malaybalay, Bukidnon, Enero 27-29.

nagtapos ang kanilang laban sa FDC.

If you wish to contribute articles to our upcoming portfolios, send your literary piece to bagwis@ msugensan.edu.ph

Mula sa 13 na institusyon na may 50 grupong naglaban-laban, nakuha ni G. Michael Gevero ang “10th Best Adjudicator Award” matapos maging panelist ng open category octofinals, semifinals, at finals.

Nakaabot naman si G. Jefferson Quipit sa open category octofinals bilang punong hurado, at panelist sa semifinals at finals habang nasa panel si G. Rolando L. Baisac Jr. sa semifinals ng kompetisyon.

Hindi naman nagpahuli ang grupo nina Antonio Mantahinay, Angela Kirtana Candole at Leonard Tucjayao nang makapasok sa break rounds at makapagtala ng tatlong panalo dahilan upang maging kwalipikado sa octofinals ngunit sa naturang round

Kaya naman ipinagmamalaki ni G. Quipit, pangulo ng MGDS sa naging performance ng kanyang organisasyon dahil kahit na unang face-to-face na torneyo ito, ipinakita pa rin nila ang kanilang husay sa pakikipagdebate.

“The proper comparative is if there’s a significant difference from our performances during our online debates. I think there is a pressure for us to break or proceed in the finals series because during our online debates we are consistent with breaking. I’m so proud and happy with our contingent because, from almost 50 teams and 13 institutions, we broke 16th,” pahayag pa niya.

Idiniin din niyang sa pamamagitan ng pagsali ng mga ganitong kompetisyon, naipapamalas ng mga kalahok ang mga matitinding labanan sa talakan na mas nagpapaangat sa tunay na kagandahan ng isang debate.

LYNXTER LEAÑO

PRECISELY CONVEYED. Cartooning Head Louise Gabrielle Abing precisely conveyed lecture for cartooning field to young scribes.

Over My Debt Body

HERKURT TAMBA

In a world full of stakes, risk is a defining variable that causes reward or loss at the end of every choice. What comes along in every decision-making process is the primordial function of risk-taking—how one manages his willingness to seize an opportunity with life’s volatility.

The recent controversy over the investment ploy of the current administration captured the keen eye of the general public. Probing the provisions of House Bill 6608 exposed substantial loopholes that leave questions about the proponent’s capacity to manage the risks at hand. Given the present economic status quo in the Philippines, a risk-based project without adequate planning and management is like dancing with the devil.

In the light of the Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF), the model was initially framed on the idea of a sovereign wealth fund, a state-owned investment fund consisting of governmentgenerated funds, typically drawn from a country’s excess reserves. With this in mind, magnifying the administration’s aspiration to establish an investmentdriven income radix laid bare some of the intriguing and vulnerable fundamentals that this pursuit stands on. One is the “surplus” concept, which caused tumult on its first presentation in the House, Sen. Pimentel elucidated that it’s messy and yet it’s so basic since the Philippines is burdened by its towering debt accounting for P13.6 trillion, a record high level as per the Bureau of the National Treasury, increasing by 0.02% or ₱3.15 billion from October to November last year. On a bright spot, BSP recorded a BOP surplus of $612 million in December 2022, compared to a deficit of $756 million in November and a surplus of $991 million in December 2021 (GMA News). Yet, this is just the tip of the iceberg; the surplus cannot offset the outstanding deficits recorded in prior months, as the full-year BOP position was at a deficit of $7.263 billion, reversing the surplus of $1.345 billion reported in 2021. To put it simply, the risk is getting riskier. In investing, the golden rule suggests that invest only what you can afford to lose. Looking

at the Philippines’ financial state, the motherland is billions away from paying its credit obligations, and the country’s year-to-year debt pile is swelling further and bigger.

Despite the fact that we are still in the prologue of this massive undertaking, we are already sailing red. According to retired Justice Antonio Carpio, the Maharlika Investment Fund is a “losing proposition.” The fund’s annual return is anticipated to be between 7% and 8%, while the interest on its debt-funded equity, including operational expenditures, will be 8.9%. Moreover, Carpio pointed out that, before establishing the fund, he believes that it would be prudent for the government to lower the debt-to-GDP ratio from its current level of 64% to the pre-pandemic level of 40%. This means that the country is lagging behind in terms of improving its production forces; as a result, interventions and a sound economic framework should be preeminent in the government’s prioritization matrix.

In the first outline of the investment fund, funding and capitalization are provided to be pooled from Government Owned and Controlled Corporations (GOCCS) and Government Financial Institutions (GFIs) such as GSIS and SSS. This stipulation rolled out the red carpet for media groups, economists, and political circles to scrutinize the proposition of the authors as to why such an extent of financing is necessitated in the capital derivation. Conversely, Article III, Section 9 of the Constitution states that private property shall not be taken for public use without just compensation, so the mandate of the Maharlika Wealth Fund simply overlooks the rights of every Filipino who continues to toil and forage for a just living. The provocation took a positive note among the implementers, thereby excluding the two institutions from the probable fund sources

as per the latest revisions of the House Bill. Accordingly, the public backlash dealt a heavy blow to the removal of the subjects, given that these state pension agencies are primarily reliant on premiums paid by their members. With this critical shortcoming emerging from the plan’s framing, it should be obvious that the government’s legislative body should take the pacing at the most resolute and decisive interventions, rather than hastening, because it would result in engendering multitudinal risks in monetary and fiscal policies.

Following the perplexity of this state-funded investment, there are also significant reversals that were identified to cause torsional effects on the Constitution. The attempt to utilize the gross international reserve of the BSP will override the established precedents and the central bank’s charter. At the same rate, the violation to the Dividend Law of 1993, the overturn of the one-fund concept, and moreover the lurches that will trigger the financial system of the country forcing the government to borrow to compensate for the loss in these times of volatile interest rates.

Clearly, MIF is an answer at the wrong time. Planning should be grounded in the needs of time, and leaders should be adaptive to the changes it brings. The ongoing economic distress: consumers are hurting from exorbitant prices; workers are losing ends to survive; the government is hampered by financial obligations; and, ultimately, Filipinos are living on the precipice of tomorrow’s uncertainty. We cannot risk more than we can make.

Now is not the right time, and MIF is not the best for now.

#PaSTILL pa rin sa UmaTangHap (Umagahan, Tanghalian, Hapunan)

ng reyalidad ang mga Pilipino patungkol sa patuloy na pagtaas ng mga bilihin. Ika nga nila, ginto na ang bawat nitong mga halaga. Dagdag pa, kung may isang libo ka

lamang ang mapapaggastusan ay para itong isang bula

Ito ay isang nakapanlulumong katotohanan

Sa sampung piso ko ay may ulam at kanin na. Maliban sa abot-kayang halaga ay tunay ngang hindi ito tinipid sa lasa.

HANGGANG SAAN NGA BA AABOT

ANG SAMPUNG PISO KO?

Bilang isang Iskolar, saksi at dama ko kung gaano kamahal ang mga bilihin lalo pa’t pagkakasyahin ko ang aking baong limang daan sa isang linggo. Higit pa sa sampung pisong barya ko ay mabubusog na ako! Tanong ng mga kaibigan ko, ano nga ba ang nabibili ko dito.

Pastil! Pastil lamang!

Ito ang naging kasagutan ko sa kanila. Sa sampung piso ko ay may ulam at kanin na. Maliban sa abotkayang halaga ay tunay ngang hindi ito tinipid sa lasa.

natitira sa iyong

SA AMING MAGIGING BAGONG KAINAN!

“Nagbalon kamo?”

“Wala ba.”

“Ta Pastil ta!”

Ito na ang naging bukambibig ng aking mga kaklase tuwing kami ay kakain na ng tanghalian.

“Diin ta?”

“Tanghal o ASSSA?

“Sa engineering naman ta a!”

Natutulala! Nakatunganga!

Ilang minuto pa ang aming pagtatalo bago makapag desisyon kung saan nga ba kami dadalhin ng aming pagkagutom.

“Ta sa Engineering na lang ta.”

“Dalian niyo na!”

“Arat!”

Sa wakas at mapapawi na rin ang gutom na aming nararamdaman. Salamat at sa huli ay nasolusyonan na rin ang aming pagtatalo kung saan ba kami mapaparoon.

Ayon nga!

Pagkarating sa Engineering, isa-isa nang bumili ang aking mga kasamahan. Kanya-kanya rin sila sa pagpili ng toppings. Mayroong pumili ng chicken flavor mayroon ding tuna flavor habang ako ay nagiisip pa rin kung anong toppings ng pastil ang aking bibilhin.

“Pastil Ante, chicken flavor lang.” Banggit ko sa tindera. “Tagpila Te?” Tanong ko. “Sampung piso lang ga.” Sagot ni Ate.

“Ari bayad ko Te oh!” Pasaad ko. Bago ako umupo sa aming pwesto, tinanong ko ulit si Ate na itago na lang natin sa pangalang Marie. “Te ngaa ginabalikbalikan gid sang mga estudyante ang imo pastil biskan ano pa kalayo ang ila baktason?”

“Depende sa pagluto Ga at kanya-kanya na itong diskarte kung paano namin mas mapapasarap ang aming Pastil dahil alam mo naman marami kaming magkakompetinsya sa ganitong uri ng negosyo. Kung wala ka talagang ideya kung paano mapapaangat ang iyong binibenta talagang wala kang costumer.” Sagot at pagpapaliwanag ni Ate. Ako ay napangiti na lamang at pumunta na sa pwesto ng aking mga kasamahan.

“Mars, kaon na namit man gid diri ang ila Pastil, damo toppings kag barato pa gid. Hindi gid siya gitipid ba.” pangyaya ng kaibigan ko. “Ay bus-ok man gid Mars kag namit man gid gali. Lain gid siya sa iban nga pastil nga natilawan ko. Bet ko siya. Daw diri na ta pirme magkaon haw.” Kalma kung pagsasang-ayon. Pagkatapos naming kumain ay agad na kaming nagsipagtayo upang umalis.

“BALIK-BALIK LANG KAMO!

Ito ang mga katagang aming narining mula kay ate Marie bago kami umalis. “Mabalik gid kami liwat di te ah!”, ang naging tugon ng aking kaibigan.

Habang kami ay naglalakad patuloy pa rin ang aming kwentuhan tungkol sa pastil na aming natikman. Ngunit sa bawat kwento ng pastil ay may mga katanungan kung paano ba ito ginagawa o ano nga ba ang proseso sa paggawa nito.

#PASTIL PASTIL: PAANO KA GINAWA?

Paano nga ba?

Ang pastil ay isang kilalang pagkain ng mga Pilipino. Ito ay gawa sa tinimplahang adobong durog na manok o isda kagaya ng tuna na hinahalo sa kanin at binabalot sa dahon ng saging.

“Ta kaon na ta!” Pangyaya na ng aking kasamahan.

“Dali na, sa engineering ta liwat a.” At ayon nga, sumang-ayon ang lahat na babalik na naman kami kina ilang Marie.

Sa muli naming pagkain doon, hindi ko sasayangin ang pagkakataon na siya ay tanungin kung paano ba nila ginagawa ang pastil kung kaya’t ganon na lang ‘yon kasarap at kalinamnam.

Pagkarating sa Engineering, aming nadatnan

Pagkalipas ng ilang minuto, sa wakas nakabili na rin kami.

“Ante, pwede mamangkot?” Tanong ko sa kanya habang siya ay abalang-abala. “Ano to ga?” Sagot niya. “Mahimo abi ko article te about sa pastil, kung di kana busy Te ah mamangkot man lang ko kung paano mo ginaluto ang imo nga pastil.” “Pwede naman ngayon ga, ito man lang ang aking gingawa.” Kalmado niyang pagsagot.

“Paano gali te?” Aking pagtatanong. “ Ang una kong ginagawa ay magluto muna ng kanin at ito ay nilalagyan ko ng pandan. Pagkatapos ay isasantabi ko muna ang kanin at niluluto ko na ang toppings. Kung karne ng manok ang magiging topping pinakukuluan ko muna ito pagkatapos makuluan ay hihiblain na at ito ay igigisa sa bawang, sibuyas at luya. Para mas maging masarap ay dinadagdagan ko ito ng pampalasa kagaya ng tuyo at patis.” Pagpapaliwanag ni Ate Marie.

“Ay amo gali na sekreto mo te ba ngaa kanamit kag ginabalikan gid ang imo nga pastil diri” “Oo ga, dapat may halong pagmamahal sa pagluluto.” Pabirong sagot ni Ate Marie habang nakangiti.

PAKIKIPAGLAYAG SA KATOTOHANAN!

Pastil sa umaga, pastil sa tanghali, pastil sa hapunan!

Ito ang katotohanang araw-araw na hinaharap ng mga MSUan na katulad ko. Patuloy na nakikipagpatintero sa reyalidad na kahit pastil lamang ang magiging umagahan, tanghalian at hapunan ay okay na basta mabusog lamang sa halagang sampung piso.

Pastil lamang ang malakas!

Sa katunayan, masasarap ang pastil na binibenta sa loob ng Pamantasan sa iba’t ibang kolehiyo. Sari-saring lasa ang matitikman kaya tunay ngang sa sampung piso mo ay mabubusog kana at mapapasabi na lamang na #socrazypastil.

facingfea facingfears

Fear consumed us when we learned that what seemed to be only a domestic virus had developed into a global health phenomenon. Fear consumed me even more when I gradually understood that what seemed to be a one-week break from school because of the transgression of that virus might relatively mean a month, or two, or, if not fortunate enough, a year. Truth be told, it stole two years of our lives, forcing us to stay at home, forbearing, and quarantined. And that same fear did not once falter, but rather fragmented into tinier and smaller pieces that never once diminished, but rather augmented into sections of apprehensions that tempt us to back off and allow fear to devour us completely.

ON THE RECESSION OF EXPONENTIAL WAILS

Regardless of where you were during the height of the pandemic, you were for sure worried, fed up, and bored looking through your window seeing nothing but a scenery of loneliness while hearing the news of swelling cases of deaths, depression, and bleakness. I myself lived through this; a student who was barely surviving his studies and feeling blank in everything.

The Philippines could have definitely done better if those who have powers did not turn a blind eye to what was really happening back then. The scenery of loneliness could have been stopped promptly, and for the most part, students could have not been put in plateau. Imagine this happening amidst people crying for help when the budget could be reallocated to ameliorate the situation in the country.

No words can absolutely explain how sickening the setup of distance learning was for students. The transitioning of the faceto-face classes to online classes was indeed an alien system for most Filipino youngsters. As a third-world country, we are more accustomed to the traditional in-person way of schooling; hence, the supposed 2-week suspension of classes that turned to actual 2

to 3 years of pandemic and goggling at laptop and phone screens made the students just dead, figuratively.

Everything was merely for compliance. The essence of learning had been doused by the unforeseen aftermath of the covid-19. But, eventually and as luck would have it, the enervating road that the students were traversing is now slowly coming back to life. The traditional face-to-face classes that the youngsters yearned for are now again commencing. Safety and health protocols are now voluntary and not a requirement. Sure, the menace that cost millions of lives, burned numerous opportunities, and stole students’ fun and experiences, may now be curtained and gone, but the real fiends are still out there slithering and silently wreaking havoc to the country.

We never want these perpetrators to disparage their own countrymen again. Today, as I look through my windows, I see no loneliness but a silver lining in these movements that set one’s sights on achieving true peace and justice for all. And now I decided, I won’t just look but I will walk through my doors to help begin the recession of exponential wails.

JOHN ZHIDRIK GALON & LEONARD TUCJAYAO

ON THE WITHERING MEANING OF HOME

Situated near the famed Mindanao State University - General Santos City, the land of Uhaw serves as a second home for most iskolars enrolled in the university. These humble boarding houses which are found almost everywhere here have witnessed all the breakthroughs and breakdowns of the MSUans—with them pulling an all-nighter to cram an 8-chapter powerpoint and to staying up late until the morning because of the small celebrations and shat sessions. This has been the life of each MSUan residing here in Uhaw: going out at midnight to buy snacks, and sometimes tanduay light, while feeling safe as if this place is their home.

But now, does Uhaw still feel like home to you?

With the recent and consecutive homicides, threats, and robbery creeping around Uhaw, these ordeals that were not persistently observed before had shaken the sanity of MSUans and its residents as days in it were laid bare to danger and nights became the gateway of evil to cause annihilation.On October 11, 2022, residents at blocks 8, 9, 10, and 11 in zones 3 and 4 were perturbed as the bellow of “Tabang! Tabang!” and the sound of gunshot was heard in the area. Prior to that occurrence, just 4 to 5 days before the 11th, someone

was brutally murdered at broad daylight in Purok 12-A 3rd IB. There were also incidents where on the peaceful slumber of students, their room was forcibly invaded and their valuable things were stolen without them knowing.

Death can’t be cheated for sure, but the idea that you are being killed by the same creature as you, that someone has just randomly showed up and decided to end your life, is just cruel and sad. This kind of people must have been verily ignored of chances to see the beauty of life that they just woefully shook hands with the darkness and decided to fixate themselves on the atrocity.

Now as you read this, news like these may not be seen often on Facebook, but this does not still guarantee a safe life. Even if we ourselves will be more cautious and vigilant to our surroundings, these preemptive measures will be useless if the authorities are turning a blind eye to the outcries of people. Yes, these people exist. Bad people are always there. But how about those who tolerate the bad? The safety of the people should not be asked in the first place because asking for it is just tantamount to asking what is seen inside a home–the answer is always obvious.

BEHIND EVERY PUBLISHED ARTICLE WAS RED

As the country sits another architect, and with the comeback of the Marcoses in the Palace, innumerable instances of redtagging plagued and threatened those who have been critics of the government. As a student-journalist and a university student, I have always been made aware of this. But what seemed to be so impervious for me began to draw me uncertainty as it appeared before me, being labeled and hounded as a nemesis of the state for solely writing an article about the golden commemoration of the Marcosian martial law. And scared, I let fear consume my system and dare not include a byline.

Red-tagging has been utilized by people in power to change the narrative and make it appear in their favor. Even former Vice President Leni Robredo, known for being a vocal critic of the Duterte administration and his campaign against illegal drugs, was not pardoned by it, branding her an affiliate and a communist sympathizer. But what does this form of silencing have in store for those who show resistance? Unlawful arrest led to death threats, but in the worst case, Chad Booc, a human rights defender, and Percy Lapid, a journalist and a broadcaster, were both sent to death.

But how much can a lone student publication do as even national

media outlets and significant figures in domestic politics are not spared from this tragedy?

Even the eagle of Bagwis, the official and recognized student publication of the Mindanao State University - General Santos campus, was daunted when red-tagging issues hit the publication. Time can witness how frequent it happened, ushering fear toward the regular students of every published article of the publication. Always, red enveloped the tides of journalism, with people branding the publication a crony of the infamous New People’s Army. But the eagle was certain in its quest, and that excludes to slump without its wings levitating.

We Filipino people have already long been awakened in our deep slumber. With perhaps less than the majority, who are far better than having none at all, us who have been made aware will never close and turn a blind eye again. No quantity of intimidating takes can tone down the soar of the eagle in forging the bequest of amplifying the voices of the masses, defending freedom, and publishing truth. Now that I am enlightened, without a doubt, I’d let this issue be published with my name printed below the headline.

DIAMONDS IN THE MARKET

At the outset, the unprecedented transgression of the global health crisis has caused the humankind more than their humanity, depriving the people of all walks of life the right to live, the freedom of every child to play, the privilege of every student to regularly attend school, and the list can go on and on. But how dark can it be for those in the lower echelon to continue thriving for survival when the status quo continues to divest them and put them even more at the bottom with the inflation incessantly growling up? What more can be very menacing for this to happen after being freed from the physical constraints of the COVID-19 pandemic?

The annual inflation rate in the Philippines, as reported by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), edged up to 8.1 percent in December 2022, the highest since November 2008. The full-year average was 5.8 percent, outside the official target of two to four percent. But before the very data released by the central statistical authority entails even more dreadful ramifications for the economy

Sure, the contemporary global health crisis entangled us with countless fears of uncertainties, and as we traversed back to the face-to-face classes, our fears never once fluctuated. Our embers of hope to persist dreaming of the life we have always wanted did not vamoose, that yesterday might have only been blown away

of the country, from the cost of groceries to the price of onions in the market, everyday essentials and basic necessities are becoming more expensive.

Left with no choice, people adjust their financial habits, which in the worst case, can slow down economic growth that may lead to higher unemployment and wider gap for the rich and the poor. And these may have only been a dim for the “haves”, and a total darkness for those parents who can not afford to put food on their family’s table, for those who have been exploited by the circumstance and the capitalistic people who framed them to work more than the average just to make ends meet only to receive a minimum wage, only to be struck by the fact that even then-onions are now gold, worse, diamond, sold in the market.

But now, while we continue in the transition back to the face-toface setup, one can only hope that the onions will be set free.

by unprecedented trepidations, but these fears ceased not to extinguish the fire within us to continue moving forward.

Now more than ever, there is no more way we maneuver our faces back but we face fears.

Passing of the Silver Spoons: Excuse of the Wealthy

MIA DOROTHY MARCOS

Lest

be those who take advantage of connections! Let it be known that others deserve that spot as well. Born with a silver spoon, celebrities tend to have it all – so how does that make us, us who lived “normal,” in our society?

Trusted within the industries of Hollywood are the well-born expectations towards them, that will cultivate and create artists of different magnitudes. As people go by everyday lives, development garnered by experience, surely those of celebrities thread the same fate.

But no, apparently some are “appointed.” “Gifted.” “Meant for this,” seemingly deserving citizens to be handed opportunities. Those that’ll help their careers and imagery, boost up their way into the world’s unmentioned hierarchy of “who tops who.”

In the sense of “nepo-babies,” commonly referred to as early celebrities shining under the industry due to their relatives, it is certainly unfair. While some actors from the bottom have to climb their way to the top just to land a huge role, numerous still have gotten a prior skip due to their family names. Numerous can be named after the act of nepotism, but we may pinpoint those who could’ve done a lot better with their connections.

Prior example? The announcement of the short film Let Me Go (The Right Way).

After the said announcement, one may notice that the cast all have a common denominator: each have at least one celebrity relative. Hopper Penn (Sean Penn’s son), Brian D’Arcy James (nephew of Brian Kelly), have been casted for the movie, directed by Destry

Spielberg (Steven Spielberg’s daughter) and written by Owen King (Stephen King’s son).

Now, this may be easily overlooked by people not following said entertainment industry. However, as much as they got the big guns all-in in this movie, the lack of reviews pretty much screams nepotism. Not only that, but the comments, under DiscussingFilm’s twitter announcement of the movie, also served sarcasm with most of it pertaining, “Wow, I wonder how they got in (the movie)?”

Leave it to the well-knowns for the job, I guess. Yet not all are so contingent in this privilege.

Though most are clear children of famous personalities, some are literally born for the role with the use of their hard work and talents. Jaden Smith takes this idea, as he started in the industry, co-starring with his father in movies such as The Pursuit of Happyness and After Earth. Later on followed his lead role in Karate Kid, which pretty much introduced him to the world. Another similar situation comes Dakota Johnson, who first started a minor role in Crazy in Alabama alongside her mother, Melanie Griffith. She then became lead for the reputable Fifty Shades of Grey.

It still may take a hint of taking advantage of the connections – yet we can conclude that some take pride in this, and others take the good out of it to push themselves into greater heights. Inevitable as it may, the reality of nepotism is inescapable in itself – but let it be known that there are still actors who act to earn their name in gold. Those who are not products of nepotism, we can name a few: Jennifer Lawrence, Brad Pitt, Ryan Reynolds, Mark Ruffalo, and more.

Jennifer Lawrence’s parents run a summer camp for kids, Mark Ruffalo’s family own a pizza place in Kenosha, Wisconsin, and both Brad Pitt and Ryan Reynolds have a humble background. Taking into this account – if you too aim on entering this industry – hard work and determination could still lead up to a hardearned role, and maybe soon to be a flourishing career. It may be common to see nepo-babies time to time, let this be a reminder that the world is not black and white, but different shades of grey (yes, pun intended). Some are fed silver spoons, some are not. Some are born with talent, some are not.

And in the case of partiality, some may have it all, some have to earn it all. Nevertheless, we have different ways to strive to the top – and it is up to you to be the one to disprove the prevalence of nepotism as a whole. However, living like them is kind of a blessing and a curse. Blessing in the sense where they don’t have to put their all in order to climb up the ladder and a curse because they need to maintain their dignity, integrity and fame. To the youth of today’s generation, whether a nepo-baby or not, bear in mind that you are the one who walks your path and not the people or factors surrounding you. therefore, walk based on what you think is best.

To what extent will one shall wait

Long is the road on said journey

Thriving grief one holds on thy spine

MIA DOROTHY MARCOS

By the coastal roads pass the gate

Of the treacherous path one is yet to take

For they will say “Is this what fear can create?”

IwishI knew. I didn’t know that we would end up wishing for a shooting star desperately beseeching for an altered ending.

A different fusion of light would have been the most beautiful sight to see that night, but it was nothing on you—you hold the clear skies in the morning, you cry like gray clouds, you light up the empty dark streets; you are the whole of it. I just couldn’t fathom how a person like you, so ethereal and free, was holding hands with me underneath the dimmed sidewalk while we were strolling bound for the unknown.

“Kung naay shooting star karon, unsa pud imo i-wish?” You asked and we immediately looked at the sky waiting for at least one out of the million stars to glide down. “Siguro, magwish ako ng time machine. Balikan ko lang yung nangyari last September 6 and siguro sana nagstay na lang tayo sa boarding house.”

We were silent after that, just gazed at the sky, while we slowly gripped our hands tighter and harder like they were superglued. Distinctly, after several minutes of waiting for a shooting star, we were denied of chances. Still, with the beauty of the night sky and the sweet heat of your breath, I could live forever in that moment.

“Tabang!” We heard this from afar, two blocks away from where we were. There were two motorcycles that seemed to be in a drag race for driving so fast. On the quick moment they passed us, a streak of reflection of light had flashed before my eyes.

The reflection seemed like a knife as there were blood droplets on the pavement.

Our hearts were pounding. We ran to the victims to try to help them but they were nowhere to be found. Only the ambulance and the police cars were left at the crime scene. We kept asking the people and authorities there about the incident, but they were not responding to us.

As soon as I heard a muffled voice calling your name, you disappeared in my hands. I followed that voice and I ended up on a police talking, “Gina-revive pa daw si John sa St. Elizabeth, pero ang sabay daw niya kay dead on arrival.”

The surroundings and the road became once again a dark feared place as the ambulance and police cars vanished in thin air. It was just all a memory from the past—the past that caused horror and an unfortunate event that took your life.

Walking alone here in the streets of Uhaw does really open the doors of danger. But tonight, I’ll take all the risks, wait for a shooting star, and wish to never let the night of September 6 happen. I wish I knew.

Yet one is brimming with worry

Held on to the past, with no goodbyes

“I don’t want to grow up!”

Oh how time flies

Unbearably Near a shooting star that won’t happen

Regarding nightmares within the vines

Walk so unfamiliar, with steps heavy

How come going forward can be so uncanny?

Unsteady and so uncertain: will this be alright? Yet to come so far, why fear the fight?

Lest be those acknowledge the process Know thy worth and stand with your progress

Lungkot sa pagkakapagod

REALEE GABARRA

May demonyong sa utak ko ay bumubulong habang hawak ang huling bote ng red horse na aking iniinom, sa likod ng usok ng sigarilyo ng mga kainumang langong-lango ay lumalaban ang himig ng aking bawat tugon. Parang ang sarap umakyat sa gubat, sa ulap ay mag palutang-lutang dala ang mga pasaning ibig na bitawan na para bang kay sarap maging malaya sa bigat ng kinabukasan. Pangarap sa buhay ang kasalungat ng reyalidad at hindi alam kung hanggang kailan ito pasan na para bang lahat ng bagay na iyong gagawin at mamahalin ay may kasiguraduhang dulot nito ay sakit na ilang beses nang binabalik balikan. Ang buhay ay pareho lang naman na kamatayan ang katapusan, sarili ay kailangang buuin mula sa pagkakabiyak dahil sa kalungkutan at pagod, dagdagan pa ng isip kong hapong-hapo na sa kakatakbo. Ang sarap na lamang maging isang bata, kailan nga ba magiging malaya? Gusto kong maranasang muli ang kasiyahang naibibigay ng pagiging malaya.

Nabuhay akong ang tanging asam ay maabot ang mga inaasahan ng aking mga magulang. Alinsunod sa kanilang nais ay nakipagsapalan ako sa paaralang malayo sa kanila nang sa gayon ay matutong maging magisa. Kasabay nito ay nahanap ang mga bagay na magbibigay ng panandaliang saya na kasabay ng agam-agam kung tama pa ba ang daang aking tinatahak. Nababalot ang puso’t-isipan kung patuloy bang isawalang-bahala ang mga boses na patuloy na naririnig sa aking munting

Sinubukang hamakin ang mundo nagsumikap para ang pangarap ay maging totoo, ngunit hindi malaman bakit hanggang ngayon ako parin ay nandirito. Pinasok ang kweba ng sakripisyo, pighati’t paghihirap, kahit walang gabay ay nangapa’t gupamapang at nagpakatapang ngunit kahit anong gawin, liwanag ng tagumpay ay hindi mahagilap. Ito na ba ang kaloob ng mga tugon? Masyadong kabaliktaran ng inaasahan ko noon, mga panalangin at hiling ay tiWla taliwas sa plano ng Panginoon.

Hindi alintanang ang kahihinatnan kong buhay sa aking paglaki ay ganito, kinakain ng puot sa bawat pagkabigo kahit ilang ulit nang sumubok, ang resulta ay pare-pareho. Panghuhusga ng mga tao at mga inspirasyong naglaho, lahat ng ito ay pinasan ko hanggang bumulusok sa puntong gusto nang maglaho. Kasayahan ay saglit na makakamtan habang hawak ang baso ng alak, para bang itoy inuming lasong nakakahilo at pampamanhid sa kirot na nadarama ko. At ngayon nasa punto nako ng buhay na para bang may hawak na pistola’t nakatutok sa aking ulo, hinihintay na lamang magkaroon ng lakas ng loob na kalabitin ang gatilyo ng humiwalay ang kaluluwa mula sa mga pasakit ng mundo.

Huling narinig kasabay ng pagpikit ng aking mata ay ang mga salitang, “BAANNGG!!”

ILLUSTRATION BY SHARIF RYAN BELDIA

The Red in My Lens

“You should stop. You’ll get yourself in danger.”

They protested. I need to fight for what’s right. If I won’t, then who will?

“Don’t you know what you’re getting into?”

I’ve held the camera in my hand tighter. Of course, I know.

At least, I used to.

I’ve longed to stare ahead. The stained concrete floor met my gaze. Everything else seems so blurry - I couldn’t seem to pinpoint what to do once done with this.

I’m…at loss.

Sure, getting caught was to be expected.

How come my brother faced death instead?

A decade we worked together as journalists, being on the frontlines is what we’re used to. Yet the moment we went out and about for a cup of nightly coffee, they were to take him so easily away from me. We were yet to publish a case regarding extrajudicial killings. Being the next possible victim was the last thing on our minds.

I dropped my coffee that specific evening. I couldn’t think straight, nor look straight. I was exhausted, confused, in fear – all of those mixed into one persona. My unsteady breathing certainly didn’t help, nor are the red stains in my camera.

Brother, I fear the end. You didn’t. You were ready regardless of uncle’s warnings. I however,

BBoMbay the flavor of bruises

JEFFERSON QUIPIT

(it’s something) sometimes i readjust my back, and i can taste smoke and licorice cracking from the nothingness of my saliva.

everything spins for a while, and i catch myself in a split second separating from my sentience.

(it’s bitter)

it brings me to his untucked belts, and a pulsating burn on my skin while holding a cig on the other hand.

I lick my pungent runny nose, and my palm cups my sweaty eyes because it’s another sting if I cry.

(it’s sweet)

i dreamt of colas in glass bottles, and my grandma buys me one after the last one hits me by the ribcage. she tells me it’s love, and i won’t die from the thwack because i’m built strong.

(it’s bittersweet)

we buy a plastic-wrapped bread, and the soda i wanted which was the licorice one.

five pesos licorice-dipped stale bun, and smoke from a beer-bellied man is the flavor of my childhood.

(it’s cursory)

i’ve burned it down to ashes, and already buried it to the ground but the flavor of bruises comes back. but after a while, the flavor dissipates and i’m back to being ok - i think.

An Open Letter of Sky-rocketing Prices of...

JEFFERSON QUIPIT

By the time when the Filipino omelet tasted more like anxiety compared to umami and grains of unmixed salt, that is when I realized that we have already reached the pinnacle of the golden age. Especially as I want caramelized onions swamping my pale yellow eggs, and onions are now the Filipino saffron, I feel like vomiting gold. To think that the omelet I am eating is more expensive than a slice of grilled pork chop is problematic.

But I remembered the eternal battle cry that we must live by - so I am alright. Unity! Unity! Unity! Its power radiates toward my hollow Filipino soul, and I feel the paws and claws of the ultimate tiger caress and linger on my tranquil spirit. No sarcasm intended; I do feel it. It is through the skyrocketing prices of, a very minuscule violet bulb, an onion that I can feel the Department of Agriculture’s Secretary reigns on managing everything with finesse.

“Ma! Lasang manumbag sa dila ang escabitche!” I told my mother during one dinner when a tomatosauteed Tilapia feels so bitter but also so tangy at the same time. Then, she later explained how, instead of onions, she placed an alternative - onion leeks, finely-diced and smooth to the tongue but inedible.

“Yes, pwede daw na siya gamiton! Ana tung nakita nako sa TV na isahog na lang ni kaysa bombay,” my mother said. We then proceeded to enjoy our escabitche meal - feignly.

And I just think it is so stupid how a problem this small has tumbled a domino towards the lives of average Filipinos. Fine, I’ll take the defense of loyal tigernatics that the rise in prices is because of Typhoon Karding and Neneng’s agricultural disruption. But it’s already been months since the two disasters hit the country.

When you had the opportunity to open your eyes, you never reviled the truth. When numerous news reports on a suspected agricultural cartel hit the television, you screamed, “Ah! Strategy ra na niya oi. Alangan ipagawas niya tanan-tanan dayon sa tawo. Maubos napud dayon ang bombay eh.”

And fine! Let’s be charitable with your claims. Even if it is not the typhoons or cartels that disrupted the onion prices and we’ll take your benevolent claim that our agricultural secretary is doing something by importing 22,000 tonnes of onions abroad, his economic response is too late. Though I’m not surprised; I expected even worse. I said, “Hey you read by the lines!” If the sarcasm is not powerful enough to reveal my cry, perhaps every first letter of every paragraph would be.

REALEE GABARRA

ILLUSTRATION BY LOUISE GABRIELLE ABING

ILLUSTRATION BY SHARIF RYAN BELDIA

was a coward.

And that night was proof, for I ran.

I believe you were still breathing then. I could’ve stayed. Yet, I didn’t.

Now I shamelessly face your smiling portrait. That smile was an everyday sight to see – yet it was overshadowed by my heavy guilt of hoping I could’ve done something then. Something else than hastening away to any whereabouts.

Uncle approached beside me. “He was such a young lad.” I could feel his gaze shift on me. “Look…I know I’ve warned you about this. Drop the job, son.” He then stuttered, “I – I don’t want to be the one to witness you next inside the dreaded box. At least, reconsider now, yeah?”

Reconsider, as if I could.

I took it as an offense. I was angry at myself. I needed to do something to at least prevent another “accident” like this. I couldn’t let the media label your name black, brother.

I am to meet a witness of that night. There are others who died the same evening, and it was a miracle that this person approached me first. I am now listing the details as we speak.

My writing froze, however.

I asked again, “I’m sorry, you heard what exactly?”

“I saw a man of age speak about reporting journalists weeks before. He was with his friend and was talking about it so discreetly when I walked by the sari-sari store.”

“And do you know who this man is?”

I didn’t know how to react, brother.

It seems like we were both betrayed, as the woman then speaks of uncle’s name.

Happens

JOHN ZHIDRIK GALON

Each time they think of the end of the world

The loss and fear

The sadness and break

The point of no return

And the pounding of heart

These I felt too

When we had a bonfire

Under the ruins of volcano

While we’re touched by the snuffing sunlight

Your eyes then reflected the fire

It freed the warmth

That had me wanting to stay in hell

The rain also poured

But we were saturated beforehand

By the earthquakes and aftershocks

That sprouted a new land

I guess the day I met you

Was the end of the world

The ocean reeks

The grass turns brown

There will be no absence of deaths

But the reborn it brings Love happens

Does love always lead us to an unforeseen future?

Or does it take love to embrace this endeavor?

Being a risk-taker is addictive and rough

But it’s a hobby to choose the road not taken

You knew your only love gave this kind of trauma

But I’m stupid to give you chance of aroma

Maybe, I am blinded by your love and morpheme

Believing that six years ago, don’t gave me pain

Despite of all the what ifs and negativities

Here I am enjoying each other’s differences

Believing on the commitments which we embrace

As the road not taken is path of our success

Each road has its own beauty in destination

End that depicts a terminus which holds your hand

Both, looking at our guide which is the sunshine

Who is the evidence of our pain, love and bond

JOHN ZHIDRIK GALON

march 31, 202x there he said, if you ever lost, or in despair, my love, find me, run to me; I’ll let you in. have my caress as the roof, my breath as the walls, have my chest as your bed; inside it is my heart, your light.

I am your home.

july 10, 202x there he replied, this home, my love, was wrecked with us in it. the rain was always strong that the roof began tearing. termites were found on our bed, but I remember lying with you in the grass; we loved it even if there were dead flowers around us. you always liked it you said, laying your head on my chest, and you always slept like you have never known comfort. I wished you moved. I wished you woke up. I have never had a thought that it is actually scary being undisturbed as our flesh slowly becomes cold. today here he regrets,

I have not been winning lately, my love. and still choosing by your side while i fell a hundred times was remorseful. this home is better without you in it, anyway.

Pondering real tactic towards SGBV-ictory

Aswe turn on the television to watch our favorite sports teams compete, it is easy to get caught up in the thrill of the game and forget about the off-field issues that plague the world of sports. But for many studentathletes, the reality of their lives is far from the glamorized version we see on TV. In fact, sexual gender-based violence (SGBV) is a disturbing and all-too-common occurrence within the student-athlete community— one that demands our attention and action. From high-profile cases that make headlines to the countless stories that go untold, this is a devastating problem that seems to be a never-ending cycle.

Male sports culture has come under fire for tolerating toxic masculinity and aggression towards women. The phrase “locker room chatter” was even coined and became widely used to describe the behavior of male sportsmen who objectify females among their colleagues, and an element of this is sexual gender-based violence among the student-athlete community that goes on behind the decades-old sporting events. It is a disturbing reality that individuals within this community— who are often seen as role models and leaders— are capable of committing such heinous crimes.

One instance that caused clamor among the student-athlete community was Forthsky Padrigao’s case. The esteemed point guard of Season 85 UAAP champion Ateneo de Manila University Men’s Basketball Team, has been accused of sexual assault by a

NIEL ZSUN JOHN S. VEGA

volleyball player Pia Ildefonso. Several Instagram stories were shared by the infuriated daughter of two-time PBA MVP Danny Ildefonso.

It’s never right to cheat on your partner. It’s never right to manipulate and gaslight your partner.

It’s never right to take advantage of a woman, especially when they’re in a vulnerable state. Lastly, it’s never right to spread and leak any personal content of your friends without their consent,” P. Ildefonso wrote on Instagram.

In 2021, a Twitter thread of 15 women provided proof of the sexual and genderbased abuse they had endured at the hands of Padrigao. The purported victims, however, have now taken down their accounts or erased their tweets.

Statements pledging investigations and stressing a safe place for gender minorities help to diffuse problems. But at what point do individuals in authority understand that a whole system has to be changed when similarly rooted issues come out every so often and names start to trend on Twitter every year? How can you combat a culture

that is so deeply ingrained in the sports that we like watching? There is no correct response. Justice for women is unstable and it is imperative that individuals initiate these challenging dialogues.

It is crucial that steps are taken to address and prevent any form of violence within the student-athlete community. This can include implementing comprehensive consent education and bystander intervention programs, as well as providing support and resources for survivors. It is also important that there are clear and fair disciplinary processes in place to hold perpetrators accountable for their actions. This sends a message that sexual gender-based violence will not be tolerated and helps to create a safer and more inclusive community for all students, including student-athletes.

As the student-athlete community continues to grapple with the issue of sexual gender-based violence, it is vital that the human toll that these crimes have on their victims is remembered. Behind every statistic and headline is a person who has been traumatized, a person whose sense of safety and trust has been shattered. It is a game within a game to stand with these survivors and do everything in order to prevent future instances of violence. Only by acknowledging the gravity of this issue and taking decisive action and accountability can everyone become victorious in creating a safer and more equitable community for all.

“One MSU!” - MSU Gensan, Marawi match up for Basketball Friendship Game

Championing the true spirit of One MSU, Chancellor Usman D. Aragasi, heeded this call in the hardwood through a Basketball Friendship Game between Mindanao State University (MSU) Marawi and host institution, MSU Gensan, at the University Gymnasium on Saturday, November 19.

Centered on unity, triumph, and camaraderie for a more thriving MSU system, the celebration was attended by officials, faculty, staff, and students from the two campuses.

Atty. Basari D. Mapupuno, MSU System President, highlighted that these friendship

games manifest the real essence of being an MSUan.

“It shows na we are one institution. That we can play these games na nananaig pa rin ang pagkakaisa bilang isang institusyon and that is Mindanao State University,” Atty. Mapupuno said.

“Let us continue to strive more for the betterment of Mindanao State University,” he added.

MSU Gensan Stripes and MSU Marawi Fastballers battled it out in three neck-toneck games. Kicked-off by a deadlock first match, as the committee decided not to play

overtime, while the second saw the Stripes narrowly edge out the Fastballers with a 4945 victory. However, refusing to slow down, Fastballers fought back from a deficit in the deciding all-star game to secure an impressive 53-44 win, resulting in a 2-2 tie between the two teams.

Asked about how he felt winning the All-Star Event, MVP Ryan Magalang of MSU Marawi Fastballers, echoed Atty. Mapupuno’s message, upholding the real meaning of One MSU. “Noong nanalo kami parang nanalo na rin ang MSU-Gensan,” he quoted.

Lady Reapers Sow Crown as Opsima Whitewashes

Foes for Triumph

Flaunting her unblemished win-loss record on board two, Jeneviere Opsima, hailed her savvy board dominance spearheading the College of Agriculture (COA) Reapers to sickle gold in the Women’s Chess last Intramurals 2022, at Regional Sci ence Research Center, November 21-22.

A two-day rally was enough for Opsima, with Krizel Abejar, Gabrielle Mae Palate, and Gioriz Gelig on boards two, one, three, and four, respectively, each superbly aiding her nine with seven points, to carry the team to a stellar 30-point performance leaving their nemeses on dust.

The College of Agriculture started their bout facing the College of Engineering ASTEEGs Christina Barago, Glyza Marcos, Demi Sarmiento, and Michaela Macasling on the first to fourth boards, in order.

The Reapers did not give ASTEEGs any chance as Abejar went up with Opsima and Palate’s heat, crushing first to third boards, setting up the mood in favor of

CHECKMATE. Daro reapers sickle gold against foes in Women’s Chess.

them despite Gelig being within earshot for victory.

The College of Education Mentors Judelyn Piquero, Divine Grace Escuadra, Cyril Joy Manikad, and Hanifa Arimao tried to shut Reapers’ sickles down in the second round.

However, the Mentors were unable to contain Reapers’ slashes as COA pinched a two-and-a-half point with a point above their rivals.

Never letting the momentum slip through, Reapers reigned the succeeding rounds claiming summit making the Mentors settle for silver by five and a half points with 24.5. The College of Business Administration and Accountancy then secured bronze with 21 points after having enough tie-breaking points against the ASTEEGs gathering 79.5 against the Engineers’ 70.5.

BERJAN C. PAGADATAN

KIMBIAN S. LIM