The LaSallian August 2021 Issue

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AUGUST 16, 2021

B A S T I O N

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I S S U E - O R I E N T E D

C R I T I C A L

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T H I N K I N G

Volume LX Number VIII

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UNIVERSITY

VANGUARD

OPINION

MENAGERIE

SPORTS

Toward economic growth and recovery with PhilSys

DLSU Eco Car Team drives green innovation

Read the room The Erinyes

Makibaka, huwag matakot: Raising our fists against red-tagging

A national ID system has been in the works for years. But how can it actually help?

Despite the pandemic, the DLSU Eco Car Team continues to exemplify Lasallian excellence for a sustainable tomorrow.

Bodies do what they need to do, and Menagerie Editor Glenielle Geraldo Nanglihan reminds readers that it needs not do more than that.

Halftime Thoughts: The B. League and it’s appeal to the new generation

Red-tagging has long been used to silence dissent and brand critics as enemies of the state.

Many collegiate stars are taking their talents to Japan, raising question marks for the PBA.

To reach large audiences, PH politicians turn to Twitter Back in May, when tensions over the West Philippine Sea were running high, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teddy Locsin “politely” told China on Twitter to leave the contested region, describing the country as an “ugly oaf forcing your attentions (sic) on a handsome guy who wants to be your friend.”

by Orville Apostol, Jezah Mae Bagsit, & Michele Gelvoleo

No stranger to colorful remarks on social media, Locsin has managed to use his verified account to not only provide updates from his department but also broadcast his unfiltered opinions and attack government officials and foreign dignitaries—and, in some cases, his own Twitter followers.

But this is only one of many examples where government officials use Twitter as a tool to reach niche audiences and expand their influence by being casual in the way they convey information, both official announcements and their personal views.

Social media as a political tool During the advent of new media in the 2000s, e-governance and e-participation showed promise. “It was the idea that the internet will facilitate the accessibility of government services, including politicians, where there might be room for ordinary citizens to be able to engage with politicians,” says Department of Communication Full Professor Dr. Cheryll Ruth Soriano, whose research focuses on the implications of digital communication on socio-cultural and political practices.

This vision became true as politicians and diplomats tapped social media sites to engage with their audience more directly and bypass traditional gatekeepers like the media. For Fatima Gaw, an assistant professor from University of the Philippines Diliman and a researcher on digital technologies in culture and politics, this absence of gatekeepers is “liberating for a politician who wants to be always present in the public eye [and] in the public opinion.”

Traditionally, mounting a political campaign requires enormous funding despite only reaching a limited audience since these campaigns are geographically limited by the localities they can afford to visit. Adding to these expenses are political advertisements paid for to be aired on television outlets. Since public political campaigns do not fully reach these candidates’ target audiences, Soriano thinks that Filipino politicians resort to promoting their campaigns on Twitter to reach the electorate, especially their supporters.

NEWSBITS

Blurring boundaries Using Twitter allows Filipino politicians to let constituents look past their bureaucratic persona by giving them a glimpse into their private lives, a move which Gaw says can create an air of authenticity and relatability around a public official.

“Since you are sharing a part of yourself, it’s easier to trust somebody than somebody you don’t know anything about,” she reasons.

Soriano, meanwhile, says that there is an appeal in seeing state figures, who are often viewed in a formal setting, step out of their zone and instead appear “raw” and “authentic” to their audiences. “There is an attractiveness to that, but also an organic nature of social media communication kasi nga it invites participation; it invites clicks,” she elaborates.

This need to come off as informal may have arisen from their need to “buy into the language of Twitter” and meet their followers’ expectations, Soriano adds. “Hindi naman mage-expect ‘yung mga Filipino Twitter users, kahit na state actor ka, na sobrang formal kasi no one will really engage with you if that is so.”

(Filipino Twitter users will not expect you to be too formal, even if you are a state actor, because no one will really engage with you if that is so.)

Social media also offers politicians the freedom to express themselves and “dominate the conversation about a specific issue,” according to Gaw. This, she adds, when combined with the ability to publish anytime to a captive audience, makes it a “perfect recipe” to transform oneself into a “more forceful political presence” than politicians who are not on the platform and who still rely on traditional media to get their message across.

“You can already manicure or portray yourself in a way that you think would be strategic for your political career or an agenda,” she simplifies.

Free from gatekeepers like the media, politicians on Twitter can say whatever they want, whenever they want.

Illustration by Kyana Ayahao

“You can already manicure or portray yourself in a way that you think would be strategic for your political career or an agenda.”

No holds unbarred However, these strategies will only remain effective if balanced properly. While political figures are given the opportunity to portray themselves in whatever way they deem advantageous, they are still expected to remain respectable as individuals. As Gaw warns, “There’s possible backlash to it—if

you cross certain lines and you say certain things or offend groups of people.”

Soriano cites an incident under the Aquino administration where one of the president’s speechwriters caused an online uproar after tweeting off the cuff remarks during a state visit in Vietnam, commenting, for example, how crossing the streets of Hanoi is “one of the easiest ways to die.”

While sharing informal life updates is normal on a microblogging platform like Twitter, state actors can “get castigated for what they tweet” because of the positions they hold, she says.

And in the event they do get backlash, there is little recourse after as deleting the

tweet would also put them at a disadvantage.

“You cannot edit it and people can screengrab it, and even if you delete it, people have a resibo of it already,” Soriano details, noting that even if they are tweeting in a personal capacity, their statements will be perceived as representative of the organizations or offices they belong to.

On the other hand, Gaw believes that though there may be instances where public individuals could face backlash,

First local Lambda case detected—DOH

Excused absences scope expanded

DOLE seeks cash aid for workers

The Department of Health reported this month the first case of local transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 Lambda variant, deemed to be more resistant to vaccines.

Students may now cite “major adjustments at home” to request for excused absences amid the enhanced community quarantine over Metro Manila and Laguna.

The Department of Labor and Employment’s call for one-time assistance worth P5,000 for the growing number of displaced workers is pending due to funding issues.

the effect may not always be permanent.

“I don’t think there’s going to be risk or danger to you, unless you release something offensive that will really offend people,” she maintains.

She, then, advises voters to heighten their discretion toward how politicians “package” themselves as well as to question their intentions as the coming months will be noisier, with several influencers tapped to endorse various political candidates for the approaching elections.

“Look at Twitter with a sharper lens; it’s possible that they are indeed performing their true selves,” Gaw says. “But [what] their intent in doing so is the question.”

FAST NUMBER P67.32 billion—A report from the Commission on Audit found several deficiencies in the Department of Health’s P67.32-billion COVID-19 response fund.

AUGUST 16, 2021

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Section Editor: Frank Santiago

by Enricko Montoya

While enrolling in minors via Google Forms makes the courses free of charge, the separate system can make the process confusing.

The current state of free minor programs and electives “Real-world problems more often than not require a multi-disciplinal approach.”

This was what the Academics Council (AC) wrote on May 18 of last year when it approved guidelines for free minors programs and free electives and recognized the need for students to explore areas of discipline outside of their degree program. What followed a month later were additional provisions that allowed undergraduate students to take 12 units of free electives or minor courses—free of charge, as Vice Chancellor for Academics (VCA) Dr. Robert Roleda once proclaimed to The LaSallian.

Three terms have passed since then, and the list of available programs and electives have expanded. This opportunity also allowed students to immerse themselves with fellow students belonging from another college.

Recalling the initial plan The availability of free minor degree programs and electives were announced mainly through Help Desk announcements before the beginning of the term. Interested students must submit an application to the department but must also be aware if the academic department might be requiring additional requirements, as former College of Liberal Arts (CLA) Dean Dr. Jazmin Llana once mentioned during an interview with The LaSallian last year. Successful applicants are also subjected to follow the guidelines provided by the AC.

by Michele Gelvoleo & Chloe Novenario

IT TAKES ABOUT A WEEK FOR THE UNIVERSITY REGISTRAR TO PROCESS THE STUDENTS WITH MINOR DEGREES’ REQUESTS, LEAVING STUDENTS CLUELESS AS TO WHETHER THEY HAVE BEEN ENROLLED INTO THE CLASS OR NOT

To enroll in their preferred classes, students would need to fill out the Google Form within the adjustment period.

The Academic Programming Officer (APO) would then use this information to manually enroll students in the class.

Roleda explained that this rule was created to avoid incidents where students who need to take certain courses as part of their flowchart are crowded out of the class.

“The difference between enrolling through Animo.sys and through Google Forms is that when you enlist through Animo.sys, you have to pay for it; and when you apply through Google Forms, you have to wait for the APO to enlist you to that class, so it could be counted as free,” explains Britney Paderes (II, AB-POM), who is completing a minor degree in Economics.

Andrew Chen (III, MEE), who is currently taking a minor degree in Accountancy, says that enrolling through Google Forms was still “not perfect” due to the process of enrolling a free minor during the first week of a term. The time between enrolling through Animo.sys and Google Forms is significantly distinct; it takes about a week for the University Registrar to process the students with minor degrees’ requests, leaving students clueless as to whether they have been enrolled into the class or not, he elaborates.

Paderes suggests that enrollment should be held during the adjustment

period for students to easily catch up with the lessons. Meanwhile, Noki Topacio (IV, BS-CS), another Economics minor degree taker, suggests creating a platform for students taking the same program to coordinate and learn from each other.

Chen also believes that orientations for minor degree takers should be conducted. ​​ College of Liberal Arts Associate Dean Dr. Ron Resureccion had already stated that some departments hold orientations while some do not.

This implies the need for orientations in some departments to guide students when enrolling for their desired free minor degree.

The current enrollment process How the APO approaches applications for minors is quite different from their initial plan due to online classes implemented before they could allow applications being done manually.

Students are required to apply through Google Forms if they decide to get a free minor or elective.

Resurreccion shared his thoughts and justifications on the capability of the APO filtering requests. With the influx of enrollments, the “challenging period” happens during the first two to three weeks of classes for regular students since this is when the APO comes in to tend to students enrolling their classes for their minors.

Resurreccion explains that during the enrollment period, the first priority are students who need to follow their flowchart. Students who applied for a free minor but enrolled during regular enrollment will be required to pay for their classes rather than attend it for free. Students who intend to take their minors for free will be handled during the adjustment period, which is also the time when students who enrolled late are handled.

“Puwede ka lang mag-take ng free minor kapag hindi siya part ng flowchart mo,” he clarifies, “pero ang goal ng free minor kailangan ma-kompleto mo ‘yun for 12 units or 15, depende kung gaano kadami units ng minor program para ma-earn mo yung minor degree.”

(You can only take a free minor degree if it’s not part of your flowchart, but the goal of a free minor is that you should complete 12 or 15 units, depending on how many units the minor program requires so you can earn your minor degree.)

In a Help Desk Announcement last June 1, it was announced that students with minor degrees are counted as shiftees for recordkeeping purposes to categorize students who have minor degrees and students with none. However, they are not required to apply for regular shifting. There is a form required to be accomplished, in this way, they would not need to go through the regular shifting procedure.

UNIVERSITY

Layout by Jill Aycardo & Maren Rose Marasigan

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The personal details required for a national ID raised eyebrows among some Filipinos who fear it may be used for surveillance.

Illustration by Denika Layaoen

TOWARD ECONOMIC GROWTH AND RECOVERY WITH PHILSYS In August 2018, Republic Act No. 11055 or the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) Act was signed into law to integrate all government-issued IDs into a national ID system, which would streamline public and private services and make it easier for citizens and businesses to perform transactions and access social benefits.

Aside from promoting the efficiency of government services, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Chua, in the 2021 Analytics Summit PH last July, insisted that PhilSys will “spark the widespread use of banking services and electronic payments, thus accelerating the growth of the digital economy.”

As far back as the Marcos era, previous administrations have repeatedly tried to implement a national ID system.

Still, such attempts failed due to budget concerns, privacy issues, and lack of legislative and public support. The Duterte administration prioritized the bill and the proposal was finally approved by both the Senate and the House of Representatives.

Existing concerns With registration to PhilSys already underway, worries over the country’s digital infrastructure and data protection capabilities arise.

On April 30, the first day of online registration, the official PhilSys website crashed due to an influx of registrants. The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) also listed numerous fake PhilSys registration sites and entities posing as authorized representatives of the said agency. The PhilSys registration was also discovered to have had a “critical vulnerability” that made it susceptible to a data breach during its final testing phase.

For Jessamine Pacis, a program officer for privacy and surveillance at the Foundation for Media Alternatives, these incidents are “very telling of the government’s technical capacity and level of preparedness for operating a massive database as extensive as a national ID system.”

These mishaps also further stress the need for the government “to be open to reports by independent security researchers and should include the public and civil society in all areas of the system’s

implementation,” Pacis asserts. The PSA, guided by the PhilSys Policy and Coordination Council and with assistance from the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), is currently responsible for carrying out PhilSys. According to the implementing rules and regulations of the PhilSys Act, an applicant who does not possess documentary requirements for registration “shall be endorsed by a qualified Introducer in accordance with the guidelines set by the PSA.” DLSU Political Science Department Assistant Professor Dr. Sherwin Ona conveys that some Filipinos who cannot provide their birth records or any government documents, like indigenous people and those whose birth was not validated by the local civil registry, acquiring a national ID without an introducer would be difficult.

But this “introducer system,” Pacis argues, is still prone to fraud and corruption.

“A person can simply pay off an introducer, who will then vouch for his or her identity,” she elaborates.

She explains that in a similar system in Kenya, some local chiefs decide who among their constituents can get an ID, which “ends up discriminating against people who have ethnic origins outside of Kenya.”

The privacy and surveillance officer also warns how PhilSys can be used for “surveillance and other ill purposes,” expounding that with the Anti-Terrorism Law still in effect, the government’s “unprecedented access to a huge cache of Filipinos’ personal data” could be used against dissidents and critics.

Ona, who specializes in digital technologies and e-government, agrees that there is brewing interest among various government sectors to access the data. However, he points out that

by John Robert Lee & Helen Saudi

The concern now, he notes, is with the “maturity and strength of [legal] institutions” and the government’s transparency with how they plan to use the data registered in PhilSys.

there are laws that safeguard people against intensified surveillance and state profiling, such as the Data Privacy Act and the Bank Secrecy Law. The concern now, he notes, is with the “maturity and strength of [legal] institutions” and the government’s transparency with how they plan to use the data registered in PhilSys. Seamless assistance Driven by the need to make services “easily accessible among the marginalized sectors and indigents,” the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) prompted the registration for PhilSys, opening over 200 registration sites nationwide last June.

According to the Financial Inclusion Survey of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas in 2019, only 28.6 percent or 20.9 million Filipino adults owned a bank account.

NEDA tells The LaSallian that the Philippine ID (PhilID) will be a way to address the “lack of a valid proof of identification” as it will be accepted and recognized in both government and private transactions. This, in turn, would make it easier for Filipinos to open bank and e-money accounts.

The socioeconomic body also points out that the ID will be helpful in “times of crises,” especially as the country grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic. Cash transfer programs will be made easier as PhilSys will help the government in opening bank accounts for beneficiaries.

The direct transfer of assistance to these accounts allows the government to identify the recipients easily and spare beneficiaries from lining up in banks, remittance centers, or local government offices.

But the ID, NEDA clarifies, is not intended to replace other valid IDs like a passport, a driver’s license, and other government-issued IDs as they each still have a specific purpose.

Looking at potential economic growth According to NEDA, PhilSys is created to address the country’s difficulties in easing business transactions. While they do recognize that the migration from a cash-based to an online-based economy may be difficult, the PhilID will serve as a “springboard for families to open bank accounts for their access to social protection programs and for online transactions.” This can be seen in the placement of Land Bank of the Philippines stations in PhilID registration sites.

Through this effort, NEDA looks forward to business and public continuity even in high-risk areas.

Ona, however, thinks that PhilID is not the “silver bullet.” While the ID may help ease transactions online, the government would still need to work on making these services interoperable.

Business permits will be easily acquired, among other developments, which could lessen face-to-face interactions. Through this, he sees a potential high satisfaction rating in business perception.

Along with the PSA and DICT, NEDA is currently facilitating the growth of the digital economy. PhilSys, according to them, will address “institutional weaknesses that prevent people from using digital services that are already available.”

While the Philippines is only at the beginning of its journey toward a digital economy, Ona emphasizes that a national ID is not a “vision of the future” and that similar systems have been proven effective in other countries like Singapore, South Korea, and Japan.

“The ID is just the first step; the next step is to enable your citizens to use that ID, and you will enable your citizens to use that ID if you have online services that are integrated,” he says. “That’s the hardest step actually.”

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On July 26, President Rodrigo Duterte delivered his final State of the Nation Address—but that was hardly the most momentous thing that happened that day.

About an hour later, an ocean away, Lupang Hinirang blared through the Tokyo International Forum for the first time in Olympic history. Hidilyn Diaz, with her hand over her brow in salute to the Philippine flag, had just accomplished what many thought was impossible for almost a century: she snagged the country’s first Olympic gold.

By the end of the entire event, Nesthy Petecio, Carlo Paalam, and Eumir Marcial would bring home another two silvers and a bronze, pulling the overall medal tally up to four. They performed so well that they were showered with a myriad of merits, from millions of pesos in cash incentives to free airline flights granted by both the government and the private sector. Though these prizes are very much well-deserved, they are also well past their due.

The government was nevertheless quick to congratulate the athletes—but not without taking credit for it. Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque claimed that it was no coincidence that the country’s best showing in the Olympics happened under the Duterte administration and even cited figures that proved how their investments in athletes increased in the past years. “May direct correlation talaga ang pag-invest ng Presidente sa performance ng ating mga

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EDITORIAL

Greedy for gold

atleta,” Roque proudly said. Ironic, given that a day after Diaz’s historic win, Roque himself admitted that the funds were still insufficient.

(There really is a direct correlation between our athletes’ performance and our President’s investments.)

The sad reality is many of our contenders have had to deal with

AUGUST 16, 2021

underfunded Olympic campaigns. Diaz, for one, struggled to find donors for her Olympic bid and publicly canvassed for private sponsorships back in 2019.

Marcial also took to social media to air his grievances on getting only a minuscule monthly allowance from the government.

Many other Olympians, like Irish Magno and Alex Eala, have spoken up in the past

about how difficult it was to get their government stipends at all.

This disturbing pattern has long been sustained by a severe underfunding of sports in the Philippines, compelling some of our athletes to look for better opportunities abroad. For years, we have lagged behind countries like Thailand, Vietnam, and Hong Kong in budget allocations for

sports development; add to that the Philippine Sports Commission’s notoriety for corruption and mishandling of funds.

The picture now could not be more clearer: athletes are left to fend for themselves— juggling financial burdens and the pressures of going for the gold.

It is nothing short of ridiculous, then, that a government that has long neglected in supporting its people is now taking credit for their victories. At any rate, the glory attained by our Olympians is theirs to claim alone, and those who have turned a blind eye to their repeated requests for aid have no reason to piggyback off of their success.

The road to gold—or just securing a coveted spot on the world’s biggest sports stage—is a long and difficult one. But the challenge should not lie in acquiring the resources and financing needed to represent one’s country; it should come from competing in the sport itself.

Filipino excellence in sports is not something to be taken for granted. The national team’s performance in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics is not a mere lucky blip; we have always had the potential for top podium finishes. But if the government continues to shortchange our world-class competitors, then it might take another lifetime before we again see success.

With Olympic gold now in the books, the Philippines should all the more take this as a reminder that support for our athletes should come during their climb to success—not after their rise to the top.

Volume LX Number VIII

For the children T H E

B A S T I O N

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C R I T I C A L

T H I N K I N G

ADIPISCING ELIT

EDITORIAL BOARD Editor in Chief Associate Editor Managing Editor University Editor Menagerie Editor Vanguard Editor Sports Editor Photo Editor Art & Graphics Editor Layout Editor Web Editor Internal Development Manager Externals Manager Training Manager Office Manager

Sabrina Joyce Go Oliver Barrios Ana Mapa Frank Santiago Glenielle Geraldo Nanglihan Jasper Buan Diego Vergel de Dios Lauren Sason Jihan Marie Ferrer Alyssa Saludo Rafael Gabriel Arceo Miguel Kou Ana Mapa Ian Kevin Castro Kim Balasabas

UNIVERSITY Helen Saudi (Asst. Ed), Warren Chua, Isabela Marie Roque, Deo Cruzada, John Robert Lee, Jemimah Tan, Sophia De Jesus, Dustin Albert Sy, Jezah Mae Bagsit, Julianne Cayco, Chloe Novenario, Orville Apostol, Michele Gelvoleo, Barbara Desiree Gutierrez, Tia Mozelle Medalla, Rheine Requilman VANGUARD Eiji Sunagawa, Tiffany Blanquera, Bea Isabel Condes, Tommy Vasquez, Arianne Melendres, Cielo Bagnes, Gabrielle Lema MENAGERIE Magz Chin (Asst. Ed), Marie Angeli Peña, Catherine Estepa, Isabelle Yaun Santiago, Blair Clemente, Albert Bofill, Lance Spencer Yu, Angelo Emmanuel Fernandez, Criscela Ysabelle Racelis, Iona Gibbs, Marypaul Jostol, Alexandra Simone Enriquez, Bea Cruz, Alyssa Ann Dela Cruz, Ryla Monica Espiritu, Andy Jaluague, Jamie Pauline Sanchez, Lizelle Villaflor, John Matthew Gan SPORTS Miguel Robles (Asst. Ed), Joaquim Antonio Arquelada (Asst. Ed), Jeremiah Dizon, Rain Leoncio, Drew Beltran Acierto, Arvin Marion Abaniel, Nico Meer, Annika Cañiza, Franz Aren Reyes, Gab Minamedez, Dayne Aduna, Tana Melgar ART & GRAPHICS Erika Ingalla (Asst. Ed), Addie Holgado (Asst. Ed), Pat Soriano (Asst. Ed), Ninna Manzano, Ruaina Moreno, Denika Layaoen, Yssa Surla, Casie Aviles, Kyana Ayahao, Eliana Fabia, Carl Denzyl Soriano, Alexandra Mangune, Sarah Chuang, Blaise Calpito, Kathleen Marasigan LAYOUT Hannah Franchesca Timoteo (Asst. Ed), Maren Rose Marasigan, Jacob Dy, Sofia Eloisa Placino, Jill Aycardo, Maxine Lee, Kyla Depante WEB Emmanuelle Castañeda (Asst. Ed.), Paolo Panlaqui, Alexa Lagman, Daniel Mercado, Beatrice Cabug, Elliamae Ang, Alyssa Casandra Wee, Claire Angeline Salen PHOTO Zoila Caga (Asst. Ed.), Enricko Montoya (Asst. Ed.), Ashley Go, Evan Olfato, Yvan Martinez, Enrique Manuel, John Amadora, Earl Arel, Anton Trivino, Justin To, Apa Reyta, Christian Segui, Nelcze Zulueta, Eunice Uy Tan, Nathan Velez EDITORS AT LARGE Arden Bacallan, Sofia Dimalanta, Yanna Zhang, Ramon Castañeda, Alfonso Reyes, Nikki Lacuna, Kyra Choa, Enrico Sebastian Salazar, Anakin Loewes Garcia, Jan Emmanuel Alonzo

FACULTY ADVISER Yellowbelle Duaqui DIRECTOR OF STUDENT MEDIA Franz Louise Santos STUDENT MEDIA COORDINATOR Jeanne Tan STUDENT MEDIA SECRETARY Ma. Manuela Agdeppa Student Media House, Fifth Floor Br. Connon Hall, De La Salle University, 2401 Taft Avenue, Manila 1004 5244611 loc. 701 info@thelasallian.com thelasallian.com All contributions are subject to editing for clarity or space. None of the contents of this publication may be reprinted without the expressed written permission of the Editorial Board.

BY ALYSSA SALUDO

As the Philippines once again enters different community quarantine levels, various problems in several sectors are exacerbated and worsened. At this point, it would seem as if ECQ, MECQ, GCQ, and MGCQ are all just a bunch of letters that the government declared to impose lockdown measures. The country’s lackluster response and inefficient governance have massively set back one of the country’s most vulnerable age groups, the youth sector, who are supposed to be in the formative years of their education.

Instead of seeing them in schools, they are confined in their homes, deprived of better learning experiences and stripped of quality education.

Since the pandemic started, a spike in out of school youth (OSY) was recorded; around four million students were not able to enroll and attend during the last academic year. But the possibility of returning to face to face classes amid the global health crisis is not an impossible one; other nations have managed to send children back to school. Last July 16, President Rodrigo Duterte even announced that schools will be opened on September 13. Although there are efforts to conduct pilot testing, it cannot be denied that it has been more than a year since the country has shifted to online classes.

The lack of face to face interaction also meant that more children are at risk of domestic dangers. The Department of Justice has recorded that online sexual abuse and exploitation of children

It is evident that the more we push back the opening of classes, there will be more consequences on the physical and mental health of the youth.

increased by 264.6 percent from March to May last year alone.

The list of crimes against children goes on. A study found that women suffered a 42 percent increase in unintended pregnancies and a 67 percent jump in unmet family planning needs, with one out of 10 women being teenagers.. Globally, at least one out of six children experience violence at home.

Because of high local unemployment, child labor is also prevalent during the pandemic, with children hav to endure dangerous jobs in mining and agriculture to ensure that they have enough money to make it through the day. It should also not be forgotten that children also experience mental health problems like depression and anxiety.

It is evident that the more we push back the opening of classes, there will be more consequences on the physical and mental health of the youth. More than ever, this situation is a wake up call to those in power—to have more laws to protect the rights and welfare of the youth and to strengthen efforts to try and return to face to face classes.

If they were able to open up shopping malls and tourist destinations, schools and universities should be next.

Based on the recent decisions of the government, it can be seen that their actions are reactive rather than proactive.

For example, failure to impose a travel ban on travelers from China last January 2020 caused a spike in COVID-19 cases in the country.

OPINION

Layout by Hannah Franchesca Timoteo

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In search of lost time FRAMES OF REFERENCE

BY JASPER BUAN

Growing up, I never really fit in.

Having spent 13 years at an all-boys Catholic school, there were parts of myself that I hid—some of my own volition, others in fear of being ostracized for who I was. At home, I hid as well—pressured by the expectations of being an only son and by the standards of manhood set by broader Filipino society. At every turn, I was a proverbial fish out of water: a closeted gay teen in a cisheteronormative world, struggling to navigate life on my own.

I had no gay role models. From a young age, I was primed to believe that you had to be straight to be happy. In almost every piece of popular media I consumed, there it was: the boy unnecessarily meets the girl, the hero saves the day and wins the woman of his dreams. Meanwhile, queer-coded villains were buy one, take one, and what few explicitly gay characters existed were either typecast as the gay best friend™ or dead.

Like a lot of queer folks, most of my teenage years were never mine to live.

While my peers openly bragged about their relationships and trysts with girls, I could only fantasize about having a boyfriend. I never went to prom. I never had a teenage romance. It hurt to know that what was normal and even expected for everyone else was completely out of the question for me. Even on my best days, the dread of being in the closet was all-consuming. I didn’t know how my parents would react if I told them, and the mere possibility of a negative reaction was enough to shut me up. In fact, for a lot of queer youth, getting disowned or sent to conversion therapy isn’t just a hypothetical—it’s their lived reality.

Perhaps the most difficult part of spending most of my teenage years closeted was maintaining the façade that everything was alright despite hurting privately.

Every day was a death by a thousand

IN FACT, FOR A LOT OF QUEER YOUTH, GETTING DISOWNED OR SENT TO CONVERSION THERAPY ISN’T JUST A HYPOTHETICAL— IT’S THEIR LIVED REALITY.

microaggressions. For years, I kept to myself as homophobic jokes and remarks were thrown around at school and at family gatherings—as relatives constantly prodded, “May girlfriend ka na ba?” I can still feel the all-too-familiar sinking in my chest that followed. It was the grief I’d turn into poetry.

(Do you have a girlfriend yet?)

Even now that I’m out of the closet, I carry with me the phantoms of its pain and isolation. It’s been two years, but two years isn’t nearly enough time to heal what feels like a lifetime of repression. When I graduated from high school, I didn’t feel joy as much as I did relief. Relief in the idea that going to university would let me live authentically—to reclaim the years that were never mine. For a moment, I did.

Then came the COVID-19 pandemic, barely two terms into my freshman year.

I still remember the day everything came to a halt—how excited we were about

getting a week off, how high our hopes that everything would soon go back to normal.

Nearly a year and a half later, that naïve optimism is gone. It felt so disheartening to once again have to put a pause on my life. It still feels disheartening now. Sometimes I catch myself wondering what could’ve been if the pandemic had never happened. Would I have been a better person than I am now?

How much more would I have learned?

Despite this, I feel fortunate to have come out when I did—to have come out at all. For a lot of queer youth, staying in the closet is their only option, especially now that we’re all forced to stay at home. There is perhaps no crueler a fate than being the closeted child of explicitly homophobic and transphobic parents.

While I yearn for the day when our lives are finally ours to live, for right now, all I can do is keep on my journey in search of lost time. What lifelong memories would I have made?

Read the room THE ERINYES

BY GLENIELLE GERALDO NANGLIHAN

It was the ad from hell. A supercut of all the lockdown measures in the past year is read by a booming voice from the television as a young woman grows noticeably worried. As the minute-and-ahalf video barrels on, dark circles began to appear under her eyes. Angry acne spots emerge, and body hair sprouts. Her weight balloons and her friends don’t recognize her anymore. Juxtaposed against the horrors of the pandemic, it seems that the Belo Medical Group is asserting that the biggest tragedy of all is a woman “letting herself go.” The ad, which has since been pulled out due to the enormous backlash, was created

by Gigil—the same agency responsible for the RC Cola ad that made waves last year. If they wanted to be thought-provoking, this was not it.

Belo Medical Group said that the ad simply wanted to send the message that “if you’re ready to make the decision to take care of yourself again, we are here to help.”

I couldn’t help but wonder, why does taking care of yourself mean spending money on beauty treatments? Why can’t it simply be surviving in whatever way we can in the onslaught of the pandemic? Considering the economic recession and the loss of lives we’ve endured in the past year, choosing to focus on guilting women for their looks instead is just a myopic and insensitive approach.

It’s no mistake that the ad targeted the myriad of insecurities all women can relate to. We all know that story: the mother of three who just isn’t trying hard enough for her husband anymore; the post-breakup girl in baggy sweats and no make-up on. It’s a cautionary tale to scare all girls with the thought that their worth has an expiration date. Because God forbid your body change; God forbid you age. God forbid you stop trying to be pretty for your boyfriend.

An ad like that isn’t just ridiculously out-of-touch during the pandemic—it’s

My body is a body; it does what it needs to do, and I am thankful that I continue to survive.

a symptom of a larger problem. It’s yet another cog to the billion-dollar machine of the beauty industry that is built off of the commodification of women’s bodies. Yes, God forbid you age. But also, we don’t want you to try too hard—we don’t want to see you in too much makeup or too tight clothes.

We want you to put in the effort without looking like you put in the effort. It’s a cleverly designed torture chamber for women: damned if you do, damned if you don’t.

Some would say that it’s still women’s choice to get cosmetic treatments. Yes, but that’s not the point. Structures and conditions inform these choices, and they aren’t just made in a vacuum. The movies you watch, the culture you grew up in, the books you read, and yes, the ads you see all shape your relationship with your body. It all feeds this culture that polices women’s bodies and women’s choices. And so, it isn’t fair to merely stop the discussion at a woman’s choice to put on make-up or get

cosmetic surgery—we must also analyze how that choice came to be.

So, where does this leave us? The backlash and the succeeding course correction spell a promising start to changing this toxic culture. We can celebrate and empower bodies of all shapes and sizes and demand better from beauty brands and companies.

But above all, I hope we stop equating loving our bodies with capitalistic notions of self-care—after all, we are more than just products. If there’s anything this pandemic has taught me about my relationship with my body, it’s that I stopped hating it when I also stopped viewing my body as a thing to be looked at by other people, as something that I can offer. My body is a body; it does what it needs to do, and I am thankful that I continue to survive. So if you’ll excuse me, I’ll be parking myself on my couch and rewatching Modern Family—to hell with everything else.

AUGUST 16, 2021

by Marie Angeli Peña & Tommy Vasquez

Over the last few decades, unabated carbon emissions have fueled climate change, with the Philippines contributing 150.6 million tons of carbon dioxide in 2019.

By creating technology-advanced and fuel-efficient cars, young individuals from De La Salle University are applying their knowledge of Engineering and Computer Technology to create solutions that reduce carbon emissions.

The DLSU Eco Car Team from the Gokongwei College of Engineering, under the supervision of Engr. Jose Antonio Catalan and Dr. Jose Manuel Biona, was formed in 2010, joining Shell’s annual Ecomarathon in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Ever since, they have competed in each succeeding Eco-marathon, building fuel efficient vehicles. From their first electric car named the “DLSU 100” to more advanced vehicles such as “Archer”, “Delta”, “Bumakaya”, and their most recent car “Maxima”, the Eco Car Team has consistently developed groundbreaking solutions for fuel efficiency.

Three team members—Eunice Rupisan (II, BS-MEM), Ren Untalan (II, BS-MEM), and Sean Gatpo (II, BS-MEM)—shed light on their roles in the team, experiences in the competition, and hopes for more sustainable transport alternatives in the Philippines.

Beyond transportation In their stint at this year’s Ecomarathon, the team ranked third globally and first in the Philippines last July 8 in a bonus challenge called The Road to 2050. The challenge saw teams create a

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Graphics by Denika Layaoen & Eunice Uy Tan

DLSU Eco Car Team drives green innovation

30-second advertisement that answered the question: “What should mobility look like in your future?”

Rupisan, the team’s manager, expresses that she and her team wanted to convey a future that uses “cleanly-sourced renewable energy.” “[We envisioned] a future wherein we are no longer limited to mobility constraints brought about by volume, traffic, and distance,” she discloses.

NEURAL NETWORKS AT THE LEADING EDGE OF HEALTHCARE Drug design is an involved, expensive, and time-consuming process that forms the basis of modern Medicine. However, pharmaceutical scientists are now able to leverage technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) to expedite both drug design and the delivery of drugs to the market for purchase.

Illustration by Pat Soriano

The intersection of two seemingly unrelated areas of study might just pave the way for the future of pharmacology.

Capping ANN predictions Within the broad umbrella of AI lies deep learning: a subset of machine learning that mimics the structure of the brain’s biological neural networks.

These artificial neural networks (ANNs) consist of thousands of interconnected artificial neurons called processing units, where each unit contains a weight that determines the strength of the connections between them. ANNs are

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he challenge saw teams creating a 30-second ad that answered the question: “What should mobility look like in your future?”

CONNECTING THE DOTS

by Arianne Melendres & Gabrielle Lema

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composed of three layers: input, process, and output.

With the assistance of mathematical models and algorithms, each artificial neuron goes through a complicated training process to collect a series of input signals from which the collective neural network learns. In the process, these input signals are transformed into the desired output signals, which are used for the prediction stage. “[The results] have a very high level of precision” because of the collected

Although Rupisan admits that it was challenging to form a concrete idea for a relatively broad prompt, she shares that after much deliberation and brainstorming, her team decided to stick to the concept of “mobility that transcends borders”, which was integrated into the creative process behind the advertisement.

Maintaining momentum “The best part of being on the team

data, says Rennan Baldovino, an associate professor from the Manufacturing Engineering and Management Department of the University. Because of this precision, he reasons that “we can use neural networks or other prediction tools for drug discovery.” However, as precise as their predictions may be, relying on them alone can have its drawbacks.

Harnessing the brain’s analog The growing number of COVID-19 cases has provided scientists an avalanche of information that has allowed them to leverage smart approaches to streamline the manufacturing and designing of drugs and vaccines.

“The primary strength usually in drug manufacturing is the data analysis,” Baldovino explains, adding “once you have the data, this will be used to model the performance of the creation of drugs.” This means that drug discovery and its design can now be data-driven rather than using the usual trial-and-error methods.

Nevertheless, pharmaceutical companies must conduct parallel investigations to validate data based on the prediction provided by the ANNs despite their high precision.

Using ANNs, scientists from pharmaceutical companies like Pfizer and Sanofi are boosting their efforts to develop drugs to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus.

However, entirely relying on ANNs to develop drugs and vaccines is insufficient. Since neural networks lack the general intelligence of medical practitioners, they can produce puzzling predictions that could harm patients if physicians blindly follow them.

“You never know what will happen to the patient subjected to the drug,” Baldovino cautions.

is getting to work with our teammates and learning about the application of engineering principles that were taught to us in the classroom”, Untalan shares.

Additionally, Untalan touches on having to juggle academic requirements while also attending to their vehicles.

However, he reassures that the presence of the team helped alleviate the stress.

Aside from maintaining a balancing act between their academics and team

He explains that although ANNs can provide 97-percent precision in their outputs, scientists should always have the final say to benefit public health.

Disclosing drug complications While neural networks are upand-coming, they can only predict drug discovery results. “These results aren’t going to be accepted by [the] Food and Drug Administration,” Baldovino says.

The process begins when a multitude of chemical compounds are screened for drug component candidacy. However, because there are so many compounds to screen, this is nothing short of an ongoing trial.

In their current form, ANNs are capable of accelerating the screening process. Instead of individually testing the compounds, the neural network could be fed data on both the compounds and the target disease.

In essence, ANNs could narrow down candidates for compound refinery and reduce the resources and time required for drug research. On the other hand, Baldovino discloses that one cannot expect current ANNs to replace the entirety of the drug design process—to do so is a fault.

Baldovino reminds that age, gender, and blood type are some of the uncontrolled factors which ANNs are currently incapable of considering. These are factors that carry massive weight in drug delivery.

“During the clinical testing, you’re not allowed to use predictions,” the professor declares. Therefore, instead of predicting test results, ANNs analyze the symptoms a patient experiences after the drug administration.

Recurrent applications Aside from their drug design applications, Baldovino mentions that

Section Editor: Jasper Buan

responsibilities, there is the added pressure of the limitations set by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. This forced Shell to reinvent the Eco-marathon for a pandemicstricken world while continuing its mission of encouraging the future generation to develop fuel-efficient vehicles.

This shift, however, posed a challenge for the team. “Sadly, because of the pandemic, our team can’t work [the same way we did before],” Untalan laments. Rupisan and Gatpo acknowledge that the new setup made for a more arduous competition, but they are quick to add that the team was able to adapt to the current system efficiently by focusing more on the research and development aspect of past and future cars.

Untalan furthers that they were able to gain more knowledge about vehicle improvements that can be applied once faceto-face classes will be permitted.

For the future Despite the various challenges and hurdles that the team faced, all members were able to give their all to the competition.

Rupisan reiterates “It was the [combined effort] of every member of the team that allowed us to overcome this obstacle.” It was no mean feat that they were able to clinch a top spot, and the team represented the Lasallian community well on an international scale.“Passion and dedication [go] a long way,” Rupisan posits. She imparts that while it is not easy to manage and be a part of a team that constantly requires new and innovative ideas, it is gratifying to work with those who share the same visions and aspirations.

ANNs have also been used to detect the probability of having specific side effects and symptoms of those inoculated with the COVID-19 vaccine months prior.

A similar approach was adopted in the United States, where ANNs were applied to optimize vaccine distribution by developing a sequence-learning model to track and predict the behavior of the pandemic across their country. ANNs have also been crucial for the development of medical support devices and prostheses for amputees.

“It’s difficult for [amputees] to control and maneuver the wheelchair,” Baldovino comments, touting that the incorporation of ANNs in wheelchairs will make for a more streamlined experience. “There’s no need to use the remote control...You just have to think that you want to move forward, left or right or that you want to stop,” he explains.

Leading aspirations Like all many new technologies, ANNs face difficulty in breaking through different industries—particularly in healthcare. But the professor cites Robotics, Biomedical Engineering, and earthquake predictions as areas where ANNs have already been applied.

Concerning more complex and abstract issues such as drug design, where data is not available for accessible collection, the professor furthers, “I believe the use of ANN could solve some of these [nonlinear] problems.”

With illnesses, such as COVID-19, constantly evolving faster than the human brain can process, ANNs are believed to be the hope of patients in need of immediate and currently unavailable medicinal care. And as researchers aim to realize the full potential of ANNs, reaching the future in the present may not be so impossible.

AUGUST 16, 2021

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Section Editor: Glenielle Geraldo Nanglihan

MAKIBAKA, HUWAG MATAKOT

MELTING POINT

VITAL CHECK

MAPAGPALAYANG KARAPATAN

Raising our fists against red-tagging

Obstacles in Philippine figure skating

Inside the COVID-19 response

Why decriminalize abortion?

Food styling, a marriage of sight and taste

Red-tagging has long been used to silence dissent and brand critics as enemies of the state.

Every twirl on the ice is a sign of dedication, but difficulties emerge when skaters step outside of the rink.

Medical volunteers fight tooth and nail to ensure that everyone safely receives the COVID-19 vaccine.

As abortion is still being criminalized, Filipino women are stuck between a rock and a hard place.

Beyond being flavorful, a mouthwatering dish must be a feast for the eyes, too.

MAKIBAKA, HUWAG MATAKOT Red-tagging puts individuals in danger of targeted harassment and worse.

Raising our fists against red-tagging Since World War II, organized movements have sprouted all over the Philippines, championing various causes from labor rights to anti-colonial resistance. With the goal to fight oppressive structures of power, the Filipino communist movement slowly gained traction. Today, it is perceived as a growing threat to the fabric of Philippine society, and being an alleged member of the communist party is deemed illegal in a McCarthy-era-style crackdown. These movements were linked to radical leftist ideology, and anyone, from professors to organizers, was implicated for their political beliefs—effectively painting the myth of a vast and dangerous conspiracy.

This practice is known as “red-tagging” and is defined by the International Freedom of Expression Exchange as a “form of harassment against critics of [the] government.”

Red-tagging can come in many forms: threatening accusations, arrests, forced disappearances, and even death.

Under the Duterte administration, red-tagging has intensified due to widespread troll farms, fake news, and state propaganda. With the AntiTerrorism Law’s (ATL) passing, redtagging is another weapon in the state’s arsenal against its critics—waging a farcical war that masks the true enemy.

FLASHES OF BRILLIANCE

by Joaquin Luna & Jamie Pauline Sanchez Photo by Anton Trivino

A red target “I’ve been red-tagged, not only once, but many times,” says Ajay Lagrimas,

spokesperson of Anakbayan UP Diliman.

He was a long-time community organizer helping out in the Maginhawa community pantry when he talked to an alleged donor on the phone to confirm their donation. Lagrimas was astounded when instead, he received a vicious threat from the other line. “Sinabi na lang niya bigla habang nag-uusap kami na ‘mag-dodonate ako ng armas at baril para ipukpok sa mga ulo ninyo,’” he recalls.

(Suddenly as we were talking, the caller told me, ‘I’m going to donate weapons and guns to hit you on the heads.’)

Another time, Lagrimas was redtagged after criticizing a Facebook post by the Philippine National Police for accusing Anakbayan and the Communist

The façade of the past is now but a distant echo, yet it still haunts me.

A mirror inlaid with rust; the reflection once lucid is no more.

By John Matthew Gan

By Monica Espiritu

Party of the Philippines of being terrorist organizations. He then received a message on Facebook labeling him as a member of the New People’s Army and a pest to society. “I was really terrified that I ended the call and almost refused any calls after that incident,” he shares.

Silenced “The state uses red-tagging as an apparatus to silence opposition,” says Topin Ruiz, a lecturer from the Political Science Department. “The systemic redtagging we are witnessing [presently] has the primary goal of silencing the opposition by diminishing the legitimacy of the people who are against those in power.” she says.

See Red-tagging, Page 3

His charm lay in his corners—corners that no longer belonged to me.

By Marie Angeli Peña

At night I stay up just to hear your ghost walk down the halls again.

By Glenielle Geraldo Nanglihan

2

MENAGERIE

AUGUST 16, 2021

MAPAGPALAYANG KARAPATAN Reproductive rights boil down to giving women the resources to make their own choices about their bodies.

Why decriminalize abortion?

“Siya ang halimaw ng storya,” Alexandra Trese viciously says in the third episode of the eponymous Netflix series. She points her finger at Nova Aurora, the blood-spattered movie star who moments ago had just been revealed to have left her own newborn to die.

The fetus, who came back as a tiyanak to take revenge, was mercilessly killed by Aurora for the second time. Portrayed as callous, selfish, and narcissistic, Aurora meets her demise by the end of the episode as a horde of the creatures devoured her.

(She is the monster of the story.)

In a series that explores the darkness within humanity, it is no accident that the tiyanak was the possessed spirit of her child.

After all, the urban legend of the tiyanak eventually evolved into a cautionary tale for women who choose to abort their babies.

This legend is mired in shame and guilt, reinforced by oppressive societal structures.

Abortion has always been a dirty word, talked about in hushed whispers and relegated to makeshift stalls in Quiapo and grimy back alley clinics where women settle for pills and other unsanitary methods.

Yet, the reality is 7.3 million women undergo an abortion every year for several reasons such as rape, financial difficulties, pregnancy complications, among others.

But despite the widespread necessity for abortion, the Philippines still lacks the initiative to address this concern. Moreover, amid a pandemic that worsened economic and medical risks, more women are deprived of their bodily autonomy.

In chains Multiple conditions preserve the stigma around abortion. For starters, the Revised Penal Code of the Philippines sentences women who undergo an abortion to imprisonment. But this law is historically

outdated and traces its origins to the 1822 Spanish Penal Code. While Spain has long since decriminalized abortion, it remains a grave crime in the Philippines.

“Krinikriminalisa ang mga babae, healthcare providers, at mga tumutulong sa babae kapag nalaman nilang nag-undergo ng abortion ang babae,” expresses Sarryna Gesite, the Women’s Global Network for Reproductive Rights (WGNRR) networking officer representing the Philippine Safe Abortion Advocacy Network (PINSAN). As a result, women have to resort to illegal and unsafe abortion methods.

(Women, healthcare providers, and those that help the woman are criminalized if they find out that the woman underwent abortion.)

The country’s lack of reproductive health services also deprives women of their fundamental right to healthcare.

Thus, they are unable to normalize openly talking about issues caused by insufficient methods that cater to their physical and sexual wellness. Reproductive health essentials such as birth control pills, condoms, intrauterine devices, and family planning services remain inaccessible to most of the population.

Danica Magtubo, WGNRR and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) youth officer, elaborates by sharing one of her experiences in a research project that utilized mental health hotlines for those with sexual and reproductive health concerns. “Nangyari na ‘yung abortion, dinudugo pa rin siya after,” she continues.

“Hindi naman puwedeng tabuyin mo sila na ‘Ay, bakit ginawa mo ‘yan na illegal ‘yan?’”

(She already underwent the abortion, [and] she was still bleeding after. You can’t shoo them away, saying, ‘Why did you do that when it’s illegal?’)

by Jamie Pauline Sanchez Illustration by Jihan Marie Ferrer

Magtubo believes that decriminalizing abortion paves the way for better reproductive health and economic opportunities for Filipino women. A 2019 study on 162 countries found that making abortion safe, legal, and accessible reduced maternal deaths. Echoing the same sentiment, Gesite emphasizes that abortion is a public health issue. She adds, “When done safely by a skilled health provider, and in a safe and sanitized environment, it will not cause any complications [for] the person undergoing this procedure.”

A culture of shame What also intensifies the stigma around abortion are the institutions that perpetuate anti-abortion and anti-choice narratives. With the Philippines being a predominantly Catholic country, the Church has been a staunch opponent of pro-choice legislation. The landmark Reproductive Health Act of 2012 that stipulated universal and free access to contraceptives and reproductive health services for all Filipinos has been hampered by several petitions by pro-life Catholic groups.

Atty. Clara Rita Padilla, reproductive rights attorney and executive director of EnGendeRight, believes the Church often preaches harmful and archaic beliefs.

“It is an institution that discriminates against women and people with diverse sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression,” she asserts.

A big argument of pro-life groups is that life begins at conception; hence some contraceptives are effectively abortifacients

too. However, Gesite clarifies, “‘Yung fertilized egg na prine-prevent to become an embryo in the womb of a person, hindi pa siya maituturing na may buhay.”

(But [through abortion,] the fertilized egg prevented to become an embryo in the womb of a person still cannot be regarded as a living human being.)

And regardless, women are not merely incubators—their reproductive abilities and organs do not define their worth. “‘Yung personhood ay hindi maidudugtong doon sa kung ano ‘yung nasa sinapupunan,” Gesite explains.

(Personhood cannot be connected to what is inside the womb.)

For the privileged But Padilla also raises that “it’s not really the religious morals that prevent people from using contraceptives—it’s actually lack of information.” Hence, quality and comprehensive sex education, in particular, is crucial to eradicating misconceptions. Magtubo praises sex education in schools abroad, saying, “mas natuturuaan ‘yung mga kabataan na magkaroon ng choice over their body.”

(The youth are taught more to have a choice over their bodies.)

Aside from being a health matter, abortion also tackles the issue of class. Social status often determines the choices a woman can have. “A lot of poor women are unable to access safe abortions for the mere fact that they might not have funds to pay for their own contraceptives,” Padilla conveys. “They are not able to leave abusive relationships because they can’t even pay for their own transportation and food. So, how else can they even pay for safe abortion services?”

This is why Padilla spearheaded the bill titled, An Act Decriminalizing Induced

Abortion to Save the Lives of Women, Girls, and Persons of Diverse Gender Identities, which aims to decriminalize abortion and institutionalize safe abortion services. “It can save women’s lives,” she explains. “Whatever reason they may have, whether a therapeutic, [or] financial reason, [and] whether as a result of rape… [abortion is] a life and death issue.”

Path to freedom Despite the hope of progressive legislation like this, however, patriarchy and sexism are still deeply ingrained in Philippine society. Gesite recounts her conversations with women who have had abortions, and shares that they feel relief after the procedure. Most of them already have multiple children and are not financially capable of more. However, these women are going against a strong tide.

“Although may sense of relief, hindi niya kaya fully i-embrace ‘yung freedom na ‘yun kasi nakakulong pa rin siya doon sa notion ng mga nakapaligid sa kanya at nakakalungkot ‘yun,” she tells.

(Although there is a sense of relief, she cannot fully embrace that freedom because she is still imprisoned by the notion of the people around her, and that is saddening.)

Padilla agrees, saying, “In practice, you would still see that we need changes in practices, removal of stigma, that would come alongside the passage of the law.”

Although genuine change in women’s lives is a long and arduous path, Padilla remains resolute that we will be moving forward. She adds, “It helps empower women, girls, and persons with diverse gender identities, in being able to decide on their own for their own bodies, and people are able to respect their decision-making.”

MENAGERIE

Layout Editor: Alyssa Saludo

Food styling, a marriage of sight and taste

3

by Anton Trivino

Before any delectable meal is tasted, it is first a treat to our other senses. Everyone knows that taste is nothing without smell—but what is a feast if not a delight to the eyes?

by Magz Chin, Marie Angeli Peña, & Isabelle Santiago

This is precisely what the art of food styling aims to portray to the famished onlooker. From the tiny grains of perfectly cooked rice to the rich, hearty color of a medium rare steak, and the crisp vibrancy of freshly steamed vegetables, it’s certainly not easy to encapsulate all these elements in a single photograph.

But there are many facets to food styling—the plating, set design, and skill used to produce the edible masterpieces piled on a plate are part of an intricate and artful process, one designed to please demanding appetites with just one glimpse.

she says. Dizon-Edralin later landed a job as a food stylist in Food Magazine.

Even after all this time, she still finds food styling a worthy challenge—an outlet for her to release her creative side.

In fact, she likens it to painting, wherein colors and accents are employed in harmony to make a visually appealing creation. “The only difference is [that] you can enjoy the food after the photoshoot with people who participated,” she jokes.

Art of inviting “Honestly, I never thought of going into this field as I thought it was a hassle,” says Anthony Abad (AB-CAM, ‘21), a freelance content creator who recently got into food styling and photography.

Aside from needing proper equipment and knowledge, Abad initially thought that preparing welldetailed meals seemed complicated— an unfamiliar territory. “The most I would do for food photography in the past was to take a few photos on my phone of the food that I will be eating,” he explains.

After being stuck without face-toface production work, he decided to delve into a field that would allow him to learn again. Unexpectedly, he fell in love with food styling and photography.

For long-time chef and food stylist Nancy Dizon-Edralin, food styling is the art of inviting. “You make it appealing so people will be encouraged to use the recipe or buy the food you are advertising,” she explains. With this, the customers not only get to know the food but the brand too.

Being a former wedding planner, Dizon-Edralin shares that she had always been curious about food styling, and she eventually dabbled in the art of plating.

“Then little by little, I started with food styling…My curiosity led me to reading, studying, and learning it from school,”

Counting every last drop But producing mouth-watering dishes isn’t for the faint of heart. While

Red-tagging...

(Red tagging is also included in the ATL.)

From Page 1

Topin argues that persistent redtagging by the government “‘legitimize[s]’ arrests, state violence, and the like because it reinforces the notion that ‘communists’ are inherently bad.” Activists, organizers, human rights workers, and lawyers already absorb the brunt of Duterte’s strongman campaign against activism. A recent Rappler report indicated that 61 lawyers were killed under the Duterte administration and activists’ death toll has mounted up to 13, with the most recent victims being Zara Alvarez and Randy Echanis.

This is embodied in the ATL, whose loose definition of the term “terrorist” gives the state plenty of room to go after those it perceives to be threats. “[The] Anti-Terrorism Law is the killing machine of Duterte… it’s a legal form of suppressing dissent and ‘yung red-tagging ay kasama [rin sa ATL],” says Lagrimas.

“YOUR CLIENTS, AS WELL AS THEIR CUSTOMERS, ACKNOWLEDGE YOUR WORK AND APPRECIATE YOU FOR HELPING THEIR BUSINESS GROW.”

The bogeyman Fearing that leftist ideology would overtake democratic values and capitalist institutions, the United States government has historically employed tactics to curb the spread of communism. During the peak of the Cold War, the US deployed CIA-backed coups and regimes in several countries to contain the rise of communism. Despite this intervention, the Philippines’ five-decadelong communist movement is the oldest in Asia and continues to grow in numbers.

For Lagrimas, true social awareness begins with understanding why people take up arms in the first place. He traces this struggle back to the imperialist plunder of our lands, the continued violence against farmers and indigenous peoples, and the exploitation of Filipino workers. When the system is built off of your suffering, who do you turn to for salvation?

FOOD STYLING is never an easy feat—hours of preparation is needed to make a single meal look appetizing.

Dizon-Edralin only has one assignment a month, a lot must go into the process of making food pop out in pictures. “I submit ideas and menu proposals. After approval, I will develop and test the recipe. Usually, this process takes three to five days,” she expresses.

Once the perfect recipe is concocted, a lengthy set design and photoshoot process would take place.

On organizing the set design, Dizon-Edralin was quick to remind not to overcrowd the set design and ensure that the focus is on the food and not on other elements.

To combat this, she mainly goes for a “creative and appealing” look where less is more. “I want the readers to trust me and be confident that they can do it too,” she adds. But quality must always be at the forefront. She puts effort to make sure that even details of the food— like sauce drippings and microgreens— stand out. “I always ask the photographer to zoom in to see every detail,” DizonEdralin notes.

On the other hand, Abad typically creates 15 to 20 photographs a month. A typical set design would take him at least

Communism is not illegal, and those who subscribe to the said ideology are not automatically our enemies.

30 minutes to conceptualize, but on some occasions, he would need more time if the set doesn’t match the food well. On top of that, a lot of retouching would be done to get the perfect shot. “If there are freshly cooked dishes and I would only be able to shoot them at a later time, they would not look as presentable or fresh anymore,” he frets.

For him, the “clean look” is the best route to go, suggesting that meals don’t need to look dynamic or loud to attract clients and consumers. However, Abad is not someone to shy away from other styles, expressing his intent to dive into other styles soon. “Maybe something that has more action in the shots, such as ice cubes falling into a glass of coffee or honey dripping down from the dripper to a plate of pancakes,” he articulates.

An edible magnum opus While Dizon-Edralin believes that food stylists in the Philippines and abroad are well-compensated, Abad worries otherwise. Despite the tiresome work hours, food photographers and stylists are still underpaid. “Many think

These dehumanizing conditions leave the marginalized with little to no recourse, especially when state forces attack them just for defending their fundamental rights to livelihood, education, food and water, and their ancestral lands. “In a society that murders the poor for voicing out their dissent… the NDMOs (national democratic mass organizations) cannot dictate [to] the masses what form of struggle they must take to end oppression…armed conflict will remain in the country unless we address social injustice,” he voices.

Para sa bayan Ruiz emphasizes the importance of raising awareness for political participation.

“Democracy and the practice of democracy should allow people to challenge and question their government,” she asserts. “Communism is not illegal, and those who subscribe to the said ideology are not automatically our enemies.”

it’s just as simple as clicking a button, and [you] magically have stunning work,” he asserts. He reiterates that people need to recognize how much time, skill, and money have been invested in making the food dazzle in photographs.

For Abad, the satisfaction of this work extends even after the perfect shot has been taken. He stresses, “Your clients, as well as their customers, acknowledge your work and appreciate you for helping their business grow.”

Both artistic creators agree that the art of food styling is not easy, but they are quick to encourage those who desire to follow in their footsteps. Dizon-Edralin gently reminds that one must be “open to criticism” to grow as a creator. And in the profession of food styling, its utmost importance lies in captivating the audience.

After all, food styling is more than just showcasing a palatable pièce de résistance; it needs to give the viewer “positive reinforcement [to make them] more comfortable and confident with what they [are] spending on.”

In fact, we must take it upon ourselves to understand the gravity of these organized movements. “The truth is, as intellectuals, as students, we cannot change the world. Wala naman tayong kapangyarihan para baguhin ang lipunan; hindi tayo Messiah. Ang katotohanan, the masses awakened are the Messiah,” Lagrimas opines, quoting slain Marcos era activist Eman Lacaba.

(We don’t have the power to change society; we are not Messiah.

The truth is, the masses awakened are the Messiah.)

“Arouse, mobilize, and organize,” he emphasizes. The pervasive attacks against these movements that seek social change only prove their power to change the tide. After all, a government afraid of its own citizens must be a very frail one. Lagrimas conveys, “Kung galit ka sa mga taong naniniwala sa isang lipunang wala nang pagsasamantala, ano ang tawag sa’yo dun?”

(If you’re angry toward those fighting for a society where oppression no longer exists, what are you called then?)

4

MENAGERIE

AUGUST 16, 2021

MELTING POINT

OBSTACLES IN PHILIPPINE FIGURE SKATING

The sport of figure skating demands not a hardwood floor nor a grass field; it survives in icy plains, challenging the sport’s sustainability against the backdrop of the Philippines’ hot and humid weather.

by Criscela Ysabelle Racelis Illustration by Sarah Chuang

Precision and determination are what make a perfectly poised skater.

With professional figure skating—a craft that can only thrive in sub-zero temperatures—there is still much to be done to keep the local community from melting. In drawing out their dreams with their skates, Filipino figure skaters have to do much more than just bend, spin, and jump to keep themselves on the ice.

On thin ice Joel Minas, a former member of the Philippine National Figure Skating Team in the sport for 17 years, has watched the local skating community through the years.

“It’s a niche activity because we live in a tropical country,” Minas points out. As a prodigy in the skating world, he participated in local competitions and represented the Philippines in international outings.

However, after his first year of college, Joel had to make a career-defining choice: skating or schooling.

Joel, who was attending San Beda College Alabang, had difficulties going back and forth to his training rink in SM Mall of Asia. “It’s a long commute,” he remarks.

“It’s not like [in] other countries where the skating rink and the school are in the same vicinity.” Eventually, Joel had to sacrifice his professional skating career to focus on his studies.

He now works part-time as a skating coach, making up for the significant lack of coaches found in the country, saying, “I think there [are] less than 10 coaches here in the

Philippines [who] can teach at a competitive level, [know] ISU (International Skating Union) guidelines and requirements, and [have] exposure to training abroad that can be applied here in our local scene.”

Chillingly rare Aside from the lack of coaches, the local skating community is minute.

Minas chalks this up to the high cost of pursuing the sport. “Expenses can rack up from coaching, to equipment, [to] ice time, costumes, choreography, [and] training abroad; it could get very expensive, and not a lot of people can afford it,” he stresses. Two-time Olympian Michael Christian Martinez himself has had to resort to fundraising to prep for his upcoming bid for the 2022 Winter Olympics.

Additionally, all skating rinks in the Philippines are housed within recreational facilities like shopping malls, making it difficult for skaters to get ice time during the pandemic. “There has been no ice from March until now,” he explains.

Still, pandemic or not, Philippine rinks have yet to house the necessities to make it big in the international scene.

“We don’t have the facilities yet, in-house, to produce an Olympic athlete,” Minas elaborates. Ultimately, he laments that the lack of support and facilities for Filipino skaters forces them “to go abroad [and] get training to become competitive.”

Even with access to the training programs and facilities available abroad, the challenge of being a Filipino skater does not end there.

Spiraling away Sofia Guidote, a professional skater and Disney on Ice star, had a similar experience. While Guidote began skating and training in the Philippines, she eventually had to go abroad to further her career. She cites the lack of financial support, proper training facilities, and good coaches as hindrances in developing aspiring Filipino skaters.

Even with access to the training programs and facilities available abroad, the challenge of being a Filipino skater does not end there. “Unfortunately, Filipino skaters do not have a good reputation internationally,” she reveals.

Alisson Perticheto, the 2014 Philippine national champion, shares similar sentiments.

“The Philippines is not known to be a figure skating sport unlike Russia or other northern countries, mainly because the environmental situation isn’t the most practical,” she says. Despite this, Filipino skaters aim to break the prevailing mindset of international judges that the country is lagging in the sport.

Wanting to raise the Philippine flag higher on the ice, Perticheto has her sights on becoming the first Filipino female skater to represent the country at the Olympics. Despite a leg injury limiting her from participating in the World Championships in Stockholm, Sweden, this does not stop her from dreaming of making it big in the upcoming

Olympics. “It is also my goal to show the Filipinos that skating can be an important sport,” she adds.

Skating forward As a piece of advice, Minas hopes aspiring skaters remember that they don’t need to push themselves to aim for the competitive level. “There are two branches of figure skating: one’s the recreational side, and one’s the competitive side,” he explains, reminding skaters that success and fulfillment in skating do not come solely in the form of trophies and Olympic medals.

As a new day dawns, these three skaters clamor for the same things–better skating facilities, financial assistance, and above all, government support. The Philippine figure skating scene has grown exponentially in recent years, and Perticheto proudly declares that “we have a good team of talented young skaters [who] can one day reach the international level as well.”

Although the climate in the Philippines may not be ideal for skating, it need not be the end of local skaters’ dreams. It is the country’s weather that gives more reasons for local skaters to be proud of their heritage—as they have triumphed despite the many hurdles of the sport in the country. “If you find the sport beautiful, which I think it is, then please go ahead and give it a try,” Joel concludes. “I’ll be looking forward to seeing you in the rink, then.”

MENAGERIE

Layout by Maxine Lee & Alyssa Saludo

Amid disinformation, volunteers and medical practitioners urge the masses to be well-informed.

VITAL CHECK

Inside the COVID-19 response The long and arduous fight against the COVID-19 pandemic has been an uphill battle faced by all sectors of society, but one that is particularly reliant on the presence of healthcare workers. They take the challenges head-on from the frontlines to the vaccine rollout, even if the challenges stem from a deeply flawed healthcare system.

However, as cases pile up and the COVID-19 response unfurls, their lines of work become more urgent in demand. As volunteers fill in the gaps and persevere to provide quality healthcare for all, the serious risks and fatigue that come with their job description are no laughing matter.

Seizing opportunities Vaccine volunteers come from all walks of life. Saab Antonio, a third-year medical student from De La Salle Medical and Health Sciences Institute, tells The LaSallian that she initially hesitated from stepping up. She was still a fledgling medical student, and the daily travel to and from the vaccine site would be tiring. But then, a groupmate of hers encouraged her to sign up, and she ultimately took the opportunity to volunteer with the Philippine Red Cross vaccination program in Mandaluyong.

Antonio was tasked with monitoring vitals such as blood pressure and blood glucose, but the priority was always making sure patients were comfortable. A big part of her role is addressing patients’ concerns and informing them of the do’s and don’ts.

“My biggest takeaway from this experience was being able to build a healthcare providerpatient relationship,” she shares.

Meanwhile, registered nurse Carmela Perpetua-Baltazar was directly hired by the Department of Health (DOH) to assist in administering vaccines in Bustos, a municipality in the province of Bulacan.

Spending every day near many people is a risky undertaking, but Perpetua-Baltazar is mindful of what is at stake when there’s a lack of manpower. “I want to help our community...

It will also lessen the growing number of COVID cases in the municipality,” she stresses.

Challenging times For those eager to be vaccinated, The slow and tedious process of administering vaccines may not sit well with everyone. “Occasionally, there are misunderstandings with some patients regarding the long waiting period.

by Alyssa Ann Dela Cruz, Romeo Escareal, & Marypaul Jostol Illustration by Evan Olfato & Pat Soriano

Others are frustrated over uncomfortable circumstances like the weather, for example, but we cannot please everybody,” PerpetuaBaltazar opines. In response, she and many vaccine volunteers tend to the frustrations of their patients by reassuring them that they will keep the process as smooth as possible.

While the pandemic continues to send the world into a frenzy, misinformation continues to spread. She has encountered patients who want to be protected from the virus but clung to unfounded notions about the vaccine. “Some [believed that] if you get vaccinated, you must not do a swab test afterward because it will infect you with COVID-19,” she shares. “[Others] thought that the vaccines contained microchips.”

Misinformation poses a serious threat to public health, especially if the only protection against a deadly virus is feared by many. Perpetua-Baltazar feels that it is her responsibility as a healthcare professional to disprove fake news in any way she can. A few instances prompted her to “show the syringe to patients,” one that is too small to contain microchips. After imparting the vaccine’s benefits and how to manage any resulting side effects, patients eventually agree to be vaccinated.

While the pandemic continues to send the world into a frenzy, misinformation is very likely to spread in a panic-filled environment.

Antonio also insists that vaccine hesitancy should be addressed by being well-educated about the vaccine. She urges those who are informed and educated to reach out to their peers and “provide right information backed with scientific data from verified health organizations.”

A collective response Despite coming from different vaccine programs, both volunteers felt satisfied with the way their respective rollouts have been conducted thus far. Antonio attributes her program’s success to Red Cross’ experience as

an international organization. “I encountered a patient who personally commended the Philippine Red Cross for the smooth flowing and systematic vaccination experience,” she recalls.

Likewise, Perpetua-Baltazar also commended the vaccine rollout of Bustos, explaining, “We’ve been managing all our resources just to make sure that the vaccination program is as organized as possible.” As of August 15, the province of Bulacan has administered first doses to 13.8 percent of its population, while 13 percent are now fully vaccinated. On top of that, plans to have a mobile vaccination site have also been recently implemented to supplement their current efforts.

A ways to go While Antonio sees the vaccine rollout program as an overall positive, she does note that vaccination is only one part of the national response and there is much room for the government to bolster its efforts in containing the pandemic. On top of solving the lackluster budgeting of the DOH, she believes effective leadership must be prioritized. “Qualified leaders should be placed in positions to initiate wellconstructed plans and execute them with the goal in mind to achieve the new normal,” she says.

As more doses swoop in, vaccination efforts throughout the country gain steam.

But while the concept of Filipino resilience is often inappropriately glorified by the media, it is the active participation of healthcare workers that is responsible for strides against the pandemic.

However, the recent implementation of yet another enhanced community quarantine is indicative of the government’s ineptitude toward enforcing effective safety measures. With daily cases spiking to over 10,000 and President Duterte’s “no vaccine, no ayuda” remarks causing panic, citizens are in disarray and crowding vaccination sites, which may ironically cause the virus to be transmitted even more. At this point, the speed of transitioning out of repeated quarantines is dependent on how efficiently the government utilizes this period to provide our countrymen with sufficient aid so that the efforts of people like Antonio and Perpetua-Baltazar do not go to waste.

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AUGUST 16, 2021

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Section Editor: Jihan Marie Ferrer

Illustrations by Casie Aviles, Sarah Chuang, Eliana Fabia, Jihan Marie Ferrer, Addie Holgado, Erika Ingalla, Denika Layaoen, Ruaina Moreno, Carl Soriano, Pat Soriano, & Yssa Surla

PAINTING WITH LIGHT

AUGUST 16, 2021

7

Tabi-tabi po

PAINTING WITH LIGHT

AUGUST 16, 2021

Section Editor: Lauren Sason

by Anton Trivino

by Anton Trivino

by Ashley Go

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HALFTIME THOUGHTS

GREEN GALLERY

POP, LOCK, AND BREAK

The appeal of the B.League

Encho Serrano takes the leap

Into the realm of competitive dancing

Data Science in sports

Many collegiate stars are taking their talents to Japan, raising question marks for the PBA.

Serrano has left DLSU, but there is a bright future ahead for this terrific high flyer.

The discipline and hard work of dancers are integral to their success in the sport.

Data Science has been a brilliant innovation, but using it intelligently is still the key to success.

Section Editor: Diego Vergel de Dios PAINTING WITH LIGHT

HALFTIME THOUGHTS

Illustration by Sarah Chuang

The appeal of the B.League

by Rain Leoncio

WITH THE B.LEAGUE EXPANDING ITS HORIZON, Filipino athletes are starting to pursue greener pastures to fulfill their dreams.

The days of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) as the premiere destination for local amateur athletes are long gone, as the choice of going abroad to hone skills and get more exposure is starting to catch the eyes of our country’s top talents.

A popular destination has been the Japanese B.League, with Thirdy Ravena paving the way for his fellow athletes when he first signed with San-en NeoPhoenix back in June 2020.

Other athletes who have followed suit are Juan and Javi Gómez de Liaño, as well as Kenmark Cariño and Kiefer Ravena.

There have been several rumors circulating that other top local college prospects have received offers to play in Japan but no official news havebeen published.

Having different opportunities elsewhere from PBA provides a breath of fresh air because local prospects have the chance to showcase their talents against international competition. With new opportunities for training and development, the question now stands: Does the B.League offer better exposure and level of play?

A golden opportunity abroad The B.League is Japan’s first division basketball league and premier league. Being a relatively young league formed back in 2016, they have quickly set themselves up as one of the top leagues in Asia. The B.League currently offers a lot more than any of the local leagues. An import would make approximately USD 200,000 to USD 400,000 net per year, and, according to Ravena’s agent in an interview with The

Manila Times, this is the range of the salary Ravena is getting compensated with at the moment. Safe to say that the bigger the market, the bigger the pay.

For players, this is a chance to perform on the international stage on a consistent basis, going up against international players and different imports regularly. Japan has never been known to be a basketball-driven country. However, in recent years, they have been working hard to change that reputation.

Japan has been able to develop a number of their local talents into valuable international players, with a handful of them competing in the world’s best leagues. Yudai Baba, who was formerly a member of the Texas Legends in the National Basketball Association (NBA) G-League, was also an integral piece in See B. League, Page 10

GREEN GALLERY

by Judiel Libot

ENCHO SERRANO TAKES THE LEAP

by Raphael Serrano & Jeremiah Dizon

Known for his dynamic finishes and steady defense, Encho Serrano has proven himself to be an integral cog for the DLSU Green Archers after playing for two UAAP seasons. Embracing his role in a stacked backcourt, the 5’11” cager averaged 9.14 points, 3.43 rebounds, and 1.71 assists in Season 82.

Now onto the next stage of his career, Serrano will be playing for his hometown Pampanga Deltas in the National Basketball League-Pilipinas (NBL), where the 21-yearold is expected to ramp up the team’s championship expectations, after letting go of his eligibility in the UAAP. With an opportunity to showcase his undeniable potential, the gifted and skilled young man in him is sure to bear significant results.

Winning mentality Serrano impressed universities with his athletic ability and finishes above the rim as a high schooler. While young athletes want to showcase their impeccable talent and impress their coach, it was different for Serrano, who is invested in self-improvement. He mentions, “Every training and game, I

SPORTSBITS

get to learn something, and I improve each time kasi I always look at it as an opportunity to get better.”

“Every training ang game, I get to learn something, and I improve each time kasi I always look at it as an opportunity to get better.”

DESPITE HIS SHORT STINT PLAYING FOR THE TEAM FROM TAFT, Encho Serrano exuded phenomenal.

Having competitive games outside the country is always a big help for a team’s preparations. It is also an opportunity to build chemistry and cohesion within the team before the season starts. Playing and learning from the best of the best is something Serrano enjoys. “I experienced playing with athletes from all over the world like Russia and USA, [and] it was a

big help for me to experience that as an athlete,” Serrano shares.

With the pandemic halting the UAAP games, many of his teammates like Aljun Melecio and Tyrus Hill skipped their final year at La Salle to play professionally. With the lack of veteran presence, he expects that the team will be led by names like Joaquin Manuel and Kurt Lojera saying, “I think ‘yung mga next leaders for the next season would be ‘yung mga

natira na nakasama ko before.”

(I think the next leader[s] for the next season would be my former teammates like Joaquin Manuel and Kurt Lojera.)

Despite falling short of a win to qualify for the Final Four and his stint cut short with La Salle, Serrano still enjoyed and cherished his stay in Taft. “I’ll always be thankful for the Lasallian community na laging andiyan to support us.”

(I’ll always be thankful for the Lasallian community who are always there to support us.)

Messi departs Barca, moves to PSG

Spence backs out, Ugas tasked to fight Pacquiao

Gane claims UFC interim heavyweight title

Alapag moves to next chapter of career

Ending 21 years with the Spanish squad, Lionel Messi has made the move to Paris Saint-Germain Football Club.

Citing an eye injury, Errol Spence Jr. begged out from his fight against Manny Pacquiao, with Yordenis Ugas stepping in instead.

Ciryl Gane triumphed over Derrick Lewis via a stoppage in the third round of the UFC 265 main event.

Test of character Setting proper goals is one of the crucial elements in pursuit of deserved success. An athlete characterized by See Serrano, Page 10

Jimmy Alapag will return as coaching staff of the Sacramento Kings for the NBA Summer League.

SPORTS

Layout by Kyla Depante & Sofia Placino

9

Illustration by Ruaina Moreno Data Science has created opportunites for all players and teams to find their niche and edge.

USING STATISTICS FOR AN EFFECTIVE GAME PLAN

Data Science in sports Time has witnessed how different sports have evolved and innovated throughout the years. Rules, tactics, and execution have been altered and transformed to parallel the continually escalating standards being set by outstanding athletes in various sporting competitions.

by Arvin Marion Abaniel & Franz Aren Reyes

Along with these breakthroughs are an athlete’s relentless dedication and resolve to overcome adversities and obstacles en route to victory. But one other element has emerged that propelled athletic development with the help of technology—the knowledge contributed

by Data Science.

Data Science, or analytics, provides valuable assistance in the training and development of an athletes’ skill, especially those in higher-level competitions. Using the principles of Data Science, decisions, strategies, and routines become more reliant on numbers and statistics and much less on simple instincts.

But while its influence has reached some teams in the local scene, it has yet to draw attention on the national stage. Coach Enzo Flojo of the Ateneo Blue Eaglets and Coach Paolo Layug of College of St. Benilde Blazers share their insights about the role of Data Science in Philippine sports games.

Investment to winning Data Science has gradually fastened its place in sports as winning has always been a battle of game plans, especially for team sports. It can also be beneficial in analyzing the performance statistics of individual athletes.

Depending on the objective, it can

FAST NUMBERS

cover various aspects essential to sports, including strength and conditioning, scouting, team performance, and sports business.

With the numbers and charts, coaches and athletes alike, can monitor their performance and extract valuable information necessary for improvement and decision making. As Flojo describes, “It helps in the understanding of the game.”

To further enhance one’s edge, analytics can also be used to study the tendencies of the opponent and devise strategies to counter them in preparation for the game proper. As Layug sees it, sports somehow resembles business where, “you want [more] information to help you make the best decision,” implying the importance of Data Science in sports. Simply put, it is an investment to winning.

Varying relevance As expected, analytics play a different role when utilized in individual sports compared to team sports. As such, there is a significant divergence between the tasks of a data analyst in tennis compared to football when it comes to the data itself and its interpretation to improve the athletes’ training regimen.

Layug touches on this distinction, “For individual athletes, any analytics can be tailorfit to their performance, whereas in a team environment, you have to factor in all sorts of differences, such as physique, player type, role on the team, [among others].”

8 Yuka Saso has elevated to world No. 8 after a sensational showing in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

“There are so many amazing minds breaking down and analyzing the sport in different ways that someone is bound to change it again at some point in the future.”

4 Four Filipinos nabbed a medal finish for the Philippines in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, the country’s best performance in the Summer Games

The Blazers coach also emphasizes that analytics in individual sports may be more relevant because the data is all focused on one person. Conversely, some of the most important factors in any squad are chemistry and teamwork, which severely affect the efficiency of any game plan, no matter how intricately it was constructed.

Flojo further emphasizes the importance of an active competition, noting that because the National Basketball Association (NBA) has a minimum of 82 games in a season unaffected by a pandemic, the collected data would be rich and substantial since the patterns can be determined from a large contingent of games.

Reliability of utility Analytics also has varying degrees of significance and effectiveness on different levels of any sport. Its relevance shifts in each of these stages, be it collegiate, professional, or international, because the gathered data would actually be reliable in reference to future matches.

Flojo explains that most collegiate and all Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) teams have personnel who are assigned to gather the complex data, interpret them, and report to the head coach.

However, the Blue Eaglets assistant coach argues that the scarcity of games in international tournaments affects the reliability of the data. He expounds, “In an international tournament, they play fewer games. For example, this short [FIBA] window where they (Gilas Pilipinas) played three games. The data you’re going to get is a small sample size only. The value of that is not as much as the value you would get in a longer season or tournament because more data constitutes a smaller room for error and assumptions.”

Further ahead The use of analytics has garnered contrasting opinions from retired players.

Former NBA Most Valuable Player Charles Barkley claims that it ruins the sport, while people like Layug view it as a necessity in sports because of its now indispensable part of the winning formula. Layug even goes as far as saying that renouncing its use leaves one at the risk of being left behind while others gain a competitive edge.

No matter the side taken, there is no denying that the availability of Data Science technologies has radically shifted the landscape of sports. It hasintensified the playing field—from training, conditioning, coaching, and scouting, among others.

Flojo claimed that it will only continue to evolve. He concludes, “There are so many amazing minds breaking down and analyzing the sport in different ways that someone is bound to change it again at some point in the future.”

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215

Fil-Am Jalen Green was selected second overall in the 2021 NBA Draft by the Houston Rockets.

Stephen Curry’s four-year contract extension with the Golden State Warriors is reported at USD 215 million.

10 SPORTS

AUGUST 16, 2021

POP, LOCK, AND BREAK

With dancing gaining immense audience, people must realize the huge importance of it as a sport.

Into the realm of streetdance

While generally considered an art form, streetdance is deemed a sport as well. With choreographed pieces entailing a plethora of body movements that require agility and endurance, every dancer strives to keep themselves in shape.

by Koby del Rosario & Jeremiah Dizon

The competitive streetdance scene evokes heated battles between dance companies, injecting both character and creativity while executing their routines.

Undergoing grueling practices to perfect high-level choreography is a given for any La Salle Dance Company (LSDC)Street member, as demonstrated by Rein Labay (II, BS-MKT) and Bettina Runes (II, AB-CAM) who talk about their training during the pandemic and the future of the dance company.

Breaking it down Like any craft, notable figures inspire dancers such as Labay and Runes who hope to forge a similar winning track record in competitions. “I’ve always dreamed of joining a dance team since I was 11. I was mainly inspired by American dance groups such as Poreotics, I.Am.Me, Jabbawockeez, Quest Crew, and a lot more,” she reveals.

To reach the pinnacle of competitive street dance, proper foundation and training are needed. That is why for Runes, she was already a member of her high school dance troupe. To her, it has “certainly been one of the best experiences and moments” she has had. But a sharp mind and a healthy body also need to accompany the dedication for training. Labay explains, “Dancers train as hard as athletes, so it’s important to have a determined mindset all throughout the training process, especially during competition seasons.”

In terms of the mindset of LSDCStreet, street dance is a team sport that requires coordination among members.

“Another important factor that will set a team apart is the obvious trust and connection that each person has with one another. In competitions, teams are judged by a certain criteria, and normally synchronization is a huge percentage of the score,” Runes notes.

This was further magnified by the pandemic—chemistry and synergy within the team are just as important as developing individual skills. However, a

B. League...

From Page 8

Melbourne United’s championship conquest.

Two of Japan’s top players are currently signed in the NBA, the top basketball league in the world. Yuta Watanabe, who is a member of the Toronto Raptors at the moment, broke out last season and proved to be a good rotational piece for their squad, shooting at about 40 percent from three-point range. Rui Hachimura, who is already one of the top young talents in the NBA, is currently playing for the Washington Wizards. All three played basketball in Japan on the amateur level prior to taking the next step abroad, and they were also regular names in their national team. These players are testament to how the recent and rapid rise of the different basketball programs in their country has shaped them today.

Elevated level of play Although Japan is sitting at the 42nd spot of the FIBA world rankings, having the opportunity to constantly go up against international talent, imports, and having more games per season is a more efficient way to develop the skills of players. What the B.League offers that no other local leagues can offer to

strong bond not only translates to wellcoordinated routines but it also maintains the company’s ability to determine what systems work best for the team. Labay shares, “We had to make many adjustments to training like experimenting on which routine worked best for all of us...Working and bonding together even just through our screens motivated the team to keep moving forward no matter how difficult things got.”

Putting in the work Dancers are always working to improve, dedicating hours in a day practicing inside and outside of the studio. “As we started training during this pandemic, it all became about selfimprovement,” Runes mentions. Despite the challenges of training virtually, what drives LSDC-Street and its members to continue to excel is their passion for the craft. “Dancing is not solely about [competing] but more of keeping the various dance cultures alive and doing what we love to do,” Labay expresses.

The spectacle of dance entertains audiences through showcases of sheer talent and natural ability to move to every step, count, and beat. With the current pause on different tournaments, the thrill of performing live became a sorely missed opportunity for many. However, having long-term plans puts LSDC-Street into perspective. With the goal of participating in future tourneys, continuously refining routines is still a priority. Runes comments, “People are innovating [by introducing] new platforms, giving dancers the opportunity to compete and showcase themselves once again.

Although we are still hoping to participate in major competitions in the future when time [and conditions allow] it.”

Passing the torch “The dance community has been significantly getting bigger and bigger and

players is the opportunity to face the top teams in Asia in a separate pocket tournament.

The league does not limit itself to its own countrymen and is progressive enough to acknowledge that in order to have an elevated level of play, you need the best available players in the world.

The FIBA Asia Champions Cup is a separate tournament designed to gather the top teams in Asian basketball. A few of the leagues that consistently participate are the Chinese Basketball Association, Korean Basketball League, and Japan’s B.League. As a matter of fact, the reigning champions currently hail from the B.League, as Alvark Tokyo breezed through the final against Al Riyadi, 98-74.

Being able to have the opportunity to qualify and go up against the continent’s best is one of the B.League’s most intriguing factors together with the number of reps the players will have going up against international-level talent.

The B.League offers more exposure to its players, and being a part of Asia’s biggest club tournament helps that. Moreover, the B.League allows multiple players from different

by Ashley Go

has definitely produced significant figures in the industry [that have not been recognized] only locally but internationally as well,” Runes expresses. The bigger stage has been steadily set for dance and continues to gain the much needed opportunities.

The craft and sport has created a community that connects dancers across the world, appreciating each other’s different styles and encouraging artistic self-

expression on a larger platform. By teaching and inspiring others, dance can go a long way to create more room for exceptional talent to be highlighted and to flourish. “Educating those who are unbeknown to the culture of dance, whether they lack confidence or not, can encourage them to pursue dance more,” Labay asserts.

Anyone with fondness to dance has the opportunity to shine, yet it comes

with dedication and perseverance to step up to the next level. The process of making it big will be fulfilling if one puts in the required effort of not only improving oneself, but also being in tiptop shape to convey the message of every move and moment in dance. As Labay puts it, “It won’t always be easy, but I promise that the journey will be worth the while.”

nationalities to participate in their league, from Asians to Westerners. The league does not limit itself to its own citizens and is progressive enough to acknowledge that in order to have an elevated level of play, you need the best available players in the world.

Serrano...

that have to be made. The skipper says, “I would say na ‘yung impact ng pandemic was really heavy on me, and I had to adjust and change a lot of ways to be able to cope with it.”

(One must always be prepared, especially as an athlete; we always have to be ready.)

Going against the current Japan has been developing into a lethal basketball country able to shell out a couple of NBA-level players. You cannot blame our players for taking a different route than what the others have done in the past. Grabbing different opportunities that may lead to places that no other player has ever been to has been an ongoing theme with this new crop of young talent.

The players ultimately choose between a unique path that may lead them to places no other Filipino basketball player has ever been to. Alhough they go against the current, these athletes made calculated career decisions and went for it.

They showed bravery in their decision and deserve to be branded as successes just by being in the position they are in right now.

Down the road, we may be looking at this current batch as the batch that started a change and further etched the Filipino name into foreign basketball leagues.

From Page 8

immense focus leads to the ability to perform consistently no matter the circumstances.

“I will always give my 100 percent para makatulong sa kanila (Pampanga Delta) at makuha namin ‘yung championship,” Serrano asserts. Before different tournaments were put in a hiatus, Serrano was making strides, averaging 19.8 points per game for the Deltas in six games. However, the going will only get tougher as the regional league has become a professional one, paving the way for experienced veterans and hungry newcomers to mix up the competition.

(I will always give my 100 percent so that I will be able to help my team get the championship.) “[Hindi] puwede mawala sa condition lalo na as an athlete, dapat always ready,” he mentions. The limitations brought by the pandemic challenged not only the players but also their discipline and consistency to become better. During these times, an athlete’s commitment and love for their sport can act as the extra push to continue enhancing their craft. Although virtual practices have become necessary, there are still major adjustments

Looking ahead For now, Serrano is focused on his stint with the Pampanga Deltas and getting in shape for the upcoming season of NBL-Pilipinas, having last played for DLSU with coach Derrick Pumaren in the PBA D-League in March 2020.

At present, he is training to defend the title led by Levi Hernandez, who was named Finals MVP in their best of three series. He will be teaming up with Ronald Pascual who recently signed with Pampanga Delta to boost their title defense for this year’s NBL Presidential Cup. The NBL-Pilipinas will play in a closed-circuit setup that was approved by the Games and Amusements Board last July 9.

Serrano has a long, worthwhile race to go and his determined attitude will surely make waves in his next tour of duty. Picking up valuable lessons as a Green Archer, he is one sure to translate the University’s winning legacy to whatever lays in store for him beyond La Salle.