Echoes March 2018 by Echoes

E C H O E S

A U G U S T

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The Next Victim by Javi Vilchez

Parellels of Power Carlos Cabaero

This is Not A Thought Catalog Article by David Balmes by

The Tipsy Turner by Emil Apostol

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Cover Story: Purpose by Erin Cheng

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Ecosoc Whys by Bianca RaÃ±ola

Tales from the Roots Backstage by Dom C.

Impact by Isabel Cuevas and Sarah See

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Meme Review by Andrew Banaag

A Case of Joni Mitchell by Pita Ochave

W H O

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A R E

ECHOE S 60A PUBLICATION E DITOR-IN-CH IEF AS S OCIATE EDITOR FE AT URES EDITORS CU LTURE EDITORS NEWS EDITORS PU BLI C ATION STAF F

Echoes is the official publication of the UP Economics Society (UP Ecosoc), a nonstock, non-profit, student organization based in the University of the Philippines Diliman School of Economics.

COMMUNICATIONS E DI TO R IAL ASSISTANT CR E ATIVE DIRECTOR CO MMU N I C ATIONS STAF F

Echoes is released two to four times a semester and six times in a year on the months of March, April, August, September, October, and November. It draws its funding from a subsidy from UP Ecosoc, subscription revenue, and small fundraisers. For this semester, 35 subscription copies are produced. This publication is printed by Yza Copy Systems and Trading, located at Katipunan, Quezon City.

Bianca RaÃ±ola Miguel Balao Dominic Carreon Benju Evardone Pita Ochave Celina Pacana Carlo Albay Javi Vilchez Vim Gayutin Joaquin de Guzman Paul Rondario Ya n n a P o t e n c i a n o Kim Diet

Kelsey Mariano Maxine Capili Glenn Guy Patrick Santos Jego Agabin Jolo Zagala Gail Gibe

EVENTS MAN AGING EDITOR DIRECTORS

EVENTS STAF F

Mayumi Villavicencio Alyanna Basbas Alex Vitasa Bianca Cacnio Mico Fernandez Joseph Marasigan Emil Apostol Danielle Gonzales

upecosoc@gmail.com ecosoc.echoes@gmail.com tweet us

@echoesph for more information, visit:

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All errors are corrected when uploaded on issuu.com/echoes. If you spot an error, please email us.

NO PART OF THIS PUBLICATION MAY BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT PERMISSION.

C ONT RIBUTORS Diego Manalastas Alyanna Bernardo Lance Cheng H e a t h e r Ta b l a n t e Rodrigo Monzon Katrielle Abrenica Jand Magpantay Manuel Luis Sanchez Jan Ramos Janis Sumait Angelo Porciuncula Carlos Cabaero

Erin Cheng Jeremy Gemzontan Bella Viaplana David Balmes Thirdy Santos Ken Recasata C h o l o To l e n t i n o Lia Querijero Isabel Cuevas Sarah See Andrew Banaag Carl Bognot

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M A R C H

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E C H O E S

M E SSAGE FR O M T H E EDI TOR

I am Bianca of Parañaque and I am burdened with glorious PURPOSE. I’ve been dreaming of writing an Editor’s Letter since I was in high school, but now that I’m finally here I’m at a complete blank. Putting together my first issue as EIC was admittedly the scariest thing on my to-do list. What happens after your dream comes true and you finally get what you’ve always wanted? It’s easy to get lost in the noise and the glory, and so this month, we talk about PURPOSE. (There is only one mention of Justin Bieber in this whole issue, and this it it.) This theme can be understood in a variety of ways, and I shall raise a few. One, we’re alive for a PURPOSE, and it is indeed a wonderful time to be so. Inside, we diss Thought Catalog, break up with our friends, meet Joni Mitchell, and learn how to make our own cocktails! I’m sure you will find something that will tickle your soul, your brain cells, and your liver. Two, PURPOSE is all about the things that drive us, the things that keep us going, the things that remind us why we do what we do - which is why for the first time in history, we decided to put our scholars on the cover. While only Andrea and Derrick were able to go to the photoshoot, we interviewed all four of them for this issue. I hope you let their stories become a part of yours. Three, thinking about one’s PURPOSE is existential crisisinducing and frankly not something people usually talk about over a cup of coffee. But I’d like to argue that while we may not know what our PURPOSE is in our lifetime, we can find it in the small, bite-sized reasons we decide to wake up in the morning, to do our best, and to fill in the blanks of our Editor’s Letters. Well, would you look at that. I did it. See you again next month.

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C O M M I T T E E

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J E R E M Y G E M Z O N TA N SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE HELLO ECOSOC! First Echoes issue for the year AND I’M EXTREMELY HAPPY TO BE BACK! So it’s been a crazy first 2.5 months for 2018. We’ve had countless events, a memorable plansem and a hugely successful Roots Music Festival. I guess you could say that as early as it is 2018 has already given me quite a bit to be thankful for. But beyond all these, one of the main highlights of the past three or so months will definitely having had the opportunity to meet the scholars. Trisha, Micha, Andrea and our very own Derrick have slowly but surely made a quite an impact on me and I genuinely hope that each and everyone of you guys gets to experience the same thing. So, if you guys ever see any of the scholars make sure to say hello! They’ve been hanging around Econ pretty often in recent weeks and we hope you guys take the time to chitchat a bit with them. Super bait, makulit and sincere sila lahat so I know all of you guys will love them as much as we (Erin & I) do!

ERIN CHENG TASK FORCE Nyello Ecosoc mingming (swswsws) annyeong <3333 it’s been such a great start to 2018 for me so far, and it’s mostly because I’m really happy to be back in the tambs n seeing u guys in a lot of our events! But more than that, I’m especially happy (& more than a little bittersweet) that we were able to pull off a very memorable & #TagosPuso Roots last Feb Ü Huge congratulations and thank yous to my BOD n my partner Benju for pulling thru & being such a great group to work with, and of course, to the OB and volunteers for sticking it out - even while being sunburnt & dust-filled & tarp-laden - till the end. To everyone who’s worked in all the little ways to make this event possible, you are my favorite #KwentongRoots! Thank you for showing what heart and passion (n a little bit of that funky Aegis magic) can truly achieve. In other news, the ESSF account is sufficiently fattened up (hihi tnx Roots) n ready to accept new scholars for the next school year, and I can’t be more excited to meet the next set of bibo kids we’ll be able to help out! Getting to know our 4 brilliant and xtra kabog scholars has been one of my own personal highlights so far this sem -- i’ve grown to love my job even more n see so much value in the work we do <3 Hope you’ve all been having a great start to 2018! See ya in the next TF events n pakulos Ü all #FortheScholars (n other beneficiaries wahahah)! <3 6

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I S A B E L C U E VA S ACADEMIC AFFAIRS

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Hey, hey, hey Ecosoc! Time really flies and we’re already halfway through the semester. Wormy has been busy sending out love and support through different initiatives and events. A big chunk of the committee’s work began early this year. I’d like to thank my 3 beautiful and hardworking VCs and their members who exert so much effort to make Acad get better and better. For the month of March, we’re launching motivational week. This would coincide with midsem exams, and hopefully, we could push and inspire Ecosocers through little initiatives. We’ll also give you some ideas for your next summer internship through an Acad Digest video which we will be publishing. The month won’t definitely be complete without our Saturdays with the Pook Ricarte kids. There’s so much more to look forward to for the rest of the semester. Remember that Acad Wormy is always here for you! “Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.”

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SARAH SEE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

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First of all, I would like to thank my VCs (Lance Cheng, Angel Gando and Janis Sumait) for being the best!! Shoutout also to the teams for handling ACDCs and Medical Mission!! I really appreciate everyone for lending a hand and going to our meetings. My VCs and CDC members are the greatest assets the organization has. I am grateful for your acceptance and energy to work on our committee goals!! Let’s keep it up!! <3 With all the events lined up, its timely to reflect on the reasons why we attend, what advocacy do we preach?? Going beyond the counts we get, its all about reaching out to trying to improve the community in our own ways and reaching out to others, as Iskolars ng Bayan and as members of the organization. What does it mean to you to spend a few hours with kids in an ACDC session? An afternoon with the elderly? Helping TF? Your contribution helps a lot to scholars, partner institutions, organization and community. Remember to make the moments count.

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BIANCA RAÑOLA ECHOES It’s me again! (My picture is different from everyone else’s because I don’t like my face in it.) The last two months have been focused on getting Echoes to reach out to Ecosocers digitally. I hope you’re enjoying our daily tweets. We launched Dear Echoes and it will be there to listen to all your musings for the rest of the year. Our first Web release came in the form of Letters to My Ecosoc Crush, and we tried very hard to convince ourselves that the letters were for us even though they were obviously all for Jem. Sad Chinese reacts only. Our first TV release was done in collaboration with the ever special Spev. We also launched Leave A Book, Take A Book so that you have something to bring with you on your #2 trips. We had Fliptop last month and that was just something. And now we are here. I extend my thanks to Carlo, Dom, Pita, and the Pub Staff for making this issue possible, to Miguel for the faith, Kelsey for the trust, and Mayumi for the pixie dust. You three are a big part of what makes Echoes fly. May we continue soaring together towards the best sem Echoes has seen.

JAD CASTILLO EXTERNAL AFFAIRS HELLOOO ECOSOC!! We’re almost near mid semester and I hope you are having a blast with all your “ganaps” - it may be personal life, lovelife wew, acads or in your org(s)! Despite these “ganaps”, looking at why we do these things is what pushes us to continue and do better. We may not be in our best selves at times (yuck), but having the sense of fulfillment and enjoyment in what we do...HAHAHA ang drama ewwnvghcf. Anyway, in behalf of my Externals family, I would like to thank you all for attending the first DG on SOGIE, for sharing the endless tweets and posts on our FB page and Twitter, and attending our partnered events!! (shameless plug: please like/follow our FB/ Twitter lol and ACLE soon SUPPORTTT hehe). They were all a success because of your support, and of course because of the best people Gelo, Andi, Ivan and Bear and the rest of externaaaals I LOVE YOU ALL :(((( Please continue to support all the initiatives and events of all the committees and I hope you are all doing greatttt in life <3

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C A R I N A TA N B I O FINANCE

E C H O E S

It had never crossed the mind of 18 year-old me that I would find myself in the position where I am now. Back in high school, I loved doing org works but I never found that place where I really belonged. I was a wandering and aimless spirit and I thought that college would be the same. Oh boy, how wrong I was. Thanks to Ecosoc, I’ve finally found the place where I belong. I was certain that I wanted to spend my last year in college serving the place where I call home. This rollercoaster ride has barely started and you’ll find that college is going to be a crazy journey. There will be a lot of ups and downs along the way, but I hope that everyone can find their purpose and place in Ecosoc, just like how I found mine. Please continue to support Finance Project’s Zest II, Fundraiser’s initiatives, E-Merch’s B2B releases, and Management’s constant badgering! Thank you also to my Fin VCs and mems for keeping me sane. I’m really proud of each and everyone of you and I hope you guys will continue to grow and have fun in the Fin Family. Of course, thank you to the whole Ecosoc. You are why we do what we do :)

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S H A I R A B A LTA Z A R LIAISON

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There are some times when we find ourselves in a position we wouldn’t thought we’d be in but still ended up learning to love how it has made us become a better individual. And that for me is serving my purpose in Ecosoc by becoming its Liaison’s chairperson. It makes my heart full to see many Ecosoc members finding their purpose in the org by involving themselves in many org initiatives like enduring the long hours of work for Roots, interacting with the kids in ACDC sessions among others. Especially my Liaison members— Josh, Alec, Dan, Maia, Nicole, Harriet, Gabe, Mabel, Karla, Hezi, Nicco, Maica, Kim, headed by their amazing VCs—Maui, Eryel, and Kim who have been working hard to contact Alumni for our database and Humans of Ecosoc releases as well as actively looking for career opportunities that other Ecosoc members can venture into, and sustaining our partnerships with our Priv Card partners. Please do know that your hard work is much appreciated. You are all amazing and wonderful. Liai in the coming months will help you find yourself and realize your purpose. Watch out for the Acad-Liai Symposia and our monthly releases of Humans of Ecosoc and Liai Infographics! 9

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CHOLO TOLENTINO MEMBERSHIP Hello Ecosoc! I hope you’re enjoying the sem so far! Have you found your way back home in Ecosoc? If not, don’t worry we still have so much in store for you so just stay tuned and try to join in the fun! Have you met this sem’s applicants? They’re a batch that is more than meets the eye! Strike a conversation with them and see where it will lead you! Nothing will happen if you don’t grab on an opportunity as it floats by you! You never know, that seemingly random thing could just be the purpose that you are looking for! I believe in the members of Ecosoc that is why I want to really thank my members, most especially my VCs Bel, Therese, Sath and Heather, as they have put the extra effort into their work. May Ecosoc open new doors for them to reach greater heights!

RELLA GLORIA SECRETARIAT I’d like to think that Seccom is doing well now. Seccom is fulfilling its purpose now more than ever. We’ve been able to keep the tambayan clean-ish, we’ve finally implemented a system for pub checking, we’ve strengthened our roles as the publicity arm of Ecosoc, and I’ve never been prouder to be part of this amazing committee. And of course, Seccom wouldn’t be Seccom without my members and VCs. Thank you Jano, Hazel, and Sean for all your hard work and for being g to help out Seccom outside of your respective teams. You and the rest of the committee remind me everyday of my purpose: serving other people and making others happy. The feeling I get whenever I’m able to make someone happy is indescribable. I hope you guys continue to support Seccom’s initatives and events because we made them especially for Ecosocers <3

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ANN GERON SPECIAL EVENTS

E C H O E S

Hi bebes :) We are three months into the semester, but it feels like there is still much to learn. This time, I hope we get to know one another better. It may be in the games played, the songs sung together, and the dinners shared that you realize you have a home in the people around you. If not, do not fret. If there’s something I’ve learned from my time here, it’s that you cannot force things. With that, I hope you remember, my dear, that you have to take a break from killing it out there. As you chase your dreams and run after those deadlines, take time to rest. When you catch your breath, I’ll be right there to running by your side. Here’s to Hanna & Katie, my supportive and kind SPEV, and to you with the strong lungs. Let’s march into the new days together!

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DINDO RAMOS SPORTS

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Hi Ecosoc!! How is you doing??? Hope you are okay and taking care of your health kasi go Sports diba!!! Anyways, sports has been off to a great start to be honest. Siguro if there’s something to learn from that, it is that we grow together as a comm :D So what has sports been up to lately? Well if you hadn’t been able to attend, well we had our first Workshop last February 6. It was such a success (TY KLAUSE GALING MO) and I was genuinely happy when A LOT of people went, to the point na naubusan na ng kendamas si Emil. Another initiative that we had was the relaunch of the jogger’s club. It was not originally part of my GPOA when I campaigned, but Meghan wanted to spearhead it so pinush na namin, and it’s really great guys I mean we are taking a different route this sem (because malala cars sa oval) plus it’s not all just jogging. As cielo would put it nagchichikahan rin daw sila hahaha. Another thing I’m really happy for sa sports is the health information pubs! I feel like our purpose is highlighted in these initiatives because we constantly find ways on how to improve each one’s holistic health.

N NEWS

Plansem. DG’s Got An Upgrade. Recognition Day 2018. Applicant’s Orientation. New Sem, New Rules. Fliptop 2k18. LazyFair:AppAkwe 60A. Spevorts Hike. KendamaWorkshop. The Next Victim. Parallels of Power. CDC Sportsfest: Where Kids Play to Lean. Medical Mission Reinstated. News by the Numbers. Roots Music Festival. Impact.

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PLANSEM

by BEL BERNARDO Last January 13-14, new and old mems alike travelled to Balai Tanay, Rizal for a fun-filled yet productive Plansem to discuss matters and projects for the first semester. Everyone packed into their cars, and prepared themselves for the long road trip ahead. As soon as they arrived, they settled in and readied themselves for the various activities planned for the day. With the guidance of the Execomm 60, the SWOT analysis was conducted to discuss and improve on events of the past semester. It was a good way to assess the current situation of the organization, and to see how it could be developed further. Committee presentations were also conducted by the respective committee chairpersons and VCs.

The trademark of an Ecosocer is not only in working hard, but in playing hard as well. In between the serious portions of the planning process, General Members Team Building Seminars (GMTBS) were done as icebreakers, and encouraged the members to get to know each other better. Some of these were Suck & Blow, and an egg-hiding game wherein they had to find where it was hidden among the members of the group. The night only served to bring the members closer together. With more games, karaoke, and nostalgic throwback tunes, the day ended on a great note. As the members left Rizal and hopped back into their vehicles, they left with a renewed sense of purpose, and a greater love for the organization.

by AWARENESS_X

UP Babaylan together with our Gender Committee

Yes DG’s got an upgrade, but it wasn’t because of the room or the speakers, it was because of it participants. The Ecosocers who take part of others advocacies and perpetuate them to others are. Here in Ecosoc we are meant to be at service of all, and create new traditions so we can achieve excellence in our school and, even greater, our country. Are you ready to take DGs to another level?

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Child Abuse. Discrimination. Rape. Injustice. Killing. These are the harsh truths. We choose to be aware of the current states of society, and beyond this, we act on them.

One great example can be seen in the recently concluded “SOGIE: A Discussion Group Regarding Gender Awareness and Sensitivity”. One would not contest the prevalence of discrimination in our country especially towards women and our LGBTQ+ communities. In this event we were presented shocking data. Situations where the minority are discriminated to high degrees. We were also given a call to action; by simply listening and adhering to the basic lessons taught regarding SOGIE, we are able to alleviate the struggle they encounter everyday. Imagine using the proper pronouns to address them, or understanding the difference between preference and expression could go a tremendous way.

councilor, Sugar del Castillo, are true harbingers of equality among all men, women and LGBTQ+. Their talk was engaging, noteworthy, and humorous Their advocacy strengthens and gives hope to the oppressed. With the new knowledge acquired, Ecosoc members spread the proper way to address, communicate, and view our fellow students and citizens who are part of these communities. They are no different from us.

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From its humble beginnings on the floor of the library lobby to its current place in the SE rooms, It is safe to say that DG’s got an upgrade. Discussion groups have been a way for us to be connected to the truths; moreover, society itself. Unlike most people, we strive to come out of our illustrious lives to be exposed to the real life.

As UP Ecosoc, we are known to build a tradition of putting ourselves in the feet of others to further serve our people.

Ever since a current Ecosocer can recall, discussions groups have already been a staple in the External Affairs Committee; much like ACDC to CDC, or Game Night to SPEV. This medium was used to stimulate discourse and awareness among a variety of topics, such as child abuse, women empowerment, extrajudicial killings, and, recently, SOGIE.

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DG’S GOT AN UPGRADE

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R E C O G N I T I O N D AY 2 0 1 8 by JAND MAGPANTAY

To celebrate the academic achievements of the many talented Ecosocers last semester, the Academic Affairs committee once again held its Recognition Day, which pushed through even though the budget was so small chz. Following Ecosoc’s 60th year, the theme chosen for this sem’s Recog Day was The 60s. The 60s was an era that ushered in many achievements, such as NASA getting a man on the moon, Martin Luther King fighting against racism, the peace movements spearheaded by hippies, with The Beatles rising from anonymity and serving as the soundtrack for this generation. This mirrors us as Ecosocers trying to make a difference and change the dark and troubled society we live in today,

and is even in line with ROOTS’ advocacy of peace. . Though our achievements now may seem small when looking at the bigger picture, all our efforts are a sign of what we can give back to society, and that hindi sayang yung tax niyo sa amin. In the end, Recog Day was both a culmination and a celebration of each other’s achievements. In a time of so much conflict and toxicity, it served as an avenue for us to just be happy for each other, and for ourselves. It showed the capabilities of Ecosocers to not only excel academically, but also our capability of genuinely celebrating each other. In the words of an anonymous hippie, “Make Love, Not War.”

A P P L I C A N T ’ S O R I E N TAT I O N by HEATHER TABLANTE

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Last February 2, the Membership Committee organized an event to welcome and brief incoming Ecosoc applicants for this semester. This was the Ecosoc 60A Applicants’ Orientation hosted by the Memcomm VCs Heather Tablante and Samantha Reyes. Held in SE 125, the program started with the traditional “pakulo” by the members who gave the new batch of applicants a warm welcome. This was followed by the Opening Remarks done by none other than our President Jeremy Gemzontan. In his message, he wished all the applicants good luck and told them he looks forward to seeing them finding their home in the organization. Of course, after the Opening Remarks done by Jem came Cholo Tolentino, the Chairperson of the Membership committee, with his Applicants’ Welcoming. When Cholo Tolentino finished finished his heartwarming speech, an icebreaker called Human Bingo was done by the 17 new applicants who attended the orientation. Each applicant was given a sheet of paper with certain descriptions such as “has a car” and “is left handed” and had to complete the sheet by having each description signed by a member or a co-applicant. The first applicant who completed the task of finding all the people who matched the description was Ren Capuno and he was given a reward for doing so. The icebreaker was then followed by the Committee Presentations which was done in alphabetical order, starting with the Academic Affairs Committee and ending with the Sports Committee. Every committee had their respective representatives to talk about the roles and duties of their committee as well as their past projects. After the presentations of the different committees, the applicants were asked to fill up another piece of paper indicating the three committees they may be interested in joining. This was the last part of the program before egress.

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NEW SEM, NEW RULES by KATIE ABRENICA

Emperador Light. A shitload of calamansi. Red cups. Great music. 60+ beautiful Ecosocers. These were just some of the ingredients that made up this semester’s Sem Starter called “New Rules”. New Rules was a laidback house party that took place last February 2, 2018 in Xavierville 3 (shoutout to the lovely Nica Pine!!!) To say that the planning process for this event went smoothly would be wrong, as the team experienced a set of difficulties before the event itself. For starters, we all had a hard time finding a house for the event. No matter how many Ecosocers we asked, we still ended up having to move the event a week later due to the lack of venue. We also faced another setback literally just hours before the event, see below:

Ann: Guys we’re expecting 70 Ecosocers to attend later Us: Holy shit we only bought drinks for 30!!! *proceeds to do some lastminute grocery shopping* Despite the setbacks, the event was still well-attended by members, applicants and close friends of Ecosoc who all found themselves enjoying the happenings of that night. With new drinking games, mixed drinks, music and dancing, there’s really no better way to start the semester. Ultimately, Spev reached its goal of bringing Ecosocers closer together and providing avenues for getting to know one other.

FLIPTOP 2K18 by ALEX VITASA

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Ecosoc turned up the heat in Starback with some fire bars last February 23. Fliptop is back for another year with new rules and new sick lines inspired by old news. This time around, instead of pitting each committee against each other, the sem-long teams go head to head in best of 3 one-minute showdowns for a Scavenger Hunt incentive and major bragging rights. However, with only 3 teams, the last group will have an unfair advantage to move on to the second round without winning a battle. To remedy this and complete the match ups, execomm steps up as the fourth team. The first battle was between team SEX (Seccom, Externals and Spev) and FILIC (Finance, Liaison and CDC), with the latter prevailing as the winner. Next up was SPAM (Sports, Acad and Memcomm) vs. Execomm where SPAM bested Execomm, winning two straight rounds. The two winners (FILIC and SPAM) then go straight to the finals. In the end, Echoes has spoken and the Fliptop 2018 champion is FILIC.

Congratulations, Fin, Liaison and CDC! See you ulit next year mga repapips.

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L A Z Y FA I R : APP AKWE 60A by BEL BERNARDO

Members and applicants prepared themselves for a chill night ahead, as they headed to the App Acquaintance party of the App Batch 60A, aptly named Lazy Fair. Donned in their comfiest and cutest pajamas, those who were there played several fun games such as “Bring me” and “Guess who’s behind the blanket.” The event was reminiscent of a slumber party, bringing back the nostalgia of childhoods spent huddled in blankets and pillows with their friends. A couple of applicants also performed for the audience during intermissions, both singing and dancing their hearts out for the crowd. Overall, the night was a success, and was a testament to the hard work and commitment of these future members to the organization. At the end of the night, the applicants were divided into their GW families and soon began the bidding process for their guardians. As soon as they met with their “parents,” further excitement for the app process was palpable. Hopefully with their guidance, the apps can be able to immerse themselves further into the organization, and gain a love for Ecosoc

S P E VO R T S H I K E by DINDO RAMOS

knowing that I was able to reach a mountain’s peak. The trek going downwards from Mt. Cayabu was really difficult due to its steepness, but of course we were still able survive it. After our descent, we then again began our hike towards Mt. Maynoba.

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We reached Camp 2 at 7am, and it was there that I really got to appreciate the beauty of the mountain ranges. It was really what you can call as a breath of fresh air, paired with the amazing beauty of the landscape that faced us. The path going to Mt. Maynoba took us another tiring 50 minutes. The point was 662 meters above sea level (MASL) and I really began feeling exhausted upon reaching it. However, it was worth it, again seeing the beautiful view that the place offered (we could even see the buildings of Manila from there), and of course the thought of conquering another mountain.

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It took us about another 40 minutes to reach our first mountain, Mt. Cayabu. I cannot vividly remember the path going there, except for the part that I was still optimistic, despite being challenged by the high grounds that we had to climb through. There was not much to see in Mt. Cayabu, but it was nice

When each of us were paying our individual registration fees, it was made known to us that our tour guides (the great John Michael and Nadnad) are high school students and that our money was used for their educational needs (For the scholars pa rin mga ulul, give us CDC counts pls sasee). The holy Ann Geron led the group’s prayer, and after which, we began with our hike at 5am in the morning. It was still dark and thus we were forced to use our flashlights for us to see the path. Subsequently, we arrived in Camp 1 after a fresh and light thirty minute hike, and the first of Ann’s famous recap. Personally, I thought that was already Mt. Maynoba because it offered a great view, and so I thought to myself “Wow, ez naman pala mag hike ang bilis lang.” I was deadass wrong!!!!!!!

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Last February 24, 2018, Spev x Sports had its semestral spevorts hiking initiative. This semester, the spevorts team chose to conquer the mountains of Cayabu, and Maynoba found in the province of Rizal. Seven other people (Ann, Benju, Jericho, Andi, Carlos, Iyla, and Lino) and I started our journey at 3am in Mcdonald’s Katipunan. Humorously, majority of the hikers were either sleepless or sobering up, but that did not stop us from pursuing the mountains. We left Mcdo Katip at around 3:40am after having a light meal. Ann and I thought we would be able to sleep in the trip to Rizal, but that was not the case (except for the sleepless Lino). With Benju and Jericho blazing through the other cars and the empty terrains, we found ourselves in Rizal in just approximately an hour or so. We were graced with dark skies filled with bright stars upon arrival, and the sun nowhere to be found just yet.

Camp 3 was the highest point we reached at 717 MASL. After which, we started our descent towards the 8 waterfalls. Because of too much exhaustion, we were not able to take a dip into the falls, we just really wanted the trip done and catch some sleep. But, the views and the cold water of the falls are not to be missed! It was still a spectacular sight to see. We ended our hike at 10:30am. Imagine that. Walking for almost 6 hours was truly tiring (my phone recorded ~30,000 steps). But I must say, hike while you still can because it is a truly worthwhile experience. 21

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KE NDA MA WO R KS H O P by MANUEL LUIS SANCHEZ “Can you Kendama?” If you asked me this a few weeks ago, I would have probably answered you with a confident “Pshhh... OF COURSE I CAN! Watch this!” then proceed to fail to do the simplest trick over numerous attempts. However, as of almost a month ago, February 6, the date of the Kendama Workshop (#Sponsored by PhilKen Kendama) from EcoSoc, I can now back up my previously empty boasts with just a tiny bit more skill. Though I must admit, my confidence still heavily overestimates my ability. During the event, I met the dude who would be tutoring us, Emil Apostol. His tricks were decent I guess, nowhere as good as me but hey, not everyone can be—Okay just kidding he’s leagues better than me, but hey, that’s why he’s the tutor and I’m the student. Anyway,

his tricks were INSANE! You know how there was this guy on “Talentadong Pinoy” called Yoyo Trickster? Yeah. Basically if you put that kinda tricks into a ball and cup game, you get Emil. That guy really knows how to cup some balls. Kendama. I’m talking about the Kendama. Anyway, this guy was gonna teach us the basics. We learned 2 tricks that day. How to catch a ball in a big cup, and how to spike a ball on a... spike... yeah. Trust me when I say that he makes this look waaay easier than it is. It took AGES for me to learn to “consistently” catch the ball in the cup. Much more how to put the stupid spike in the hole of the ball. Anyway the teaching techniques were cool. We learned the proper form and even some hacks; as the usual saying goes, “It’s all in the knees.” Heck we learned a bit of science

too. If you spin the ball and whatever, you get those centrispinning “forces” that work to keep the hole down, making spiking the ball hella easier. At the end of the day? We all did pretty decently in the actual game of Kendama. Speaking of games though, this workshop was much more fun than just bending your knees andcatching a ball, there were a few games as well. One of the first was basically Simon Says but with us all having to balance the Kendama on our heads like a unicorn horn. It ended in a death battle with only one survivor. Meghan was her name I believe. She completely dominated that game. No mercy. Straight off the bat she just smacked the Kendama off of one of her opponents. This pattern of merciless attack lasted all until the last foe was standing. Using her range advantage she took the life of her last foe and claimed victory. Her prize? A Kendama of her own sponsored by PhilKen

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two more tricks; the small cup and the “candlestick.” While I can’t do any of these 4 tricks consistently every try, I’ve definitely been able to do it more than I have before the workshop. Heck, when I saw Emil someday after, he even taught me how to switch from big cup straight to small cup. I still can’t do it consistently, I’m learning. All in all, I’ve enjoyed this experience. I’ve won some, lost some, succeeded, and failed. Though all that matters is that I’ve tried, and that made me succeed those few times. Some may say that it’s a kid’s game and that we’re in college so we shouldn’t be too into this sort of thing, but still, there’s more to it than just that. There’s a neat history on it from Japan (One which I’ve forgotten to be honest), and so much skill that can be applied to it. It’s a fun game and a good pastime. I highly recommend it to anyone. You won’t FULLY understand how satisfying this game really can be until you first catch the ball in a cup. So, can you Kendama? Well, now I can Kendama, and maybe with a few tries, you can Kendama too! ..... Though probably not anywhere as good as the pros (Of which I will say I am but am obviously not).

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Kendama. This was only the beginning... On the next game, a test of consistency in the basics, we all had to do a “Big cup” on demand. Anyone who failed was out of the round. Last man standing. In this case though, it was last woman standing. Merely less than 10 rounds in, guess who won the other P1000-ish Kendama. Meghan. She won both Kendama. Though today, I can say I’ve won my own Kendama that day, I can’t say it was a win from the start. She was nice enough to offer the first Kendama she won as a prize to anyone who would win another round. There we were, the hopeful losers. One of us would rise from our ranks and claim their very own Kendama. However it was not easy. This time, we had to spike the ball on demand. My worst trick. If you saw my Kendama today you’d think it was some weird, oversized, colorful, golf ball at how many pokes and dents it had. Nonetheless, despite all odds, I have triumphed over my fellow dreamers. By some divine Kendama miracle I managed to spike it 2 times in a row, something I never managed to do before. Because of this, I now have my own Kendama. To this day I still play with it a fair bunch. I practiced the two tricks I’ve been taught and was even able to figure out how to do

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THE NEXT VICTIM by JAVI VILCHEZ On January 16th, 2018, The International New York Times’ Editorial Board published “After Killing Spree, Is a Free Press Mr. Duterte’s Next Victim?”. An unhindered editorial, the article is a resounding critique of the Duterte administration-- which has claims at least 4,000 lives in its infamous War on Drugs-and its notable crackdowns on all opposition forces within the Philippines. The regime’s latest casualty? Enter Rappler, a leading online news site in the country, whose Certificate of Incorporation has just recently been revoked by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for supposedly violating constitutional and corporate regulations regarding local-toforeign ownership ratio. Rappler is known for its brand of uncompromising journalism. It gained national attention when it launched 24

its “impunity series”, which tackled drug-related killings at the onset of the President’s War on Drugs. It continues to publish its “Propaganda series”, which analyzes big data and explores how social media was weaponized during the 2016 National Elections in favor of certain presidential candidates from every major party. A day after the SEC announced its decision to revoke Rappler’s license, President Duterte launched a scathing attack against the news site calling it a “fake news outlet... rife with innuendos and pregnant with falsity”. In response to President Duterte’s tirades, Rappler Managing Editor Glenda Gloria fired back “The President knows who produces fake news in the Philippines. He does not have to look far from where he sits in Malacanang”.

This is an allusion to influential pro-Duterte bloggers—supporters who have banded together from throughout the Internet under the banner of the President and have been constantly accused of propagating fake news regarding the previous administration, the regime’s political opposition, and journalists. One of the most vocal supporters of the Philippine strongman is former striptease performer and current Presidential Communications Operations Office Assistant Secretary Mocha Uson, who has gained both infamy and influence over her constant peddling of fake news through her “MOCHA USON BLOG”- including using pictures of dead Honduran soldiers and Thai girls from Google Images to exaggerate and dramatize the situation in the country and the growing “need” for a violent mass-murder of drug-

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dependents as the solution towards re-solidfying a stable rule of law. In July 2017, in his first State of the Nation Address, President Duterte singled out Rappler and falsely claimed that they were “100% foreign-owned by the Americans”. The New York Times has called President Duterte’s actions against Rappler conducive to “[making] the Philippines a swamp of fake news, conspiracy theories and online harassment” and has voiced out its support for Rappler. While Rappler has appealed to the SEC by denying foreign involvement (it only has two publicly listed foreign investors, neither of which has any ownership stake or control over the website) in its operations and continues to publish, it also reports that the Duterte administration has weaponized social media to discredit its political and journalistic opposition within the country and to generate online hate towards his political rivals-most notably those from the Liberal Party and the Magdalo Party-List. Rappler and its supporters have made it clear: they believe that it is not an issue of corporate regulations, it is the iron fist of a dictator-to-be stomping down on forces that seek to oppose him by publishing the truth. While President Duterte’s bloodbath of extra-judicial killings has made headlines worldwide, it is his jabs against the press and free media that are solidifying his grasp as a true authoritarian. Recently, the President has launched verbal attacks against the Philippine Daily Inquirer, a leading newspaper in the country. He also threatened to shutdown news network ABS-CBN. On February 22, security guards informed Rappler reporter and political correspondent Pia Ranada that she was no longer allowed to enter Malacanang Palace for press conferences and news briefings. The next day, she was informed she was no longer allowed to enter the entirety of the complex. Presidential Security Commander, Brigadier General Lope Dagoy, even commented that the Ranada should have been thankful that he did not have her beaten when she asked for more details regarding her banning from the presidential Palace. At this point, it is undeniable that the administration has claimed the free media to be its latest victim. Its ruthless comments have indicated that Pia Ranada might even be the next victim. How much longer until the next victim is you?

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PA R A L L E L S O F P OW E R by CARLOS CABAERO In an ideal world, government sets the rules that allow society to be able to flourish, for rights to be secured and voices to be heard. Government is created through the process of politics, that is the means by which power and influence is secured and bolstered. It is hoped that the political process is one that goes through the metrics of work ethic, platform and accountability. What we hope for, unfortunately, tends to diverge from what we should probably expect. In the Philippines particularly, politics is not built on platform or virtue alone, but on intricate stratification of influence, backhanded deals and client-patron relations. Indeed, in our country, corruption and coercion permeate are system so much so that they are part of the rules instead of the anomalies.

Though we read about the national political phenomenon in books, papers and through various avenues of media, perhaps one of the most closeto-home means to view national political dynamics is through the University political scene. They say that UP, after all, is a microcosm of society; indeed, we may be able to draw some stark parallels. A disclaimer: these opinions stem from my experience both as a spectator, team member, and direct participant in this field. I do not claim these trends to be absolute truth as much as they are my way of analyzing the dynamics of it all. For brevity, I will focus on three parallels: voter composition and party politics, platforms and narratives, and impact of nonparty institutions. The political game is one

of narratives and ideas. Much like the country, the University is an imagined community as well, with different strings of colleges, organizations and individuals being bonded together by the UP experience. It begs the question: â&#x20AC;&#x153;What is the UP experience, per se?â&#x20AC;? The answer to this question will constitute a certain worldview of what the University should be, providing various issues, various reasons for such issues, and various solutions. From this convergence of ideas, political parties are born. Political parties are groups formed by people with common ideologies and political/ governing philosophies, created with the purpose of accumulating power to not only effect change in society but also to ensure that such change is sustained through the passage of time.

In the University, we have three parties (in alphabetical order) Alyansa, KAISA, and STAND UP. To the credit of UP politics, the stands and political identity of each of these parties are based on solid ideology that does not sway with every election season (for the most part, but I digress). The same cannot be said in national politics, where party lines and stands are almost as indistinguishable as the current roster of members for each party.

In the country and in the University, half of the fight is fought on platforms and stands; the other half is fought on personalities and stories. In 2010, Liberal Party standard bearer Mar Roxas stepped down to allow Noynoy Aquino to run for president in his stead, following the outpour of goodwill that came from the Death of Cory Aquino. Grace Poe, despite being a relative neophyte in poltics, was able to run a presidential campaign based on her perceived “purity” and the name of her late father FPJ. Leni Robredo was able to leverage a victory as Vice President from Jesse Robredo’s goodwill and the emphasis of her image as a champion of women and the marginalized. Rodrigo Duterte was able to recapture unfortunate shades of misogyny and macho mentality dormant in Filipino society to take the Office of the President. In a battleground of ideas, the messenger is just as important as the message.

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Concepts like “Paths to Victory” and “Political Bases” are also present in both situations. In the national elections, the composition of the standard bearers are picked very meticulously, so as to ensure that their candidates can cover a huge starting base for the campaign. For example, Rodrigo Duterte had his strongest and most avid support from Mindanao, Bongbong Marcos from the Ilocos Region, Leni Robredo from the Bicol Region and Mar Roxas from certain parts of Visayas. This understanding of political bases play a big role in the candidates parties will field. Such is ever present in the University, where provinces are instead colleges. Certain colleges tend to skew for certain colors. (Colleges like Econ and BA tend to go for Alyansa/

As one can see, from the analysis point of political parties, the political dynamics is already very rich and complex. Underlying this analysis, however, are some deeper more, entrenched nuances.

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A similar feature of in both social spaces, however, is the need to be able to adapt their parties’ worldview so as to be able to provide the solutions that the public wants, therefore garnering their votes. It can be argued that the disastrous loss of STAND UP in the last elections was a fight lost on two grounds: accountability and student’s rights. In this scenario, the emerging consensus was that the previous USC was not able to deliver on basic services and bring organized events and initiatives. Furthermore, they also lost the narrative on student’s rights in their refusal to act on or support the Diliman’s Student Magna Carta. The interpretation of such events to be able to convey a story proves effective on the national level: the Liberal Party was able to seat Noynoy Aquino based his anticorruption campaign, following the scandalridden term of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. PDPLaban was able to secure Duterte’s presidency by asserting the need for strongman rule in a country allegedly plagued by drugs and lack of order propogated by “soft” leadership.

Independent Candidates, NCPAG and CHE tend to vote KAISA, CAL and CMC tend to vote for STAND UP etc.) In the UP context, candidates more often than not spend huge amounts of time in CSSP, Engineering and CS, as these colleges tend to be the “swing states” that decide the result of the election. Conversely, rarely will you see KAISA or Alyansa step into CSWCD or CMC, and God bless any STAND UP member that lounges around in UPSE for too long.

Looking for SB’s, Councilors and Reps is a meticulous process because parties want to, ideally, find the best people to represent them, then the best narratives to package them with. STAND UP candidates, for example, would have certain vigor and charisma in their standard bearers, which is in line with how they mass lead in rallies, keeping consistent to their brand of militant activism. Alyansa branding relies heavily on the ethos and the work ethic of its candidates, making sure to get people who often hold positions in local councils and organizations, and emphasizing (maybe overly flaunting) the accomplishments of each. KAISA 27

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capitalizes on trying to be the alternative to the usual Aly vs Stand dynamic by attempting to offer leaders that come from diverse backgrounds. Even for independents, the right messenger is needed to portray the proper idea; my best example of this is the Sino Si Mark campaign from 3 years ago, where Mark Navata, an absolute unknown won a seat in Council by promoting the idea that he represents the vast majority of unknowns in the University. There is also a tendency to appeal to whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s close to home to be able to secure votes. One of the practices that I particularly find questionable that all parties employ is their tendency to try and orient or talk to prominent people in each college to run under them in the University elections, just a few months before campaign period. I personally find this problematic in principle, as there is great uncertainty on both sides, both for the candidate that enters a party he or she does not fully immerse with yet, and for the party that willingly takes a candidate that they have not yet tested will work in their paradigm. There is, however, a very practical rationale behind this: people tend to vote both by closeness and by association. It will be easier to get a message across to a certain sample population if said message is delivered by someone that they trust; it is easier to penetrate social spaces when a party has a member on the inside. This is even more blatant in the national level, where clientpatron relations rule the local-national dynamic. To get to the national level, candidates must gain the support of locales, often promising certain perks and privileges should they get into office in exchange for their support. Concurrently, local governments also adhere to the whims of those in power so as to be able to secure more influence and capital in their locales. 28

The political process is one rife with nuances both on the party and the individual levels. These dynamics, however, are mostly part of the basic political exchange. As we know though, there are other outside factors that influence, if not control the outcome of the political process. Dynasties: From Alpha to Omega One of the most obvious features of our national political process is its volatility and maneuverability by outside institutions like big business lobbies and most importantly, political dynasties. Political dynasties are often essential in winning elections, as they have a concentration of manpower, resources and socioeconomic capital to be able to aid in securing votes for a candidate and a party. Perhaps, more than parties, it is political dynasties that can be trusted to remain consistent and ever looming on the national level. This is seen both in our politics and our economics, as most of the plum seats in government, as well as our biggest industries and enterprises, are concentrated in a set of families (Marcos, Aquino, Pimentel, Cayetano, Ayala, Sy, etc.). As much as we hope that platforms and ideas are enough to secure power, the necessity for guns, goons and gold cannot be discounted. I would argue that, here in the University, we have a somewhat parallel to this through our fraternities and sororities. Like political dynasties, fraternities have the resources; the reach and the machinery to be able lobby for positions of power in elections, both in the administration and student levels. Perhaps even more so than political parties, it is these â&#x20AC;&#x153;outsideâ&#x20AC;? institutions that sometimes provide the edge in winning the

that political dynasties have brought upon our country. One cannot discount the similarities though, in terms of the benefits these organizations bring. Some Hope in World Too Real As you can see, whether in the University or in the country, the political process is one that is very complex, convoluted and often toxic. We are often brought up to believe that change can happen if we fight for it, yet the realities of it all sometimes paralyze us with fear, despair and perhaps indifference.

The dream of a democratic and accountable leadership must continue, but more than just dreaming, we must wake up to the realities of the situation, in the hope that we may journey on until the dream is something we can experience with our eyes open.

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However, we must not let harsh truths dissuade us from fighting for the change that we hope for, nor must we ever discount the power of ideas and the agency of voters to be able to influence the various rules that dictate the political

game. Scattered, perhaps our voice is only one in a sea of others. However, collective involvement and determined, stubborn participation in the political process, both during elections and perhaps more importantly after, can go a long way in changing the rules of the game and getting us better and more accountable leaders.

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elections. An example that would come to my mind is the USC election of 2016 where STAND UP secured most of the seats in the Council. Though there are many reasons for this, I would argue that a rather critical reason is the withdrawal of a certain fraternityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s support to one of the other parties due to a scandal that happened earlier that year. Interestingly enough, those who were able to make it to the Councilors list that were not STAND UP were all members of a fraternity or sorority themselves. Such practices continue today; squint your eyes just a little bit and you may see some greek letters under your usual red, yellow, blue and green. A caveat, this is not to necessarily say that this is an absolute comparison to political dynasties; the dynamics and motivations may be different and harmless even, as compared to the detriment

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Image Source: UPFront 29

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C D C S P O R T S F E S T: W H E R E K I D S P L AY T O LEARN by JANIS SUMAIT

This year, the Community Development Committee, together with the Sports Committee, introduced one of its new staple event – ACDC Sportsfest. The main rationale for this event is to bring joy and fun to the kids of Pook Ricarte so they can learn new and more things by playing team-building activities. The event was held around UP School of Economics last March 2, 2018.

The ACDC Sportsfest had the theme of Filipino superheroes, thus, everything during the day was related to it – from the background music to the mini games. The event consisted of two ice breakers and one main game, which is the Amazing Race. At the start of the program, the kids were asked to form a circle and had a count-off to categorize them by team. One of the icebreakers, “Giffy’s Tail”, originally “Agawan ng Panyo”

was played in the beginning of the program, to hype the kids up with the coming games and to make them comfortable with their teammates. Then, the Amazing Race began. It consisted of 7 mini games. First, Darna’t Valentina, originally Aso’t Pusa, is a game where slippers are inside a ring and the players shall try to grab the slippers from outside the ring. If the person inside taps the

game that requires the players to hold hands, without breaking free, while forming a straight line and a hula hoop is going to be passed from the first end to the last end. The hand-in-hand players are not allowed to touch the hula hoop, which cues in an extra player, who is the only one allowed to hold the hula hoop to make it through end to end. The players in the holding-hands bond are assumed to be civilians and Volta is the extra player which he/she makes sure that the civilians do not get electrocuted. The sixth and seventh games, Piko ni Pedro Penduko, which is Hopscotch, and Sipain si Super Inggo, which is Tumbang Preso, are native Filipino games. There was evidently much time and effort put into the games and its relatedness to Filipino superheroes and Filipino games itself, which eventually paid off while witnessing the kids’ smiles laughter. It was an event put into existence to show the kids that they do not only learn with us through our ACDC Tutorials, but that they can also play to learn with us through our Sportsfests.

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player while the player is trying to get a slipper, the player is out for the game. The person inside is assumed to be Valentina, imprisoning civilians (slippers), and Darna (kids/players) doeshis/her best to free the civilians without being bitten by Valentina’s snakes. Second, Panday’s Puzzle, is basically a tangram of a heart and a sword. The heart is to symbolize CDC as the heart of the UP Economics Society. The sword is to symbolize Panday’s greatest weapon. Third, Lastikman Lava River, is based from the usual Lava River game where a blindfolded player must cross an area full of lava ( just paper taped on the ground), which he/she should not touch or else the game resets from the beginning. The player crosses the river mainly through listening from his/her teammates instructions on directions. The player is assumed to be Lastikman, with the power of being flexible so that he/she can reach a step no matter how far it is. Fourth, Calamansi ni Captain Barbell, which is derived from the basic Filipino game of Calamansi Relay. The player is assumed to be Captain Barbell and so he/she must have the power of extra strength to be able to carry the barbell (calamansi on a spoon) while walking through zigzag lines. Fifth, Kuryente ni Volta, is

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M E D I C A L M I S S I O N R E I N S TAT E D by LANCE CHENG

Last Sunday, February 11 the Community Development Committee (CDC) of the UP Economics Society (Ecosoc) reinstated its trademark Medical Mission program. In the past, Ecosocâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Medical Mission program occurred once every 2 semesters providing the following services: general check-up; prescription and donation of medicines and multivitamins; eye check-up; dental check-up; dental cleaning and dental extraction. These past Medical Missions benefited the following communities: GK NTC Pinag-isang Palad, Brgy. Culiat, QC and Pook Dagohoy, Barangay UP Campus. The program was reinstated this semester by CDC to address the long unmet needs of Pook Ricarte, our beneficiary community, who have gone without medical aid from Ecosoc even when Medical Mission programs were still being carried out.

To execute the event properly, CDC needed to get enough doctor volunteers and equipment. Luckily, CDC successfully partnered and sourced volunteers Doctors, General Physicians, Interns, Nurses Dentists, Pediatricians and Optometrists from Quirino Memorial Medical Center (QMMC), National Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hospital (NCH), IMAO and the Dental Health Brigade (DHB) organization from UP Manila. The rest of the medicines, equipment and disposable materials such as gloves, tissue, alcohol were sourced from Ecosoc volunteers. CDC was also fortunate enough to partner once again with SIP Purified Water, who gave x-deals in the form of bottled water. The event took place in Pook Ricarte at the Basketball court. The doctor volunteers were arranged according to

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After the Medical Mission proper, at around 11:50PM, Ecosoc thanked each of the doctor volunteers and presented them with a certificate and token of appreciation. The setup was then packed up and volunteers headed home. While the Medical Mission had clear flaws that needed to be fixed, the general population of Pook Ricarte was very grateful for the service and seemed eager for more Ecosoc CDC events in the future.

On the day itself, ingress started as early as

6AM to allot time for the setup of tents. During setup, logistics volunteers helped arrange the tents, tables and chairs into the different stations. Due to various unforeseen problems and miscommunications, setup finished late at around 8:30 and the agreed General Physicians encountered logistical issues and were unable to come. Along with this, the queuing process became disorganized when patients had to go to more than station or when patients started leaving prematurely. Despite these issues, the doctors were still able to service several people from Pook Ricarte and collect data for future medicine prescriptions and recommendations. EE CC H HO O EE SS

their profession and were set-up like stations. Members of Pook Ricarte would pass through the registration booth and wait in the holding area before proceeding through the different stations as their number was called. The first station was for the Pediatricians and General Physicians. Basic illnesses along with body measurements and blood pressure was recorded here. The second station was for the dentists. The dentist station had 13 volunteers from Dental Health Brigade. Behind the dentist station was the dental bus of QMMC which featured 2 dental chairs and 5 QMMC volunteers. In the dentist station, our volunteers carried out dental checkups primarily due to our lack of anesthesia and medicines for extractions. Finally, the last station was for the Optometrists which was located to the side facing the wall of the basketball court. The Optometrists conducted eye check-ups and even offered a set amount of free glasses for the people of Pook Ricarte (glasses to be claimed at IMAOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office after the appropriate lenses were made).

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NEWS BY THE NUMBERS BY: Diego Manalastas

3:45pm

3 Million

100,000

Eastern Standard Time, Feb 7, at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Falcon Heavy successfully took off, making it the largest rocket in operation at present

People who witnessed the launch of SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy rocket through livestream and on the ground.

Price of Elon Musk’s Tesla Roadster that was sent into space as the payload of the Falcon Heavy rocket

10,000

OFWs in Kuwait taking the Philippine gov’t free flight home after the deployment ban for OFWs to Kuwait

Successful missions using their cost efficient Falcon 9 rocket boosters, which brought the cost per launch from $400M to just under $30M

Years some immigrant families with Special Immigrant Status have spent in the US before being revoked of their status

Age at which renowned physicist Stephen Hawking died

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Image Source: The Uncommon Geek

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29,642

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Likes in the Roots Music Festival Facebook group

Aegis Juris members indicted by the DOJ for violation of the antihazing law

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R O O T S M U S I C F E S T I VA L by RIGO MONZON

ROOTS ROOTS ROOTS! Pebrero nanaman at buwan na ng mga puso pero ‘di lang ito ang pinakainaabangan ng mga Isko, Iska, at ng masa. Sa buwan na ito rin ang pinakahihintay na UP Fair at isa sa mga gabing ito ay ang Roots Music Festival,na ika-anim na taon nang inoorganisa ng UP Economics Society sa tulong din ng UP Underground Music Circle. Ika-17 ng Pebrero, Sabado, ito ang huli at ang pinakainaabangang gabi ng UP Fair. Ang adbokasiya ng gabing ito ay kapayapaan sa buong panig ng mundo partikular sa Pilipinas at sa Mindanao, kapayapaan sa sarili, kapayapaan sa kapwa, kapayapaan sa bayan, at kapayapaan sa kapaligiran. Ang tagline ng adbokasiya ng Roots 2018 ay “Kapayapaan ang Himig ng Bayan”. Ito rin ay ang unang Music Festival sa Pilipinas na may 36

augmented reality sa tulong ng imagineAR kung saan ang ilan sa mga Roots Stickers at posters ay may kaunting sorpresa gamit ang application. Hindi rin mapagkakaila na ang Roots Music Festival ay pinagyayaman din ang kulturang Pinoy. Sa pamamagitan ng temang ‘Biyahe’ nito, makikita sa kanilang mga publikasyon na gumamit sila ng ilang mga bagay tulad ng jeep, tricycle, carabao, windmill, sorbetes, saranggola, at marami pang iba. Naglagay at nagbigay din ang Roots team ng mga sorpresa

sa buong Quezon – ito ay ang mga placards, banners, posters, at stickers. At hindi diyan nagtatapos ang mga sorpresa! Sa pinaka-unang pagkakataon ay naging live ang buong gabi sa tulong ng One Music PH Live Stream na pinalabas sa buong mundo gamit ang kanilang Youtube at Website accounts. Nagpamigay rin ng mga bigating papremyo ang Oppo sa ilan sa mga swerteng manonood gaya ng smartphone. Makikita rin ang Coke Studio Truck sa UP Fair Grounds kung saan mayroong mga tumutugtog na mga banda at namimigay ng ha shirts, headphones at syempre, Coke!

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Pinangunahan ang gabing ito ng mga awit mula sa Underground Music Circle tulad ng Amara, Shirebound & Busking, Wish Sticks, With Fingers Crossed, TheSunManager, Stomachine, Capacities at Son of a Peach! -Mga tugtugin mula sa UP mismo.

Ang Roots Music Festival ay punong-puno ng mga sorpresa at “first times” sapagkat ito rin ang pinakaunang pagkakataong naimbita

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ang Aegis upang kantahin ang kanilang mga awiting #TagosPuso. Lahat ay napakanta at napahiyaw sa Basang-Basa Sa Ulan at nadala pa ang Pasko sa UP Fair sa kanilang awiting “Christmas Bonus”. Talaga nga namang napaindak rin ang mga tao sa kanilang patok na awiting “Halik”. Kasama rin ang Autotelic, Franco, Urbandub, Sandwich, Imago, Orange&Lemons, Pedicab at ang sumisikat na IV of Spades na tinilian at inabangan talaga ng marami. Ang Roots Music Festival ay hindi binigo ang mga tumatangkilik sa musikang Pinoy at sa pagpapakita ng kulturang Pinoy. Upang tapusin ang gabing ito, ang pinakahuling umawit ay ang Ben&Ben na unang beses rin pinakita sa lahat ang kanilang opisyal na music video para sa kantang “Maybe the Night”. Sabay-sabay inalala ng mga tao ag iba’t ibang pagmamahal sa mundo, at sinabayan ang kanilang mga kanatang “Kathang-Isip”, “Leaves”, “Ride Home”, at “Maybe the Night”. O diba? Napakaespesyal talaga ng Roots Music Festival!

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. A collaborative event by the Academic Affairs Committee and Community Development Committee, ACDC is a staple project which is composed of (6) tutorial sessions for kids. Saturday mornings are special for Ecosocers because of ACDC. Ever since, ACDCs are made for the kids of Barangay Pook Ricarte; the organizationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s beneficiary and partner community. In Ecosocâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 60th year, both committees are committed to improving ACDC sessions and tracking the learning progress of the kids. There are (2) subjects taught in every ACDC session, Mathematics and English. The worksheets and syllabus for each session are made in line with the K-12 Department of Education curriculum. There are also professors from the College of Education who help us improve the worksheets by giving some of their feedback and recommendations. With certain academic goals for each session, ACDC aims to guide the kids in certain topics for grammar, comprehension and mathematics. To supplement the learning, visual aids such as flashcards are used for English while popsicle sticks are meant to help in counting for Mathematics. Alongside the syllabus, there are special initiatives per session such as values education and story-telling. For certain sessions, the Sports Committee also joins in to help out in Filipino games as well as to promote exercise and healthy living. Additionally, coloring and connect the dots pages for the kids are still given out. A time-out break in the middle of

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the program consists of snacks for all. Towards the end of semester, there will be a special session wherein the kids will spend time doing other activities aside from the usual worksheets. To bring out their creative side, they will work on an art project and try out other group activities. For the logistics, ACDCs are now moved to the Econ lounge in order to accommodate the kids despite the unpredictable weather. With this venue, colorful decorations and signs for each grade level are sticked to the walls. Since there are kids of all ages, the ACDC team decided to separate higher grade levels and the pre-kinder program. This is to give more guidance to the younger ones, and also involve them in engaging activities. The theme for every session is consistent for all the tutees. Moreover, an earlier call time is also set to maximize our time to help the kids with their academics as well as to interact and get to know them better. In the coming sessions, kids will also be given nametags and workbooks for them to be able to personalize their things. A reading corner will be set up in order to strengthen the childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s knowledge and interest in reading. This will provide kids the chance to bond with their tutors as well as give tutors the experience of reading along with their tutees. This way, children will be more exposed to lessons and ideas from various reading materials. ACDC is not just about teaching the Pook Ricarte kids and improving their Language and Math skills. It is also about creating an impact on their lives. We hope that the Saturday mornings we spend with the kids will truly be meaningful and memorable for each of them. On top of our goal of successfully teaching them and ensuring their progress, we aim to build a good relationship with them. We hope that even after every kidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s participation in the ACDC sessions, he/she will bring the lessons and values that they have gained, and be inspired to share them and reach for their own dreams. 39

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Ecosoc Whys. Love Local: A Definitive List of the Best Philippine Skincare and Makeup Products. Purpose. Halls of the School of Economics and Home. This is Not A Thought Catalog Article. Friendly Detachment. A Definitive Ranking of Places to Shit in UP. Close Encounters of the Insignificant Kind. New Era of Tambay. Tales from the Roots Backstage. Why We Need Stories in the Gray Area. Gun Control to Major Tom.

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ECOSOC WHYS Compiled by Bianca Rañola Ecosoc holds a special place in all of our hearts. Echoes asks some Ecosocers why.

Why did you run for Execomm? At first, I didn’t want the position. I was originally a Comelec member. But the time came when they were talking about potential candidates for Execomm 59 and I realized that it would be one of the biggest what-ifs of my college life. I started formulating a GPOA in my head while walking home to school and before I know it Cha Surdarlingam was already asking me on whether I would resign from my Comelec position. Eventually, I did. That’s when I knew that I wanted to show what Liai is capable of and that we’re just more than Eventology or the Privcard. I’m always grateful for the opportunity and I hope that I made Liai a little better than it was before. -Harriet Guillen, Liaison Chairperson 59

Why did you app for Ecosoc? I want to have a home organization and meet new people that would help me throughout my undergrad life chrt haha. -Alexia Gordo, External Affairs App 60A

Why do you love Ecosoc? I love Ecosoc because it’s really become my home here in college, a place I can be myself and pursue my passions. -Jem Gemzontan, Ecosoc President 60

Why should people app for Ecosoc? Ecosoc is not just an org where we make memorable events. We make them for a genuine purpose with friends we consider as family. -Cholo Tolentino, Memcomm Chairperson 60

Why should people app for Ecosoc?

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Why do you love your current committee?

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For me what really differentiated Ecosoc from the other organizations was that it was very service oriented whilst also boasting a solid track record as an event organizer such as in NYC, LIV, Roots etc. I thought it was a great place to learn about event planning and leadership and also engage in more service and outreach with the local community. I think now though what really makes me enioy Ecosoc is the great people here who are really committed to their different jobs and passions. -Lance Cheng, CDC Vice Chairperson 60A

I love externals because it helps me hone my skills that were previously underdeveloped as well as being a family above everything. -Trei Altarejos, External Affairs Mem 60A

Why do you love your current committee? The thing that I love about seccom is that I get to learn and to know more creative ideas from my co-members. Also, the committee has always been a second family for me since we get to bond with each other by playing at Timezone, having Lunch together, and having small conversations. Seccom is “creativity in motion.” -Jano Deleña, Seccom Vice Chairperson 60A

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Why do you choose to stay in your committee every semester? Aside from my interest to work for NES and Upfront, I decided to stay in Externals because of the family-like bond between its members. Working with them is a breeze, I love them. -Daphne del Mundo, External Affairs Mem 60A

Why do you choose to stay in your committee every semester? I started my Ecosoc journey here 2 years ago in Liai. I grew up here as an app, then an officer, and now a vice-chairperson. Throughout that journey, I’ve always felt at home in Liai. Liai was able to help me connect and communicate with other people every semester through tasks like contacting the alumni, corresponding with companies, and organizing career-related events. I remember from the previous semesters that Liai was able to partner with Clinique for a make-up launch and Globe for a free Star Wars screening for Ecosocers! These were some of my amazing experiences while staying in Liai and I can’t wait for more! My family in Liai has made me realize that connecting with the corporate world isn’t intimidating after all. -Eryel Benitez, Liaison Vice Chairperson 60A

What is your favorite Ecosoc event and why? Ecosoc Month and Roots I can’t pick. I love EM cause ang daming ganap, there was always something to look forward to, especially liv (Pero Wala na :(() it was a good opportunity to bond with other mems. Tas Roots because I love OPM. It’s a good venue to promote OPM music and the work is fun Kahit stressful. -JV Corpus, Sports Vice Chairperson 60A

What is your favorite Ecosoc event and why? Roots cause it’s so solid every year. Other than it being fun, it’s also for a good cause. -John Lobo, Finance Mem 60A

Why is Ecosoc a place you can always come back to? It’s really two things, the work and the people. As someone who’s exposed to muck and dirt of society, it’s so easy to be disillusioned by the rankness of everything. But ecosoc reminds you why we strive for community and societal development everyday. Through the smiles of the kids, or the gratitude of the community memebrrs, especially the elderly, I get reminded of why we walk on. Then there’s the people. I have met some of my closest and deepest friends in Ecosoc, and working with them and hanging out with them is always bound to be great.

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I come back to Ecosoc because it’s true when they say it gives you nth times the love and meaning u give to it. -Carlos Cabaero, CDC Mem 60A

Why is Ecosoc a place you can always come back to?

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There are hundreds of orgs across UP. Although you can apply for as many as your heart desires, you’ll never find one as welcoming, as socially relevant, as cultured, as diverse, and as fun as Ecosoc. Ecosoc was and still is my first home. No matter what house you move to, what place you end up dwelling in, you’ll always yearn for home. -Martin Suarez, External Affairs Chairperson 59

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Why will you miss Ecosoc? I will miss Erin Cheng cause she is the true embodiment of an ecosocer. -Thirdy Santos, Ecosoc President 59

Why do you miss Ecosoc? Besides the people, tambayan, and bridge, what I miss most about ecosoc are the cdc events especially ACDC with my kid, Chazz!! I also miss the DP changes huhu wala na kami pang-dp after college. -Cha Surdarlingam, Ecosoc President 58

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LOV E LO CA L : A D E F I N I T I V E L I ST O F T H E THE BEST PHILIPPINE SKINCARE AND M A K E U P P R O D U C T S MAX CAPILI When you think about it, the Philippine beauty industry is so young compared to our neighbors like Japan and South Korea. Most Filipinas still end up reaching for Maybelline and L’oreal, thinking that they’ll be of better quality than our local drugstore offerings. What people don’t realize is that we have tons of hidden gems available from old favourites like, Ever Bilena and Nichido, and even more from up-and-coming brands like Detail and Pink Sugar. Here are a few products to take your skincare and makeup game to the next level, while supporting our homegrown brands. 1. CLEANSER: HYDRATION FACIAL WASH BY CELETEQUE (PHP 130) Let’s start off with the very first step of your skin care routine. This face wash has been working like a dream especially during the colder months. It cleanses without giving that tight, stretched feeling so it’s really perfect for those with dry skin. It’s fragrance-free, gentle, and best yet, it’s very affordable. 2. MOISTURISER: ROSE GEL SERUM MOISTURIZER BY IN HER ELEMENT (PHP 895) This is definitely one of the better moisturizers in the local market. It’s ultra lightweight which means no weird, stickiness and it doesn’t take forever to dry on your skin. It’s full of active

ingredients like Vitamin C and Phyto Collagen from Seaweed to help fades spots and smooth pores and lines. Plus, it comes with a spatula to keep everything clean and germ-free. 3. SUNBLOCK: ARMADA FACE COVER 30 BY VMV HYPOALLERGENICS (PHP 1505) This is a product that I definitely had to think long about before purchasing especially since it costs a pretty penny. However, I don’t regret finding out why exactly this has been so popular. Armada is such a comfortable sunblock. It doesn’t leave a film of oil nor does it create those weird white streaks commonly associated with wearing sunblock. Best yet, it doesn’t clog your pores and leave pimples. 4. PRIMER: WHITE REGENERATION INSTANT FINISHING CREAM BY WATSONS (PHP 349) This is actually meant to act more as a barrier to lock in the moisturiser before putting on makeup but it works so well as an illuminating primer. It’s feels very lightweight and smooth. You can see an immediate change once it’s on your face. It leaves a very fine shimmer on your skin that somehow looks like a natural glowing highlight. You can wear it as is or layer it under makeup. Either way, it’s amazing.

5. FOUNDATION: LOOSE POWDER FOUNDATION BY ELLANA MINERALS (PHP 499) Honestly, I don’t often go for powder foundations. It’s either too little coverage or it feels too cakey for my skin. This particular powder foundation, however, surprised me. It exceeded all my expectations in terms of coverage and staying power. It covers most blemishes pretty well and stays on the face for a solid 6 hours. The line also has a good shade range that caters to different undertones so most Filipinas have something that will match their skin tone. Just a quick note to always use a primer underneath this and that a little goes a looong way. 6. C O N C E A L E R : CONCEALER AND CORRECTOR POTS BY SUESH (PHP 105) I AM SO IN LOVE WITH THESE CONCEALERS! These pots may seem small but a just a little bit is enough for all your blemishes to be covered. It’s full coverage with a creamy, blendable consistency, and it has very good staying power. They’re extremely good quality and extremely cheap. It comes in a small plastic container but you can also buy a magnetic palette from Suesh (Php 650) which ironically costs more than 6 concealers. Overall, this is one thing you won’t regret buying.

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9. Eyeshadow: Eye Candy Eyeshadow Palette by Pink Sugar (Php 699) I truly believe that this is THE best drugstore eyeshadow

11. Mascara: Lash Lasting Mascara by Bench (Php 159) When it comes to makeup, Bench may be the last thing on your mind as it’s known more for it’s clothes and fragrances. However, this home-grown brand has been offering beauty

13. Contour: Contour Pot in PC02 by Suesh (Php 100) This is my holy grail contour. It’s so good I’m already on my second pan. It has a smooth texture and good pigmentation. I love that it’s so buildable and blendable so you’re less likely to end up with a stripe on your face. The color isn’t too warm but it’s not muddy either, making it perfect for most Filipinas. Best yet? It’s well within a student’s budget!

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10. Eyeliner: Graph-Ink Liner by Careline (Php 170) Can I just say that I did not expect to like this so much?! To be honest, Careline is not a brand that would come to mind when I’m thinking of good quality makeup. Their products are a hit or miss for me with most products being a miss most of the time. But, this eyeliner is a definite hit. It’s so easy to use with its flexible, felt tip. It’s extremely pigmented. It does not bleed nor does it feather, and it dries nicely matte.

12. Blush: Get Cheeky With Me Blush by Happy Skin (Php 699) This is a great, basic blush. All the available colors provide a glowy finish that compliments the skin. It has a silky and soft texture that does not feel powdery or chalky. It also has a solid 4-5 hour staying power. It’s pigmented and buildable, but ultimately best for people who like a barely there flush.

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8. Brows: Honey, I’m Good Brow Gel by Pink Sugar (Php 349) Brow mascara is my must have product since I like my arches nice and feathery. This one in particular has insane staying powder. Once it’s on your brows, it does not budge at all. It comes in three shades but Taupe is the universal favourite. It’s not shimmery like some brow gels, however, it does seem to have some light gold flecks. Pro tip: the brush is pretty big so be sure to wipe off excess product before placing it on your brows. It’s extremely pigmented so be careful.

products before other fast fashion giants, like H&M, entered the local market. One of their more recent offerings is this mascara which exceeded all of my expectations. It’s more lengthening than volumizing so it’s a must for girls who like their lashes wispy and fluttery. Due to the waterproof formula, it also holds a curl very well.

palette available locally. Most drugstore palettes I buy, I end up either junking or giving away because the quality is awful (ahem, Maybelline The Nudes Palette). They’re almost always too chalky and powdery or just plain impossible to blend. The Eye Candy palette is none of those. It has great pigmentation and is extremely easy to use. They come in two variations but both have a well rounded selection of colors that can take you from day to night.

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7. Powder: Final Powder by Nichido (Php 150) This has been repeatedly compared to the Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder and some even say it’s better. Now, I don’t know anything about that but Nichido’s Final Powder is my alltime favourite. It’s finely-milled and very smooth. For the price and the amount of product you get, it’s a great quality powder. It never looks cakey on my face and lasts for about 5 hours.

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14. Highlight: Glow Out Highlighter in Strobe by EB Advance (Php 299) This highlight is the literal star of this lineup. It’s a baked highlighter with a smooth, almost silky sort of texture. Strobe is the more wearable champagne shade when compared to Candlelight’s cool toned gold. It’s a bit glittery but not overly so, and provides a gorgeous sheen. With a light hand, you can achieve that natural, lit from within glow. Add a bit more and you’ll be blinding. 15. Lip liner: Lippie Liner by Detail (Php 99) First off, can you believe that this is less than Php 100?? This doesn’t even take into account the fact that Detail often has buy one, take one sales. For a wooden lip liner, it’s amazingly soft. Often these types of lip liners would feel like it’s poking your lips but Detail made it pretty creamy and easy to use.

It’s well pigmented with an okay staying power. The line also has 19 available shades! 16. Lipstick: Matte Liquid Lipstick by Ever Bilena (Php 195) In general, I would recommend any lipstick from Ever Bilena. They’re all so creamy and pigmented and they’re always so comfortable on the lips. But, EB’s new liquid lipsticks just brought it to a whole other level. The texture is pretty watery but it eventually dries down to a comfortable matte. It gives you enough time to work with the color before it dries so it’s great. Pigmentation is A+ with most colors being completely opaque after 1 or 2 layers. Staying power is insane. It actually took me 2 full meals before it started wearing off and even then, it left a stain on my lips. It comes in 12 different shades that puts a twist in EB’s classic lipsticks. Personally, my fave is Toast of New York.

17. Spray: Matte Finish Makeup Setting Spray by Nichido (Php 288) This spray will make your makeup last the whoooole day. It feel light and dries down pretty fast. It also feels so refreshing after layering on the makeup. I love that it makes your makeup sort of melt into your skin. Your makeup ends up looking more natural and seamless. Word of warning though that it may smell a bit like hairspray. Honorable Mentions: V&M Naturals’ CPC+G Oil (Php 350), Human Nature’s Tinted Lip Balm (Php 99.75), Sooper Beaute’s Tinte Fluid Foundation (Php550), Snoe’s What’s Up Brow Water Resistant Eyebrow Gel Corrector (Php 899), Colourette’s Colourtint Intense Blend Lip And Cheek Oil (Php 249)

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Gusto ko po munang makagraduate. Gusto ko na po magkatrabaho para makaipon para matupad ko na lahat ng dreams ko.

It’s a chilly evening in January when I first get to meet Micha, Trisha, Andrea, and Derrick. We are in Friuli, and all at once I’m struck by how easily they warm up to people. “Anong gusto niyong i-order?” I say as I hand over the menu. “Ay ate, si Micha pipili! Siya yung may jowa eh.” This is from Andrea, our 12th grader from PUP. “B-block kita sa Facebook, sige ka,” Micha bites back immediately. And the ribbing continues. The four are an unlikely bunch, brought together by both serendipity and the sheer luck of being selected for the Ecosoc Scholarship Program. Beneath the lightness of the way they converse and joke with each other, these four have braved difficult situation after another to be where they are today. A future teacher, future make-up artist, aspiring chef, and diplomat - the possibilities are endless and the future at its brightest. Brave, bold, and brilliant, they speak of purpose and potential, genuine heart and affection, and remind me every day of why it is that we do what we do.

ERIN: What’s your biggest dream? MICHA: Nung pumasok ako ng SHS ang gusto ko Electrical Engineering and Education, pero dahil sa naranasan ko sa PUP na nagstart na first sem wala pa ring mga prof narealize kong kulang yung mga teachers kaya sabi ko sa sarili ko “Magte-teacher na ko.” Biggest dream syempre yung mabalik lahat ng sacrifices ni mama para makapagtapos ako ng pag-aaral. TRISHA: Gusto ko pong mabuild yung dream house ko for my family at makagawa ng sariling lipstick. E C H O E S |

ANDREA: Dream ko po kasi talagang maging chef in the future pero walang budget kaya ano nalang po business. Syempre gusto ko makapagtapos ng pagaaral para makatulong kayla mama. Maging successful.

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DERRICK: What’s my dream? [laughs] After Econ, to be a diplomat.. foreign service. Gusto ko European country. E: What’s a childhood memory that you think has helped shape the person you are today? M: Simula bata pa kasi ako independent na ko eh, siguro yung pag nag-aaway parents ko sobrang nalulungkot ako pag naririnig ko umiiyak mga kapatid ko kaya tinatak ko na sa isip kong dapat kayanin kong maging mabuting ate sa kanila kasi ako yung tatayong mama’t papa sa kanila pag wala sila mama at papa. T: When I was a child, I play teacher-teacheran wherein I was a teacher, sometimes I am a doctor wherein I used my dolls as my patients and sometimes I play lutolutoan. I think those memories helped me shaped as a person because they taught me how to be an ambitious person and to go for what makes you happy. ko na sa isip kong dapat kayanin kong maging mabuting ate sa kanila kasi ako yung tatayong mama’t papa sa kanila pag wala sila mama at papa.

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A: Dati po kasi nung bata pa ako, every may free time, palagi po kami pupunta nila papa sa playground sa may likod ng engineering. Palagi po kami doon nagbbike kaya siguro po hanggang ngayon parang family-oriented po ako na kapag may free time, ‘Oh mama, ano tayo picnic,’ pag kami nila papa ‘Tara SM,’ kapag may birthday kailangan kumpleto. Si papa mahilig din magluto, kaya pinapatulong niya ako maghiwa-hiwa tapos parang doon naano yung interest ko na parang ‘Ay ang sarap magluto.’ E: What’s one thing you are most grateful for? M: Grateful ako kasi nakapasa ko sa entrance exam ng dalawang dream school ko. T: Isa sa mga bagay na pinagpapasalamat ko po ay yung buhay na binigay ni God. Kasi kung wala yung buhay na yun wala ako sa mundong ito at wala lahat ng bagay mayroon ako ngayon. A: Looks. Charot. Pero grateful din ako sa family ko syempre. D: My parents. E: If you could do just one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be? M: Pumunta ng Palawan (again and again). A: Matulog po tsaka kumain. D: Travel. [Yung top 3 destinations Switzerland, Netherlands, Spain.

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Helping others. World peace. E: What keeps you going?

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M: Yung sacrifices ni mama para lang mabigay yung needs and wants namin. Ayoko madisappoint sya sakin eh. Gusto ko maging proud siya sakin. A: Gusto ko po munang makagraduate. Gusto ko na po magkatrabaho para makaipon para matupad ko na lahat ng dreams ko.

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D: Coffee. E: What’s something you are proud of about yourself? M: I’m proud of myself kasi kahit maaga ko nag-boyfriend and humarot, alam kong proud sakin parents ko. A: My attitude. Syempre mabait ako eh. D: Overachieving. E: What mark do you want to leave on the world? M: Gusto ko maging inspiration ako ng mga batang galing sa broken family. Na kahit may kulang sa family nila, kakayanin pa rin nila abutin yung mga dreams nila. A: Gusto ko pong maging inspiration ako sa lahat. Parang pag maiisip nila ako, “Ay si Andrea gan’to yan, mabait, maganda, marami siyang natulong, mabait na anak, masarap magluto.” D: Helping others. World peace.

HALLS OF THE SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS AND HOME by Jeremy Gemzontan

Being away from school has given me time to appreciate all the things I’ve grown fond of in the university.

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I’ve missed the halls of the School of Economics and the air conditioned rooms we are blessed to have. I’ve missed the back parking and the memorable conversations under the iconic green umbrellas. I’ve missed the high standard restrooms (with bidets!) that have made us famous on “San kayo pumunta kapag na-jejebs sa UP” lists. I’ve missed Tita Ging and her home cooking that makes the SE Lounge one of the most popular canteens within UP.

I’ve missed Tita Millet and her constant nagging about tambayan cleanliness. I’ve missed Mang Trecio and Mang Estong and Mang Claudio and everyone else who makes Econ life just that little bit easier. I’ve missed the professors, the lessons and the classes that make you question why you’re even here in the first place. I’ve missed the failures and the triumphs of being an Economics major in the University of the Philippines, Diliman.

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But most of all, I’ve missed waking up early on Saturday mornings for the kids of Pook Ricarte and their boundless energy. I’ve missed both leading and following some of the most talented and capable people I’ll ever have the pleasure of working with. I’ve missed saying good morning to the 252 other people who give me a reason to come to school everyday. I’ve missed finding new reasons each and every day to remind myself why we do what we do. I’ve missed falling deeper and deeper in love with the organization that has slowly become a family to me. I’ve missed immersing myself in the people, the beliefs, the beneficiaries and the org that has given me my purpose. I’ve missed being home. And I guess all I wanted to say is that it’s great to be back.

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T H I S I S N O T A T H O U G H T C ATA L O G ARTICLE DAVID BALMES

It’s difficult to write about writing without sounding overly patronizing or pretentious. While it’s tempting to simply dismiss most Thought Catalog articles and Lang Leav’s poetry as trite and simple-minded, the fact that they command such an audience (one composed of young, aspiring poets no less) begs the question: what makes their work so intoxicatingly appealing in the 21st century? I’d like you to look at one of my favorite paintings of all time: A Treachery of Images by René Magritte.

The text reads “this is not a pipe.” While it’s often interpreted as a metaphor for how meaning arises from language (or vice-versa), I like to think of it a work of art that engages its viewer (Is it a painting of a pipe? A pipe rebelling against its assigned nature? Is it oil on canvas, devoid of any real meaning?) but does not dictate how the viewer should feel about it. Modern Tumblr/IG/TC/Leav poetry is the opposite. Consider this:

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The biggest problem is not the “press enter after every word until it sounds profound” syndrome, or how the form contributes nothing to meaning, or the lackluster metaphors. It’s how her poems are designed to be as projectable as possible. It’s easy, and comforting in a sense, to have such ambiguous writing confirm what we think we feel. It’s the reason we cling to horoscopes and MBTI analyses instead of accepting our dynamic personalities. The writing feels as if it doesn’t speak from the author – an emulation of our own mental states but dumbed down to the point that these archetypal poems could stand for anyone: accessible, but at the same time impersonal. While there’s nothing wrong with this in and of itself, and I acknowledge the marketing teams behind Leav and TC for doing a great job in expanding their audience and sales, something is lost in the process. Perhaps it was just the natural progression (or regression) of writing that led us to this point, where popular prose and poetry have evolved to cater to a deepseated need for instantaneous emotion. Our need for connection, relatability, and the ability to share/retweet something with the caption “same” or “me af.” Thought Catalog is more of the same, but this time the formula is more blatantly prescriptive. That it encourages what is, in my opinion, extremely shallow and dangerous behavior is only the tip of the iceberg. Articles are pumped out factory-style for eager readers, looking for the next patama article that they can project their thoughts and desires into. Is this more evocative of love than “His Cause and Effect?”What makes Cummings’ form, full of parentheses and unspaced letters, superior to the edginess of pressing enter at random intervals? And most importantly, what does it make you feel?

Maybe we really are incapable of dealing with our emotions, and that we need others to speak for ourselves. Maybe we need to cling on to the illusion that thousands of other people are feeling the exact same things as we are. Maybe we need these words to avoid confronting the toxicity of our emotions. Or maybe we’ve just learned to love bad writing.

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Photo by Priscilla Du Preez

Photo by PHUOC LE 66

F R I E N D LY D E T A C H M E N T LIA QUERIJERO

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The instinct of most would be to try and save it. Random messages of “I miss you” and “I don’t see you anymore” would be sent late at night. Even if the intention of these are primarily good, they could be really toxic for both of you. For one, the fact that you haven’t been seeing each other for a while, and they have been surviving without you, should be a determinant that you don’t need each other in your lives. That may have sounded harsh, but maybe it’s time you assess the friendships you have. One doesn’t need that many friends to survive in life, especially in college. We just need a few good ones, and if that friend didn’t feel the need to talk to you anymore, then you certainly shouldn’t be trying to make them say “I miss you too”. However, no blame should be placed on them,

People talk to people they feel comfortable sharing things with. Since feelings are ever-changing, maybe they don’t feel the the same comfort with you anymore, compared to when you started getting close. This is sad, but it leads me to my second point: your friendship probably had to end. Everyone loved saying “drop the toxic people in your life” but I believe that there are no toxic people, only toxic relationships. Sometimes, people realize that they need to end some friendships. Don’t be sad, or angry, if your friend thought of your friendship as toxic. It doesn’t mean you’re toxic, or that you’re the worst friend in the world. It just means your friend realized it first. Trying to save the friendship would be pointless if it would just die again soon after, or cause you both more pain in the future.

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I’ve been on the receiving (or worse?) end of a dying friendship too many times to know one must just accept its impending death. I guess everyone has experienced a friendship break-up at least once in their lives–that close friend who, next week, just isn’t one anymore. Whether or not the drift was deliberate, it all starts off the same: communication goes downhill, questions like “what’s your schedule?” or “are you free?” are no longer asked, and actual interactions become more awkward each time. The next thing you know, you have no idea what’s happening in your “friend’s” life anymore.

The one advice I can give to people who feel like they are being “dropped” by their close friend would be to let. it. go. It may feel unfair at first, but this is a good thing. Not everyone is meant to be together forever, and losing people just gives you more space to find new ones, or at least create deeper friendships with the people that are still around. Also, stop blaming that friend–you’re just holding on to the pain longer than you should. Try to be civil with them, but keep being detached. You have no idea how they felt about the drift; maybe they felt bad too. Either way, love yourself enough to just keep them in the past.

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A DEFINITIVE RANKING OF P L AC E S TO S H I T I N U P AN ON YMOUS

Let’s be real. Nobody has escaped the wrath of the shit gods. One way or another, you’ve experienced the need to rush out and find a bathroom, sit down in silence, and get the deed done. But there are two kinds of UP students – (1) Those in self-denial who decide to hold it in until back home, and (2) those who embrace this physiological feeling. For anyone who knows Maslow’s Hierarchy, you’d know physiological needs are at the bottom of the pyramid, and only with its satisfaction will needs like safety and security, interpersonal relations, and self-actualization come about. Long story short, if you want to find yourself you better get dat shit done. Procrastination helps no one. Gone are the days of worrying about where to go (to go). Below is a list of five places to help you: 1. Econ THIRD Floor The jewel of econ that provides you silence, a bidet, soap, and privacy!!!! (kase mahirap umakyat ng 3 levels). Poop in happiness by yourself and have access to DilNet in the process (Wifi@UPD not that great with signal). NOTE: Make sure to use the THIRD and not the SECOND floor, because Kuya has a lock. Look at Edgar (Econ student renamed for privacy purposes) who was pooping inside the 2nd bathroom when he was locked inside and couldn’t get out. Let’s all learn from Edgar. 2. College of Music Why not poop with some background music? With either vocal, sometimes piano, or even violin accompaniment, Beethoven and Mozart have never been so useful. It doesn’t hurt either than Music has an aircon. Not too sure about the logistics of the airflow inside the bathroom…but they’ve figured it out so no need to worry about smell.

3. Econ CFME Another hidden gem (aka #BidetCertified) at the 3rd floor of the library. Yes, sometimes you may get sketchy looks from Ate Xerox machine, but go beyond the sliding doors, don’t look back, and do your thing. It’s pretty warm so you may come out sweating.

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4. GT Toyota 2nd Floor Only a few steps away is our favorite neighbor building GT Toyota. At the second floor is a building with toilet bowls always clean, soap dispensers always full, air generally cold, but without a bidet. The bathroom at 2nd floor GT is a solemn place to finish your business.

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5. Institute of Civil Engineering The new ICE building has new bathrooms that are clean and not often used. Come here for a peaceful poop where you ~probably~ won’t run into somebody you know. Say goodbye to your cold sweat!!!! Welcome the beautiful feeling of an empty stomach on a wonderful morning (or afternoon) and be the master of your own destiny!!!! Don’t forget to always have tissue on hand. You are ready, good luck!!!! #ClaimIt

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CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE INSIGNIFICANT KIND KEN RECASATA

DISCLAIMER: I’m not really fond of talking about myself and most of the time I don’t really know what I’m saying. Here’s a piece of me but not really. Tread carefully into the recesses of my seemingly functioning mind and note that any semblance to my character or anyone else’s is purely coincidental. Here are some random anecdotes that made me explore insignificance and the absence of purpose. So yeah, don’t read this. I once had a neighbor who had a dog that barked relentlessly every night as I slept. I consider myself a light sleeper and naturally, I hated anything that would perturb my silent bubble. The dog’s bark was like clockwork; and the times it didn’t bark, it felt like something was missing. Then, it would bark again and I’d curse myself for jinxing my good night’s sleep. One night, the barking stopped altogether. I’ve never felt so confused as to whether I could sleep soundly or not. At this point the barking felt like a comforting white noise that drowns out nightly terrible thoughts-- and we all know how bothersome that is. In the stillness of the night, knowing that life ensues is one of those cheap luxuries. Sometimes I wonder about small random melancholic moments like these. Those that turn any problem into an insignificant ball of mundanity-- problems like the new instagram timeline being all messed up (which is a pretty annoying tbh). After which, everything just goes downhill leading to a series of questions that one who has an 8:30am class the next day should not be asking: Is my life like an instagram timeline? Can loneliness and sadness exist without the other? How much of a choice do we have in being happy? In being happy for others? (insert other sad shit). If it’s any consolation, at the end of it all, after the surge of doubt and self-pity, it helps to think

about all the places we’ve been to; how far we’ve come; and how much we’ve changed. Suddenly, the world is bigger than we thought and you start to realize just how small you are-- small and insignificant. All that we have and all that we own remains as is, ours and no one else’s. Every thought and aspiration is significant only to ourselves and we are completely relatively irrelevant. I guess in a way, even unconsciously, everything we do, we do for ourselves. No purpose is written by fate. We seem to create our own set of goals and blame our blunders on fate or religion or whatever it is that governs our reason for being. Basically, we are born purposeless, lost, and confused about which path to take in life. Sadly, some never get the chance to make this discovery and some, are content with stopping at the crossroads. An old man was having lunch with I could only presume to be his grandson who was probably at least 10 years old and my nosy ass self pretty much heard about how some video game worked (I kinda lost interest and moved on to a conversation the couple at the next table was having). The old man however, seemed too eager, happy even, to hear about how one can turn into a bird once your aura gauge has been filled up. I’m pretty sure everything I’ve been saying thus far has been a load of crap and if you’ve reached this portion of the article then congratulations on wasting what could’ve been time to be productive or in the very least, enjoyable. However, if there’s any good thing I can muster up to share, it would be that story about the old man and his grandson or any other story you can find when you’re bored in a coffee shop. Life is in the fleeting and humble moments. I could be wrong about humanity’s inevitable insignificance and purposelessness but there’s never anything wrong with an old man sharing a moment with a boy. Unless it’s pedophilia.

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Artwork by Daphne del Mundo

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Artwork by Daphne del Mundo

N E W E R A O F T A M B AY CHOLO TOLENTINO

For me, spending hours in the Ecosoc tambayan has always been priceless. It’s the best way to get to meet the members and make new friends. It’s an avenue to learn bridge, pusoy dos, or any other classic card game. Sometimes, it’s just the perfect place to chill, eat lunch, and enjoy your free time. EE CC H HO O EE SS ||

In this new era of tambay, we maximize on these simple joys of the tambayan. We put a premium on keeping the tambayan as accessible as it can be through cleanliness and making sure that we have all that the general membership needs for quality free time. Now, we’re bringing more board games that surely keep a competitive spirit alive and make the tambayan all the more lively.

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Expect also to experience Ecosoc’s initiatives incorporated into tambayan such as Tambay Week. All this to revitalize what we hold dear as an organization and where the most simple connections turn into friendships that last a lifetime. What are you waiting for? Come at the tambayan and experience it first hand

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TA L E S F R O M T H E R O O T S B A C K S TA G E Ah, Roots. It’s a pretty magical event, man. For one, you get to organize the biggest night in UP Fair Week. Helping organize an event that huge and well-loved by people is an amazing feeling. Seeing a crowd of 14,000 go nuts during every act and enjoying the night even if they had to go through mud, sweat and tears (shout-out to Roots 2017) would be pretty high on my list of peak experiences, just a few notches below seeing Black Panther for the first time and driving at 140kph on SCTEx (drive safely, boys and girls). Two, you’re helping fundraise for Ecosoc’s most important people: the scholars. The mental and physical fatigue of being up for 20+ hours kind of melts away when you remember that you’re doing this to help people pursue their dreams. Lastly, and this is my favorite part, being an organizer means you have access to areas not meant for regular folk. Watching Roots during my freshman and sophomore year, I dreamt of being a part of the backstage crew, running around and meeting famous people. What I did not realize was that there are some crazy, stupid shit that happens backstage as well. Here is a collection of anecdotes and stories from the Roots programs team. Enjoy. Here’s something we learned about Pedicab: do NOT, under

BY: Dom Carreon

any circumstances, touch their giant masks. Just to give you guys an image of the Roots backstage, imagine the grandstand at the Sunken Garden. Now imagine it with tables and chairs. That’s basically all the space you have back there, so obviously any free seat or table is prime property. The backstage was starting to fill up and we needed to clear some space for the bands coming in, and there was one table with Pedicab’s giant ass masks and a few bottles of water. Cel started cleaning up the tables so we could free up some space when she moved one of the masks. The band then told her not to touch these masks because they were special. I don’t really know where I’m going with this; I just thought it was pretty interesting. Moving on. Roots favorite and weed Hall of Famers Franco were back for us this year, and working with them is always a joy. They’re just so chill. It’s as if they were high all the time. Really though, the guys are class acts except for when their set time is being eaten up by a host. Franco was all set to perform on stage when Young JV started doing a few songs. Granted, he was supposed to have a segment in the program albeit a short one. I guess he was just feeling the performance so much (I’m not entirely sure if the crowd shared

the same sentiments) that he went overtime. This did not sit well with Franco. The band just shot Ryan with this look like, “Who the fuck is this boy and why is he still on stage? Get him off now.” I’m pretty sure Young JV ruined their high that night. It’s amazing how fans fall into such a frenzy when they see IV of Spades in person. I’ve never seen grown women go nuts over a bunch of seventeen year olds before, and the most surprising thing for me is how nonchalant the boys are about it. Have you ever seen them just walk around, all stone-faced and shit? Nothing can faze those guys. A tiger could pop up right in front of them from out of nowhere and they wouldn’t blink. They’d probably turn that cat into a new coat. Anyway, we had to deal with those screaming girls the whole night. These girls were lined up right along the barrier of the backstage area hoping to get a glimpse of their heroes. Some of them were asking us to give the boys paintings they made along with some stickers OF THE BAND’S FACES! Why would you give someone a sticker of their face? It’s not like they need to be constantly reminded of what they look like. And what are you supposed to do after you get it, stick it on your case or something and look like the most conceited asshole alive? It

doesn’t make sense to me. A few of these girls were lined up beside the portalets in the backstage area and started FILMING these boys as they went to use the restroom! There really is nothing sacred in the eyes of a crazed fan, not even toilet time. On their way out of the venue, another guy ran after the band with a bass guitar in hand, hoping to get Zild’s signature. That’s some dedication right there. So the band leaves, the show goes on, and Aegis is about to go up. Everybody’s hyped up, the backstage area clears out as everyone heads up to the stage to watch these rock goddesses when we see IV of Spades run right through the backstage (not around, through) to catch a glimpse of Aegis. Seeing fangirls is one thing, seeing a successful band fanboy over an even more successful band is another. EE CC H HO O EE SS || M M AA RR CC H H 22 00 11 88

Photos by Patrick Santos

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WHY WE NEED STORIES IN THE GREY AREA A lot of controversy has stirred up Hollywood within the past year. The sexual assault allegations against the likes of Harvey Weinstein, Kevin Spacey, and Louis C.K. caused waves all throughout Los Angeles making it, as David Chappelle would say, the capital of rape and dick breath. For years, women in the entertainment industry continued to struggle to not only work twice as hard as men to get breakthrough roles, but having to get them without giving up their dignity or being sexually harassed by men in power. However, this article will not be about that. Most of the allegations that surfaced throughout the past year were clear cut that there was an abuse of power and clear harassment towards women. Society clearly frowns upon that and we all had a homogenous distaste reading about it. I’m here to talk about a situation that is talked about less, 76

THIRDY SANTOS

but should be talked about more. I have been a huge fan of Aziz Ansari throughout his career. From his humble beginnings as a writer and a comedian in SNL, The Office, and Parks and Recreation. When he came out with his Netflix show, Master of None, it solidified my admiration for him especially because he’s a man of color. A Muslim Indian immigrant who succeeded in a system designed to make it hard for him to do so. When he was interviewed by Bill Simmons in his weekly podcast, I appreciated him even more for being friends with Kanye, for his ingenuity in writing Master of None, and just how he sees life. This is why I was extremely conflicted when I read the babe.net article that accuses Aziz of harassing a woman whose identity was protected under the name of Grace. In summary, the story played

out as follows: Aziz and Grace went out on a date after meeting. They had dinner, then ended up in Aziz’s New York apartment and well, things got steamy. He was already performing (with her consent) oral sex on her (this is the part where most of the people who read it get confused like yowtfumokaykapala eh) and then proceeded to try to convince her into having sex with him in ways that were not exactly, in how most people would describe it as, smooth. Throughout each of Aziz’s attempts, Grace attempted as well to communicate no in a variety of ways until the point where she ultimately had to flat out say the words NO. After that, Aziz stopped his attempts and they continued to do something else and carry on with the date. She left his apartment and rode a cab home in tears.

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sense of entitlement that most men have that once you get the ball rolling, consent is no longer necessary to proceed. Yes, even after oral sex, consent is still necessary for penetrative sex. Yes, even when your clothes are off, it is still important to ask if it’s okay to do something else. It isn’t wrong to ask if the other person is comfortable with taking things a step further. Women shouldn’t be expected to have to explicitly say no when they are uncomfortable with doing something. This is why this story is important. It doesn’t matter if it came out in babe.net, Aziz confirmed the encounter did indeed happen. This isn’t an example of the excesses of the #MeToo movement, but this is a step forward in the right direction because we need to talk about this more. Rape is not the only thing we need to get rid off to help the cause, but sexual misconduct as well. In the end, I realized that Aziz may have done better to pick up that Grace did not want to have sex, but that isn’t the only problem. The bigger problem is that men need to understand that sex is consensual in all of its stages. This story isn’t meant for men to stop having sex, it is meant to lay down how things should really be like in the bedroom (or bathroom or car or wherever go langmgabes). Listen, sex is fun. Sex is great. Let’s make it a good experience for everyone all the time.

and Andrew Sullivan of The New Yorker all came in, directly or indirectly, a news website that acts more like a tabloid than operating within the realms of ethical journalism to the defense of Aziz all with similar tones that this similarly questioned firstly, why the story came out in babe.net, story is part of the excesses of the #MeToo movement. They all similarly questioned firstly, why the story came out in babe.net, a news website that acts more like a tabloid than operating within the realms of ethical journalism. They tried to discredit the news source. Secondly, they all came to the conclusion that Grace should have flat out said NO in the beginning if she really didn’t want it. Now I find that extremely problematic. It may seem like that Grace wanted to be in that situation. She wanted to go out with Aziz, a famous comedian and writer. She wanted his affection. She wanted to hook up with him. At one point however, she felt uncomfortable and began communicating in polite ways that she did not want to have sex even after he went down on her. The NO that most people were expecting her to say, was in most instances, a last resort for women who don’t want to make these types of encounters awkward. The problem is not that Aziz was using his position of power to get in her pants, but the problem was that

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To be completely transparent I wasn’t as aghast when I read the story as compared to when I read the allegations towards Harvey Weinstein and Louis C.K. Weinstein was clearly harassing many actresses, threatening them if they didn’t agree to have sex with him. Louis C.K. had no right to pull his dick out and start jerking off and cum on his stomach in front of two women who clearly did not give any consent for him to do that. Those two examples were CLEARLY FUCKED UP. However, this allegation against Aziz was different. It seemed normal. Keyword: SEEMED. At first glance, it just seemed like Aziz was just being a dumbass and couldn’t pick up a hint. Not everyone is as good at social cues, let alone sexual cues. Sex is complicated. To be in sync with our sexual partner(s) is to pick up when to do it, when to do it better, and most importantly, when to stop. Aziz just seemed like he just didn’t understand. Not his fault right? Maybe, maybe not. After thinking about it for weeks on end, I came to the conclusion that what happened was not okay. It’s not a crime to be bad at sex nor is it a crime to not be able to read minds. So what is the problem? The Aziz Ansari story was debated upon by many writers in different major news outlets. The likes of Barry Weiss of the New York times, Caitlin Flanagan of the Atlantic,

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GUN CONTROL TO MAJOR TOM CELINA PACANA When you hop off the most gruesome red-eye flight, all you really want to do is hit the sack for a bit, get cozy, and ease your way into the activities far later in the afternoon. That certainly wasn’t my Uncle Joey’s plan for when we visited him in Minnesota. Two hours into the Midwestern life, we hurriedly stacked up in his dingy truck and made our way into the state forest for what would be an experience I could never forget. After an equally dreadful hour-long drive, we pulled up in what felt like the middle of nowhere. It was grass upon grass, with a few cardboard targets, appliance scraps in the farther distance and a copious 78

amount of colorful, empty bullet cases scattered all over. “It’s going to be completely safe.” my [extremely white] older cousin Randy reassured me. “Besides, how many seventeen year olds in the Philippines get to say they’ve shot an AK?” I was sleep-deprived, despondent, freaked out beyond my life—not to mention a total gun snob. I could hardly even throw a punch, let alone fire a gun. “I don’t feel like doing it. I’ll watch you hunters have at it from the back.” And so they went on and shot away, further ripping apart the flimsy cardboard and dredging holes into the beat up 90’s TV. Uncle Joey caught sight of a

crossing forest rabbit and Randy, with all of his natural hunter instincts went straight for the kill. He giggled as the poor thing yelped in pain. I was stunned to say the least, and I felt a slight churning in my stomach. How could this be their hobby? It bothered me even more to remember that my uncle and his son actually go out in the harsh winters to hunt for deer. Killing, ammunition, destruction: these were all normal recreational activities to them. I would be lying if I said this didn’t intrigue me, though. I was so baffled that I knew I just had to understand what it was all about. I gave it a shot. (Pun intended.)

of the liberty I know many gun supporters vouch for. Looking back at this experience two years later, in a time wherein mass shootings are ever rampant, I grew even angrier at how something that takes and ruins lives can be reduced to a mere mundane activity, and how these self-absorbed rifle owners won’t budge. I feel greater distaste for my Uncle who continues to hunt and possess and purchase ammunition. I reckon that this ordeal all boils down to selfishness. Maybe the fear is overcome by thrill for them, and they do in fact have a senseless, twisted perception of liberty and self-defense. Uncle Joey, like many others in the far right, believe that “good guys with guns can stop bad guys with guns.” So when I’d asked him if he thinks he could’ve stopped a mass shooting with any one of his big guns, he stumbled for a sensible answer. Instead, he said “Hey, well you did go shooting with us didn’t you?”

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saw me panic after it was all over. “The reason I took you here is because I want you to be prepared to use it for the times you’ll need to defend yourself in the future.” And I’m pretty sure for many other die-hard Second Amendment fans, hunters, Confederate Flag-hanging Midwesterners just like Uncle Joey and Randy, the sentiment holds as well. For them, the purpose in gun ownership lies in the freedom towards self-defense and for certain recreational activities. Honestly, amidst the fear that ensued all over, there was an inexplicable, almost senseless emancipating sensation that comes when you fire away. However, I couldn’t see how such a dangerous object could instill the genuine feeling of freedom. My fear consumed me so much more in the next few days, when it had fully dawned upon me that I had so much destructive power in my very hands. And trust me, I had felt so crippled, with no semblance

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I started out with the smallest gun and aimed for the TV. My arms were unsteady, my hands struggling to keep from twitching. I was sweating all over but was overcome by my family’s incessant cheers. When I had finally pulled the trigger, my ears popped, my heart dropped, and I felt my entire torso swing back with all the force. I was overwhelmed with all the adrenaline, and kept at it until the bullets ran out. It was then that Randy handed me the “big guy” Keltech AK. A million thoughts ran through my head about what I could have done wrong, and how the damage would be way more than just making scraps out of an old appliance. Had I cocked the gun the wrong way, pulled the trigger the a little too early, shot at something that could’ve ricocheted… lives could have been easily turned into scraps too. But my Uncle Joey had a different take, which he hurriedly resorted to as he

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The Tipsy Turner: The Way, How & Why Behind 5 of My Personal Favorite Cocktails. Meme Review: First Quarter of 2018. Staff Picks. A Band Beyond Description: The Grateful Dead. Ecosoc Travel Wall. A Case of Joni Mitchell. Tweetable Tweets.

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T H E T I P S Y T U R N E R : T H E WAY, H O W, A N D W H Y B E H I N D 5 O F M Y P E R S O N A L F AV O R I T E C O C K TA I L S EMIL APOSTOL

I love drinking. No, it’s not because I’m going through a rough patch or that I’m an alcoholdependent (the latter may apply to me to some extent, though), but because I love alcohol and how it elevates drinks. My favorite thing about drinking, aside from the actual drinking, is making my own cocktails. It’s one thing to order a beverage at Lan Kwai, Tortuga, or Walrus, but I feel that it’s another thing to craft magic from a spirit and some choice ingredients. I am by no means an expert at this (I am a student of the YouTube school of Mixology), but I like to think that I’m semicompetent, knowing that my role in family parties is to “Mix the Drinks.” With this in mind, here is a list of five of my personal favorite cocktails to make and to drink. Aside from a list of ingredients to use and how to make the beverage, I’ll give a brief explanation of the history of the drink as well as the times where I feel it is appropriate to make and/or drink these. Bear in mind that aside from the ingredients listed, you will need a shaker for some of these cocktails, so I recommend borrowing or purchasing one (the latter is preferable because a good shaker is a good investment). Other equipment, such as a barspoon and a jigger, are substitutable with a long teaspoon and a shot glass, respectively, so without further ado, here is my list of five personal favorite cocktails.

MOSCOW MULE: WHEN YOU WANT SOMETHING FAMILIAR

“Warm alcohol? Is there even such a thing?” Yes. From something as simple as a shot of Bailey’s Irish Cream in your warm milk at night, to full-on cocktails like Mulled Wine (boiled wine with spices) or Eggnog, there are many cases of alcohol being served up warm. I don’t blame you though, because it would be impractical to want your booze hot in a tropical country like ours. This drink, however, is perfect for those cold nights when you want something warm and tasty. The drink has its origins in World War II. According to the urban legend, when theAmericans arrived in Ireland to help in the ongoing war effort, soldiers were served this drink as they set foot on the Emerald Isle. Amazed by the rich flavor of the coffee, they inquired if the coffee was of Brazilian origin, but their server simply replied: “No, this isIrish Coffee.” According to legend, this is where the cocktail got its name.

Moscow Mule: When you want something familiar. Let me be clear, there is nothing wrong with Smirnoff Mule; it’s quick, easy, and delicious. What if I told you, however, that you don’t need to go to your neighborhood 7-Eleven to get your Mule fix? Popularized in the 1950s to market vodka—a newly imported spirit from Russia at the time—the Moscow Mule is a great cocktail if you want something familiar with a handmade touch. To make a Moscow Mule, you will need the following: • 60mL/ 2Oz/ 2 Shots Vodka • 1-2 Limes (For its juice, as well as garnish) • 1 can of Ginger Beer (spicier is better; I recommend Bundaberg Ginger Beer) • Optional: Peeled Ginger

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The drink is quite simple and not easy to mess up. This is to be served in your favorite mug, or a clear hot beverage glass with a handle. To prepare the Irish Coffee, simply: 1. Put the sugar in your glass. 2. Add a bit of coffee and dissolve the sugar. 3. Add the rest of the coffee and stir. 4. Add 1 shot of whiskey 5. Add cream to taste 6. Serve.

To prepare a Moscow Mule: 1. Add the juice of one lime to your glass • Optional: Add peeled ginger to the lime juice and muddle (as described above, it’s a mortar and pestle-like tool for bartending) 2. Add the 60mL/ 2Oz/ 2 Shots vodka 3. Add Ice and Stir 4. Top with Ginger Beer, then stir again for good measure 5. Take a slice of lime and/or a slice of ginger, and then drop it into the drink for garnish. 6. Serve.

To make an Irish Coffee, you will need the following: • 1 Tbsp of brown sugar (adjust as needed) • ¾ mug of hot coffee • 30mL/ 1oz/ 1 shot of Whiskey (Preferably Irish Whiskey) • Heavy cream (to preference)

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IRISH COFFEE: A WARM DRINK FOR COLD NIGHTS

There are more complex recipes out there for the Moscow Mule; in fact, I’m working ona more complex version involving homemade Honey-Ginger-Peppercorn syrup. Feel free to experiment with this beverage and make it your own, because you really cannot mess up a Moscow mule.

That’s it! You may opt to stir the drink, but I recommend that you don’t for the sake oftasting the Cream, whiskey, coffee, and sugar in a sequential order (which I believe makes the experience better).

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OLD FASHIONED: A CLASSIC COCKTAIL FOR CLASSY OCCASIONS

ORANGE WHIP: WHEN YOU WANT SOMETHING SWEET FOR DESSERT

If you watch the TV Series Mad Men, then you know exactly what this drink is. The preferred drink of Mad Men protagonist Don Draper, the Old Fashioned is one of the firstever cocktails recorded in history. Using only whiskey, sugar, water, and aromatic bitters as its ingredients, this delicious drink has a flavor that is timeless, and it is very easy toprepare.

I took this recipe from my favorite cocktail YouTube channel (look up “How To Drink”on YouTube). Inspired by the 1970s movie, The Blues Brothers, the Orange Whip drink is a sweet, citrusy, and creamy alcoholic milkshake meant for dessert or for casually sipping during lunch on a hot day out. You don’t even need a shaker or any fancy bar equipment for this drink; all you need in terms of equipment is a blender.

To make an Old Fashioned, you will need the following: • 60 mL/ 2 Oz/ 2 shots Whiskey (preferably Rye Whiskey, but any will do) • 1 Tbsp Brown Sugar • Water ( just enough to dissolve the sugar) • Angostura Aromatic Bitters (you can find this at your local liquor store) • 1 Slice Orange Peel (for garnish) • Ice To prepare the Old Fashioned: 1. Add the 1 tbsp of sugar 2. Add water, then stir to dissolve the sugar 3. Add 2-6 dashes of Angostura Bitters (feel free to adjust to taste) 4. Fill the glass with ice 5. Add the Whiskey 6. Stir for 20-30 seconds to dilute the drink 7. Take an orange peel and squeeze its oils into the drink before dropping the peel in for garnish 8. Serve This drink is my personal favorite on the list. Preparation itself is easy, as the hardest partof making this drink was finding the Angostura Bitters. I purchase my angostura bitters at Circle Liquor in Timog Avenue, but any liquor store should carry it. Another good thingabout the Old Fashioned is that there is no one correct way to make it, so feel free to adjust the ratios, use other kinds of alcohol, or use your on kind of sweetener (e.g.During the sem starter, I used maple syrup instead of sugar) 84

To make an Orange Whip, you will need the following: • 120 mL/ 4 Oz./ 4 shots orange juice (Freshly squeezed from new oranges is preferable) • 30 mL/ 1 Oz./ 1 shot White Rum • 30 mL/ 1 Oz./ 1 shot Vodka • 15 mL/ ½ Oz./ ½ shot Triple Sec (Orange Liqueur; you can find this in most groceryand liquor stores) • 60 mL/ 2 Oz./ 2 Shots Heavy Cream • Crushed Ice To prepare an Orange Whip: 1. Add all of the ingredients into a blender 2. Blend until the drink has the consistency of a slushy or milkshake 3. Pour into a tall glass, add a straw 4. Serve This drink isn’t too complicated to make. The taste isn’t too complex either, so it’s perfect as a dessert or a simple drink to sip alongside a meal. Be careful though, keep it away from your underage friends and relatives; they might mistake it for a vanilla orange milkshake and you’ll have to deal with drunk children.

LONG ISLAND ICED TEA: WHEN YOU WANT SOMETHING “TRAYDOR” FOR A PARTY

This drink allows me to stay sane in spite of my copious drinking; it is the proverbial Yang to my alcoholic Yin, and no drink should be more appreciated than this guardian angel. Forget the hangover cures you find on the internet, just stay hydrated when you drink to prevent hangovers in the first place.

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1. Fill a glass with water 2. Drink 3. Repeat until you feel better. Drink responsibly, friends.

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To prepare a Long Island Iced Tea: 1. Fill a tall glass with ice 2. Add White Rum, Tequila, Gin, Vodka, Triple Sec, and Lime Juice to the glass 3. Add sugar syrup (Optional) 4. Stir the drink 5. Top with Cola 6. Garnish with a lemon wedge on the rim of the glass. This particular cocktail is a joy to drink, to make, and to serve to guests at a party. When you have this at a party, expect good times all around!

WATER: TO AVOID HANGOVERS

To make a Long Island Iced Tea, you will need the following: • 30 mL/ 1 Oz./ 1 shot White Rum • 30 mL/ 1 Oz./ 1 shot Tequila • 30 mL/ 1 Oz./ 1 shot Gin • 30 mL/ 1 Oz./ 1 shot Vodka • 30 mL/ 1 Oz./ 1 shot Triple Sec (Orange Liqueur) • 30 mL/ 1Oz./ 1 shot Lime Juice • 1 Can of Coca-Cola • Ice • Lime Wedge • Optional: Sugar/Sugar syrup (I personally think there’s enough sugar in the Coke, but if you want a bit more sweetness, add a bit of this to your drink)

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For those who don’t know, drinks that are “traydor” are drinks that do not taste alcoholic, but can get you drunk easily because of how easy they are to drink, as well as their having an obscene amount of alcohol. The king of all traydor drinks, in my opinion, is the Long Island Iced Tea. An official cocktail of the International Bartenders Association (IBA), it contains 5 shots of five different kinds of alcohol. If you want to see yourfriends drunk at a party, give them this drink. Hell, this thing is so easy to make that youcould bring your ingredients to a party and just start serving these up, so let’s get it on!

These are my 5 persona favorite cocktails right now. I assure you, you will enjoy at least one of the drinks on this menu. Nevertheless, don’t be afraid to explore the wonderful world of cocktails and bartending. There are lots of wonderful cocktails you can easily make at home, or for parties that suit your taste buds. For my fellow aspiring bartenders out there, I suggest you check out the following YouTube channels, among others, for reference: How to Drink, The Bonneville Cocktail Collection, and Cocktail Chemistry. Happy Drinking!

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M E M E R E V I E W: F I R S T Q UA R T E R O F 2 0 1 8 ANDREW BANAAG

THAT MEME WITH THE CAR AND TWO EXITS This meme originally comes from a still from the “How to exit the freeway like a boss” video. It has now become a “I probably shouldn’t do this but f**k it” internet image. UGANDAN KNUCKLES This first appeared in the Steam game titled VR Chat, which is a virtual reality game where you make use of VR to enter a “chatroom” and appearing as an avatar of sorts, which could be anything you wanted it to be. A number of users decided that one day it would be funny to hop into game as distorted looking avatars of Knuckles from the Sonic the Hedgehog series of games, speaking into their mics with a Ugandan accent, saying things like “Do you kno de wae?” or “Spit on de false queen”. 87

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GOOGLE ARTS AND CULTURE Only recently, Google’s Arts & Culture app decided that it would be a fun little feature to add selfieto-artwork feature, which basically would allow the app to match your face to an existing piece of art that most closely resembled your beautiful face. Many users were surprised to find that their selfies most closely matched with quite rugged and grotesque art pieces. Hilarity quickly ensued.

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KYLO REN’S PANTS In the most recent Star Wars movie, Star Wars: The Last Jedi, a scene exists wherein Kylo Ren,the main antagonist, is seen with what appears to be a ridiculous pair of pants that reach almost to his nipple. This hilarious scene gained much traction since then, and has become a meme in theprocess. The hilarity of the scene also reached the gym community, nicknaming him Ben Swolo, because of his wide upper torso, aka his “swoleness”.

TIDE PODS This one is a bit of an oddity, but this is the internet, so when is anything ever not an oddity? Having been originally introduced way back in 2012, the peak of its potential was reached only recently, beginning early into the new year. Tide pods, if you’re not aware, are basically these tiny “pods” of detergent which are supposed to be used strictly for clothes. On the internet, however, they were given proper meme treatment, as the pods have the uncanny resemblance of candy, and reports exist of children accidentally ingesting these, which of course can lead to death if too much is ingested. It’s “memeness” comes from people jokingly wanting to kill themselves using said pods.

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2017 saw the rise of many of the most ridiculous and hilarious internet images to date, such as Salt Bae and our ever favorite sarcastic Mocking Spongebob meme. But alas, as it is presently the year 2018, that means bidding goodbye to those wonderful memes. That does not mean, however, that we are bidding goodbye to memes forever. As they say, “New year, new me(mes)”. Although it is only February, a handful of memes have already made waves across multiple social mediaplatforms, the most abundant of the pictures being dumped on Facebook and Twitter. Below aresome of these funny internet images, in no particular order.

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STAFF PICKS compiled by Pita Ochave

THE ALCHEMIST by Paulo Coelho

It follows the story of an Andalusian shepherd named Santiago who journeys to Egypt because of a recurring dream of finding treasure there. The story introduces the idea of a Personal Legend, which “is what you have always wanted to accomplish.” Purpose reveals itself to be a journey constantly changing and always surprising. - Maxine Capili

The Missing Piece Meets the Big O is a children’s book written by renowned children’s book author, Shel Silverstein. The story revolves around a wedge, who is determined to look for another piece to complete. The story is terse in its language and minimalist in its design, yet the book is able to deliver an empowering reminder: love will not complete us, but it can help us grow to become the best and most whole version of ourselves. - Pita Ochave

THE MISSING PIECE MEETS THE BIG O by Shel Silverstein

IF I CAN STOP ONE HEART FROM BREAKING by Emily Dickinson

The poem, If I Can Stop One Heart From Breaking, is really concise and simple but it is a very sobering reminder that one’s purpose need not be grand or ambitious. Purpose can simply be a mindset to always be kind or decent. - Javi Vilchez

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Rick and Morty. Nuff said. “What is my purpose?” “You pass butter.” - Emil Apostol

RICK AND MORTY

created by Dan Harmon and Justin Roiland

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From the musical, “The Little Women” This particular song was sung after Jo denied an engagement from a dear friend. Here, she sings about her dreams, goals, and aspirations, and how much bigger she wanted her life to be. It’s a very powerful piece that reinforces Jo’s very purpose. - Kelsey Mariano

“Whether you’re a brother or whether you’re a mother, you’re stayin’ alive, stayin’ alive. Feel the city breaking and everybody shaking, people stayin’ alive, stayin’ alive.” The lyrics say it all. - Miguel Balao

S T AY I N G A L I V E by the Bee Gees

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“She’s happier now. Far happier. You should be happy for her too,” they said. “Seeing her laugh louder now, it’s priceless”.

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It’s not priceless. That happiness, that laugh, was bought at a price.

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And I’m still paying for it.

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A B A N D B E YO N D D E S C R I P T I O N : T H E G R AT E F U L D E A D CARL BOGNOT

This whole article must begin with me declaring that I am a huge John Mayer fan. I know almost all his songs, and I follow him on social media sites (I follow very, very few celebrities). Back in 2015, John Mayer, who had performed solo for almost his entire career, announced that he would be joining a band called Dead and Company, which featured three of the members of an old band called The Grateful Dead. I had seen the name before, but I’ve never really heard any of their songs. I downloaded their Greatest Hits to see what they were like, but little did I know that by doing this, I would fall down a rabbit hole. My long, strange trip with The Grateful Dead had begun. The Grateful Dead formed in 1965 as a five-piece band – Jerry Garcia on lead guitar, Bob Weir on rhythm guitar, Ron “Pigpen” McKernan on organ and harmonica, Phil Lesh on bass guitar, and Bill Kreutzmann on drums. Shortly after forming, they added another drummer, Mickey Hart, to their lineup. Everyone in the band, except the drummers, provided vocals. This lineup, however, does not remain the same throughout their career and would go through a lot of changes, especially at the keyboard spot. The band performed almost non-stop from 1965 until 1995, when Jerry died of a heart attack. I’m leaving out a lot here, and knowing about the entire history of the Grateful Dead certainly boosts the experience of being a fan, but the best way to really know them is through their music. Although “The Grateful Dead” sounds like a metal band, hearing their music doesn’t actually make you feel like banging your head and moshing. The first thing I tell people who ask me about The Grateful Dead is that their

music is weird – weird, because you can’t just label their music under one genre. The Grateful Dead, though predominantly rock, blended 60’s R&B, folk, blues, and country in their songs, all while drawing influence from jazz, classical, Hindustani traditional music and even African rhythms. One, however, should not expect to hear a song performed the same way twice. This is because of their improvisational approach to their music, which is arguably the most defining characteristic of the band’s music. The Grateful Dead weren’t known for their studio recordings as much as they were known for their concerts (of which they had over 2,300!). Their live performances had lengthy sections of on-thespot music-making, usually led by Jerry Garcia shooting laser beams of musical notes from his guitar, complemented by the rest of the band conversing with each other through their instruments, producing vibrant musical soundscapes and adding their own musical flourishes. This was a band that did not care about limits; whenever there was room to explore a song’s possibilities, they explored, and they explored well. The Grateful Dead were pioneers of jam band music, and often, their jams transcended what we call “normal” music.

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The music they played transported its listeners to a whole different place, and I can attest to all the wonders that these wizards have come up with. Jerry, and the rest of the Grateful Dead, devoted their lives to make this possible for anyone who chooses to listen. Getting into the music is intimidating at first, but with patience, the payoff is incredible. More experienced Deadheads recommended starting out with their studio albums; specifically, two albums from the start of the 1970 – “Workingman’s Dead” and “American Beauty”, both folk records for easy listening. Some would also suggest Europe ’72, which is a compilation of songs that the band performed on their tour of Europe in 1972. After familiarizing yourself with the live sound of the band, you might be ready for a full show. Their May 8, 1977 show is widely regarded as their best ever, and it’s the show that first brought me to a ‘different place”.

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For a band whose music is incredibly unique, you can count on their fans being unique as well. These fans are called Deadheads and are wellknown in the music world as some of the most loyal and devoted fans for any music act. The Deadheads started out as people who followed the band to catch each concert, which was never the same as the last or the next. There was always a feeling of community and love at the shows, partly because of the music the band played, but also due to the way that the Deadheads were. This sense of community and oneness remains to this day; the Deadheads are, in fact, a big reason why I have become a huge fan of The Grateful Dead. In my conquest to learn more about the band and their music, I stumbled upon online forums (r/gratefuldead, for you Redditors out there) filled with Deadheads discussing anything and everything related to the band. In these posts, the same feeling of community pervades, and you can tell that they’re welcoming of anyone who’s shown interest in the band. I was able to read about song meanings, various eras in the band’s history, the worst and the best shows, and so on, and the passion the Deadheads showed fascinated me even more with The Grateful Dead experience. Being a Deadhead is sharing what you’ve got with your brothers and sisters. “Getting on the bus” (getting into the music) is being willing to adventure and accepting what the band has to offer. All Deadheads share in this spiritual, musical experience as a connected conscience.

There is no one right way to get into the music, however. It will ultimately be up to you as to how you let the music show you the light. At the end of the day, the purpose of the entire Grateful Dead experience is, simply, the music. I leave you, then, with a line from one of their songs. It’s simple, but it contains all you really need: “If you get confused, listen to the music play.”

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A CASE OF JONI MITCHELL PITA OCHAVE

“I REMEMBER THAT TIME YOU TOLD ME, you said, ”Love is touching souls.” Surely you touched mine ‘cause part of you pours out of me in these lines from time to time.” There are few lyricists in the world who can capture the confusion, sadness, and nostalgia that come with heartbreak quite as well as Joni Mitchell does. I was first introduced to the Canadian folk singer’s work through the 2003 romantic comedy, Love Actually. In what is arguably the most gut wrenching scene in the movie, Emma Thompson’s character, Karen, figures out her husband is having an affair with another woman after she is gifted with a Joni Mitchell album instead of the expensive necklace she had caught her husband buying in a department store. The realization sets in for Thompson’s character like a knife to the heart, and as if to add further insult to injury, Joni Mitchell’s woeful and reflective Both Sides Now begins playing somberly in the background: Moons and Junes and ferris wheels, the dizzy dancing way you feel. As every fairy tale comes

real, I’ve looked at love that way, but now it’s just another show. You leave ‘em laughing when you go. And if you care, don’t let them know. Don’t give yourself away. I’ve looked at love from both sides now, from give and take and still somehow, it’s love’s illusions I recall. I really don’t know love at all. Through the sheer emotive power of her words, the antisocial folk singer from Canada had fourteen-year old me wondering if I really knew life, clouds, or love at all. A few years later, my fascination with the folk singer was once again piqued after I was introduced to A Case Of You and River during a drunken debate about the best heartbreak songs ever. A Case Of You is written from the point of view of a woman—arguably Mitchell herself— who mourns the loss of a relationship she can’t forget. In the song, Mitchell sings about feeling adrift. She knows the relationship is over, but she cannot escape her lover. She draws her lost lover’s face on the backs of coasters and finds herself writing about him from time to time. In a few simple lyrics, she is able to capture the

pensive sadness of heartbreak : Oh you’re in my blood like holy wine. You taste so bitter and so sweet. Oh I could drink a case of you darling and I would still be on my feet. I would still be on my feet. However, the song River is still arguably Joni Mitchell’s most heartbreaking song. As the story goes, River was written by Mitchell in honor of her baby daughter, whom she gave up for adoption in her early twenties after a brief love affair with a fellow singer. The mother and daughter would only be reunited in 1997—thirty-two years after her daughter’s birth.

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Both River and A Case Of You appeared in Joni Mitchell’s fourth studio album, Blue. Reflecting on her album, she said, “…there’s hardly a dishonest note in the vocals. At that period of my life, I had no personal defenses. I felt like a cellophane wrapper on a pack of cigarettes. I felt like I had absolutely no secrets from the world and I couldn’t pretend in my life to be strong. Or to be happy. But the advantage of it in the music was that there were no defenses there either.” Joni Mitchell had a difficult life. She had to give up her daughter at a young age, deal with the darker side of fame, entered into numerous tumultuous relationships, and still continues to deal with the effects of polio, which sheer contracted in her childhood. Folk singers rarely become famous figures in the United States and around the world. The fact that Joni Mitchell— an admitted recluse who prefers painting over music—became the cultural icon she is today is due to her extraordinary talent for writing, and is a testament to her unique ability to give voice to people’s sadness.

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In River, Mitchell can’t stop repeating herself when she says, “Oh I wish I had a river I could skate away on.” This particular line in the song struck me the most because of the frequency in which it is repeated. The line is repeated a

total of seven times throughout the song and is spaced out in such a way that the line comes up every few seconds until the song’s end. River mirrors the way most of us think when we’re sad or heartbroken; our thoughts are unpredictable, persistent, and chaotic. When I am sad, I yearn for escape from the sources of my sadness, much in the same way as Joni yearns and fixates on her wish for a river she can skate away on.

Joni Mitchell’s Blue, which was released in 1971.

Emma Thompson in 2003’s Love Actually.

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River begins with a few notes from popular Christmas carol, Jingle Bells, and then abruptly transitions into a much sadder melody that backs Mitchell’s more jeremiad lyrics perfectly: It’s coming on Christmas, they’re cutting down trees; they’re putting up reindeer, and singing songs of joy and peace. Oh I wish I had a river I could skate away on. Later in the song, Mitchell possibly alludes to the daughter whom she gave up for adoption when she sings: I’m so hard to handle. I’m selfish and I’m sad. Now I’ve gone and lost the best baby that I ever had. Oh I wish I had a river I could skate away on.

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T W E E TA B L E T W E E T S compiled by Pita Ochave @booyanca: And who says were not ecosoc? My Father is Godofredo Bamba. I was raised by the nanays in Pook Ricarte since the age of 4. I loooove the scholars and i think thats as ecosoc as ecosoc can get. @shinySABmarine: Got my period today haha merry Christmas to me I’m not a pregnant virgin @mveee13: Sana sa susunod na #KwentongRoots ko, kasama na kita.

@juliefrann: Hearing the security guards in Savemore walkie talkie to each other the different prices of candies and reserving candies for their wives made my day #happyVDayindeed @3Dsuntoast: “Food is what connects us and laughs are the cement” @maizconcielo: malas naman ng crush ko; ganda-ganda ko today tas di niya ko makikita

@TheAcadWorm: wala pa ako jowa burat @itsaimeestery: MOST PAASA MOMENT OF 2018: THINKING SOMEONE BOUGHT ME PRADA SHOES AND A CHLOE BAG PERO WRONG DELIVERY PALA

oo siya ang malas, hindi ako, kasi ang ganda ko

jowk

@RigoMonzon: Donchu worry Roots mabagal ako mag move on tweet in reply to @upfair_ROOTS: Sino di pa nakaka-move on sa #ROOTS2018??

@_heatherlian: Mom: tara heather dog cafe tayo! Lola: Ha??? Edi lasang aso ‘yan

@david_balmes: #HalamanLife2018

@_solball: Not all profs are lenient about being late, and even if you’re excused it doesn’t change the fact that you missed parts of the lecture. A temporary system doesn’t take away from the jeepney driver’s plight. Pero “fuck conyos” na lang noh? Lol rip discourse proud ka ba sa joke mo?

@jemzontan: Saturdays are starting to look a lot more colorful

tweet in reply to @iamMARKYtagala: Ohmy g! So hirap kaya to walk from AS to CHK under the sun. So init. Tapos mabigat pa my Anello. If the bitch haz wheelz, sure I’ll make sabay. Kebs na kina manong driver, our USC naman has carpool proect, eh. So militante kaya the project. Don’t me. I can’t even.

@AndrewsonPaak: Me with all my crushes

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@harrietnineteen: pero di ko pa rin gets na pumunta kaming Tagaytay at 4 am in the morning but we were just in time for the sun to rise

@seanthakur: Ang pinagsamang lakas ng mga estudyante, manininda, tsuper, guro, at iba pa. Laban, UP! #WalkoutPH #YouthQuake

@jermracela: Magkakapalit na kami ni JJ ng mukha

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@_beabalbacal: the tita music during aerobics today gave me a glimpse of my future as the halaman Tita who’s married to her job and does Zumba every morning before work and spoils her nephews and nieces wow what a realistic concept

@baltazarshai: I sat across my crush from last two sems ago plus we were the only ones on the side of the long table. He said hi and bye pa when he left. HAHAHAHA ok bes nag expire na pagka-crush ko sayo bakit ka ganyan too late CHAR feeling hahahahahahahahha

@celinapacana: Blistered feet, dying voice but a very very very fulfilled heart :) sarap maging ecosoc. Ito ang aking #KwentongRoots @CARLOStandFound: I survived five straight nights of Ben and Ben!!! I think this is love na AWHAT @MiggyVillaLESS: “When Stella Quimbo left Econ, I told my friends I was the best looking teacher in Econ. One of my friends said ‘2 words, Sarah Daway ‘.” -Florentino, 2018

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It was never just that night and never just those reasons.

Submitted by Iase (Acad) to Dear Echoes

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