THE CASCADE (VOLUME 1 - MMXXII)

Editorial pg. 4

Features pg. 10

Vlogging threats professional journalism

The Downtown: A lifestyle brand founded

by CMU students

Literarypg. 8

Against the Current Chained to Excellence

The Public Outcry Acrylic on canvas A Nikko Pelaez artwork see page 11

CMU achieves 75% passing rate on 2022 LET CMU performs a nationwide earthquake drill

By ALEX QUINO

The City of Malabon University (CMU) congratulates the passers of the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) held last January 2022.

Both the elementary and

CMU advances to Local Economic Enterprise page 2...

Lorenzana encouraged

By ANGELA FERNANDO people to join, “The On June 10, 2022, at continuous drills would exactly 8:30 a.m., CMU comfort the Filipinos that conducted the Second our government and our Quarter Nationwide society are ready and that Simultaneous Earthquake preparations are Drill, by executing the continuously being done in "duck, cover, and hold" the face of calamities.” procedures while strictly It was a success as adhering to public Filipinos continued to protocols. Mr. Jessie Talud, engage in similar drills in the Head of Security, is in their localities. charge of the said drill.

“We are asking the public This is to support the secondary level results of to continue engaging in the National Disaster Risk the City of Malabon next earthquake drills to be Reduction and Management led by the NDRRMC for the University in the March 2022 Licensure Examination Council (NDRRMC) and the year 2022, as well as the for Teachers (LET) gave the Office of Civil Defense various projects of the (OCD) for conducting a university passing government against percentages a cut above the nationwide simultaneous calamities,” Lorenzana earthquake drill. national passing rate. added.

Defense Secretary Delfin page 2... page 3...

CMU aims for another ALCUCOA certificate page 2...

TES beneficiaries visit the newly reformed CMU page 3...

Malabon experiences flood due to damaged floodgates page 3...

CMUzens plan to join Pride march

By ALEX QUINO

CMU students have stated that they are willing to 'makibeki’ in order to support and fight for the equal rights of their LGBTQIA+ friends in upcoming Southeast Asia’s largest Pride festival with the theme “Atin Ang Kulayaan! Makibeki Ngayon, Atin Ang Panahon” on Saturday, June 4.

Following two years of mostly online events, Filipinos will once again celebrate Pride Month on the streets. page 3...

CMU administers University President Search Committees page 7...

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VOL. I MMXXII

CMU aims for another ALCUCOA certificate

By ANGELA FERNANDO

Flag ceremony at CMU Administration Building photo from CMU Official Facebook page

CMU advances to Local Economic Enterprise

By MABEL VIERON

On May 26th, The City of Malabon University (CMU) found a new trail that is currently being innovated into becoming a Local Economic Enterprise (LEE), and it contributes to the income of the city through its various incomegenerating services.

"This was something that the management really wanted to do to help the city, because the university can produce additional revenue, we are able to develop new programs that are tailored to the demands of the industry and the advancement of the community," said CMU Vice President for Institutional Development and External

75% passing rate... from page 1 The institution declared with pride that 75% of Bachelor of Elementary Education candidates passed and 77.78 % of Bachelor of Secondary Education candidates succeeded, compared to the

Affairs Sheila IbayVillanueva.

A technical team was taken to conduct feasibility studies on transforming the school into a Local Economic Enterprise in order to make CMU's goal a reality, the trials provided favorable results.

The CMU team immediately began developing a business proposal. Following that, they presented their idea to university and local government stakeholders.

The City of Malabon University wants to attain academic independence, organizational autonomy, and human resource autonomy by functioning as a LEE, all of which will benefit students, faculty

members, and non-teaching workers.

Revenue-generating program is providing instructional materials for graduates and professionals, conducting certificate programs offered to industries for executives, and continuing education for professionals — these long-term projects can help CMU and allow it to have more finances.

According to Engr.

Villanueva, "The most significant would be the expansion of facilities and enhancement of the overall learning experience of the students - allowing CMU graduates to become competitive in the jobs market and equipped for global economic issues."

national passing rates of BEED at 53.77% and BSE at 55.55%, respectively.

According to the data, 52% of first-time takers from CMU in the LET elementary level passed, which took the lead in keeping the university above the national passing rate.

628 CMUzens gave CMU a 75% passing rate which is higher than the 53.77 national passing percentage.

Meanwhile, CMU garnered a 36% passing rate among its first-time takers

in the secondary level and a 77.78% overall passing rate for the institution.

The national passing percentage is 55.55%.

Results were released last April 29, by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC). Most of the passers are retakers or repeaters as announced by the PRC through Rappler.

“It is further announced that of the 10,039 elementary teacher passers, 246 are first-timers and 9,793 are repeaters. For the

As part of its commitment to offering innovative and progressive education to its students, the City of Malabon University (CMU) is undergoing ALCUCOA program accreditation.

After being ISO certified, the university does not want to stop there and aims for another ALCUCOA certificate not only for the school itself but also for its staff and students.

CMU welcomes the accreditors and wishes for the best suggestions to help it reach new academic heights. With OIC University President Dr. Sheila Ibay-Villanueva leading the event.

The ALCUCOA accreditors include Dr. Imelda P. Soriano, Dr. Marmelo Abante, Dr. Danilo Solayao, Prof. Roilingel Calilung, and Dr. Darwin Paguio, as well as their technical assistants, Prof. Kristin Joy Mendoza and Mr. Luigi Miguel Mahinay. A set of great people that can influence and bring the school to its betterment.

In Dr. Villanueva’s speech, she said, “We took our

infrastructure and innovative education system to a higher level to provide what our dear CMUzens deserve – a global and world-class education in the heart of a small and humble city, called Malabon. We have been preparing to raise the bar in the past year, in so much as transforming CMU as a Local Economic Enterprise, that will benefit not just our students, but also the whole City of Malabon,” The City of Malabon University is aiming to offer the students the best education they can get by being globally competitive and recognized. In the past years, it was an open secret between the university and the student that they wanted to raise the school’s standards, and they started developing the infrastructures and facilities for the students.

CMU also encouraged its students to actively produce research papers that can be relevant to the problems the country is facing today and they have been trying to offer the students nothing less than a quality education.

Man nabbed for child abuse in Malabon arrest for violation of Section 10 (Anti-child abuse) of Republic Act 7610 The Northern Police District (NPD) responded to or the "Special Protection of Children Against Child a call about 9:00 a.m. on Abuse, Exploitation, and April 11th after receiving a Discrimination Act" to the report of child abuse.

Detective Special A 43- year-old man was Operations Unit (DSOU). arrested, Lt. Col. Jay The suspect was arrested Dimaandal, NPD Special along Pampano Street at Operations Unit (DSOU) chief, identified the suspect around 10:30 a.m. on April 11th, and Gilbert Casimero as “Gilbert Casimero”, will be charged for violation resident of Barangay of Section 10 of the RA 7610.

Longos, Malabon City.

According to the police, On February 22, Judge the suspect was brought to Abigail Santos DomingoLaylo of the Regional Trial the DSOU office after his arrest for proper Court Branch - Malabon disposition and was City issued a warrant of detained at the Narcissistic secondary teachers, 2,194 Personality Disorder (NPD) passers are first-timers and Custodial Facility while 5,615 are repeaters,” as waiting for the commitment stated in the PRC press order to be issued by the release. court of origin.

By JENNY ALBASON

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reach your dreams.” she said.

The students were also given a sneak glimpse of the construction of the 5-story building which will house 10 classrooms for Business Administration students.

Together with the Student Center, the said building was part of Cong. Jaye Lacson-Noel’s projects for City of Malabon University (CMU).

TES beneficiaries photo credits from City of Malabon University official

VOL. I MMXXII

Pride Month celebration... from page 1

By ALEX QUINO

“Si Angela, Mabel, Jenny at Ako, plano naming pumunta sa event dahil para masuportahan namin yung kaibigan namin na si Alex.

Syempre lahat tayo ay dapat nakakatamasa ng pantay na pagtrato. Grabe yung saya na naibibigay nila sa atin sa

TES beneficiaries visit the newly reformed CMU

By MABEL VIERON

On June 1, The City of Malabon University (CMU) and Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) beneficiaries got a glimpse of the new and reformed CMU. Hosted by Student Regent and CMU Diplomat Society Zyra Yvette Tion, CMUZens toured the university and viewed the newly-installed and constructed facilities such as the Student Center, Criminology Laboratories, and Podcast Room.

The City of Malabon University had 26 students who received their educational assistance given

by Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) under the Tulong Dunong Program, led by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED); the distribution to CMUZens was made possible through the efforts of Congresswoman Jaye Lacson-Noel.

In an emotional speech, Cong. Jaye Lacson-Noel

emphasized the importance of completing education, which she has long advocated for.

“CMU has always been close to my heart since I became a Congresswoman. I endeavor to continue and to propose more projects for our dear university to ensure that CMU will be better and brighter for future generations,” Cong.

Jaye Lacson said.

Officer in Charge (OIC) CMU Vice President for Institutional Development and External Affairs Sheila Ibay-Villanueva gave some ideas and advice on how TES and other opportunities might help CMUZens achieve their goals.

“The recipe for success is opportunity and desire. Not everyone is given the chance to finish their studies so you must cherish and take advantage of this opportunity. Paired with your ardent desire to be successful, it is only a matter of time for you to

Brgy. Tonsuya experiencing flood photo credits from GOVPH

Malabon experiences flood due to damaged floodgates

since its completion in 2008 and some of its mechanical and electrical components The Metropolitan Manila have deteriorated and Development Authority would continue to (MMDA) is moving quickly deteriorate if not repaired,” to fix the broken he said.

Navigational Gate, which Most barangays in lowhas caused waterlogging in lying parts of Navotas and low-lying areas of Navotas Malabon city have been and Malabon throughout significantly damaged since high tides. the floodgates’ closure in According to MMDA Flood Control and Sewerage March, with major flooding during high tides in their Management Office chief vicinity. engineer Baltazar Melgar, In close collaboration with the Navigational Gate at the local officials from the mouth of the Tangos River impacted cities, the MMDA in Navotas City has been continues to keep the temporarily shut down to allow for immediate repair. communities informed about the status of the “The structure is already repairs. more than a decade old

By ELI SAN MIGUEL

from page 1

ROTC preparing the equipment photo credits from City of Malabon University official

CMU, as they are striving to be a more progressive university, did not hesitate to answer their call and joined the activity with the help of teaching, nonteaching staff, and students.

The university did not fail to post their entries of photos to show its support

and discipline with hashtags #BidaAngHanda #makeitCMU #EducationContinues The deed strengthens the influence of NDRRMC's campaign to ensure that the community as well as the nation are secure and prepared for whichever events may arise.

panahon na malungkot tayo lalo na ngayong pandemic, kaya handa akong suportahan sila," said Kimberly Quejada, a 3rd year Journalism student.

[Angela, Mabel, Jenny, and I plan to attend the event to show our support for our friend Alex. Of course, we should all be treated equally, and the joy they bring us at a time when we are sad, especially now that there is a pandemic, so I am ready to support them.]

MMPride also criticized Congress's inaction on the SOGIE Equality Bill, blaming it on a "lack of a comprehensive culture of understanding for the [LGBTQ+] community."

Meanwhile, CMU Diplomat Society has expressed its support for the Pride Month celebration on its official Facebook page.

“We stand alongside the LGBTQI community in the pursuit of ending genderbased harassment, persecution and also hopes that LGBTQI individuals need not find discreet and limited spaces like Stonewall to feel safe . Let us make communities, schools, workplaces, and other spaces safer and better for all.”

MMPride will hold its annual Pride march and festival on June 25 at the CCP Open Grounds in Pasay City beginning at 10 a.m. An art exhibition, a street fair, and educational discussions will be part of the event.

"Kulayaan" is a play on the words kulay (color) and kalayaan (freedom) to demonstrate thae members of the LGBTQ+ community.

CMU demonstrated that it has progressed into a university capable of guiding its teachers, staff, and students to situational awareness and safety.

With the school strictly following the guidelines, the activity was a success for CMU and its people.

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VOL. I MMXXII

Vlogging threats professional journalism EDITORIAL

J

2022 elections: A foresight to the youth RHOWEN DEL ROSARIO rhdelrosario@gmail.com

E

lections aren't just a passing fad for it unfolds bigger and deeper things. Last May 9, I cast my vote. After that comes all the wisdom and life-changing takes I learned from people of power and above all, the citizens in which the real sovereignty resides. This is so essential that I had to share it with everyone, especially with my schoolmates who’ll be first in line to read this.

Attending rallies, joining civic and advocacy groups, and campaigning house-tohouse were just some of the ways in which a significant number of young people got involved in the May 2022 elections on a selfless level.

Many of these are young and were also voting for the first time.

On May 10, 2022, about 17 million votes put Former Senator Ferdinand "Bong Bong" Marcos Jr. in the first-place lead against Vice President Maria Leonor "Leni" Robredo. Despite what the majority may think, a group of students and young people from several universities have already begun a protest

outside the COMELEC, alleging that numerous forms of vote-buying were committed and that the commission failed to take any action to stop them.

Following a period of universal apathy and a lack of meaning brought on by the pandemic, it appeared as though the younger generation was starving for a source of purpose and hope."

In the Leni campaign, I observed a sense of optimism about the possibility of bringing out a change in the world. That,

indeed, things have the potential to get better. I realized that we were engaged in a great struggle for goodness, and as a result, we focused all of our energy and enthusiasm on this election.

Our youth learned the hard way that kindness doesn't win every conflict.

Social media was filled with shock, denial, rage, grief, and hopelessness. Why should our children study hard if qualifications don't matter? Why be honest when dishonesty wins?

Despair and loss were so overpowering that mental health specialists scrambled to offer bereavement and social support services, similar to how we respond to typhoons and earthquake disasters.

How can we educate our sons to respect women when politicians kiss female supporters onstage? How can we foster respectful dialogue when our leaders continuously swear in front of the national television?

For the past months, we have had every opportunity to know more and do more.

Every single day is a reminder of why we keep on fighting for our rights and for our future. But one thing's for sure, VP Robredo won the hearts of many people, especially the hearts of youth.

ournalists' traditional role as gatekeepers of truth is being challenged all over the world. This dilemma stems from a pattern of decentralization, in which most information, whether true or false, is disseminated to the public at fast-paced speeds and t hrough ever-increasing networks that multiply noticeably quicker than media practitioners can stay consistent with. The arising question now is, does vlogging equate to facticide, which is the intentional killing of facts?

Vergel O. Santos of the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility has painted a rather grim picture of what to expect from vloggers in the aftermath of Atty.

Trixie Cruz has transitioned from Palace press secretary to Malacañang Vlogger Stage Mother.

“The idea is dangerous. It tends to legitimize the false impression that bloggers are journalists and, as such, part of the institution that the democratic constitution assigns as people’s watchdog on government – the press,” Santos said.

According to Santos, the distinction between journalists and vloggers lies in the training, discipline, ethical standards, and system of checks that govern the profession, which bloggers and vloggers are not familiar with, even at their best.

Manny Mogato, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, observed that vloggers had greater access to the incoming president than journalists during the most recent presidential campaign. Is the accreditation of vloggers merely an offshoot of this rather absurd practice that began under Rodrigo Duterte's administration?

“Vloggers and social media influencers were given unrestricted access during the campaign sorties and rallies while legitimate journalists were cordoned off away from candidate Marcos. Bongbong Marcos may adopt President Rodrigo Duterte’s template in dealing with the media, a valuable lesson in controlling the narrative,” said Mogato.

Antonio Guterres, the chief of the United Nations, emphasized the significance of media workers and journalists during the pandemic.

“Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, many media workers have been on the frontlines, providing accurate, science-based reporting to inform decisionmakers and save lives.”

“At the same time, journalists who cover climate, biodiversity, and pollution have succeeded in bringing global attention to this triple planetary crisis,” he added.

But the threats to their freedom to go about their reporting and story-telling fairly and accurately, are multiplying daily.

Integrity is essential in gathering and verifying the facts, but it is not always upheld with the same flawlessness as the ideal. The profession faces immeasurable internal obstacles. Some community newspapers and provincial media are subjected to extremely stressful working conditions, including delayed pay, threats of libel from the powers that be, and hazardous working conditions. Campus

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newsrooms are constrained by financial constraints and censorship. Some of these journalists are afraid for their safety because they are underpaid, understaffed, and largely underappreciated.

Trust is essential to the documentation of government decisions and actions. There should be no room for doubt in the message. It must withstand the most difficult questions, even more so when images are intended to convey a thousand lies. Only facts can withstand scrutiny. Any deliberate attempt to confuse the facts has repercussions for everyone,

with the liars being the first of many victims.

It is common knowledge that vloggers and influencers influence public perception. Journalists should view the situation as one of several opportunities to improve themselves and their work, to go above and beyond when navigating social media, and learn what motivates vloggers.

The current situation makes it difficult for all journalists to overcome the drawback of their profession, whether directly or by implication, while honing their skills in delivering news reliably, quickly, and unbiasedly.

extrajudicial killings, corruption, and human rights breaches under Marcos' regime? According to Amnesty International, 70,000 people have been imprisoned, 77 have disappeared, 3,257 have been killed extrajudicially, and 35,000 have been tortured.

Primitivo Mijares, Ferdinand Marcos' media man and author of "The Conjugal Dictatorship of Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos," corroborated these atrocities when his youngest son went missing, was tortured, and eventually died as a result of his father's revelations in the book. The horrifying tragedy that befell Mijares Education and democracy: and his son exemplifies Students need to dig deeper Marcos' brutal regime. into Socrates’ philosophy According to the Martial ELI SAN MIGUEL Law Museum, the israeli.sanmigueldc@gmail.com Philippines' debt increased With over 31 million votes, from $0.36 billion in 1961 to Ferdinand "Bongbong" $28.26 billion in 1986.

Marcos Jr.'s win appears all Furthermore, the but certain, but as his lead infrastructures that Imelda over his closest competitor, Marcos boasted about were Vice President Leni Robredo funded by foreign loans that grew, the world's attention current and future was drawn to the return of a generations must pay back. family that had been Despite the ease with expelled from Malacañang. which critics have This occurred as some of debunked Marcos his supporters flocked to his “ Plato's dialogues, the revisionism, it has campaign headquarters in founder of Greek continued to persist and Mandaluyong City to philosophy, portray prevail. In turn, apologists celebrate his victory in the Socrates as a democratic rationalize the discrepancies unofficial election results, cynic. In book six of The between their beliefs and clogging a few lanes of Edsa, Republic, Plato depicts proven history through the which had previously seen Socrates conversing with a "plasticity" of their memory, millions march to depose character named which continuously adjusts dictator Ferdinand Marcos.

Adeimantus and attempting There are elders who to fit whatever narrative is The world perceived the to persuade him of the witnessed the martial law most conducive to their disadvantages of democracy election results as a success period who argue that it position. of historical revisionism to by comparing a society to a was the "golden era" The roots of false redevelop Marcos' image. ship. because there was peace information started years According to the "If you were going on a and order in the country, ago through the different Washington Post, the May 9 and Filipinos were journey by sea, who would renditions of conspiracy elections appeared to be the disciplined at the time. you prefer to decide who theories that sprung up on was in charge of the vessel?" "success of a decade-long There are still Filipinos, social media sites like effort by the Marcos family along with seniors in my Socrates asks. "Anyone or Facebook, Youtube, and to rehabilitate its name only those educated in the own family, who glamorize Instagram and furthermore through an extensive rules and demands of the "uniformity" of the strengthened by rumors historical-revisionism seafaring?" Of course, martial law years and and gossip from the older campaign on social media."

Adeimantus asserts, so believe Marcos was a great generation.

Bongbong Marcos' why, Socrates asks, do we leader, excluding the human Above all, no one should triumph supports the continue to believe that any rights violations committed turn a blind eye to the Socratic notion that voting old person is qualified to during the country's darkest crimes perpetrated during in an election is a skill, not a period. decide who should run a the martial law years, based random intuition. Like any country?

How real is the "golden on historical facts and data. other talent, it must be The Philippine 2022 age" when there is so much It is now more vital than elections was held on May 9 proof of abuses, ever for learners to acquire

Democracy is only as good as the education that surrounds it” —Socrates

taught in a systematic manner. Allowing uneducated folks to vote is as reckless as putting them in control of a trireme expedition to Samos in the middle of a storm.

The government must devote more attention to the education sector. Despite President Duterte's commitment to socioeconomic issues as policy priorities, the education system remains plagued by deep inequalities. Quality is still a problem. Addressing these conflicts will necessitate a continued commitment to increased education funding as well as an efficient mechanism to ensure that the money is spent as efficiently as possible.

The problem is that fighting historical revisionism would be difficult when we are up against politicians who wield power over the majority."

VOL. I MMXXII

historical truths about this period. Analyzing the current situation in the Philippines and connecting it to Socratic philosophy, it is crucially concluded that Socrates was not an elitist in conventional sense. He did not believe that only a small number of people should be given the right to vote. He did, however, insist that only those who had rationally and deeply considered issues be allowed to vote.

We have forgotten the clear view between intellectual democracy and natural democracy. We have given everyone a vote without integrating it to wisdom.

We have witnessed a massive 'infodemic' in the effect of this pandemic, with the public being bombarded with massive amounts of information, much of which is not scientifically correct.

Combating fake news has become a new front in the COVID19 battle. The impacts of misinformation are even more deadly.

Some false information comes from legitimate sources, making it more difficult to distinguish We have completely forgotten Socrates' tipped cautions against democracy.

We have favored democracy as a clear good – rather than a methodology that is only as satisfactory as the education system that protects it.

Perhaps it is deemed important to ask ourselves, where does sovereignty truly reside?

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VOL. I MMXXII

CMU holds E-sports tournament

By MABEL VIERON

On March 22nd, the City of Malabon University partnered with M League E-Sports PH in identifying areas of intervention in the creative industry as one of the developing industries geared toward innovation and start-ups.

Straw Hat Pirates are seeking the championship as their journey begins and challenges surface in the final, but first, they must compete against Predictionist.

Throughout the game, the Predictionist has shown dominance, and all of the speculations in the championship series are Straw Hat Pirates vs.

Predictionist. And all expectations turned out to be true when the two

outrageous teams won the championship slots.

This game could be a historical event for being the first champion of the Mobile Legend Tournament of the City of Malabon University sponsored by Smart.

Strawhat Pirates won the tournament. The team receives a 10,000 pesos cash prize sponsored by Smart Communication Incorporated and puts pride on their team.

CMU continues to engage its members through good times and bad, finding comfort, and stress relief through gaming.

From esports continued expansion to Philippines' domination in matches, here's virtual gaming and esports fared throughout the years.

AZF Sports Club - Malabon opens Volleyball Summer Camp Registration

By RHOWEN ROSARIO

The summer months fast approaching AZF Sports Club has announced its

summer camp dates and opened registration for the Volleyball camps to be held on Sports Club in June.

The AZF Sports Club is

Malabon youth practicing muay thai photo credits from ADB Blog

Youth in Malabon practice 'muay thai' through UNESCO Sport project

By JENNY ALBASON

Basketball and Muaythai have a close working In the Philippines, two relationship at the highest IOC-recognized sports, levels, with the President of Muaythai and basketball, SportAccord representing teamed up with UNESCO to basketball and the Vice create a sports space for President of GAISF carrying urban youngsters who lack Muaythai. access to physical activity.

Philippine Muaythai open to boys and girls open Association (MAP) joined with UNESCO through the for ages 6 to 18 years old and will be held on June 25, Transforming Cities Through Sport project to 2022. use sport to enhance the AZF offers a great lives of children, and opportunity for athletes to Malabon is part of it. raise their skill level in a This project was based on highly competitive setting basketball and Muaythai. It and experience what it is like to play at Sanciangco St. is a collaboration between organizations and local Brgy Tonsuya, Malabon councilor Enzo Oreta.

City.

This is the first of several This camp is designed to projects that will be give the opportunity to launched under the project. practice together, and the Caroline Baxter Tresise, primary focus of the camp who is also the chair of the is competition and team IFMA Ethics Commission, concepts. AZF programs focus on skill development said the sport is mentioned to improve and enhance all in the United Nations Agenda 2030 as a key aspects of players’ enabler of sustainable technique and proficiency development and peace. on the court. AZF Sports "In the true spirit of Club is for beginner, intermediate, and advanced Bayanihan, our first social project under UNESCO's volleyball players.

Best of all, summer camps Transforming Cities in are fun! They work to create Barangay Catmon is now complete after a few a positive environment months," said Pearl based on mutual respect, Managuelod, MAP's rather than a win-at-allexecutive director. "We'd costs attitude. For more information on AZF Sports like to thank Mayor Len Len Club registration, locations, Oreta, Councilor Enzo Oreta, Ms. She Uyvico, the schedules, or more officials of Barangay opportunities, visit Catmon, Caroline Baxter facebook.com/AZF119.

Tresise and Irakli Rohdeli of UNESCO and the AsiaPacific Youth and Sport Task Force, Quintin Jose Pastrana of LRP for our mobile library, and, of course, the entire Malabon People's Village community for making this a huge success!”

"Special mention to the Malabonian Ninjas with Coach Limbaga Enquig Krisna, Coach Kim, and Erwin Tagle for serving as an inspiration to the children," she stated, referring to the hard work put in by the young Muaythai students who contributed to the project.

The MPV kids are excited to begin their Muaythai journey!”

The United Through Sports festival and conference, was a highlight of the Olympic movement.

During the festival, IOC President Dr. Thomas Bach delivered the keynote address, and organizations such as UN Women, Right to Play, Generation For Peace, UNESCO, Peace and Sport, and others joined forces to form a united front. The Minister of Sport and Tourism was the first speaker at the UTS conference, followed by the Presidents of SportAccord, ASOIF, and WADA, as well as Ms. Baxter Tresise, who represented UNESCO, and other organizations.

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Jeannie Sandoval first lady mayor of Malabon City

By JENNY ALBASON

After being named winner of the mayoralty race on May 10, 2022, former Vice Mayor Jeannie Sandoval succeeded in ending the Oretas' nearly 24-year reign.

According to partial and unofficial results from the Commission of Elections, Sandoval, Malabon's first female mayor, has received 94, 826 votes, or 50.34 percent, against 93, 547 votes, or 49.66 percent.

It was Sandoval's third attempt to replace the Oreta’s, who have held the mayoralty seat of Malabon since 1998.

Her success has been compared to that of 2015 Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach, who competed in the Binibining Pilipinas pageant three times before

winning. Sandoval is the only candidate from CAMANAVA in the UniTeam who's not a member of an incumbent family.

In a statement on her official Facebook page, the incoming mayor thanked her supporters and asked for their cooperation in directing the city toward success.

“From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much for all your support and trust in our fight. This success is for you.

Regardless of the color, we believe in, we will win everything in the battle for a better tomorrow, a better life, and a prosperous city.

With the help of each other and our simultaneous efforts, we will prove that your decision in this election is right,” she said.

CMU administers University President Search Committee

By ALEX QUINO

CMU (City of Malabon University) aspires to be a place where people may learn from one another and progress as a result of innovative teaching and transformative leadership.

CMU has produced thousands of competitive graduates who have made outstanding contributions

to the community over the last 28 years.

It has also won numerous awards and strengthened the learning experience for students by upgrading facilities and establishing innovative programs. All of this was achieved by great collaboration and effective leadership.

CMU has begun the search for its next president, who

Malabon is believed to transform into a more progressive and competitive city under the new administration.

“No one will be left behind.

And together, we will rise again. Once again, thank you very much, and long live Malabon!” she added.

The establishment of a Shelter and Housing Office for socialized housing, the launch of a Blue Benefits Card in line with the improvement of the health program and continued construction of the San Lorenzo Ruiz Hospital, declaration of a moratorium on business taxes, fees, and charges, regularization of employees in Malabon City Hall, and streamlining of processes and systems in it are among the new mayor's first 100-day programs for Malabon.

communicate messages, and who can lead others around him or her to greater heights.

On or before June 10, interested applicants must submit one set of original documents and six certified photocopies to Dr. Sheila Ibay-Villanueva, OICUniversity President, Search Committee for University President.

Currently, the search is extended and is still ongoing.

VOL. I MMXXII

CMU celebrates first ever grand homecoming CMUZens.

One of the event's On April 30th, the City of highlights was the Malabon University marked launching of the CMU its first grand homecoming. Alumni Network and the The event hosted by the CMU 1st Gawad Tanglaw, university president, Prof. which honored alumni's Melissa Grace Sison-Oreta, grants to CMU's success and was a success. It was for enhanced connections CMU Alumni from 1996 to between the university and 2021. alumni.

The event started with a The organization does not welcome message from only help connect graduates University President Prof. with the institution, but it Melissa Grace Sison-Oreta, aims to help future students followed by inspirational of CMU. messages from the Vice One of the event's President for Institutional highlights was the Development and External launching of the CMU Affairs Engr. Sheila IbayAlumni Network and the Villanueva Vice President CMU 1st Gawad Tanglaw, for Academic Affairs Engr. which honored alumni's Elmerito Pineda contributions to CMU's emphasized the value of success and enhanced alumni as mentors for connections between the current and future university and alumni.

By MABEL VIERON

Malabon City prepares for rainy season, gets automatic trash rake

By JENNY ALBASON

The city of Malabon focused on its ongoing declogging operations and a new automatic trash rake to clear drainages and prevent more floods for the upcoming rainy season.

According to Roderick Tongol, chief of the Malabon Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office, the city's preparation includes engineering measures and community participation.

“Sa engineering side, patuloy ‘yung mga declogging operation namin, tsaka ‘yung paglilinis ng mga estero,” he said.

[On our engineering side, we are continuing our declogging operations and the cleaning of drainage canals.]

“Tapos sa paghahanda naman sa community, ‘yung mga barangay namin ay sinanay namin sa mga

protocol kung ano ‘yung dapat na gawin kapag may mga alert level na ipinaparating ang PAGASA,” he added.

[When it comes to the readiness of our community, we disciplined our barangay and we made sure that they know what action to do depending on the protocol. Especially whenever there is an alert level from PAGASA.] On Friday, May 27, the Department of Science and Technology received the city's automatic trash rake, which will be use to clean Letre creek along P. Brgy.

Aquino Avenue Tonsuya.

Several people were assigned to run the machine for at least two hours, particularly during the rainy season.

The project aims to clean up the Malabon-Tullahan River System of garbage, dried leaves, and other solid wastes.

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LITERARY

Against the Current

you remember isn't always the same as what you actually saw. We reside in

By ELI SAN MIGUEL time, and it contains us and n no particular order, I —small drops of rain shapes us, but I've never felt recall: leaving small dots on my like I fully grasped the idea —damped smell shirt of it. And I'm not talking —messy roofs concealed —fancy clothes left about theories on how it with rags wrinkled on the wooden travels and jumps back, or —a pool of excessively floor how it may occur in parallel dirty flood The last isn't variants elsewhere. Ticksomething I tock, click-clock, tick-tock, witnessed, click-clock, tick-tock, tickbut what tock, tick-tock, tick-tock.

Whenever I sniff anywhere here, I smell something like damped.

And it’s as if it brings me back to a certain period of time. Clueless. Wandering just in my imagination.

Searching for something.

Dissociating from my physical body because what's been bothering me seems to be out of this world or is in another universe.

Despite going anywhere

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around the place, I still have the same feeling whenever I see roofs that appear to be safe. A picture of rags concealing falling roofs that are susceptible to heavy rain comes to mind. And then the story goes on, the rain pours down, almost washing off the place. A flood comes rising to my knees and I’m afraid that it will pull me in, sinking into its terrifying depth. Only then I’d learn to swim with the current’s direction, cascading to an unfamiliar place where kids are having fun going against the flow.

As soon as I’m already learning to love the fun that the water brings, I find myself standing among the crowd again. Every face feels unfamiliar, every stranger is, of course, deemed strange. But I’m trying to find out whose corroboration I might need

to put reason in all of this.

It’s hilariously sad that I knew I’d plaster a smile on my face because I knew what I’d do next. It’s to look up in the sky, letting small raindrops on my face.

I run and run and run, looking for a shed. The rain’s getting heavier and I know, God, I know. I’d sniff because of a damped smell.

I’d see completely fine roofs triggering something inside me to burst out. Flood will get so high that it will eat me whole, sinking, washing away to an unfamiliar place with a peculiar scenario.

There will be kids having fun swimming against the current.

I remember, Pedring, the typhoon. I was reported missing in my hometown, Malabon. But as they kept on searching for me, I was devastated looking at my floating lifeless body.

Chained to Excellence T

By ANGELA FERNANDO

he trust between the city and its people is that Excellence could caress their hair just to gently push them away— and they would still close their eyes, blinded, in need of the saving he promised when they were still begging for the help of the crowd. People would tell me I am lying but I bet my life they were so in love with his lies.

Parade 1: We were walking through the dim streets of the hamlet. We joked about being young rebels, knowing full well the secrets of the city. We knew how close we were to the fishery when we heard the bustling place, well, that was what I at least thought, they were not as busy as I expected. The tune was killed after it put off the smoke of the fire in the ghetto near where I am standing from.

The lie I first heard that day? It was, “Excellence was close friends with the tune. He’d laugh together with its melodies.”

I was so scared when people shed tears telling them they pity Excellence when he is sitting in the highest chair the city has ever seen. I was more scared for them than for him. Are they deaf? Their stomachs are aching, shouting! When his kitchen is as big as the modernized house of the urban.

Oh, poor hamlet, tied to his chains, their family’s chains.

Poor, poor, poor people, blinded by everything he says.

Haiku: Scent and Memories

By MABEL VIERON & ELI SAN MIGUEL

I

II

The smell of old books Scented memories today Brings back the school years

Sniff between pages Absorbing your life chapters Child, be not afraid!

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LIFESTYLE/FASHION

VOL. I MMXXII

The Downtown: A lifestyle brand founded by CMU students

By ALEX QUINO

D

on’t you have any idea what your OOTD will be? Check out this lifestyle fashion brand website (downtownmnl.weebly) for creative inspos!

Nine CMU Journalism students are urged to consider their individual fashion preferences and how to look stylish while donning affordable apparel.

This initiative attempts to demonstrate how inventive students can be when it comes to fashion.

Every decade gives birth to a new style, which is what we're discussing nowadays. Our clothing conveys far more than you realize.

The Downtown is a prestigious fashion media brand created by the CMU students namely Erwin Vicentino, Alex Quino, Angela Fernando, Justin Geronimo, Israeli San Miguel, Angelo Sanchez, Czyrish Conopio, Rhowen Del Rosario, and Kimberly Quejada. The brand focuses on street style and serves as a platform for different people to show how they wear their own style.

By emphasizing street style, how it evolves over time, and Philippine culture, The Downtown provides an overview of the recent changes in the fashion industry and the newest trends.

There is a clear reason why streetwear has been popular for almost three decades.

Wearing specific brands or types of clothing is a great way to express oneself artistically and proudly.

Today's generations are constantly searching for new fashion trends. Almost everyone can express themselves through their attire, and it has never been simpler or easier to do so.

When you come to realize how far streetwear has come, you will probably be astonished by its deep urban roots.

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ENTERTAINMENT

VOL. I MMXXII

Top 4 Filipino fan favorite podcasts of 2022

By ALEX QUINO

A

re you anxious about your schoolwork and extracurricular activities? We all have an insatiable appetite for something new. We occupy our time by watching films. It is time to take a look deeper into the podcasting community. You can simply recline, put on your earphones, and close your eyes.

There is plenty to discover about podcasts and we’ve compiled our list for your next favorite show!

FILM REVIEW: OTJ by Erik Matti

E

rik Matti – the director of OTJ angers audiences as they descend further and further into the twisted path of greed, where they find how wicked politics can be and how corruption is the root of the class struggle.

If this will teach us something, that is, the world is not desaturated. We always need to choose the side where our principles are aligned. The intensity and the cruelty of the film will push you to swallow the truth about society and it is not something that every person is ready to face. We all know how politics can be a taboo for some, and that is the same reason why this film disturbed those that are unbothered.

This tackles politicians that hired incarcerated prisoners to leave jail and carry out several killings before returning to prison.

One reason that this film left an unsettling feeling is that: this is based on true events, and it is scary how politicians hold so much power over the lives of the people. The artists who portrayed Francis Coronel Jr. (Piolo Pascual), Tatang, Mario Maghari (Joel Torre), and Daniel Benitez (Gerald Anderson) did a great job in playing their roles because they really know how flat the emotions they should exert in a scene but still come off strongly

By ANGELA FERNANDO

effective. You also cannot deny how good the cinematography is. It fits the film theme so much. It captures all the aesthetics they should consider in an action-thriller setting. From their lines to the brutality of the scenes – it will send you and keep you curious. The way they narrate the story is very serious and meticulous without abandoning its human chaos. It’s like the viewers are part of the story. You will feel like you are with them in their journey, you’ll get dragged by their circumstances and frustrations.

One more realistic thing about the plot is how family plays an important role in the lives of Filipinos, it boasts our culture and spotlights the dark truth about how flawed our system is.

I feel like this kind of film can serve as a cry for change. A chance to have a better society where our classes and state will never dictate how our lives will turn to be because we have the privilege to live by our principles. This is a solid proof that something has to change in the system, a brave story-telling, and revolution through art and film.

I applaud Erik Matti for challenging the industry to create a movie that does not only resonates with people but also talks about

something that can disturb those people who are living in comfort. I admire the artists for carrying their roles because they help deliver the message and get through to the audience Although the theme and style are indie, the cast is well-known. This stunt casting of actors against type was distracting for indie fanatics, but it was actually part of the film's charisma.

The technical aspects of the film are excellent, especially the cinematography and editing. The atmosphere that resulted was both tense and exciting. Because the pacing was frenetic and you had no idea what would happen in subsequent scenes, the suspense was unbearable.

There are a few flaws in this excellent film, but they are minor. On the Job is a powerful film that masterfully blends artistry, entertainment, and meaning.

They bravely exposed our problematic political structures and how it is devastating as it is thoughtprovoking. Despite the flatness of their acting and the extremity of the plot, I can say that it is effective.

Effective in a way I am bothered today because of the fact that we are still living carrying this class struggle with us and we cannot remain silent.

Sleeping Pill with Inka - This ASMR-friendly audio show, narrated by Inka Magnaye, guides listeners through soothing readings of books and poems with the intention of reducing anxiety and aiding sleep.

In Adulting with Joyce Pring, - the well-known Filipino television personality and host offers advice and tips for those in their twenties. She discusses numerous topics, including mental health, love, relationships, and other life lessons.

Wake Up with Jim and Saab - is hosted by celebrity couple Jim Bacarro and Saab MagalonaBacarro. The musicians talk about their adventures in marriage and experience as new parents.

Boiling Waters PH - This podcast focuses on relationships and covers every aspect of dating and love, from courtship and romance to memes and humor.

Top 3 songs that will bring you nostalgia

By ANGELA FERNANDO

S

ometimes, I think music can really tell unsaid words and clandestine stories, and we relate to it.

It feels relieving to hear the words that have been sitting in your throat waiting to be played like an old CD album of The Carpenters. It will either make us feel too much or nothing at all so here are the top 3 songs that I always play whenever I want to just breathe and relax.

1. Move Mountains by VO. Alisa - It's a very empowering song that will make you believe in yourself again.

2. I Am Not Alone by Priscilla - Sometimes we feel different and it'll take courage to accept that it's okay.

3. Angela by Flower Face - We all have memories that we'd like to keep and it's also something that gives us contentment just by remembering it.

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FEATURE

THE CASCADE

VOL. I MMXXII

Nikko Pelaez: the iconic Malabonian in his ARTistic Pursuit

By RHOWEN ROSARIO & JENNY ALBASON

F

ilipino artist John Nikko Pelaez is a 23year-old painter from Malabon City who majored in Advertising Arts at the University of the East Caloocan. His work combines representational subjects, portraits, and outline illustrations with color and shape experimentation. In his pursuit of artistic practice, mostly his works are notable for addressing selfrealization, life experiences, and personal issues.

Since 2017, he has been displaying his artwork. He serves his audience with figurative art on various media, including acrylic on canvas and pen on paper, similar to stained glass windows filled with vivid angular forms but interspersed and defined with detailed line drawings.

Pelaez's work is not limited to fine art; he has collaborated with a number of brands to enhance their

collections with his own style. His extremely detailed compositions and use of vibrant colors and patterns have made his work popular.

He won several art competitions while in college including the PNOC Painting Competition (Grand Prize Winner), the MADE Metrobank Painting Category (Finalist), Manila Bulletin Sketch Fest in 2015, Artist of the Year at the University of the East, Vision Petron Competition in 2016, and the AAP 69th on-the-spot painting competition (honorable mention) in 2017.

The 23-year-old painter was faced against competitors from ten other nations, including Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand.

Pelaez's most recent claim to fame is that he was named Grand Champion of Vans Custom Culture Asia 2018, making his entry the First Filipino-Designed Vans Shoes.

While he was eager to represent the Philippines, there was one problem, according to wonderph: He didn't have a passport.

Because he and the Vans Philippines team were only notified of the final round in China a week before it was scheduled, this was going to be another make-orbreak moment, one that didn't go Pelaez's way.

But, just as Nikko believed in Filipino artists' abilities, Vans Philippines did as well.

They banded together in support of his inclusion, and their efforts were rewarded.

Vans Asia agreed to a compromise, allowing Nikko to compete from the Philippines as long as he adhered to the same schedule and protocols as his Chinese competitors.

When he was interviewed by Wonderph, he opened up about his experiences as a Filipino artist and what they mean to him, as Nikko Pelaez.

When Pelaez tells the story of his humble beginnings, he is soft-spoken as he credits his father with being the one who introduced him to the world of art.

Nikko regains his composure by thinking about the reason he joined in the first place, despite the fact that the situation

appears to be overwhelming.

"Hindi ko inisip na aabot sa merkado yung sapatos ko.

Hindi ko inisip yung cash prize. Gusto ko lang talaga sumali. Gusto ko lang sumali para sa sining." [I don't think that my shoes will reach the market. I don't think about the cash prize. I just want to join. I just want to join in the name of arts."

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VOL. I MMXXII

Angel Cacnio: the one who was incapable to work, discovered a creative world

By ALEX QUINO

M

ore than 400 years ago, Malabon was a picturesque town called “Mala” because of the mud that surfaced in the area.

Despite the image of the city, one artist was able to picture the Malabon from lower land into a high place full of hopes and creativity.

He is Angel Cacnio, born on June 6, 1931, and the youngest of eight children of Flaviano Cacnio and Telespora Cruz. Cacnio was the sickliest of the brood.

His incapability to work in the fishing field led him to discover his ability to expand his horizons in the arts.

From creating artistic forms using soft slushy mud, Cacnio became the artistic pride of the land and ranks among the country’s most admired visual artists who have mastered both oil and watercolor. His oil paintings are packed with life and overflowing with emotions.

Cacnio specializes in interplaying light and shadow while generating illusions of movement, depth, and clarity to attract the viewers.

With watercolor in his hands, he surpasses traditional themes such as l

landscapes and still lives to depict what he refers to as the folk genre of festivals and practices (i.e. cockfighting, carabao racing, dances, vendors, or a family having a modest meal).

It has been said that these subjects are rarely executed properly, let alone superbly, via the watercolor medium.

Watercolor is too fluid to render human forms

To be able to control water and colors and turn it into such beautiful masterpieces is fascinating. Nevertheless, Cacnio accepted the challenge and clearly excelled. He also paints people and scenes from his hometown Malabon that immediately evoke feelings of nostalgia in town mates.

His deft strokes are brilliant and bold which leaves no doubt in the viewer’s mind.

It was in 1953 when Tatlong Sabungero earned his firs award as a student, taking first place in the Shell National Student’s Art Competition. Many more important honors have followed him throughout the years such as Gintong Parangal of Malabon, and Centennial Awardee for Arts and Culture of the Gintong Ama Award.

He promotes local art.

He takes Malabon’s pride to the next level, with his name and works appearing in international publications such as The Who’s Who in International Art (1993-1994 Edition, Switzerland), The Selected Collection of Fine Arts by International Watercolorist (South Korea), and the Collection of International Watercolor (Taiwan), among others.