NOW NORMAL ISSUE (The Hillside Echo - Senior Multilingual Newsletter 2022) Vol. No. 5, Issue No. 5

Back on track in the ‘now normal’

FCUSHS faces ftf classes

After two years of distance learning, Filamer Christian University Senior High School (FCUSHS) has opened its doors for a face-to-face (ftf) classes for school year 20222023 following the evaluation and order of the Department of Education (DepEd).

Based on the DepEd Order No. 44 series of 2022, titled “School Calendar and Activities for the School Year 2022-2023,” all school are expected to return

Capiz submerges anew

Tropical storm Paeng flooded and damaged Capiz when it entered the country on October 25 affecting both districts of the province, the second weather disturbance to do so this year after typhoon Agaton also ransacked the province in April.

Due to heavy rainfall caused by the typhoon, 24 barangays from the municipalities of Cuartero, Dumalag, Sigma, Jamindan, Mambusao, and Tapaz were first affected by the flood

to ftf classes if approved by the department - one of the major targets of Vice President and DepEd Secretary Sara Duterte before the year ends.

“It is preferable [to me] for students to attend school rather than take online classes. Students can interact with teachers and even [their] classmates; they can share ideas and emotions,” Ms. Urla Dela, High School Principal, said affirming the return of the inperson classes.

FCUSHS started its dryrun for in-person classes way back August with classes set in half-day schedule alternately for Grades 11 and 12, and sections were divided in two groups.

“Face-to-face learning is the ideal and most effective way of learning, it allows both students and teachers to do their job right. Parents can also worry less of their children’s education because they know that the school is responding well to the students’ adjustments,”

on the probing

which eventually flowed to the first district towns of Panitan, Pontevedra, Roxas City and Maayon.

Classes and works were suspended in the province by each municipal chief exceutive.

Meanwhile, several Filamerians were not spared by Paeng as they found themselves either submerged in the flood or stranded in the city.

In mission to help

Sofia Francine Vista, Student Governor of FCUSHS, shared. However, based

of the publication, some students and even teachers are not yet ready for the implementation of full face-to-face classes due to some disadvantages, such as the commuter fiasco that they have to

THE OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF FILAMER CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY - SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

Photo by Reuters

NOW NORMAL EDUCATION Students gather in front of the Senior High School building every Monday for a flag ceremony, part of the in-person classes routine.

Photo by Mikylla Jeane Borro

FCUSHS alumni, namayagpag sa mga board exam

Nangibabaw ang mga dating mag-aaral ng Senior High School ng Filamer Christian University sa kani-kanilang Board Exams ngayong taon.

Ang 22 anyos na si Rodriner Billones na dating Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics batch 2018 ang nag-Top 1 sa buong Pilipinas noong Abril sa Registered MasterElectrician Licensure Examination na may markang 93%.

Nagtapos si Billones sa Capiz State University Main Campus sa kursong Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering noong Hulyo.

“Nag-umpisa ang

pangarap kong maging topnotcher noong nag-Top 6 ang tatay ko. Parati niya kasi akong niyayabangan na topnotcher siya,” saad ni Billones.

Aniya, malakas ang kutob niyang kasama talaga siya sa Top 10.

“Nang lumabas na ang resulta sa list of topnotchers kaagad akong pumunta at doon na nakumpirma ang aking hinala,” ani Billones.

Samantala, nagtapos naman ng Accountancy, Business and Management si Robert Christian Patani noong 2018, na nakakuha ng markang 84.50% sa Licensure Examination for Fisheries Professionals at naaangkin ang

PIA-6 spearheads Journalism Talk Webinar Series

ika-pitong puwesto mula sa 1,966 na kumuha ng exam.

“This success is, first and foremost, for our Almighty Father. He’s the reason for all of these,” wika ni Patani .

Nagtapos si Patani ng Bachelor of Science in Fisheries sa University of the Philippines -

deal with every day.

Visayas, Miag-ao, Iloilo ngayong taon bilang Cum Laude at Academic Excellence Awardee.

Nasabi rin niya na ang sikreto sa kaniyang tagumpay ay ang pagtitiwala sa Diyos ng buong puso, pagkakaroon ng disciplined study habit at solid na support system.

“We are still in the transition period; both teachers and students need more time to be fully ready. But still, we are thankful that despite the challenges of the face-to-face classes, we manage to perform our duty and fulfill our responsibility,” SHS teacher Ms. Fredilyn Celino shared.

Meanwhile, the current number of enrolment status in Grade 11 had a gradual increase from 574 last year to 633 this year which is seen as a result of the return of in-person classes despite the augmentation in the miscellaneous, LMS and module fees.

“As a parent, I believe that face-to-face instruction is more effective in the learning process because teachers can directly impart knowledge to learners about their lessons, and the learners can easily ask questions if they don’t understand their lessons well,” Mrs. Robelyn Borce, a parent of a SHS student, emphasized.

DepEd said that while 97.5% of public schools implemented full in-person classes, most private schools nationwide are still implementing the so-called “blended learning system,” which combines face-to-face and online classes.

Of the 11,701 schools nationwide that implement blended learning, 4,578, or 39.12%, conduct face-to-face classes, and 203 private schools, or 1.73%, implement full distance learning.

Since the pandemic began in March 2020, the Philippines had been one of the countries in the world where schools have shifted to distance learning and have not fully reopened for in-person classes until 2022.

FCUSHS ensures that health protocols are still followed inside the campus as the school holds whole-day classes from Monday to Thursday, and Friday is allotted for SHS activities, which started on November 9.

This is how Ms. Jemin Guillermo, the Regional Head of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) 6, described the student journalists from the region during the first day of the Journ Talk Series 2022 for High School, Oct. 11.

Ms. Guillermo added that Development Communication (DevCom) must be reflected on the articles published by the students to achieve a positive change in the society by crafting stories or views that is timely and relatable to their target audience.

This year’s PIA Journ Talk Series whic ran for three days via Zoom is anchored on the theme: “Relevance and Resilience in Campus Journalism through Development Communication” which captures the versatility of the school publications in making

themselves relevant in the new era of development communication.

“We continue to train our student writers, our school paper advisers so that we’ll be able to stay relevant and effective communicators” Ms. Guillermo added.

Over 39 school publications and 188 junior and senior student writers from Western Visayas participatesd virtually in the seminar-workshop.

“The Journ Talk Series is an eye-opener to be more relevant to whatever article should students write as it may be an instrument for a positive change in the society,” said Mr. Jose Erwin Borbon, School Paper Adviser The Hillside Echo - Senior (THES) the official publication of Filamer Christian University Senior High School.

Dr. Maria Cecilia Genove, Chairperson of the Broadcast Communication Department,

College of Arts and Sciences of Foundation University shared tips on feature writing, and Executive Director of the Philippine Reed and Rainforest Conservation Foundation and a trustee of the Association of Young Environmental Journalist, Dave Albo provided more knowledge about Science, Health and Environment.

“As a journalist who specializes in feature writing, I was able to inform myself with the different kinds of leads, endings, and word devices. I was also able to learn about the different formats for news writing and the importance of Sci-Tech articles,” said Joshua Quitoy, Editor-in-Chief of THES.

Meanwhile, THES bagged awards during the workshop with Most Promising in News Writing in English for Lhem Sejade Aborde, Associate Editor, and Most

Promising in News Writing in Filipino for Jaylesa Grace Zapico, News Editor.

“I am grateful to the entire THES publication for their trust in me, from accepting me as their staff to believing in me as one of the publication’s representatives at the annual PIA; words cannot describe the level of elation I am experiencing right now,” Zapico said.

In addition to Aborde and Zapico, THES Adviser Mr. Borbon also received an award for Most Promising in News Writing in English.

PIA has been conducting the campus journalism seminarworkshop pursuant to the Journalism Act of 1991, which mandates campus writers and advisers to undergo appropriate training on journalistic competence.

DALAWANG ALAS NG FCU SHS. Kuminang ang mga dating mga Filamerians sa larangan ng Board Exam . Larawan mula sa Facebook nina Billones at Patani

“You are the future of journalism. You are the future of this country.”

SHARING KNOWLEDGE. Staffers of the The Hillside Echo - Junior polish their practice entries for the PIA Journ Talk Series. Photo by Roselle Agaton

FCUSHS faces ftf/p.1

Patani Billones

SHS soars high in Founders Week events

Surviving COVID-19 pandemic, University (FCU) its 118th Foundation anniversary on August 23 until August 25 with highlighted competitions sponsored by the Socio-cultural Office, Student Republic and The Hillside Echo. With a Sadsad competition starting off the week on August 23, Senior High School (SHS) went home as champions and bagged a special award for Best in Sadsad, a big start for the

On the same day, a fashion runway competition landed at the SM City Roxas where SHS brought home a total

of 10 awards, with Charlie Jim Estares placing as first runner-up for men and Alyza Hermenegildo claiming the championship crown.

Meanwhile, Literary-Musical Competition was spearheaded by the Hillside Echo and the Socio-cultural Office at the FCU Gym, Aug. 24.

Skillfully, the College of Arts and Sciences enlivened their iconic slogan “Waswas CAS” as they dominated the event securing three titles in four contests.

On the other hand SHS, soaring loudly, was always right behind the mighty CAS, as Keizl Duron still spoke with confidence for the Extemporaneous Speaking even not placing in her category, and Maricar Sion, a crowd favorite, snatched the first place in Spoken Word Poetry.

SHS Ppop group’s rendition of “Dyosa” was able to secure the first place while Queenie Durana and Arron Aperocho’s “Lemniscate” which tackles the social issue of a stagnant society also snagged the first place in Sinephone.

On Thursday, paint and sweat dripped on the ground as Filamerian artists showcased their skills in the International Youth Day Art Mural

CEW bounces back louder

After almost three years of online programming of the Christian Emphasis Week (CEW) due to pandemic, the semestral event is back on track as it commenced face-to-face celebration, Nov. 21.

Hundreds of Filamerians from 11 departments together with the university administrators, faculty and staff joined the Jericho Walk then Opening Salvo at the University Gym.

"If you are in Christ, there will always be an endless hope; but if you are not in Christ, there is hopeless end," Dr. George Cortel shared in his welcome remarks as he emphasized his appreciation to the attendees of the event.

Meanwhile, preacher Rev. Cris Amorsolo Sian shared insights about suicide prevention and advised everyone to help each other in dealing with the issue of depression leading to suicide.

"We have a lifeline in Jesus, and if you have Jesus in your heart, be a lifeline [to others]," Rev. Sian emphasized.

The theme for this semester's CEW is "Jesus at 'now normal': Remaining in God's Sustaining Grace" which is anchored on Job 23:10-12, John 15:5-7, and 2 Corinthians 12:9.

Convocations were scheduled for each department in the week-long event and classes were shortened to give focus on the event.

SHS preachers include Pastor Yancy Japhet Martinez, Pastor Mary Grace Jamin, Pastor Gad Sabari Natan, and Pastor Lloyd Basco whose messages centered on hope, grace and confidence.

CEW is FCUs’ way of instigating its mission to inculcate Christian education and expose a united and comfortable religious atmosphere for its students and faculty.

Competition with SHS winning second place, while the College of Teacher Education secured the championship and CAS bringing home the first place.

traditional Filipino games were played, the College of Computer Studies wiped out the competition but SHS participants still fought for the taste of victory, securing the third spots for Sack Race and Dodge Ball. Overall, SHS garnered nine placement in the Founders Week events making it the top performer department.

students affected by the typhoon, Filamer Christian University extended assistance to students led by assigned leaders in each department.

In the High School, the second "Bulig Filamerian" was launched - a program with the objective of providing relief packs and assistance to Junior and Senior High School students stranded in the city.

Additionally, students from the College of Arts and Sciences, received cash as financial assistance to meet their needs after being stranded and unable to return home to their respective towns due to flood made road unpassable.

Meanwhile, due to the damage left by the typhoon, the provincial council, through the recommendation of Provincial Disaster Risk Reducation and Management Council, passed a resolution which put the whole province in a state of clamity to maximize the resources and power of the provinve to help the affected.

Based on data from the Office of the Civil Defense 6, more than 39 thousand families were affected by the flood caused by Paeng in Western Visayas; and according to the Department of Agriculture, 180,218.57 hectares of farm and aquaculture were damaged by the typhoon, of which 8,240.98 hectares were severely damaged while 26,883.67 hectares had minimal damage. Damage to the rice supply reached P706.8 million, mostly caused by the flood.

Environmental activist and former CAPENRO Head, Atty. Emilyn Arboleda-Depon, or known to her followers as The Tree Hugger, encouraged the public to plant trees and emits the use of plastic, also demanding the local government to take proactive vsteps to combat environmental issues ince massive flooding.

Filamerians unspared/p.1

Photos by Roselle Agaton and Mikylla Jeane Borro

GAD grinds to stop gender inequality

To give light to gender stereotypes and to focus on how it impact people’s wellbeing, Filamer Christian University hosted a hybrid session on gender sensitivity with Dr. Emelyn Angeles Dela Cruz, who graced the occasion as the seminar’s keynote speaker, Oct. 5.

Gender and Development (GAD), which is the term for the development of perspectives andprocesses, was introduced by Dr. Dela Cruz, “GAD is an advocacy, and it is faithful to the principle that development is for all.”

She added, “GAD is not a battle of the sexes that pits men against women.”

She stated that the main reason is gender inequality, or men overpowering women, but society is the biggest factor in this kind of concept.

“Society manipulates us to be something, for instance, invalidating a woman’s capabilities and being blind to the rights of another gender; this causes stereotypes and leads to inequality.”

Currently, the university is furnishing its program for Gender and Development to cater the needs of different gender in the university

justifiying the firm support of the school to empowerment and comfort of any gender.

Dr. Dela Cruz added, “Your university is a religious institution but I don’t see any problem that it could hinder the GAD advocacy here.”

She encourage the administration to institutionalize and emposer the GAD program of the Guidance and Counselling Office.

The whole seminar promotes stopping the cycle of bias in school and community, and implied that no gender is above or below.

Capiznon architects commemorate World Architecture Day; 5 STEM studes join

United Architects of the Philippines along with the United Architects of the Philippines Graduate Auxiliary – Capiz Chapter, and United Architects of the Philippines Student Auxiliary – CapSU Chapter celebrates the World Architecture Day at SM Roxas City, Oct. 3.

The theme of World Architecture Day 2022 is "Architecture for Well-being," which corresponds to 2022 being designated as the International Union of Architects (UIA) Year of Design for Health and the Union's commitment to employ evidence-based design to enhance health in buildings and communities.

Five Grade 12 Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) students from Filamer Christian University (FCU) including Drixcyn Jann Guillano, Justin Christian Olano, Ma. Ella Alayon, Queenie Durana and Crystal Leigh Felipe accompanied by Mr. L. Marius Alayon participated in the event and were given glimpse to the significance of architecture.

"Overall, the event was good and informative. We were able to meet licensed architects

and see their works for ourselves. We also participated in a competition where participants were to create a 3D model out of barbecue sticks," Olano shared.

FCUSHS iconic building is one of the projects on display at the exhibition.

Roxas City Mayor Ronnie Dadivas was also present in the event who showed his appreciation for all the city's architects for their ongoing efforts to make a positive impact in their field.

World Architecture Day

Filamerian clinches speaking tilt

With her convincing speaking skills, Thiareze Barrios of Senior High School took home the 2nd place in the Interschool Be Honest Challenge Oratorical Competition at Robinsons Place –Roxas, Nov. 5.

The topic for the Oratorical Competition was “Honesty amidst Adversity” performed by eight contestants and the topic for both essay writing and poster making

is created by the UIA in 1985 and celebrated every first Monday of October, on October 3 this year, to appreciate the great architectural works of the ancient and modern worlds and the super brilliant people who design them.

The celebration was followed by an architectural exhibition, a UAPSA modeling contest, and a face painting contest, all of which were attended by students from various city schools in Roxas City.

contest given on the spot circled around “The Battle between Honesty and Falsehood”.

“Seeing my coaches, teachers, and family members proud made me smile genuinely. When it was my turn to perform, I was just thinking about not stuttering or making movements of nervousness. But everything turned out fine, and I am grateful for this experience,” Barrios stated.

Her piece which centers on day-to-day challenges mixed with her strong diction and conident stage precense prevailed as she devoured the platform securing a placement in the contest.

Eleven different schools competed in four contests organized by the Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals;

SHS embraces new LMS amid ftf class

Despite the eventual leaning towards face-to-face (ftf) classes, Filamer Christian University Senior High School subscribed to a new Learning Management System (LMS), the TekTeach by TechFactor. This is the third time the school utilized and changed its LMS; from Aralinks in 2020, NeoLMS in 2021, and currently TekTeach.

While some students do not see any relevance in the utilization of LMS in a face-to-face mode of learning, the school is determined to push it through even without a Department of Education’s order to scaffold its move.

TekTeach LMS promises to be better and more user-friendly than its contemporary, having a website and an app free to download and install in mobile phones. However, during the preliminaries, different log in issues emerged among students and teachers, a problem that is common at first.

Using TekTeach, some subject activities or lesson outputs are to be submitted therein, meaning, face-to-face submission will be limited.

The LMS will be used for the whole year as announced during a PTA meeting, and students are required to pay 300 pesos for the LMS.

essay writing, manual and digital poster making, and oratorical competition.

Kieth Danrev Adam represented the Junior High School in the essay writing contest. On the other hand, the poster-making-manual participant was Queenie Durana of the Senior High School.

Lawaan Integrated School took three wins, College of St. John and Child’s Academy Inc. bagged two.

“I saw this as an oppurtuity for a learning experience to further hone my public speaking skills,” Barrios sateted.

Barrios was coached by Ms. Lira Sheen Azarce.

FUTURE ARCHITECTS. STEM students from FCU actively explore the works of Capiznon architects exhibted during the Architecture Day. Photo by L. Marius Alayon

SPEAKS VOLUME. Barrios with her coach Ms. Azarce pose after victorious feat. Photo from Thiareze Barrios

Roxas City opens newest activity center

City Government of Roxas led by Mayor Ronnie Dadivas opened its newest tourist attraction and activity center to the public, Paseo del Rio and Casa de Mercado along the Panay River, Feb. 11

It was on November 2020 that the city government started planning the project.

The river promenade begins at San Roque Bridge in Teodoro Arcenas Trade Center (TATC) towards Altavas Street towards the portion of Washington Street until Julian Alba Bridge and Premier de Mayo Street.

“Kabalo ako nga subong nga tion sang pandemya nagin limitado guid ang aton paghulag. Ang Paseo del Rio magahatag sang kahigayunan sa aton nga bisan paano sa aton pagguwa agud makarelax, feeling safe kita bangud ini isa ka open space,” Mayor Dadivas stated.

Paseo del Rio or River Walk used to be a dumping site and was transformed and rehabilitated into a public leisure space, where people can have a relaxing walk and enjoy the scenery of Panay River and the hustle and bustle in the ‘lipunan’ market.

“Panugod pa lang ini sang

madamo pa nga nakalinyada naton nga beautification projects sa Roxas City nga aton mapabugal bisan diin kita magkadto,” Mayor Dadivas added.

Paseo del Rio accommodates stalls and kiosk for different products such foods, refreshement, fresh produce, handicraft, and others. Moreover, KPop organization in Capiz also makes the area their stage for several activities, and lastly, art session and exhibits also add up to the attraction in the location.

Progreso sang Roxas City, guinkilala

Nahanungod sa progreso sang siyudad sang Roxas sa nanari-sari nga aspeto, guinpasindunggan ini bilang ikaduha sa mga Most Improved Local Government Unit (Component City) sa Western Visayas, Nob. 18.

Maliban sini, nakakuha pa sang duha ka pagkilala ang siyudad bilang 2nd Place sa Infrastructure Pillar nga

nagrangko 47 sa 113 tanan ka Component CIty LGUs sa pungsod, kag 2nd Place sa Innovation Pillar kung sa diin nakuha sini ang ika-30 nga rangko sa bug-os nga pungsod.

“Ginakalipay ko nga ipakigbahin sa inyo ang nabaton sang aton siyudad sa ginhiwat nga

DTI 6th Regional CMCI Awards for Competitive LGUs,” suno kay City Mayor Ronnie Dadivas.

Nabaton sang siyudad

ang Most Improved LGU nga award tungod sa pagtaas sang ranking ukon puntos sa Economic Dynamism, GOvernment Efficiency, Infrastructure, Resiliency, kag Innovation.

Sa Infrastructure Pillar naman nagapakita nga gaumwad ang siyudad sasa pagtukod sang mga Road Networks, Distance to Ports, Availability of Basic Utilities, Transportation Vehicles, Education, Health, Investment, Information Technology kag iban pa.

Ang Innovation Pillar naman nagalibot sa paggamit sang teknolohiya, internet kag paghatag priority sa mga STEM graduates.

Ang Cities and Municipalities Competitive Index (CMCI) Awards sang Region 6 nagakilala sa mga tikang sang lokal nga gobyerno sa tuyo sini nga progreso kag isa man ini ka pamaagi sang Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) agud mahikayad ang tagsa ka situdad nga panamion pa guid ang mga programa sini.

Padayon naman ang administrasyon ni Dadivas sa mga proyekto sini sa siyudad agud mapanami pa guid ang Roxas.

Capiz positibo sa red tide

Sining Oktubre 5 sang una nasapwan sa mga kalalawran sang Roxas City, Panay kag Pilar ang Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning ukon mas kilala nga Red Tide Toxin.

Base ini sa Shellfish Bulletin No. 19 of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Central Office sa Quezon City dated sa nasambit nga petsa.

Luwas sa mga nasambit nga banwa, nangin positibo man sa makamamatay nga PSP ang mga panginhason nga nakolekta gikan sa Sapian Bay (Ivisan kag Sapian) kag coastal waters sang President Roxas suno sa pahayag sang Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources – Provincial Fisheries.

Tungod sini, guinhinyo ang mga pumuluyo nga indi anay pagkaunon ang mga panginhason gikan sa nasambit nga kalalawran.

Ginapahanugutan naman kaunon ang mga isda, pusit, pasayan, kag alimango apang hugasan kag limpyuhan sang maayo antes lutuon.

Capiz naghakot sang Perlas

Nagpanguna sa liwat ang probinsya sang Capiz sa tinalikdan nga Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines (ATOP) Pearl Awards sadtung Oktubre 27. sa Tagaytay City.

Nakuha sang Capiz ang Grand Champion title sa Best Tourim Interpretation Category para sa “Balay-Balay Program” kag First Runner Up award sa Best Culture and Arts Program para sa proyekto nga “Tayuyon”.

Ginbaton ni Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office head Mr. Alphonsus Tesoro ang pagkilala nga suportado naman sang bag-o nga gobyerno sang probincya, Gob. Fredenil Castro.

Ginhikot ang awarding kaupod sang 23rd National Convention sang Department of Tourism.

PROGRESS ON SPOTLIGHT. Malipayon ng ginbaton sang Roxas City administration mga pagkilala sang DTI para sa siyudad Photo from roxacity.gov.

TURISMO MISMO. Ginbaton ni PTCAO

Chief Tesoro ang kadalag-an sang probinsya Laragway gikan sa DTI

Photos by Roselle Agaton

Filamer Christian University (FCU) prides itself as being one of the most outstanding schools around the region. But will you still call it outstanding, if you found out that it is unfair to its own students?

FCU is a known Christian school which aims to protect and mold its students spiritually through the ways of religious teaching. It is a Baptist school that has Bible classes and Values Education courses as one of its most important core subjects. This University does everything to make sure the students keep their strong faith in the Creator they believe in. It is not faulty to have such principles. However, Christians can be so unlike Christ.

rights in the provision and governance of basic education. After months of raising this concern, they were finally heard and the LGBTQ+ Community have been given importance that they are rarely granted. The people have celebrated this win and had expected easier times to come. But who could have expected, that our very own academe, would rebel from this?

One male student from the SHS is an expressive member of the LGBTQ+ community. They had long hair, and expected their hair to stay that way. Having the DepEd Order protecting them, they thought that they could survive the academic year with ease. But they were wrong. Once they have been sighted, they were called upon the Office of Student Affairs to dispute about how they violated a school rule citing that “no male student of FCU should have long hair”. Thus, making them cut their hair or forcing them into a wig.

threaten its students to fit into their religious beliefs in the fight for human rights.

Last September 7, Department of Education (DepEd) Order No. 32 s. 2022 was issued to schools under its jurisdiction. GenderResponsive Basic Education Policy, which provides the Gender-Responsive Basic Education that shall allow the Department to integrate the principles of gender equality, gender equity, gender sensitivity, nondiscrimination, and human

Another instance of this discriminatory display is disallowing students to crossdress on a special occassion which is a bit ironic since the school had been supporting a pageant of men dressing as women or gay in a certain college. A slap on the face of the LGBTQ+ members.

Following the existence of DepEd Orde No. 22, FCU should follow the guidelines that has been stated. Filamer should not be an exemption even if it is a Christian school. The 1987 Constitution of the Philippines declares: The separation of Church and State shall be inviolable. So FCU should not

This University is proud to call itself Christian because it do well and is kind to other people as it follows what is written in the Bible. Yet, that very same University deemed as polite is the very one who reprimands students from expressing themselves. Is it not the goal of Christianity to spread love? Then why are they stopping young students from being themselves? Not only did they take away our freedom, but they are openly disobeying the an order.

Currently, the school has been institutionalizng the Gender and Development program under Guidance and Counselling office, but their “priority” is only eclusive the men and women and no emphasis is highlighted towards other genders.

Perhaps it is true that there is nothing more oppressive than Christian love as it limiting freedom for the sake of conservativeness. Even with existing DepEd orders, members of the LGBTQ+ remain discreet in FCU. They have to follow the discriminatory school policy and environment because they do not have choice.

EDITOR’S NOTE

This University does everything to make sure the students keep their strong faith in the Creator they believe in.

FCU should not threaten its students to fit into their religious beliefs in the fight for human rights.

Joshua Quitoy Editor-in-Chief

The Hillside Echo Senior The Official Student Publication of Filamer Christian Univeristy Senior High School

It’s we, hi! We’re the problem

used to for two years. But we are now in the adjustment period and gradually, we are able to adapt to the demand of the education in the ‘now normal’. What’s not perfectly ready and conditioned perhaps is the school, our beloved University.

Two years of school year were nailed on a distane learning using the moduar and online classes. This made our learning harder to process because of several disturbances amid the pandemic. When the opening of school for face-to-face (ftf) classes was announced, we were all taken aback! Perhaps it was an exciting news for learners who are effective in an in-person classes setup and for teachers who are burdened by the new modes of teaching.

The eventual transistionaing to ftf classes apparently has given us separation separation anxiety for the new normal we were

School facilities, they are vital in the education. It is in the these equipment that an institution becomes more effective and marketable. However, from what I have witnessed and experienced in Fiamer Christian University, some floors do not have working bathrooms, some have broken lights, while ours has a broken fan.

I find it ironic that private schools have this stereotype where every corner of the facility would shine or how every room is as cold as the arctic, our lovely Christian school however is everything but that.

One would conclude that state of the art tech and services would be present in one of the most outstanding schools in the province. However, even something as simple as a working water dispenser is hard to find at this department and a clean cubicle is heaven’s miracle. Meanwhile, school canteen is very limited. However, is the

department truly to blame? How can a school claim to be prepared when the upper floors do not even have flowing water? Is not looking and being clean something that our school considers a norm? I find it disappointing that the school continues to push the narrative that its ready for face-to-face but lacks in providing the proper necessities within the campus. Additionally, let me put notice unto the girls bathroom at the first floor, it is a necessity to hold your breath when passing by.

of students plugging in amplifiers for electric guitars and even electric kettles. The school limits the use of power sockets because of the chance for short circuits, a result of the aforementioned would be the smoking air conditioning unit at the Roblee Hall at the second day of Christian Emphasis Week.

Howevever, do we students truly take care of our facilities? Just as how unmaintained the facilities are, so are how the student carelessly use such facilities. It has been a constant reminder for every class to not use the power sockets unless it is a necessity, however, there has been cases

Komentaryo: Friendship no more!

From the administration who, in all fairness, try to maintain the facilities and from the students that carelessly use school facilities, please improve! Take action to fix our broken fans and stop pointing fingers towards students as the sole problem. Students, stop treating the school as if it has unlimited sources, we may be in a private school but we are definitely lacking in funds, take care of what we have because as someone that has been through the worst at the Junior High School bathrooms, we truly have it better.

There is no such thing as the bad guy in this story, what everyone lacks in their own responsibilities makes all of us a victim in here.

“Guro ang pangalawang magulang.”

Ito ang malaking papel na ginagampanan ng guro na siyang dahilan ng pagiging dakila sa propesyong ito. Bagamat alam nating mahirap ang tungkuling ito, patuloy pa rin ang walang sawang pagmamahal at sakrispisyo, pagaalay ng buhay sa larangang ito at buong dedikasyon sa pagtuturo para sa mga mag-aaral upang maging produktibong mamamayan ng bansa.

Batay sa Kagawaran ng Edukasyon (DepEd) noong Setyembre 1, tinatarget nila ang tumanggap at makaabot ng halos 10,000 pang mga guro para sa 2023. Ibig sabihin ay mas marami pang tagapagturo ang magsisilbing

pundasyon ng ating komunidad. Pero paano kung ang mga haligi ng paaralan ay wala ng karapatang maging sandalan ng mga mag-aaral? Sa kabisaan sa pinirmahang DepEd Order 49 nitong, Nobyembre 2, lahat ng mga guro ay pinagbabawalan nang makipag-usap sa kanilang mga estudyante sa labas ng paaralan, o kahit man lang ang pag-follow sa social media para sa pagtataguyod ng tinatawag na propesyunalismo. Sa karagdagan, naipahayag pa ni Bisepresidente at kalihim ng Edukasyon na si Sara Duterte na dapat may pagitan sa guro at estudyante, na hindi dapat makipagkaibigan sa mga mag-aaral na nagreresulta ng pagkabias ng isang tao na nakapagdudulot ng problema .

Dahil dito, umani ito ng iba’t ibang reaksyon at maraming kumunot ang noo sa nasabing kautusan. Maraming guro at mga mag-aaral ang nanlumo sa kadahilanang tila nawalan na nang kalayaan ang katulad nila na makipag-ugnayan at magkaroon ng malayang komunikasyon sa kabila man ng edad, kasarian, katayuan sa buhay at posisyon.

Kung ganun na lamang, ilegal na bang maituturing ang pagiging pala-kaibigan sa estudyante sa panahon ngayon? Masama na bang maging sandigan ng mga mag-aaral sa problemang hindi nila masabi sa kanilang mga magulang at pamilya maging sa kanilang mga kaklase? Dahil kung iisipin at susuriing mabuti ay maaalalang ang patakaran ng departamento ay ang magkaroon ng tinatawag na ‘child

friendly’ na komunidad na kung saan ang mga mag-aaral ay malayang makipaghalubilo at makapagpahayag ng damdamin o saloobin na matatagpuan sa loob ng apat na sulok ng silid-aralan o ng tinatawag na ikalawang tahanan, ang paaralan.

Batay pa sa mga ilang kaguruan, mas nahihimok, nabibigyang sigla at inspirasyon ang mga kabataan na mag-aral nang mabuti at matuto dahil sa ang kanilang tagapagturo ay kanilang ikalawang magulang, kaibigan at kapatid na siyang gagabay at pupunan ng pagmamahal at kakulangan na hindi matatagpuan sa kani-kanilang mga tahanan. Iyon rin ang isang kadahilanan kung bakit hanggang sa social media ay walang patid ang pagpapatuloy ng koneksyon ng mga guro sa kabataan upang masubaybayan ang pagtubo at paglago ng iba’t ibang aspeto ng buhay nila. Bunga nito, mas napapaunlad din ng mga kabataan ang kanilang kasanayan sa loob man o labas ng paaralan. Ito ang bagay na siguro’y hindi maliwanag o hindi masyadong naiitindihan na kadahilanan sa pagpatupad ng patakaran na ito. Walang masama sa patakarang inilatag ng DepEd bagamat ito’y paalala lamang sa mga guro upang mapanatili ang propesyunalismo at matandaan ang mga limitasyon sa bagaybagay upang makaiwas sa anumang problemang maaaring makapagdulot ng kapahamakan lalong-lalo na sa kanilang reputasyon. Tinuturuan tayo nitong maging mapagmatyag ay maging mapag-obserba na rin sa tamang gawi

bilang isang guro. Samakatuwid, hindi labag sa batas ang makipag-usap o makipag-ugnayan sa mga magaaral sa loob o labas man ng silidaralan. Ito lamang ay pagpapakita ng pagkuha ng karapatan sa mga guro na matulungan ang mga magaaral na matutong magpabatid ng kanilang sariling opinyon o kaisipan. Sa karagdagan, ang ACT Teacher’s party-list ay sumang-ayon at pumalag sa nasabing order lalo na’t tila ito’y pagpapatikom ng mga bibig ng mga guro o sa madaling sabi ay pagapatahimik sa guro.

Gayunpaman, huwag sana nating ipagkait ang pagmamahal at pagunawang hindi natatamasa ng mga mag-aral sa kanilang tahanan. Sumibol man ang patakarang ito, manatili tayong maging bayani sa mumunting puso ng mga estudyante. Isipin pa rin natin ang mas makabubuti sa kanila, maging man sa mga ikalawang magulang----- ang mga GURO.

There is no such thing as the bad guy in this story, what everyone lacks in their own responsibilities makes all of us a victim in here.

Huwag sana nating ipagkait ang pagmamahal at pag-unawang hindi natatamasa ng mga mag-aaral sa kanilang tahanan.

ur society is built on the premise of conservativeness as influencced by our religion. It limits the coming out of several LGBTQ+ members as they may be put into hot water when they come out of their shells. However, there is a palpable progress over the years in the evolution of social opinions and attitudes related to individual’s sexuality, gender, identity, and gender expression. The world is embracing the rainbow! Now if you are in doubt or fear of identifying yourself, here’s your quick guide. Slay!

how do i identify

identify myself?

Art by Quennie Durana Words by Joshua Quitoy

lente pagsilip sa mga ganap sa ‘now normal’

AWIT NG PANANAMPALATAYA. Muling Emphasis Week sa face-to-face na pamamaraan koneksyon ng mga mag-aaral sa Diyos. Kuha

WALANG BALAKID. Malaya nang hindi gumamit ng facemask ang mga magaaral sa loob ng paaralan alinsunod sa utos ni Pang. Bongbong Marcos nitong Oktubre. Kuha ni Roselle Agaton

PAK, SLAY! Si John Vic Delos Reyes ay miyembro cross-dress noong Spookvember event ng at pagtaas ng kilay mula sa iba dahil sa kaniyang ganda at kompiyansa, isa siya sa mga pinarangalan sa araw na iyon. Kuha ni Jose Erwin Borbon

FRIENDLY NEIGHBOR. Bakas ang saya sa mukha ng mga elementary students na bumisita sa Senior High School upang saksihan ang Spookvember event kung saan ay nakita nila ang mga superhero characters . Kuha ni Roselle Agaton

SHEESHHHH Sa unti-unting pagbalik sa normal, nanunumbalik din ang sigla ng iba’t ibang ganap sa siyudad ng Roxas kabilang na ang sunod-sunod na aktibidad sa Paseo del Rio kagaya ng Kpop Dance Showdown. Kuha ni Mikylla Borro

Maituturing na isang tagumpay ang pagbubukas muli ng mga paaralan para sa faceto-face na klase matapos ang dalawang taon dahil sa pandemya. Naging masigla ang pagsalubong sa sa pagpapatuloy ng edukasyon sa loob ng mga silid-aralan. Kaakibat nito ang iba’t ibang kaganapang humuhubog sa kakayanan, talento at talino ng mga magaaral. Sa muling pagbubukas ng mga paaralan, gayundin ang mga opurtunidad, aktibidad o selebrasyon sa paaralan na nagpapatingkad sa damdamin at emosyon ng bawat isa.

miyembro ng LGBTQ+ at proud na nagStudent Republic. Umani siya ng papuri kaniyang suot. Ngunit, dahil sa angking pinarangalan na may pikamagandang suot Borbon

IWAS AT TALON. Naging kapana-panabik ang mga eksena sa Laro ng Lahi kung saan makikitang naging masaya ang mga manlalaro at maging manonuod habang nagbabakbakan ang mga koponan sa mga larong

ABOT-LANGIT. Hindi magkamayaw ang mga guro ng Senior High School matapos ianunsyong panalo ang kanilang koponan sa Sadsad Competition na bahagi ng ika-118 na anibersaryo ng paaralan. Kuha ni Mikyllla Jeane Borro

Pinoy. Kuha ni Roselle Agaton Muling ipinagdiwang ang Christian pamamaraan kung saan lumalim ang Kuha ni Jose Erwin Borbon

the ‘peanut butter guy’

Story of versatility and grit

If you love peanut butter, you know MJ. And chances are MJ knows you, too.

The sound of students chattering while packing their belongings began to fill the room as the class was dismissed. The corridor was swarmed with people rushing to go home.

“Uy may utang ka pa sakon ha!” he exclaimed, followed by an echoing laugh It’s the end of another day for teenager Michael John Lobaton (MJ), Grade 11 TVL-ICT student of Filamer Christian University. At 16, he is one of those students burning a candle at both ends. Holding a pen and paper in daylight and is back on his grindstone packing jars peanut butter and delivering it to his clients. His customers are often students and teachers.

Michael is multipotentialite - it seems like he would dominate any stage. He is good at singing, a guitarist, a pianist, a violinist, and a drummer. In fact, he is a member of the FCU Chorale and DSAS club of Senior High School. But it does not stop from here; he excels in different sports too such as swimming, cycling, volleyball, basketball and running. Despite his busy schedule, he remembers to take care of himself physically and mentally. He jogs, does calisthenics, and body-building.

In his past years, he struggled in studying because he did not have a computer to use. This has become a goal for him. As fascinating as it is, it can also be overwhelming. But he never saw adversity as a reason to give up; instead, he saw it as an opportunity to grow. The pain and struggles were not excuses to give up, but rather inspiration to keep going.

This year, he got scammed for P1,500 after he bought something online but received wipes instead.

“Waay gid ko naghibi, hala ko ngaa mahibi ko di ya sa akon kwarto sa isa ka semana kung pwede man lang ko katindog kag kabaligya

liwat kag bawion ang kwarta? Waay ko oras mag hibi,” he said showing strength..

Even after everything he had to go through, he kept on walking. Although life’s challenges and uncertainties can sometimes pursue you, that doesn’t mean it’s the end of the road. Just through the haze and everything will clearer soon.

Michaels’ success hasn’t been without sacrifices.

Despite all his struggle he believes happiness is based upon the quality of your thoughts.

A jar of peanut butter would be nothing more than a breakfast spread or sandwich filling for most people, but for him, it is the cornerstone of his future plans. To enjoy the real treat of life, take big bites. When you support a small business, you’re supporting a dream.

“Kung si Jesus nga Diyos, Creator naton, nag suffer even without sin, how prideful I am to blame God in times of pain and trials. How dare you self.”

Photos by Roselle Agaton

LUNA

Every night when we look out the window, we see beautiful stars rising above the clouds, but stargazing is incomplete without also observing the moon. We observe how the moon illuminates the starless night. You might fall in love with the moon just by looking at it. But why is today’s moon sort of red? A red moon? I mean a lunar eclipse.

Aside from a partial Solar Eclipse that happened on October 25, 2022, and on November 8, 2022 for about 85 minutes, a Total Lunar Eclipse was visible in the Philippines. A total lunar eclipse occurs when the moon, Earth, and Sun are all in line, with the Earth in the center. The moon is cast in Earth’s shadow. They are an intriguing skywatching target because they can only occur during a full moon.

Although there is no proof that lunar eclipses affect individuals physically, NASA claims that they can have “deep psychological effects.”

According to sciencing.com, “While science finds no physical links to lunar eclipses, the beliefs about eclipses - and their causes -have led to some dramatic changes to people throughout history.” Because eclipses are frequently interpreted as warnings or bad omens, ancient tribes have sacrificed persons and animals to appease angry gods.

However, when the moon escapes from the shadow, the process is reversed. A lunar eclipse lasts for around three hours in total. Totality, or when the moon is in the umbra, typically lasts an hour; however, this might vary depending on the eclipse. Tidal impacts are increased when the sun and moon are in alignment with the Earth. When the sun and moon are at perfectv angles to one another from Earth, this attraction cancels out the tidal pull. Tides are higher at a full moon because a lunar eclipse can only happen at that time.

Furthermore, Earth will witness two lunar eclipses in 2023. On May 5, there will be a penumbral lunar eclipse, which will be visible in areas of Australia, Asia, and Africa. On October 28, there will be a partial lunar eclipse that will be visible in portions of Europe, the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Australia.

Why not 'tabagak'?

local treat, a sure hit

Isda!

Alimango!

Welcome to Roxas City the seafood capital of the Philippines where myths of aswang and witches inhabit. Wait a minute, tabagak ? I always hear that kind of fish in some music parody out there yet know that this fish is also one of the trademarks and best dish you can find in the seafood capital of the Philippines.

Salted and sun-dried fish is a popular dish in Capiz and a mainstay of Filipino breakfast cuisine, tabagak. It is known as “tuyo” in Tagalog, and it is typically served with eggs, fresh tomatoes, and other breakfast favorites. The smell of commonly fried food frequently permeates the kitchen, surrounding rooms, and even neighboring homes, giving everyone the impression that someone will be enjoying a delicious morning.

However, there are a variety of ways to prepare tabagak. If you want it with less grease, sugba it or grill it over charcoal, but you must be careful since it burns rapidly. When homemade spice and vinegar are added to fried tabagak as a dip, the dish will undoubtedly improve. In addition, you can make tabagak ala binodo, which is a dish made famous by the Ilonggo people and consists of highly salted, semi-dried fish. Remove the scaly part from the oil after frying the dry fish, and then sauté it with finely chopped garlic and onions.

There are numerous ways to consume tabagak, and virtually always it can be the perfect complement to some of the world’s finest cuisines. If you’re looking for a meal that won’t cost too much, tabagak will suit your tastes.

A trip to Roxas City is not complete without tasting tabagak so what are you waiting for? Dali na sa Roxas City. Bon appetite!

Photo fromSpace.com

THE MOON IS BEAUTIFUL, ISN’T IT?

Photos from Capiz Tourism Office/Facebook

Spirits hack their ODM Basketball journey with learnings grooved in jersey

FCU Spirits, despite being raw and new, wagged the school banner full of pride and tact in the ODM Basketball League — a school-based basketball tournament hosted at Capiz Gym.

Headed by Coach Stephen Nalica, Spirits fought with head held high against rippling challenges forged by competitive schools here in Capiz.

In their opening game, Ryne Dalmino led his troop to thrash the hardworking St. John Knights, 99-87.

FCU’s defensive stops turned to offense lent a hand on them to have the charge as the game was heading to the settling crunch to earn W in front of hundreds of fans who clustered early in the Capiz

Meanwhile, in their second spree, Spirits keeled against mighty Hubs off a nip-and-tuck split, 98-93.

Spirit’s offensive draught in the tipping point allowed Hub to hook the momentum and net controlof the game.

Capizenas hit, overtake titles

A bulls-eye chance for World Cup

With her hawk eyes and numinous firing knack, Marly Llorito Martir of Brgy. Jagnaya, Jamindan, Capiz put the unsung name of her folklorically opulent province in the red-brick and high-ceilinged hall of fame as she pumped BBM Cup Shooting Competition full of lead to finish on top of the heap, Sept. 12.

Martir, a Philippine Navy Commander, triumphantly kept the astral title, Philippine Lady Classic Champion, she held for herself since 2018 to give an elusive weight to her spot in the World Cup XIX to be held at Pattaya, Thailand, NovemberDecember 2022.

In their third run-in, FCU seemed to lose a bit of motivation which CPC Angels took advantage of, getting hands of the victory with 99-68 fête of superiority.

Spirits’ long haul under the hoop paved the way for Angels to grip a treacly feat.

Meanwhile, Los Obreros with their balanced shooting and remarkable ball movements, annihilated FCU in the last game of the knockout round, 93-65.

Filamer found it hard to keep pace with St. Joseph abet by their evident impediment, which Los Obreros capitalized on with rathe shots in the paint to score a sweep.

Placing fourth at the rear of elimination, Spirits were given a chance to live for another day, however, for the meantime as they’re going against familiar foes, the unbowed Los Obreros with twice-to-beat crimp in hold.

Spirits gave their best and prest against St. Joseph, but despite that, fate denied their hankerings as Los Obreros sported another prime

showing that finally busted the guys in red, 101-73.

In the interim, FCU ended their journey in the dashand-dribble-tourney with one win under its belt to pair off four loses down the rink.

“Bale, kinahanglan gid ya sang support sang school kay waay gid ya. ‘Di pa gid masyado full nga support pero basi mabatyagan man sang school [kay] nakikita man nila nga may mga incoming games ang mga players. [Isa pa], ginatinguhaan pa ang mga bag o [nga players] para mabuo ta ang team nga ginasililing ta nga pag abot sa kompetisyon, maayo,” Spirits Coach Stephen Nalica said. By a long shot, Spirits hits the tail end of their month-long course with sullen tinctures of downfall.

It might be the end for some, but for Spirits, with weighty learnings and experiences tucked in their trunk, it’s just the beginning.

“Hard practice lang,” said Spirits Coach Nalica.

She is a sharp-shooter with unsurmountable accolades which include the following: Gold Medalist 30th SEA Games 2019 — Individual; Gold Medalist 30th SEA Games 2019 – Team; Silver Medalist SEASA Games 2019, Indonesia — Individual; Bronze Medalist SEASA Games 2019, Indonesia —Team; Gold Medalist Austal-Asia Handgun Championship 2019 Lady Classic Category Philippines — Individual; Gold Medalist Far East Handgun Championship Lady Classic Category 2018, Thailand — Individual; Silver Medalist 23rd SEA Games 2005 Philippines —Individual, and AFP Overall Champion 2011 “AFP Squad Challenge” pistol event-Individual.

Martir serves as a fount of hope and cheval glass of copious inspiration for all Capizeño athletes to go and throw off the dice in the name of their roseate dreams and a wake-up call for all who perch in the bleak throne with primeness to hand in a rock-solid support to the field of sports.

Banning nemesis, sped-up to top

With her off-centre sleight

in firing up a scooter wed with her stout object of desire in razing fire, Capizeña Lady Rider, Cheyenne Ban, set her foot down with gritted teeth to emerge as 1st runner-up in Festival of Speed Circuit Race held at Silay City in Negros Occidental, Nov. 10.

Ban was a localite of Brgy. 5, Roxas City, and a daughter of Pastor Russell Monton Ban, the president of Brotherhood of Riders - Capiz Chapter — an association plotted to boost the motorcycle tourism and scout up local talents in motor sports here in Capiz.

With her convincing victory, Ban is set to receive a recognition from the Sangguniang Panlalawigan through Board Member Aldwin Cruz-am, Chairperson of Committee on Transportation owing to the honours bestowed by the Capizeña in the realm of circuit race.

Furthermore, the Capizeña Lady Rider also received an invitation to set foot in the

After two years of holding the forth off COVID-19’s fatal offshoots where everything hovered through concurrent and immense changes including riveting tiffs, finally, sports competitions are brought back to life and young Filipinos are on fire. With a myriad of keen entrants roiling behind the white lines, the Philippines burst through the spotlight with gilt-edged hues

National Circuit Race to be held in December, making her the first Capizeña to participate in the aforestated derby.

Not long ago, Ban also finished in front of the GP League Circuit Race enacted in Himamaylan and landed second in Pre-Masskara Race laid down in Bacolod.

in flight for great honors nailed by young Filipino athletes girt to fight in multiple sporting splits. Carrying the Philippine flag in Pole Vault, World No. 3 Ernest John “EJ” Obiena left everyone in awe after bringing the World Champion Armand Duplantis down to his knees in Brussels Diamond League, Sept. 3. Obiena cleared 5.91

Photos from Esniper ng Capiz/Facebook

Operiano | Photo from philnews.ph

Photo from Cheyenne Ban/Facebook

Young athletes era: Filipino athletes hoisted honors in rife fixtures

CAPIZNON CASTERS

The shout of hewing success

Ohh! … Wow! … What a move!…

These are some of the lexemes and adages used by these spirited sorts who work to embed spice in a game. They meld tints and esprit to amend an insipid mill into a dramatic one. With their voices and diction, they can make you feel like you're part of the game — rubbing elbows with the crowd, fighting for your life and longing for your team to emerge as victors. They have the ability to elate and rogue a cast of hilarities without being seen for most time. They are overt as casters and in the unbeknownst hicksville in the Western tract —Capiz is the home of two greatly skilled ones.

A native sensation

The populace of pros known him as 'Santie' and his one-off voice was heard in various e-sporting events. He spiels in detailed dress with dexterity and proficiency. He was lauded for his shoutcasting skills and dissection of the game, as his passion and artistry makes him stand ahead of the field despite being reeled in yore.

Arjay Santie Magcalas is a product of Filamer Christian University, a student of Humanities and Social Sciences strand of FCUSHS. He was a former staff of The Hillside Echo - Senior and a recognized as one of the Ten Outstanding Students here in Capiz in 2020. Aside from this, Magacalas is also atable tennis player and a rapper. Currently, he is a third year college student at West Vissayas State University

He joined MPL Caster Search in 2021 which paved his way to become one of the respected, in-demand and highly rated casters in the country.

He dedicate his journey and successes to his family in Capiz and to his late dad.

“Walang titigil. Padayon every step of the way,” Santie

meters during the event which eased his path towards ascendancy against hearty Duplantis. Hereafter, the 6-foot2 Philippine gem went to hat more feat as he also reapt kudos in the Internationales Stabhochsprung Meeting, True Athletes Classics, and St. Wendel City Jump in Germany to affix his victorious conquest

quipped in an interview with The Daily Guardian.

Soaring like a hawk

Another caster climbing the ladder of success was Danneal Jocson. Jocson is a current IT student of Filamer Christian University. An aspiring tyro who does not need to uphold the idea of how ideal he was. With distinctive journalistic ability appended with aspiration, he annexed a feat only few can go to as he hatted 3-peat NSPC quest in the realm of sports press.

Growing up with crypto games, eSports became a thing for the young Jocson. Prepped with a passionate interest in electronic warfares, he tempted fate to slip into the mob of shoutcasting beset with dire diffidence melt into thin air when his fidelity of the work came forth.

“It all started when Santie and Airyle introduced shoutcasting to me as a hobby that I then fell in love with,” he shared.

Infiltrating the quadrate egress of lit futurity takes a lot of strength and preparation for Jocson as he beheld shoutcasting as a skill he needed to make a stride of preferment and not an imminent talent he's born with.

“I couldn't really call it a talent, since it took me a while to get used to speaking a lot and a ton of practice and dedication to provide the most entertainment to my audience. I'd much prefer calling it a skill in this case. I grew up as an introvert, speaking didn't really become my thing early on,” he emphasized.

The inescapable upsurge of eSports in the wake of the pandemic

in Golden Fly Series in Liechtenstein and Gala dei Castelli in Switzerland.

In the world of court paume, the Filipina Tennis Sensation Alex Eala penned a lasting mark in the country’s history as she beat Juniors World No. 3 Lucie Havlickova to rule the roost in US Finals Open, Sept. 11.

Eala is the first Filipino to walk off with a crown in singles Grand Slam, a historic milestone

begot a legion of gamers around the globe which led Danneal and his fellow sports enthusiast and gamers to cast anon-net organization set in FCU — FCU Sentinels wherein entrants of the same interest in eSports gets places.

FCU Sentinels is an onscreen sporting consortium built upon by students who share an ardent proclivity in eSports. Through three symbols emerge from the heavens: the helmet of inspiration; the wings of dreams; and the halo of aspirations, the Sentinels concocted.

Jocson is the vice president of the Sentinels. But since he is more exposed to e-sports, he handles most operations and planning, with his fellow officers being as responsible as they can be.

Being a shoutcaster and vice president at the same time can really do a number on academics, but for Danneal, being passionate about something provides a lot of motivation towards doing ens with energy and dedication.

“It took a while for me to find the right career path for me, but as an IT student now that also gets to be involved in the esports scene makes me motivated to do more, and that gives me enough time and energy to finish necessary academic works,” he stated.

He might be adrift in the course of fate at first, but he found his refuge in eSports. His complicity with electronic jests sanctioned him with keen interest in his track.

“Since esports has been a significant field in my life, one thing that motivates me are meeting esports personalities that I've been idolizing from the start. I've had chances to talk to some, but I'd like to meet everyone in person and

to follow Felix Barrientos’ semifinal shutoff in 1984 Wimbledon boys singles and even excelled her semifinal finish at the 2020 French Open, proving what Filipinos can do in any sorts of action-packed faceoffs.

Moreover, the nine-yearold chess prodigy and pride of Oas, Albay Bince Rafael Operiano, with his notable tack and virtuosity, impressed every spectator and

get to hang out with them as a fellow esports enthusiasts,” he apprised.

At present, Danneal hopes to shoutcast in premier esports tournaments and professional settings such as MPL, Mobile legends' professional esports league. “I'm actually eyeing on winning the Caster Search that just opened yesterday,” Jocson revealed.

Success is only for those who opt to roll up their sleeves in the name of their benign dreams. Failures, reticence and sapping trials are just odds and setbacks that add a sweet taste to our feat.

Magcalas and Jocson are two different people concatenated by a dream. Both start with a thirst for eminence, experienced wordless battles and schemes that challenge their view of the bright future ahead. They may be far from each other in a choice of angles. However, they are both destined to reach their stars with their screams that foments colors and reaches far.

“Add some confidence, and you'll be one good shoutcaster na magbibigay kulay sa mga magaganap na laro," Jocson put forth.

earned the perk in the 6th Eastern Asia Youth Chess Championship wage in Thailand, Nov. 4-13.

According to the National Chess Federation of the Philippines, chessic wonder Operiano will acquire the National Master (NM) title when he turns ten years old.

“Galingan lang ‘natin palagi sa lahat ng bagay na ginagawa, dadating din ang oras natin.”

-Caster Santie

Photos from Caster Santie and Caster Hawkson/Facebook

Caster Santie Caster Hawkson

sports editorial

PH SPORTS: FUTURITY THAT LACKS ACTUALITY

Withour government continuously making dire deeds and laying stress on negligence, is the future of Philippine Sports in good hands?

No one can deny the epic abilities of Filipino athletes in a myriad of sporting events. In this year alone, there are countless Filipinos who brought an astral honor to the country. Helmed by EJ Obiena, to Eala and Olympian Yulo, we can’t confute the feat blest by Filipino harriers in the country’s history. An emblem of the bright by-and-by that calls Filipinos. However, looking at the immoral system and injustices rimming the government wherein no financial funding and beneficent support is allotted to our athirst entrants, do we still have a future to seek in assorted fixtures?

Amidst of belittling acts and gaits, two young Filipino athletes shocked the entire Philippines — Bince Rafael Operiano in chess and Aleia Alelle Aguilar in jiu-jitsu. Despite their age, they showed a trace of virtuosity and competence, which is enough to foster our hopes for a fair future in sports. However, is there a future to talk in the first place?

Seing how the government valued these roots of hope are enough to desist what we hold in the hereafter. The parents of Operiano — Ben and Rosemary — covet for monetary support as they could not afford the tickets’ en route to Thailand where the 8-yo chess wonder is about to cop chessic oddity. When Operiano won the joust, acts of appreciation from different politicians resonated around the corner, which

obliviated the hardships faced by the elite child along the journey. Isn’t it derogatory?

Surely, Operiano and Aguilar are a piece of the country’s pillar in sports when the waves of futurity hit the shore. They are the genesis of all whys of well-off stand regarding our place in riveting trials in the time to come. Why don’t we value these radixes of hope by giving them adequate support and prep them with edifices and programs which will help them augment their skills and acuity? Is it that hard? If that’s hard, how much more seeing these sets of talent upheld other counties?

Yuka Saso is one of the nation’s dab in golf. The 21-yo pro managed to give the Filipinos a pair of gold in ASEAN meet. But because of the government’s ignorance and amoral scheme, Saso decided to abdicate the country and went on with another jaunt in Japan. Aside from Saso, Filipino-born American chess grandmaster Wesley So traced the same fate. So, shared that due to the informal training system and lack of tournaments in chess, he made a choice to accept the offer from US Chess Federation which resulted in a considerable loss on the part of Filipinos. Be that as it may, is the move of So and Saso worth a blame? Knowing they just want a feat and sustenance but in return, they incurred shade of reticence and insularity?

At any cost, the decision of Saso and So should be an illumination to those who sit in the seat of power to make every record straight and toss their heedless acts in filth. Proffer copacetic support to young and bold Filipino athletes, as well as mind their entreaty and velleity. Endow their incentives and lend them drills to hone their nous and forte. Divest them from the afflictive scrape of fees and kinds laid by training and competitions and extole their glory with no trace of pliability and hypocritical merit.

Filipino athletes/p.14-15

Meanwhile, Filipino Olympian Carlos Edriel Yulo dealt in prime floor exercise exhibition to go home with gold in 55th AllJapan Seniors Championship, in Tokyo, Sept. 22.

With his agility and grand riff in flee, the Filipino Artistic Gymnast gat two more crowns with silver and bronze plate to count in the 51st Artistic Gymnastics World Championship held at Liverpool, England.

On the other hand, Filipino triathletes streaked the country’s name in gold and silver tinge in the Southeast Asian Triathlon Association (SEATA) Race held at Desaru, Malaysia, Sept.18.

Katrina Salazar, Moira Erediano, and Francisco Baniqued nailed their respective sort in track with multiple plaque in the trunk as the 18-year-old Salazar finished on top of the SEATA Junior Elite Category with 1:13:34 break while Erediano is only a stride short, finish second with a tick off to get a taste of triumph as Malaysian Teo Sze capped bronze with 1:14:49 lapse.

Baniqued, with his flaunted celerity, in contrast, clinched silver in Elite Junior Under 23 (U23) Category with 1:02:55 halt only a minute behind champion Xian Hao Chong of China, as Singaporean Luke Chua trousered third in 1:03:07.

In the realm of boxing, Carlo Paalam outhit the favored to win Makhmud Sabyrkhan to own the Men’s 54 kg Bantamweight gold via split decision in the ASBC Elite Boxing Championships run in Amman, Jordan, Nov. 12.

Armed with heavyhitting punches wed with far-out flair on air, the 24-yearold Filipino fighter pulled off a strong opening knack that paced his strong showing in the third and final trail of the clash to bag the belt off a 4-1 slit.

Conversely, jiu jiujiteira Aleia Alelle Aguilar became the country’s youngest world JiuJitsu Champion after a hookup of the triumph in the 2022 Abu Dhabi World Championship in the United Arab Emirates, Nov. 13.

The five-year-old stopper trampled Gabriela Vercosa of Brazil to annex the golden plate in the kids’ 1 under -16 category.

There’s no doubt that Filipinos are hard to beat when it comes to thrilling face-offs. Regardless of the height, age and four-sided dais they are in, they always shine bound to hit great heights.

Seeing how the government valued these roots of hope are enough to desist what we hold in the hereafter.

Art by Cleila Zuzeth Gregorio

Aguilar | Photo from Team Aguilar

by: Queenie Durana, Angel Ann Opina, Kean Azarraga and Ryan Panganiban