September-October 2022

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FEU students urged to report crimes to authorities amid rising unverified reports

WHAT’S INSIDE?

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‘We remember, we will never forget’

Far Eastern University Central Student Organization (FEUCSO), together with University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) schools’ student councils (SCs), released a joint statement for the 50th Anniversary of the Declaration of Martial Law last September 21.

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Hit or miss: Not-so-happy halls

Far Eastern University (FEU) students were prompted by the Manila Police District (MPD) to avoid spreading false crime reports on social media as faceto-face classes resume this academic year.

In an interview with FEU Advocate, MPD Spokesperson

Major Philipp Ines advised students to relay any crimes or suspicious activity to the necessary authorities. “Hindi proper venue ‘yung

social media—dun mo siya i-report?

I-report natin sa proper authorities para matulungan tayo—maaddress kung talagang meron talagang ganitong insidente, sabi natin, eh makagawa ng karagdagan aksyon agad dito (Social media is not a proper venue—should social media be where you report? Let’s report it to the proper authorities so that they can help us—to address if there really is an incident like this, so we can take additional action immediately),” he said.

Additionally, the FEU Central Student Organization (FEUCSO) advised the Tamaraws

Semester, AY 2022–2023

early on to ‘refrain from speculating and spreading unverified information and wait for official announcements from the University’ after police were seen within FEU grounds, following local government efforts to protect students as classes resume.

In line with the increase of unconfirmed kidnappings, assaults, and other related crimes within the FEU community, students were also reminded to avoid disseminating unverified reports of crimes occurring in the University Belt (U-Belt).

Moreover, Major Ines

explained that the MPD keeps watch over several universities in U-Belt and that the area is prone to crimes due to the high population density. As learners, their guardians, teachers, and staff return for the academic year, the MPD reinforces security around U-Belt.

“At alam din natin na pagdagsa ng mga tao, ‘yan ay nagtatake-advantage din yung mga tinatawag nating termites o anay ng lansangan, yung mga—may mga masasamang balak, ‘diba? Alam naman nila ‘yan. So pinupuntahan talaga ang University Belt (And

we know that with the influx of people also comes those who take advantage of the situation, those we call termites of society—those who have bad intentions, right? They know about it too. So the University Belt really is a hotspot),” he said.

Heightened police presence

Students first spotted police within the campus last August 20. Major Ines mentioned that the MPD deployed over 500 officers....

Read ‘Crimes’ | Page 3

FEU to conduct in-person graduation for batch 2020, 2021

Far Eastern University (FEU) plans to set the face-to-face Commencement Exercises for Batch 2020 and 2021 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) on November 23 and 24.

Following strict pandemic restrictions on mass gatherings that required Batch 2020 and 2021 to conduct their Commencement Exercises online, the graduates will now have the chance to take to the PICC stage.

Far Eastern University (FEU) Manila and Makati campuses reached a total of 25,000 students in the resumption of face-to-face classes.

According to the Office of the University Registrar, the average number of enrollees before the pandemic was around 19,000-20,000 per semester.

However, during the second semester of the Academic Year (AY) 2020-2021, the population declined to about 18,000 students due to financial and health conditions brought by the pandemic.

On the other hand, the following AY 2021-2022 had approximately 24,000 enrollees for the first semester, while the implementation of a hybrid learning set-up during the second semester recorded around 23,000 students.

In an interview with FEU Advocate, University Registrar Dr. Gerald Villar mentioned the expansion projects done by the University to accommodate the growing population of the community.

One of the projects is the recently built FEU Transformative University Resource Center or FEUTURE Center, which opened this semester to cater to the freshmen and students of General Education courses.

“[Ito] yung naging additional space intended for the

college [students dahil mayroong] ginagamit ang high school. Kasi [the high school students are] occupying the Nursing Building (NB), Accounts, Business, and Finance Building (ABB), and the Architecture and Fine Arts Building (AFB), (This became the additional space intended for the college students as the NB, ABB, and AFB are currently being occupied by the FEU High School students),” he said.

Dr. Villar also explained that the surge is an indicator that both students and parents are confident about FEU’s serious intent to provide quality education despite the changes in the learning environment.

“We’re lucky we got the approval and confidence of our students, as well as the parents that despite [the] pandemic, despite [the] learning modality, they still trust us,” Dr. Villar said.

He also believes that the strong implementation of a health protocol system was one of the factors why parents are complacent enough to let their children attend face-to-face classes once again.

While the community is slowly returning to normal, Dr. Villar said that the University is expecting to accept more enrollees across all FEU campuses in the upcoming semesters.

- Ma. Recellina P. Lafue

In an interview by FEU Advocate, University Registrar Dr. Gerald Villar shared that the idea for the ceremony was in response to the students’ clamor during the Batch 2022’s face-to-face graduation rites held last June 30 to July 2.

“This is a special request, so definitely, we will do this after the Batch 2022 Commencement, so we really intend to schedule it by November,” he stated.

Furthermore, Dr. Villar expressed that the Office of the

University Registrar (OUR) aims to let the students and their families experience an in-person ceremony, as it is also ‘something that the family has actually achieved, especially ngayong pandemic.’

He also added, “It will be

University has not yet finalized whether they will conduct ceremonies on both November 23 and 24 or only on November 23.

The ceremony schedule is subject to change if there is a low attendance turnout, as the initial dates were set assuming all graduates would participate.

In a survey conducted by the OUR, Batch 2020 only had 1,510 attendees out of its 3,051 graduates. Meanwhile, there were 675 registered attendees out of Batch 2021’s original 1,312 graduates.

Additionally, the official number of attendees is also subject to change based on their payment of the necessary fees.

Far Eastern University (FEU) raises the “Be Brave” mantra to new levels as Tamaraws who hoped for a ligtas na balik-eskwela now find themselves caught up in the school’s high-stakes game of hitor-miss. As it turns out, the preparation for a complete face-to-face comeback requires more than just six months of experimental hybrid setup and romanticized resiliency.

a challenge for the OUR, but kahit mahirap, talagang, we really make sure we will do it for the graduates, especially for the parents (It will be a challenge for the OUR, but even if it’s difficult, we really make sure we will do it for the graduates, especially for the parents).”

According to the OUR, the

“Ideally, it takes a month for us to really prepare the final list of graduates,” Dr. Villar mentioned.

The OUR will announce the final date for the Commencement Exercises in October.

The virtual Commencement Exercises for graduates of Batch 2020 and 2021 were held last year in October and December, respectively.

BATIBOT: Pagtanaw ng bihis ni Juana sa lipunan

PAGE 6 Hindi tulad ng pag-agos ng tubig mula sa batis, ang mga alaalang iniwan at itinatak ng diktadura ay mananatiling nakaukit at babagabag sa isipan ng mga biktima. Burahin man ng panahon at pagkakataon, mananatiling nakamarka ang hagupit ng sistemang minsa’y bumunot sa kalayaan ng maraming Pilipino.

In the Spotlight: Top 5 Worthy Post from “One FEU Community” Group

8 Since the peak of remote learning, the One FEU Community (OFC) Facebook group became Tamaraws’ safe haven. With more than 110k members, its viral posts caused inspiration, unity, and laughter–easing the stress during the start of the first semester.

IHSN assistant dean on increasing nursing applicants: ‘There is a global demand’

and Randy

of Health Sciences

(FEU)

sections with 40 students enrolled in one unit.

Nursing (IHSN)

Dean Alma Trinidad Taragua attributed the increase in nursing applicants in the University due to the global demand for nurses.

“Napansin namin na there are so many graduates, alumni, who had actually enrolled, nagapply to work abroad, parang every week we have about 20 to 25 applications for CGFNS and NNAS (We observed that there are so many graduates, alumni, who had actually enrolled, applied to work abroad, approximately every week we have about 20 to 25 applications for CGFNS and NNAS),” Taragua explained. In an interview with FEU

The Nursing program of the University originally had 35

Amid the increase in nursing applicants, Taragua assured that the University managed to maximize the use of classrooms in the campus to cater the students.

Ang FEU utilize ‘yung classroom use, before kasi ‘yung ating Engineering Building diba hindi naman talaga halos ginagamit...Tapos ‘yung aming level 1 has been using the FEUture Center, and we are waiting for the Arts Building na makumpleto para some of the offices would be transferred there then we can use the classrooms [Arts Building] (FEU utilizes classroom use, before the Engineering Building was rarely occupied by students…

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2022 VOL. XXV. NO. 1 WWW.FEUADVOCATE.NET SAMPALOC, MANILA
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On guard. The Manila Police District (MPD) deploys officers on standby to guard students at Far Eastern University (FEU) on August 22. (Photo by Zedrich Madrid) By Maxine Alessandra B. Turiano
FEU student population peaks at 25,000 for 1st
Back within thy happy halls. Tamaraws once again fill the campus as they line up at the Far Eastern University (FEU) Main Auditorium for the face-to-face comeback of Tatak Tamaraw 2022. (Photo by Janice Aina Herrera)
“It will be a challenge for the OUR, but kahit mahirap, talagang, we really make sure we will do it for the graduates, especially for the parents.”
Advocate, Taragua shared that IHSN opened 40 sections with 45 students per block which comprises approximately 1,760 freshmen nursing students this academic year.
Read ‘Nursing’ | Page 3
The light of tomorrow. The Institute of Health Sciences and Nursing (IHSN) conducted the 66th Capping and Candle Lighting Ceremony at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) last September 22. (Photo by Apollo Arellano)

BEATS BEATS BEATS BEATS BEATS

FEU bags wins at 2022 Philippine Quill Awards

Far Eastern University (FEU) garnered a total of 26 awards at the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) 9th Philippine Student Quill Awards and the 19th Philippine Quill Awards held last August 18.

FEU took home 1st Runner-up under the School of the Year category, one of the top student awards for the competition.

Meanwhile, FEU Film Society’s ‘A Dictator’s Guide to Cinema’ and the TAMang Boto Campus Tour won the Top Award for Communication Skill and Top Award for Communication Management, respectively.

Additionally, FEU Department of Communication received a total of 13 awards, while the FEU Political Science Society, which partnered with FEU Student Development, bagged two awards, while the FEU Literature Society received one award.

Overall, FEU took home 11 Excellence Awards and 9 Merit Awards at the virtual awarding ceremony.

Furthermore, the FEU Career and Placement Office (CAPO) received four awards at the 19th Philippine Quill Awards in IABC’s category for industry experts for the Online Mock Interview with Coaching (OMIC), Student Exposure to Partner Organization (EXPO) activity, and two excellence awards for the Pre-Employment Preparation Talk (PEP Talk) webinar series.

Out of 344 examinees from FEU Manila, 199 earned their Registered Medical Technologist (RMT) titles following the release of the August 2022 MTLE results. The results released by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) reported that FEU Manila garnered an overall passing rate of 57.85%.

Sydney Jansen C. Trinidad of FEU - Nicanor Reyes Medical Foundation (FEUNRMF) also placed among the Top 10 examinees, in 8th place with an 89.90% rating.

Further, FEU-NRMF gained a 78.43% passing rate with 40 passers out of 51 exam-takers.

A total of 1,796 out of 3,582 examinees successfully passed the exam, translating to a 50.14% national passing rate.

The MTLE proper took place last August 20 and 21, with the results released four days after the exam.

The face-to-face oath-taking of the newlylicensed Medical Technologists and Medical Laboratory Technicians was held last October 1 at the Plenary Hall of the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC).

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Far Eastern University Central Student Organization (FEUCSO), together with University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) schools’ student councils

(SCs), released a joint statement for the 50th Anniversary of the Declaration of Martial Law last September 21. The joint statement was

composed by the FEUCSO, University of Santo Tomas Central Student Council, National University Student Government, Adamson University Student Government, De La Salle University – University Student Government, UP Diliman University Student Council, Sanggunian ng mga Magaaral ng mga Paaralang Loyola ng Ateneo de Manila, and UE Manila - University Student Council.

“Today, we honor the memory of the thousands of lives lost, victims of torture, Desaparecidos, and the people jailed under the Marcos dictatorship, as well as the sacrifices of activists and dissenters who fought for the restoration of our fundamental liberties,” the statement read.

Moreover, the SCs urged the nation to fight “historical distortion and relentless attacks against democratic institutions fueled by those in power.”

In their separate statement, FEUCSO penned that they are one with the victims of martial law in fighting for justice, truth, and freedom.

“Patuloy man pagtakpan ang katotohanan—hindi tayo patitinag. Hindi tayo magbibingibingihan sa mga pinakakalat na kasinungalingan dahil hindi totoo ang demokrasya kung pawang kasinungalingan ang inihahain sa isipan ng mga tao (Even if the truth continues to be covered up—we will not be shaken. We will not act deaf to the lies that they continue to spread because democracy is not real if pure lies are being served to the minds of the people),” FEUCSO added.

Meanwhile, FEU students and progressives also staged a short protest inside the University last September 21 in commemoration of the said event.

This year marked the 50th anniversary of Ferdinand Marcos’ declaration of Martial Law in 1972, wherein the Human Rights Victims’ Memorial Claim Board recorded 11,073 human rights violation claims.

TAMDULA V: FTG comes back to main stage

Community sa FEU Theater Guild kasi sad reality is hindi talaga ganon ka-effective ang reach ng FTG online but ang premise talaga namin is sa face-to-face

(That’s why I’m happy that we’re testing the waters or trying our best again to welcome the FEU Community to FEU Theater Guild because the sad reality is FTG’s online reach wasn’t that effective but our premise is really on faceto-face),” he said.

“It gives us a sense of pride to our industry partners in telling them that we give out meaningful activities to our students,” CAPO Director Ma. Carmencita Suva-Alfonso shared with FEU Advocate.

The IABC’s Philippine Student Quill and Quill Awards recognize outstanding individuals and institutions in the field of communication.

FEU alumna ranks 6th in MTLE

Far Eastern University (FEU)

Manila alumna Kristine Bernadette S. Ilao placed 6th in the August Medical Technology Licensure Examination (MTLE) with a rating of 90.10%.

NATIONAL PROBE

Far Eastern University (FEU) Medical Technology (MedTech) representatives defeated over fifty schools in the 41st Philippine Association of Medical Technologists - Philippine Association of Schools of Medical and Public Health (PAMETPASMETH) Interschool Quiz Show last September 23.

The team consisted of fourth-year students Catherine Joy Alcantara, Marwin John Andres, Jeffrey Leynard Ortega, and Heloise Kimberly Vergara.

FEU was tied with the representatives from Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU) Cavite and San Pedro College (SPC) Davao.

The group clinched their award after the first round of tiebreaker questions. LPU and SPC took 2nd and 3rd place respectively.

The team was trained by MedTech faculty Kerfelcel Retoriano, Rene Dinglasan, and Jacque Andrei Ramos along with the support of Department Head Albert Benni Doloiras.

The 41st PAMETPASMETH Interschool Quiz Show is part of the annual MedTech Week Celebration of PAMET, held every September.

FEU-IL Dean to PH Pres:

‘Initiate release of Sen. De Lima’

Far Eastern University (FEU) Institute of Law (IL) Dean Atty. Melencio S. Sta. Maria released a Facebook post calling on President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. to instigate the release of Senator Leila De Lima.

“…if the new President would just really want it, he can order the DOJ to review Sen. Leila De Lima’s case and, on an objective basis, I think also na wala namang kaso. The SIGNAL na mahina ang kaso is the fact that it’s taking very long (I also think that there is no case. The SIGNAL that the case is weak is the fact that it’s taking very long),” the law dean affirmed on the said Facebook post.

Sen. De Lima, a vocal critic of former president Rodrigo Duterte and his administration, was arrested and detained on February 24, 2017, over drug trafficking charges stemming from her justice secretariat post from 2010 to 2016.

On the other hand,

Sta. Maria underscored the ‘great weight’ of an in-depth explanation by the Department of Justice (DOJ) on why the case should be dismissed despite the independence of the judiciary, adding that a move from the executive will most likely push the dismissal.

“In fact, a motion by the prosecution for dismissal, more often than not, is granted by the courts. This happens many times, and that is why there is a so-called affidavit of desistance subject to the discretion of the court,” the dean emphasized.

In addition, Sta. Maria also stressed that should Pres. Marcos Jr. initiate the release, it would mean upholding his ‘unity’ mantra and would save a bit of the reputation of the Philippine justice system.

“Do it. Take that courageous step. RELEASE yourself from that perception that you are just an extension of the

Far Eastern University (FEU) Theater Guild (FTG) will once again open its curtains to the Tamaraw community with their annual live theater production of TamDula this November 2022. For this year, TamDula V: Muli will feature adapted plays from FTG’s senior members with a touch of the Filipino aspect to provide audiences with a new and relatable experience.

In an interview with FEU Advocate, FTG Company Manager Philip Altejos shared that the theater company is slowly navigating the physical set-up after being completely online for the past two years as they experience setbacks, such as COVID-19 scares. Kaya I’m happy na eto we’re testing the waters or trying our best na i-welcome ang FEU

Additionally, Altejos shared the latest preparations that the guild has been doing for the approaching live show.

“It is a different set of actors, various plays pero same stage and same passion pa rin kami despite the two years of online production. We are more than welcoming the FEU community to witness again the quality of performances na kilala ang FTG na siguro nalilimutan na pero we are working really hard para maibalik ‘yun and maserve namin ang mga aspiring theater actors and actresses na

nagtatago sa FEU Manila and mga theater enthusiasts in general (It is a different set of actors, various plays but still the same stage and same passion despite the two years of online production. We are more than welcoming the FEU community to witness again the quality of performances that FTG is known for, that perhaps some may have forgotten, but we are working really hard to bring that back and serve aspiring theater actors and actresses that are hiding within FEU Manila and theater enthusiasts in general),” Altejos added.

Show dates for TamDula V: Muli will be in November while tickets will be available this October. TamDula is an annual theater festival created by FTG Artistic Director Dudz Teraña to showcase various original plays written and directed by FTG members.

FEU CES spreads hope through baked goods

Far Eastern University Community Extension Services (FEU CES) conducted a launching event for Bread of Hope under Project HOPE (Harnessing Offenders’ Personal Empowerment), held at Cafe Alfredo last September 14.

In partnership with the Manila City Jail Female Dormitory, FEU CES released the newest bread and spreads made by persons deprived of liberty (PDLs).

The PDL Panaderas and Palamaneras or Breadmakers and Spreadmakers, are mentored by instructors from the FEU Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management (ITHM).

During his closing remarks speech, FEU CES Project Head James Andrew M. Grasparil shared how Project HOPE can be beneficial for PDLs.

“Ito po ay isang alternatibong livelihood para sa ating mga PDL, para kung sakaling sila po ay lalaya na, ay mayroon na silang pagtutunan ng pagkakakitaan.

At sa pamamagitan po ng ganitong bagay, maiiwasan na po nila na sila ay babalik pa sa loob ng Manila City Jail (This is an alternative livelihood for our PDLs, so that if they are released, they will have a way to earn a living. And by doing something like this, they are able to avoid going back inside the Manila City Jail).”

FEU CES initially expected the panaderas to be able to bake 400 or 500 pieces of pandesal daily, but they managed to produce 500 to 1000 within their first six months.

Spanish bread, pan de coco, and kababayan have now been added to the available products, alongside four different kinds of spreads.

In line with their ‘braver with hope’ slogan, Project HOPE also aims to provide a sustainable livelihood for its recipients.

Kaya po hinihikayat ko ang lahat na suportahan po natin ang programa na Project HOPE, ang Bread of Hope, Spread of Hope sa kadahilanan na sa bawat

tinapay, bawat palaman na ating tatangkilikin ay magbibigay ng ningning sa pag-asa ng buhay sa ating mga PDL (That’s why I encourage everyone to support the program Project HOPE, Bread of Hope, Spread of Hope for the reason that every bread, every spread that we enjoy will give a glimmer of hope in the life of our PDLs),” Grasparil added.

Last August, in-person baking workshops commenced at the Manila City Jail with FEU ITHM chefs teaching the PDLs. This marked the first time they could conduct it faceto-face, following previous pandemic restrictions that required Project HOPE to host the training seminars virtually.

In an interview with FEU Advocate , FEU ITHM

Chef John Lester Tuason shared that he is hopeful that breadmaking can be utilized by the PDLs in starting a new life.

Ako kasi, parang tinitignan ko ‘to in a positive way na bawat skills ko na naituturo

ko sa kanila will give them hope (I look at it in a positive way that every skill I teach them will give them hope),” he said. He also mentioned that Project HOPE is planning to extend for up to two more years.

“Hangga’t hindi ko iyon nababahagi sa kanila, yung mga recipe ng mga cakes at tsaka ng mga pastries at ng mga desserts na pu-pwede pa nilang gawin at ibenta sa loob ng Manila City Jail Female Dormitory, hindi pa tapos ang Project HOPE (So long as I haven’t shared that with them, the recipes for the cakes and also the pastries and the desserts that they can still make and sell inside the Manila City Jail Female Dormitory, Project HOPE still isn’t over),” Chef Tuason said.

Project HOPE has also conducted other activities with the Manila City Jail, including an Alternative Learning System (ALS) Tutorial and a painting livelihood exhibit with FEU’s Institute of Architecture and Fine Arts (IARFA).

NEWS SEPTEMBER- OCTOBER 2022 MAXINE ALESSANDRA B. TURIANO NEWS EDITOR 2
FEUCSO, UAAP schools’ SCs stand in solidarity: ‘We remember, we will never forget’
FEU MedTech students champion 2022 PAMETPASMETH interschool quiz show Tamaraws back onstage. Far Eastern University (FEU) Theater Guild unveils the poster for TamDula V: Muli. (Photo courtesy of FEU Theater Guild) Martial law at 50. Students, progressives, and activists gather for the 50th anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law in front of the Commission on Human Rights last September 21. (Photo by Alyssa Andrea A. Quiogue) Bread of Hope. FEU Community Extension Services (FEU CES), in partnership with the Manila City Jail Female Dormitory, launches the Bread and Spreads of Hope in aid for Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL) at the Cafe Alfredo. (Photo by Kenneth Cabalan) previous administration,” he said. Remaining firm with his belief that President Marcos Jr. does not need the case of (Photo by Raymond S. de Dios) Sen. De Lima, Dean Sta. Maria underlined that the ‘authentic initiative’ will be admired by many. – Laurice Anne U. Alas
“It gives us a sense of pride to our industry partners in telling them that we give out meaningful activities to our students,”

FEU short films featured at UFlix 2022 exhibit screening

Celebrating life’s musings and transactions through FEU IAS faculty’s f rst exhibit i

Far Eastern University Institute of Arts and Sciences (FEU IAS) faculty Jet Leyco launched his first solo art exhibit entitled, Ispirituwal Transaction last August 12 to September 9 at the Gravity Art Space in Quezon City.

Along with the message, “To remind me that the truth lies not in the answer, but in the transaction,” Ispirituwal Transaction presented Leyco’s concept of questioning the mundane to form his own version of reality. As a filmmaker, he also wants to express his introspections through photo collages and paintings.

The creative process

He started creating collages before the pandemic. He would go to the University Library and collect as many books as he could carry to scan the images that he would find. Over the course of the pandemic, Leyco found himself collecting more than 100,000 images from various sources such as encyclopedias, online archivals, and personal photographs to tell stories in the form of a collage.

Collecting and scanning the images was not an easy feat for him.

“Parang halo-halo na ‘yan, stories, atmosphere, or kung ano man [ang] nararamdaman ko noon or ano’ng nangyayari din sa paligid and all. Same way kung paano ako nag-do-document ng film, trinansfer ko naman on how I document on canvas, (It’s a mixture of stories, the atmosphere, how I felt during the process of creating a piece, and what was happening around

From Page 1 | ‘Crimes’ alongside roughly 700 force multipliers throughout the 250 private and public schools in Manila, including FEU. The increased police visibility came after Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna ordered local police units to secure areas surrounding schools in a conference on August 19, as students return to their respective campuses. Mayor Lacuna emphasized the welfare of universities with night classes.

Uniformed officers were stationed near FEU’s Gate 4, where students typically gather as they line up to enter the campus. Also posted outside the entrance

From Page 1 | ‘Nursing’ and our level 1 has been using the FEUture Center, and we are waiting for the Arts Building to be completed so that some of the offices would be transferred there then we can use the classrooms),” she stated.

Furthermore, Taragua highlighted that the Department

me. In the same manner of how I document in film, it’s the same way I document on canvas),” Leyco shared with FEU Advocate Leyco’s expressivity through art and film

Most of his works reflect significant moments in his life, daily routines, and even his dreams. Some were influenced by his political stances and film inspirations.

One of Leyco’s pieces entitled I’m Okay I’m Alive took two to three months to finish, and demonstrated the peak of his emotions during the onset of the pandemic.

He also shared that he had difficulties in processing his thoughts and feelings due to the untimely death of his friends from COVID-19. This particular event made him question what life has in store for him.

“Saan nanggaling ‘yung lungkot, ‘yung galit? Iniisip ko na lang baka, ‘di ka naman pinaglalaruan, pero baka may tine-test siya. And cycle din naman ‘yung somehow, life, for me, (Where did the sadness and anger come from? I thought that maybe He wasn’t toying with me, but was rather testing me. And this [life] was a cycle somehow, for me),” he expressed. Intense emotions can be felt in all of his works, all of which are presented in collages and mixed media. His work Me and My Lover is one of his most personal creations as it is devoted to his partner. The piece also depicts their relationship journey together with their pet, Kanyey.

is a list of available Philippine National Police (PNP) hotlines in Manila.

A help desk with police officers is also located in front of the Engineering Building, while a police tent is set up at the corner of Nicanor Reyes Street and Recto Avenue near FEU High School. Further, there are times when officers can be seen along Lerma Street where the FEU Transformative University

also increased its affiliating agencies as a response to the problems concerning the lack of faculty due to the migration of nurses to abroad and from private to public hospitals.

In relation, the Department raised a concern about the academic qualifications of a professor since the University requires a Master of Arts in Nursing or Master of Science in

Contrast to his other personal works, Malakas Ka Pa Sa Dimunyuh which he created in the year 2021, serves as a constant reminder that you can overcome and fight your inner demons. It prompts us that we are more than our intrusive thoughts and that “we can survive.” Inspiration never dries up Leyco guarantees to pick something up for every work he makes and resonate these learnings to his audiences as well. His creative process is spontaneous, as though random bursts of energy explode in him. Whether it is in art, film, or writing, his thoughts orbit around transactions, his questioning of every living being. Despite being a filmmaker, Leyco countered that he had more creative freedom in painting and assembling his collages. Unlike in film production, there are certain limits and structures that he needed to follow.

When asked about his future plans, Leyco said that he is considering opening another exhibit in the succeeding years. While the future is still hazy and far from reach, his current plan is to keep his artistic gears up and running by exploring other art mediums. From film, to photo collage, and painting, the IAS professor’s expression of his own musings through art remains constant. This denotes his ceaseless questioning of life to create his own reality. And through these realities, he can share his own perception of the world.

Resource (FEUTURE) Center stands.

“’Yung presensiya ng pulis natin, ang purpose diyan [ay] bantayan natin ‘yung mga estudyante, palakasin natin ‘yung presensiya diyan—hindi lang mobile at tsaka foot patrol, kasi nga, alam natin talagang sa panahon na ganito, balik-eskwela, ‘yan din yung pagbabalik ng mga termites

Nursing degree and a three-year hospital experience to be able to teach.

“So, and you know, Hindi naman lahat eh nagtatake up ng master’s degree, so lack talaga ng mga may mga ganong klaseng faculty members na qualified. (So, and you know, not everyone takes their master’s degree, so there is really a lack of qualified faculty members),” she furthered.

diyan (The purpose of the police presence is to watch over the students, to strengthen the presence there—not just mobiles and foot patrol, since it’s known that in times like this, back to school, also marks the return of the termites there),” Major Ines said, in justification of the heightened presence.

Other nearby educational institutions have also tightened security measures as their students return to their respective universities.

As of writing, FEU Advocate reached out to FEU’s Safety and Security Office and has yet to receive a response to the interview.

The Department also started to utilize preceptors who are employees of certain hospitals where the students can come to specific areas during their free time.

In 2004, FEU also experienced an increase in nursing students opening 100 sections with around 4,000 first-year nursing undergraduates.

11 film entries from Far Eastern University (FEU) students were screened at UFlix 2022, the Film Development Council of the Philippines’ (FDCP) exhibition platform, held at the Cinematheque Centre Manila last September 24.

UFlix focuses on short films created by student filmmakers and organizations nationwide. With FEU as one of the university exhibitors this year alongside Mapúa University, San Pedro College, University of the Philippines Visayas, and University of the Philippines Mindanao.

The 11 FEU films screened were split into two sessions with Set A composed of the films Kris+ina, If I Could Give You the Moon, We Were Never Really Strangers, Onward, and Muling Pagsisimula sa Katapusan.

Meanwhile, Set B included On the Sheperd’s Warning, Pempem at ang Bomba Magazine, ILO, Hiraya, Tanawing Pinta, and Blood Stew.

In an interview with FEU Advocate Euxim ValonzoGarcia and Apollo Arellano shared their experiences and insights in representing FEU at the UFlix 2022 screening. Arellano worked as the Director of Photography on Hiraya, while Valonzo-Garcia was a writer and the co-director for Muling Pagsisimula sa Katapusan alongside Roberto Capio Jr.

“It feels overwhelming, honestly, because there is a lot of pressure when you are representing your university— and not just any university, but Far Eastern University. But underneath all that pressure, we are so proud that as FEU students, we get to be recognized alongside our school, because we want people to know what Tamaraws are capable of,” Valonzo-Garcia said.

Additionally, Arellano shared that before they were able to showcase their films in the event, it went through different screenings within FEU Film Society (FilmSoc), a University-wide student-led film organization.

“Parang ‘pag makukuha [‘yung film mo] doon [sa Cinematheque], andaming pagdadaanan mo. Kaya parang di pa rin kami makapaniwala na, uy, nakuha film namin Parang ayon pa lang malaking bagay na nakuha yung film namin, (It’s like when you get [your film] there [at Cinematheque], you have to go through a lot of things. So we still can’t believe that our film got in. It’s a big deal that our film was chosen),” he said.

Both filmmakers also acknowledged the opportunity given to them by the FDCP in sharing their craft on the big screen.

“Everytime na mashoshow yung film mo sa theaters talagang kahit ilang beses na ‘yan, ang surreal pa rin ng experiences, ang amazing pa rin, ang unbelievable pa din, (Every time your film is shown in theaters, no matter how many times, the experiences are still surreal, still amazing, still unbelievable),” Valonzo-Garcia stated.

Arellano was also grateful that they were able to share the day with various student filmmakers within and outside the university.

“Napaka surreal moment na parang di namin in-expect na mapapasali kami among like, great filmmakers and directors, (It was a surreal moment as we didn’t expect to be joined by like, great filmmakers and directors),” he ended.

The FDCP relaunched UFlix in celebration of the Philippine Film Industry Month 2022 to showcase the talents of university filmmakers and encourage them to pursue their passion in filmmaking.

FEU revamps IN, launches IHSN

Far Eastern University (FEU) expanded the Institute of Nursing (IN) with the addition of Medical Technology (MedTech) to its list of programs last June 2022.

This addition formed the now-known Institute of Health Sciences and Nursing (IHSN), which plans to include more health-allied programs such as Pharmacy, Microbiology, and Rehabilitation Science.

In an interview with FEU Advocate, IHSN Dean Dr. John Anthony Yason revealed that the expansion of the institute has been laid out for so many years. “IHSN is sort of like was created so that we can also expand at the same time, like maintaining the quality and even improving the two existing degree programs that we have,” Yason explained.

With IHSN, FEU aims to promote a better learning environment for future health professionals by providing interdisciplinary courses.

Prior to the institute’s establishment, MedTech continuously boasts a high percentage passing rate in the Medical Technology Licensure Examination.

Additionally, the Nursing program has been granted Level III accreditation from the Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges, and Universities.

Meanwhile, the Master of Arts in Nursing equips professionals for leadership and management roles not only for local but also for global

competitiveness.

“With our transformative learning methods and systems, we aim to further strengthen the health and science-related fields in the service of our community, exemplifying our core values of Fortitude, Excellence, and Uprightness,” FEU President Dr. Michael M. Alba

IHSN joins international project

IHSN is currently in a joint venture project between Jerudong Park Medical Centre (JPMC), Darussalam Assets, and FEU in the establishment of JPMC College of Health Sciences (JPMC-CHS) in Brunei.

JPMC–CHS is the first private health educational institution of its kind in its country designed to produce healthcare professionals locally and globally, set to fully operate in 2023.

IHSN has been actively involved in the planning of Nursing program in JPMC-CHS, with FEU vowing to support the school’s manpower by sending out instructors once operations begin this October.

NEWS SEPTEMBER- OCTOBER 2022 MAXINE ALESSANDRA B. TURIANO 3 NEWS EDITOR
“Yung presensiya ng pulis natin, ang purpose diyan [ay] bantayan natin ‘yung mga estudyante, palakasin natin ‘yung presensiya diyan,”
and Passion beyond profession. Professor, filmmaker and painter, Jet Leyco, from the Institute of Arts and Sciences, launched his art exhibit entitled “Ispirituwal Transaction.” (Photo by Janice Aina Herrera) By Jemina Eunice G. De Leon and Ma. Recellina P. Lafue By Arabella Rochynne C. Asis and Randy Espares Jr.

Hit or miss:

Not-so-happy halls

Far Eastern University (FEU) raises the “Be Brave” mantra to new levels as Tamaraws who hoped for a ligtas na balik-eskwela now find themselves caught up in the school’s high-stakes game of hit-or-miss. As it turns out, the preparation for a complete face-to-face comeback requires more than just six months of experimental hybrid setup and romanticized resiliency.

After the seemingly successful conduct of limited in-person classes for the second semester and midyear of the Academic Year 2021-2022, the University’s readiness for a complete traditional setup is once again being tested as students air their concerns about the school’s execution of several health protocols and safety policies.

Facebook groups One FEU Community and One Piyu Community were flooded with posts by anxious students who were quick to point out the relatively lax implementation of basic pandemic-related rules and regulations. Notably, they highlighted the lack of social distancing, consistent temperature-checking, and disinfection.

Alarming as they may already sound, these concerns were only but requisites of a

prominent and much more serious threat—the possibility of COVID-19 cases inside the campus.

True enough, this threat inevitably materialized as students began to report their experiences of being in close contact with their classmates who tested positive for the disease. However, the concerning part is not only the fact that students were contracting the virus per se but also the vague way the University handled the situation.

The students’ apprehension about their health and safety was exacerbated by FEU’s failure to fully disclose reports that could have provided better insights into the University’s current situation during the pandemic.

Comprehensive information regarding the total and active COVID-19 cases, as well as the University Health Services’ capacity to meet its students’ demands, are not available for public viewing. The effectiveness of contact tracing on campus in monitoring, detecting, and isolating close contacts of COVID-19-positive students has also not been published.

More than the virus itself, the lack of transparency puts the students at risk. They are left defenseless against the measures meant to mitigate

its spread are also barely in sight. Now the question arises: What happened to the system they implemented during the hybrid setup?

On hindsight, FEU’s transition from online to complete face-to-face learning was, objectively speaking, bound to be successful. The University patiently tested the waters with the implementation of a limited hybrid setup which featured strict pandemic protocols—disinfecting classrooms every after class, requiring students to tap in and out of the buildings they entered,

utilizing isolation tents, and existence of designated passageways for entrances and exits. FEU showed other institutions that face-to-face learning was, again, feasible.

Hence, the problem now is not whether the school is truly capable of welcoming its students back to its happy halls. Instead, it is whether or not it can sustain its innovative policies

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Ardor

When the line between facts and biases keeps thinning, whose truth will prevail and win the people?

Prior to the start of her official term, Former Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles broke the headlines after announcing the administration’s plan to accredit vloggers for press briefings.

During one of the Laging Handa press briefings held last June, Angeles stated that the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) is pushing for accrediting vloggers. With this policy, vloggers will be entitled to cover events in Malacañang Palace, specifically on the activities of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

Vloggers will be subjected to screening on metrics like follower count and engagement.

The latter includes the number of

that made face-to-face learning in FEU possible again in the first place.

In any case, the student body maintains the right to demand better services and reassurance from the school administration.

Being one of the pioneers of a face-to-face comeback, the Tamaraws do not deserve to serve as a cautionary tale for other institutions unless unfor-

Job description-wise journalists and vloggers are two completely different professions; one serves the people, while the other is self-benefiting.

There is a stark difference and it bothers me a lot.

shares, likes, and comments per posting. This statement raised concerns for journalists as some correspondents were reportedly banned from covering the palace.

As a student journalist, this poses a big question about my future profession. Is this how things are going to be in the next six years of this administration?

Journalists often started dreaming of becoming a writer and a correspondent in grade school. They go through rigorous training, practice, and discipline are a must for competing on a national level.

I cannot count the number of revisions that I had to make ever since I started my writing journey and I know for a fact that as a journalist, I should always be objective and stay factual.

When I first heard of Angeles’ briefing, I laughed at how ridiculous it was.

Filipino parousia: only judgment, no salvation?

Forthright

If the Messiah were really to descend upon us again to save the country, it would not be in the form of self-proclaimed progressives who spew condescending remarks towards the people who they claim they rally for.

The 2022 national polls may have already ended but the wrangling between the opposite sides of the country’s political spectrum continues to keep social media abuzz. Only this time, the raison d’etre is no longer to determine who sits on the post for the next six years but to point fingers

at who among the 31 million and 15 million made a generational mistake.

Supporters of the opposition have been particularly keen and brutal with remarks like “Ginusto niyo ‘yan”, “Unity pa more”, and “Deserved ‘yan ng 31 million” amid worsening socio-economic issues in the country—all the while knowing the primary demographic of their nemeses.

This cannot be any farther from their “Angat buhay lahat!” battlecry during the actual campaign season where captions like “Kasama sila sa ipinaglalaban natin” were used to patch up posts that reek of elitism.

It is not a secret that vloggers served as a political mechanism during the 2022 election. They actively participated during the UniTeam rallies and some were even privileged to get an exclusive scoop from the political party.

By raking thousands of followers online, these vloggers are now a testament to the massive power of social media influence.

It is scary to witness how media outlets are now competing for attention and engagement to disseminate information.

With the continuous and vicious cycle of disinformation online, journalists are in a constant battle to bring hard-truth news to the people.

It is painful to see how despite our efforts, people would rather believe a fanatic vlogger than a legitimate news outlet. It becomes even worse when people accuse the media of being biased and unfair.

Clearly, if this vlogger ac-

And although some were genuine, some were also too caught up in playing the savior role as if the fate of all Filipinos, more so the vulnerable ones, solely rests on the political doctrines that they advance.

Regardless of their true intentions, it now seems that their concern for the people who they think need saving extends only insofar as securing their votes go.

And nothing makes me feel more guilty than knowing that I was one of those people.

Perhaps because I also believe that to some extent, the opposition’s rage may be warranted on the grounds that they also suffer the same austerities as the people who voted for corrupt and incompetent state officials, and that they, as private citizens, are sometimes forced to make up for the government’s lapses.

However, to take this rage into as far as implying that the 31 million voters deserve to put up

tunate circumstances happen.

It is, therefore, crucial for the student body and, more so, those who represent it to remind the school of its duty to its primary stakeholders. The call for ligtas na balik-eskwela should continue for as long as lapses in the policies and their implementation exist and persist.

Only then can one say that the “Be Brave” mantra is being used in the proper context and not being reframed as mere “resilience” in the face of various health and safety threats.

creditation pushes through, it will have severe implications for journalism.

First, the line between opinion and fact might blur as these vloggers are working from their perspective only.

Second, nothing binds them to accountability as there is no existing code of ethics specifically set for them when spreading information in their vlogs.

Lastly, it begs the question, how can we be sure that they are not perpetuating disinformation on their platform?

Regardless of the current status of the policy, the administration will still have to face journalists regularly. Although the future seems uncertain for aspiring journalists like me, I know for a fact that I will not waste every ounce of training I went through—I will abide by the Journalism Code of Ethics and serve people the news that they deserve to know.

As of writing, there is no available report on the progress of the policy.

Do you think that vloggers have the capability to work as media? Share your thoughts at arabellaasis@gmail.com

with a public service that is anything less than humane is downright obnoxious and insensitive. Irrespective of one’s political leanings, no person deserves to starve and wake up to poor living conditions.

When we choose to turn a blind eye to the simple fact that the majority of the Filipinos who voted for the current administration only fell prey to its political machinery, we in turn risk falling prey to the apathy of our own misdirected blames.

We should instead reserve our resentment and call for accountability towards the officials who continuously make a mockery of our desperation, and their educated sycophants who rejoice at the expense of their underprivileged countrymen.

Do you agree that ordinary Filipinos should not be held accountable for the election of incompetent and corrupt government officials? Share your thoughts at arvenej@gmail.com.

OPINION SEPTEMBER- OCTOBER 2022 4 EDITORIAL
...the Tamaraws do not deserve to serve as a cautionary tale for other institutions when unfortunate circumstances happen.
There is a stark difference and it bothers me a lot.
And nothing makes me feel more guilty than knowing that I was one of those people.
A confused FEU student holds two megaphones where the words Accountability and Health are etched. The student wonders which of these choices implore bravery. Illustrated by Shiena Sanchez

Pagtatanim ay tila biro?

Sipat

Kilala bilang isang agrikultural na bansa ang Pilipinas. Simula pa noon, hindi lingid sa ating kaalaman ang yamang taglay ng ating kalupaan na ipinunla ng ating magigiting na magsasaka. Ngayong kinahaharap nila ang samu’t saring peste sa kanilang hanapbuhay, makaaani pa kaya muli sila ng kasaganahan?

Sa pagpasok pa lamang ng bagong administrasyon noon, aminado na ang ekonomista at kasalukuyang kalihim ng National Economic and Development Authority na si Arsenio Balisacan na ang sektor ng agrikultura ay

Much of the values we carry are instilled in us at an early age from our environment—our homes, the people surrounding us, and the media we are presented with. With the recent elections bringing out the tension in families, it now becomes pertinent to question how we can manage to live in a household strewn with different political views.

The elections represented more than what color you chose to brandish; rather, they reflected what you advocate for and where your principles and beliefs sit. It also meant having to confront people who were in conflict with your basic morals. But the hard-hitting truth is that sometimes those people are the ones we share a roof with.

“Don’t bother arguing; they’re older!” was a phrase we

kasalukuyang nasa krisis. Ito ay sadyang nakababahala dahil itinuturing na gulugod ng ating bansa ang sektor ng agrikultura. Gaya ng isang gulugod, mahihirapan ang bansa na panatilihin ang iba’t ibang tungkulin nito kung ito ay lubhang maaapektuhan. Sa pag-upo ng bagong pangulo, bumulaga sa kaniya pati na rin sa masang Pilipino ang problema sa agrikultura gaya na lamang ng mga nasasayang na produkto bunsod ng oversuplay, nasisirang pananim dahil sa climate change, at nagtataasang mga bilihin sa merkado—na labis na nagpapaaray kay Juan lalong-lalo na sa kapatid nitong mga magsasaka.

grew all too familiar with. While how highly we regard age comes as no surprise, I have always found issues with the expression. How odd for us to reinforce a culture of respecting your elders to the point where a teen chiming in with an opinion was somehow disrespectful, not to mention the implication of ideas as fixed and permanent.

One of the most hard-hitting problems for my peers and I was having to deal with the heated arguments that arose whenever you attempted to generate dialogue. Wanting to talk it out but being silenced truly puts into perspective how you are actually viewed.

It quickly became apparent that we may be our own person and stand for what we believe in but we are still our parents’ children.

I’d like to believe that it’s

What’s Next?

Forerunner

So it goes, Filipinas once again made history in the field of sports, but what actually comes next to this?

The Philippine women’s national football team, also known as the Malditas, was recently hailed as the 2022 ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) queens last July. Most of us might have heard about it as we stumbled upon different articles online which feature the historic win of the ladies who kicked their way toward the country’s first-ever Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) Women’s World Cup.

Besides the football team, there were also other Filipi-

Sa kabila ng lahat, nakadidismaya isiping maski ang nakaupo sa Kagawaran ng Agrikultura ay minsan nang sinisi ang mga magsasaka dahil sa oversuplay na kinahaharap ng bansa sa nagdaang mga buwan. Matatandaang ibinaling ni Undersecretary Domingo Panganiban ang sisi sa mga magsasaka dahil aniya tanim lamang sila nang tanim at hindi iniisip ang sitwasyong nangyayari. Kung sisipatin, hindi naman yata tama na sisihin ng opisyales ang mga taong dapat tinutulungan at pinoprotektahan niya gamit ang kaniyang mandato. Mistulang sumasalamin ito sa isang taong kinagat ang kamay ng mismong nagpapakain sa kaniya ng kanin.

Sa halip na gawing mas edukado ang mga magsasaka hinggil sa tamang pagpaplano ng pagtatanim, nakalulungkot na mas pinili pa nitong ibaling ang sisi kaysa mas tutukan ang ugat ng isyu—ang kawalan ng kakayahan ng kagawaran na mas bigyang pokus ang ganitong uri ng mga problema at magbigay ng pauna at

pangmatagalang solusyong tunay na tutugon sa krisis. Kung tutuusin, panahon na upang mas lalo pang lumubog ang kagawaran sa danas ng mga magsasaka sa iba’t ibang panig ng bansa. Mula rito, mas malalaman nila ang kinakailangang hakbang na maaaring gawin upang makapagbigay-tulong sa mga kaawa-awang magsasakang patuloy na nagiging pulupot ang galugod.

Sa bansang patuloy na nakakaranas ng krisis sa agrikultura, higit na mas kinakailangan ng mga magsasaka ngayon ang mga mamumunong mayroong kakayahan, kaalaman at dedikasyon na pagsilbihan ang kanilang sektor. Higit sa lahat, nararapat na naiintindihan din ang kanilang danas na hindi dapat itinuturing na biro ang pagtatanim—na natatangi lamang nilang pag-asa na makaalwan sa hirap ng buhay. Mayroon ka pa bang ibang nakita na nakatanim na birong nais mong bunutin sa lipunan? Ungkatin at himayin natin ‘yan sa agustinjr.sanandres@ gmail.com

You’re just a kid

more than just a generational gap—something that is not simply defined by a difference in our ages. Nor do I believe that it’s our way of acting out and “rebelling” against our parents, like everyone expects young adults to do.

...but we are still our parents’ children.

season, we heard the term “tireless persuasion” as means to win over others. We must continue to find common ground in order to see eye to eye.

The question now becomes, how are we meant to tirelessly persuade when one side fails to listen?

The shadow of a dictator’s son as president still casts darkness over domestic life as tensions occur. During the campaign

unfamiliarity and confusion when you tell them about the top-notch Filipina strengths.

The thing is that all athletes, regardless of sport, gender, and even age, exert the same amount of effort in order to excel in their craft. They put equal passion and patience to reach their goals and give honor to our country. Now, I go back to my question – what’s next?

nas who brought pride and glory as they bannered the Philippine flag in the international sports arena.

We have Filipina weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz and Filipina tennis player Alex Eala who both clinched the country’s first world gold medal in their respective sport. This is a stint that we all fail to fully recognize as evident in the social media exposure and engagements since we continue to focus on male-dominated sports such as basketball and boxing.

When you ask people on the streets, they would easily say that they know Manny Pacquiao, James Yap, or Robert Jaworski. Yet, people would show

There is nothing that screams fascism and authoritarianism more than the act of banning books.

Red-tagging in its intense nature has continued to become more rampant in recent years as we go through the transition from the former Duterte administration to the new Marcos administration.

It has only been a few months into this transition and we have already seen many instances of red-tagging; escalating from solely activists and now to publishing houses and bookstores. There are even occasions of blatant calls for banning several books that are allegedly ‘subversive’ and ‘anti-government’.

Both the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) and National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NFTELCAC) in their open red-tagging sprees drew continuous flack from several progressive sectors. A plethora of criticism especially came down when both forces openly red-tagged the well-known Adarna Publishing House; a local literature publication that has prized itself in not only providing creative and entertaining storybooks but also in making difficult and complex matters digestible and understandable for young readers. One of the prominent topics tackled by their books is making the youth understand martial law history.

It cannot be denied that this part of our history in the Filipino consciousness is muddy at best. That is why services that make this information easier for the youth and young children to comprehend are vital in preserving the truth of these events and passing them on for new generations to know and remember as well. These services are made more important at a time when arrays of disinformation are readily available with just one swipe or click. Fact-checking these kinds of information from the perspective of an average viewer is surely becoming a harder and harder task to accomplish. Not to mention that those in power have already admitted that their priorities lie in wanting to first clear their names above anything else.

Rude or Superior no more!

Bughaw

The long-term harm of COVID-19 has led students and faculty to communicate through Zoom calls and Canvas. Despite the return of in-person learning, students still appeared disconnected in the academic setting.

Ironically, Tamaraws were able to close this gap by turning once more to social media. One FEU Community (OFC), a platform for online discussion that was launched in 2013, reached a new high as a result of the constant conflict between freshmen and senior students every year.

Labels like “Mga freshie nga naman” and “Seniors feeling superior” inflamed the group, critiquing one’s grade level as the grounds for one’s conduct: However, is this really the case?

These sweeping generalizations obscure the need of viewing the situation from the individual who carried out the deed, defeating the sole purpose of why OFC is formed in the first place.

It seemed like calling people names made no difference to us resisting statements of “Papunta ka pa lang, pabalik na ako,” invalidating one’s hardships.

We all battle the same struggles of commuting, meeting new faces, and workload, so there is no reason and the need to question who has it better or worse.

More pressing concerns on the platform will persist and continue to be overlooked if we keep indulging in such posts and conversations.

In the backdrop of a health crisis, we refuse to acknowledge issues like the increase in tuition fees, transgressions of the dress code policy, and the continuous demand for the University to increase safety measures to prioritize the students’ welfare by giving traction to such repetitive arguments.

In a community as diverse as Far Eastern University (FEU), arguments like these inevitably arise. Nevertheless, we should still consider the pandemic that remains out in the open as we continuously establish limits, braving the University’s teachings of fortitude, excellence, and uprightness.

And to be able to live with these principles, it would be more beneficial to speak with the offended privately instead of airing such complaints on a large platform like OFC.

It is crucial to be in the discourse because we are part of these changes. It is time to step up, refrain, and resist dividing the group into a “Freshies versus Seniors” narrative, and instead assist one another to forward our demands of true student-centered learning and institution.

Care for some more tireless persuasion? Send an email to maxinalessandrabt@gmail.com

box and turn down an opponent, and women can kick through their way toward world recognition.

Just as women can excel in any sport, what’s next is to show full support to Filipina athletes. Introduce the capabilities of women in sports to the youth and raise awareness of their great achievements for the country.

Do you agree that this “Freshie v.s Senior” narrative should come to an end? Let’s take a stand like we bravely do in OFC by writing your thoughts to kristine.zvp@gmail.com.

What’s next is the need to recognize the existence of women in sports.

What’s next is the need to recognize the existence of women in sports. The bitter truth is that the field is locked up in gender stereotypical notions just like how women are easily associated with sports that require less strength and physique. Then again, women can lift 55-kilogram weights, women can run far lengths, women can

Root for them on social media by tweeting about them and sharing news articles that feature their successes and defeats. Call out those in power to provide them funding during their international stints. Cheer your lungs out as you watch their games live. Be with them through every kick, service, dribble, and race in claiming victory for the Philippines.

These Pinays, just like any other athletes, deserve the loudest voices from their kababayans.

Don’t keep yourself on mute. Let’s gather our voices to raise the loudest cheers at atienzaaimerose@gmail.com.

The Barrel

The threat of history getting mangled and distorted is not only startlingly clear — this long, vicious preparation of deliberately fooling the Filipinos is already happening, right here.

When books are banned regardless of their purpose, where are we supposed to turn to? Especially in times when readily accessible information on the internet is unreliable and confusing to consume, in addition to our already struggling fact-checking skills, how are we going to survive as a nation?

When books are banned regardless of their purpose, where are we supposed to turn to?

Red-tagging and calling for the banning of books on shaky grounds by these forces not only are a slap to the faces of the Filipino people as the sources of their history and knowledge are taken away on unjust motivations, but the fact that these malpractices are funded through the people’s taxes is akin to a stab in the back of the Filipino masses.Not to mention that labeling certain books as ‘anti-government’

and ‘subversive’ based on nothing but malice is not only unjustified but is also a direct violation of one’s rights of freedom of speech and academic reedom as well.

Though this entire issue is already big on its own, it is made worse with different problems concerning the educational system of the Philippines. The educational crisis we are currently facing also makes Filipinos more susceptible and vulnerable to disinformation. These problems also lay the very pathway for the Filipino people to be easier to suppress in the first place. After all, to control the thoughts of the masses and manipulate the narrative you want them to believe in is to suppress them too. Fascism is bred and strengthened by control over people through thought-out manipulation and suppression. This is one of the very lessons that history has time and again shown and taught us.

From the continued pushing of the removal of History and Filipino subjects in colleges to prioritizing the return of the Mandatory ROTC (Reserve Officers’ Training Corps), and now red-tagging and banning books, one cannot help but wonder if such policies are pushed to further ensure lower educational quality rates for greater thought control.

Regardless, one cannot deny that disinformation prospers well due to the failures of our educational system. A system that guarantees little opportunity for growth in terms of historical understanding, and critical thinking –– a system that ensures that education remains a privilege for only a select masses.

Learning our history and surface-level knowledge of these issues is not enough. That is why as students, we must stand firm and fight for academic freedom and freedom of speech regardless of what threats may come in. We must remain knowledgeable, vigilant, and critical of not only the information that we see on a daily but the societal events that are occurring around us; in doing so we truly will embody the principle of Fortitude, Excellence, and Uprightness.

You think banning books based on alleged communist-subversive roots is justifiable? Share your thoughts at cosimshiena@gmail.com

OPINION SEPTEMBER- OCTOBER 2022 5
If you cannot re-write history, BAN IT!

Kara o Krus:

Naisin mang bagtasin ang daan ng kaalwanan, animo’y apoy na naglilingas habang naghihintay maampat ang dumog ng mga pasaherong hindi mawari kung kailan sila makasasakay at makauuwi sa kani-kanilang tahanan. Sa hangarin ng marami na makasakay nang matiwasay ay siya namang biglaang pag-entrada ng mga masalimuot na aberya. Mga problemang kaya namang solusyunan, subalit hindi sinasang-ayunan ng pagkakataon kung kaya’t pilit nitong isinisilid sa kahon ang kagustuhan ng lahat—kaginhawaan.

Simula ng pagningas

Kasing linaw ng bawat pagpitik ng berde at pula mula sa ilaw trapiko ang katotohanang hindi pa nawawakasan ang badya ng COVID-19. Ngunit kahit walang kasiguraduhan, tatakbuhin ang nati tirang segundo upang makapagpatuloy sa buhay at sundan ang daan na inihahain ng gobyerno—ang makabalik sa nakasanayang gawi bago ang pandemya.

Ayon sa Kagawaran ng Edukasyon, tinatayang 2.8 milyong mag-aaral ang magbabalik-eskwela para sa taong panuruan 2022-2023. Sa inilabas naman na datos ng Philippine Statistics Authority noong Abril, umaabot sa 45.63 na milyon ang bilang ng kasalukuyang empleyado sa Pilipinas—mas mataas kumpara sa 43.27 milyon noong Abril 2021.

Ayon sa Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, noong Agosto ay binuksan ang 133 na magkakaibang ruta na maaaring daanan ng mga pampublikong sasakyan kagaya ng bus, dyip, at UV express.

Sa kabila ng pagbubukas ng mga ito, tanaw ng marami na hindi lamang kakulangan sa daraanan ang malaking problema kung hindi ang kakulangan sa pampublikong sasakyan na hindi kayang punan ang dami ng pasahero.

Para kay Marlie Anne S. Tullao, residente ng Malolos, Bulacan, mayroong krisis sa transportasyon ang bansa. Aniya, tumatagal ng tatlong oras ang kanyang biyahe mula Malolos papuntang Intramuros depende sa dami ng mga sasakyan sa daan, bilis ng pagpapatakbo ng drayber at pagdating ng tren.

“Base sa aking karanasan, kinakailangan kong tumayo sa bus

Kapalaran ng mga Pasahero sa Kamaynilaan

at magpalampas ng tatlong tren bago makasakay dahil puno ito. Kung hindi aaksyon ang mga nasa posisyon ay hindi magiging maayos ang transportasyon sa Pilipinas at lalo lamang itong lalala,” sambit ni Tullao.

Umaalab na panawagan Kaalinsabay ng kapansin-pansing suliraning kinahaharap sa araw-araw na pagsakay ay ang pagkabahala rin ng marami sa lumalalang kalagayan ng trapiko at pilahan sa terminal ng mga pampublikong sasakyan.

Isa si Franzyn D. Chavez sa mga mag-aaral mula sa Rizal na bumabyahe patungong Maynila upang pumasok. Ayon kay Chavez, bukod sa mahabang oras na paghihintay ng masasakyan, isa rin ang trapiko sa nagpapahirap sa mga tulad niyang komyuter. Kaya naman, agarang solusyon ang hiling niya sa gobyerno.

“Maglaan sila sa mga sasakyang pangtransportasyon dahil sa pagdami ng komyuters. Idagdag ko na rin dito ang pagresolba nila sa walang katapusang trapiko sa ating bansa na isa rin sa nakakaubos ng aming oras sa pagba-byahe. Pagbibigay rin ng malawak na daan dahil sa rumaraming sasakyan sa kalsada,” panawagan ni Chavez.

Ayon sa pahayag ng The Passenger Forum, isang transport advocacy group, nagiging mas prayoridad ng gobyerno ang mga mayroong pribadong sasakyan kaysa sa mga komyuter. Anila, kapansin-pansin ang patuloy na road-widening projects kaysa pagdaragdag sa linya ng tren at pagpapaganda sa iba pang porma ng pangmasang transportasyon.

“Mahalagang masolusyunan ang ating mga suliranin sa transportasyon dahil marami ang nakaasa dito. Dalawa sa pinakamahahalagang sektor ang mayorya sa ating mga komyuter; ang mga manggagawa at mga mag-aaral, ang mga nagtataguyod sa atin ngayon at ang mag- tataguyod sa kinabukasan,” pagpapaliwanag ng grupo.

sa Metro Manila. Katuwang ng salik na ito ay ang programa ng pamahalaan na i-phase out ang mga tradisyonal na dyip upang mapalitan ng tinatawag na modernized jeepney. Panawagan ng nasabing samahan na ipatupad ang makamasang sistemang pampublikong transportasyon at lumayo sa nakasanayang car-centric na oryentasyon upang mas mapagtuunan ng pansin ang ikabubuti ng mga komyuter.

Ang mga hinanaing mula sa iba’t ibang perspektibo ay pinupunan ang iisang panawagan para sa namamahala—epektibong pampublikong transportasyon.

Sa mga pagkakataong malayo sa abot ng kamay ang dikta ng kapalaran katulad ng hindi masukat-sukat na pagod na ibinibigay ng lansangan, kailanman ay hindi nawala sa pagkatao ng mga Pilipino ang makipagsapalaran at tunguhin pa rin ang mga lugar na kung saan mataas ang paniniwalang may pag-asang naghihintay.

Patuloy pa ring ginagamit ng karamihan ang kakayahang taglay ng kanilang boses upang lumabas ang malinaw na konkretong solusyon na siyang tutuldok sa krisis ng transportasyon. Harangan man ng sibat ay patuloy pa rin silang nagbabasakaling maabot ang kanilang mithiin— ang maisaayos ang daloy ng daanan na siyang magbabadya ng kanilang arawaraw na kapalaran.

-Nina Jinn Anne Zymeth at Nina Amor Malakas Mahalagang masolusyunan ang ating mga suliranin sa transportasyon dahil marami ang nakaasa dito.

Ganito rin ang hinaing ng Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operators Nationwide. Malinaw na hindi sapat ang bilang ng pampublikong transportasyon upang masuportahan ang mga komyuter

Pagmulat sa Bagsik ng Katotohanan:

Kayod Kalabaw na Trabaho

Masipag at matipid — ganyan ilarawan ng mga Pilipino ang kanilang mga sarili. Subalit, sa mga panahong tila nakakulong sa gintong hawla ang presyo ng mga bilihin, hindi maikakaila ang hirap na dinaranas. Sa kagustuhan ng maraming masabayan ang pagtaas ng gastusin, tila walang puwang ang pagtitipid at pag-iimpok lalo na’t animo’y bula ang perang mula sa bulsa. Ang mahigit sampung oras na pagtatrabaho ay naging katumbas na ng isang kahig na pagbabanat ng buto.

Ulat ng nagbabadyang pagbabago Sa araw-araw na pagkayod sa buhay ng isang simpleng Pilipino, alarma ang dala ng kapansin-pansing pagtaas ng presyo ng mga pangunahing produkto sa merkado. Kung susumahin, iisa ang tinutumbok ng suliranin — mayroong krisis sa ekonomiya ng bansa.

Naitala ang 6.3% na national inflation rate sa buwan ng Agosto sa taong ito ayon sa Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

Mula sa Inflation Report Consumer Price Index, mas mataas ito kumpara sa naitalang 4.4% noong Agosto 2021.

Ayon sa pag-aaral na isinagawa ng Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), ang kasalukuyang inflation rate ng bansa ay lalagpas sa 2.0%-4.0% na target range.

Ganito rin ang nakikita ng mga ekonomista mula sa pribadong sektor ang ekonomiya — magpapatuloy hanggang susunod na taon ang paglobo ng inflation rate bago tuluyang umimpis sa taong 2024.

BATIBOT:

Pagtanaw ng bihis ni Juana sa lipunan

Batid ng bawat isa na ang pagtaas ng implasyon ay dulot ng pinsalang iniwan ng pandemya sa mga sektor na bumubuhay sa ekonomiya tulad ng turismo, kalakalang panlabas, agrikultura, at marami pang iba. Mula rito, inaasahan ng sambayanang Pilipino ang tugon na aagapay sa masang naghihikahos.

Subalit, bagamat bukas ang isipan at patuloy ang pag-asang aahon mula sa pagkakalugmok ay mistulang paligoy-ligoy ang planong inihahain ng pamahalaan sa madla.

Buwan ng Hunyo, matatandaang sinalungat ni Pangulong Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. ang inilabas na datos ng Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) patungkol sa pagtaas ng inflation rate sa bansa.

“6.1%? I will have to disagree with that number, we are not that high, our target is 4 percent or less, unfortunately looks like we may cross that threshold,” sambit ng pangulo.

Ang tugon ng pangulo ay umani ng atensyon at kaliwa’t kanang komento. Kung oobserbahan nang maigi ay tila putol-putol at walang katiyakan ang planong makatutulong sa kinabukasan ng Pilipinong direktang apektado ng mga hindi magandang pangyayaring ito.

Namumuong pangamba ng masa Kalam ng sikmura ang kalaban ng bawat isa sa araw-araw na pagbangon. At upang maibsan, pagkain ang siyang unang tinatanglaw. Ngunit nang magsimula ang pagtaas ng presyo ng mga bilihin, naging isang suliranin at palaisipan kung saan kukuha ng pagkaing ihahain sa hapag-kainan.

Isa ang tindera ng prutas at gulay na si Darlene Rivera, 46 na taong gulang mula Quintos, P. Margan ang nakararanas ng epekto ng pagtaas ng presyo.

Aniya, mahirap ibenta

Kalam ng sikmura ang kalaban ng bawat isa sa arawaraw na pagbangon. At upang maibsan, pagkain ang siyang unang tinatanglaw.

ang mga paninda sa halagang hindi sapat sa badyet ng mga mamimili kung kaya’t napipilitan siyang ibaba ang presyo upang kahit papaano ay magkaroon ng kakarampot na kita.

“Kung mataas ang bilihin, hindi mo siya ma-afford, halimbawa ‘yung sahog mo sa tinola, pipiliin mo nalang kung ano, walang sayote ganon nalang. Sakripisyo at tiis-tiis muna,” paglalarawan ni Darlene.

Hindi rin maitatanggi ni Joel Dela Cruz, 53 taong gulang mula Sampaloc, Manila, single dad at isang jeepney driver, na inaasahan niya na ang malaking pagbabago ng kanilang buhay na epekto ng mataas na gastusin.

Nabanggit ni Dela Cruz ang pagbabago sa kanyang kita ngayong mayroong pagtaas sa presyo ng petrolyo. Nangangamba siya sa magiging epekto nito sa kaniyang pamilya lalo na sa pagaaral ng kanyang anak.

“Dati ‘yung kinikita ko nakakapagtabi pa ako ng ipon para sa mga anak ko at sa pag-aaral nila at para sa agarang pangangailangan, pero ngayon, sapat na lang ‘yung kinikita ko para sa pagkain para maitawid ang araw at mapalit sa krudo. Kumbaga, walang kapalit ‘yung pa-

Ang paghiling ng pagkakabuklod-buklod ay hindi sapat kung patuloy ang panggigipit kay Juana. Walang mararating ang kagustuhan kung itinataboy ng maraming tao palayo ang katotohanang ang bawat isa ay may kakayahang manindigan sa sariling paniniwala.

Sa mga panahong tila walang lakas ang boses ng mga kababaihan, mararating pa kaya ng bansa ang inaasam na inklusibong kinabukasan?

Tuwing buwan ng Agosto hanggang Oktubre, masiglang nabibigyan ng pagkakataong maipamalas ang angking galing ng mga taong nasa industriya ng paggawa ng pelikula sa tulong ng taunang pagdiriwang ng Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival sa bansa. Sa nasabing plataporma, nagkakaroon ng malawakang agisan sa pagbuo ng mga konseptong tatalakay at babangga sa mga kasalukuyang isyung panlipunan. Gayundin, naibibida ang galing sa paglalahad at pag-arte ng mga artista ng bayan sa tulong ng mga batikan at bagong sibol na direktor. Isa ang multi-awarded filmmaker na si Direk Anna Isabelle Matutina sa mga naghain ng entri para sa Cinemalaya ngayong taon sa ilalim ng pelikulang 12 Weeks.

Ayon sa direktor, ang kulang-kulang na dalawang oras na

god ko,” pagkwekwento niya. Ayon naman kay Maryann Fantastico, 55 taong gulang mula Sampaloc, Manila, nagdudulot ang pagtaas ng presyo ng dobleng hirap.

Aniya ang halaga ng limang-daan ngayon ay wala nang halaga kung ibabase sa kayang itagal ng limang-daan noon .

“Ang minimum wage, sabihin nating PHP 535 a day, sa isang linggo makakasahod ka lamang ng 3,210 mayroon pang mga kaltas iyon, at ang matitira pagkakasyahin mo sa pagkain, mga bilihin, at bills na kailangang bayaran,” ani niya.

Pag-asang simbolo ng mungkahing Badyet

Sinigurado naman ng

Department of Budget and Management na sa panukalang PHP 5.268 trilyong badyet para sa taong 2023, makakarekober ang ekonomiya sa pamamagitan ng 8-point Socioeconomic Agenda ng administrasyong Marcos.

“Our budget for FY 2023 is proactive and resilient. It is designed to withstand future risks, challenges and shocks,” pagpapaliwanag ni Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman.

Mataas din ang kumpiyansa sa ekonomiya ng BSP at sinigurado sa publiko na unti-unting babagal ang pagtaas ng implasyon pagdating ng ikatlong kwarter ng taong 2023 (Hulyo-Setyembre).

Anila, ang pagbaba ay magpapatuloy hanggang 2024 at tinatayang nasa 3.2% ang magiging kaibahan nito sa kasalukuyang antas.

Tila kisap-mata ang bilis ng mga pagbabagong naranasan ng mga Pilipino sa kasalukuyang taas presyo na ipinapataw sa mga produktong nagtatawid sa pang-araw-araw na buhay. Ang pagbabago ay bumubuhay ng mga tulog na takot kasabay ang samu’t saring pangamba para sa hinaharap.

Pilitin mang sumabay sa mga presyong nag-uudyok ng panibagong hirap ay tila walang ikatlong opsiyon ang kapalarang iginuguhit ng pagkakataon. Habang pasan ng mga Pilipino ang hirap na nararanasan, tangan naman nila ang pag-asang masisilayan muli ng bansa ang kaalwanan ng buhay. Na kahit imposible ay kumakapit pa rin na balang araw, gigising muli na hindi pinoproblema ang presyo ng mga bilihin.

obra ay hindi lamang kwento ng pagiging ina, kundi maging ng maraming kababaihang patuloy pa ring ipinaglalaban ang kanilang karapatan sa lipunan.

Pagkubli sa karapatan Umikot ang kwento ng 12 Weeks sa buhay ng 40-taong gulang na si Alice na binigyang-katauhan ng aktres na si Max Eigenmann. Ipinakilala ng direktor si Alice bilang isang manggagawang handang itaya ang buhay para sa kapakanan ng iba.

Sa pag-arangkada ng kwento, matatanaw na si Alice ay mayroong matatag na personalidad—alam kung paano mabuhay mag-isa, may isang salita sa sinumpaang trabaho, at alam kung paano ipagtatanggol ang sarili.

Habang isinasagawa ang planong pagtulong sa bayan, napag-alaman ni Alice na siya ay nagdadalang-tao. Dahil sa kaedaran at kasalukuyang sitwasyon bilang humanitarian worker, samu’t saring bagay ang pumasok sa kanyang kaisipan— sumagi ngayon sa kanya ang opsyong aborsyon.

Naging matatag ang paninindigan ni Alice hinggil sa bagay na ito—ang ipalaglag ang bata. Sa tulong ng katrabaho at matalik na kaibigang si Lorna na ginampanan ng

artistang si Claudia

Enriquez, naghanap sila ng klinikang makatutulong upang maipalaglag ang nabubuong sanggol sa kanyang sinapupunan.

Ngunit, sa mahigpit na pagkapit ni Alice sa paniniwalang hindi siya magiging ina ay siya namang pagpasok ng mga sitwasyon na bumali sa kanyang paninindigan.

Pagsalta ng mga boses Kung pag-aaralan nang mabuti ang istorya, una sa mga pumapel sa awtonomiyang desisyon ni Alice ay ang dating kasintahan na si Ben na binigyang-anyo ng aktor na si Vance Larena. Si Ben ay mas bata kay Alice; lasinggero, babaero, at higit sa lahat ay walang pagpapahalaga sa pribasiya ng buhay ng dati niyang nobya.

Nakailang-ulit na nagkita ang dalawa sa kabila ng kanilang patay-sinding relasyon. Palagi niyang minamanduhan si Alice na huwag ipalalaglag ang sanggol bilang pagtanaw sa karapatan niya bilang ama. Sa mga pangyayari, madaling sabihin na ang madalas na pagpaparamdam ni Ben sa buhay ni Alice ay ang nagpalambot sa matigas niyang paninindigan hinggil sa pagpapalaglag.

FILIPINO SEPTEMBER- OCTOBER 2022 6
NI Norwin D. Trilles
NI Auera Lyn Nicolette F. Lacanaria

Dagundong ng Nakaraan: Pagmulat sa Sigaw ng Kahapon

Hindi tulad ng pag-agos ng tubig mula sa batis, ang mga alaalang iniwan at itinatak ng diktadura ay mananatiling nakaukit at babagabag sa isipan ng mga biktima. Burahin man ng panahon at pagkakataon, mananatiling nakamarka ang hagupit ng sistemang minsa’y bumunot sa kalayaan ng maraming Pilipino.

Sa muling pag-usbong ng punla mula sa tinik ng nakaraan, magagawa pa kaya itong mahatak upang banta sa kaginhawaan ay maiwasan?

Noong Setyembre 13, 1972, isinapubliko ng dating senador na si Benigno S. Aquino Jr. ang Oplan Sagittarius— termino na ginamit sa plano ng rehimeng Marcos upang isailalim ang Kamaynilaan at mga karatig-bayan sa pangangasiwa ng Philippine Constabulary o mas kilala ngayon na Philippine National Police.

Makalipas ang mahigit isang linggo, pinirmahan ng dating pangulong Ferdinand E. Marcos

Ayon sa opisyal na journal ng Republika ng Pilipinas na Official Gazette, bumungad sa nasabing araw ang pagpatay sa midyang pangmasa ng bansa, pagkansela sa mga panghimpapawid na biyahe at pagpapatigil sa mga internasyunal na tawag.

Naging matagumpay rin ang bagong taguyod na sistema sa pag-aresto sa mga personalidad na itinuturing na banta ni Pangulong Marcos tulad ng mga dating senador na sina Benigno Aquino Jr., Jose Diokno, Ramon Mitra Jr. at Francisco Rodrigo.

Sa kabilang banda, hindi naman nakaligtas ang mga mamamahayag, estudyante, labor leaders at miyembro ng ilang pamilya sa mga nakatikim ng kalupitan ng Batas Militar. Sa kabuuan, tinatayang aabot sa 8,000 indibidwal ang inaresto sa mga nabanggit na sektor.

Pinatigil din ang malawakang operasyon ng mga serbisyong pampubliko tulad ng Manila Electric Company, National Waterworks and Sewerage Authority, Philippine National Railways, at Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company.

Bagama’t tinuldukan ang sistema ng Batas Militar, nanatiling nakaupo sa pwesto ang diktador. Hindi natapos ang pangigipit sa karapatang pantao ng mamamayang Pilipino na naging daan upang tumagal siya sa kaniyang puwesto ng halos 21 na taon.

Sa pamamagitan ng pinagsamang lakas ng publiko at nagngangalit na masang Pilipino, isinilang ang EDSA People Power Revolution noong Pebrero 1986 — pagkilos na nagpabagsak sa dalawang dekadang pamumuno ng diktaduryang Marcos.

Sa pag-alpas ng taumbayan sa nararanasan, matagumpay na napatalsik si Marcos. Subalit, ang pagkakatanggal ni Marcos sa puwesto ay hindi katumbas ng pagkawala ng mga iniwang pait at dilim na siyang gumuguhit sa alaala ng mga direktang biktima ng awtokratikong pamamahala.

Isa si Gng. Hilda Narciso mula Davao sa mga saksi at nakaranas ng hindi makataong pagtrato sa panahon ni Marcos noong 1983. Isinalaysay ni Narciso sa segment na Healing the Wounds of Martial Law ng Rappler noong 2016 ang mga hindi makataong karanasan na kanyang naranasan sa kamay ng militar.

“There was a knocking on my door. When I was out, I saw them — a lot of military men, more or less 30 military men with full packs of ammunition, like rambo (May kumatok sa pinto ko. Noong nasa labas na ako, nakita ko sila—maraming militar, humigit kumulang 30 miyembro ng militar na puno ng bala, tulad ng rambo),” kwento nito.

Dinala si Narciso ng mga sundalo sa isang warehouse kung saan siya minolestya ng isang lalaki.

Sa panayam na isinagawa ng Rappler noon g 2016, sinariwa ni Ka Trining ang karumal-dumal na pang-aabusong ginawa ng kapulisan sa kanya.

“... iniikot nila [ang wire] kapag sinabi kong hindi, ikot sila nang ikot. Yung current, yung kuryente pumapasok sa katawan ko. ‘Yung wire nilagay na nila dito sa ano [dede] ko. Tapos ganoon din ang tinatanong pinipilit nila ako na miyembro ako,” mangiyak-ngiyak na paglalahad ni Ka Trining

Marahas na pagsisiyasat sa identidad niya ang ginawa ng kapulisan. Sa mga sagot na hindi sa katanungan ng pulisya kung siya ba ay komunista ang kapalit ay tortyur.

2,326 katao naman ang pinatay at misteryosong nawawala hanggang ngayon. Sa mga numerong nabanggit, kabilang dito ang madilim na yugto ng buhay na naranasan nina Gng. Narciso, Ka Trining at Gng. Bawagan. Ilan lamang sila sa libo-libong saksing mayroong lakas ng loob upang ibahagi ang iniwang mantsa ng Batas Militar na kahit anong kusot ang gawin ay hinding-hindi na mabubura.

Liwanag sa Dilim

“Bantayog ng mga Bayani offers the lives of these martyrs as inspiration. These heroes named in the Bantayog Wall of Remembrance, young or old, educated or not, rich or poor, well-known or not, have one thing in common – the country called on them in a time of need and they gave the one life they had in its service,” tugon ng foundation.

Hindi naman natatapos sa mga organisasyon ang pagprotekta sa katotohanan sapagkat maging kabataan ng kasalukuyang panahon ay handang maging instrumento sa pagpapanatili ng katotohanan ng kahapon.

ang proklamasyon blg. 1081 noong Setyembre 21 na nagsilbing daan upang maipatupad ang Batas Militar. Sa nasabing sistema, ang direktang kontrol ng bansa ay nasa kamay ng pangulo na siya ring tinatawag na Commander-in-Chief.

Nagsimula ang mga kalunoslunos na pangyayaring bumulabog sa maraming Pilipino noong ika-23 ng Setyembre, 1972.

This is the time us to stand up come up with braver films.

-pagsipi ni Direk Matunina kay Ed Cabagnot

Lahat ng nabanggit na pangyayaring ay naganap sa loob lamang ng isang araw.

Bulyaw ng pagkakatatag

= Ika-17 ng Enero ng taong 1981, pinirmahan ni Marcos ang Proklamasyon Blg. 2045, s. 1981 upang opisyal na wakasan ang diktadura matapos ang mahigit walong taong pamamayagpag nito.

“Wala akong magawa, sinolo niya ako—I was raped. Nilabas niya ako and then pinagtulungan ng maraming lalaki ‘dun, mga military men,” pananariwa ni Narciso sa nangyari.

Ang mga pambababoy na naranasan ni Narciso ay hindi naging daan upang panghinaan siya ng loob. Bagkus, mas pinili niyang lumabas ng bansa at pag-usapan ang kanyang naging karanasan — na hakbang upang ipaabot sa publiko ang mga tunay na nangyari noong panahon ng diktadura. Paglabag din sa karapatan pantao ang ipinaramdam ng rehimeng Marcos kay Gng. Trinidad Hererra-Repuno o mas kilala bilang “Ka Trining”. Siya ay mula Tondo, Maynila at noo’y lider ng Zone One Tondo Organization, samahan ng mga residenteng ipinaglalaban ang karapatan at kanilang ari-arian.

Para sa kanya, hindi na maiaalis ang ginawang kalupitan ng kapulisan. Aniya, siya ay isang tao kung kaya’t walang rason upang gawin sa kanya ang pagpapahirap na naranasan. Samantala, ang aktibistang si Cristina Bawagan naman ay biktima ng talamak na pang-aaresto ng walang warrant of arrest. Ibinahagi niya ang kwento ng kanyang buhay sa TedxDiliman. Aniya, siya ay hinuli, ginapos at piniringan bago dalhin sa tinatawag na safehouse. Ang nasabing lugar ay malayo sa pangalan sapagkat kapahamakan at kababuyan ang bakas na iniiwan sa lugar.

“Pinahirapan, tinorture hangga’t naging black and blue ang aking hita at yung mga tenga ay kinompyang. Napakasakit. Mayroong mga matutulis na bagay na dinaraan sa aking katawan. Pinunit ang aking daster at ako ay binaboy,” pagbabahagi ni Bawagan.

Makalipas ang limampung-taon, hindi pa rin nakakalimot ang masa. Sa bawat paglipas ng taon, parami nang parami ang handang pangalagaan ang kasaysayan. Sa kasalukuyan, mayroong mga organisasyon ang aktibong tumutulong upang labanan ang tangkang pagbabaliko sa katotohanan. Sila ang mga itinuturing na sandalan ng henerasyon at ang katunggali ay mga mga rebisyunista ng nakaraan.

...Napakasakit. Mayroong mga matutulis na bagay na dinaraan sa aking katawan. Pinunit ang aking daster at ako ay binaboy

Isa ang Project Gunita sa mga naninindigang labanan ang tangkang pagbabago sa kasaysayan ng Martial Law. Layunin ng grupo ang pagsasa-digital ng mga dokumento ng pang-aabuso, libro, magasin at pahayagan na umultaw sa panahon ng Batas Militar. Nililinang din nila ang opsiyon na kung saan mas lilitaw ang makamasang midyum—ang offline na mga proyekto. Bilang pagtupad sa paninindigan, nailunsod ng grupo ang history fare na may temang “Mga Pahina ng Kabayanihan: Pagpatay kay Ninoy, Pagbangon ng Bayan” noong Agosto 21, 2022.

Nagpatuloy ang pang-aabuso kay Bawagan. Tumigil lamang ito nang malaman ng mga militar na ang kanyang ama ay retiradong opisyal ng Hukbong Dagat ng Pilipinas. Sa kasalukuyan, nagtuturo ng Agham Panlipunan sa Philippine Science High School si Gng. Bawagan. Ilang henerasyon na rin ng kabataan ang kanyang natulungan upang hulmahin ang isipan sa kung ano ang dapat iwaksi, itira at pakinabangan sa pag-aaral ng nakaraan. Batay sa pananaliksik ng

Sa nasabing programa, nabigyan ng oras ang mga biktima ng Batas Militar upang makapagsalita at maibahagi ang kani-kanilang karanasan sa nasabing estado. Katuwang ang pitong iba pang organisasyon, matagumpay na naisakatuparan ang nasabing proyekto.

Nariyan din ang Bantayog ng mga Bayani Foundation sa mga katuwang ng masa sa pagpapanatili ng totoong kasaysayan. Sa inilabas na pahayag ng 36-taong gulang na foundation noong ika-25 ng Abril, 2022, kinontra nila ang malisyosong pahayag ng

Para sa mag-aaral mula Ateneo de Manila University na si Isabelle Louise B. Dolor, ang pagpapanatili ng arkibo mula sa mga pangyayari noong Martial Law ay isang paraan upang mapangalagaan ang dokumento ng mga pang-aabuso sa mga pinahirapang Pilipino. Naniniwala rin siya na ang pagiging mulat sa katotohanan ay mahalaga sapagkat ito ang magtutulak sa isang tao upang maghanap at maghangad ng progreso.

“Kapag hindi naitama ang mga kasinungalingan at nanatiling bulag ang mga mamamayan, tiyak na gagawin natin muli ang parehong pagkakamali na nagawa dati at habang-buhay tayong malulugmok sa kahirapan,” pagpapaliwanag nito. Ganito rin ang pananaw ng 20-anyos na si Denver Hans Coleta mula Anakbayan - Morayta. Naniniwala siyang ang kabataan ang magsisilbing katalista upang mamulat ang masang Pilipino sa mga panahong inilulugmok ang mamamayan sa alon ng kasinungalingan at panlilinlang.

“Ang papel natin bilang kabataan, kasama ng mamamayang Pilipino ay ang ating pakikibaka para bumuo ng lipunan na naglilingkod sa ating mga pangangailangan sa edukasyon, pamumuhay, kalusugan, at trabaho,” saad nito.

Nananawagan naman si Coleta sa kanyang kapwa kabataan na makiisa sa panawagan ng mamamayan. Naniniwala siya na ang pagiging bahagi ay lubos na makatutulong upang mas maraming kapaki-pakinabang na bagay ang umultaw at maisakatuparan.

Ang mga umuusbong na sandalan ng lipunan kasama ang kabataan laban kasinungalingan ay patunay na may magandang dulot ang maayos na edukasyon. Tanaw na marami ang takot umalsa at makilahok sa panawagan, kung kaya’t sa tulong ng mga nabanggit na sektor ay maakay muli at maimumulat ang mga taong nagbubulag-bulagan at pilit na pumipikit sa harap ng katotohanan. Lumipas man ang panahon, hindi lilipas ang tinimplang pait ng kahapon. Ang mga karanasang nabuo noong

Sa kabilang lente naman ng buhay ni Alice, nahadlangan din siya ng presyur mula sa sariling inang si Grace na ginampanan naman ng aktres na si Bing Pimentel. Bakas sa mukha ni Grace ang pananabik lalo na at unang apo niya ang dinadala ni Alice.

Bilang lola, palagi niyang hinihimok ang anak na maging responsable sa pagbubuntis upang maging malusog ang isisilang na sanggol, lingid sa kaalaman na may planong magpalaglag ang kanyang anak.

Hindi naging madali para kay Alice ang pagpili ng pinal na desisyon lalo na at hindi lamang bagabag mula sa ibang tao ang kanyang kalaban, kundi pati ang sariling paniniwala.

Kalaunan ay wala na siyang nagawa kundi ang bumaluktot at tumalima sa idinidikta ng mga taong nakapaligid sa kanya. Kaya naman, bumaliktad ang kapalarang isinulat ni Alice para sa kanyang sarili—ipinagpatuloy niya ang pagbubuntis.

Naging maayos ang paunang takbo ng kanyang pagbubuntis. Naging malapit muli ang relasyon niya sa kanyang dating nobyo at maging sa kanyang ina. Sa unang tingin, tila maganda ang ipinapakitang bisyon ng kanyang desisyon.

Subalit, hindi nagtagal ang tamis na kanyang nararanasan at siya’y agad-agad na binalot sa mapapait na pangyayari. Sa kanyang pag-uwi mula sa trabaho kasama si Ben, napansin niya

na nasa ilalim ito ng impluwensya ng alkohol. Mabilis ang naging pagmamaneho ni Ben ng sasakyan na siyang nagdulot ng matinding stress kay Alice.

Dahil dito, nagpumilit si Alice na bumaba mula sa sasakyan na siya namang pinagbigyan ni Ben. Sa kanyang paglalakad, nagsimula siyang duguin.

Mag-isang tumungo si Alice sa pinakamalapit na ospital na kung saan agad naman siyang pinuntahan ni Grace. Iyak nang iyak si Alice habang niyayakap ng ina.

Tinapos ng direktor ang pelikula habang ipinapakita ang naging buhay ng ina ni Alice noong dekada ‘70. Sa parehong sitwasyon—habang nakaupo si Grace sa kama at naluluha, ang mga naganap ay tila naulit sa buhay ng kanyang anak.

Mula sa mga pangyayari, masasabing dehado pa rin sa buhay si Alice bagamat sinunod niya ang dikta ng iba. Sa huli, talo pa rin ang babae—talo pa rin si Alice.

Pagtanaw sa lipunan

Tunay ngang nakapangingilabot kung iisipin na sa ilang punto ng buhay, kinakailangan ng mga babaeng sundin ang opinyon ng iba kahit na ito’y hindi sang-ayon sa kanilang minimithi. Kung kikilatasing mabuti, masasabing ang kwentong 12 Weeks ay repleksyon ng mga kasalukuyang nagaganap sa ating

lipunan. Ang pagpapakita ng impluwensiya ng patriyarkal na idelohiya sa pagdedesisyon ng kababaihan ay malinaw na naihayag ni Matutina sa pelikula.

Bilang pagtanaw naman sa kultural na aspeto ng relasyon sa pagitan ng anak at magulang, mahihinuhang malaking bahagi ng desisyon sa buhay ng maraming Alice ngayon ay ibinabatay pa rin sa kung ano ang sasabihin ng kanilang mga magulang. Pikit-mata na nga lamang kung minsan ang marami sapagkat pati gobyerno’y tila hindi kinikilala ang karapatan ng kababaihan. Isang halimbawa nito ay ang patuloy na pag-iral ng mga batas na humahadlang sa kanilang karapatan tulad ng sa legal na aborsyon at diborsyo sa bansa. Hindi na mabilang sa daliri ang pakaliwang pagtrato ng lipunan sa kababaihan. Ito’y maituturing isang krisis na nangangailangan ng agarang solusyon. Maaring hindi ramdam ng ilan ang hagupit ng ganitong pangmamata, ngunit ito’y maituturing na tinik para sa isang babaeng direktang nakararanas nito. Sa paglipas ng panahon, ang mga bulong na umaaligid sa paligid ay lalong lumalakas. Ito ay hudyat upang bigyang aktibong diskusyon ang nagaganap na panghihimasok. Paraan ito upang maipantay na ang bawat isa sa kabila ng ating pagkakaiba-iba, at tumulong sa pagtahi ng inaasam na inklusibong bansa.

Pag-ugong ng bagabag sa Estado
Pantao bilang paggunita sa ika-50 anibersaryo ng Batas Militar. (Kuha ni Karch Andrei Rafael). 7 NORWIN D. TRILLES PATNUGOT NG FILIPINO FILIPINO
Paugungin ang pangalan, Tanggihan ang Panguluhan ni Marcos. Nagsagawa ng kilos protesta ang iba’t
ibang sektor sa tanggapan ng Komisyon ng Karapatang
Never Forget, Never Again. Nagtipon ang mga mananampalataya sa kahabaan ng abenida sa Unibersidad ng Pilipinas - Diliman upang alalahanin ang ika-50 anibersaryo ng pagdeklara ng batas-militar sa bansa. (Kuha ni Alyssa Andrea A. Quiogue)

Dapat PAKAK! :

Drag Race Philippines and its significance to the LGBTQIA community

The most-awaited local edition of RuPaul’s Drag Race has finally come, serving all excited enthusiasts and interested audiences the fabulous and stunning world of drag. Being the talk of different social media platforms, Drag Race Philippines has made its mark in the history of LGBTQIA+ representation in local mainstream media with the advocacy of addressing equality and equity of rights— especially in the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and Expression (SOGIE)-centered issues.

Originating from sexism and misogyny, the art of “drag” was first introduced as a theatrical terminology referring to men wearing femalereferred clothes (or cross-dressing) during plays as women before were not allowed to partake in such performances.

According to Allure, a renowned women’s magazine, RuPaul Andre Charles, or simply “RuPaul”, rose to stardom with their hit song “Supermodel (You Better Work).” Mainly credited for bringing drag shows to mainstream media, the “drag mother of all drag queens” RuPaul aired their first episode of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” in 2009.

After long anticipation, Drag Race Philippines aired its first episode “Mabu-Heeey!” last August 17 on Discovery+, HBO Go, Crave, and WOW Presents Plus, with host Paolo Ballesteros, together with KaladKaren Davila, and Jiggly Caliente as permanent judges.

Drag Race Philippines and how it werks

Drag Race Philippines is a reality competition between 12 drag queens fighting for the title of “Philippines’ first Drag Superstar,” with a cash prize of one-million pesos and a year’s supply of ONE/SIZE Beauty Cosmetics by Patrick Starrr, a Filipino-American celebrity makeup artist.

In the Spotlight: Top 5 Worthy Post from "One FEU Community" Group

Since the peak of remote learning, the One FEU Community (OFC) Facebook group became Tamaraws’ safe haven. With more than 110k members, its viral posts caused inspiration, unity, and laughter–easing the stress during the start of the first semester.

These “kweens” are tested and judged in the competition with the “Maxi Challenge” and “Runway Challenge,” wherein they have to create a stunning drag within a time limit.

By the time of the writing, Drag Race Philippines has featured Terno fashion, Flores de Mayo Sagala tradition, Shake, Rattle, & Rollinspired horror look, pearl-themed fashion, and pink motif wear as runway challenges.

The art of drag does not only defy such norms in fashion, but also promotes camaraderie and expression of one’s self through art and performance.

PH Drag Queens representing the colorful and diverse FEU Community

As the 12 drag queens fight for their place through the challenges filled with glitz and glamour, there are two contestants whose first home was the Tamaraw-imbued community: Brigiding and Viñas Deluxe.

Brigiding “Gigi” Aricheta is an alumna of the Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication at FEU. It was her dream to become a performance artist during her collegiate years. Her drag name is a combination of her childhood nickname “Brigs” and the Filipino term for gay—“bading”.

Another queen standing in the spotlight coming from FEU is none other than Viñas Deluxe. A former member of the FEU Theater Guild, Viñas drew attention cascading through her first entrance only wrapped in a towel, and the Manananggal couture outfit during the third episode.

These two shone brightly in the drag scene with their performance and bold looks. It is no doubt that their talents and expressivity through their looks are reflections of how FEU promotes diversity and inclusivity inside the campus, that each student has an opportunity to express themselves in more ways than one.

Despite the resurgence of face-to-face classes last August, electrified Tamaraws still use this platform to share experiences inside and outside the campus, sparking awareness and diversion for one another. With over thousands of engagements and serving various intentions, below are five posts that fired up the Tamaraw Community.

Happy Hormone in a Bar

A combination of an oatmeal bar topped with chocolate should start the morning right. Here’s to the snack from Tayuman store that caught the taste buds of many Tamaraws.

Keana Espadilla, an IAS student, first posted about the oatmeal bar even before it got the attention of other Tamaraws. She did not expect for her post to go viral, but she was happy for the recognition it received later on.

The oatmeal bar went viral for its authentic taste and studentfriendly value that helped most of the Tamaraws get through their day. They would even line up early in the morning before the store opens just to get a bite of it.

Reviewer for a Cause

The biggest struggle for fur parents is when pets suddenly feel unwell or get sick. Seeking help from a veterinarian would be necessary as they can never tell their owners where and how much it hurts.

Champagne Go, a fourth-year Medical Technology student, had to sell reviewers to Tamaraws under the same program for her fur baby. Bailey, her dog, was confined due to infections brought by 2 types of parasites, Ehrlichia and babesiosis, causing some weakness and fever in its body.

FEU’s policy on inclusivity and diversity

With a society that cultivates and thrives for the acceptance of the LGBTQIA+ community such as shows like Drag Race, the FEU as a progressive institution also imbibes to all of its members the significance of believing in and living out an inclusive and safe space where various life perspectives, socio-cultural backgrounds, and political inclinations are accepted and respected.

Within the walls of thy happy halls, principles of diversity and inclusivity are being upheld and promoted in both words and actions. The Tamaraw community fosters an inclusive learning ecosystem where differences in opinion and ideologies substantially increase the topic’s breadth and depth.

The FEU Sexuality and Gender Alliance is an organization that advocates for the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community and empowers the Tamaraw community to be engaged in meaningful dialogues that amplify equality, freedom, and diversity.

Initiatives to further solidify such actions include the establishment of the Gender and Development Desk which aims to create “genderinclusive and gender-sensitive spaces and opportunities within the University.”

Through its organized projects, a culture based on acceptance, utmost respect, and tolerance is being deepened and internalized especially in a society where prejudice persists.

The community of the majestic rainbow does not only comprise comedic reliefs for everyone’s entertainment—they are above and beyond what they are being portrayed as. Their unparalleled talent and passion for creativity call for more than appreciation and glory, but more so necessitates the promotion of acceptance anchored on respect.

Through her viral post, she was able to accumulate Php 3,000 which was used to pay for Bailey’s balance on medical fees.

Clean and Green Heroes

More than just the happy halls, FEU promotes a clean and green environment for all the Tamaraws which is made possible through the diligence of the FEU’s employees, our clean and green heroes.

James Nathaniel, a second-year Medical Technology student shared an appreciation post for the FEU’s employees for maintaining the school premises in order.

From a single appreciation post, hundreds of Tamaraws were also able to offer their gratitude to our FEU personnel for keeping the home of the Tamaraws always clean and green.

Willed and Wheeled

Who can say no to carpool? Definitely not the Tam-mom Mrs. Lourdes Pelagio with her pasabay trips to FEU from Tandang Sora, Quezon City and vice versa.

Since commuting has been a growing concern of the Tamaraws on a daily basis, she decided to offer transportation services to those near their route to Morayta such as Visayas Avenue.

Mrs. Pelagio has a daughter studying at FEU Manila whom she drives back and forth.

Konnichi-Tam!

All the way from Eden Academy to the happy halls of Far Eastern University, Anya is here!

In the picture posted by Elaine See To is Michiko Yamamoto, a Tamaraw cosplayer who was portraying Anya Forger, one of the main characters in the action-packed Japanese manga series called ‘Spy X Family’.

Many students like Charleen Kate and Krisha Meñez had engaged with her and her iconic pink hair as she roamed around the campus of green and gold.

On a daily basis, the OFC Facebook group members post the most random photos along with captivating captions that get many interactions from the established community. Such posts are proof that Tamaraws are not just students, but also individuals that uphold empathy, gratitude, and amusement for others.

FEATURES SEPTEMBER- OCTOBER 2022 KRISTINE ANJELA C. PABLO FEATURES EDITOR 8

Going on 20

Arachne’s Gift

Arachne was blessed to tell tales on fabric.

Her island was proud of her weaving magic,

Until the Goddess of war came down, Who raised brows at the glories of the weaver.

The Goddess roared at the mortals.

The ground quaked, and the mountains shook,

As all had witnessed Athena’s law.

T’was the darkest days, virtue was betrayed.

Athena sewed the magnificence of Olympus,

The “Golden Age” the people are witnessing.

But only the Gods bathed in sweet wine,

As mortals could barely reach t heir trees’ vines.

Arachne weaved the deceit and savagery of the Gods.

She was silenced, cursed, and detained, Never to be written down, or praised for fame. But she will always be sung, by the people she had won.

My Shot

In a hierarchy full of deception—

The naked eye was pierced by this misconception, Slowly, it shuts the whines of our beloved nation.

In the middle of the indignation, hope arose

An illustration of regaining a sense of direction.

But the system did not yield; they shot the hope— they fought through termination

A life was surrendered in attaining rectitude. Yet, blind faith persists.

Nevertheless, the nation outplays despite the complexity;

A lesson and reflection of our resurrection,

Using our voice as the weapon—

A declaration of our rights!

Together, our voices will be heard; they have no choice but to listen

To the sound of the nation singing.

And just like any storm, the sun will rise— Reborn, a new era of reputation, Where one vanquished neglection, ending disinformation, and there is no exception

When preserving the welfare of our nation!

FILM IN RED

Twenty is a liminal space of peeling wallpapers and vacant corners, Scattered, shattered mirror reflecting fragments of a familiar stranger. Pristine green polos and perfectly embroidered patches trying to stitch a lost soul together, Undeniably wide-eyed and unsure.

Nineteen was a concussion or two, Like waking up with crusty tongues and bloody knuckles, Desperately stitched together, memories slipping through bandaged fingers. Left with fractured dreams and messy futures.

Eighteen was almost crashing into a lamppost— the winds bruising my cheeks.

Hazy days meshed together, Coming-of-age movies lied to me, Hackneyed polaroids and abandoned parking lots.

Seventeen was filled with growing pains and the pains of growing older.

We are all just kids playing pretend in bodies too big for us, Knowing only a thing or two about the world through rose-tinted windows.

Wouldn’t it be fitting if our biographies were a picture book instead?

Shadows of Despair

Spilled grievous memories stained like red wine, The agony of yesterday’s grief poured like a waterfall. To hear their clamorous scream of false glory, Oh, I feel sick to see their eyes gleam with glee!

Waves of questions made my heart sink,

To see a soi-disant dynasty throw dust in one’s eyes, That made people turn blind. Their hand for sympathy is a facade of being hungry for power!

The face of incompetence will control the pearl of the orient seas; Shadows of despair come to light, full of wrath.

As people abandon the bereavement of a fall guy, To kiss the feet of an unprovable tyrant!

In Hindsight

The sun is finally setting down, And there comes my mind towards the darkness of night; The quiet anger and the cries of our town, For the raging human chain goes out of sight.

And I was one of those who were gone; Almost shackled to death over your freedom from lies— In hindsight, maybe I shouldn’t have come too loud and strong, To trouble the dictator’s son and the slumber of his sunken eyes.

I swallowed the canvas of my beaten soul, While my body laid still on the cold hard ground— Mind’s battle-scarred in agony against the tyrant king, Yet still dreaming of tomorrow’s sleep with a mind so sound.

Now that the son is sitting on his throne, I remember how my comrades sat on the chair of death. In hindsight, maybe I’m the one who deserves to atone, For the tyranny served until our brethren’s last breath. Now, I can only hope that a time never comes, When there’s no more sun to consume the night; No warmth and no rage to fight for the light, As you make those who fought for freedom choose to look in hindsight.

In the slums of ‘Kyusi’, a loud gasping sound matched with the heavy drops of steps was heard across the hectic alley filled with rotten skins of dead rats and wide-eyed locals. A man was running barefoot whilst clicking his camera, blinding the men in uniform—flashing the red tags on their tainted right arms. The rain poured louder, silencing the cries for help by the unknown man, “Help me! Decades of documentaries about the fascist regime stand still. A tainted history filled with fabrication persists to exist. Would the blinded sheep be wounded?” Swaying the bloodied steel batons of the uniformed men drenched in sweat to the clueless civilians passing by—shouting in unity.

The man stopped by in the sari-sari store, catching his dying breath, thinking he was able to finally escape unscathed, laughing as he lit up his cheap cigar. Staring up in the sky as the rain stopped—he felt a sudden fast-throbbing heart, an aching stiffness on his shoulders, with his blurring vision covered with a field of smoke. The man looked distressed, holding his stomach, and noticed a pool of flowing blood, unaware of his numbness over the pain inflicted on him. “Those self-righteous men following a scared buddha, what a farce. Label me whatever you want, but history never forgets,” the man said as he smoked his last cigarette, covered in blood—grinning, staring blankly at his broken camera.

LITERARY SEPTEMBER- OCTOBER 2022 LITERARY EDITOR 9 JOSHUA DAVID M. DIAMANTE
17
A statue symbolizing the Filipino people with a background comprising of Martial Law related newspapers and an array of colors that show the gruesome violence of the time, and the resistance of the masses. Illustrated by Mary Vel Custodio
THROUGH THE LENS SEPTEMBER- OCTOBER 2022 ALYSSA ANDREA A. QUIOGUE CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER 10
ARTS SEPTEMBER- OCTOBER 2022 SHIENA SANCHEZ ART DIRECTOR 11

Different sports teams of Far Eastern University (FEU) shared their thoughts, preparations, and goals in line with the commencement of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 85 after the collegiate league announced the comeback of a full calendar schedule this season.

As UAAP Season 85 banners the theme “Rise As One”, the green-and-gold reps hope to rise amidst all challenges this season.

Continuing legacy

The FEU men’s basketball team, who maintained an eighth straight Final Four appearance in the collegiate league, continues to reach their full capacity by competing in various tuneup games and preseason leagues. In an interview with FEU Advocate, men’s basketball Head Coach Olsen Racela said that one of their goals is to keep their streak and for the players to give their best this season.

“We’re getting there... Ang expectation ko lang sa kanila (My only expectation from them) is just to give their hundred percent, their best effort, and then, whatever happens, happens. Of course, there’s this tradition of FEU making the Final Four every year, so that’s one of our goals,” Racela

said.

Men’s basketball team captain LJay Gonzales also mentioned that one way to reach their goal is to adopt Coach Racela’s “underdog mentality” as part of their mindset.

“[Iniisip ko] ‘yung laging sinasabi samin ni coach na ‘underdog mentality’, and kahit na maliit kami, kaya naming makipagsabayan sa mas malakas na team ([I think of] what coach always tell us, which is the ‘underdog mentality’, and even if we are small, we can compete with stronger teams),” Gonzales stated.

UAAP cheer dance competition defending champions FEU Cheering Squad will also try to continue the legacy and seal another top-podium finish.

The Morayta-based squad teased #EveryColorFEU as they dance towards the gold medal with a Francis Magalonainspired routine.

Rising towards the podium

The FEU taekwondo team wants to get out of the bottom of the barrel after being underdogs in the last two seasons of the UAAP.

Kami ‘yung last place ng dalawang season, so this season, gusto namin bumawi, at gusto naming mag-podium finish ngayon. So binubuhos namin [ang best namin] sa lahat ng training (We were in last place for two seasons, so this season, we want to redeem ourselves, and we want to have a podium finish this time. So

FEU Tams, ready to rise for Season 85

we are giving our best in all of our training),” men’s taekwondo team senior Joe Yap said.

Taekwondo team Head Coach Paul Esteban Romero also took notice of the significant improvements that the players have made in their training.

“If I will compare the FEU taekwondo team to the last season [of] 2019, I can say na sobrang laki ng improvement ng team ngayon… With the help of the new recruits, [‘yung] mga rookies namin, pati mga old players is ang laki ng improvement ngayon (I can say that the team had a really huge improvement this time… With the help of the new recruits, our

FEU’s Digal collabs with UAAP anew

rookies, and even our old players had a huge improvement now),” Romero shared.

Seeking redemption

The green-andgold chess teams eye redemption in the new season after the National University Bulldogs dethroned them in the UAAP Season 84 chess tourney. Chess Head Coach and Grandmaster Jayson Gonzales acknowledges the mistakes that happened and hopes

to bring back the crown to Morayta.

“Siguro, hindi nagkaroon ng adjustment [with the changes] ‘yung aming team (Probably, the team did not have an adjustment [with the changes]), but for this Season 85, hopefully, we could be able to get the crown for both men’s and women’s,” he said.

Grandmaster Gonzales also ensures that the chess team will show their best as FEU continues to provide the studentathletes with a good management and support system.

“We are preparing as early as this summer… We will give them a good fight,” Gonzales stated. The first semester of UAAP will conduct ten tournaments, including men’s and women’s basketball, badminton, chess, table tennis, men’s and women’s beach volleyball, swimming, athletics, judo, taekwondo, and cheer dance competition, which will run from October to December.

Sports tournaments during the first semester of the collegiate league will be part of the general championship tally this season.

Pons reflects on FEU recognition with SEA games participants

Former Far Eastern University (FEU) volleybelle

Bernadeth Pons shared her thoughts and experience after the FEU Alumni Relations Off prepared a special event to give recognition to former and current Tamaraws who represented the country in the 31st Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Hanoi City, Vietnam.

niyo sa amin (It’s a great feeling, it’s been a while but they still haven’t forgotten us. I said ‘this simple lunch is a very big thing for us because you never forget us and we know that you are very proud of us’),” Pons stated.

Green-and-gold pride. FEU IARFA student, Darryl Digal, designs UAAP Season 85’s trophy and medals after winning the UAAP logo design contest. (Photo courtesy of Darryl Digal)

Far Eastern University (FEU)

Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) Visual

Communication student Darryl

Digal was once again tapped by the host school Adamson University (AdU) committee to design the UAAP season 85 medal and trophy after winning the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 84 logo design contest.

Digal shared in an online interview with FEU Advocate that the new design of the medal and trophy is integrated with his sipainspired winning logo for the UAAP.

Napag-agree-han po namin [ng UAAP] na i-incorporate ‘yung bagong logo sa medal and trophy. ‘Yung new design po ng medal and trophy is something new and unique. Of course, andoon pa rin po ‘yung touch of Filipino culture (We [the UAAP and I] have agreed to incorporate the new logo to the medal and trophy. The new design of the medal and the trophy

is something new and unique. Of course, the touch of Filipino culture is still there),” he said.

be recognized and everything first. Nakaka-overwhelm. Kaya pinaka-struggle talaga is ‘yung nangangapa ako sa mga dapat ko gawin (Probably the hardest part is that everything is new to me. Like [the] first time to win, to be recognized and everything first. It was overwhelming. That is why the biggest struggle is really to get used to what I should do),” Digal stated.

As part of designing the new UAAP trophy, Digal shared that he also struggled in digitally rendering three-dimensional (3D) designs so he had to manually construct the pieces of the trophy to make it look 3D.

During an online interview with FEU Advocate, the 25-yearold mentioned that the homecoming lunch organized by the institution was filled with the stories they had with FEU.

“We had lunch… sharing about our fun moments before, and most memorable moments in FEU, [on] how FEU molded us, kung paano nakatulong ang FEU sa amin kung nasaan man kami ngayon (on how FEU helped us to reached where we are now),” Pons said. She also shared the satisfaction she felt knowing that the school never fails to recognize her even after years since she graduated.

The fourth year BFA Visual Communication student added that the hardest part was to get used to the work since everything felt new to him.

“Hardest part siguro is sobrang bago sa akin ‘to lahat. Like [the] first time to win, to

Despite the struggle, Digal continued to thank the collegiate league because of the huge opportunity and additional help it gave to suffice his financial needs.

UAAP Season 85 commenced on October 1

bannering the theme “Rise as One”.

“Sobrang sarap sa feeling, ang tagal na pero hindi pa rin nila kami nakakalimutan… Sabi ko nga noong lunch, ‘tong simpleng lunch na ito sobrang laking bagay para sa amin kasi hindi niyo kami nakakalimutan and alam namin na sobrang proud

Representing the country in the international competitions, she takes pride in being a Tamaraw as she is reminded not to give up, not just on the game, but also on the challenges in life.

“Kahit anong challenge na ibibigay sa atin, bilang Tamaraw, palaban tayo hindi tayo basta-

I am so proud to be a Tamaraw because FEU is one of the universities that produced many world class athletes),” the volleybelle said.

The gathering also reminisced about the late Asia’s Sprint Queen and former Lady Tamaraw Lydia de Vega who died in August due to breast cancer.

— Ma. Katlene R. Angcanan

basta sumu-sumuko…

Sobrang nakaka-proud na maging Tamaraw kasi FEU is one of the universities na sobrang dami nang na-produce na world class athletes (No matter what challenge is given to us, as Tamaraw, we fight, we don’t just give up…

“Kami ‘yung last place ng dalawang season, so this season, gusto namin bumawi, at gusto naming mag-podium finish ngayon.”
“Hardest part siguro is sobrang bago sa akin ‘to lahat. Like [the] first time to win, to be recognized and everything first. Nakaka-overwhelm. Kaya pinaka-struggle talaga is ‘yung nangangapa ako sa mga dapat ko gawin”
“We are preparing as early as this summer… We will give them a good fight”
“Kahit anong challenge na ibibigay sa atin, bilang Tamaraw, palaban tayo hindi tayo basta-basta sumu-sumuko…”
ice
FEU basketball, chess, beach volleyball, athletics, taekwondo and cheer dance teams laid out their preparations and goals for University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 85. (Photos by Ralph Mari S. Castro, Jazmine Ruth D. Pineda, & Alyssa Andrea A. Quiogue) Going beyond borders. FEU recognizes green-and-gold athletes including Bernadeth Pons in their SEA Games stint. (Photo courtesy of Rogue Gun Photography)

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