TAMERA 2021 by FEU Advocate

Foreword Photographs hold a special place in my heart. The idea of being able to preserve a significant and perhaps even life-changing memory is conceivably something all of us could want and hope for. Looking back, I understand that perhaps comfort might be the furthest thing on anyone’s minds as everyone continues to grapple on the bars of this rollercoaster of a year. Plagued with fear, uncertainty, and anxiety due to the ongoing global event that has titled everyone’s world off its axis, it won’t be a surprise if the holidays seem so distant and dull. Though in these trying times, perhaps photos depicting the Filipino yuletide spirit can bring the solace that we might be yearning for. As this year ends, I implore you, dear reader, to look through the lenses of our talented Tamaraw photojournalists as they share a Dash of Filipino Tidings. Peruse through the pages of the second edition of the TAMERA Magazine made by Tamaraws for Tamaraws. Allow this collection of photos to bring you back to a time where you believed that Christmas is magic. – For seeing the coldest and darkest night of the year as a time of love and laughter is truly nothing short of enchantment.

Rea Ronna M. Payongayong Editor-in-Chief AY 21-22 FEU Advocate There is no better way to be transported back through time than seeing photographs of what the world was like at a certain time, at a certain place. It is indeed a way to remember and relive the memories of the past. It brings us back to who we were. Even years later from now, this digital magazine will still probably be floating around the internet. And reading through it, as you do, will evoke a sense of nostalgia of how things were. I cringe a bit when I think of ‘the good ‘ol days’, because I’m not THAT old (yet, as of writing) - But by viewing still images, whether from a photo album or gallery, you realize how fast time really goes. It’s both scary and exciting at the same time, because you really never know what to expect. A Dash of Filipino Tidings is a mere contribution of the FEU Advocate’s Photo section to history. It represents memories of happiness, acts of dedication, and selfless sacrifice. The camera for us is a way to see - to make sense of our environment and to tell stories of who we are. Regardless of our purpose in doing so, the camera is a powerful instrument in which we will forever use to tell moments of life. The contents of this digital issue is to show the beautiful complexities of life, in which we live in today.

Juan Pablo F. Parian Chief Photographer AY 21-22 FEU Advocate

TABLE OF CONTENTS Chapter I: Holiday Commuter ……………..................................................................1 Chapter II: Memories that Could Have Been …………...................................7 Chapter III: People who make Christmas …………….......................................21 Chapter IV: Filipino Holiday ……………........................................................................27

ABOUT TAMERA, the official photo magazine of the FEU Advocate was first published in April 2014 with its first issue. After seven years, the Photos Section of the Advocate revived the folio through this first digital issue of the magazine, with it being the second issue overall. All rights are reserved to the authors or artists whose works are published in this magazine. This publication, or parts thereof, may not be reproduced in any form whether photographic, electrostatic, mechanical, or any other method without any permission from the authors, the editors, and the publication itself.

The Photos section is composed of: Juan Pablo Parian, Chief Photographer Andrea Gonzales, Senior staffer, xCP Arnold Quizol, Junior staffer Patricia Marie Cañete, Junior staffer Precious Diamond Farro, Junior staffer

Janice Aina Herrera, Probationary Jazmine Ruth Pineda, Probationary Kent Martinez, Probationary Nickey Zacate, Probationary Zedrich Madrid, Probationary

staffer staffer staffer staffer staffer

Chapter 1:

Holiday Commuter

While Christmas is a celebration of life and love, everyone has a different struggle to make it more special for others. For their loved ones, commuters are willing to sacrifice time and energy during the holiday rush. Despite the commuter hardships this season, the simple joy of their loved ones makes every adversity worth it. This season is about spreading joy, giving gifts, and visiting relatives. Let it also be about giving thanks, especially to 1

people like the commuters who provide for their families.

No line is too long for somebody who yearns to go home

3 3

4 4

Double my time: As the shift to a new normal progresses, commuters ache to the struggles of commuting and the fear of virus infection.

Aside from the pandemic response, Philippine commute tends to be a ceaseless societal issue.

Chapter 2:

Memories that Could Have Been

The past two years have been an emotional rollercoaster; we have encountered hurdles along the way, problems following challenges, and people are still trying to stay strong. Whether it is family members or blockmates you have never met, the very least we can do as a community is spread more kindness. This is the perfect season to be kind, more for7

giving, and make an effort to be more considerate and loving.

g n a l o k e d e w p Kung ko t i l u n i s a n a s , ibalik 12 na.

op o l t n a t s n o c a n o e b o t r e t t . e e b m o n h e e t b a e k v c a u t h s g n i e b n It would a h t r e h at r s u p m a c e h t at

There is this small spot in front of Administration building where I would always meet up with my friends after a long day. We could've been there right now, sharing stories while eating our dinner and staring at the lights hanging onto the trees or even just staring how the sky changes its color while the trees are swaying caused by the strong and cold wind of December.

Kung hindi sana dahil sa pandemya, malamang ay puno ng saya at galak ang pagkatuto ng GED. Mas marami sanang panahon upang makipagpulong, makapagbalitaktakan at makipagkaibigan sa mga kamag-aral na kapwa nahuhumaling sa kakaibang uri ng pagkatuto.

I could have been sitting in the same location with my mind clouded with worries; wandering, searching for peace, yet unlike today, it could have been cleared out with conversations and waves of laughter embracing the place.

Chapter 3:

The People who make Christmas Whenever asked to name something related to Christmas, several would say “Bibingka!”, “Parol?”, “Puto Bumbong.”, and many more. For Filipinos, the Christmas experience would not be complete if these were missing. But what does “Christmas” mean to those who make our Christmas experience fulfilling? 21

Narita’s Bibinka in Caloocan city sells puto bumbong and bibingka every Christmas season

Ernesto, Johnny, and Darwin decides to green on using mussels and recycled plastic straws on building the parol.

Bystanders choose which parol and Christmas lights to buy at Dapitan, Quezon City

With hard work on hand, Ryan decides to wait at a mall 25

Advent Recollection at San Roque Cathedral with the theme Gaudete: Sulyap ng Pag-asa

Chapter 4:

The People who make Christmas

Even during Christmas, the holiday season is “more fun in the Philippines!” The country is known for having the longest Christmas season in the world, starting from the 1st of September until the 25th of December. The Filipinos were known for having close family ties, and since given the chance, they ought to celebrate the festive season by going to different public parks, bazaars, and night markets with their families and friends. Even though Christ27

mas is only celebrated once a year, every day can feel like Christmas day with your family.

A message from the editor / Acknowledgements I would like to thank my Papa and Mama for their sacrifice in letting me do what I want to do with my life - my Ate Olivia for letting me borrow her camera, Ditse, Kuya Emok, Kuya BJ, and Friends - Flo, Jessa, Nickey, Portia, Mathew, Kyer, and Ralph. I would also like to thank the following people who made this project possible: Executives Rea Ronna Payongayong, Editor-in-Chief Mary Evangeline Valenton, Managing Editor Lance Christopher Bisda, Associate Editor

Kenneth Gamban, Executive Secretary Rachelle Macario, Assistant Business Manager

Editors Ciara Casmir Lasdoce, Head Layout Artist Maria Margarita Corazon Rivera, Art Director Ma. Emilia Nicole Bertulfo, Features Grace Roscia Estuesta, Filipino

Mary Angeli Faith Guisinga, Literary Arabella Rochynne Asis, News Joaquin Luis Quesada, Sports

Staffers Andrea Joy Gonzales, Photos Arnold Quizol, Photos Florence Anne Taiño, Literary Isabela Manacsa, Features Janice Aina Herrera, Photos Jazmine Ruth Pineda, Photos Julienne Labanancia, Assistant Secretary Kent Martinez, Photos

Mark Cascayan, Videos Nickey Zacate, Photos Patricia Marie Cañete, Photos Precious Diamond Farro, Photos Samantha Pagunuran, Features Yuichi Desquitado, Features Zedrich Madrid, Photos

Publication Adviser Liana Barro

Contributors ‘Memories that Could Have Been’ Agustin San Andres JR. Alessandra Nicole Bungubung Angelic Mizpah Chaste Balanhagui Angelica Baloran Arvene John Dela Cruz Cai Ellyn Carla Barrientos Feli Mari Carpio Florence Anne Taiño Franz Alfred Ortenero Ira Teresa Bautista Jonathan Saguitan JR. Karl Emmanuel Magboo Kristine Oliva Maxine Alessandra Turiano Melanie Uson Norwin Trilles Rachelle Ivyne Nicole Macario Samantha Grace Maceda Symmone Noelle Amacio Therese Andrea Villarama Trisha Marie Abuyan