Himig Isko 1st Semester Issue AY '21-'22

Himig sko

truth in service, service in truth

The Official Publication of Mindanao State University - General Santos Senior High School

September 2021 - February 2022 | Vol. 2 No. 1

editorial board

S.Y. 2021 - 2022

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Gwyneth Bartiana

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Dohniero Lozano

MANAGING EDITOR

Rimmel Pino

NEWS EDITOR

Gwyneth Bartiana

OPINION EDITOR

Keith Joshua Ayag

FEATURE EDITOR

Henri Marie Belimac

WRITING STAFF

NEWS WRITERS

Ella Claris Posadas

Ayesha Mae Adam

Marie Kaye Bitos

Reaj Vie Gift Pico

Kristina Mae Manalo

OPINION WRITERS

Aaron Kate Damaso

Mika Hamajo

Jhomarie Sevilla

Albert Hans Lipura

Chorena Grace Lorania

Kristina Mae Manalo

FEATURE WRITERS

Reaj Vie Gift Pico

Aeinoon Zohria

Ampatuan

Princess Rau Cunanan

Jessie Rey Bagatela

VISUAL STAFF

STAFF CARTOONISTS

Francis Calonia

Richelle De Arce

Adnan Edris

STAFF PHOTOJOURNALISTS

Sophia Louise Abaquita

Aura Delight Tuyogon

STAFF DESIGNERS

Johann Andaya

Joshua Rosa

SCHOOL PAPER ADVISER

Katrina Joie Buhian, MA

COPY EDITOR

Nhiel John Esperanza

GRAPHIC DESIGN AND LAYOUT EDITOR

Dohniero Lozano

HEAD OF PHOTOJOURNALISM

Princess Natasha Andrea Tulio

HEAD OF DIGITAL ART

Richelle De Arce

HEAD OF CARTOONING

Pauline Rae Nebran

Rimmel Pino

Cyrus Oliverio

Albert Hans Lipura

Gryka Krissan Balleras

Marie Kaye Bitos

Jasmine Joy Panes

Sophia Louise Abaquita

Aramellah Pare

Godwin Palapar

Aramellah Pare

Ella Claris Posadas

Kristina Mae Manalo

Simone Emata

Essak Santy Baligod

Alexandra Joy Maratas

Joieryn Nicole Robles

Ashley Untalan Krisna Shayne Amorio

editors’ note

Gwyneth Bartiana EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

“ “

A myriad of challenges brought by the pandemic has hindered us from enjoying the normal. Circumstances have changed; however, now is the time for student journalists to work together in solidarity. Himig Isko, as the Official Student Publication of Mindanao State University - General Santos Senior High School Department, is determined to give the student body a view of the happenings and takeaways of today’s events as a utility to empower the informed and bring light to the minds of the uninformed.

As an MSUan, excellence is embedded in our hearts and minds. We, at Himig Isko, aim to not just disseminate information and acknowledge students’ takes on certain issues, but to also recognize their efforts and achievements by bringing home victory from various competitions both local and international as it serves as a tool for reinforcing behaviors that drive organizational excellence. Indeed, we are born to be Legends.

“

The advancement of technology in the 21st century has made information easily accessible. As an organization that embodies honesty and integrity, it is our duty to deliver material that can be trusted to fight the spread of misinformation. We stand by what we believe and we determine who we are by what we do. Truth in Service, Service in Truth.

Rimmel Pino MANAGING EDITOR

Dohniero Lozano ASSOCIATE EDITOR

INTERNATIONAL CHAMPIONS

ABM studes emerges top in int’l biz competition

by Gwyneth Bartiana & Rimmel Pino

Three students of Mindanao State University - General Santos Senior High School Department under the Accountancy and Business Management (ABM) strand namely Earl Daenhiel P. Nimes, Cyril Mae Mamitez, and Rimmel R. Pino 12 ABM - Ford and their supervising teacher Ronairah Dindang won the international competition Business Olympics for Secondary Schools (BOSS).

Topping the other 95 teams from 46 different countries around the globe with the accumulated points of 6.5729, the team emerged victorious with their company name “Lakbay” meaning “travel to a destination” in the Filipino language.

BOSS (Business Olympics for Secondary Schools) was the first edition of the international competition organized by Revas - Business Simulation Games provider. As part of the competition, students were managing their own virtual enterprises, putting their business knowledge into practice and training their entrepreneurial skills.

REVAS is known for their business simulations–educational games that allowed students to make realistic decisions virtually, without the risk of losing real assets. 96 teams were put into a simulation of running a travel agency. For every week, a new round commenced and, for Team Lakbay, it was a cycle of gathering and analyzing rows and columns of data, forecasting market trends, and making financial decisions.

Participants played 7 rounds, competing in 11 virtual markets adjusted to the timezones of their schools, making realistic business decisions and testing various strategies for introducing services to the market.

company name “Lakbay,” which means “travel to a destination” in the Filipino language, outscoring the other 20 teams from various countries across the globe.

VICTORS’ VOYAGE. Three Grade 12 - Ford students of MSUGensan Senior High School Department won the international Business Olympics for Secondary Schools competition (BOSS). The team emerged victorious with their

photo by Senior High School Faculty

In order to educate students about Sex, Gender, and Sexual Orientation, the Mindanao State University – General Santos City conducted a Gender Sensitivity Awareness Seminar last November 21 where 158 Senior and Junior High School students participated in the lecture via Google Meet.

On the day of the seminar, there were two meeting rooms namely GAD3 and GAD4 where each session has a keynote speaker Mrs. Alma Celesthia Aguja and Mr. Orly Maraingan respectively.

The lessons discussed consisted of subjects: Gender, Gender Roles and Stereotypes, and Sexual Orientation. A separate 3-day GAD seminar was also conducted for faculty staff and members.

In between the discourse, the host of the seminar asked the students questions related to the presentation in order for students to engage in the lecture as well as encouraging them to participate by typing their answers in the Google Meet chat box which were then checked by an automated checker. Those students who were selected won 150 pesos worth of cellular load.

“For me, I enjoyed the Trivia part of the seminar most because it’s super fun and you have a huge chance of winning a prize. In fact, I’m one of the winners,” says Ella Posadas, one of the students who attended the seminar

Students were able to relate to the discussion as it was specifically directed to members of the youth whom are trying to understand the concept of Gender and Sexual orientation.

“Thankfully the speaker was aware of modern trends. She delivered her lectures in a way na hindi po ma bored ang mga students, she gave a lot of examples and situations for the students to understand the topic. During the open forum, she also addressed the questions of the students effectively,” said Posadas when asked to

On students’ empowerment

MSU-GSC conducts Gender Sensitivity Awareness Seminar

by A. Adam, M. Bitos, & E. Posadas

MENDING MISCONCEPTIONS & GENDER BARRIERS. To educate students regarding the facets of gender, sex, and sexual orientation, 158 junior and senior high school students from MSU-Gensan attended the Gender Sensitivity Awareness Seminar, held last November 21, 2021, via Google Meet. photo retrieved from MSU-Gensan FB page

comment about the lecturers.

At the end of the seminar, students were able to ask questions about the discussion in the Q and A session.

“The speaker gave a lecture about gender stereotypes and how us students shouldn’t feel pressured to follow these expectations given by society. The seminar indeed tackled some well-known outdated beliefs and the speaker did a great job in giving light to these assumptions. For me, I can apply the teachings I got from the seminar to myself. It gave me confidence to embrace my individuality.” said Posadas.

SSG leaders bag awards on AYC ‘21

by Gwyneth Bartiana

Mindanao State University

Senior High School Department’s Supreme Student Government (SSG) composed of 18 members attended the Apo Youth Congress, 4 of which won awards last December 3 to 4.

The SSG President Henri Marie Belimac was awarded as one of the Outstanding Delegates, while also lauded as 3rd in the Top Projects place under the Peacebuilding and Security Committee along with Chorena Grace Lorania, the Gripes and Grievances Committee Head with their work Project Auxilium.

Meanwhile, Carl Klint Panlaque, the Treasurer, and Gwyneth Bartiana, the Academic Matters Committee Head, won 1st place in the Top Projects under the Active Citizenship and Good Governance Committee with their work entitled Project Liyab. Apo Youth Congress 2021 serves as an avenue for young changemakers in Mindanao to expand the horizons of their

ideas through brainstorming and lateral thinking which includes a meticulous process of planning, visualizing, and evaluating, in line with the careful consideration of the new normal. It enables space for the thinkers that tackle and co-create solutions for the prevailing and emerging issues anchored on Philippine Youth Development Plan (PYDP) 2017-2022 as well as upholding the importance of the youth advocating for Health, Environment, Education, Peacebuilding and Security, Social Inclusion and Equity, Active Citizenship, Good Governance, Economic Empowerment, and Global Mobility, and highlights the advocacies through the event.

The conference was spearheaded by BAHAGHARI, a socio-political organization of Ateneo de Davao University that adheres to the principles of Authentic Christian Humanism, Active Non-Violence, Social Justice, and Integrity.

SUMMIT IN A SUMMIT. Seven senior high school students from MSU-Gensan SHS bagged places and awards during the Apo Youth Congress, a two-day Mindanaowide online event held last December 3-4, 2021. The students who attended the event were the student leaders of Siklab SSG, composed of 18 students. photo retrieved from Apo Youth Congress 2021 FB page

‘The

Philippines’ First and Only Children-made Magazine for HIV/AIDS Awareness’

MSUans take part on Project Genzine

by Gwyneth Bartiana

Two students from Mindanao State University - General Santos Senior High School Department took part of Project GenZine, a childrenled initiative proposed by Team The Generals’ on the Young Heroes Initiative-High Five of Positive Youth Development Network in partnership with UNICEF, ING Bank, UNAIDS and Council for the Welfare of Children in January 2021.

Dohniero Lozano of 11 STEM - Ganymede and Pauline Nebran of 11 STEM - Triton are members of the Philippines’ first and only Childrenmade Publication integrating HIV/ AIDS Awareness with studentjournalism on informing the youth in General Santos City.

“I first got invited to join Project GenZine as the Media Creation and Branding Head by Mr. Clyde Almaden, the Project Mentor. After unexpectedly qualifying for the national level of Positive Youth Development Network, we needed more journalists so I invited Pauline to be the Cartoonist Head,” said Lozano.

The works of the said organization can be accessible from their school libraries, barangay libraries, city library, and even in digital platforms.

“Soon it will be an official community student publication under the Local Government Unit so there will be a city-wide opening

of applications and more studentjournalists can join,” stated Nebran.

According to their vision, Project GenZine persists in intensifying its ability to disseminate accurate and accessible information about the said health issues in both urban and rural areas.

Its mission is to bridge the gap between people and factual knowledge with regard to HIV and AIDS.

“I feel grateful being a part of Project GenZine as it enhanced my skills as a journalist while also meeting people and helping the community. It pushed me to be more productive in my day-to-day life too and enlightened me about the truth of HIV and AIDS which added to my knowledge toolbox,” Nebran expressed.

Moreover, due to the successful year-long implementation of their project in the city, the Batang Bayani Award was given to Lozano and the whole Team The Generals’ and were hailed as the Outstanding Ambassadors for Innovations and Good Health during the “Kaya Ko! Young Heroes Initiative -High Five” held last December 1, 2021.

“We want to continue this project for more years as we believe that with our consistent action and engagement, we can achieve our dream of a healthier and better Philippines,” Lozano emphasized.

Want to read their magazine? Scan this QR code to know more about Project Genzine and issues regarding HIV/AIDS.

Pauline Rae Nebran Head Cartoonist from STEM 11 - Triton

Dohniero Lozano Creative Head from STEM 11 - Ganymede

DIFFERENT ROOTS, ONE VISION. To officially start cascading information regarding HIV/AIDS, Project Genzine finally launched its first-release magazine, “Hayo”, last October 30, 2021. Individual copies were also given to their duty-bearers, including the LGU-Gensan and other nongovernmental organizations.

photo retrieved from Project Genzine

THE LONG WAIT IS OVER. After numerous delays and deferrals, Mindanao State University-General Santos finally launched the opening ceremony of the College of Medicine last January 31, 2022, in the Audio-Visual Room, Graduate School. Notable speakers, guests, and other MSU-System delegates, directors, and deans of MSU-Gensan were also present at the launching ceremony. photo retrieved from MSU-Gensan FB page

MSU-GSC opens College of Medicine

by R. Pico, K. Manalo, & E. Posadas

Mindanao State University –General Santos City (MSU-Gensan) finally announced the opening of its College of Medicine last month of January, this year. Lead author of the House Bill, Rep. Shirlyn Bañas Nograles brought on Tuesday, January 04, 2022 to her social media account the great news. This was after the third and final reading of the lower house approved the House Bill No. 9521.

MSU-Gensan is now more than ready for its first semester, after the postponement of its opening last academic year 2020-2021 due to rising cases of infection of the COVID-19 here in General Santos City. It will be recalled that in the first plan, MSU GenSan – College of Medicine will be only an extension of MSU – Marawi.

However, due to its long process and more things to do before its accomplishment, it was then decided to rather make a bill enabling the MSU-Gensan to offer a medical course in the said University.

MSU-GenSan presently maintains colleges of law, agriculture, business administration and accountancy, education, engineering, fisheries, natural sciences and mathematics, social sciences and humanities, and a graduate school alongside a senior high school study.

news by numbers

Students call for face-to-face classes

7 out of 10

The established MSU-Gensan College of Medicine is one of the legacies left by the late Chancellor, Dr. Anshari P. Ali.

Dr. Ali— in his first quarter of chancellorship— proposed to the university BOR the creation of the College of Medicine even as an “extension” unit of the Marawi Citybased main campus’ medical college.

It is learned that the dean of MSU-Gensan College of Medicine is Dr. Edwin Alconcel while the Assistant Dean is Dr. Analiza Galia.

Submission of requirements for the Doctor of Medicine program was officially closed last January 19, 2022, followed by its entrance examination held in MSU-CETD Graduate School of Management on the 24th of January of the same year.

The said Doctor of Medicine program for academic year 2022-2023 is now at its final pace as day 3 of panel interview was held on Friday, last January 28, 2022.

On January 31, 2022 the said College held its Ceremonial Launching at the Audio-Visual Room, Graduate School which was attended by the OIC-Chancellor JD Usman D. Agrasi who gave his welcome address to the program.

Agrasi acknowledged the efforts of the MSU-System, MSUGSC Officials, national, district and local government units and other

students of MSU-Gensan Senior High School show agreement to let face-to-face classes push through in the Philippines despite the trials of the COVID-19 pandemic in order to help the less fortunate have access to quality education. Others contradict, stating that the Philippines’ pandemic response is poor and puts people’s lives at risk.

report from Himig Isko Analytics

stakeholders behind the success of building the College of Medicine in his welcoming speech.

Key speakers in the ceremonial launching that gave their approval to the building were Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Dr. Mishell D. Lawas who recited the contents of the BOR Resolution for MSU-Gensan, the Dean of the College of Medicine Dr. Edwin A Alconcel who gave his message of commitment, MSU-System President Dr. Habib W. Macaayong, Hon. Shirlyn L. Banas-Nograles, City Councillor Hon. Rosalita T. Nunez, Dr. Zohrahaydah Panawidan and OIC-Vice Chancellor for Planning and Development Prof. Sheila J. Loable.

Other MSU-System delegates, directors and deans of MSU-Gensan were also present in the ceremony.

The opening of College of Medicine would open many windows of opportunity for the Province of Cotabato as it will increase the number of state- run Medical schools in the Island of Mindanao. It is also expected to raise the number of local doctors in the region.

According to the Institution, the College of Medicine commences their academic year on the 7th day of February as well as welcoming their first batch of 50 medical students who passed the selection process headed by the University.

art by pch.vector from freepik.com

REACHING THE END. The month-long Technoscimath Fair concluded with a Facebook Live ceremony on December 10, 2021. The winners were announced, with their certificates displayed on the screen.

Gwyneth Bartiana and Carl Klint Panlaque, grade 12 students, dazed and astounded the crowd as they hosted the closing ceremony.

photo retrieved from Technoscimath Fair FB page

TechnoSciMath ‘21 goes full digital

by Rimmel Pino & Gwyneth Bartiana

After a one-year hiatus due to the restrictions brought by the global pandemic, TechnoSciMath Fair came back with a monthlong celebration from October 27 to December 10, spearheaded by the collaboration of three clubs: Science, Mathematics, and Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

Within the confines of online platforms, the fair featured 18 events, having 10 minor and 8 major games all encapsulated in the theme, “Unbounding the bounded: Enriching and Strengthening Skills in Science, Math and Technology amidst the Challenges of the New Normal.”

“The team endeavors in reliving the event to limelight the concept of Mathematics, Science, and ICT and convey them closer to the legends despite the current normalcy. This event also aims to refine their skill, creativity, and innovative imagination from the aforementioned notions; this will also test their skills in leadership and build camaraderie for every participant. Ultimately, the clubs encourage the students as well as the teachers for dynamic participation,” stated in their Facebook post.

To ensure the fair’s success from its launch to closing, the advisers of the Math, Science, and ICT clubs Ma’am Margie Quimosing, Ma’am Daryl Valdez, and Ma’am Ayna Vor Aguja guided all the 34 officers from planning and executing the events.

TechnoSciMath 2021, in all its Genshin Impact-themed glory, divided the senior high school department into 7 houses–a nod to the 7 nations of the referenced game namely; Natlan, Inazuma, Liyue, Monstadt, Sumeru, Snezhnaya, and Fontaine.

On October 27, the opening

ceremony was held via Facebook Live and so did the games and Display Profile (DP) blast commence to show the pride of their respective houses.

For weeks, the houses would look forward to enjoying the weekly Game Nights and the Meme-Making Competition, as well as ESports as it showcased the top players of MSU-GSC for Mobile Legends Bang Bang and Call of Duty Mobile, along with it are the shout-casters and analysts who cordially took upon the invitation to host the said events.

To show off students’ resourcefulness and beauty, TechnoSciMath’s Next Top Model was conducted where the participants exhibited their beauty and creativity by wearing recycled materials as masks and headdresses.

Deemed as the battles of wit and intellect, Quiz Bee and Amazing Race were also conducted and the 7 houses vied for top spots as they traversed through questions and challenges relating to Math, Science, and ICT subjects. Other major events such as the Song Parody and MTV Mimic were also conducted to judge the artistry, and editing skills of the senior high school students.

After weeks of events, the closing ceremony came to announce the overall winners as hosted by Carl Klint Panlaque and Gwyneth Bartiana on December 10.

For the final results, the house of Liyue was declared as the overall champion and stood above the rest, garnering a total score of 216, as represented by Grade 12 - Riemann 2, Grade 11Ganymede and Grade 11 - Titania followed by house of Inazuma second and Natlan third.

Grade 11 studes shine on digi-art contests

by Gwyneth Bartiana

Students of STEM 11Ganymede Dohniero Lozano emerged 1st place in the OSAEC Multimedia Contests Digital Poster Category and Richelle de Arce also won 1st place in the Digital Art Contest of UP SOCSKSARGEN’S Quizmas Challenge 2021.

Dohniero Lozano brought home a Samsung tablet, an Eisenhauer speaker, 1TB hard disk drive, and gave an LCD Projector for the school while Richelle de Arce won PHP 1000 and certificates. Their class adviser, Ma’am Daryl Valdez, participated in the turn-over of the projector to the school along with the Senior High School Director Ma’am Catherina B. Cunanan and the Talikala representative Mr. Evir Galleon.

In line with the celebration of National Children’s Month, the issue focuses on the Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of

Children (OSAEC). Talikala Inc, in partnership with Save the Children Philippines, launched the OSAEC Multimedia Contests to encourage children to actively participate in the campaign by expressing their talents.

On the other hand, The University of the Philippines SOCCSKSARGEN (UP SOX), conducted Quizmas Challenge 2021, an annual event featuring the brightest minds and talents of the region’s youth, with the theme “Kauswagan: Boses ng Kasalukuyan, Susi ng Kinabukasan.”recognizing the SOCCSKSARGEN youth’s unfaltering zeal and enduring spirit in creating a better community, not just for the region, but for the nation as a whole. Through contest events, participants were encouraged to create new and exciting ideas that can cater to the needs of the region.

Bergante designated as SHS Director

by Gwyneth Bartiana

Mrs. Jean D. Bergante was newly designated as the Senior High School (SHS) Director from February 16, according to the special order signed by Acting Chancellor JD. Usman B. Aragasi, MPA.

She is a graduate of Mindanao State University - General Santos with a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and later on studied at Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology, achieving a master’s degree in Mathematics and being a grantee of Accelerated Science and Technology Human Resource Development Program (ASTHRDP) by the Department of Science and Technology – Science Education Institute (DOSTSEI).

Prior to her designation, she was the former Mathematics Coordinator and Senior High School Academic Head and taught in the institution for six years and counting.

news lens

WINNERS REUNITE. On January 14, during the university’s APC, the students who had brought honor to the school gathered at the university for a courtesy call. Prize winners from BOSS, OSAEC Multimedia Contest Digital Poster Category, and Digital Art Contest of UP SOCSKSARGEN’S Quizmas Challenge 2021 were in reception, having won first place in their respective competitions. photo retrieved from UPCO

GIVING OUT. Dohniero Lozano hands over a projector to the Senior High School Faculty (from L-R: Daryl Valdez and Catherine Cunanan), which was one of the prizes he garnered from the competition won during the OSAEC Multimedia Contests Digital Poster Category. photo by Senior High School Faculty

Richelle de Arce 1ST PLACE

Digital Art Contest UP SOCCSKSARGEN’s Quizmas Challenge ‘21

Digital Poster Category OSAEC Multimedia Contests

Dohniero Lozano 1ST PLACE

photo by Jean Bergante

MSU, Here’s To Your Indomitable Spirit about the cover

by Ayesha Adam & Joshua Rosa

ROUTINE

None of us saw it coming. The abrupt end of classes, the quarantines, the empty roads. COVID-19 have hit us like a ten-wheeler truck, and we were left on the pavement, crawling for dear life. And then came online classes. The 7am sunlight hitting our faces as we rise for a school day turned into blue light making our eyes water as we turn our gadgets on.

RESURGE

Three years later, and we’re still riding out this roller coaster. At the start of 2022, there was a time when the prospect of face to face classes was shining on the horizon. But our hopes soon came crashing down as the new Omicron variant entered the country. Sometimes it can take only one reckless party to bring down an entire nation.

Though what would have been a resurgence of classes turned out to be a resurgence of cases as the Omicron variant entered the scene. The Omicron variant is a far more contagious form of COVID despite giving only mild symptoms to the infected. The Omicron variant is now the leading variant behind most of the COVID cases in the country. With things taking an unexpected turn with the emergence of the Omicron, the possibility of conducting face to face classes drifts away to the shadows of uncertainty once more. We will be stuck again in the grueling seats in front of our monitors while occasionally drifting off to bittersweetly imagine the experiences this pandemic has taken away from us. We’re essentially back to zero, and until the growing threat of the current variant is controlled, we will be expectedly repeating the same routines and feel the same isolation and lack of a sense of significant progression just as what we have been doing since three years ago.

REMINISCE

It is tragic to yet again have our hopes of returning to a sense of normalcy dashed. We’ve been made to hope again and again, only to see those hopes fade before our very eyes. Three years have passed since then and some of us are even about to graduate, but everything feels stagnant. We’ve been too stuck in our homes to truly experience the changes in our academic lives. Before, school was so vivid, with its Intramurals and events. You wouldn’t even have to be in the gymnasium to hear the crashing beat of the music. But now, no amount of Zoom meetings and online games can make up for the real thing. Not even school projects or group works feel the same, choppy audios and weak signals killing off any chance for brainstorming. And what about our connections with our classmates? School is not just a place to take tests and read modules but also a place to interact with people, to make friends and to explore interests. As we go through every memory we have of face to face classes, it is true that much has been lost. And while we may keep those memories tucked away in our own little mental cabinets, we still do yearn to have those things again. No matter how many times we’ve been disappointed, face to face classes hold too much allure to truly give up on.

RECONSIDER

Resurgence: A hopeful word that turned out to be the opposite. The duality of the word lies in the uncertainty of the times we live in. How this word would turn out in the following days, or months, or even years remains unbalanced on a tightrope, just as how we are today. Will there be a resurgence of danger with enough force to tip us all off on this rope we walk with the tip of our toes? Or will there be a resurgence of resolve with enough force to drive us forward to the safe side?

Until then, let us hang on to what makes us stable. The rope is wearing thin while our sanity is wearing off as well. We are at a very susceptible position while the very thing we are hanging onto could snap at any moment. So it is very important that we hold onto people and everything that takes away the weight of isolation and all the negative feelings that burdens us to release all the tension and unnecessary weight, in this way, we stand balanced while navigating the rope. The world has changed it’s pace and we must do so too. It's all right to take things slow, to be unproductive, to prioritize your stability. After all, this pandemic has taken so much from us that we need to always protect a certain piece of ourselves.

REIGNITE

The safe side might be too far from reach for now, but it is also important that we take care of ourselves so we can still be there when it’s just fingers away from reach. We have missed experiencing the ever iconic pastil of MSU, our abogification, crossing with carabaos in the MSU roads, and everything an MSUan would have experienced if it weren’t for the lockdown; we have lost so much, but we haven’t lost everything. So hang on, take care of yourself as this lockdown has demanded you. We will see each other in the maroon gates of MSU one day and we will burst with the flames of the Siklab spirit after being held down for three years. We will burn brightly like never before and show why the word “Legends” is rightfully engraved in our souls. We will reignite, we will Resurge!

art by Francis Albert Calonia & Alexandra Maratas digitally edited & enhanced by Richelle De Arce

UNFAZED-to-FACE

It is a no-brainer to know that since the extreme surge of the COVID-19 (Coronavirus 2019) pandemic, it has turned the tables on everything in the blink of an eye—including the academic setup of the students. To date, most of the countries have already reopened for faceto-face classes, which unfortunately excludes the Philippines from the list. That being said, it is a call for the DepEd (Department of Education) and CHED (Commission on Higher Education) to pick things up off the floor and apt for a resurgence in conducting physical classes once again, something that will definitely benefit the students in light of their academic learning.

Vaccines are currently allocated for teenagers and adults, so it is safe to assume that any high school or college students could acquire one at any vaccination center; not solely them, but as well as the teaching and non-teaching personnel from each respective school or university. CHED also raised the notion that only fully vaccinated students could enter the limited face-to-face classes. On the other hand, the unvaccinated, partially vaccinated, and students who cannot simply participate in the physical classes will have to resort to flexible learning methods such as online and offline modes. To figure, DepEd could also follow the same protocol, which is a sensible move, to begin with.

The return of face-to-face classes to the academic institution may also re-elevate the students’ quality of learning and learning experience. On the other hand, students are removed from unnecessary distractions within their houses and from conducting their everyday household chores, which are major stressors for students having both responsibilities on one plate. Explicitly saying, they may effectively resort to focusing solely on academics.

The urge of the said matter is also a major relief for underprivileged students who cannot afford electronic devices such as laptops and cellular phones that are deeply necessitated for online classes. Every month, students have to sustain and pay for the WiFi or cellular data to access websites and applications that require such, and there might even be times for some users where the cellular data expires coincidingly amid the conduct of an examination or video call.

In the present status quo, though the institutions are firmly eyeing the resurgence of face-to-face classes, the fact cannot be denied that COVID-19 cases are also resurging in unknown moments, and it is inherently alarming for the safety of every student. One more, a new type of variant has emerged, namely “Omicron,” which is deemed to spread faster and could cause more affliction, unlike the other variants. However, areas strictly under alert level 3 are only permitted for resumption, and, to reiterate, fully vaccinated students and school personnel are solely validated to enter school institutions. Safety precautions are also kept in mind, such as only permitting 30% indoor capacity and 50% outdoor capacity; the usage of facemasks and social distancing is also basically considered.

At this point, may we perceive the fact that despite the pandemic, the quality education of the students must still be a topmost priority considering the fact that flexible learning is deemed to be a hard setup to abide by. At the end of the day, it is a win-win situation weighing both the safety amendments and the accuracy for the students to learn.

At the end of the day, it is a winwin situation weighing both the safety amendments and the accuracy for the students to learn. “

art by Richelle de Arce & Francis Calonia

Letter to the editor

Dear Ms. Editor,

Considering that I’m in the first batch of students who attended all 2 years of senior high school online, I have observed that there are several concerning issues regarding the learning of students. One of which is the students’ ability to actually understand the lesson. I believe that in this online setup, self-discipline and self-learning is very important. This means we have to go beyond our online classes and explore the topic to truly learn. Sadly, I have also observed that students prioritize higher grades than the actual learning which ruins the point of going to school. Additionally, some students are also hesitant to ask questions to teachers and turn to fellow students when they do have questions. I think that being inquisitive has a significant value in students’ learning. Another issue that I have noticed is the student participation in class discussions, group works, and school events. By not applying what they have learned, it diminishes their chances of genuinely knowing and understanding a topic. In some cases, it also burdens fellow students and makes online learning harder for them.

What I have mentioned are just some of the issues I have personally encountered. Different grade levels, different sections, and different students experience issues differently, but they should all be treated with the same importance. By tackling these problems, it may help future senior high school students and it may also improve the current education system.

Respectfully Yours,

Gabrielle Limcuando

Letter from the Editor

Dear Ms. Gabrielle,

Before anything else, thank you so much for sending us your letter. We appreciate hearing your own thoughts on the online setting and on the situation the education system faces today. There is no denying that the switch from face-to-face to online classes was big and possibly overwhelming to many students. The new setup removes us from a healthy learning environment and separates us from our peers, leading us to rely heavily on self-discipline and self-learning.

It is not for lack of effort that the school has struggled to create this online learning environment. In this issue, we will see how Mindanao State University - General Santos has adapted to the new normal and how it could adapt still. The Supreme Student Government along with the administrator and faculty members continue to brainstorm more webinars and events to help ease the transition and connect the school despite our distances. We will try to communicate with them to address the issue of students’ detachment from genuine learning. We agree that we, as students, are generally curious and if we are unable to scratch that curiosity, it could end up with our dissatisfaction. As COVID-19 continues to be a barrier for face-to-face classes, we shall strive to make the best out of this virtual setup. We are all in this together in the struggle for education and academic excellence.

Thank you and we wish to hear from you again.

Sincerely, Ms.

Editor

Online Shopping: Boom or Bane?

by Jasmine Joy Panes

It would lead us to unpleasant things if not regulated. “

Undeniably, people’s lifestyles drastically changed. When the COVID-19 pandemic started, online shopping became the new norm. Online shopping is a process where consumers buy products and services over the internet. A lot of people, including myself, find it better than the traditional shopping experience. Shopping in crowded stores is time-consuming and uncomfortable for most people.

Two of the many reasons I prefer online shopping are that it saves money and is more convenient. First, prices online are much cheaper compared to physical stores. Whenever I want to buy something, I always compare the prices and eventually opt for online shops. I could get the same product and quality but saved money. Second, it is very convenient because it does not necessitate much effort. I would simply sit or lie comfortably anywhere, at any time, and browse various apps and social media platforms. Just a few clicks, then sit back and wait for the package to arrive. During holidays, online shopping saves me from long lines. In addition, with the pandemic, shopping online wards off direct contact with different people that might cause the spread of the virus. However, there are some disadvantages to shopping online. It occasionally is susceptible to delivery delays, particularly during natural disasters. I must admit that I get irritated whenever my parcel

also times when shipping fees are excessively charged, costing more than the product itself. Furthermore, posts are circulating the internet about issues with expectations versus reality. These are instances where the product that arrived differed from what was advertised on the online store. Consumers often create memes to redirect their frustrations. Lastly, it can be the cause of addiction and financial struggles later on.

An article from Addiction Center stated that compulsive shopping, also referred to as “buying-shopping disorder” (BSD) exists. It is a term coined for the extreme craving to shop or seek consumer goods. People with BSD use shopping as a coping mechanism to regulate emotions. They will often spend more than they can afford, experience postpurchase guilt, shop again to feel better, and the cycle continues. BSD is linked to different mood disorders that can lead to financial distress, conflict with family and friends, and a sense of less control. Experts suggest that it has similarities with other behavioral addictions such as gambling.

As the world progresses, new trends emerge that pique people’s interests. We must, however, remind ourselves to do things in moderation. Online shopping may bring us a whole new level of the shopping experience, but we must not forget that it would lead us to unpleasant things if not regulated. It

art by Francis Calonia

Along with its developments and benefits, it also has drawbacks and limitations. “

The Two Sides of Our Technological Coin

by Sophia Louise Abaquita

We live in a time when technological developments are prevalent. In our ever-changing world, the use of technology is exponentially expanding, and it influences every area of our lives, from our ability to communicate to accessing information at our fingertips. Even though technology has many good advantages, it also has potential drawbacks.

Nowadays, we are at a stalemate in which our lives are dominated by technology. We are obliged to employ technological improvements in our everyday lives because we are unable to go out and do the things we used to do. We utilize our phones, computers, and other devices to live, rise, earn and perform.

Amidst the pandemic, one aspect of technology that has immensely influenced us is how it aids and affects our learning. It has made learning more dynamic and collaborative, which allows us to better engage with the content we are studying and struggling with. Not only that, but it also improves our access to resources, which gives us a wide variety of things to process and take in. It also brought in disparate mechanisms on how we talk and communicate, as it ushered in a slew of improvements in communication. Examples of this would be social media sites and the aggravation of video conferencing that abets in conducting meetings anytime, even in the comfort of our homes.

Although technology has enabled us to live comfortably, serious concerns are linked to its expanding use. Our screen time and social media usage, in particular, have been connected to an increase in the prevalence of mental health issues.

Whereas technology progresses access to mental health care, it also increases overall psychological illness.

According to research, internet addiction is becoming a prevalent problem, particularly among younger groups such as teens. It has also been related to despair, poor self-esteem, and loneliness — feelings that frequently lead to diagnosable mental diseases and exacerbate preexisting difficulties. In line with this, interactions on the internet are also mostly unpleasant, and the stuff we view and take online causes social comparison, feelings of missing out, and cyberbullying. Moreover, it amplifies anguish and anxiety.

Research also revealed that children and adolescents who use media before bed are twice as likely not to get enough sleep at night. Along with that, it is difficult to give up technology due to dopamine’s motivating effects. Furthermore, addictive tendencies utterly perpetuate the cycle. Conclusively, technology has a significant impact on how we behave nowadays. However, along with its developments and benefits, it also has drawbacks and limitations. While not all of our concerns can be traced back to technology, it is critical to acknowledge the consequences of crossing technology’s harmful and detrimental sides. It may be practically difficult to avoid all types of technology, but watching ourselves and limiting the amount of time spent on social media or gazing at a screen is essential. Although our behavior in the modern day is molded by technological influences, as humans, we should be mindful of what we take in and process as a whole.

by the numbers

internet users had grown since the pandemic. This is 11% more than the figure reported before the pandemic started. The increase in number may be related to the effects brought about by the pandemic-with the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, social media rising to prominence as a critical instrument for information dissemination and consumption. data from datareportal.com

Vaccine Hesitancy: A Pandemic of Its Own

by Mika Hamajo

Even as infants, we are already exposed to vaccine immunization to protect us from various diseases. For the longest time, parents are quick to get in a nearby center and immunize their kids to keep them safe. However, despite the brief background history, why is it now that vaccine has become a threat that caused hesitancy?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Coronavirus (COVID-19) is an infectious disease brought by the SARS-CoV-2 virus that was first detected last December 2019. After just three months, an announcement of a global pandemic came, and immediately, the Philippine government imposed lockdowns and protocols to reduce the risk of COVID-19. Despite the efforts, cases still skyrocketed in our country. Due to the threat the virus imposes, a vaccine is the only definite solution. Thankfully, after a year of discovering the virus, the country finally received its first batch of COVID-19 vaccines on March 1, 2021, and was immediately administered to the Filipino community. A vast population of the Philippines is now getting vaccinated; however, there is still a minority who are hesitant to have it.

Hidaya Aliouche, B. Sc. cited various reasons why this hesitancy is still rampant despite the years of vaccine success. She said that lack of public health messaging is one of the causes why people hesitate to get vaccinated. True enough, in our country, passed down hearsays are way superior to factual information. Due to a shortfall in informing the public of the facts about vaccines, people tend to rely on rumors that are far from the truth and then pass it down to others. People are wrongly informed, so they tend to be scared for their health. Some Filipinos have a weak immune system, thus doubting the capability of their body to receive the vaccine. However, the slight chance of getting them vaccinated drops down to 0% due to false hearsays. In line with this comes another cause of vaccine hesitancy: social disadvantages. As our country is one of the countries with a poor education system

who can afford to neither read nor write. They have a lower level of education and access to high-quality, accurate information; they tend to believe in whatever, no matter how ridiculous it sounds. If someone says, “don’t get vaccinated, it’ll turn you into a zombie,” they’d believe it without uncertainty. Facts become hoax, and hoax becomes a reality.

Fact check, a vaccine is a solution to a global health pandemic, but it is just a piece of the whole picture. What use could a vaccine bring when people do not want to have it? Yes, there’s already a solution to the COVID-19 pandemic, which resurfaces as the vaccines; however, vaccine hesitancy is a pandemic of its own which requires immediate action. Following this, everyone should take measures to reduce the rates of vaccine hesitancy, specifically those of power on the upper hand. So the question left is how should we address this kind of pandemic? Well, our primary weapon in entering this combat is facts. Straightening and laying out all the attributes of COVID-19 vaccines might be a small action, but it can be effective. By easing them using relevant and accurate information through statistics, misconceptions could vanish. In line with this, dissecting information regarding COVID-19 vaccines would help make it easier to understand. With this, even those who did not afford education could quickly grasp the idea of vaccination. This action ensures that the public is heard and could make the people feel comfortable and trusting to the vaccines. By being patient, fast, and constantly catering to hesitant anti-vaxxers, they would feel a lot better and might reconsider taking a vaccine shot.

It is hard to accept that there is still a long way to go after all the struggles we faced because of COVID-19, as variants are still evolving. But what is harder to digest is that there are still those who are unsure of vaccinations. COVID-19 is a global health pandemic and lies within is another pandemic that presents as vaccine hesitancy. Developing a vaccine is the easiest part of the process; what’s difficult is combatting false information and encouraging the majority to get vaccinated.

by

the numbers

Filipinos have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. On the other hand, approximately 61.55 million are yet to receive their second dosage of the vaccine. A Department of Health (DOH) advisory also says only 9.7 million of the 33.5 million eligible people have received their booster shots. data from newsinfo.inquirer.net & statista.com

KICKING DOUBTS

True enough, in our country, passed down hearsays are way superior to factual information. “

SCAN THIS QR CODE to keep track of our COVID-19 situation in the Philippines!

art by

Dohniero Lozano

“

We are all equal, and we are all human beings. A man’s worth isn’t more or less than a woman’s.

Feminism: ‘Not All Men’

by Marie Kaye Bitos

“When men are oppressed, it’s a tragedy. When women are oppressed, it’s tradition.” – Letty Cottin Pogrebin. Despite laws and bills being passed into the system, women still have the shorter end of the stick when it comes to the disadvantages faced today. A few prominent examples of women’s problems are patriarchy, sexism, gender bias, access to equal opportunity, and navigating career along with motherhood. These are just a few examples of women’s struggles, yet all of these affect all women in society.

The Philippines is still a male-dominated country. That goes to say that patriarchy is still alive and well, flourishing and unconsciously keeps on seeping through everyone’s minds. And in a patriarchal society, women are unfortunately seen as weak and lacking in power. This description is also often used when someone refers to a teenage girl. To add on, if the opposite gender styles and acts femininely, they would be shamed upon because they are perceived as weak, just like a cis-woman. Furthermore, this situation makes perfect sense on why so many men take advantage of their power over women. And as Billie Eilish sang, “Try not to abuse your power, I know we didn’t choose to change. You might not wanna lose your power but having it’s so strange.”

Patriarchy is a social or political system in which men hold most power and women are largely excluded. Still mainly directed towards women, sexism is the stereotyping, discrimination, or prejudice based on sex. These are two of the most common and wellknown issues women have faced throughout history. Due to these, sexual harassments and fetishizations are also common byproducts, leading the topic of Feminism to soar on almost all platforms today.

So, after all the unfortunate obstacles discussed, is there ever any solution? Yes, and it is Feminism. Thanks to the internet being easily accessible along with the youth’s similar experiences on good and bad events, sharing their past and present online would be a slice of cake. Everyone talks about topics starting light and positive and eventually goes all the way to negative issues. These subjects, particularly the negative ones, will be discussed in countless social networking sites and apps, but nowadays, they are one of the most popular in Tiktok.

“Feminism is the radical notion that women are human beings.” – Cheris Kramarae. Feminism covers many issues, but its utmost purpose is a drive to achieve and implement

gender equality in society. This not only affects cis-gendered women but also to the members of the LGBTQIA community, thus, enhancing its role of significance. If there is indeed equality ruling over a person’s consciousness, then we would not have any problem, to begin with. However, the dreadful subject of gender inequality still comes in many forms and actions. An example of gender inequality is the action of taking advantage of a woman. And that action of taking advantage of a woman in a misogynist like society is likened to a quote by Simone de Beauvoir, “… her wings are cut and then she is blamed for not knowing how to fly.”

A famous phrase coming from Tiktok is “not all men”. This phrase originated from girls posting their unpleasant memories dealing with men. Those videos were then accompanied by women sharing their similar experiences. Despite that, when some men later discovered the videos, they tried to defend themselves by commenting “not all men” thus, and the phrase was born. The purpose of this phrase was for men to report that women are not the only ones who are suffering, but the usage of this phrase also implies that women are not special when it comes to situations like these. Furthermore, some men would go as far as to identify themselves as incels. Incels are misogynistic men claiming that patriarchy is the best system a society can achieve. They believe that the best way men and women can achieve harmony is through women submitting themselves to the control of men for their entire lives.

Sharing experiences with people a person can relate with creates a sense of validation and presence of existence, which are very important feelings, especially when an individual’s mood is beyond low. On the flip side, slipping experiences you do not relate to the person, partnered with defending the offenders, invalidates people’s feelings enormously. When such an instance occurs, the victim of invalidation is likened to being trampled on with a shoe. Left hurt and useless. Truth be told, it’s definitely “not all men”. But truth be told, it’s all women. I, for one, can testify that I have met no female that has not been taken advantage of, whether physically or vocally. We still live in a man’s world, after all. The most a man reading this can do is defend and stand with women in misogyny, sexism, harassment, etc. We are all equal, and we are all human beings. A man’s worth isn’t more or less than a woman’s. “Life is not a competition between men and women. It is a collaboration.”

art by Francis Albert Calonia

art by Francis Albert Calonia

SRE o Sex and Relationship Education ay isa sa mga programa na inilunsad ng United Kingdom para sa bawat paaralan nila. Ito ay may layuning ma-explore ang damdamin at emosyon ng bawat estudyante, magabayan ang sosyal at pisikal na aspeto ng mga mag-aaral tungo sa kanilang pagbibinata o pagdadalaga, matulungang maituro sa mga mag-aaral ang mga konsepto ukol sa “engaging in sex” at “human sexuality and sexual health”.

Ang tumataas na kaso ng Teenage Pregnancy, pagkalat ng mga Sexual Transmitted Disease (STDs), at ang pagdidiskrimina sa LGBTQ+ community. Iilan lamang ito sa mga matagal nang problema na kinakaharap ng ating bansa. Bilang isang estudyante, dapat na siguro naming malaman kung ano-ano ang mga dapat gawin upang hindi kami mapabilang sa lumolobong kaso ng mga problemang ito. Nararapat magkaroon na nang konkretong aksyon ang ating gobyerno. Ilagay ang Sex Education sa curriculum ng Senior High School.

Para sa akin, ang Senior High School ay ang pinakaakmang antas upang ilunsad ang programang Sex Education para sa mga mag-aaral. Una, ayon sa Philippine Statistics Authority, 10% o 5 sa kada 50 kababaihan na edad 15-19 ay may anak na o may dinadala pang sanggol. Samantala, ang kadalasang edad naman ng mga Senior High students ay nasa 16-19 years old. Kapag tayo ay magkakaroon ng Sex Education katulad ng SRE ng United Kingdom, ito ay labis na makatutulong upang maiwasan o limitahan ang pag-akyat ng mga kasong nabanggit sa ating bansa. At nasa wastong gulang na ang mga Senior High Students para pag-usapan ang mga paksang ito.

Pangalawa, ayon sa libro na “Reconceiving the Second Sex: Men, Masculinity, and Reproduction” ni Marcia Claire Inhorn, na isang Book Author/Professor of Anthropology and International Affairs sa Yale University, ang mga lalaki sa edad na 16 anyos ay sinasabing nasa “peak of their sex drive”. Dahil ang mga kalalakihan sa ganitong edad ay mas nagpo-produce ng hormones na kung tawagin ay testosterone. Ito ang nagiging dahilan kung bakit ang mga tao ay nasasabik sa sex. Para sa akin, mainam na ituro ito sa mga kalalakihang mag-aaral sa Senior High kung paano kontrolin o ano ang dapat gawin kapag sila ay dumating na sa punto ng pagbibinata. Makatutulong din ito para limitahan ang kaso ng Teenage Pregnancy at maiwasang mahawa ang mga estudyante sa mga Sexual Transmitted Diseases.

“

Hindi agad ito naghihikayat sa mga estudyante o mga magaaral na makilahok sa pakikipagtalik. Bagkus, ito ay nagtuturo sa kanila bilang maging responsableng mamamayan.

Sex Ed: Ituro ang Kailangan

PAG-USAPAN NATIN

Pangatlo, base sa survey na isinagawa ng National College Health Assessment noong 2018, 66% o 2 sa kada 3 mag-aaral sa kolehiyo ang aktibo sa sex. Nararapat lamang siguro na naturuan na sila noong sila ay nasa Senior High School, kung ano-ano ba ang mga maiingat na paraan sa paglahok sa sex life kung sakali man na sila ay magpapartisipa rito o hindi naman kaya maituro sa kanila kung paano umiwas sa ganyang sitwasyon. Ito ay makatutulong para maihanda ang mga mag-aaral para sa kanilang susunod na yugto sa buhay papunta sa kolehiyo. Kapag sinabing Sex Education, hindi kaagad ito naghihikayat sa mga estudyante na makilahok sa sex. Bagkus, ito ay nagtuturo sa kanila bilang maging isang mabuting mamamayan at maging wais na tao. Mayroon itong layunin na protektahan ang kanilang mga pangarap at ma-enjoy ang kanilang kabataan. Sa panahon ngayon, dapat na tayong umaksyon at pag-isipan kung ano ang mga posibleng paraan para malutas ang ating problema. Ang pagtuturo sa Sex Education sa Senior High School ay pwedeng maging isang instrumento para mapreserba ang ating mga kabataan. Ika pa nga ni Bertrand Russel na isang philosopher, “Answering questions is a major part of sex education. Two rules cover the ground. First, always give a truthful answer to a question; secondly, regard sex knowledge as exactly like any other knowledge.”

ni Godwin Palapar

Putting children in the criminal justice system, which is rife with flaws, commits them to a life of crime and punishment.

PUBLIC’S RALLY

Restorative NOT Punitive

by Aaron Kate Damaso

When the Philippine House of Representatives suggested decreasing the age of criminal culpability to 9 years old in early January 2019, it sparked national and international criticism. In a revised bill, the House resolved to “compromise” and altered it to 12 on the 28th of January 2019.

The House opened by stating that children are a possible key asset in terrible crimes, and that minors are increasingly committing crimes. Later, the idea is debunked by the absence of proof and data that children are to blame for the rise in crime rates in the Philippines.

Adult offenders will not be deterred from abusing minors to commit crimes if the age of criminal liability is lowered. Furthermore, it will have detrimental implications for children, particularly if they end up in jail and are held alongside adults. Children in dispute with the law deserve to be treated differently than adults in the criminal justice system since their physical and psychological development differs from that of adults.

It is more likely to cause harm than good. Children can be harmed by criminal punishment. It may

have an impact on their emotional and psychological development as a whole. Being detained and held captive as a child as young as 9 years old is a traumatic experience. Additionally, being called a “criminal” will stigmatize them. The current state of the Philippine penal and correctional system is dire: child correctional facilities and jails are among the world’s most overcrowded, and some children are detained alongside adults; neither of these environments is conducive to children’s development and social integration.

It is ineffectual in deterring others from using and using minors in criminal activity. The dilemma will only get worse if the age of criminal liability is lowered. It could encourage people who prey on children to target minors under the age of 12. Children who have been used for the purpose of committing crime should be considered as victims rather than criminals. Instead of addressing rising criminality, this will only serve to exacerbate the problem by incorrectly stigmatizing and blaming youngsters, rather than rehabilitating them.

It does not promote children’s safety. The government’s main theme has been to “protect” the youth, yet it has failed to do so. Putting children in the criminal justice system, which is rife with flaws, commits them to a life of crime and punishment. Instead of a welfare system that is non-stigmatizing and nonpunitive, we instill in their minds that they are criminals. Moreover, decreasing the criminal age to nine will produce generations of Filipinos whose innocence and morals will be tainted by their time spent in neglected state institutions.

What we need is to further promote and enhance the present Juvenile Justice and Welfare Law. These establish a minimum age of criminal responsibility of 15 years old; already hold juveniles who break the law responsible. It offers them rehabilitation programs based on restorative justice rather than punitive justice. This disproves the notion that they are criminals who have no place in society. As a result, individuals are rehabilitated and given the opportunity to change their ways.

Actual and effective implementation of the present Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act is the type of protection that is needed. No act of violence against children will be committed as a result of this, and those who safeguard children’s best interests will ultimately prevail.

Being political does not need you to be progovernment or antigovernment; it just requires you to have a stance. “

The Politics of Apoliticism

by Albert Hans Lipura

As the 2022 Philippine Elections are nearing, talks about politics have become very rampant. Political discourses are everywhere on social media. “Who to vote for,” “Why this candidate deserves to be the next president,” and a lot more posts have been flooding our social media feeds.

Politics determine who governs our country, our place, and governance impacts all parts of our lives – from our electricity bills, traffic congestion, the quality of education we receive, and people’s jobs and benefits, all these are affected.

Many have described Philippine politics as toxic, tiresome, and even uninteresting. I have heard people claiming to be apolitical because of such reasons. Some apolitical individuals I talked to argue that by avoiding the complex subject of politics, they preserve their peace or imply that their perspective makes them wiser or morally superior to the rest of us. However, this should not be practiced. Yes, politics can be toxic and frustrating sometimes, but it is not an excuse to be apolitical. Being apolitical demonstrates that you are not concerned enough to take a stand and would like to leave things as they are. You see nothing unjust about our world today. To quote Edith from Enola Holmes, “Politics doesn’t interest you because you have no interest in changing a world that suits you so well.”

Politics may not affect you directly, but there certainly will be changes in your life. Being apolitical should not even be an option. We cannot afford to remain neutral, not when ours and our people’s lives and wellbeing are at risk. It is high time to consider engaging in political discourses and have an opinion on things that may bring change to our society and our lives. We have to realize that it is a privilege to be able to turn a blind eye to what goes on around us; and everyone does not have the same privilege. Certain individuals are unable to remain indifferent or apathetic about political concerns that directly affect their quality of life. These people are the marginalized groups such as farmers and fishermen whose livelihoods are governed by senate legislation, tribal minorities abused by state forces, communities living in slums whose homes can be demolished

overnight due to corporations seeking to build in their homes, and LGBTQIA+ individuals constantly discriminated and whose rights are still being debated by officials. By being apolitical, we rob them of the quality of life they deserve. As someone who is privileged, you have the moral obligation to use your privilege to advance others’ rights. You have an obligation to fight for those who lack the option of remaining apolitical. Note also that political activism also defends the rights you take for granted. By being apolitical, you risk jeopardizing your rights by allowing politicians to make any decision without recourse. As a result, being ‘apolitical’ is not just a privilege but also a choice to disregard the rights of other human beings and even to forego one’s own.

Choosing to stay apolitical also allows the present administration to disregard the agony and suffering of actively oppressed communities. The choice to be apolitical is merely the choice to accept the status quo. Accepting politics as it is, implies acceptance of the fact that thousands of people have been victims of extrajudicial killings. Accepting politics as it is, implies acceptance of the fact that 1.3 billion people in 107 developing countries, accounting to 22% of the world’s population, live in poverty, while the top 0.01% richest individuals (520,000 people) hold 11% of the world’s wealth. By remaining politically indifferent, you are actively choosing to accept injustice. If you do not utilize your voice to speak out against injustices in your daily life, or to other individual’s, you stay neutral. But remember what Desmond Tutu said, “If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.”

The reality is that we are all affected by politics, whether we choose to acknowledge it or not. Apoliticism is not an option-because your action of not caring, directly affects someone who is concerned, influenced by politics, and politically engaged. Being political does not need you to be pro-government or anti-government; it just requires you to have a stance. It is only by coming together, having these political talks, and actually participating in our nation’s political arena will we be able to affect meaningful change and propel our country ahead towards a brighter future.

art by Francis Albert Calonia

Are we ready yet?

by Chorena Grace G. Lorania

The Philippines is a third-world, spiritual country. Our rights and beliefs as Filipinos are mostly in conflict. In many aspects, we constantly think about which weighs more than the other? We always encounter issues that defy our principles. With no answer in mind, we let these issues be neglected without ever finding the solution.

Our country has tried to keep these on tall shelves. Stacked with other issues we chose to forget. Unfortunately, that never drew silence, and an icy whisper still lingers around.

A major rumble has fallen into place. We cannot help but deal with problems head-on, unprepared. As we battle for our sanctuary, we also have to fight with our practices as religious citizens of the Pearl of the Orient Seas. Which has been the major challenge we faced even before.

Have you ever heard a piece of particular news about the effects of COVID-19 recently? Of course, you do. It is all over the media! However, have you ever come across one that talks about domestic violence being rampant while in lockdown? Not really, not unless it has gone to extensive events of the murder.

Although it has been evident prepandemic, the numbers of complaints and cases increase significantly. Abuse threatened more women and girls. Given the already tragic situation brought by the pandemic, this is some unbearable news.

Marriage in our country is the most valuable thing next to food and education, and many cannot swallow that marriages are failing. Many people would choose to talk about something else than that. People would rather deny and endure abuse than try to end it. Not to mention, ending marriages costs a lot.

It would need around half a million pesos. If you are lucky, maybe the court would actually try to handle the case. Sadly, that does not happen to the majority. So, couples learned to

bear the consequences rather than conquer them.

Filipinos also find it hard to talk about it supportively. The mention of divorce feels sunken. Even in this whole editorial, you will only read the word thrice.

When the media talked about it, it felt regretful.

In case you are not familiar, a House panel approved the divorce bill. It is not exactly good news, not bad either. The way they phrased it for the national news was somewhat deceiving.

At first glance, you will read it differently. You would react specifically—depending on which side you are on. Overall, the news did not really discuss success, as we are miles away from it. Though this is a great step, there are still those who try to block us from finally making it.

Indeed there are pros and cons, but by the looks of it, there is an urgent call for a solution. A solution to a problem that marriage counseling cannot fix. That the law cannot do much to protect. A solution to save lives that are at stake from violence.

Of course, divorce is just one problem our country must face. We require ourselves ample time to thoroughly discuss the criteria of an absolute separation of spouses.

The question now is, are we willing to solve something we are not much open to talking about? Will time come when we will sit down and tackle it?

With the election just around the corner, will it serve as a change to the table? A change that thousands of Filipino families rely on? Will the new administration finally take action?

If a family is the basic unit of a community, should not we focus on building a firm foundation? Should we consider what others think about a child’s future— providing them from the claws of trauma?

Will we ever be ready?

Many cannot swallow that marriages are failing. “

10 out of 10 students say of MSU-Gensan Senior High School students show their support for Sen. Risa Hontiveros’ bill on the legalization of Divorce in the Philippines, which seeks to break ties from unsafe and unhealthy relationships, and provide refuge from both parties included.

art by Pauline Rae Nebran

Juan, hanggang kailan magpapalinlang?

ni Aramellah Pare

Lamano, pagkarga sa mga paslit, halik, kaway dito at kaway diyan. Iyan ang mga kadalasang eksena tuwing panahon ng kampanya. Hindi maikakaila na iilan sa atin ay natatangay sa mga ganitong klase ng pamumulitika. Pikit mata, nagbubulag-bulagan, at nagpapahulog sa mga mababangong salita. Ang mga politikong manloloko ba ang humahadlang sa pagbabago? O ang mga taong pilit na nagpapagapos sa kadena ng panloloko? Juan, buksan ang iyong isipan, hanggang kailan ka magpapalinlang?

Sa kasalukuyan, marami pa rin ang mga taong tulog at ayaw mamulat sa reyalidad. Ayon sa aking pangingilatis, mahalaga ang pagkakaroon ng sapat na kaalaman at pagiging mapanuri ng mga botante sa mga detalye na kanilang nakakalap lalo na sa social media. Hindi sapagkat isa siyang sikat na artista o nagmula sa kilalang pamilya ay karapat-dapat nang ihalal ng masa. Ang tradisyonal na pangangampanya ng mga kandidato ay maiihalintulad sa prutas na kung tawagin ay “Miracle Fruit” malaki, makinis, bilugan, at sa unang sulyap ay tila malalasap mo na ang taglay nitong sarap. Bagamat kapag ito ay tuluyang nabiyak, masisiwalat ang katotohanan na taliwas sa panlabas nitong kaanyuan. Dagdag pa riyan ang mga kumakalat na maling impormasyon sa Internet patungkol sa mga kandidato na kalimitan ay nagiging sanhi ng mga gulo. Bilang isang mamamayan, mahalagang suriin ang personalidad, kakayahan, prinsipyo at katapatan ng bawat kandidatong tumatakbo bago sila pagkatiwalaan.

Una, mula pa noon, marami nang kapalpakan at kakulangan ang mga mamamayan sa paghahalal ng mga namumuno. Isang halibawa nito ay noong taong 2001 kung kailan naganap ang People Power Revolution II o mas kilala sa tawag na EDSA Dos. Ito ang kilusan ng mga taong bayan na nagpatalsik kay dating pangulong Joseph Estrada o mas tanyag sa bansag na “Erap”. Ayon sa aklat na “History” ni Lourd Ernest H. De Veyra na isang journalist, si Joseph Estrada ay nakilala sa taglay nitong kasikatan sa industriya ng pag-aartista. Sino ba naman ang makakalimot sa kaniyang pakulo noong panahon ng kampanya? Wristband, brush-up hair, jeep ni Erap, at ang slogan niyang “Erap, para sa mahirap”. Kabi-kabilang batikos ukol sa mga bisyo ni Erap ang namayagpag, ngunit hindi ito naging balakid sa pagkamit niya ng humigit kumulang 40% o halos 11 milyong boto na naging daan upang siya ay mailuklok sa pinakamataas na posisyon noong 1998. Makalipas ang tatlong taon, siya ay napatalsik sa pwesto matapos makasuhan ng Plunder at Perjury. Masasabing repleksiyon ito na ang mga Pilipinong botante noon ay hindi pa handa at walang sapat na kaalaman sa pagpili ng kanilang mga pinuno.

Marahil ito ay bunsod ng kakulangan sa makabagong teknolohiyang nagpapadali ng pagpapakalat ng impormasyon.

Ikalawa, sa ngayon ay laganap na ang social media bilang pangunahing tagapagpahayag ng mga mahahalagang balita na siyang ginagamit ng mga politiko sa pangangampanya na kadalasang pinagmumulan ng mga pekeng impormasyon. Ayon sa PH voters’ vibe survey na isinagawa ng “Boses Pilipinas” katuwang ang Ateneo School Government at Project Participate, 63% pa lamang ang kumpiyansa sa kakayahan nilang tumukoy ng pekeng balita at 6.9% ang nakakuha ng average score sa 10-item fake news quiz na naglalarawan ng kakulangan natin sa kakayahang kumilala ng mga pekeng balita. Samakatuwid, nararapat lamang na bilang botante ay marunong tayong kumilatis ng impormasyon at tumangkilik ng media na walang kinikilingan at tunay na mapagkakatiwalaan.

Ikatlo, alam ba natin kung bakit tanyag ang mga apilyedo tulad ng Aquino, Villar, Revilla, Marcos, Duterte at Binay sa larangan ng politika sa bansa? Dalawang salita, Political Dynasty—konsepto na kung saan isang pamilya ng mga

art by Essak Santy Baligod

politiko ang namamahala sa isang lugar at pinagpapasa-pasahan ang kapangyarihang mamuno na wari ito ay umiikot lamang sa kanilang mga kamay. Ayon sa pag-aaral ng Ateneo School of Government, ang mga dinastiyang ito ay lumalaki ng isang bahagdan tuwing eleksyon at marahil ay karaniwang ginagawa upang mapabilis ang kanilang mga pang personal na transaksyon na nagiging dahilan ng pagkakaantala ng mga pampublikong proyekto na mula sa kaban ng bayan. Nakalulungkot mang isipin ngunit ito ang katotohanan. Ang hindi pagseseryoso sa pagpili ng lider, pagpapaniwala sa mga pekeng impormasyon at ang patuloy na pagtangkilik sa Political Dynasty ay magreresulta sa tuluyang pagkakalugmok ng ating ekonomiya. Sa katunayan ay mapalad tayo sa pagkakaroon ng isang demokratikong bansa kaya bilang mga responsableng mamamayan, gumising at makibaka, boses ang magsisilbi nating sandata. Kumawala sa tanikala sapagkat tayo ang may hawak ng kapalaran at tayo mismo ang susi tungo sa kaunlaran. Ayon pa nga kay Plato, “If you do not take an interest in the affairs of your government, then you are doomed to live under the rule of fools.”

Kumawala sa tanikala sapagkat tayo ang may hawak ng kapalaran at tayo mismo ang susi tungo sa kaunlaran.

MGA PALAISIPAN

TRAPO: Mga politikong

nagbabalat-kayo

ni Jhomarie Sevilla

Bilang isang umuunlad na bansa na may mataas na infant mortality rate, may mababang GDP per capita, may limitadong access sa pangangalagang pangkalusugan, at ang kahirapan ay kapansin-pansin, hindi dapat natin hinahayaan na malugmok ng tuluyan ang ating bansa sa isang lider na walang konkretong plano at mabaon pa tayong muli sa utang. Hindi dapat binibigyan ng kapangyarihan ang isang politiko na may bahid ng pagnanakaw at mga wala namang nagawa at puro lang salita. Lalong lalo na ang mga politiko na nakikita mo lang tuwing eleksyon at hindi na nahahagilap tuwing pag-uusapin na ang korapsyon. Kababayan, alam kong nakakapanlumo itong isipin pero nangyayari ito sa ating bansa magpahanggang ngayon na kung saan talamak pa rin ang mga TRAPO. Sa dakong ito ay gusto kitang tanungin nang masinsinan, bilang isang Pilipino, naiisip mo ba ang magiging kinabukasan ng iyong bansa, mga anak at magiging apo sa kamay ng mga opisyal na wala namang nagagawang tama?

Ang mga TRAPO o traditional politicians ay mga politiko na nangangako sa mga kababayan nito at nagsasabing gagawin ang anumang bagay na makakatulong sa kanilang pang-araw-araw. Kadalasan nila itong hinahaluan ng mga maduduming tricks o taktika upang mahalal o makuha ang posisyong kanilang hinahangad. Sila ay karaniwang gumagawa ng mga maling pangako na maaring magpahamak sa mga

nasasakupan nito. Gumagamit sila ng sankaterbang pera upang makabili ng mga boto na siyang magpapanatili sa kanila sa kapangyarihan. Ang mga taong ito ay mapagsamantala sapagkat kanilang pinupuntirya ang mga mahihina at mga mahihirap na indibidwal na handang ibenta ang kanilang mga boto upang makaraos.

Tuwing eleksyon, ang karaniwan nilang ginagawa ay magpabango. Tuwing nangangampanya, sila ay kumakanta, sumasayaw, na parang nagpapasakit sa mga madla. Sa panahon ngayon na kung saan ang teknolohiya ay moderno na mas nagagamit nila itong instrumento upang mahimok ang mga taong iboto sila. Ipinapakita nila sa social media ang mga bagay na gusto nilang gawin. Nagbabayad sila ng malaking halaga sa mga taong pwedeng manghikayat, sa mga political ads, at iba pa. Kapag nahalal na ang mga ito, ibinabalik nila ang kanilang kapital na ginamit noong eleksyon sa pamamagitan ng mga kontratang sobrang taas ng presyo(overpriced), mga ghost project, at iba pang klase ng katiwalian.

Ngayong papalapit na ang halalan, kung kaya nating itaas ang ating pamantayan sa mga bagay gaya ng sa pag-aaral, nawa ay sa iboboto rin nating opisyal. Dahil sa pamamagitan nito ay mas mahihimok natin sila na gawin ang nararapat. Piliin natin ang mga may

Ang lahat pwedeng mangako, ngunit hindi lahat kayang tumupad. “

potensyal na kayang iangat ang ating buhay, kayang ipaglaban ang ating karapatan at higit sa lahat kaya tayong tulungan hindi lang tuwing may sakuna kundi sa lahat ng oras. Nawa’y naging leksiyon na sa atin ang mga nagdaang politiko na sa halip na tulungan tayong iahon ay mas pinahirap pa ang ating sitwasyon. Huwag ka sanang mapanatag sa mga mapanlinlang, mga sinungaling, mga manloloko at sa mga nambibilog ng utak. Dahil ang iyong boto ay maaring makapagpabago ng isang buhay. Nawa’y pakakatandaan natin na, “Ang lahat pwedeng mangako, ngunit hindi lahat kayang tumupad.” Kung kaya’t mga kababayan ko, mga Pilipino, mga pwede ng bumoto, ikaw, piliin nawa ninyo at iluklok ang mga politikong karapat-dapat, mga may magagawa at may nagawa na. Higit sa lahat, hindi sinungaling at magnanakaw ng kaban ng bayan. Ngayong Mayo, ating iligwak ang mga trapo!

NARARAPAT GAWIN

art by Pauline Rae Nebran

Between Us and Them: Comprehension, Not Communication

by Keith Joshua Ayag

Truth, for what it’s worth, is something that has to prevail. In light of this, we see a lot of disinformation spreading on social media, which is really irritating for people, including us students, who were taught to always assess our decisions based on the truth and not on any unverified news seen. However, it is sadly inevitable that some of our acquaintances, friends, family, and relatives fall into the trap and become victims of fake news.

Yet, as much as we yearn to enlighten them about what appears to be righteous, the discussion sometimes may lead to conflict due to a lack of openness to what is actually happening in reality. But it should not stop there, it is rather a call to be driven in political involvement and how it is worth the shot despite the risk in interpersonal relationships.

To say, the 2022 Philippine election is nearing, which implicitly tells us that we must try our best to incessantly educate people in becoming smart voters. In my personal notion, I always try to tell people to ground their claims to legitimate media outlets and assess which is fact and which is fiction. One fundamental step is also to vote critically, which includes conducting a background check on each candidate to determine whether they have a clean record or a contradictory one, and, if a platform is provided, how concrete is it in convincing every Filipino voter.

Moreover, when discussing with

TRUTH HURTS

“

Let us take it to a particular aphorism I have heard of: it is not shameful to change opinion when presented with facts.

them, we cannot argue fire with fire. If in any case that they attack in an ad hominem argument, attacking likewise will not make the conversation any healthy and substantial as we would like to. Thus, it is something that should be pointed out about them and if continuously done, is also something to ignore because as what I said earlier, the discussion will not yield any substance.

It is also a resounding call to battle disinformation by reporting suspicious online news that may seem misleading or unverified, and letting it be fact-checked by the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN) at Poynter. It is also a smart move to know which websites are legitimate and which websites are not before considering the idea of actually sharing them. That being said, we are preventing the circulation that may occur to victimize people who are susceptible to accepting false information.

At this point, let us take it to a particular aphorism I have heard of: it is not shameful to change opinion when presented with facts. True to say, it is definitelly worth it to let facts triumph for the sake of the country down to the tiniest unit of nation. Let us continue to speak up and educate people about the current status quo happening, regardless of the risk to our connection with our acquaintances, friends, families and relatives.

art by

Richelle De Arce & Pauline Rae Nebran

Himig sko

by A. Ampatuan, J. Bagatela, A. Pare, & E. Posadas

“

A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.

- John C. Maxwell

Dr. Anshari P. Ali, the 6th Chancellor of Mindanao State University- General Santos City (MSU-GenSan), passed away last January 08, 2022, after suffering from cardiac arrest. Dr. Anshari P. Ali has served MSU-GenSan for 30 years. He has been with the university through ups and downs. He has shown them a good leader, colleague, and father, and has led them in a good way.

For three years of serving them as a chancellor, he has made great contributions to MSUGenSan which made him gain everyone’s trust, respect, and loyalty. For the first two years of his reign as a chancellor, the said university obtained several recognitions for its outstanding service in the community. He has always been there to guide MSU-GenSan in achieving these awards.

Dr. Anshari P. Ali was known for having a kind, generous, and beautiful personality. He has been a very accommodating adviser and has been benevolent towards everyone. In fact, before his death, he played tennis with his colleague, where he started to feel chest pain. Even before the day he died, he still contributed to the achievements of this institution. He remained humble after everything he had achieved and contributed to the institution.

Let us get to know more about Dr. Ali;

art by Joshua Rosa

Early career years Achievements and Educational Background

Chancellor Ali, a native of Bacolod Grande, Lanao Del Sur, Philippines, had been steadfast in carrying out the university’s objectives of imparting highquality education and administrative services to its constituents. Even before he stepped foot and began his service in this institution, he has proven his perseverance in his career as he paves his way through success, as seen by his exceptional academic achievements, credentials, and persistence to provide assistance to his fellowmen.

Dr. Ali is a holder of Bachelor of Science in International Relations (BSIR) in Mindanao State University, Marawi City, Masters of Arts in Islamic Studies (MAIS) from the Institute of Islamic Studies (IIS) at the University of the Philippines in Diliman, obtained his degree in Doctor of Philosophy (Islamic Civilization) from the International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilization at Malaysia’s International Islamic University (ISTAC) and even got the opportunity to learn Arabic language in 3 years during his doctoral study. After passing the 1991 Shari’ah Bar Examination, he became a practicing Shari’ah lawyer and a member of the Philippine Shari’ah Bar. He finished Rabi Thanawi at Ma’had Marawi Al-Islami, Marawi City and was one of the students of the well-known New Muslim Philosopher Syed Muhammad Naquib Al-Attas of Malaysia. In 2019,

he was recognized as one of UNESCO’s Philippines’ Most Outstanding Educators and was recently granted the Mindanao Governance and Leadership Excellence Award.

Apart from that, Chancellor Ali showcased his skills by authoring two books, “The Evolution of Islamic Law in the Philippines: History Texts and Analysis,” published by MSU-GSC in 2009, and “The Muslim Educational Needs: An Exposition on the Fundamental Elements and Objectives of Islamic Education,” published by MSU-GSC in 2012. He also penned three articles and was able to publish them internationally which includes “Islamic Family Law in the Philippines: A Historical Survey”, “Secularism in the Application of Islamic Family Law in the Philippines”, published in the 2002 Volume 7 Number 1 of the AL-SHAJARAH: Journal of the International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilization, Malaysia and “The Legal Impediments of the application of Islamic Family Law in the Philippines” published in April 2007 Volume 27 Number 1 of the Journal of Muslim Minority Affairs, London.

His doctoral dissertation is titled “The Legal Impediments to the Application of Islamic Marriage Law in a Non-Muslim Secular State: The Case of the Philippines”, which he successfully defended in March 2002 in the panel of 8 international Muslim Scholars headed by Professor Dr. Syed Muhammad Naquib

Contribution to the Institution

Before Dr. Ali was granted the position of Chancellor of Mindanao State University – General Santos City, he was a professor in both the College of Law Extension and the College of Social Sciences and Humanities in the Islamic Studies Department since 1992. He was also the Assistant Dean of the College of Law Extension. Sadly, his death marked an unexpected end to his excellent service in the institution.

Dr. Ali’s dedication and commitment were applauded by all. His work as a Chancellor centered on maintaining the university’s global competitiveness while also advocating Islamic values and peace with various universities in Asia. Because of this, he implemented the creation of the Office of International Affairs to aid in achieving his goal of strengthening the collaboration between the school and other international universities.

Dr. Ali was well-known for his unwavering support for projects, activities, competitions, and student

needs. His goal was to create a more effective learning environment that would motivate students to reach their greatest potential. During the late Chancellor’s administration, the institution received various distinctions, mainly during the pandemic. GensanLGU awarded the school a Special Citation for its commitment to overcoming the tremendous challenges of a worldwide health crisis.

Despite the challenges of adapting to the sudden shift and postponement of plans due to the pandemic, Chancellor Ali continued to push forward with one of his notable ongoing projects, the construction of the first MSU College of Medicine in Region XII, which is regarded as one of the most significant milestones in the university’s history, with Dr. Ali as the spearhead. Even though he can no longer witness his ideas come to fruition, his visions and legacy as a member of the MSUGensan Family will go on.

Al-Attas as chairman.

Since 1992, Chancellor Ali has been a Full Professor VI faculty member at MSU-Gensan. He taught Shari’ah courses in the College of Law Extension and Islamic Studies courses in the Islamic Studies Department of the College of Social Sciences and Humanities. Before he was elected Chancellor, he served as the Assistant Dean of the College of Law Extension.

Chancellor Ali was dedicated to Mindanao State University - General Santos, having served as the university’s 6th Chancellor for three years. His administrative framework centered on fulfilling MSU GSC’s vision of becoming an internationally competent institution whilst striving to meet its mission of becoming a national peace university. In 2018, during his first year, he signed Memorandums of Understanding with institutions that promote Islamic values and peace, such as Brunei, Singapore, Indonesia, and the United Arab Emirates in the Middle East. At the same time, it reinforces its collaboration with the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process through the Campus Institute of Peace and Development in Mindanao.

The entire MSU-Gensan community acknowledges him for his pursuit of a better society in which the university would be a key presence in improving the living conditions of Moro and Indigenous Peoples in Mindanao.

Chancellor as a father

Life is indeed like a movie; it eventually has to come to an end at some point. Although, it is painful to see a movie come to an end. We should emphasize and reflect on what lessons the movie has taught us. Chancellor is a movie that taught people to do what they love and make a difference for the welfare of others. Chancellor Dr. Anshari P. Ali will always serve as a role model to many. He may be no longer with us, but his sublime goodness and legacy will live on.

Dr. Anshari, aside from being a teacher and a leader, was also a loving father — a father to MSU- GenSan and to his children, as described by his son, Saivani. Let us know our dear Dr. Ali more on the other side of the coin, as a father figure and a pillar of the home. Actions speak louder than words, they say, and Chancellor Ali proved that.

“

Hindi naman expressive si papa ng love niya through words, pero gina show niya ang kanyang love through actions. ‘Di mo namamalayan na ginagawa niya na yun for you.

Saivani mentioned that the late chancellor was not that good at expressing his love through words, albeit his love for the family was still evident through his actions. How he treated them was all for the goodness of his family. “If he were here, I would want to express my love for him. Since, hindi naman din ako ganun ka expressive.” These remarks by Saivani proved how good of a father Chancellor Ali was, that even his son, who is not that expressive, will change what he is used to, just to show how much he loves his father.

Dr. Ali’s constituents recognize his greatness as consisting of a stunning vision in dealing with the general public. His job as chancellor does not end when he leaves his office, that is why he juggles his time as a chancellor and as a father at the same time. Despite his hectic schedule and unending paperwork, he has never failed to make time for his loved ones. Saivani has reminisced about going to the shore and feeling the humid air as their favorite pastime.

Before the passing of the chancellor, one of the best memories that Saivani could recall with him was their 2018 Cebu family trip. They have visited tourist attractions in Cebu and scraped the best out of Cebu. Chancellor’s family made the most of their time in Cebu by partaking in unusual activities. Such as dabbling in Oslob with Oslob’s very own whale shark, beautiful and massive. The Temple of Leah and the animal park are not worth skipping. Chancellor Ali also paid a visit. At the end of the day, a genuine smile was plastered on the face of the chancellor as he saw his family bond together.

Inna Lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un

NO THOUGHTS JUST EXISTING, floating and merely existing on a vast sea full of hopes and dreams. Ignoring the voices and waves that pound against my ears, barely surviving, thoughts twisting and simply existing. Trying to calm down in the midst of a crumbling world beneath my feet.Everything seemed to be moving so fast, a whirlwind of energy through the current that shifts in a split second of time. Indeed it is hard to keep my head afloat amidst the raging seas, but living is a matter of fighting for survival, and I shall stay alive. After all, a calm sea does not make a good sailor.

photo by Johann Andaya words by Princess Natasha Andrea Tulio

LATER GENERATIONS with an abiding faith that mirrors the faces of the beautiful and dedicated children of Ondok Gawan. Hands that are clasped with their eyes shut as their symbol of faith, relishing their present times, playing, crying, laughing, and running around are the moments with great values that will soon be shared and will be their greatest testimonials and guides to achieving their own dreams.

photo & words by Aura Delight Tuyogon

by the lenses

Sa bawat taon ay mayroong nakakubling panibagong simula para sa bawat isa. Marami sa atin ang nag-aabang sa kung ano ang ihahain ng taong 2022 sa ating kinabukasan.

Maaaring naging mapalad ang iyong paglalakbay sa nagdaang 2021 ngunit payo lamang, ang bawat kasiyahan ay mayroong katapusan. Ang taong ito na ba ang maghahatid sa iyong buhay ng kasaganahan? Uunlad ba ang iyong kakayahan sa trabaho at paaralan? Matatagpuan mo na ba ang taong sa iyo’y magsisilbing tahanan? Pawiin ang kuryusidad, hali na’t sagutin ang mga tanong na bumabagabag sa iyong isipan at tunghayan kung ano ang iyong magiging kapalaran sa taong kasalukuyan.

ARIES

March 21-April 19

Kung ating kikilatisin, kasipagan at kabaitan sa kanila ay masasalamin ngunit nakapagtataka ang dagliang paglaho sa tuwing magtatawag na sa klase ang guro. Ang mga Aries ay ipinanganak na maingat bagamat sa pag-ibig panay ang kanilang pag-iyak. Panahon na upang sungkitin ang mga bituin, na tila taong hindi ka naman kayang mahalin. Para kanino ka bumabangon? Alam nating hindi online class ang rason kundi delivery ng parcel na inorder mo noon pang nakaraang taon. Kung gayon, ihanda ang iyong tenga sa mala giyerang pangaral ng iyong ina sapagkat hindi ka na natutong bata ka. Kahel ang maswerteng kulay para sa iyo na siyang sumisimbolo sa kulay ng perang namamayagpag sa iyong pitaka—truth hurts ika nga nila. Sa pagiging magastos hindi maikakaila, sayong-sayo ang trono, ikaw na ang bida.

GEMINI

May 21 – June 20

Ang taong 2021 ay naghatid ng kakila-kilabot na kasaysayan, ngayon nama’y sabay nating tunghayan kung paano natin ito muling mararanasan. Ang mga Gemini ay mahilig umasa sa pagbabagong kailan ma’y di nila matatamasa. Kumawala na sa kadena’t palayain ang pusong nagdurusa. Marupok kung tawagin, tigasin kung gagalitin. Ang personalidad nila ay hindi maipaliwanag, lagablab man ay nagdidilim kapag sila ay naaaninag. Dilaw ang maswerte nilang kulay na kumakatawan sa tirik ng kandilang kasing tulis ng sungay nilang taglay.

LEO

July 23 – August 22

Ipinapahiwatig ng kalawakan kung gaano ka suwerte ang mga Leo sa taong ito. Mayroong taong darating na ikaw ay labis na mamahalin. Siya ay nasa paligid lamang, nararamdaman, naririnig at sa salamin ay napagmamasdan, huwag masindak sapagkat ito ay iyong sarili, “self love” kung ilarawan. Alalahanin mong ikaw ay hindi isang bituin na kailangang abutin at lalong hindi star of the show para magmagaling. Wala nang taong sasayangin ang sariling buhay upang sa iyo ay ialay kaya matuto kang lumugar at kapag lumampas matutong sumigaw ng “para po!” Ang lucky color ay asul sapagkat ang inyong fashion sense ay tila mula pa sa baul.

TAURUS

April 20 – May 20

Ayon sa kalawakan, ang taong ito ay magbibigay sa inyo ng kasaganahan hindi mawari kung salapi o mga gawaing lubos na magpapasakit sa iyong bumbunan. Likas sa mga Taurus ang pagkakaroon ng interes sa iba’t ibang bagay kaya sa isang nobya, sila’y hindi napapalagay. Kung ako sayo ay bawas bawasan ang paglalakwatsa. Kung sa imahinasyon mo ay tila ikaw si Dora, nagkakamali ka sapagkat mas kahawig mo na ang matsing niyang kasa-kasama. Ang lucky number mo ay 1, sapagkat walang katumbas ang iyong kakapalan, nag- isang taong pagod matapos magpahinga sa buong araw na nagdaan.

CANCER

June 21 – July 22

Isa, dalawa, tatlo—bilang ng mga kuhang litrato. Sabi nga nila ang buhay ay tila karera, may matutulin ang takbo, mayroon ring napag-iwanan ng panahon at nanatiling jejemon. Ang mga Cancer ang nagpapatunay na “looks can be deceiving” kaya tigilan na ang paggamit ng retrica sapagkat maaaring ang iba ay mabigla kapag sa personal kayo ay nakita. Huwag panghinaan, sa halip ay ipagmalaki ang taglay na kariktan. Tulad ng mapupungay niyong mga matang tagapagsalba tuwing exam. Ang lucky number niyo ay 10 sapagkat sa kainan kayo ay madalas mabitin

VIRGO

August 23 – September 22

Ayon sa astrolohiya, ang mga Virgo ay palakaibigan at mahilig makihalubilo sa mga tao. Mahusay lamang sila sa pagbibigay ng payo ngunit sila mismo ay hindi ito sinasaulo. Naniniwala sila sa kasabihang “Age doesn’t matter when your partner is a millionaire” sapagkat tulad ng Aries, pagdating sa pera sila’y mababangis. Kadalasan sila ay mapagbiro kung kaya maging mga relasyon ay hindi nila siniseryoso. Sa paaralan, adventurous kung sila ay ilarawan, kahit saang sulok pa iyan, putak ng kanilang labi ay hindi maiiwasan. Ang lucky number nila ay 5 sapagkat kapag sila ay iniwan, ang panata nila ay “Never say die! Tomorrow is another guy.”

ni Aramellah Pare

LIBRA

September 23 – October 22

Ang mga Libra ay hirap sa pagbalanse ng kanilang buhay tulad na lamang ng New Year’s resolution nilang magdiet na matagal nang nakabaon sa hukay. Ayon sa eksperto mataas ang tingin ng Libra sa kanilang mga sarili ngunit kung katangkaran na ang pag-uusapan, wala na silang kinalaman diyan. Napakaiksi ng pasensyang taglay nila, kaya kung mayroon kang katanungan, mas mainam na ito ay iyo na lamang kalimutan. Naniniwala silang ang labis na pagmamahal ay nakasasama lalo na kung mahuhulog sa taong ang tanging bukambibig ay “Kumain ka na ba?”. Hindi sila madaling ma distract ngunit kasingtulin ng kidlat kung sila ay ma-attract. Ang lucky color nila ay berde dahil sa pagkain sila ay mapili ngunit sa kasintahan, kahit sino ay pwede.

SAGITTARIUS

November 23 – December 21

Sagittarius ay ipinanganak na sensitibo. Iyong tipong matamaan lamang sa siko, magdadrama na nang ilang linggo. Sa relasyon, madalas sila ang dominante. Ikaw na ang agrabyado, ikaw pa ang magsusumamo. Panigurado rin ang pagkabagot kapag sa gala sila ang kasangkot. Malakas ang loob nilang mag-aya ngunit pagdating sa amutan, biglang nakikipagtaguan. Sa oras ng kagipitan, huwag ka nang umasa, paniguradong sila ay hindi malalapitan. Ang lucky color nila ay itim palibhasa ay sa kapilosopohan lamang sila magaling.

AQUARIUS

January 20 – February 19

Ipinapahiwatig ng Astrolohiya na ang mga Aquarius ay mahinahon at mahinhin na kahit iyong galitin ay kaya ka pa ring yakapin. Diyan sila magaling ang mameke ng kanilang damdamin kaya sa pag-ibig sila ay madalas hindi seryosohin. Kung masumpungan mo man silang nakatitig sa kawalan marahil iyan ay dahil ni isang proyekto ay wala pa silang nauumpisahan. Mahilig silang magpabukas ng mga ginagawa maliban na lamang kung ang inang nakapamewang na ang mismong mag-utos sa kanila. “Stay hydrated” ang kanilang paniniwala ngunit kape ang tagapawi ng uhaw na kanilang nadarama. Ang lucky color nila ay pula, dahil sa pag-ibig, loyal nga sa isa ngunit may nakareserba namang lima.

SCORPIO

October 23 – November 22

Ang mga scorpio ay mananatili bilang mga kalmadong tao ngunit huwaran pagdating sa pagpapaloko. Marami ang matututong magmaneho ngunit ang nakapagtataka ay paatras ang kanilang pagtakbo. Lahat ng unos ay kayang kaharapin, maging butas ng karayom ay kanilang susuungin ngunit sa kabila ng determinasyong angkin, sadyang ang kamalasan sa kanila ay nakabuntot pa rin. Ang lucky number ay 3 bilang sila namam ay tinaguriang real-life zombies— tulog sa umaga, gising sa gabi.

CAPRICORN

December 22 – January 19

Ang buhay ay weather weather lang kaya kapag umulan, magbaon ng payong at ingatan ang kilay na iyong pinaghirapan. Ang mga babaeng Capricorn ay naniniwalang bahala na walang laman ang bulsa basta putok ang labi kung umawra. Ang mga kalalakihan naman ay kilalang maparaan, lalo na kung paghahanap ng kasintahan ang pag-uusapan. Ayon sa mga bituin, ang mga Capricorn ay matatalino dulot ng malawak nilang kaisipan kaya huwag magulumihanan kung sa susunod pati ang iyong buhay ay alam na nila ang patutunguhan. Ang lucky number nila ay 13 dahil sa sobrang makakalimutin, minsan pag-hinga ay nakakaligtaan na ring gawin.

PISCES

February 20 – March 20

Likas sa mga Pisces ang pagiging mapagbiro ngunit bago ka matawa ay mapapaisip ka muna nang ilang minuto. Sinasabing magaling sila sa kusina ngunit pawang pagprito lamang ang nagagawa nang tama. Mahilig silang mag explore ng mga bagong bagay dahil para sa kanila we shouldn’t make the same mistake twice, marami pa namang ibang kasalanan na maaaring subukan. Ang lucky number ay 23 dahil sa klase sila ay mahilig sa iskolar na katabi, hindi naman sa nangongopya, sabihin nalang nating nagpapaayuda ika nga nila “it’s better to cheat than to repeat”.

guhit ni Krisna Shayne Amorio

art by Joshua Rosa

by Henri Belimac

Have you heard of the Hallyu wave?

The Hanryu wave or (most commonly romanized as Hallyu), is a Chinese word used to describe South Korea’s cultural wave or impact on its international image. Its movement can be seen by how various nations other outside South Korea has grown accustomed to some of their own local practices – may it be binge watching Korean Dramas or fangirling over KPop groups to normalizing day-to-day Samgyupsal’s at home or with friends. In 2018, according to the Korea Foundation, the Philippines became the number one country that recorded the highest growth rate of Hallyu fans, out of 113 countries. Now, why is that? And is it a good thing? As a fan of Korean pop culture myself, let me break it down.

If there’s one thing Korean’s do best – it is providing quality entertainment. For example, in the Korean Pop scene, before people become actual stars like BTS, Twice, Aespa, NCT, they have to undergo months or even years of intense training under their companies before they are deemed fit to debut into an actual group. When idols used to be trainees, they are tasked to undergo monthly evaluation for their dance, singing, rapping, and even variety show skills. They are made to do this to assure that they will only put up celebrities that are actually talented and hard-working enough to be on stage. This goes the same with their actresses or models, who also have to undergo frightening diets and sometimes even plastic surgery just to be qualified. Another thing that they are trained for that makes them unique and marketable is fanservice.

Fanservice means doing or acting out forms of affection that would appeal to their viewers. An example of these are showing affection to their co-members, doing aegyo (acting child-like) for their fans, initiating consented physical contact with their fans during fan meets, etc. These actions may be seen from our local and other international celebrities, but the thing that separates South Korean artists from them is they are actually trained and honed to do so so they can provide the best image themselves to the fans.

For the actresses and actors, and just like the artists, every release they make is made sure to be of the top most quality. In Asia, and now even the world, South Korean film and series projects are known for their topnotch filmmaking and scriptwriting. Some of the most notable examples of their work are Boys over Flowers, Parasite, Squid Game, etc. These shows provide the viewers with enamoring storytelling and captivating visuals. Two things that contribute to these qualities would be their budget and training. Other than the evident budget they use from the quality of cameras to the sets made to cater each scene, not only are the actors trained, but so are the people behind the lenses. South Korea specifically has schools that handle middle school to college students who want to focus mainly on arts and who are allowed to study together with the students’ hectic showbiz schedules.

Despite all of this, it is still to note that admiring is different from worshipping. The media they may produce are definitely appealing, and though it is painful to admit, a lot more better than our local entertainment who repeatedly provides us with mistress tropes and low quality videography, their culture also has lots of negative flags –South Korean locals, especially the elders, are particularly racist and homophobic. They are not perfect, and some idols have been actually exposed as terrible people who have committed certain crimes.

To conclude, the Hallyu wave can be considered as a milestone for us Filipino consumers in a sense that it gave us a standard to which our industry must level up to. However, it is important to note that we should not copy, but instead we should cultivate and hone our own products to be on par with them. To expound, an example of this is to shed light to more films that actually has quality filmmaking and credible writing – indie films. The same goes to artists and actresses with a wide variety of quality art that they could offer. Once we actually take our entertainment industry seriously, knowing how talented Filipinos actually are from singing to acting and once we get proper marketing, who knows, the next question we might be hearing is:

Have you heard of the Filo wave?

Ang aking Daily School Routine sa

Posible ba ang parallel universe?

Alas dyes na pala ng umaga, late na naman ako ng gising. Naku, nakailang absent na ako sa unang klase namin! Malamang buong linggo ng puyatan na naman ito para lang matapos ko ang lahat ng mga video recordings namin sa klase. Sobrang aga naman kasing magturo ni “Ma’am Physics”. Sino ba sa panahon ngayon ang magigising ng kasing-aga ng alas otso? Manok ni San Pedro? ‘Di bale na nga, tutal Biyernes naman ngayon, manonood nalang ako ng Khan Academy tutorials mamayang gabi o kaya sa weekends para makahabol sa klase namin sa Physics.

Dahil sa hapon pa naman ang susunod kong klase, napagdesisyunan kong magpalipasoras muna. Pass muna sa Facebook at TikTok, puro away tungkol sa politika kasi ang makikita doon ngayon. Hindi rin muna ako manonood ng YouTube, na-late kasi ako ng tulog kanonood ng K-POP. Tsk, sayang! Maglalaro sana ako ng Mobile Legends kaso may klase pa yung ka-duo kong best friend. Mabuti pa’t sa Omegle muna ako tatambay at nang may makilala na naman akong bagong kaibigan mula sa online world.

Pumunta na ako ng Omegle. Hindi ko kinaliligtaan ang maglagay ng filter para maiwasan ang mga taong walang alam gawin sa buhay kundi kabastusan. Dahil mahilig ako sa K-POP, ‘yon ang nilagay ko sa filter. Voila! May kausap na ako agad.

“Hi,” sabi ko. Nag-reply naman siya nang mabilis at binati rin ako. Tinanong ko kung anong ginagawa niya sa Omegle at medyo nalito ako sa kaniyang sagot.

“Bored kasi ako, wala namang ginagawa rito sa school. Recess time na kasi namin.”

School? May pumapasok ba sa school ngayon? Eh ‘di ba pandemic at pinagbabawal ang face-to-face class? Hindi rin naman siguro ‘to galing sa ibang bansa base sa lenggwaheng gamit niya.

“School? Nasa eskwelahan ka ngayon?” tanong ko. “Eh ‘di ba buong Pilipinas pinagbabawalan ang panay labas kaya online class pa rin hanggang ngayon?”

“Hindi naman ipinagbabawal ang lumabas ah? Sa katunayan, strikto ngayon sa pagliban sa aming klase dahil may performance task kaming

role play. Babawasan ng malaking puntos ang mahuhuli sa pagpasok kaya alas singko pa lang ay nakaligo’t nag-almusal na ako.”

“Sigurado ka ba sa mga pinagsasabi mo? May COVID-19 Pandemic ngayon. Bawal lumabas, delikado.” May inis ngunit may pagtataka kong sabi. Hindi ako sigurado kung trip niyang magloko. Pero kahit papaano, nagtataka pa rin ako sa mga pinagsasabi nitong kausap ko. Para bang nalipasan siya ng panahon.

Isang minuto ang lumipas bago siya sumagot.

“Tapos na ang recess namin. Narito na rin ang aming guro. Pwede bang malaman ang FB mo? Baka sakaling pwede tayo magpatuloy mamaya sa lunch break namin.”

Magkaiba nga kami ng mundong ginagalawan. Oo, kung siguro parehas ang sitwasyon ngayon sa noon, ipinagbabawal talaga ang paggamit ng telepono sa klase. Pero ngayong online class, hindi naman ako nakikita ng aking mga guro. Kaya kahit may klase, panay-tingin ako sa aking phone. Parte na iyan ng daily school routine ko.

Kumain at naligo muna ako habang naghihintay sa kaniyang mensahe. Ngayong new normal, ito na talaga ang karaniwang oras ng almusal ko at mamayang hapon naman ang pananghalian. Ano nga ‘yong sinabi niya? Alas singko palang ng umaga, nakaligo’t nag-almusal na siya? Dalawang oras palang tulog ko niyan ah. Parang...parang nagmula talaga siya sa nakaraan–noong normal pa ang lahat.

Hapon na’t wala pa rin siyang paramdam. Hawak-hawak ko ang aking telepono habang nakaharap sa aking laptop dahil magsisimula na ang aming klase. Sinubukan kong ituon ang aking atensyon sa aming talakayan ngunit gaya ng laging nararamdaman, dinalaw na naman ako ng antok. ‘Di kagaya noong face-to-face pa ang klase, limitado ang interaksyon ngayon sa online class. Kaya para hindi tuluyang mainip, ibinaling ko nang saglit ang aking atensyon sa aking telepono.

“Pasensya na ngayon lang ako nakabalik. Nag-ensayo kasi kami para sa aming MAPEH performance output. Hindi na nga kami nakapaglunch nang maayos para makapag handa, pero worth it naman kasi mataas ang nakuha naming

ni Princess Rau Cunanan

grado. Bago lang natapos ang aming panghuling klase at palabas na ako ngayon sa eskwelahan. Balak naming mag-barkada na kumain ng isaw at fishball. Madalas namin ‘tong ginagawa bago kami umuwi. Plano din naming pumunta ng mall at plaza, nakagawian na kasi tuwing Biyernes; at dahil saktong walang klase bukas. Napakahaba pa ng pila dito sa fishball, kaya nga nalilito ako sa sinabi mong bawal lumabas, eh napakarami nga ng taong nasa labas lalo na’t oras na rin ng uwian sa kalapit naming mga paaralan.”

Imposible mang isipin, sa tingin ko, ang taong ito ay totoong mula sa nakaraan. Gaya ng sinabi niya, nakagawian din namin noon ng aking mga kaibigan ang pagkain ng fishball at isaw tuwing uwian. May mga panahon ding tambay kami sa mall o sa bahay ng isa sa aming magkakaibigian tuwing Biyernes, minsan out of the town pa kapag pinayagan.

Hindi ko alam kung anong isasagot ko. Pero may isang bagay akong gustong malaman para mapatunayan ang aking hinala.

“Anong taon na nga ba ngayon?” tanong ko.

“Taon? Edi 2019. Disyembre 2019.”

Kinilabutan ako sa sagot niya. Halos tatlong taon na ang nakakalipas mula 2019. Mahirap paniwalaan, pero palagay ko ay hindi siya nagsisinungaling. Pabalik-balik ko ring tiningnan ang kaniyang active status sa FB kanina at tugmang-tugma ang oras ng pag-online at pag-offline niya mula noong sa Omegle pa kami naguusap kaya parang imposible ring trip niya lamang ito. Hindi ako nakapagreply kaagad dahil sa aking pagkamangha ngunit ako ay nahimasmasan nang marinig kong tumunog muli ang aking telepono.

“Pasakay na kami ng jeep. Baka mawala ang signal. Nga pala, naigoogle ko na yung COVID-19 pero wala akong makita. SARS-CoV at nCOV lang ang lumalabas. Yung nCOV ngayong taon lang ‘yon, sa Wuhan, China raw.”

Nakakapangilabot. Sasagot na sana ako nang biglang nawala ang internet connection. Iba talaga ang tiyempo nitong PLDT. Pero ano nga ba

ang pangyayaring ito? Time travel? Paranormal activity? O baka nananaginip lamang ako?

Sa pagkawala ng signal, parang naputol din ang connection ko sa outside world. Mahirap na ang makabalik sa nakaraan–noong normal pa ang buhay at mas masaya pa ang pag-aaral. Wala na akong magawa kundi bitawan na ang aking telepono. Kahit gulong-gulo ang isip ko, ipinagpatuloy ko ang daily school routine ko.

Nag-saing na ako’t naghanda na ng hapunan. Pagkatapos ay bumalik na sa aking kwarto at nahiga na para makapag-relax. Bumalik na rin pala ang internet, pero hindi ko na siya macontact. Hindi ko rin makita ang aming mga mensahe pati na rin ang kaniyang FB account. Parang panaginip ang lahat. Pinili kong iwan nalang sa nakaraan ang mga nangyari sa akin ngayong araw at pumunta na sa Khan Academy channel sa YouTube para pag-aralan ang mga na-miss kong talakayan sa Physics.

art by Ashley Untalan & Alexandra Joy Maratas

by Reaj

Last year, November 24th, Encanto was released in theaters and soon added to streaming platforms such as Disney+ and many more. This lively musical, set in the highlands of Colombia, covers much of well-trodden ground, such as family drama and the heavy burden of family pressure.

The Madrigal family is bestowed with magical abilities that they utilize to serve their town. Mirabel (Stephanie Beatriz), the only member who does not have a gift, makes a beautiful discovery. The magic that powers her family and keeps her house alive is fading. Encanto accompanies Mirabel on her mission to “Save the Encanto” by restoring relationships with her family. While she is dealing with an existential threat to her family and home, the fight is mostly internal. The stakes are not death or catastrophe but the collapse of a family system. Another departure from the Disney formula: there is no villain.

“Encanto” has become a popular film for a number of reasons, each of which is unique. The film broadens the number of cultures featured in the Disney Universe, encouraging cultural representation.

“Encanto” is also important in depicting many families’ difficulties, particularly in Latino communities. The movie explores family trauma and healing issues, the pressures that come with the demand to be flawless, and the often unsaid difficulties of being a child with that much responsibility.

The themes also are reflected in Lin-Manuel Miranda’s musical compositions, who previously collaborated with

Disney on “Moana.” Another important mention goes to Germaine Franco, the first woman to soundtrack a Disney animated film. Her other works include “Coco,” “Kung Fu Panda 3,” “The Book of Life,” “Rio 2,” and others.

The music has garnered significant popularity and has spread quickly over social media platforms, particularly TikTok. “We Don’t Talk About Bruno,” a fan favorite, debuted at No. 5 on the Billboard 100 on January 13th, 2022. “The Family Madrigal” and “Surface Pressure” are two more popular songs.

Personally, I am a big fan of the movie, yet I felt it was lacking in several ways. I thought the ending was a little sudden, but it was still good. I would have liked to have seen more stories about family members or expected that Mirabel would eventually have her own powers to possess in the end.

I believe the lack of exploration of other individuals of the Madrigal family allows the potential for a spin-off series, which I would love to see. Still, no word of upcoming projects has been revealed.

“Encanto” may be aimed at youngsters, yet it has been demonstrated to connect across generations and may even be bridging generational barriers.

The film has offered more people throughout the world the opportunity to see themselves reflected, whether through race or emotionally. With its sympathetic plot and well-developed music, “Encanto” is undeniably a film difficult not to enjoy.

Vie Gift Pico

art by Joshua Rosa

by Kristina Mae Manalo

art by Johann Andaya

The workload that comes with being a Senior High School student does not come easily to everyone. With homework, study, assessment, and exam dates, it can sometimes feel overwhelming trying to cope with a schedule. Especially now that we are in an online setup where we are responsible for our actions, we often forget to set the boundaries between our studies and our social life. Perhaps you still find it hard to cope with your studies these days? Worry not because we got your back! Listed here are the top 10 must-have apps that will eventually make you productive in studying.

1.) Notepad

Take down notes in the comfort of your smartphones and laptops, as it comes with different features like checklists, handwritten notes—and even photos that can be attached to your notes—in just one click. This is pivotal as note-taking is one of the simplest and most effective ways to remember a lesson.

2.) Merriam-Webster Dictionary

One of the most trusted online dictionaries for English words. This dictionary app lets you perform quick searches to find the meaning of words, their origin, pronunciations, and some examples of using the word in a sentence. It also offers several games and a word of the day feature to practice your vocabulary regularly.

3.) Grammarly

Writing academic papers will always be a part of our school works. Whether it is your essay, assignment, project, critique paper, or even a simple paragraph, this Grammarly app will guide you from the basic to advance knowledge in writing. Marking grammatical errors in your paper to correct them before submitting them to your teacher has never been this easy before!

4.) WPS office

Composed of its four major components—Writer, Presentation, Spreadsheet, and a PDF Reader, is a hasslefree and very easy-to-use app that is essential to open a file and edit it in just a snap. You can also hold a copy by sending it to your cloud storage. There are several to noneat-all reports of people having a hard time with this app since it runs smoothly on almost all devices.

5.) Notebloc

Helps you scan various types of documents and create high-quality scanned images. You can also organize and share your notes and keep your ideas and sketches handy on your phone with this app.

6.) Graphing Calculator

Let us face it, math problems are really hard for some students. We have our own capacity of understanding various math problems—given the fact that we are studying on our own— so we better get help. This app was made to replace that heavy complex hardware calculator of yours. It has both scientific and engineering notations and solves problems including complex numbers, logarithms, inverse fractions, derivatives, and graphs.

7.) Quizlet

This lets you create and learn from visual flashcards for active recall. This is very helpful, especially when you have upcoming exams and quizzes. Several studies show that quizzing yourself before the actual quiz is quite effective for the brain to remember.

8.) Google Translate

This app will probably be the most suggested and always timely as it translates over 100 languages online and 59 languages offline. Input options include your camera, voice, handwriting, and text input. Plus, it is entirely free with no ads or in-app purchases. Download the app now!

9.) Notion

Having a hard time organizing which task should you do first? Too many tool apps were taking up your storage space? Then Notion will be a great help as all your work will be in one place. The Notion is a project management software that is used for note-taking, task management, project management, knowledge management, and personal knowledge management. With this app, you can now easily track down the list of your tasks and decide to do what you should pass first.

10.) World Atlas

This app provides a high-resolution world map that is easy to zoom in and navigate. For added value, the app provides world flags and facts such as each country’s government types and capitals. I could not agree more; this app is handy when it comes to Geography and World History.

Do you still think there is no helpful app for you here? Still feeling unproductive? Or having difficulty in setting boundaries between your social media usage and studying. Here is a bonus app I made sure will be helpful for you:

11.) Forest

Digital balance is another way to be productive in studying. The forest app is a popular productivity app that will surely help you beat your phone addictionand manage time interestingly and pleasantly. This app will keep you away from any distractions like your social media and help you focus on your studies. Every time you violate the rule and use your phone, your tree will slowly die, whereas if you follow the rule of not using your phone, you can actually earn credits and plant real trees around the world with the credits.

Instead of letting smartphones hinder our studies, why not use them to our advantage? These apps are highly recommended and proven effective, so download them now and be set for a productive year ahead.

Together let us move forward and make sure no one is left behind during this challenging time.

by Henri Belimac

After 18 years of training, this is it.

Ever since I was a toddler, when I was born onto this vast world of fear and uncertainty, my parents have bestowed upon me a task that required the utmost training and endurance one could have. It did not involve a life or death situation, but it definitely decided on what my future would be – scratch that, not just mine, but my entire family’s. You see, it was a prophecy foretold by my grandmother. She was a shaman – always the all-knowing, never spoken over. My parents are the believer that they are, and of course, with respect to the elder, they nurtured me to become the hero I was meant to be.

“Your daughter, my dearest granddaughter,” my grandma said to my parents.” With my son’s tenacity and my daughter-in-law’s wits, my granddaughter will become the greatest among all. She is the golden apple of this family tree,” she paused, returning her gaze straight and direct into my parents’ eyes. My grandmother was stern, and she accepted not a single excuse.

“She will become a lawyer.”

And with that, with everything our finances could handle, they enrolled me to study with our nation’s best scholars, as well as encouraging me to join and help various communities to hone my... resumé.

Now, 18 years since then, I have definitely grown and learned this and that. However, I was just about to face my biggest enemy yet. We used to be friends with this rival of mine that I was about to face. I loved hanging out with them, and they gave me the happiness that I knew I deserved. Unfortunately, as time went on, we grew apart. I used to beg them to visit me before, but now I dread their slightest presence. Their name was procrastination, and now, we are meeting again.

Every journey begins with a single step “

This was a quote my parents never failed to reiterate. And now, I just realized, was really the best time to resonate with it. Before I could defeat procrastination, I had to hurdle my way through three main tasks; free myself from the sirens of my bed, hurdle my way through the walks of daily living, and then conquer the worst of them all, the demons behind my nightmares and tears: deadlines.

So with all the grit and power my sleep-deprived consciousness had, I made the first step... out of my bed. It was terrifying, the sirens’ murmurs suffocating my rationality: “Go back to sleep”, “5 more minutes”, “Finish your dream”. Despite their advances (and my urge to listen to them), I silenced them all one by one – and with a little pain, I pushed myself out of the sheets and walked away from their domain. Nice one, I said to myself. However, it was only the beginning. I had to face the next step of this gruesome journey – taking a bath and eating breakfast. I know it is a must for everyone, but sometimes even living feels like a chore, right? And so I went. Slowly but surely, I made it to Poseidon’s domain. I had no fear of water, but the crippling feeling of ice embracing me every time I basked in it – the thought of it never fails to make me shudder in fear. But I had no choice – I must! And so, with my ever so effective sign of the cross after dipping my finger into the tabo filled with my waking potion (or cold water), I tightly closed my eyes, preparing myself for the horrors of bathing in unheated water in the wee hours of the morning. Splash.

God, I feel like a fish out of water... in the Atlantic Ocean. It

was cold – freezing, ice-like – but thankfully, I have conquered it. A couple more splashes together with my cleansing remedies, I have fought my second opponent and won. After I pat myself dry, I donned my battle gear – it used to be a plaid skirt and a polo, but now we were stuck in our abodes. A shirt and pajamas would suffice, I guess. Tying my hair into a bun, I walk myself to the boss battle after taking my well-deserved meal.

Painstakingly slow, I opened wide the gates of its castle, then I typed my password. Then with immense fear and self-doubt reflected in my eyes, I read its message: “You are logged in to your VLE account.”

The battle was about to begin.

And with a sharp inhale, letting myself focus solely on the beasts waiting for me, I take a look at my clock: 7:00 am it says, then I look back at the screen in front of me. Showtime. One by one, I slashed my way through the monsters, one from 21st Lit, another from PAGFIL; I was doing good until I stumbled upon their king: Physical Science. Anxiety shot up through me, I was scared for sure, but I had to do this. And so, with all the might I had left, I fought and fought and finished it in one go. The shackles of self-doubt and the whispers of Twitter and TikTok tried to restrain me, but I had to be strong. And finally, with just 30 minutes left before the deadline, I buried my sword into the monster’s chest: I clicked submit.

After stretching my back, oh Lord, how it hurts, I take a look at the time again: 11:41 pm. Then, I take a look at my pending battles: two videos for PE and a reporting for Oral Communication. I have fought a good fight today, but with how my mind fell victim to the sirens’ love calls and how laying down on my bed just felt right, sadly, procrastination may have had the last laugh.

After 18 years of training, I guess I still have a lot more to learn.

art by Johann Andaya & Essak Shanty Baligod

Precious Memories

Reminiscing Face-to-Face Class through Tiktok

by Princess Rau Cunanan

The rise of the COVID-19 pandemic paved the way for rampant involvement in the social media wave. As each country implemented lockdowns to prevent the transmissions of the virus, social media offered its various platforms to cease everyone’s boredom brought by the isolation. These platforms provide access to entertainment, and one of the most used social media applications is the videofocused social networking service called TikTok.

Recorded as the social media kingpin, the Filipino community did not miss the chance to ride the trend of creating unique TikTok video content. Many videos focused on pulling pranks, displaying tricks, and showcasing dance or singing skills. One example of TikTok content is the “Mean Girl Rap” skit that

the pandemic. He has covered it all, whether it be school earthquake drills, field trips, intramurals, debates, having a spy classmate, or even the classroom “love teams”. You can never deny that you have once witnessed a schoolmate being dragged by the school officers for a wedding booth during intramurals and judged her as “pabebe” as she pleaded no. You surely also have experienced an overtime class discussion, but your teacher got furious at you for bravely telling him he was beyond the time. How about classroom role plays? Have you experienced getting all prepped up, fully dressed in your costume with “bonakid-style” blushon made from charcoal, but your performance got postponed as your teacher had an urgent meeting? What’s more amusing is when you have a Math quiz right after that subject so you

their arguments—what an opportunity for closure, you can say. Also, nothing is more ‘kilig’ when your crush is from the higher years and although it is unrequited love, your heart shatters into pieces more than a real relationship break-up when your crush is from the graduating class. Flashbacks could be wistful but it also transcends satisfying emotions. Even if it is painful to be reminded that the past cannot travel towards the present, the good times will furnish the sense of gratitude for having these experiences. Also, even if we are still in the midst of a pandemic and social interactions are limited, entertainment lingers everywhere in social media. If you want to have a flash from the past sentimental high school events, worry less—just scroll to his TikTok or Facebook page, and he will deliver the rest. Introducing Esnyr Ranollo, one of the most talented of TikTok’s breakout stars, will never fail to remind you of the precious times of face-to-face classes.

art by Krisna Shayne Amorio

art by

Richelle De Arce & Pauline Rae Nebran

meet the team

Katrina Joie Buhian, MA School Paper Adviser

Gwyneth Bartiana Editor-in-Chief

Dohniero Lozano Associate Editor

Rimmel Pino Managing Editor

Keith Joshua Ayag Opinion Editor

Henri Marie Belimac Feature Editor Nhiel John Esperanza Copy Editor

Princess Natasha Andrea Tulio Head of Photojournalism

Richelle De Arce Head of Digital Art

Pauline Rae Nebran Head of Cartooning

Johann Andaya Staff Designer

Ashley Untalan Staff Designer

Krisna Shayne Amorio Staff Designer

Ella Claris Posadas News Writer

Ayesha Mae Adam News Writer

Marie Kaye Bitos News Writer

Reaj Vie Gift Pico News Writer

Kristina Mae Manalo News Writer

Cyrus Oliverio News Writer

Gryka Krissan Balleras News Writer

Aaron Kate Damaso Opinion Writer

Mika Hamajo Opinion Writer

Jhomarie Sevilla Feature Writer

Albert Hans Lipura News Writer

Chorena Grace Lorania Feature Writer

Truth in service, Service in truth

Jasmine Joy Panes Opinion Writer

Aramellah Pare Feature Writer

Godwin Palapar Opinion Writer

Princess Rau Cunanan Feature Writer

Simone Emata Feature Writer

Francis Calonia Staff Cartoonist

Essak Santy Baligod Staff Cartoonist

Alexandra Joy Maratas Staff Cartoonist

Aura Delight Tuyogon Staff Photojournalist

Joieryn Nicole Robles Staff Photojournalist

Chamierose Faith Nalanggay Contributor

Jessie Rey Bagatela Feature Writer

Sophia Louise Abaquita Staff Photojournalist

John Philip B. Mendoza Contributor

Shayne Peren Contibutor

Himig sko

truth in service, service in truth

Democracy. Integrity. Versatility. Excellence.

These are the principles Himig Isko stands for as we commit ourselves to transformative journalism. Heraliding to engage and empower the student body in social movement—we pledge to be the forerunners of reliable and quality media in the Senior High School Department. Truth in Service, Service in Truth.