The Carrier E-newsletter Vol. 5 No. 1 | July - November 2022

TheCarrier

JBLCF-B Community Service, Immersion welcome new Lacsonians

To welcome the newest set of students, faculty, and staff to become true blooded Lacsonians, John B. Lacson Colleges Foundation-Bacolod held its annual Community Service and Im mersion Day after its two-year halt, October 14.

Thirty-five newly hired JBLCF - B employees and approximately 800 freshmen undertook immersion activities, providing an avenue to engage in school advocacies, particularly for health and environmental protection. Earlier that week, the newly employed faculty and staff underwent a written examination and interview with the Administrator.

“If I would describe my experience during the immersion, I would describe it in one word, ‘Baskog’. Sa immersion ko lang na patunayan na hindi lang gali sa Tubig pwede ka dive, pwede man gali sa lutak. Sa immersion ko lang man na

saboran ang lutak kag ang sabor bilang isa ka studyante sang John B.” said by Gile Keith Rosima, one of the students who participated in the event.

The Annual Community Service and Newly Hired Employees’ Immersion was organized by the Human Resource office and its working committees. This event aims to deepen the bonds between coworkers, welcome new members of the Lacsonian family, and reaffirm dedication to the organization. Various activities supporting camaraderie were held during the event, such as FUN RUN & WALK, ZUMBA, Kape-Kape, and the newly-hired employees’ immersion.

“I think very exciting sya, very enjoyable in terms of, of course no kay immersion, pinakana mi da is because newly hired kami naging part gd sang activity sang school which makahatag gid encouragement sa mga newly hired nga ang belongingness sa isa ka institution ma feel mo gid, number 1 grabe ang enjoyment, number

2 grabe ang encouragement sang school nga maging part sang institution, number 3 is belong ingness, tatlo gd ang gn priotize sa pag initiate samon, kag na feel gd namon nga na belong kami d sa John B.” said by Sir Eduardo G. Beltran Jr.

“The overall experience was, overwhelmed for us employees for that, the way sa pag welcome sa sin inga institution, kung naka feel kami sang enjoyment, encouragement, kag belongingness kay naging part kami sa sini nga institution, ang pinaka the best siguro ang pag treat samon, pag pa feel samon nga welcome kami sa sini nga institution, overall it was great, nami gd nga opportunity, kag kung pwede lg maliwat, sadyahon liwat” He added when asked about his overall experience during the immersion.

Paghimud-os 2022 is this year’s theme facili tated by the 824th NROTC unit of JBLCF-Bacolod in partnership with the Supreme Student Govern ment and The Carrier.

MDPN. SEAN SERGIE LADRIDO

“For

THE OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF JOHN B. LACSON COLLEGES FOUNDATION (BACOLOD), INC.

Eala defies all odds, breaking through the hump of W80 France main draw

RESILIENCY IN FULL BLOOM. Lacsonians smile in the face of adversity after braving the obstacle course prepared for them by the 824th NROTC Unit

JOSHUA B. MALAPITAN

AFTER

Lacsonians study of seafarers psych issues, shared in IAMU ‘22

IAMU Director-General

Mdpn. Angelo Ryan Giltendez of JBLCF-B brought the name of JBLFMU to this year’s Annual Gen eral Assembly of the International Association of Maritime Universities for students (IAMU AGA 22) with the paper “Psychological Issues Experienced by Seafarers Onboard during Contract Extension.”

As per Dr. Emeliza T. Estimo’s Facebook page, the paper was presented virtually, and credit was attributed to the research team of Joemel E. Paulimutan, Mikko D. Dadivas, Mark John P. Priolo. The mentors, Dr. Elisa V. Garcia, and Dr. Emeliza T. Estimo, for ensuring the overall preparedness of Mdpn. Giltendez. And the support team of Ms. Alyn G. Libertad, Mrs. Jo anna S. Gudio, and Ms. Geneveve M. Aguilar for the much-needed morale and vote of confidence.

The 22nd Annual General As sembly (AGA) and Conference of the International Association of Mari time Universities (IAMU) were held in the Batumi State Maritime Acad emy this year from October 19–21.

Takeshi Nakazawa spoke about the event. “We set the organization’s future possibilities while discuss ing achievements of mimicking marine education, training, and modern research with problems throughout the conference.”

This year, the event was held in a hybrid format. Repre sentatives of the organization’s member universities, students, and representatives of the Maritime Academy’s partner universities and the maritime industry were invited.

The study’s results provided theme insights based on three main issues: workload, external difficulties, and coworkers and surroundings. Future researchers could benefit from the knowledge provided by this study regarding the psychological problems that seafarers are currently experiencing and any potential consequences. Additionally, the study will help maritime students prepare for and manage any future psychological issues they might encounter.

versity (WMU) and the Nippon Foundation are honorary members of IAMU, which combines 68 universities from 36 countries.

The Batumi State Maritime Academy held thematic seminars on relevant topics during the event in collaboration with the SIP Mar itime Transport Agency, including fostering innovation in maritime education and training (MET), marine protection, enhancing the role of women, and encouraging the adoption of new technologies.

NegOcc, JBLCF-B ink MOA for scholarship

Study Now Pay Later (SNPL) mem orandum of agreement signing ceremony grants 28 maritime stu dents from JBLCF-B on September 6.

In a partnership between the Province of Negros Occidental and John B. Lacson Colleges Foundation - Bacolod Inc., eligible maritime students were granted SNPL to pro vide financial aid for their studies.

The said event was held at John B. Lacson Colleges Founda tion - Bacolod Inc. and welcomed Misuga Shipping Management, Marlow Navigation, and Fukujin Kisen for the MOA signing with the company’s chosen cadets along with their parents, respectively.

The signing of the schol arship agreement, according to Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, is a significant step toward making education more accessible and door opening opportunities to the less fortunate but qualified maritime students. He also urged

the students to take their education seriously to progress and become self-assured people, good citizens, and valuable community members.

“Education is the most important component of this administration, and it is my ut most priority to strengthen our educational policies,” he stated.

Meanwhile, parents ex pressed their gratitude as they shared sentiments on how the scholarship benefits their families since money is no longer a hin drance to the student’s education.

JBLCF-B CRCY clinches overall champ

The trophy is finally back to John B. Lacson Colleges Foundation-Ba colod, Inc. College Red Cross Youth (CRCY) Council after being declared as the Overall Champion of the Red Cross Youth Hinugyaw 2022, November 5 at VMA Global College.

After six years of attempting to bring back the spotlight to the council, JBLCF-B CRCY council was able successfully snatch back the championship titles for Hinugpong, Hinampang and the overall champion for Hinugyaw 2022 during the one-day program of the Red Cross Youth Negros Occidental-Bacolod City Chapter.

Joshua Jean Abad, the current council president couldn’t not con tain his happiness on the biggest comeback yet of the council “napa luha [ko] sang kasadya kay worth it gid ang kapoy during preparation and at the same time thankful sa Ginoo kay biskan kulang ta sa time sa pag prepared nakuwa ta japon ang title. And sa mga officers and members nga nag join kag nang par

ticipate kay kung hindi tungod sa ila, indi ta ma kuwa balik ang trophy kag hindi maging successful ang tanan. (I shed tears of delight as I realized that all of my preparation efforts had paid off, and I am also grateful to God for allowing us to obtain the title despite our little preparation time. Also thanks to all the council officers and participants who joined in; without them, nothing would have been possible),” he said.

For the past years, the council was always an inch in getting the coveted trophy but this time, the odds went in their favor.

This was the first in-person activity of the RCY after two years of being put on hold due to the pandemic with the theme, RCY: Reconnect. Hinugpong consists of literary and musical contests while Hinampang consists of various classic Filipino games that will test every council’s teamwork.

This annual event organized by the RCY Negros Occidental-Bacolod City Chapter is as celebration of camaraderie and reconnection of all the RCY councils of in the province.

The World Maritime Uni

MDPN. JERRIC CLARIDAD

MDPN. VINCE DAVE DUQUILLA

DR. ELISA V. GARCIA

SIR MARIO GABRIEL PANUELA

D/CDT. JOSHUA MALAPITAN

Mdpn. Angelo Ryan Giltendez carries the JBLFMU name in the International Association of Maritime Universities 2022.

Honourable Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson signs the scholarship agreement.

Mental health campaign in JBLCF-B thrives

kanyang sarili ang, epekto ng stress” Mr. De Jesus said during his talk.

JBLCF-B PEA holds face-to-face general assembly

D/CDT. JOSHUA MALAPITAN

The mental health awareness cam paign of John B. Lacson Colleges Foundation Bacolod continue as the institution’s college guid ance office headed the webinar for students entitled “Usapang Mental Health-Mental Health and Career Development”, October 11.

Mr. Richthofen De Jesus, MA, RPsy, RPm, a mental health specialist, spoke to the sec ond-year to fourth-year students during the morning session.

He discussed mental health and career development with special attention on how a person’s emotional health and stress affect their productivity and interpersonal relationships.

“…but there are things in your life that you can control, like the stress that you have… laging may roong kapasidad ang tao na tang galin sa kanyang sarili or bawasan sa

After the resource speaker ended his presentation, the morn ing activity was followed by an open discussion with the students.

“What I have learned is, always learn [from] your mistakes and always choose the right decision,” according to Mdpn. Dayanan, a second-year BSMT student, when asked about the things he learned in the webinar.

An afternoon webinar session with Ms. Graziela Salvilla was attended by the first-year students. The webinar tackled how mental health affects college adjust ments since the school recently implemented blended learning.

The 3-day activity organized by the College Guidance Office aimed to raise awareness on our mental health through different programs and webinars where students got the chance to showcase their talents.

8 Lacsonians ganap nang Customs Broker

Walong bagong tapos na mga lac sonians ay ilan sa mga kinikilalang bagong lisensyadong Customs Brokers sa bansa matapos magla bas ang Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) ng resulta sa mga kumuha ng Customs Broker Licensure Examination noong ika-3 at ika-4 ng Nobyembre.

Matapos ang ilang buwang pagpupuyat, pagsusunog ng kilay at paghahanda sa pagsusulit ay nasagot ng ang panalangin ng walong lacsonians na sina Christian Barcoma, Kenneth Cordova, Eugene Espartero, Thea May Gabonas, Rio Leigh Ongue, Ria Jane Padernal, Shanilone Palma at Russel Relatos matapos lumabas ang kanilang mga pangalan sa mga nakapasa sa pagsusulit at ganap ng mga lisensyadong customs brokers.

Hindi maipinta sa mukha ni Ria Jane Padernal, LCB, isa sa mga nakapasa noong nakita ang kanyang pangalan sa listahan.

Aniya “Well, syempre di gid ya madula nga makabatyag ka kulba if

makapasar ko but still I believed in myself and I gave my very best man kay naghambal gid ko ya nga di nako maretake kay grabe na nga sacrifice kag effort ko nga tuon for this board exam. At gusto ko man maging inspirasyon sa akon mga juniors especially sa manghod ko nga gatake man BSCA. After I see the result nga nakapasar ko super proud man ko sa self ko kay all may efforts paid off gid. I can finally say now that I am a LICENSED CUSTOMS BROKER na.”

Halos tatlong buwang pagha handa ang kanilang ginawa para sa pagsusulit na na labis na ikinatuwa ng kanilang mga pamilya at ng paaralan noong lumabas na ang resulta.

Ang resulta ng eksaminasyon ay inilabas ng PRC noong ika-8 ng Nobyembre. Ginanap ang pagsusulit sa iba’t-ibang bahagi ng bansa - Manila Cebu at Davao.

873 and bilang ng mga nakapa sa sa 1879 na kabuuang kumuha. Samantalang, walo naman ang na kapasa sa siyam na kumuha sa batch 2022 mula sa JBLCF-Bacolod na tina tayang may 46.46% na passing rate.

The Parents-Employees Association (PEA) of John B. Lacson Colleges Foundation-Bacolod held its first face-to-face general assembly after two years on the last 17th of Septem ber at the JBLCF-B covered court. Outgoing PEA President, Mrs. Mary Ann B. Salar gave her welcoming remarks to the assembly attendees, followed by a message from the Administrator, Engr. Roberto Neal Sobrejuanite. Quality Assurance Officer Dr. Sylvino Tupas oriented the parents on the mission, vision, policies, and objectives of the school. At the same time, academic policies were dis

cussed by 2/M Eleno S. Sing and Dr. Violeta A. Neri, Deans of the College of Maritime Education and College of Business Education, respectively.

The assembly, as mentioned, also discussed the association’s past programs and how its funding was allocated. It chose a new slate of PEA officers to serve during the academic year 2022–2025.

The annual general meet ing strives to address issues that both parents and staff may have while advancing initiatives that would benefit the school, the students, and the parents.

The event was organized by the student affairs and services headed by Mr. Rexenel S. Ibardolaza.

JBLCF-B joins Coastal Clean Up Day

John B. Lacson Colleges Founda tion-Bacolod, Inc. Earthguard Or ganization together with the 824th NROTC unit took part in the Inter national Coastal CleanUp Day this morning at Seaside and Prk. Cross ing 8, Brgy. Tangub, Bacolod City.

In partnership with the officials of Brgy. Tangub and JBLCF-Bacolod, Military Science 1 cadets as well as the officers from the Earthguard organization gath ered and helped pick up trash in the coastal areas of Brgy. Tangub.

“The first-ever activity of the Earthguard Organization this school year was very enjoyable.

Picking up coastal trash is a simple way to help prevent disasters. As the President of the EGO, I am very thankful to the 824th NROTC who helped us clean our adopted com munity, which is Purok 8 of Brgy. Tangub in Bacolod City, during the national coastal clean up month and International Coastal Cleanup Day with the theme, working towards a trash free Philippines.”

Dexie Antiquera, EGO President. This annual activity was insti tutionalized through Presidential Proclamation No. 470 series of 2003 which aims to support the environmental protection efforts for our oceans.

MDPN. JOJE KEN MONTALVO

D/CDT. JOSHUA MALAPITAN

JOJE KEN MONTALVO

EMMAN GIORDAN T. JAGMOC

D/CDT. JOSHUA MALAPITAN

A Throne of Lies

Misinformation and fake propaganda have long been pressing issues in our beautiful land. It has led to a landslide of victory built upon the faith and false beliefs of the denizens in our country.

S.B No. 1492, A bill introduced by Senator Joel Villanueva, A bill that seeks to penalize any person who maliciously offers, publishes, distributes, circulates, and spreads false news or infor mation or causes the publication, distribution, circulation, or spreading of the same in print, broadcast or online media.

Filed by Senator Jinggoy Estrada on September 7, 2022, Senate Bill No. 1296 is an act amending Re public Act No. 10175, also known as the cybercrime prevention act of 2012, to make the cre ation and dissemination of fake news illegal in order to guard against online ma nipulation and falsehoods.

These are just ex amples of bills created to mitigate, prevent, and penalize fake news and its peddlers. However, groundbreaking as they are, they seem to receive little to no motion into becoming a full-fledged law in our nation. Why is that the case?

Information has always been a valuable asset and tool as well as a pathway in ensuring you have the advantage, whether in a simple test or something as grand as running for a position in the government. Sadly, with the rise of social media

and many other platforms, infor mation at a glance cannot be deter mined to be factual or counterfeit.

Our country is regarded as the “Social Media Capital of The World” social media is a double-edged sword that provides information or promotes misinformation among its

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

ASSOCIATE EDITOR MANAGING

users; in a poll conducted September 17-21, Pulse Asia said 9 out of 10 Fil ipinos consider the country’s prob lem with the spread of fake news as only 14 percent thought otherwise.

“The majority of Filipino adults (58%) view social media influencers, bloggers, and vloggers as sellers of

fake news about politics and the government. According to the Pulse Asia Survey sur vey results, “the major ity of Metro Manilans (69%), those in the rest of Luzon (67%), and those belong ing to Class ABC and D (69% and 58%, respec tively) are of the opinion that social media influencers, bloggers, and vloggers are responsible for spreading fake political news in the country.”

A system monopolized for the advantage of the elite, dominated by power control and manipulation, has al ways been a tradition in our country, where few who speak the truth are hushed, and their followers’ blind faith praises those who are critical to the lies. When you flood the people with false truths about your greatness, cracks are bound to form. The numerous deaths, calamities, and shortages, all of which could’ve been avoided with good leadership and proper guid ance, are a testament to the type of leader we would’ve gained if not for the epidemic of false information.

STUDENT PUBLICATION OF JOHN B. LACSON COLLEGES FOUNDATION (BACOLOD), INC.

NEWS EDITOR FEATURE EDITOR

LITERARY EDITOR

LAYOUT AND GRAPHICS EDITOR Angelic Chiel E. Feril

EDITOR

ASST. MANAGING EDITOR Mdpn. Jerric R. Claridad

Emmy S. Nava

D/Cdt. Joshua B. Malapitan Mdpn. Bab Christian D. Sanchez

SPORTS EDITOR Mdpn. Marc G. Cortez Mdpn. Jeremy Josh Alojado

Mdpn. Vince Dave T. Duquilla

Mdpn. Sean Sergie J. Ladrido

ANTONIO RICARDO B. NOBLEZA

GRAPHIC ARTIST

Beanne Y. Jaca Mdpn. Jerammel Leandro L. Anlap

The Unflattering Claws of Cats Filipino time < Lacsonian time

lieve the authorities must stop it. Fo cusing only on the victim regarding their preferences in style and not the offensive actions of the perpetrators is the same as victim-blaming. I am not exaggerating by referring to those who get catcalled as victims.

I am sick of witnessing/experienc ing catcalling and hearing it from others as a “compliment” when most people catcall to boost their egos, not to deliver compliments. How often do I have to endure the typical advice of authorities to act and dress appropriately and let the per petrators slide, not to get catcalled?

In a male-dominant school, this phenomenon is “natural,” If we complain about it, they will only make it seem like we are just overreacting and pin the blame for it.

Catcalling does not only apply to wom en but any sexual ori entation. It’s disappointing that some students think they did something through catcalling to impress their friends. In a critical sense, It’s pathetic because they objectify people with a pseudo compliment to grab attention. Some of us don’t bother to mind it, and some are fighting back. Either way, They will think that it is okay with us or that it is entertaining since we are feisty.

I know this topic is too main stream, but this will not stop unless the problem is adequately addressed by not discriminating against the victim. The authorities must focus on educating the perpetrators rath er than telling the victims how to act and dress. This malpractice has been a tradition in schools, and I be

Catcalling is not a compliment at all but harassment. It is a form of objectifying people as if the perpetrator is a lion anticipating a meal, according to the reflection of Brittany Soto, a work-study student at the University of Mis souri-Kansas City (UMKC) Women’s center, taking a psychology major. Catcalling is a form of verbal harassment that should address seriously, even though it does not physically affect the victims. It causes people discomfort as if they’re no longer safe on the street. Moreover, It is sad that when searching for how to stop cat calling, the number one suggestion is to “ignore.” We should take action against it; otherwise, it gives pow er to the perpetrators to continue doing it.

Roselyn P. Brosas and her co-researchers in Colegio De San Juan De Letran Calamba stated in their research that street harassment is a shared experience; it triggers the victims’ self-esteem via feeling inferior and deteriorating confidence. It adds to their fears because catcalling usually drives perpetrators to harass their victims. They also said we could lessen it by reporting and monitoring the perpetrators.

We should not be content with labeling catcalling as a “nat ural experience”; we should take action on how to put an end to such phenomena. The authorities, especially schools, must prioritize this dilemma by educating and sanctioning perpetrators and not merely telling victims to seclude how they express themselves.

The maritime industry is considered to be one of the most important in dustries in the world. Time and effec tual communication between both parties therefore are the essence in the industry and delays can have a ripple effect on the supply chain.

Having stated that, the value of time management and effective communication should start while students are in the academe. But the real question is, what will happen if the ac ademe as a whole doesn’t adopt this culture?

John B. Lacson Colleges Foundation-Ba colod, Inc. (JBLCF-B) is known for pro viding high-qual ity education and training to all aspiring aspiring seafarers. The continued efforts to maintain the bar high for the institution are prov en by the accrediting agencies like PACUCOA. Yet, there has been one aspect of the lacsonian culture that has bothered me ever since I walked through the doors of JBLCF-: an nouncements that are made too late.

One of the most recent announcements that drew virtu ally hostile responses from both students and some professors was when they made mention of the full-fledged face-to-face classes. The news was issued one day prior to the implementation, and I am one of those students who were shocked because I reside outside of the city.

“Baw ang siste ma waay gid gabag o” “Waay ko ya problema sa an nouncement akon problema ya waay pako kapanglaba (I don’t have a problem with the recent announcement, my problem is I haven’t washed my uniforms yet).

These are just some of the sentiments I’ve read online as I scroll through my social media account. I find it absurd that the industry is so time-conscious, but the institution where students are supposed to learn about its importance is not accustomed to it.

I don’t know if the school is doing its part of addressing this because since I enrolled myself last 2016, this was already an issue and up until now, I am experiencing it.

For the past few months, whenever there is an activity or an event at school, I’ve noticed that some instructors are completely un aware of what is go ing on. They would be surprised to discover why there are no students in the classroom, only to discover that there is an activity going on that they are unaware of.

To be fair, there may be underlying reasons why schools make announcements late—perhaps they are awaiting a final decision, making an urgent announcement, etc. There are some situations over which the school has no control, such as natural occurrences that force them to make a quick decision.

Constant communication and understanding the value of time are critical for the efficient flow of events and schedules in school. I hope that the institution will take the time to investigate strategies for removing this negative culture, as this will ben efit both the student and the school.

Mdpn. John Leigh M. Defante

Mdpn. Angelo Ryan D. Giltendez

Mdpn. Jethro Rei D. Giltendez

Danielle G. Grapa

Mdpn. Joje Ken T. Montalvo

Mdpn. Carwin D. Pagunsan

Mdpn. Jules Andrie E. Ermeo

Mdpn. Emman Giordan T. Jagmoc

STAFF WRITERS

MODERATOR Grace D. Ibardolaza, MME

SENIOR PHOTO JOURNALIST PHOTOGRAPHERS Nele Stephen M. Pacurib

EDITORIAL POLICY. TheCarrier is published twice every year as the official newsletter of John B. Lacson Colleges Foundation (Bacolod), Inc., Pauline Village, Alijis, Bacolod City. TheCarrier accepts original articles from students and faculty. We edit contributed articles and provide correction for write-ups that need modification or improvement. All contributions must be legibly written and double spaced. All submitted articles automatically become properties of TheCarrier

CARTOONIST

Mdpn. Antonio Ricardo B. Nobleza

Joshua B. Malapitan Teto malapitanjoshua09@gmail.com

Angelic Cheil E. Feril

StereotypeBreaker angelicferil30@gmail.com

I find it absurd that the industry is so time-conscious, but the institution where students are supposed to learn about its importance is not accustomed to it.

Catcalling is not a compliment at all but harassment. It is a form of objectifying people as if the perpetrator is a lion anticipating a meal.

The Flawed Educational Standards

It was in the year 2018,when the Philippines scored in the low 70s in the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), an examination of 15-year-old students across 79 nations, and the Organi zation for Economic Co-operation and Development raised concerns about the Philippines’ educational standards (OECD). The country’s standard of education was placed into a magnified vision, anchored on the question what are we doing wrong? Moving forward, an article by Manila Times journalist Reynal do Lugtu Jr. showed that in recent studies more than 80% of Filipino pupils’ competency levels were below the minimum, according to a 2021 World Bank report. In addition, out of 79 nations, the Philippines came in worst in reading and second to last in science and math.

What would be the flaw of our country’s educational system? Plenty, our lawmakers and scholars have always pointed out the lack of infrastructure, support from the government, and low textbook qualities amongst many more reasons. However, as a student, I believe that for some this may be the problem but I suggest another that goes deeper into the system. This would be because of how the system has standardized the educational system of the country to focus on memorization. It has appeared in so many studies on how our country’s state of educational system mainly focuses on awarding students who

have good memorization skills.

Taking this into a macro-per spective, you can spit out informa tion left and right for students to memorize and for them to swim in an info dump just to prepare themselves for upcoming tests and examinations. But when asked to apply it to practical situations most won’t have any idea what to do. In the workplace is it not that when you forget what is the next proper thing to do you are able to turn to a manual for reference? Is it not that you may ask your superiors on what would be the proper thing to do? Then how come when students are tasked to prepare for examinations, they lose themselves amongst books that seem to overcrowd their minds with an information overload.

This form of educational system suffocates the students’ creative thinking and freedom on how to adapt to a situation. Many students have shared that this form of education is what causes some to experience severe anxiety as not

all specialize in memorization and tend to crumble under the pressure.

The educational system of the world has continued to evolve through the years. Currently, the standard of education is at what is known as Education 4.0 which has co-creation and innovation at the center of its goals. It is at this point wherein learning is done at home or outside the school, while in school students develop skills. Personalized teaching and learning are at the core and learning plans are now called creativity plans.

On the contrary, our country is still on the boundary between what is known as Education 2.0 and 3.0 which then again gives highlights to the importance of memorization. Further observations also show how the current standards seem to overwork students which also leads to a loss of enjoyment and positive outlook when it comes to studying due to the intoxication of the student’s creative minds.

By the year 2030, education 5.0 is

set to come to realization. Education 5.0’s management procedures and pedagogy place a priority on people above technology. It emphasizes on specified results that teachers and students must get as a result of a par ticular learning experience. It is not about distributing laptops or tablets to every student, enhancing connec tivity and infrastructure, or creating digital tools and platforms. These are a component of what is assumed.

Instead, it focuses on devel oping kids who are intelligent, emotionally stable, and socially robust as well as conscious of their personal growth and wellness. The right pedagogical approaches are devised and used in this setting, and the teacher’s job is to rekindle the learners’ motivation and inventive ness. Technology will continue to be essential, but only as an enabler.

With the promises of unity and change, our country has a fresh onset of 6 years in terms of the new administration under the leadership of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. hand in hand with the secretary of the Department of Education Vice president Sara Vi centa Zimmerman Duterte-Carpio to steer the tides and advance the educational system and standards of the country. To pick up the pace and march towards a future wherein education would be something children look forward to and to once more raise the quality of education in the country and be on par with the rest of the world.

Competence over Quality: A Stagnant Journey

We’re in a current society wherein the Maritime Sectors are on the verge of being declined in com pliance with the International Convention on Standards of Training and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW Convention). Recently, the employment of ap proximately 50,000 more seafarers who are now engaged on EU vessels and the deployment of new Filipino seafarers to EU ships are both in jeopardy. The final assessment of the nation’s compliance with the STCW is scheduled for Novem ber, according to the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA). Additionally, there is a chance that the EU would cease recognizing Filipino seafarers’ ability to serve as officers on European vessels. It’s an enraging state for the Maritime Sector; if this requirement is not met, the Philippines will undergo a new evaluation. John B. Lacson Colleges Foundation –Bacolod instills a mission where

they could give students hope and high-quality education and training to the aspiring seafarers of the future. However, this controversial issue could affect the institution and other sectors of the Maritime Industry, including the competence over the quality of a seafarer.

According to the European Union, “inconsistencies have been identified about the competencies covered by the education and train ing programs leading to the issuing

of officers’ certificates, as well as in several approved programs re garding teaching and examination methods, facilities and equipment.”

In the evaluation it did on the education and training of seafarers, the EMSA found 13 deficiencies and 23 complaints. And one of the recurring issues is hitting the curriculum. “Para sa MARINA, CHED ang ga-ka pyot, tapos kung pamangkuton, MARINA naman.” And pointing

to this conclusion, it’s still vague.

Now, backing up to the primary issue, why did 50,000 Filipino Seafarers have not met the STCW’s requirements? If the organization keeps waving to com ply, it’s already been addressed.

As student journalists who uphold quality education and which the Maritime Institution cultivates for students, we should employ the moral values that we principally use in our lives. We know what is honest, accurate, and just. We live in a society that begs for competition rather than giving the students and aspiring seafarers hope to live a life with a higher perspective.

I hope this institution will instill the core values, principal mission, and visions of the Maritime Community. And negate the compe tency and give quality education to students who will steer and move their course to a brighter path.

Jeremy Josh Alojado Queerfrontier Jcuison559@gmail.com

Jerric

R. Claridad

claridadjerricroxas@gmail.com

This form of educational system suffocates the students’ creative thinking and freedom on how to adapt to a situation.

This is a serious note wherein it sheers weight to the lives of every Filipino seafarer and aspiring individual wanting to sail and serve.

Bacolod CHO declares cholera outbreak in Barangay Alijis

Benitez then instructed the CHO to determine the source of the cholera cases.

Megaworld Upper East Bacolod lights up Masskara ‘22

A cholera outbreak has been de clared in Barangay Alijis last Tues day, October 25; after finding three confirmed cases in one household.

Bacolod City Health Officer (CHO), Dr. Ma. Carmela Gensoli issued an advisory in accordance with the provision of Section 7 of Republic Act 11332 or the “Mandatory Reporting of Notifi able Diseases and Health Events of Public Health Concern Act.

“There has been an increase in cases of cholera infection in Barangay Alijis that is causing alarm and apprehension among its residents,” stated Gensoli.

As of October 25, there were 13 cholera cases in Bacolod: three of which were in Barangay Alijis; Handumanan, Sum-ag, and Granada had two each; and Man silingan, Tangub, Banago, and Ba rangay 40 had one case respectively.

“The outbreak declaration was issued to prevent further infections in the barangay, despite three of the confirmed cases are from a single household,” said Bacolod City Mayor Alfredo ‘Albee’ Benitez.

Access to private laboratories for the testing of water samples from deep wells, refilling stations, and even piped-in supply were hurriedly mandated by the CHO.

“We had reached out to private testing laboratories for parallel, independent, third-par ty tests, and to fast-track the identification of contaminated water sources,” said Gensoli.

According to Benitez, the names of all water refilling stations found to be compliant with the city government’s sanitary and safety regulatory standards will be posted by the Public Information Office (PIO) for the public to know.

“The declaration of an out break will allow the barangay to use its calamity budget to address the problem,” said Alijis Barangay Captain Donny Dela Vega,

A barangay task force has been created to test water sources in their 47 puroks, as well as medicines for diarrhea are purchased for the residents of Barangay Alijis.

PH reserves continues to decline at $95B

that hoard foreign currency can control or dictate the market price, also known as a “speculative attack.”

Electric Masskara float parade and dance-off light up the streets of Megaworld Upper East Bacolod. An estimated 35,000 people crowded to give the audience to the spectacular show of lights and smiles. October 22, 2022, Saturday.

A total of 35,000 people through the estimation of the Police, indulged in the parade of lights that show cased 13 barangays from Bacolod in their parade of floats revolving around the main theme of this year’s Masskara festival “Balik yuhum”.

Among the notable guests during the events are First Lady Louise “Liza” Araneta- Marcos,

accompanied by her sons Vinny and Rep. Sandro Marcos. Whereas, the judges panel was composed of respected cosplay icon Alodia Gosefiao, world-renowned cosmetic surgeon Vicky Belo, father-daughter tandem Hayden Kho and Scarlet snow, Tim Yap, and Maricris Zobel.

Barangay 17 bested the other 12 contestants and bagged the championship title together with special awards for best mask, costume, and float. They were awarded 300,000 pesos in total 200,000 pesos and 150,000 pesos was awarded to the first and second runner up which was Barangay 25 and 32 respectively.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reported a significant decline in the country’s reserves due to the low exchange rates between the Philippine peso compared to the strong US dollar where it breached the 57, 58, and 59 peso mark. The country’s foreign exchange fell to $95.014 Billion at a 30-month low at the end of September.

The Gross International Reserve dropped below $100 with its peak at $108.79 Billion in July.

The GIR is dedicated to combating speculative attacks on the peso. With a large volume of foreign exchange sales with the speculation that the central bank will run out of reserves, thus a currency crisis occurs. Speculators

The GIR is made up of the BSP’s reserve assets, which include gold reserves, foreign exchange, over seas investments, reserve positions in the IMF (International Monetary Fund), and special drawing rights.

After dropping below $100 Bil lion in July, it continued to decline or a downtrend to $97.44 Billion in August, and $95.014 in September.

The Current GIR is lower compared to last year’s September GIR with an $11.58 Billion gap The Estimated $105 Billion Gross International Reserve is projected to be lowered to $99 Billion in 2022 as revised by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

Victorias City bans singleuse plastics

MDPN. CARWIN PAGUNSAN

The Executive Order No. 64 or the order of banning single use plastics products in government offices in Victorias City was signed by Victorias City Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez. This is in accordance with the Ecological Solid Waste Manage ment of 2000, which mandates the adoption of a solid waste system that is systematic and ecological.

Plastic cups, plastic drinking straws, plastic coffee stirrers, plastic spoons, plastic forks, and many more are considered single-use plastics.

“Since plastic bags are not biodegradable it can pollute rivers, farms, cities, and communities when they are used as trash. Banning plas tic bags can result in less pollution and trash.” stated by Mdpn. Camp, a Victoriasanon, emphasizing the importance of waste management especially on plastics and the benefits if done on a large scale.

Mdpn. Campo also added “I can see other cities that can also ban single use plastic be cause it can save our mother nature and conserve petroleum.”

JEREMY JOSH ALOJADO

MDPN. ANGELO RYAN GILTENDEZ

MDPN. CARWIN PAGUNSAN

MEGA WORLD BACOLOD

Denizens Enjoy the lights in Megaworld Upper East Bacolod as Masskara returns after 2 years of lockdown

Fare hike for public transportation, approved — LTFRB

The Land Transportation Franchis ing and Regulatory Board granted the rise in fares, September 20, follow ing petitions submitted by transpor tation organizations after the agency became aware of the jeepneys, bus es, taxis, and public transport issues.

In the decision released by the LTFRB, an increase of PHP1.00 was added for traditional and modern public utility jeepneys for the first four kilometers.

With the lowest or minimum fare for traditional public utility jeepneys (TPUJ) being at PHP12.00, while modern public utility Jeepneys (MPUJ) stand at PHP14.00, given the increase in oil prices, fares for every succeeding kilome ter run for TPUJ will be PHP1.80 compared to the current rate of PHP1.50. At the same time, these

also go for MPUJs, where PHP2.20 will be the new rate from PHP1.80. Operators

DILG awards SGLG to 7 LGUs in NegOcc

Iloilo city have received the 2022 SGLG award under this category.

The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) has announced that six cities and one town in Negros Occidental have passed the 2022 Seal of Good Local Governance on October 27..

Listed are the Local Govern ment Unit (LGU) awardees: the municipality of Hinoba-an and the cities of Bago, Silay, Sagay, San Carlos, Silay and Talisay.

“We laud your efforts in embodying good governance and raising the bar of excellence in pub lic service,” stated DILG Region VI.

Currently, Region VI tops with the highest number of LGU passers in the Visayas and Mindanao regions.

“On a nationwide scale, we rank first with the highest number of city passers and second in terms of provincial passers,” they added.

Among the highly urbanized city category, Negros Occidental and Bacolod City were not included in the list of passers; the provinces of Aklan, Antique and Iloilo and

“The SGLG, being a progres sive assessment system that gives distinction to remarkable local government performance across several areas, puts primacy on integrity and good performance to institutionalize local governance reforms in the continuing pursuit for meaningful local autonomy and development,” the DILG said in the Memorandum Circular 2022-026.

The Seal of Good Local Govern ment award is given to LGUs whose performances have met and passed the standards set on the core areas of financial sustainability and ad ministration, disaster preparedness, social protection and sensitivity, health compliance and respon siveness, sustainable education, business friendliness and compet itiveness, safety, peace and order, environmental management, tour ism heritage development, culture and arts, and youth development.

between PHP0.45-PHP1.20. The LTFRB approved a PHP2.00 uni form base fare increase for buses that travel in cities and provincial areas for the first 5 kilometers and an increase of PHP0.30-PHP0.50 for every succeeding kilometer, depending on the type of bus.

Also, an increased flag-down rate of taxis and TNVS by PHP5.00, upon effectivity of the decision, the minimum fare for taxis and sedan type TNVS will now be at PHP45.00.

While PHP55.00 will be the new rate for AUV/SUV type TNVS; however, the rate for hatchback type TNVS will not increase in every succeeding kilometer and will still range from PHP35.00, as per LTFRB.

Seniors, students, and persons with disabilities (PWDs) will still be eligible for a 20% discount.

OP’s 8.9B for 2023, up for senate debate

The Senate committee now discusses the proposed budget of the Office of the President (OP) of ₱8.9 billion.

The budget includes ₱4.5 billion for confidential and intelligence funds (CIF).

Senator Sonny Angara, the chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, ap proved the proposed budget, whereas Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III disputed his statement.

Pimentel III pointed out what should not give the OP CIF but instead allocated to various agencies that generate intelligence and confidential information.

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, however, justified ap proving the OP’s proposed budget.

“This ‘whole-of-nation approach requires us to have some flexibility. We have not increased too much what the

past administration had as far as the CIF is concerned. We want to be ready whenever there are exigences that will arise,” said Executive Secretary Bersamin.

The OP’s budget for next year is higher than its current budget of ₱8.18 billion if the proposal is ever approved.

petitioned for

PHP4.00-PHP7.00 base fare hikes for public utility buses, and every succeeding kilometer will range

MDPN. ANGELO RYAN GILTENDEZ

MDPN. JETHRO REI GILTENDEZ

MDPN. MARC CORTEZ

THE STAR BY WALTER BOLLOZOS

THE PALACE

The Menacing Canned Sardines’ Scarcity

ANGELIC FERIL

Amid the panic buying whenever there’s a disaster, canned sardines are always on the list. As they are easy to eat, all you have to do is open them and eat them. Sometimes we take them for granted because we have lots of time to cook other dishes, but what if they disappear?

In the final quarter of 2022, local canners are warning of a possible shortage of sardines. The deficit is because commercial fishing vessels haven’t been able to catch enough of the fish in Zamboanga, where most of the country’s sardines reside, before the fishing season ends in December.

Francisco Buencamino, execu tive director of the Canned Sardines Association of the Philippines, stated, “What I am clarifying here is that we are not stating that there is a scarcity now, [but] that there will be a shortage if not addressed” (CSAP).

However, Buencamino clar ified that canned sardines are still plentiful. He stated that the scheduled ban on commercial fishing from December 1, 2022, to February 28, 2023, as well as the low fish catch of commercial fishers

from whom canners source their sardines, are to blame for his ear lier warning of a coming shortage.

According to GMA News, CSAP believed that a fisheries law that only allows fishermen to catch fish in municipal waters, where tamban are typically abundant, was the source of the shortage threat.

Ed Lim, vice president of CSAP, also stated, “There is fish, but it is in municipal water. They only allow small boats. The capacity of that is minimal. That’s only about two ice shelves or about three tubs. Not enough to supply the canning fac tory that needs a larger volume.”

The Republic Act 10654, or the amended Philippine Fisheries Code, states that small and medium com mercial fishing vessels may operate within 10.1 to 15 kilometers of the shore line in municipal waters if the local government pass es a municipal ordinance allowing their operation.

“We ought to be able to fish near the shore, where there are more fish, thanks to LGUs. We will ensure that the municipal fishermen are unaffected. We must

get closer to each other to build our stocks before December 1. If the problem isn’t solved, there won’t be enough,” Buencamino added.

As per the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), fishing tamban in the Zamboanga Peninsula from December to March will be prohibited. The shortage will cause further inventory issues and may increase costs, CSAP cautioned, adding that charges of other natu ral substances for

expanded. These incorporate jars currently sold at about P3 to P4 higher than their unique cost.

Sardines are one of the cheapest seafood sources of protein for most Filipinos. Small-scale entrepreneurs in the dried and smoked sector and factory workers in the canning and bottling sectors are all supported by the sardines industry, which is also one of the significant contributors to the economy. As Asis Perez, convenor of Tugon Kabuhayan, once said, “Not only is it a staple of our daily diet, but it is also central

The possible ending for 50,000 Filipino seafarers

Another rough sea ahead for approx imately 50,000 Filipino seafarers already onboard European Union (EU) flagged vessels, as well as new seafarers preparing to deploy aboard EU ships. The Philippines is once again set for the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) final assessment this November, and this poses a threat of possible mass unemployment if found in non-com pliance with the various regulations.

The House Committee on Overseas Worker Affairs learned on Thursday that the Philippines con tinues to be in contravention of the International Convention on Stan dards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW).

If the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) continues to

believe that concerns raised years ago have not been addressed, the EU panel may withdraw recognition of Filipino seafarers who are ready to serve as officers on European vessels. EMSA will conduct a final evaluation of the country’s STCW compliance in November.

It is also said that if the EMSA makes a negative finding next month, they will automatically stop deploy ing Filipino seafarers. Those officers who are currently onboard EU flag ships would not lose their jobs im mediately but would have to wait un til their STCW certifications expire.

Assistant Secretary for SeaBased Services at the Department of Migrant Workers, Jerome Pampo lina (DMW), stated that since 2006, or more than a decade, the country has failed the Emsa audit. He also claimed that the Philippines will comply for the final time this year.

“If the recognition is revoked, the Philippines would be subjected to a fresh round of examination and must comply with the results ade quately before the recognition is re stored,” he said. “In the meanwhile, Filipino officers and ratings (the broad term for trained seafarers) will no longer be qualified to serve aboard (EU-flagged) boats that re quire such credentials, [and] current certifications will be recognized until they expire.” Pampolina added.

The Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs, Eduardo Jose de Vega, intends to bring up the STCW for discussion when President Ferdi nand “Bongbong” Marcos flies to visit Brussels, Belgium, in late December.

Complacency, and numer ous ship and person-related deficiencies are some of the main issues they need to tackle more.

In February 2022, the EU once

again reminded the Philippines to further enhance its efforts in order to comply with the requirements made by the STCW convention.

During the 2020 inspection, the European Union also informed the Philippines that there are still a number of deficiencies in the Philippines’ seafarers’ education, training, and certification systems.

The Congress should take action in assisting this problem. Many seafarers will incur significant losses if this will not be resolved. They should make a decision that will provide full support for increasing training standards for Filipino seafarers, since the Europe an Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) is scheduled to assess the country’s compliance with international training standards later this month.

BEANNE JACA

MDPN. JOJE KEN MONTALVO

10 feature

She was sitting on a chair with her friends at that time, trying to recov er herself from the heartbreak of the moment she knew that her pageant journey ended very early. Suddenly, a message from Aliwan Digital Queen organizers telling her that she en tered the wildcard post for the pag eant changed everything. Her pale cheeks shifted to rosy ones and her tears of so much joy started to fall.

Her name is Jeaven Iyl Musni, a second-year BSHM student of John B. Lacson Colleges Foundation-Ba colod, Inc., is the 12th queen to enter the race for the crown in the 3rd installment of Aliwan Fiesta Digital Queen. Representing the City of Smiles, she is the first-ever Bacolodnon queen to enter the

JEAVEN IYL MUSNI

grand finals of the said pageant.

She was chosen for the wildcard competition to take the place of former contestant Raven Doctor from Puerto Princesa Palawan, who decided not to forgo the competition and withdrew due to unspecified health and safety reasons. With this, the Aliwan Fiesta Digital Queen committee, verified by BPI, chose Jeaven to fill the place.

Jeaven was not originally part of the final 12 candidates of the competition but due to unforeseen circumstances, a candidate withdrew her slot

Being a Hospitality Manage ment student, her advocacy in her recent interview revolved around food waste management. With this, she has chosen to feature Sagup negros, an organization organized by the youth that focuses on the

Pageantry is now new to Jeav en. She has been joining pageants way back then but this is her first national pageant to represent her with so much pride and joy in her city - The City of Smiles.

The annual Aliwan Fiesta is a celebration of many cultural events, or festivals, that take place all throughout the Philippines which aims to showcase and promote the beauty of the Philippine culture and tourism through pageantry. The Cul tural Street Dance Competition, Float Parade, and Search for the “Reyna ng Aliwan,” or Queen of Entertain

ment, are the three main activities that take place during the Aliwan Fiesta festival. All activities ceased, along with the numerous festivities held around the nation, with the ar rival of the Covid 19 Virus or Corona.

Jeaven is on her journey for the crown together with 11 contenders vying for the coveted crown and her life-long dream of representing Bacolod in a National pageant is now given to her. She is living proof that life can be such a surprise, we just all have to be ready for it because we never know, sometimes, what we thought as a failure might be a door for something greater.

JEAVEN IYL MUSNI

JEREMY JOSH ALOJADO

health and food security crisis in our community for her chosen charity.

Marami ang tinawag ngunit kakaunti ang napili

Sa ginawang proseso ng pagpili para sa Unit Model Cadet 2022, labing-an im (16) mula sa limampu (50) ang nakapasa sa unang pagsururi na ginanap sa John B. Lacson Colleges Foundation-Bacolod, Inc. HMA func tion hall, nitong ika-20 ng Oktubre.

Sa unang pagpili sinubok ang katalinuhan ng mga kandi dato sa pagsagot sa mga tanong konseptwal at sitwasyonal.

Ayon kay Angelo Ryan Gilten dez, Unit Model Cadet 2021, “Ang bilang ng mga aplikante sa proseso ng pagpili para sa Unit Model Cadets ngayong taon ay lumampas sa aking inaasahan. Sa aming panahon ay mayroon lamang kaming hu

migit-kumulang labing-tatlo (13) na mga aplikante, samantalang ngayon ay mayroong limampu (50). Sa kabila ng limitadong oras na mayroon ang kaganapan, nagawa pa rin ng mga kadete ang lahat mula sa pagpapaki lala ng kanilang sarili at na nasuga tan ang mga tanong sa panayam.”

Isa si Mike Rey Templora mula sa BSMT 1-PB-1 sa mga kandidato na sumali sa pagpili sa Unit Model Cadet 2022 ngunit hindi pinalad na makapasok.

Aniya, “Parang hindi ako kinabahan (sa interview) na parang wala lang kasi may karanasan ako pagdating sa mga pageant, siguro hindi ko pa panahon ngayon sa Unit Model Cadet at susubukan kong muli (na sumali) sa susunod na taon.”

Si Templora ay sasali muli

sa susunod na taon sa pagpili para sa Unit Model Cadet 2023 at sisguraduhing mas pagha handaan nito ang patimpalak.

Para naman kay Bliss Segovia, mula sa BSMT 2- Polaris, isa sa mga nakasali noong nakaraang taon at muling sinubok ang kanyang kapalaran, Noong nakaraang Unit Model Cadet 2021, walang pan galawang pagpili sa mga kadete sa kadahilanang nasa kasagsagan pa ng pandemya noong taong iyon at kaunti lamang ang mga sumali kaya naman dumeretso na agad ang mga ito sa top 10.

Dagdag pa niya, “Last year maraming technical difficulties dala ng problema sa internet con nection kasi nga ginanap ito online at matagal kaming nag hintay sa

The Sugar Crisis

If there is one beverage most Filipinos couldn’t bear losing during their ‘meriendas’, it will be Coca-Cola. No matter what food you combine it with, it always tastes so good. However, news of sugar scarcity has been making the rounds on social media, which led one Coca-Cola plant in Naga City to temporarily suspend operations. According to Nikkei Asia, 4 of the 19 plants of coca-cola are suspend

ed, 30%-40% of its production lines are not running, and 900 employees were affected due to the struggle of sourcing bottler-grade refined sugar. Aside from this huge compa ny, local vendors are also affected.

Leocadio Sebastian, a former agriculture undersecretary, con cludes that 300,000 metric tons of sugar are needed. However, Presi dent Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos initially rejected a proposal of im porting 300,000 metric tons of sugar acclaimed by local vendors. How ever, the proposal was still signed

without the knowledge of the Pres ident. Former Press Secretary Trixie Angeles warned “heads” would “roll” if “malice or negligence” is found in the investigation. After that, three senior agriculture officials left.

Later on, the President agreed to the proposal but there is another problem that occurred. According to the National Congress of Unions in the Sugar Industry in the Philippines (NACUSIP), imported sugar will low er the price of the local ones which will cause problems for the farmers.

Importation is not the only

one contributing to the dilemmaincreasing prices of fertilizers and insecticides, shortage of labor, and substantial reduction in hectare can be the leading cause of the problem according to The Manila Times.

The President stated that the harvest and milling of sugar cane usually start in September, and he believes that we still have enough sugar. We are in dire need of sugar, hence, the best solution is limited importation until September.

MDPN. JOHN LEIGH DEFANTE

EMMAN GIORDAN JAGMOC

EMMAN GIORDAN JAGMOC

TATAK MARINO. Sampung estudyanteng marino ipinakita ang husay at galing sa paligsahan ng model cadet selection.

iba dahil wala silang mga signal.” Sampu (10) ang maglalaban laban at ang tatlo na mananalo sa Unit Model Cadets 2022 ay ma bibigyan ng 75% full-year tuition fee scholarship, at pagkakataon na kumatawan sa Bacolod Unit sa darating na Foundation Week na gaganapin sa lungsod ng Iloilo.

ANGELIC FERIL

laragway

Silence, Solitude and Stillness

Bab Christian Sanchez Nele Stephen Pacurib

Vince Dave Duquilla Danielle Grapa

Acceptance and mental calmness are required for human morph ing. As we drown in the sea of oblivion, we are anchored by our sincere beliefs and buoyancies. The singularity, the spiritual life, and nature unite to function in harmony and balance one anoth er for the greater good. People are looking for explanations and answers to what we consider to be life’s greatest mystery.

Split seconds of moments that kept prisoners in sight are worth wasting time on. People need to get through some phases since staying the same is like a corpse attempting to survive on chance. Both moving forward and staying put are decisions; the places we’ve been, the tales we’ve heard, and the people we’ve encountered have perplexed the mentality that knows nothing but selfish ness. The ability to live is hidden

in the depths of the eyes, barely discernible through the apathetic tears that stifle the actual cry. They never told us about the ocean of unheard words and vivid dreams that overthinking creates, which drowns the ominous reality. Dare not to be the same, even if the world appears to loathe you. Break free from expectations-based cages where change is an escape and taking a leap of faith is a risk. Despite the difficulties, we were able to unwind and find comfort within our own solitude. Regardless of the fact that recent events tested everything around us, we were capable of overcom ing challenges by finding a way to address the difficulties. Even though silence exemplifies the calmness and tranquillity we seek, we will create our own calm waves and woodland breezes to aid in the branding of serenity.

sports opinion

Kai needs to fill his bag before aiming for the NBA

Barely a day after he was named Australian National Basketball League(NBL) Fans MVP Kai Sotto sent shock waves around the Phil ippine Basketball Community the move itself was unprecedented as he boldly posted the decision in his instagram saying “I have declared for the 2022 NBA Draft.”

However Filipinos were left in a state of shock as the 7-foot-3 center was not included in the 2022 draft class, they were antic ipating that his name would be called by the NBA Commissioner, echoing inside the prestigious Barclays Center in the State of Brooklyn USA, a path that would test his talents, within the hardwood courts of the greatest basketball league in the world.

We all are fans of his game. In awe of his fluidity in terms of his size,the package that he brings to a team is tremendous. He can ball and he also does it with passion, yet looking at the amount of work that he has done. He still has a lot to im prove on, and his game is predicated on length and athleticism. Also, his frame is not yet built to withstand the inside presence of other NBA Bigs, watching the 2022 NBA summer league where his team the Adelaid 36ers played against the Phoenix Suns. It was evident that his shot selection was questionable at times and he had a hard time going to work on the paint as he was matched up with the Suns’ main Center Deandre Ayton, he had limited playing time due to the fact that he came off the bench. When his lengthy presence was needed he had lapses on the defensive end of the court as well, as

he was caught ball watching several times which led to easy points in the paint for the suns. Granted that his team won the game, tallying 11 points, is quite impressive if you don’t take into account the other sta tistics as he only grabbed 2 boards and 2 steals, a below average output.

With the continuous dominance of teams that are running small ball lineups, GM’s and Franchises now base their offense on a much more spreader court, spacing is key, and outside shooting has taken over the flow of a teams offense, if you can’t gun with the best than you best not think about playing in the NBA. Looking at the grand scheme of things, we cannot deny that Kai is still not on par with those athletes yet, and that is why he needs to work on his game now more than ever, he has all the tools in his bag. It’s just a matter of will he open the bag, and capitalize on the time that’s laid upon him while he’s still not within the closing gates of his prime. With the advantage of his size he can live in the paint, and also protect the

shaded area. Kai is also capable of becoming an elite shot blocker because of his freakish wingspan he just needs to master the funda mentals of being a dominant paint defender, given that he already has range. But knocking down those looks on a consistent basis can make him a threat anywhere around the court and furthermore strengthen his case of being at the level of excellence that NBA play ers are known for. Kai is a special player but before taking a leap of faith and considering to trade baskets with the best of them, the 7-foot-3 center must grind out and carve his place. Focusing on his weak points would be very vital to nurturing and improving all aspects of his game. The journey is still not over for him considering that he is still 20 years of age and still has a lot to give to the sport, the future lies within his freakish palms and we all are waiting and expecting big things from him.

Eala defies all odds, breaking through the hump of W80 France main draw

The first filipino Grand slam singles champion Alex Eala, carved her way in the W80 france main draw as she Conquered the qualifiers and dominated the likes of Astrid Cirotte and swatting away Diana Martynov, 6-1, 6-2 during the last phase of the tour naments qualifying rounds , October 25. Eala who is cur rently at her best form ranking No. 248 by the Women’s Tennis Associa tion, shattered the hopes of home bets. As she rode the mo

mentum of her back to back dominant sweeps of in the qual ifiers, The 17 year old phenom displayed nerves of steel, wiping away her third straight french foe.

After getting over the hurdle which is Jessika Pochet who is ranked higher than Eala sitting at No.167, a competitor who is responsible for sweeping The filipina twice during their past professional encounters in Spain, also dragging her to the second round of W25 Palma del Rio and W60 Vitoria-Gasteiz semifinals. Eala came up short 6-2, 6-1 against Ponchet in the W25 Palma del Rio held in Spain earlier this year and fell to the same hands again the sec ond time around they crossed paths during the W60 Vitoria-Gasteiz as she got swept 6-4, 6-4 convincingly

As a third consecutive defeat looked inevitable, Eala let a 3-1 advantage slip away, and broke twice to let Ponchet dictate the

pace of the second set, who then was on the cusp of victory with a 6-5 result in the third set. However Eala displayed insurmountable composur in the 12th game, break ing a 30-30 tie with a thunderous forehand winner followed by the killer forehand shot, which Ponchet failed to retaliate from.

Ponchet pounced into a 5-3 lead in the tiebreaker only to squander the opportunity and produce three straight errors resulting to Eala hav ing the highside advantage, however Ponchet refused to go down and went swinging for the fences, with an ace she made it even at 6-6, Eala how ever had different plans and sought redemption, after 2 hours and 30 minutes of action. All eyes were on Eela as she was declared as the victor.

Finally outlasting Ponchet in a nerve racking third set, finishing a bloody duel resulting to 6-2, 5-7, and 7-6 sets a piece. Eala now awaits

Up and coming players should not rush the process, and focus more on building the fundamentals before thinking about slugging it out in the big leagues.

the winner between Marine Partaud of France and Vitalia Diatchenko of Russia, for a chance to book herself a ticket to the quarterfinals.

MDPN. MARC CORTEZ

RAFA NADAL ACADEMY FACEBOOK

MDPN. MARC CORTEZ

The 1st Albee Benitez 10-Ball Billiard tournament

MDPN. SEAN SERGIE LADRIDO

A thrilling battle in which both sides don’t give an inch until the last ball falls, a test of tenacity, patience, and skill. Such were the sights to behold in the first Albee Benitez 10 - Ball Tournament held last October 2, 2022 - October 6, 2022.

Notable cue masters and leg ends from the Philippines, such as Efren “Bata” Reyes, Dennis Orcollo, Francisco “Django” Bustamante, Johann Chua, Ronnie Alcano, Jun del Mazon, and Jonas Magpantay, led the pack of 128 cue masters.

Hard Fought battles, fierce competition, and overall a breath taking experience in witnessing the skill of these great players was a sight to behold in the 4-day-long tournament; Efren “Bata” Reyes, one the most prominent pool players in the Philippines, fought valiantly until the knockout rounds, where a promising young talent by the name of AJ Manas beat the alltime legend with the score of 8 - 5.

After defeating Efren Reyes in a well-fought match, AJ Manas would proceed to win his next game in the tournament against Warren Kiamco,

ily and ending the race to a score of 9 with the final score of 9-2.

On the other table, Mazon and Geronimo started close with an even score of 1 each. In the eighth set, they were still tied neck and neck at a scoreline of 4-4, but eventually, Mazon went on to win the race to face off with Chua in the finals.

Immediately as the final games began, Mazon showed great prowess and dominance by efficiently taking the first five sets. Chua regained his footing by taking the 6th set, and the game became thrilling as the Ba colod-born champ went on to win a few more sets. However, in the end, the 46-year-old Mazon took home the bacon with the final score of 9-5 and, with it, the grand prize of P350,000.

play against each other after de feating Bonnie Penticase and Dean

But while Bustamante came back strongly to win the fifth set,

ALBEE BENITEZ 10-BALL BILLIARD TOURNAMENT PAGE

ALBEE BENITEZ 10-BALL BILLIARD TOURNAMENT PAGE

TENACITY. Not giving up until the last ball falls, billiard legends rise to the occasion to win the 1st Albee Benitez 10 - Ball Tournament

Beermen drunks out TNT, reclaims Philippine Cup

San Miguel reclaims its status by successfully ruling the PBA Philippine Cup with a score of 119-97 over TNT Tropang Giga in Game 7 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday, September 4.

CJ Perez, June Mar Fajardo, and Chris Ross delivered exceptional performances. San Miguel destroyed TNT in an exigent 4th Quarter to seize a 28-record-extending PBA Title.

The Beerman made a 14-0 running lead to get a 56-47 score. San Miguel had a large 37-point scoring output in the second half,

giving them a 66-55 lead at the break.

Tropang Giga zones — con trolling the third quarter reclaiming the lead at 73-72. With an 89-84 charge going into the fourth quar ter, the TNT stepped for 34 points while holding SMB to only 18. However, SMB wraps the final quarter with a 17-0 run to lead,

101-89, as Chriss Ross got hot with three consecutive shots to give the Beerman a wide gap of 116-94. June Mar Fajardo joins the threepoint party before they finally bring the victory and crown home.

Sotto, Thompson duo lead Gilas victory VS Jordan in FIBA qualifiers

MANILA, Philippines — In a game played on November 10, 2022, Gilas Pilipinas stood firm through the second half, showcasing their best defense after a long while in a match on the road against Jordan with a score of 74 - 66 in the Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifiers.

At Prince Hamza Hall in Am man, many basketball heroes gave their all for the Philippines, but 7-foot-2 big man Kai Sotto was the brightest star for the Nationals, who won the first of two games in the fifth window of the continental showcase.

Sotto was one of the last people to start practicing with the team because of his obligations in Australia. He ended up with a teamhigh 16 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and two blocks, which helped Scottie Thompson, who finished with a triple-double, and Ray Parks Jr., who kept the enemy from scoring early in the game.

“I think number one was fa miliarity. This is not the first time that we have come together,” na tional coach Chot Reyes said when asked about the keys to the game.

“Then I think it just manifested itself—the energy and the vibe.”

Parks Jr. scored 13 points, and

11 came in the first two periods. While Thompson scored eight points, thirteen rebounds, and eight assists, the Philippines moved up to 4-3 in Group E of the tournament to prepare for next year’s World Cup, which the Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia will hold next year.

CJ Perez and Ange Kouame, both returning players, were just as significant. Perez had 11 points, three rebounds, and five assists, and Kouame, a naturalized big man, stepped up on defense to help keep the hosts under 25 points, which led to the hosts’ first home loss since 2018.

The victory not only offered the Philippines a chance to earn their

first-ever road win in the Qualifiers, but it also set up the Nationals for a rematch against Saudi Arabia, a team they defeated brutally in August at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay, headed by Jordan Clarkson.

“We’re very happy with the result, and for the game, we really focused on our defense, being able to stop their main players,” coach Chot Reyes said of the outing.

“I think the result—we were able to hold them below 70 points—I think that speaks well of our ability to defend. Our defense carried us to victory,” coach Chot added.

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A CHAMPION’S PRIDE. San Miguel Beerman power through to beat TNT in the grand finals of the PBA Philippine cup.

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