Kapawa Vol. 6 Issue 10 (November 2021–February 2022)

KAPAWA

VOLUME 6 ISSUE 10 NOVEMBER 2021 to FEBRUARY 2022

THE OFFICIAL ENGLISH STUDENT PUBLICATION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ST. LA SALLE - SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

www.facebook.com/liceokapawa

Editorial

Watch Your Steps Educational gaps have been pervasive ever since the pandemic cast down its strength. Physical classrooms have been traded off for virtual meetings...

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News

LCSID 2021 awakens the Lasallian Christmas spirit

ON PAGE 2

READ

ON PAGE 4

@kapawaofficial

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Science and Technology

Feature

Sports

Small Techs that Manifest Big Feats

Living in a Liberal World

The Field is a Woman’s Stage

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ON PAGE 5

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ON PAGE 8

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ON PAGE 12

@LiceoKapawa

Pulso ng Lasalyano Mock Elections empower Lasallian voters Angeli M. Geroso

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EQUIPPED. The University of St. La Salle (USLS) continues to prepare the campus for the reimplementation of physical classes.

Liceo gears up for on-site simulation, aims reshift to face-to-face class Vinz Andrew S. Coresis and Anna Sophia C. Galzote

The Liceo-De La Salle administration announced their plans of simulating face-to-face classes around the months of Mar. to Apr. during the Townhall meeting conducted on Feb. 17 via Zoom to slowly prepare the Lasallian community to return to physical classes while still abiding with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) guidelines.

The University of St. La Salle (USLS) shifted from face-to-face classes to virtual learning after the pandemic struck the Philippines last Mar. 2020 and has been continuing the said mode of education up to this date but the institution opened up about their attempt to file the School Safety Assessment Tool of the Department of Education (DepEd) to evaluate the school’s preparedness in conducting the physical simulation in this time of COVID-19, especially since Bacolod City was placed under Alert Level 1.

photo taken by

“The USLS Basic Education Unit (BEU) remains steadfast in its vision as a premier university [that is] responsive to the learning community [...]. We continue to plan out effective interventions towards the improvement of school quality for [the] professional development [of the] administrators, teachers, staff, as well as to ensure that learners are learning through quality and flexible instruction delivery that meets the changing demands and challenges of the current educational system,” stated Baldomero Defensor Jr., PhD, the vice principal for academics.

However, since this is still a simulation of on-site classes, it was said that a selection process will be done to determine who can participate in the said plan and this will prioritize those students who belong to strands or have subjects that involve practical or laboratory assessments where they need to use the school’s laboratories and other facilities.

Following the announcement of the simulation of face-to-face classes by the administration, the Lasallian community had mixed reactions stating that when the simulation does take effect, the school must take responsibility for its students and personnel.

“To be honest, the announcement was inevitable—and rightfully so. While the rest of the world has slowly (but surely) gone back to face-to-face learning, the Philippines [stays] complacent in online and modular learning. Things don’t have to stay this way forever.

I do admire the push for face-toface classes [...]. The fact remains that the school is obligated to take care of its students, and as the majority shifts and malls and casinos are swarmed by people, our face-to-face schooling must come to that realization too,” said student Reiben Denaga from Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) 11-A.

Jan Carlo Ninonuevo

GMA Campus Tour inspires Lasallian community for upcoming polls

ANTICIPATIVE . Lasallians visit the University of St. La Salle (USLS) Coliseum for the Bacolod segment of GMA Masterclass Series.

Sophia Nicole C. Dayao

The University of St. La Salle (USLS), in collaboration with GMA Network, spearheaded the second leg of the Kapuso Masterclass Series at the USLS Coliseum, streamed via Zoom, on Feb. 22 with an aim to prepare the student body and staff for the upcoming national and local elections.

The event was said to have been hosted as part of the network’s advocacy for this year’s polls, “#DapatTotoo”, which aims to bring the most comprehensive coverage of the 2022 elections, and is currently operating with over 51 partner schools and organizations nationwide.

“We are honored and grateful that GMA Network and [USLS are standing] side by side as partners in championing free and honest elections. Our partnership

aims to educate voters and protect democracy through the upcoming coverage of [the 2022 polls],” expressed USLS President and Chancellor Br. Joaquin Severino “Kenneth” Martinez, FSC as he delivered his opening remarks.

Moreover, the endeavor brought experienced guest speakers in the form of Jose Sarasola, Audrey Domasian, Adrian Prietos, Sandra Aguinaldo, and Rabiya Mateo who spoke to the crowd about the life that had shaped her and her votes, specifically her journey as someone who was heavily criticized as a beauty queen. “[We must be more critical in choosing the next set of leaders for the country than we are with our] Miss Universe representatives.

[Let us choose] candidates that are honest, accountable, and

transparent,” Mateo emphasized, along with her advocacy for education, in her presentation.

Afterward, the organizers hosted an open forum that welcomed queries from the visitors on-site and through the Zoom Question and Answer feature for those watching online, initiating an insightful discourse between the attendees and the speakers.

“These events are what gives the younger generations access to what the real world is offering today, [especially] in the upcoming elections. It brings a change wherein the youth will begin to think of the future and how they shape it,” shared Andrea Flores of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) 11-P, one of the students who sat through the on-site program.

photos taken by

Mondragon

Xiomara Ann B.

THE OFFICIAL ENGLISH STUDENT PUBLICATION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ST. LA SALLE - SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL VOLUME 6 ISSUE 10 NOVEMBER 2021 to FEBRUARY 2022

With a majority of first-time voters this coming election, the University of St. La Salle (USLS) reinforced voters’ awareness in choosing the leaders that the country needs in the next six-year term with “Pulso ng Lasalyano: A University-wide 2022 National and Local Mock Elections” from Feb. 16–17.

The eligible students of the Higher Education Unit (HEU) and Liceo-De La Salle, as well as the USLS faculty and staff, answered through the official JotForm provided via Canvas and university email in order to partake in the mock elections organized in partnership with the Center for Marketing and Communications, Balayan Social Development Center, University Student Government (USG), USGCommission on Elections (COMELEC), Liceo Student Government (LSG), and Liceo COMELEC. “As the national and local elections are fast approaching, it is necessary that we are informed of the primary views of the community. [....] With the help of this event, people are enabled to think about their choices,” emphasized Hannah Isabel Argabio, the Liceo COMELEC vice chairperson on internal affairs.

Being part of Liceo’s firsttime voters, Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) Strand Governor Debbie Heart Yapoyco commended the activity as it highlighted everyone’s duty in nation-building to participate in shaping public opinion on local and national issues.

When asked about how she chose who she voted for and the factors she considered, Yapoyco replied that she did a thorough research about the aspirants’ background prior to supporting a particular candidate.

“We must not be [...] deafened by manipulated information or propaganda.

Instead, as students of integrity, we must base our decisions on facts, logic, history, and track record,” Yapoyco added.

Furthermore, the results of the mock elections, which were revealed via USLS’ official Facebook page and university email on Feb. 18–19, showed that Leni Robredo, Kiko Pangilinan, and Chel Diokno garnered the most number of votes for the presidential, vice presidential, and senatorial seats, respectively, out of 2,875 respondents.

For the local positions in Bacolod City and Negros Occidental, Bong Lacson, Greg Gasataya, Albee Benitez, and El Cid Familiaran correspondingly topped the gubernatorial, congressional, mayoral, and vice-mayoral preferences, while the majority of voters were undecided in choosing the vice governor.

2 Editorial Illustration by Ana

Dominique G. Manabat

S.Y. 2021–2022

KAPAWA EDITORIAL BOARD

LOU MARCIAL M. CUESTA EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

JEWEL IRISH S. BELASCUAIN ASSOCIATE EDITOR

NICOLE FRANCES H. SAZON MANAGING EDITOR

ANGELI M. GEROSO NEWS EDITOR

FRANCIS EXEQUIEL P. AMPIL FEATURE EDITOR

GIOLLAN HENRY P. DEMAULO SPORTS EDITOR

RYAN A. RODRIGUEZ LITERARY EDITOR

JOSEPH BRYANT J. DE LOS SANTOS LAYOUT, GRAPHICS, AND PHOTOS EDITOR

ANA DOMINIQUE G. MANABAT CREATIVE LAYOUT EDITOR

LEON EMANUEL E. ADVINCULA ASSISTANT EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

KYLE LENARD A. MANGUBAT ASSISTANT ASSOCIATE EDITOR

THERESE MARIETTE P. ROSOS ASSISTANT MANAGING EDITOR

SOPHIA NICOLE C. DAYAO ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR

PRIMA YSABELA S. ARCIAGA ASSISTANT FEATURE EDITOR

JULLIANA RENEE S. OGAPONG

ASSISTANT SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY EDITOR

SEAN CARLO O. SAMONTE ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

OONA MARIA AQUILINA C. OQUINDO ASSISTANT LITERARY EDITOR

MA. AVRILLE MARQUIELA C. LORAÑA ASSISTANT LAYOUT, GRAPHICS, AND PHOTOS EDITOR

CLAIRE DENISE S. CHUA

ASSISTANT CREATIVE LAYOUT EDITOR

VINZ ANDREW S. CORESIS ANNA SOPHIA C. GALZOTE MELISSA E. GEQUILLANA SAM HERVEY T. SABORDO NEWS WRITERS

PAUL GABRIELLE T. CORRAL ZAMANTHA ZAYNN J. CHIEFE RISHIANA CLAIRE D. DADIVAS MILES U. GUANCIA KIRSTEN ANN G. LIMOSNERO MARIA MIKAELA H. TORMON FEATURE WRITERS

JEWELYN L. LIBERATO

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY WRITER

ASHGAN AL RAYEH MOH’D IDREES B. BKHEET RYBA ANGELA N. MODERACION SPORTS WRITERS

ANGELA MARIE N. AMODIA AIKKA HEART L. DAVID GEORGE MARGAUX M. GITANO ALTHEA D. MARIJANA KAILAH MAY T. PACENO KYLE BRYAN T. PALPARAN JOSE PAOLO P. PARROCO MARIE SHELLA ANN G. PATIGAS LITERARY WRITERS

ANDREA KIRSTIN D. RAMIREZ LAYOUT ARTIST

PATRICIA THERESE FLORENCE M. ALONSO JEZAIRA Z. CONSTANTINO JASON LEE J. PAMATI-AN JANNA M. REMUS ILLUSTRATORS

STEPHANIE ANNE O. ALOLON TIMOTHEE RAMON S. CONSING XIOMARA ANN B. MONDRAGON PHOTOJOURNALISTS

RHIZNAN FAITH D. FERNANDEZ, LPT MODERATOR

VOLUME 6 ISSUE 10 NOVEMBER 2021 to FEBRUARY 2022

Watch Your Steps Educational gaps have been pervasive ever since the pandemic cast down its strength.

Physical classrooms have been traded off for virtual meetings, and that took a toll on educators and students as both have tiptoed on foreign territory. Yet again, we find ourselves walking on eggshells as another change, this time in a hopeful light, thrusts towards the university with the slow yet inevitable return of face-toface classes. On February 17, the Basic Education Unit administration via a Townhall conference revealed the initial plans to integrate physical classes amidst the predicaments posed by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This simulation attempts to act as a bridge, guiding the first wave of Liceo students towards improved quality education.

But like all ambitious attempts, how confident are we that the outcome of this activity was worth crossing a perilous gap?

Thus, we firmly echo the cautious response of the student body towards the limited face-to-face classes, shedding light on the strengthening of safeguards and processes, because the institution is on the right track in improving its operations.

The first side of this news brought about joyous remarks from handpicked classes, indicating the long-awaited return to a physical campus,

and finally getting to enjoy on-site facilities and amenities.

Specifically, through the Liceo administration’s jurisdiction, the priority list highlighted Grade 11 and 12 specialized science classes with laboratory activities. Likewise, the school greatly emphasizes its adherence to the terms and conditions convened with the Department of Education (DepEd) Bacolod City office, namely the School Safety Evaluation Tool. Supplementing the school’s claims, DepEd released an official statement, on January 22, requiring both teaching and non-teaching personnel to be vaccinated should they work on-site.

However, there ought to be another face to this news and that’s the plight of the students who are not given the chance to take part, specifically those belonging to other strands and those whose proximity to the area acts as an obstacle.

Likewise, eyebrows were raised in regards to the almost rushed announcement of this activity, leaving some students as deer in headlights—unable to quickly picture out their 4th Quarter, as well as their means to join this engagement.

On the same note, we believe that it would’ve been ideal if this move would be done by the start of the next school year, offering Grade 12 students of this semester a consistent learning experience and not having them abruptly plunged into physical interactions. For the

Grade 11 soon-to-be onsite students, we see this as not as much of a disruption, rather it can be an exclusive introduction to what their upcoming academic life could look like for the next two years.

Collectively, should students be given the go-signal to arrive at the university, they should not be heavily scrutinized or questioned if they would lack some of the basic Lasallian codes such as proper grooming, complete uniforms, or enough school materials.

With both the safeguards of the higher-ups and the quandaries of the Liceo students, both taken into eager account, the next logical move would be to meet halfway with a compromise that would uphold the integrity of the school and of its stakeholders. Truly, the return to physical classes has been long overdue, and the students have long been withheld on the other side of what should be accessible and comprehensive education. Yet, no one should be jumping over the obvious crevasses without discernment on their situation and how effective the leap would be, under the terms and conditions provided by the university.

As for us, while we continue to slowly hang between the digital and the real, we could simply be on the lookout for each other, in order to reach the destination in one piece.

Do you hear the people sing?

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It’s more than enough that a candidate represents the real opposition to be listened to.

With the upcoming 2022 national and local elections right around the corner, the electoral divide has been more apparent than ever.

Contrasting political colors make light of how the elections encourage discourse about urgent affairs by primarily focusing on who is in close proximity to power—turning a deaf ear to someone who speaks for those whose backs we built our country on.

Amid career politicians and vacuous political newbies, labor leader Leodegario “Ka Leody” Quitain de Guzman filed his papers to officially run for the presidential seat in hopes of taking matters into his own hands. Yet, most still regard him as similar to the likes of a nuisance candidate, robbing him of the opportunity to put the plight of the masses at the forefront. While the dictator’s son skips the KBP Presidential Forum to cook bagnet

and pinakbet on a vlog, de Guzman utilized his limited resources to lay down his views, stands, and platforms by also answering the questions of The Jessica Soho Presidential Interviews via Facebook live after not having been invited due to low survey ratings.

Closely looking at it though, such basis for exposure silences the voices of candidates like him. Not only is this a drawback on their end but also to the general public who didn’t get to hear a new perspective and a meaningful conversation. As a progressivist, unionist, and labor rights activist, he equally deserves the screen time offered to other candidates. Perhaps, in retrospect, he could’ve presented a comprehensive pro-people platform that challenges neoliberalism if he had been invited to the said interview.

In every chance he gets, he cites back the injustices brought by laws favoring the elite as reflected by his experience with the oppressed and marginalized.

Even when others had believed that insurgents were the main problem, he continues to emphasize that no one will lay down their arms unless the government traces the roots of why they do so. With his running mate, Vice Presidential Candidate Walden Bello, he also proposed the imposition of a wealth tax on the 500 richest Filipinos to progressively further economic recovery.

By being centered on contractualization, genuine agrarian reform, and national industrialization, among others—his candidacy goes out to all citizens within the ranks of the working and peasant classes.

It is more than enough that a candidate represents the real

opposition to be listened to. However, amplifying De Guzman’s voice to be on the same level as others doesn’t equate to electing him for office.

After all, it takes more than just a sincere heart to be worthy of leading an entire nation. One must also look into the aspirant’s credentials, track record, as well as concrete plans and not just repetitive promises of unity.

Hence, this further proves why the stint prior to the final polls is crucial as campaigns highlight necessary calls for action to ameliorate the situation of each sector.

The circumstances surrounding him bring forward feasible visions that can be transformed into endeavors that could uplift everyone. So even though your ballot may be committed to another candidate, he deserves to be heard too and even be seen as more than just the underdog of the presidential race.

THE OFFICIAL ENGLISH STUDENT PUBLICATION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ST. LA SALLE - SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL VOLUME 6 ISSUE 10 NOVEMBER 2021 to FEBRUARY 2022

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Opinion 3

KAPAWA Volume 6. Issue 10

Red does not suit you

While everyone has the capacity to make an opinion in these circumstances, we, Humanistas are expected to cast the better vote.

the most credible and legit history tellers in the eyes of Humanistas, let me tell you: they’re not. Extensive research still negates fake news.

For us, Humanistas, our fight is for the righteous choice and above all else, justice—even before, during, and after this election frenzy.

While everyone has the capacity to make an opinion in these circumstances, we, Humanistas are expected to cast the better vote—one that has the Filipinos’ best interests at heart. Such votes are simply not our own, but also the farmers’ who are paid with minimum wage, the kid who’s scared to get out of the closet, and most especially, to the poor who becomes poorer. By exercising our simple right of suffrage as well as making the right choice for the majority of the Filipinos, we are the persona of Jose Rizal’s famous

One of the many things our country lacks since the age of modern technology is the capability to handle said technology itself.

Imagine topping the Global Social Media Use Ranking, making you the “Social Media Capital of the World,” yet, as perceived on the Ookla Net Index 2021, with the slowest internet speed in Southeast Asia—such a sorry sight.

I remember that it was December of 2021 when Super Typhoon Odette visited the Philippines.

And when communication lines were needed the most, the destruction of these channels between the affected areas came unprecedented. Cries for help in different platforms echoed and amongst eight million Filipinos tallied by the Center for Disaster Philanthropy (CDP) who were affected by Odette—with no access to media—were unheard.

Way before the tragedy that befell on that unfortunate disaster had been another catastrophe in the making that coincided with the era of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): The shift to online classes. With this, the experienced weak to no signal by many and the evident poor coverage across the country—as

acknowledged by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) as they presented their future plans to the Committee on Appropriations—stipulate the demand for better bandwidth. If there is no action to cater to this need, the roots of the dilemmas caused by this will deepen.

As one may be on the verge of losing it as their laggy connection hinders them to be productive, students learning amidst this pandemic are not an exemption on suffering the downfalls brought by the unstable net. With many learners in need of the internet to complete their assessments, these tech woes remain as one of the top challenges.

For fixed broadband, the Philippines has an average speed of 32.37 megabits per second (Mbps), in comparison to those countries such as Thailand and Singapore, which have 220 Mbps and 247 Mbps, respectively. However, the fact that these fixed broadband plans in the two countries cost about the same as the Philippines hints that besides its snail-paced speeds, internet connectivity in the nation is also among the costliest in the globe. In a student’s outlook, wouldn’t it bother you when you have to pay more

just to have a better connection?

Hence, in 2020, a global research on the quality of digital well-being ranked the Philippines 82nd in terms of internet affordability out of 85 countries.

If we are going to partake in these changes, shouldn’t the country prioritize the development of wider internet infrastructures that would also be accessible to many, especially among rural areas? Our situation now further emphasizes that the service we have is slow, unstable yet expensive, and that our national government should approach for an affordable, smooth, and a higher average internet connection speed than what we have now.

As the world exponentially grows towards what is digital, the Philippines struggles to keep pace.

Unfortunately, a good connectivity service had already become a privilege that not everyone had access to, despite our common plight towards making good internet connection as a public utility and necessity, adequately regulated by the government.

Carrying such title, “Social Media Capital of the World,” one should enhance its competence to be so—by boosting its state of connectivity and not by being a

influx. While many flourish from successful runs by gaining hundreds of millions of US dollars in profit and by opening new opportunities for its people with new facilities, others face a multitude of debts that only lead to cutbacks in their other sectors just to deal with the crippling economy.

From articles released

by Visual Capitalist and Manning & Napier, when Rio was announced to be the host for the 2016 Summer Games last 2009, Brazil was at its peak in economic stability. With a budget of USD 13.1 billion, it was already implying that major changes in the city would certainly take place. However, when the games ended with a net loss of $2 billion, Rio de Janeiro’s atmosphere was dulled with upkeeping costs, resulting to uninhabited Olympic Villages, abandoned sports arenas, and economic losses. This

unfortunate conclusion of such memorable occasion forced the city to declare itself in a state of financial emergency.

not—especially with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic affecting tourism and leading to public opposition as reflected in the 2020 Tokyo Games. Due to the current situation, organizing and planning the future Olympic Games was made more elusive to hosts cities— take if from Oslo and Stockholm forfeiting their 2022 Winter Games bids and Boston for the 2024 Summer Games upon realizing the inflating operating and maintenance costs. It isn’t worth for just a few weeks of fame—that is, if hosting was successful.

For future games, having a roster of competent cities would be the smarter choice, economy and planning wise.

Commencing the events on already established grounds would result to lesser expenditures, reducing tendencies where civilian lives are affected for television

Lagging…

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As the world exponentially grows towards what is digital, the Philippines struggles to keep pace.

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When human rights are being trampled upon, the frontliners who are expected to act against this prejudice are the students from the Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) strand.

During Bongbong Marcos’ campaign to clinch the highest national seat, his popularity rose among diverse ranks: from influential family names to celebrities-turned-vloggers. But if there’s one demographic, I could

“

not simply believe to have been bewitched among his supporters are my fellow Humanistas. The irony plays out due to the fact that the careers awaiting our resumes, long after we’ve held on to the HUMSS name, are the very same jobs that operate on the basis of truth and justice; two concepts on which Bongbong Marcos seems to be ignorant about.

A lot of arguments being thrown around in his presidential bid includes the tight allegory between him and his late dictator of a father. While it is right that the son should not atone for his father’s sins, it is also exact that the son does not take credit for his dictator father’s excellence. Credibility remains the highest factor of this fight, and a fake diploma is not the way to go.

If Tiktok and Facebook trolls are

quote—the youth is the hope of the nation.

Bongbong Marcos still has to go through extreme lengths to prove to the public that he is the most ideal president of our motherland and until he gains a clean slate, we should never have someone in charge with the history of thievery and incompetence as our president. He’s no different than any of my fellow Humanistas, sacrificing blood, sweat, and tears, to prove their competence in the field of public administration. As students of the HUMSS strand, we shall vote for the ones who will stand up against oppression and red flags; never again to the killers, thieves, and tax evaders.

For we must never forget that red stains as much as blood does.

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Illustration by Jason

Lee J. Pamati-an

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Gambling for Gold

to gamble on despite the seemingly high costs of infrastructure development and maintenance, to the unpredictable tourist

“

Every two years, the Olympic Games decides the fate of its host country—whether be it reaping from economic gains or falling under financial crises, unfortunately with the latter having its odds greater than the former.

Hosting the games has always been viewed as an honor for cities all around the world. It is an investment many nations are willing

“

It isn’t worth for just a few weeks of fame— that is, if hosting was successful.

With Rio as an example, this begs the question: Does hosting the games really worth the risk it brings? Most of the time, no, it does

THE OFFICIAL ENGLISH STUDENT PUBLICATION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ST. LA SALLE - SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL VOLUME 6 ISSUE 10 NOVEMBER 2021 to FEBRUARY 2022

broadcasting.

Nations already have their own matters to address with, and managing the Olympics would just make the matters of those who are yet developing or coping with the pandemic, more taxing.

The Olympic Games, as grandeur as it sounds, unsheathes itself to be the double-edged sword of the sporting world— providing stable livelihoods to some while severely affecting those who already live below the poverty line. For your nation, would you risk the lives of your countrymen to please international standards, in return to having a fleeting sense of patriotism that gets overshadowed once the event ends? I say, give the responsibility to those who are already capable, instead of gambling for gold that’ll eventually go down the drain.

4 News TITLEHOLDER . The House of Rouen secures Championship title for the second time with their entry “Kristal na Regalo” in the Liceo Christmas Station ID (LCSID) last Dec. 26.

Rouen wins back-to-back in LCSID, Parmenie withdraws Melissa E. Gequillana

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photos taken from LSG by

Joseph Bryant J. de los Santos

The Liceo Student Government – Department of Advocacies (LSGDOA) initiated the official “Liceo Christmas Station ID (LCSID) 2021”, a musical composition contest among the houses of Rouen, Rheims, Paris, and Parmenie held last Nov. 10– Dec. 18.

Furthermore, the event aimed to instill hope in the Lasallian community in a time filled with adversities, doubts, and negativity with its theme “Dedicated to Serve, Gift to Offer”.

“Jesus is the reason for this season! Despite the distractions we have encountered, our hectic schedules, and the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, we must never forget the true essence of Christmas. With everything that has been going on lately, Christmas is bound to be different, but that doesn’t mean it has become any less of a meaningful

and holy celebration,” stated DOA Chairperson Slara Garzon when asked of her message to the Liceo community.

Exhibiting their power on the tides, the Blue Hydras earned back-to-back victories when LSG hailed them champions with their winning entry “Kristal na Regalo” last Dec. 26 via LSG’s official Facebook page.

“We were extremely happy and grateful because we worked very hard for it, and it was nice to know that our efforts really paid off. [….]

Others might not know this, but we have gone through so much […] but still, we managed to conquer it all,” House of Rouen Coordinator Monica Parcon expressed.

Meanwhile, the houses of Rheims and Paris came in 1st and 2nd places with their musical compositions entitled “Christmas Lights” and “Season Has Come”,

respectively, while Parmenie opted not to participate due to the lack of manpower and misunderstandings.

“It was heartbreaking to have to come to the decision that the House of Parmenie will not join the LCSID 2021, but we did not want to give an output that was mediocre and not of good quality.

There was a lack of manpower and misunderstandings with the people involved in the composition of the song causing us to work tightly with the deadline. Although the foundation for the song was done, there wasn’t enough time for us to give our best with little to no practice. In an emergency meeting I called for, the house executives and people involved in LCSID unanimously agreed that we would rather forfeit in this event than give something that could ruin the name of the house,” revealed Sheloe Treyes, House of Parmenie coordinator.

Strands showcase respective proficiencies in Liceo’s Strand Week 2021 Marie Shella Ann G. Patigas and Althea D. Marijana The Liceo Student Government (LSG) together with the strand councils initiated the event titled “Strand Week 2021” which aimed to form camaraderie between Lasallian students last Nov. 10–17 and was mainly conducted via platforms such as Facebook, Zoom, and Discord.

The said event has been held annually in Liceo-De La Salle and students from different strands, namely Accountancy, Business, and Management (ABM), Arts and Design (A&D), Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS), and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), participated in this school year’s activities that were facilitated by their respective councils, while the Technical, Vocational, and Livelihood (TVL)Cookery strand was unable to join the festivities as conflicts in their project proposals occurred.

Deviating from usual strand-versus-strand events, the week-long affair consisted of games, competitions, and many other activities relevant to the specialties of each academic strand, one of which was the “HU-EXPRESS”, a fiveepisode podcast hosted by the HUMSS strand officers that allowed Humanistas to express their thoughts on current social issues and topics.

“It feels really empowering to be able to speak and blurt out opinions especially with it being posted on social media. [...] It contributes to the knowledge and awareness of everyone, not only the HUMSS students,” stated Grade 11 HUMSS student Flytzyl Mejia after being asked about the experience as a guest speaker for the second episode of “HU-EXPRESS”.

Along with this, other participating strands also commenced with their own events, some of which were notably the “ABMerch Design Competition” for ABM, “Voice of an Artist” for A&D, and “Cluster Cogency” for STEM. Meanwhile, the work behind the scenes was not as easy as it seemed since the strand council members had to take immediate actions whenever problems arose to avoid any setbacks that may disrupt the schedule.

Grade 11 ABM Strand Representative Alyzza Tolentino shared some personal struggles in facilitating the event, saying, “The responsibility was no joke, and neither was the number of tasks that needed to be accomplished. [....] True enough, I sometimes need to keep the program running while councils resolve delays and internet issues.”

Considering the number of students that participated in each event, the affair turned out to be successful due to the efforts of everyone involved.

“The worry turned into enjoyment as I worked with other committee members who helped me realize that I am not alone in shouldering this responsibility. [....] Hence, instead of worrying, maintaining a good synergy and communication within the committee should be [...] prioritized,” added Tolentino.

Additionally, the participating strands also promoted this school year’s Strand Week and its events through methods such as posting a video preview or teaser, an overview of events to come throughout the week, and many more.

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What’s News Sophia Nicole C. Dayao

HUMSS Congress leaves tips for firsttime voters in Liceo The Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) Council led “HUMSS Congress” on voting etiquette and good governance with Basic Education Unit (BEU) Principal Br. Alexander Diaz, FSC, and Liceo teacher Joshua Eusebio Jr. as speakers on Feb. 26 via Zoom.

Career Expedition prepares Grade 12 students for life beyond SHS The Guidance Services Center of the Basic Education Unit (BEU), in partnership with GuidanceNGO, organized an online career fair for the Grade 12 students of Liceo-De La Salle called “Career Expedition: 2021–2022” on Feb. 18 through Zoom and Google Meet.

Grade 12 HUMSS students hand down Legacy Project earnings to respective recipients The Grade 12 students of the Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) strand held the Legacy Project Year 3 Turnover Ceremony on Jan. 14 at the Choa Co Siu Hoo Lobby, in which physical proceeds were distributed to each section’s corresponding beneficiaries.

Christmas Benefit Concert showcases Lasallian talents, gathers donations for beneficiary The Department of Public Relations (DPR) hosted “Pag-asa: A Christmas Benefit Concert” starring various Lasallian performers for the Holy Infant Nursery Foundation last Dec. 16 through a live stream on the official Facebook page of the Liceo Student Government (LSG).

DEVASTATING . Odette strikes before Christmas and leaves victims to cope with its aftermath.

USLS calls for donation to assist Typhoon Odette victims in Negros Occidental Sam Hervey T. Sabordo

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photos taken from reportr and NASA by Timothee Ramon

Consing

S.

Balayan, the social development office of the University of St. La Salle (USLS), immediately initiated a donation drive to extend their assistance to the victims of Super Typhoon Rai, locally known as Odette, last Dec. 16 in Negros Occidental.

The said relief operations were made possible through the support of the Social Action Office of the Diocese of Kabankalan and KASAMA KA fisherfolks.

“It is the university’s mission to seek and help our people, especially the poor, live a life of dignity to the fullest of their capabilities, and [...] Typhoon Odette has deprived many of our people of living this life.

We know, from our vantage point as a community, that we have the resources and the capacity to fulfill our mission by extending assistance,” stated USLS Balayan Director Andre Tagamolila.

The donation drive that started last Dec. 17 was able to gather in-kind donations and a total monetary fund of PHP 234,363.65 through GCash and bank transfers, wherein the latter was utilized to purchase goods that consisted of both food and non-food items, benefitting recipients from Kabankalan City.

When asked about the difficulties encountered, Tagamolila said, “One would be the apprehension of not reaching your target because we are only relying on the generosity of people and this is highly affected by the economic challenges brought about by the pandemic. [....] Additionally, the challenge of delivering the supplies to the identified partners was one of the biggest hurdles. This is why we have the highest appreciation for all who donated and helped us reach our target and more.”

Similarly, several students from Liceo-De La Salle, headed by

Thea Law-a of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) 12-A, also initiated their donation drive through a Facebook solicit post last Dec. 21–23 for the first batch and Jan. 3–10 for the second one.

The team organized by Law-a accumulated total cash donations worth PHP 8,731.20 that was used to buy a variety of relief items for the victims in Sipalay City.

“There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up. [....]

The contribution campaign that I organized was meant to be under the House of Paris, but I was told that the school had already begun a donation drive. [....] I decided to reach out first to Liceo Student Government (LSG) Executives Mark Imperial and Veronica Aruta [...] to plan, begin, [and] execute this act in a team-oriented manner and decided to make this open for all,” Law-a disclosed.

All donations from the first batch were transported to Sipalay City last Dec. 24 and were distributed to around 50 families on Christmas Day last Dec. 25.

“Maximizing products with a limited budget [was a challenge], yet we were able to overcome this by utilizing various sources of goods and achieving our goal,” she added.

Moreover, the remaining donations, along with the goods bought with the monetary fund, are expected to be given out to the victims of the said typhoon by the whole team in a physical turnover that is expected to occur within this semester.

“Despite the success of the donation drive, [....] it would not have been possible without the superb teamwork of promising student leaders with whom I’ve worked, Bacolodnons, and most importantly, the Liceo Community,” Law-a concluded.

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Science and Technology 5

KAPAWA Volume 6. Issue 10

MINIATURE . The World’s Tiniest Walkie Talkie placed by the side of a human’s hand shows how tiny and easy it is to carry around.

Small Techs that Manifest Big Feats Jewel Irish S. Belascuain

Universal as they have always been, technological inventors and craftsmen persist to masterfully yield and deliver products that strive to cater to people’s everyday yearnings and conditions throughout the years. Modern advancement has also revolutionized toward convenience, amenity, and impact on society. With these objectives at hand, adapting to the ever-changing standards of the community is desired to be met, and that requires adding novelty specifications to the product while retaining the original aspects. This mutation instigated modifications towards the invention’s design, software feats, and size.

From the earliest models of devices occupying a room to gradually evolving on more compacted samples snuggled in

one’s pocket, miniaturization has proven its purpose by showing how a minuscule material can still function like that of its counterpart and nonetheless generate a paramount significance to the world in terms of convenience despite its microscopic size. Electronic principles, such that of Moore’s Law, have continuously witnessed more miniature yet more robust processors and prototypes being made over the years.

The following are a few examples of small technologies that have become the child of miniaturization: 1. The digital camera one misses spotting The first is a compact camcorder, DVR, webcam, and camera. It’s so little that one can hold it in one hand and use it to

take 2-megapixel photos. The full kit includes a microSD card.

One won’t be able to examine photographs on the camera itself for there is no small screen due to its size. Instead, users must remove the SD card from the camera and check the contents on a computer or other card reader.

2. Speaker on the size of a fingertip This speaker, which was released in 2007, has a foldable audio jack that could be put straight into your device’s audio port or hidden within the cube itself. Unlike regular speakers, this one is small enough to fit on the end of your finger and weighs only 482 grams.

3. World’s tiniest Walkie Talkie Walkie Talkies have long been a popular toy for kids of all ages, but this one outperforms them all by fitting on a computer

chip. Its creators claim it to be the world’s tiniest Walkie Talkie. These Walkie Talkies are fully functional 2-way radios with a range of roughly 30 meters, despite their diminutive size. Their sales material also said that the signal can pass through walls, floors, steel, and even concrete.

As the list continues to enumerate on its own, it’s quite undeniable how idealistic and ingenious technology is for it conformed a hybrid and extensive idea into a small armor. Truly, people should look beyond the peculiar and tiny facade and not underestimate the prospects it’s capable of, because the outcomes of miniaturization are surely as powerful as those that are great in dimensions.

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photos taken from Interesting Engineering and Urban Outfitters by Ma. Avrille

Acne Vulgaris: Microbes as One’s Adversary

Marquiela C. Loraña

Jewelyn L. Liberato

#SciTechSavvy Jose Paolo P. Parroco

What do you call the gadget that was created for astronauts to have an easier time gathering data for research?

a. Robonaut b. Trace Gas Analyzer

Complex cells have developed from smaller predecessors over the ages. Along with this evolution, living things remain as one branch of a vast family history of organisms—all of which have common molecular pathways that drive basic life phenomena.

Some of the readers might be familiar with the most common skin condition called acne—a condition that is believed to be inherited from parents or the hormonal changes that can also cause acne outbreaks—affecting a large percentage of teenagers and young adults.

Acne Vulgaris is the medical term for common acne. The condition is caused by an overgrowth of Propionibacterium acnes, a Gram-positive anaerobic bacteria.

Propionibacterium acnes is a bacteria that dwells on the surface of the skin. The presence of excess sebum levels in the skin gives optimal circumstances for this bacteria to

c. Space Pen d. Zero-Gravity 3D Printer Go to Entertainment (p.11) for the answer!

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photos taken from Harvard and

Carribeanlife by Stephanie Anne O. Alolon

proliferate, leading to the development of a skin condition.

Consequently, most people who suffer from acne have it on and off for several years until their symptoms disappear as they grow older. While some people consider acne to be a symptom of an unhealthy lifestyle, it is actually an illness that requires treatment.

Though not life-threatening, Vulgaris can be more of a social and emotional issue than a medical one, and in extreme cases, it can even lead to depression. Nonetheless, it is indeed difficult to gauge how much such a disease can actually impact one’s life—for a teenager, acne strikes at a particularly inconvenient time, which may ruin the process of them building their own selves. This can be notably troublesome for teenagers on the early evening of a prom, on the night of their first date, or on a simple gathering.

The lingering question for those who suffer from acne is, of course, how to cure it. Some can recall being told to wash their hands or not to eat sweets regularly; however, dermatologists have recently concluded that the first advice is flawed and the latter is dubious. Nevertheless, there are now a lot of treatments that are made available for acne. Acne, along with many other stereotyped physical features, is overlooked in modern society, especially in social platforms—and this is the most distressing facet for an individual who suffers acne.

In a nutshell, acne is just a momentary esthetical catastrophe for almost all of the individuals who are trying to hide those reddish, wrinkly, and imperfect skin. Acne does not have to be the scourge of your existence for those who have been battling it.

BREAKTHROUGH . Dr. Deborah Persaud, one of the researchers heading the medical case of the first woman cured of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

Revolutionized Stem Cell Treatment cures first woman of HIV Leon Emanuel E. Advincula

In a pursuit to find the curative agent for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), a patient with leukemia had become the first woman to date to be cured of this infection after receiving a stem cell transplant from a benefactor who was naturally resistant to the virus that caused Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) on Feb. 16.

The said patient was a mixed-race, middle-aged, HIVpositive woman who undertook trailblazing treatment for four years, currently off from HIV medication, and remains asymptomatic and healthy for the past 14 months.

The case was part of research ran by Dr. Yvonne Bryson of the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) and Dr. Deborah Persaud of Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, observing 25 people with HIV who accepted transplant with stem cells taken from the umbilical cord blood for the treatment of cancer and other critical states.

“Today, we reported the third known case of HIV remission and the first woman following a

stem cell transplant and using HIVresistant cells,” said Dr. Bryson, after conversing their group’s findings along with the patient’s condition at the Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections.

Notably, the treatment for the patient involved obtaining blood from the umbilical cord with transplant cells from two sources: stem cells from a healthy adult relative and umbilical cord blood from an unrelated neonate, to treat her acute myeloid leukemia, a cancer that starts in blood-forming cells in the bone marrow.

“This case is special for several reasons: First, our participant was a U.S. woman living with HIV of mixed race, who needed a stem cell transplant for treatment of her leukemia. And she would [have] a more difficult time finding both a genetic match and one with the HIVresistant mutation to both cure her cancer and potentially her HIV. This is a natural, but rare mutation,” Dr. Bryson added.

However, experts voiced that the method of the said breakthrough was unethical since

THE OFFICIAL ENGLISH STUDENT PUBLICATION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ST. LA SALLE - SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL VOLUME 6 ISSUE 10 NOVEMBER 2021 to FEBRUARY 2022

they attempted an HIV cure by employing a stem cell transplant, which is a toxic and sometimes lethal procedure, to the public who does not have a potentially fatal cancer or other ailments.

“This person had an underlying disease that required a stem cell transplant [...]. It is not practical to think that this is something that’s going to be widely available,” said Community Health Center, Inc., Dr. Anthony Fauci, an infectious disease expert in the United States.

Likewise, in an interview with Medical News Today, Terrence Higgins Trust Medical Director Dr. Michael Brady said that while HIV cure research is persistent, there are already accessible highly effective HIV treatments that protect the immune system to further the life expectancy of HIV-positive patients.

Retracing the milestones, while this was a first for women, two men have already purportedly been cured of HIV, one white and one Latin, both had received adult stem cells which are more recurrently used in bone marrow transplants.

Prepared by Prima

Ysabela S. Arciaga and Ana Dominique G. Manabat

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8 Feature

Living Written by Miles U. Guancia and Maria Illustration by Jezaira Z. Constantino

Mikaela H. Tormon

Promises live in the head rent-free, for nothing beats a sweet string of words than a solid oath of a better tomorrow. Especially when it makes the world stop for a second; a fraction of time where it’s all about the picture of tomorrow. But a common question goes, what does it look like?

Humans have various perceptions of this ideal. Perhaps others perceive a world of industrial advancements, while for others it’s the amalgamation of real-life and virtual space.

However, for some individuals, this pictureperfect land blooms with inclusivity, equality, and accessibility—progressiveness. This future appeals to many as it aligns with the principles of liberalism, championing societal development and democracy.

“People’s development of critical and forward-thinking skills which drove social and political reforms are considered progressive values in a world that once repressed and rejected it,” says Karyle Dela Peña of class STEM 11-L. “Back in the day, society heavily deprived humans of achieving liberty as women didn’t have proper rights, the LGBTQIA+ community was frowned upon, and equality was subjective.”

Student leader Cindy Samson of HUMSS 12-B says the same. “[…] I believe a progressive future entails a society that’s accepting of all individuals and [can] provide safe spaces [and] innovative services for the people. Taking part in this endeavor would be essential as it changes for the better in the present and, likewise, shapes the environment of the upcoming generations.”

In fact, Philippine nationalism is arguably founded on the very principles of liberalism. EDSA ’86—the notions of history speak for themselves as Filipino people, once alight in passion, overcame the high seat of unrighteous administrators.

In a Liberal World

Every step forward to independence would have been rendered hopeless if not for the brazen, individual recognition of one’s right to liberty.

This was exactly the governance that succeeding powers envisioned for their terms and the Filipinos.

Indeed, Miss Dela Peña agrees with the importance of people-centric governance.

“A government is futile without its people. The system exists to represent its people, their ideas, and articulate their demands.”

What many don’t know is our country flourished when freedom was declared by the constitution, when a pair of ideologies upholding equality and individualism of democracy coil together. The best part is when that same spiral of beliefs, one heeding to the voice of social morale, entails an endless thread of possibilities and norms hardly seen before. Picture queens of drag, women in niqabs, and more coexisting in a society without discrimination. There is absolute freedom in the absence of fear in who you choose to be—now that’s the promise of tomorrow.

While individuals find solace in the thought of a progressive future, we cannot deny how borderline impossible manifesting this outlook is. This future is of liberation and equality—an opposite of today’s climate. For a better tomorrow to become feasible, systemic changes must be enforced and oppressive structures must be dismantled.

Samson expresses that for humanity to live in this liberal society, various changes should be implemented. “These changes start with us,” she says. “These developments can stem from voting and electing the right leader and taking time to educate ourselves on blueprints made for achieving a better and more sustainable future for all.”

However, it is her last quote that truly encompasses the heart of the revolution and the brighter tomorrow. “It starts within us to have the passion and compassion to help marginalized communities and sectors in society through assessing the needs, what you can do, and ensuring their voices can be heard.”

Changes like these could take us decades to enforce and form with discrimination heavily embedded in our everyday lives. The fight against such vile structures has been prevalent since our ancestors’ time. Until today and perhaps in the future, the fight will remain. Yet, despite all hopelessness in our lifetimes, we remain persistent. The ideal world may not come soon, but it can eventually come to reality—and that is quite celebratory.

This truly is a battle worth fighting for as it is for humanity, and in this fight, we can become one entity defending the greater good. For in a pool of countless faces, where do we draw the line? When does social prosperity rewrite the definition of advancement?

When do we count the steps of power accountable when it cannot unite the nation?

Indeed, none of these can be achieved without politics, pride, and promises that are better said than done—promises you have to fight for.

A Review Written by K. Photos taken from

HBO by Timothee Ramon S. Consing

Through a plane crash, a malfunction on a ship, or any mishap that stranded people in remote areas, survivors’ stories of how they lived through seemingly bizarre and extreme ordeals have always been fascinating. When people are suddenly stripped of their belongings and must rely on their base instincts to survive, they behave primitively. Almost as though they were wild creatures traveling in packs, with designated hunters and gatherers doing their best for survival.

Essentially, they lose their humanity to do what is best for the group. Even if it means losing a few members to rescue more. When confronted with the horrors of a cruel dog-eat-dog society, it’s easy to fall into an abyss of desensitizing endless violence to the point of even reverting to everyday reality is perplexing.

Would they sweep everything under the rug to fit back into society’s mold? Or would they go completely off the rails, afraid that this false sense of security would hurt them twice as hard?

The answer to these questions takes form in Yellowjackets, an exhilarating mashup of teen drama and horror created by Ashley Lyle and Bart Nickelson. The jaw-dropping plot kicks off as the titular New Jersey high school soccer team experiences a horrifying plane crash in the middle of nowhere on their way to their national game.

This scenario entails characters revealing their actual colors, weaknesses, and strengths right away, which are then used in a plethora of ways to ensure their survival. Often, the show contains gore and mature themes that are not for the faint of heart, but like watching a train crash in action, it’s hard to look away once you are hooked on the scenes.

As the suspense builds up, the characters complement the show’s thrill, showing how wellwritten they are. In the past timeline, it shows how each teenager’s morale crumbles as they realize that there is an entity preventing them from leaving the forest. This slow deterioration carries

on to the future timeline that intersects every time a tense scene comes up, keeping the watcher intrigued as they interlace this deepseated trauma into the survivors’ adult lives. The characters constantly dip their toes on the line of self-destruction in both timelines, so the audience can feel that every one of them is just waiting to combust, to let all the pain and suffering of the past and present out as each situation chips away at their sanity.

With bone-chilling entities and amazing cinematography aside, this show’s main point is to address traumas. Reliving devastating repressed memories is what this show repeats over and over in its episodes, with more to come with the next season being in production. We can only expect, but dread too, what we’ll learn next about these characters.

Maybe there truly is a horrific, fictional beast haunting these women. Or maybe it’s simply something real hidden among them.

THE OFFICIAL ENGLISH STUDENT PUBLICATION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ST. LA SALLE - SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL VOLUME 6 ISSUE 10 NOVEMBER 2021 to FEBRUARY 2022

Vox Populi 9

KAPAWA Volume 6. Issue 10

prepared by

Paul Gabrielle T. Corral and Joseph Bryant J. de los Santos

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10Literary

Prepared by Claire

Denise S. Chua, Ma. Avrille Marquiela C. Loraña

and

Sean Carlo O. Samonte

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KAPAWA Volume 6. Issue 10

THE OFFICIAL ENGLISH STUDENT PUBLICATION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ST. LA SALLE - SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL VOLUME 6 ISSUE 10 NOVEMBER 2021 to FEBRUARY 2022

Entertainment 11

12

Sports

www.facebook.com/liceokapawa officialkapawa@gmail.com www.issuu.com/kapawa

The Field is a Woman’s Stage Ashgan Al Rayeh Moh’d Idrees B. Bhkeet

In an open field where everyone has their eyes fixed on you as talent, confidence, and strength undeniably radiate from your soul in the arena, the art of striving and struggling before earning victories is an eye-opener for millions of people—especially to the women of this world.

Football has always been adored by adults and youth around the world. It is a sport that brings every single person together by showcasing skills and talents, all while building unity amongst differences. Yet, what makes winning and losing in a sport so heartwarming and momentous are the journeys that lead to that definite juncture.

The path towards success and triumph can never be smooth and steady, especially for the souls that offer their blood, sweat, and tears to bring back all the glory not only to themselves—but for their country. In a world full of achievers and aspirants, a team of women took their chance to let the people of this world know that they can move mountains.

The Philippine Women’s National Football team led by Captain Tahnai Annis and vicecaptain, Hali Long, has brought light

@kapawaofficial

KAPAWA Volume 6. Issue 10

to the nation after they prevailed in a match against Chinese Taipei in the 2022 AFC Women’s Cup in India on the 30th of January. Ascending to compete in the 2023 FIFA World Cup, the pride and joy are incomparable, given that no team from the Philippines has ever competed for the most prestigious football league.

Their victory changed many views, breaking stereotypes society has made, connecting to women through their intense battles in the field and as a cry against the challenges they face outside the game. With the support of the team’s defenders Malea Cesar, Eva Madarang, and Tara Shelton, midfielders Katrina Guillou, Carleigh Frilles, Camille Rodriguez, Anicka and Sara Castañeda, forward Chandler McDaniel, goalkeepers Olivia McDaniel, Kiara Fontanilla, and Inna Palacios, they confidently took down the barriers that restrict women from being successful, especially with the public’s harsh criticisms thrown every now and then.

It was never an easy run, especially for a woman who takes part in a sport that is believed to be where a man excels. Yet in this journey, these women proved nonbelievers wrong, especially

when people called them out for representing the country despite being not pure Filipinos. Imagine how strong an athlete could be, that hate coming from ill-wishers, would become her fuel in striving to do better and work harder than she ever did? Talk about the weight they’ve been carrying on their shoulders all throughout the games as it couldn’t be heavier.

“We are Filipinos by heart. [We] may be different, but all Filipinos are true to their core […]. I think we have shown our heart, our integrity, and our discipline that all Filipinos have regardless of who’s out there on the pitch.” expressed by Hali Long, imparting that even the slightest idea doesn’t affect them— and that alone already made the Philippines beyond proud.

These athletes have seen this historical win as an opportunity to make women’s football more known and appreciated. Their victory was a start—a fresh beginning for a much greater battle on and beyond the soccer goal.

Though there is none greater than these women’s will and passion to train, they took the initiative to stand in front to represent not only the Filipino women but all the women in the world.

@LiceoKapawa

TRIUMPHANT. The Philippine Women’s Team celebrate their most pivotal victory against the Chinese Taipei.

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photos taken from AFC and

ABS-CBN News by Sean Carlo O. Samonte

STRUT. Ej Obiena represents the Philippines at an international stage.

Pinoy pole vaulting hope, hopeless in SEA Games approach Giollan Henry P. Demaulo

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photos taken from Panay

News by Xiomara Ann B. Mondragon

Embezzled by his recent controversies with the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA), decorated pole vaulter, Ernest John “EJ” Obiena, is still unable to represent the Philippines in the upcoming Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) or the Asian Games, held later in the year.

Regardless of his recent success on the European stage, Obiena is continued to be excluded from PATAFA’s national team roster amidst his recent issue of being accused of falsifying liquidation reports with the salary of his Ukrainian Coach, Vitaliy Petrov.

The Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) has shown disapproval with PATAFA’s decisions over the past months, even going

the mile of labeling their president, Mr. Philip Juico, persona non grata within the committee.

“If the SEA Games and even the Asian Games are held tomorrow, EJ will easily sweep gold medals,” said President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, the executive head of the POC council, hinting at his fortified trust and support for the pole vaulter.

Placing the Philippines on the international pedestal once more, Obiena has just recently secured two gold medals in Poland, one being at the 2022 Orlen Cup on February 13, listing a season-best 5.81m, followed by another gold at the 2022 Orlen Copernicus Cup just 10 days later.

“How many more gold medals should EJ win for him to be reinstated in the national pool?” said President Tolentino referencing the continuous streaks made by the Filipino, “The people just can’t wait long enough for a national athletic treasure to be ignored.”

After returning from his medal-crazed crash at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and recovering from a career-threatening knee injury, Obiena has led the Asian record in pole-vaulting at 5.93m at the 2021 Golden Roof Challenge held at Innsbruck, Austria.

After the 2020 Olympics, Obiena and PATAFA had already been at odds, with the cycle of accusations all continuing to boil down towards the claim that the

Pinoy pole vaulter had been faking liquidation reports amounting to around PHP 4.8 million over the span of three years with the salary of Coach Petrov, who has already appeared in Zoom conference to clear Obiena’s name.

Obiena has previously admitted that there were delays in the accounting process, while also pointing fingers at PATAFA for its inability to directly coincide with his coach, even forcing their own top-class athlete to do the dirty work for them.

Despite all of the counterclaims presented by both parties, Obiena’s name in the Philippine Athletics’ Roster is still uncertain, even when the SEA and Asian Games are steadily approaching.

NOPSSCEA launches 41st season despite COVID-19 pandemic Ryba Angela N. Moderacion To keep the passion burning of every player and competitor despite the scare of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the Negros Occidental Private Schools Sports Cultural Education Association (NOPSSCEA) virtually launched their 41st season of its athletic and cultural events through Zoom on Feb. 4.

Mark Molina, the executive vice president of the STI West Negros University and the president of NOPSSCEA, had stated last November 2021 that they intend to develop

tournaments that will prepare competitors from the province for the National Private Schools Athletic Association athletics and literarymusical events the following year.

Molino unveils the theme for this season as “NOPSSCEA: Never Outdone @ 41” which shows a connection of the struggles and risk of the players and the administrators of NOPSSCEA. NOPSSCEA has declared the suspension of all cultural and major sporting events such as

football and basketball tournaments, fearing that these will create mass gatherings last 2020.

Meanwhile, for their launching in this 41st season, Molina said that they will include online athletics competitions for taekwondo, chess, and even the greatly-coveted basketball tournament.

Furthermore, Molina also expressed that for taekwondo, instead of the normal contact sport, athletes will only showcase

their predetermined sequence of moves consisting of the many fundamental stances, blocks, and kicks rationally put in a coherent order in response to attacks from several fictitious assailants or poomsae.

Additionally, basketball tournaments will have judges focusing on the individual skills of each player rather than the usual team sport, taking precautions considering the ongoing effects and risks of the pandemic.

Meanwhile, Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia assured the institutions which are members of NOPSSCEA that their faculty and staff are among the priority sectors in the local government’s vaccination program.

During a meeting held at the Bacolod City New Government Center on Jan. 28, Molina claimed that they already acquired the approval of Leonardia and the COVID Vaccination Council.

THE OFFICIAL ENGLISH STUDENT PUBLICATION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ST. LA SALLE - SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL VOLUME 6 ISSUE 10 NOVEMBER 2021 to FEBRUARY 2022