Eunoia Issue 2

Eunoia

THE OFFICIAL FEATURES MAGAZINE OF L A ESTRELL A VERDE

the solace within shadows

YIN AND YANG ISSUE 2 A.Y. 2019-2020

41st

CATHOLIC MASS MEDIA AWARDS Eunoia: The Seven Deadly Sins Finalist: Best Student Organ High School Category

ABOUT THE COVER The spotlight shone its polarity in reds and blues, each promising a path to fame. But neither felt as becoming as the shadows where she truly belongs.

Eunoia

THE OFFICIAL FEATURES MAGAZINE OF L A ESTRELL A VERDE

ISSUE 2 | Yin & Yang A.Y. 2019-2020

YIN Y I N

CONTENTS

8

When a Rising Star Retreats

11

Pinintahang Korona

16

Voices against the silence

18

Danyos dulot ng daldalan

21

Amid blinking lights and blinded eyes

24

Tungo sa nagkakaisang mithiin

26

Yapos ng musika: rainy edition

28

Help for the Helpers

30

Food After Fight

34

When Green Paws Play

37 The solace within shadows

Y A N G YANG

46

The dauntless and a dime

49

RPG: A Manual to Defeat the Clock Nemesis

52

Bitag ng Liwanag

54

Orgs: A step beyond the classroom

58

Hawla ng marka

60

Button Up, Lasallian!

71

Mukha na bang panlalaki?

74

Sa gitna ng tinahak na kawalan

76

The Fruit of Deceit

79

Talim sa Ilalim ng Aliw

FOREWORD

T

o most of you, magazines are things that aim to be a design over the top of office tables or even inside rooms.

Whatever its goal is, several people are purchasing it because of the colorful schemes, eye-catching layouts, or maybe because of the fame that the magazine cover holds.

With that said, some of these reading materials compromise its quality and its main purpose—to inform.

However, in La Estrella Verde (LEV), we are always putting the interest of the readers and the quality of our outputs first.

We are exerting such effort to improve each other and rise as one with the aim of serving the community and offering the best there is to boost their interest and improve their way of thinking.

We are offering you something that mirrors reality in line with what the publication stands for: Upholder of truth, Herald of change.

As we reach our full potential each year, the publication gets better. After the pioneer issue was introduced last year and has received lots of admiration, we would like to introduce the second issue of the nationally-acclaimed LEV features magazine: Eunoia.

For the latest installment of the magazine, we would like to offer you the glimpse of the twofold character of the Universe— Yin and Yang. It may sound unusual and weird to some, but for us this idea describes how two different, completely opposite things, compliment each other that it calls for something we are dying to see—metamorphosis.

But be on your guard, too much light is blinding. Let this material be the spark of the change that you are dying to see.

Edcel Derick Padulla Editor in Chief

EDITOR’S NOTE

F

or Eunoia’s second issue, we are bringing you into the world of yin and yang: two fitting figures which symbolize the balance between two different things. While today’s society defines people as ‘this’ or ‘that’, caging us in labels and putting us on either side of the coin, yin and yang are reminders that a spectrum lies beneath us. A reminder that this isn’t only about opposites but about how there is always a seed of light in the dark and dark in the light.

Let this magazine be a mnemonic to embrace both fear and courage, serenity and affliction, consistency and change, and all opposing facets of what makes us human. May these pieces of writing remind you of the beauty brought by the duality of humanity—the very thing that Eunoia stands for: beautiful thinking.

With that said, it wouldn’t be possible to create this magazine without the team who tirelessly spent days weaving it together.

To the editors who perfected every detail, to the creatives who brought life to the black and white, and to my dearest writers who let their passion bleed into words—my staff who defied every hurdle and impossibility. This journey was a difficult one but I would never hesitate to do it all over again if it is with them.

Of course, a huge thank you to the students who participated by modeling and accommodating our interviews. They are the faces and voices that built the stories throughout these pages.

This magazine now lies in your hands, and as you learn, discover, scrutinize, and aspire, it would have served its purpose.

Flip through and venture into the polarity of the dark, the light, and everything else in between.

Psalm Mishael Taruc Features Editor

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When a Rising Star Retreats Words by Wallace Roland Beltran and Stephanie Nicole Rabacal Photography by Renz Jericho Benitez

THE ALARMS OF each reminder make the ears tingle as they loudly scream everything that is needed to be accomplished before all deadlines. It would get you lost from the journey of trials, where even the tiniest bits of your time are not your own. The little chiming bells foster the mind to itch from being free from the prison you made—finally realizing that having too much on the plate

may cause an agonizing thirst for rest, perceiving that hungry pleasures may just be hellish pressures.

Enthusiasm arises as one enters the festival of clubs. Seemingly picking the desired paths while holding on to the grip of passion to guarantee that there is glee upon working and hustling. Meet Andrei Lee

(STM24), a student who’s almost too familiar with the situation. Being an active student is feeding one’s satisfaction and filling the box of self-contentment—joining a myriad of clubs, participating in various organizations and countless activities, not knowing that the happy hustle you make up in your mind might be a heavy hassle to deal with and carry on.

YIN The gateway opens Passion drives many on their own paces, as how one discovers talents, hobbies, and skills. It can make one person grasp the motivation he needs to keep up with the sum of his universe.

It can also sustain his joy while growing the intense spirit and dedication to still survive. Dark days are inevitable but with its striking light, great passion seems to be just one of the whole which can make everything in life bright. Almost all people see it as an essential. It’s something that may be worthy of all the risks, because passion is born from things that someone chose and wanted, those that can make him happy in such ways.

Just like when Andrei decided to join and gained positions on the following co-curricular activities as he set his foot in the gates of Senior High: president of their class; photographer and editor of Viridescent; past Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Robotics Club; and former member of the Student Council—all back when he was in Grade 11. “Sumali ako sa [Viridescent] kasi gusto ko mas gumaling mag-edit,” he answered when asked about his reasons upon joining.

“Passion ko talaga ‘yung robotics,” Lee added. He also became the president of their class as the majority voted for him.

Similar to anybody else, it was his burning passion and ardor that tickled his mind and led him to commitments.

Critical hits The responsibilities of his many organizations affected him differently, catching him off guard, striking him altogether with tasks and workload. “Sabaysabay (na ang) lahat. Ang hirap i-manage [ng workload],” he said, juggling every task that demanded to be finished. An example was when he had 84 profiles of graduating students to edit for Viridescent before exams followed by managing paperworks for the Robotics org the week after.

“Pagkatapos ko mag-edit ng (more than 80) profiles, may additional workload na naman from academics and minor revisions sa previous works. Tapos sabi ko, “Di ko na kaya.’” There were too many tasks in his hands that he had to let go of some of them.

So, he initially left half of his responsibilities in Viridescent, after that, the whole, including the Robotics org.

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It was hard enough to leave the things he wanted, yet stopping on the way to pursue a passion cuts open an even deeper wound.

He thinks that leaving Viridescent was fine for it was only a hobby and with the amount of members in it, he thought, he wasn’t much of a big loss. Robotics, however, was where passion lies. He didn’t want to leave, but it required him to choose between his passion or his dignity, “Kinailangan kong mag-quit para maisalba ko ‘yung sarili kong dignity.” To a later conclusion, he had to choose the latter.

The crowd goes wild Pressure came from nowhere else, not from his friends, family, nor teachers, but only from himself. Like most, that pressure can bring a person to uncharted depths of emotions. Within those depths, getting stuck in the present and the worries that came along with it is understandable. Getting the weight of multiple responsibilities off his back paved a way for seeing what he’d actually been through and what he’d learned.

While in the endless trials facing various obstacles, Andrei points out his most vulnerable experience—breakdowns.

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YIN

He knew that he was the pillar for some because of his duties. Thus, no one had a clue of the breakdowns he had. This was challenged once it happened in class.

“Nagbreakdown ako sa klase (namin mismo), tapos ‘di nila alam bakit,” he says, completely being vulnerable at an open arena. “Pero hindi ko na sinabi kung bakit.”

As he believed that people needed to see strength in him.

He recalls the worries of other people, how they were there for him and how they saw his struggles. Luckily, his parents were there when they’d see him tired. “‘Pag napapansin nila na pagod na pagod na ‘ko, ino-offer nila na mag-quit na ako sa isang org or hindi ko naman (kailangang) taasan ‘yung sarili kong standards sa academics kasi wala akong na-re-receive na pressure sa kanila pagdating sa gano’n.” Some orgmates even saw the stress he was under, accepting his final decision. “Hindi lang naman orgs ‘yung buhay mo eh, may family ka sa labas, may kailangan kang asikasuhin na chores! May mga alaga ka pa, tapos relationships, socialization.”

hard enough “Ittowas leave the things

he wanted, yet stopping on the way to pursue a passion cuts open an even deeper wound.

All these were the changes he felt after leaving the various organizations. No more balancing acts. No more additional stress.

He can relax. He can rest. After all, life continues and students like Andrei still have loads to experience. “Bata ka pa naman, bata pa naman ako, kailangan nag-e-enjoyenjoy din ako sa buhay ko.”

Andrei, after making a move upon seeing the opportunities, faced the overwhelming consequences. They piled up and were too much without experiencing a breakdown or two. The never ending trials that came with pursuing your passions. With all that he’d learned from his experience, Andrei shares to those who might’ve faced more than what they could fight off, “Dapat meron kang dedicated break para sa sarili mo kasi kung passionate ka, dapat passionate ka rin sa pag-aalaga sa sarili mo.”

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Pinintahang Korona Mga salita ni Sophia Khassandra Reyes Litrato nila John Paulo Templo, Maria Angelica Pechon, at Michelle Hiya

Sa isang malayong tore nakatago ang nakakabihag na buhok at personalidad ng isang prinsesang nagtataglay ng lakas at kapangyarihan. Mayroong hindi mawaring kuwento ang bawat hibla ng mahabang buhok nito. Gayunpaman, tunay na katangi-tangi ang kagandahang taglay nito hindi lamang bilang isang babae ngunit bilang isang tao. Ang buhok ang nagsisilbing crowning glory ng mga kababaihan; kaya naman para sa karamihan, gaya ng pag-aalaga ng mga bulaklak sa isang hardin, importante ang pagpapaganda at pagbibigay-buhay dito.

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Lakbayin ng prinsesa Hindi naging madali para sa prinsesa na makamit ang layuning makapaglakbay sa labas ng toreng kinamulatan at baguhin ang mga bagay na kaniyang nakaugalian. May mga ilang kababaihang pinipiling manatili sa sarili nilang kaharian o ang tinatawag na comfort zone. Katulad ni Hanika Balangue (ABM22), “Walang kulay ang buhok ko dahil mas nasanay ako dito.” Ganoon din si Shairen Flores (ABM22) na pinipiling panatilihin ang natural na kulay ng buhok dahil mas naaayon daw ito sa kaniya.

Ngunit katulad ng prinsesa, mayroong mga nagdesisyong lumabas sa kani-kanilang mga nakasanayan at maglakbay upang mahanap ang bagong makapagpapasaya sa kanilang biyaheng siyang naging dahilan upang maging angat ang kanilang karanasan.

Katulad ni Daryl Ong (STM21), “Napagtanto ko na magandang pagbababago din sa aking itsura ang magpakulay ng buhok.”

Tila nahanap naman ni Ela Beros (HMS21) ang kalayaan upang masunod ang pangarap niyang magpakulay ng buhok dahil hindi ito labag sa patakaran ng Unibersidad, kaya naman sinubukan nitong bigyang kulay ang buhok ng malakulay rosas.

Maiging pagpaplano ang ginawa ng prinsesa sa biyaheng pagkalayo-layo na nais niyang tahakin palabas ng tore. Kaya naman gaya nito, ibinahagi ni Cyril Obja-an (HMS21), ang haba ng panahon na kaniyang iginugugol tuwing naiisipan niyang palitan muli ang kulay ng kaniyang buhok, “Pinag-iisipan ko for like three to five months to make sure na ‘yung color na ipapakulay ko is ‘yung color na gusto ko talaga and hindi ko pagsasawaan.” May iilang kababaihan namang naglikom ng lakas ng loob sa mahabang panahon upang makamtan ang pagbabagong nais nilang mangyari. “I’ve had it in mind for about a whole month kasi I didn’t want to damage [my hair],” saad ni Felicity Sasis (STM23), na pinili pa ring magpakulay at magkaroon ng blonde hair.

YIN

Hiwaga ng awitin Sa bawat paghuni ng prinsesa, lumalabas ang kapangyarihang kaniyang taglay at ang kakaibang lakas na sumasalamin sa kaniyang pambihirang personalidad na hinahangaan ng karamihan. Kagaya ng kaniyang mahika, ipinapahiwatig ng kababaihan ang kanilang kahanga-hangang mga personalidad sa pamamagitan ng pagkukulay ng buhok. Isang ehemplo rito si Obja-an, na piniling bigyang buhay ang kaniyang buhok ng mga matitingkad na kulay gaya ng blonde, asul, at pula. “Lahat ng ito ay matitingkad na kulay at bilang isang indibidwal ang personalidad ko ay

masiyahin (at) maingay,” sabi ni Obja-an.

Mahinhin naman ang pagkatao ni Ong, kaya naman pinagpapatuloy nito ang malatsokolate niyang buhok. Ayon naman kay Beros, pink ang napili niyang kulay para sa kaniyang buhok dahil sa kaniyang matibay na pagkatao at personalidad.

Samantala, para kay Balangue, “Ito ay sumisimbolo ng pagiging simple ko bilang isang indibidwal,” kaya pinili niyang panatilihin ang natural na kulay ng kaniyang crowning glory. Maraming lihim na kahulugan ang bawat pintang pinipili

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ng kababaihan, isa itong pambihirang kapangyarihang nangangailangan ng commitment gaya ng pag-aalay ng prinsesa ng kaniyang oras sa bawat araw na dumaraan upang mapanatili ang kagandahan ng mala-kastilyong haba ng buhok. Kaya naman ayon kay Obja-an, “Ang pagkukulay ng buhok ay magandang libangan…dapat talaga maglaan ng oras sa pag-aalaga at pagpapanatili ng kulay ng buhok.” Mungkahi naman ni Flores na alagaan ng kababaihan ang kanilang buhok upang hindi agad masira at mawala ang kaakit-akit na itsura nito.

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Mga ilaw bilang gabay Mayroong mga taong maaaring humubog sa isang indibidwal upang mahikayat itong abutin ang kaniyang mga nais. Mga taong maaaring magsilbing bangka’t mapa upang masilayan at mahawakan ang naggagandahang ilaw sa labas ng toreng nakasanayan. Posibleng artista, kaibigan, o pamilya ang maging inspirasyon at sandigan para sa mga pagbabagong ninanais.

Gaya ni Ong na naging impluwensya ang kaniyang nanay at ate sa pagbibigay-buhay sa kaniyang buhok pati na rin ang mga artistang kaniyang nakikita, “Whenever I see their colorful hair, I [would] notice how pleasing it looks.” Ang mga Instagram model

naman ang naging inspirasyon ni Obja-an sa pagkukulay niya ng kaniyang buhok, “Tuwing nakikita ko ang pictures nila ay nakakaramdam ako ng inggit dahil nadadala nila ang kung anumang kulay ng buhok.”

Hindi madaling maging buo ang desisyon pagdating sa malaking pagbabago sa itsura, kaya naman saad ni Ong, “Nakakamangha makita ang makukulay o vibrant ang buhok.” Humahanga rin si Beros sa mga kababaihang mayroong matingkad na kulay ng buhok. Ngunit, katulad ng pagsisiyasat ng prinsesa sa tunay niyang pagkatao, may

iilang indibidwal na negatibong sumusuri sa mga kababaihang mayroong kakaibang kulay ang korona. “Wala namang masama ukol sa usaping [pagkukulay ng buhok],” banggit ni Balangue nang napansin niyang iba ang tingin ng ilang tao sa mga indibidwal na mayroong nakakapukaw-atensyong buhok. Para kay Flores, “Ang pagkukulay ng buhok para sa ibang indibidwal ay nagpapakita ng kanilang kumpiyansa sa sarili at pagiging artistik.” Binanggit naman ni Beros na hindi ito nakakabawas ng pagkatao ng isang indibidwal, “In fact… nadadagdagan self-esteem ko whenever I try something new with my hair.”

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Gaya ng bida sa kuwentong ito, maraming maaaring maging hadlang sa pagkamit ng pangarap at pagbabago ng isang indibidwal.

Maaaring manatili ito sa toreng kaniyang kinamulatan o maglakbay upang makahanap ng bagong pagkakaabalahan. Kaya naman mayroong kaniya-kaniyang rason at kuwento ang bawat korona ng mga prinsesa; pambihirang personalidad at kapangyarihan ang nakatago sa likod ng nakapupukaw-atensyong crowning glory ng bawat isa. Maraming kababaihan ang nakahahanap ng kasiyahan sa pabago-bagong kulay at istilo ng kanilang buhok. Marahil, paraan nila ito upang maging ganap na prinsesa sa sarili nilang kuwento.

Editor’s Note: Aming pinasasalamantan ang mga sumusunod na modelo para sa kanilang pakikibahagi: Angelica Jhann Busa, Shyanne Reine De Guzman, Leigh Anne Dolor, Sydney Jane Guilayan, Cyril Joy Obja-an, Lovely Thrina Satingin, and Shanel Tuvilla.

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Voices against the silence Words by Mary Abigail Manalo. Art by Valerie Anne Antonio

It’s indescribable, the way it feels when one’s name is called out to the entire class. The chosen person, the appointed leader, is suddenly the center of attention and while it may be surprising, it can also cause joy from deep within. Meeting the group is overwhelming, a million thoughts running through the leader’s head. Only minutes have passed but collecting one’s self and taking a deep breath appeared to have taken longer. The members have taken initiative in leading, and what was once the spot that has put a smile on the leader’s lips has slipped away so easily.

CLASSROOM LEADERSHIP, ALTHOUGH in a smaller setting and under the supervision of authorities, has the same qualities that might be seen in other forms of leadership. If there are students who find it difficult to keep up in class, the leaders are usually the ones who help them. When there are class projects such as field demos and fair booths, it’s also them who take charge.

Lingering thoughts With the amount of responsibilities entrusted to them, there are times when leaders can’t help but feel pressured to perform well. “There is pressure that comes with being a leader. There’s still the expectations of the people around you, and it feels like you can’t make a mistake,” Bryan Hebreo (ABM11) stated.

“I would never think that I am worthy in such position because I always think there is someone who is more capable than me,” Hebreo disclosed. “I feel sad when (my group members) don’t listen to me. It makes me feel disrespected,” he added. When the students begin to criticize and judge their leaders, it can cause the leaders to doubt themselves and their own abilities to guide the class.

“Doubt can cause a leader to perform poorly. It’s hard to work properly when the people around you have doubts. You’d start to think that you really can’t do it,” Channdher Gajo (HMS11) shared when asked about how doubt impacts a leader’s performance. Doubt may burden the leaders and slow them down or it could hide them

in their own shell. It is hard to get rid of once it is brought up, which is why criticism is highly encouraged to be offered in a constructive manner. “[Constructive criticism] has a more positive impact unlike seeing a rant post (about) the leader. Constructive criticism feels like a more rational way to point out mistakes or flaws without making it seem like an insult,” Gajo said.

A fresh pair of eyes provide a clearer picture, it can help leaders know themselves more.

With the help of their followers, leaders who have gone silent may still have a chance to show that they do have a voice inside of them.

Voices deep within Leaders might have reasons for choosing to guide their followers, to carry on with their responsibilities. It is the voice in their heads that they focus on, that they go back to when it feels like

YIN they are at a crossroad. “I always go back to the reason why I was chosen to lead in the first place, and that’s because I know that there are people who believe in what I can do, and there are people that need someone to lead them,” Andrei Olayon (STM17) shared when asked about how he was able to redeem himself when he hits rocky paths in his leadership.

There are also intentions as to why leaders choose to pilot their members in the way that they do. “I’m acting passive because I want them to take initiative and so that it won’t be just me helping all of them.

It is very annoying, disappointing rather, to see that members of the group tend to rely on the leader to do their job for them.

It’s hard when people tend to rely on you, but you have no one to rely on to,” Gajo admitted.

Speak up When there is too much silence, there is usually a voice to break it.

While there may be times when silence is comforting, too much of it might lead a group down the wrong path. Passive leadership could cause followers to overpower the person who is in charge. “I feel very thankful because I know that there is

“

someone who is capable of standing up for the team and I also know that they are able to do their task well, but at the same time, I am the leader, and I (should be) doing that job, not him or her,” Gajo stated as he shared his experience of being overpowered by a member.

A clear voice can unite dismantled or lost voices, guiding them to a single and clear path. “Do not just wait for your members to ask you for the roles they will be having in the group,” Leica Mendoza (ICT12) said as an important point to break habits of passive leadership. “Assign [their roles] immediately, and don’t do all the work for them,” Mendoza added.

According to Mendoza, providing the impression of a leader to the people who will serve as its followers through fulfilling its duties and responsibilities is essential. It may last for a long time and could take time to correct if it has gotten off from a bad start, but bouncing back may be possible, even in leadership.

Becoming a leader may distinguish one from his or her members, but it does not distance them away from each other. “They are the (leaders) so they should be aware that they should be keeping the group together and not distancing (themselves) apart,” Gajo reminded. Like gears working to run a much bigger machine to achieve a bigger purpose, they are meant to function like a singular unit. Though each member has their own voice, they all come together

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as one, speaking similar ideas and united thoughts led by a voice that guides them along the way, whether it’s loud and clear or soft and subtle.

“As much as possible, I want to see [different] perspectives from other members so that we can use these to improve our ideas,” Olayon said. The combination of multiple minds and collection of various ideas may result to great products, all made possible by the value of teamwork.

“Well, [I feel] happy...I’m glad that I had their attention and nakinig naman sila. It all comes down kung naunawaan talaga nila,” Gajo answered when asked about how he feels when his members listen to him. “What I learned from my experience [of being a passive leader] is that regardless of any reason of why I or maybe other leaders are passive, leaders should be attentive [of their group]. They should know how to communicate with the members of the group,” Gajo said.

It took some time, but the leader has finally found the right voice. This is the voice yearned by the members, speaking up and out loud like a beacon of light for everyone to follow. The leader has taken back the role that was taken away, regaining the position he or she was entrusted with. It may feel good, to be looked up to by others, to be worthy of a prestigious title. The white noise is blocked out, and silence no longer prevails. Instead, it is the resounding voice of a leader that shines through and guides everyone to victory.

I always go back to the reason why I was chosen to lead in the first place, and that’s because I know that there are people who believe in what I can do, and there are people that need someone to lead them.

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Danyos dulot ng daldalan Mga salita ni Psalm Mishael Taruc Dibuho ni Kristen Faith Maala

TALAK DITO, SATSAT doon—tamis ang nababatid ng mga dilang tahimik na nakabungisngis.

Nakakumpol sa isang sulok habang pinagsasaluhan ang mainit at bagong sagap na tsismis.

Sa patuloy na mabilisang pagkalat ng mga impormasyong walang basehan, maaaring hindi na namamalayan ang mga taong nababangga ng ganitong laganap na kuwentuhan.

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“Uy, may tsaa ako!”

Hindi na bago sa pang-araw-araw ang makakita ng mga taingang nagkukumpulan upang makarinig ng bagong balita. Sa tahanan, maaaring ang mga kamag-anak ang laman ng usapan—iyong tita mong balikbayan o ‘di naman kaya ang anak niyang magtatapos na ng pag-aaral. Sa tapat naman nito maririnig ang mga kuwento ng buong kalsadang madalas umaabot pa hanggang sa kabilang kanto. Maging sa paaralan, hindi pahuhuli ang mga tsismis ukol sa kapwa estudyante, guro, o ‘di naman kaya iyong magkasintahang nagkabalikan, naghiwalay, at kanina lang, nagkabalikan na naman. Tila naging parte na ng araw-araw ang pagnanais na malaman ang lahat ng kaganapan, pinagpi-piyestahan ang mga kuro-kurong matulin kung kumalat. “Kasi mas madali [ang magtsismisan] kaysa alamin ang totoo,” saad ni Humanities and Social Sciences faculty Geordan Carungcong nang tanungin ukol sa dahilan ng pagkakaugat nito sa kulturang Pilipino.

Sa labas ng hilera ng mga silid-aralan, animo’y nakahilera rin ang mga bagong balitang naghihintay na mapakinggan.

Ayon kay Arian Portugaliza (STM25), hindi maiiwasang makisali sa ganitong mga kuwentuhan lalo na’t kadalasang nangyayari ang mga ito sa pagitan ng mga magkakaibigan. “Pero madalas ay nakikinig lang ako, nag-co-comment lang kung kilala ko talaga ‘yung taong (pinag-uusapan),” pagbabahagi niya. Samantala, binanggit ni Stephanie Alvarez (TVL21) na sadyang nagagalak lamang ang iilan na mabatid ang mga nangyayari bagaman labas sila sa sitwasyon.

Sa kabilang banda, mayroon ding mga kumakalat na impormasyon ukol sa paksang pang-akademiko. “Minsan nakikisali ako [sa tsismis] especially, kapag ‘yung topic is about sa mga subjects namin,” pagkumpirma ni Isaiah Cantanero (ABM25). Sa ganitong mga pagkakataon kung saan ukol ito sa mga pagsusulit at iba pang mga aktibidad, marahil hindi maiiwasang makibahagi sa ganitong usapan. Gayunpaman, binahagi ni Cantanero ang kaniyang pagkadismaya sa mga kasinungalingang ipinakakalat tungkol sa kaniyang mga asignatura.

Maaaring magdala lamang ang mga ito ng ‘di nakabubuting pagkabalisa sa mga magaaral, lalo na kung makaaapekto sa grado ang pinag-uusapan.

“Sino nga kasi?”

Nag-uumapaw man ang mainit na mga sabi-sabi kada oras, hindi lingid sa kaalaman ng nakararami na walang kasiguraduhang sumasalamin ang mga ito sa katotohanan. Nagtataglay ng natatanging kahulugan ang bawat salitang binibigkas

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kaya sa tuwing may dumadagdag o nababawas sa pagpapasa-pasa ng mga labi, posibleng maiwan din ang ilang bahagi ng katotohanan. “Kadalasan kasi, (ang) mga tsismis ay walang basehan,” pagsang-ayon ni Cantanero. Dumaan at nagpasikot-sikot na ang mga kuwentong ito sa mga bibig at tainga—hindi mawari kung saan nagsimula ang ilang mga detalyeng maaaring naidagdag na lamang.

Subalit hindi rin maikakaila ang posibilidad na may bakas ng katotohanan ang mga naririnig na tsismis. Isinalaysay ni Portugaliza na minsan, kahit gaano pang hindi kapani-paniwala ang mga ito, magugulat ka na lamang na tunay pala ito.

“To see is to believe talaga,” mungkahi niya.

Isa itong katibayan na hamak na mga kurokuro lamang ang lahat at dapat ituring bilang gayon hangga’t hindi nasasaksihan ng mismong mga mata ang mga pangyayari.

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“Ay, parang kilala ko na!”

Totoo man o hindi, hindi biro ang mga nagiging bunga ng animo’y mga simpleng pagkukuwentuhan. Maraming beses na nating nasaksihan kung paanong pinalaki ng mga tsismis ang mga sitwasyong marahil nasolusyunan kung nanatili na lamang sa sariling bibig ng mga tunay na dawit dito.

“Miscommunication, misunderstanding, tapos most importantly, disrespect sa katotohanan,” ang mga epektong dulot ng tsismis ayon kay Carungcong.

Nadudungisan nito ang mga pangalan at reputasyon. Madalas, ang init ng balitang kinatutuwaan ng nakararami ang siya ring ikinapapaso ng iba. “We’ll only disseminate wrong (information) sa ibang tao na pwedeng mag-cause ng conflicts,” mutawi ni Cantanero nang tanungin ukol sa mga epekto ng tsismis sa mga taong laman ito.

Hindi lang ang mga napag-uusapan ang nakakatikim ng mapait na bunga ng mga walang basehang tsismis. Pati ang mismong nagsasalu-salo rito, na maaari ring humarap sa mga epektong hindi nila inaasahan.

May mga pagkakataong nakakahalubilo natin ang mga taong ang tanging nais ay makasira ng pangalan ng iba ngunit, lingid sa kanilang kaalaman na pati sila, damay sa kanilang pinapakalat na kasinungalingan.

Gaya ng sabi ni Portugaliza, “People hate liars.”

Siguradong marami ang sang-ayon sa ideyang ang mga salitang lumalabas sa bibig ng isang tao ay mas sumasalamin sa pagkatao niya kaysa sa taong laman ng kaniyang mga kuwento. “Maaaring wala nang magtiwala sa kanila,” saad ni Alvarez.

Sa pagpapakalat ng mga kuro-kuro, lalo na iyong makakasakit ng kapwa, hindi malayong magkaroon ng negatibong tingin ang mga tao sa mga nagpapakalat nito.

“Spill na, bilis!”

Sa kulturang binubuhay ng mga sarisaring tsismis ang bawat umaga, tila mahirap nang tanggalin ang ganitong kaugalian. Samantala, hati ang opinyon ng ilang mag-aaral kung dapat na nga bang ibaon sa limot at pilit na baguhin ang kultura ng tsismis. Ayon kay Cantanero, dapat nang buwagin ang nasabing kaugalian sapagkat nagdudulot lamang ito ng pagkalat ng mga maling impormasyon. Bukod dito, maaari pang makatulong ang pagkawala nito upang pagtibayin ang pagtitiwala ng mga tao sa isa’t isa.

Sa kabilang banda, naniniwala si Alvarez na maaari pa rin itong gawin basta’t may kasamang pag-iingat. “’Yung best thing na lang na magagawa natin is to stop being so hateful and stop judging other people based on what we hear about them,” dagdag ni Portugaliza. Marahil nagmula ang negatibong konotasyon ng tsismis sa mga taong nasira nito subalit hindi imposibleng magamit ang hilig ng mga Pilipino sa pagkukuwentuhan sa pagpapakalap ng mabuti at may kabuluhang mga paksa.

“

“Hindi naman (masamang) magkuwentuhan nang magkuwentuhan ‘yung mga magkakaibigan pero lagyan natin ng basis o kaya evidences para at least, ‘yung mga kakalat na balita ay totoo at makakatulong (doon) sa susunod na makakaalam,” pagbibigay diin ni Carungcong sa kahalagahan ng mga katunayang dapat palaging kaakibat ng bawat salitang binibitawan.

Sa kada bukas ng mga labi, napupukaw ang interes, nailalatag ang mga piraso, at nabubuo ang mga salaysay na kalaunang kumakalat. Tsismis, chika, tsaa—iisa ang tunog sa bibig ngunit iba-iba ang tunguhin.

Sa pagitan ng mapanirang impormasyon at mga simpleng tawanan, nasa iyong mga kamay ang kakayahang pumili ng mga salitang babanggitin sa mga susunod na pagsasaluhang kuwentuhan.

Tila naging parte na ng araw-araw ang pagnanais na malaman ang lahat ng kaganapan, pinagpi-piyestahan ang mga kuro-kurong matulin kung kumalat.

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Amid blinking lights and blinded eyes Words by Psalm Mishael Taruc. Art by Sim Daeun

The lightsticks glitter as the music blares in foreign tongues, weaving through the void. Beams of light paint excitement on their lips which are already screaming in anticipation. Then, adrenaline rushes from a beating chest towards empty veins, filling it with an unfamiliar thrill until it becomes the only thing that matters.

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The chants amplify In recent years, many people from all over the world have been swept into the “Korean Wave” or more popularly known as Hallyu. This refers to the rise of the country’s music, entertainment, fashion, and beauty to international fame. Way beyond its borders, lyrics in their language are sung while their makeup and skincare products are shipped miles away into foreign hands. With this great influence, the Koreans seem to have mastered the art of transforming a culture into a global phenomenon.

The Philippines is not exempted to this world dominating trend. These fads captured the interest of young Filipinos, imprinting itself into their daily lives. “I listen to K-pop all the time,” Sofia Tatad (HMS22) shared.

Among the huge variety Hallyu has to offer, Korean Pop Music could possibly be the most influential. Tatad elaborated, “The uplifting vibe and the unique dance (make) K-pop stand out.” Known for its glamorous visuals and catchy tunes, K-pop has solidified its place in the hearts of many Filipino fans. Looking up to these K-pop idols, for some, means going beyond occasional listens. Jhen Valeriano (10G) admitted, “It takes part in my life by imitating how they greet each other, their fashion, and by idolizing and streaming their music.”

These fans delve into the culture, wanting to be part of something they love and admire.

The arena empties Nonetheless, a foreign culture rising into prominence in a land to compete with what it already has, could bring more harm than good. When asked if these trends are considered “too much”, Tatad agreed.

“Some people disregard their identities as (Filipinos) by loving Korean fads (more) rather than appreciating what we have and own.” It turns out, some fans may have been way too immersed into Korean culture that they neglect their Filipino roots.

Jaz Mendoza (TVL21), someone who has encountered a number of them, expressed, “I have a feeling of disappointment towards these people.”

When the glam of the other side hypnotizes one into thinking that it is nothing but perfection, a harmful mentality arises. Tatad mentioned how fans would go as far as belittling their own culture to justify their beliefs that what they support is way better. “Parang ikinakahiya nila kung anong meron tayo,” she added. Mendoza had a similar thought, saying, “They become unappreciative of what we have and conclude that our culture (is) nothing compared to the Koreans.” Even though Tatad and Mendoza identify themselves as K-pop fans, they both condemn the idea of putting down the identity that runs within oneself just to be a pedestal for a culture that belongs to someone else.

Army, Once, Blink, Exo-L, Reveluv. These are just a few of the collective names fans love to call themselves—a badge that they proudly wear to express their admiration for their favorite artists. Most, if not all, would agree that there’s absolutely nothing wrong with enjoying what you love. However, there could be downsides when wearing those titles becomes simultaneous with putting aside a very important one. The badge that says: Filipino. Tatad explained, “Your identity is what makes you, you. It’s what makes us unique.” Mendoza also emphasized the idea of duty, “It is our responsibility as (citizens) to embrace and be proud of what we have.”

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A step towards home Yet, fans don’t always have to choose between their beloved “biases” and their own culture and ethnicity. Enjoying foreign music and pop culture while enriching one’s identity is most definitely possible. Tatad suggested, “We should set our limitations...let us always put our country on top of our list.” A fan’s head may be filled with the non-stop playing Korean tunes and a montage of foreign visuals but what crawls within their veins is one that will never change.

Exposure to the music of other countries may bring good as it expands horizons but Mendoza pointed out the relevance of giving our own a chance. She stated, “I support and promote what we have because I believe that we, Filipinos, also have our own uniqueness.”

Mendoza also highlighted the impact of mislabeling local music, fashion, and entertainment and how it negatively affects our view of them. “[S]top defining it as jejemon because that is one of the (reasons) that hinders us from being a proud Filipino.” It all goes down to knowing where to draw the line between being supportive of another culture and being spiteful of yours. “’Wag nang paabutin to the point na mas pipiliin mong mahalin ang kultura ng mga banyaga kaysa sa sariling atin,” Tatad firmly reminded.

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A banner remembered Valeriano, Mendoza, and Tatad are currently enjoying their times in their respective fandoms and are continuing to express their passion and appreciation for K-pop groups they idolize. Nevertheless, this doesn’t stop them from celebrating who they are. “Even though I’m a [K-pop] supporter, I still appreciate Filipino trends,” Valeriano stated.

On the other hand, Tatad acknowledges what the country lacks but she still conveyed her pride towards it. She said, “I am born and raised here...hindi ko ikahihiya ang pagiging Pilipino ko.”

In the midst of some who may prefer and wish to be part of another culture while forsaking what shaped them from the beginning, there could still be more people who are ready to set the lightsticks down and raise their flags when necessary, those who choose their own blood and flesh and would never trade it for anything else. Mendoza concluded, “I was born with this nationality and will die remaining the same.”

The loud cheers, feasting eyes, pumped bodies, ramming hearts, and ringing ears—all locked away like mere memories. Then, one strips off the facade of a pretentious self, leading to the reveal of the skin and bones of what she’s truly made of.

“

A fan’s head may be filled with the non-stop playing Korean tunes and a montage of foreign visuals but what crawls within their veins is one that will never change.

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Tungo sa nagkakaisang mithiin Mga salita nina Elaine Samantha Olona at Psalm Mishael Taruc Dibuho ni Gabrielle Ravacio

Para sa marami, hindi lamang talino at galing ng isa ang sandata tungo sa paggawa ng isang mahusay na pananaliksik. Madalas, ang pagtutulong-tulong ng grupo ang tunay na magdadala ng inaasam na tagumpay, sabay-sabay na pag-abot sa resultang inaasahan. Gayunpaman, hindi ito laging madali. Ang mga sumusunod ang ilan sa mga katangiang posibleng makatulong sa mga mag-aaral upang magkaroon ng isang mabisa at nagtutulungang mga miyembro sa grupo.

Ang bisa ng komunikasyon. “Kailangan [ang komunikasyon] para ‘di magkaroon ng ‘di pagkakaintindihan sa isang grupo,” pahayag ni Joshua Chan (STM17). Kaniyang idinagdag na kinakailangan din ito upang magkaroon sila ng sapat na kaalaman pagdating sa kung anong sistema ang kanilang susundan.

Pagtakda at Pagtalaga. Mabuti na rin ang magkaroon ng sistema ng pagtakda ng gawain sa mga miyembro ng grupo.

“Maganda (itong) gawin sa isang grupo para magkaroon sila ng organized na system,” wika ni Elizha Calimlim (HMS12). Ang paghahati-hati sa mga gawain ang maaaring maging paraan upang pigilan ang mga suliraning nagbabadyang mabuo.

Sa gabay ng pamumuno. Mahalaga sa isang grupo ang paraan ng pamumuno ng isang lider. Ayon kay Calimlim, “Sa leader mo malalaman ‘yung mga kailangan niyong gawin as a group. Siya ‘yung nagiging boses ng lahat.” Sa isang pangkat, ang magsilbing gabay ang pangunahing layunin ng lider kung kaya’t importante pa rin ang pagkakaisa sa grupo. Trabaho lamang ng isang lider ang siguraduhin na nagkakaintindihan ang bawat miyembro ng grupo at sumusunod sila sa mga itinakdang gawain. “Ang lider ng grupo ay nandiyan para bigyan ng direksyon ‘yung grupo niya,” pahayag ni Chan.

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Nakukubling patnubay. “[Ang research advisers] ang (gagabay) at tutulong sa pagtapos ng inyong research,” banggit ni Lyca Leynes (STM22). Sa likod ng isang pulidong pananaliksik, naroon ang pagod at tiyaga hindi lamang ng mga mag-aaral kundi pati na rin ng advisers na umaagapay sa matarik na daang hinaharap. Ayon kay Judith Daguman, guro ng Practical Research, “As (teachers), we’re always going to be one step ahead of our students.” Ang kanilang kadalubhasaan ang isang mahalagang sangkap sa paghahasa sa mga mag-aaral tungo sa pagiging mahusay na mga mananaliksik.

Tulin ng tumatakbong segundo. Oras ang isa sa pinakamalaking kalaban ng mga mananaliksik. Tila ba kaakibat na ng buhay mag-aaral ang patuloy at walang katapusang paghahabol nito. Gayunpaman, maraming paraan upang unahan ang oras, bago pa man maubusan nito. “Pinakaimportante sa lahat ay time management,” pagbabahagi ni Leynes. Binigyang diin niya ang kahalagahan ng masusing pagpaplano sa panahong gugugulin sa bawat aspeto ng pananaliksik. Suhestiyon niya, “Gumawa kayo ng timetable para malinaw sa lahat kung ano ang dapat gawin at tapusin.” Ayon naman kay Chan, kung may maayos na sistema, magkakaroon ng pagkakaintindihan kung kailan dapat ipasa ang isang gawain.

Lunas sa lamat. Hindi maikakailang may mga pagkakataong maaaring may mga samahang masisira dulot ng problemang dala ng pananaliksik. Mababaw man sa pandinig ng ilan, sadyang hindi biro ang dalang presyur ng proyektong ito—ugat ng maraming hindi pagkakasundo. Isinalaysay ni Daguman na kung aabot sa ganito, gamitin itong pagkakataon upang pagbutihin ang sarili. “Where did I go wrong? Next time, what can I do to make it right?” Tanungin ito sa sarili pagkatapos ng lahat. Dinagdag din niya na kung hindi na talaga posibleng ayusin ang nasira, tandaan pa ring maging propesyonal.

“There is the notion that we should stay professional and civil with one another lalo na for work like this,” saad nito.

Ilan lamang ang mga ito sa napakaraming mga paraan upang maging matagumpay ang isang grupo ng mga mananaliksik. Marahil mula sa karanasang ito, hindi lamang ang proseso at pagsusulat ng pananaliksik ang matututunan kung hindi pati na rin ang kakayahang maging isang mabisang ka-miyembro na makatutulong sa pagbuo ng higit pa sa mahusay na grupo.

Mga karanasang maaari ding mauwi sa pagpapabuti sa sarili bilang isang indibidwal.

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PLAYING FROM ALBUM

Yapos ng musika: rainy edition Mga salita ni Stephanie Nicole Rabacal Dibuho ni Jerrika Mikaela Tonio

HINDI MAWAWALA ANG mga tugtugang malapit sa ating damdamin kasabay ng serye ng pag-ulan—hinahalintulad sa mga emosyong matagal nang nakapiit at naghihintay makawala.

Sa bawat salitang nalapatan ng musika, makadarama ng koneksyon sa mga awitin; kaya heto na ang mga playlist na sakto sa lamig ng panahon at sa iyong mga dinadamdam.

kulimlim

ambon

Kasabay ng pag-dilim ng kalangitan ang pagbaba ng sigla ng iyong paligid at nanaisin mong simulan na ang tugtugan sa nagbabadyang buhos ng ulan. Sa pagdinig ng unang huni ng kanta, kumakalabit din ang lumbay na pilit pa ring ikinakaila ng iyong sarili. Narito na ang iyong listahan para painitin ang mga tainga sa pag-alis ng sinag ng araw.

TITLE

ARTIST

Pwede Ba

Lola Amour

Sino

Unique

Love is Easy

Maris Racal

Bibingka

Ben&Ben

Knots

Moira & Nieman

Madadala ka sa pagpaparamdam ng unti-unting pag-ambon na nagmimistulang senyales ng malakas na pag-ulan habang namumugto na ang iyong mga mata at pinipigilang tumulo ang luhang nagbabadyang umapaw. Kumukulo na ang mga nasilid mong saloobin para makawala sa iyong isipan kaya ituloy na ang madamdaming pakikinig habang mahinahon pa ang panahon.

TITLE

ARTIST

Bata, Dahan-Dahan!

IV of Spades

Itutulog Na Lang

The Juans

Kahit Isang Saglit

Hulyo

Leaves

Ben&Ben

Tampisaw

This Band

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ulan

bagyo

bahaghari

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Heto na ang pagbuhos ng ulan mula sa kalangitang kanina pa nagbabadyang sumaboy, humahagupit pati na rin ang emosyong naipon at sinasabayan ang tindi ng pagluha ng iyong mga mata—mapa-eskuwela ang dahilan o alin mang problemang matagal nang bitbit-bitbit at nakasabit sa magulong diwa.

TITLE

ARTIST

Nararamdaman

Better Days

Take Her to the Moon

Moira Dela Torre

Halaga

Parokya ni Edgar

Hawak Bitaw

LaLuna

Imahe

Magnus Haven

Hindi Tayo Pwede

The Juans

Halo-halo ang mga saloobin tulad ng pagbagsak ng ulan na sinasabayan ang pag-ugoy ng hangin sa mga puno, pagsayaw ng mga dahon, at ang pagkalunod ng mga kalsada sa matinding hagupit ng bagyo.

TITLE

ARTIST

Bawat Kaluluwa

IV of Spades

Balisong

The Juans

Paano Ba

Vanya Castor

Hatid

The Juans

Tulog Na

Sugarfree

Sa kabila ng pagdilim ng langit, pagwisik ng ambon, pagbuhos ng ulan, at paghagupit ng bagyo, mayroong kasunod na bahagharing magbibigay kulay muli sa mundo. Sa kabila ng mga lumbay at pighati, mayroong magandang mangyayari—sukli sa lahat ng luhang pumatak at damdaming tumatak na nagdulot ng pagkawasak.

TITLE

ARTIST

Sige Lang

Quest

Asked You To Dance

Pinkmen

Curtain Call

Janina Vela

Ulan

Janine Teñoso

Ilaw sa Daan

IV of Spades

Ride Home

Ben&Ben

Ikaw ba’y luhaan na ngayon matapos pakinggan ang ating pangmalakasang kantahan kasabay ng pag-ulan? Matapos ang hagupit ng tag-ulan at kalbaryo ng bagyo ay ang pagsilang ng isang makulay at maliwanag na bahaghari na maaaring sumalubong sa iyo sa kabila ng nakakasakal na unos. Marami mang hamon, pagsubok, sakit, o pagdududa sa sarili, nadama sana ang mga yakap na hatid ng mga awit at magkaroon na muli ng espasyo ang pusong naninikip. Hindi masasabing panghabambuhay ang ginhawa, ngunit nawa maging pahinga mo ito sa serye ng mga problema.

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Help for the Helpers Words by Elaine Samantha Olona Art by Danielle Mari Tanael

The day, what people usually know as hours of sweltering heat under the blue sky and white clouds. As opposed to the night, filled with darkness as people lay their heads on their pillows, waiting for tomorrow to come.

The night and day are opposites that a person faces; as does the positive and negative things in life. Like all things, the light and the dark must remain balanced, much like how opinions of other people are accounted for in one’s routine since too much of one thing may turn out badly. People pleasing when done wrong tends to tilt more on the negative aspect of things, which may lead people to lose a sense of confidence in their own actions.

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PEOPLE PLEASING MAY be viewed by other people as a negative trait but with the help of some Senior High School students, that negative point of view can be spun into a positive light. These students are examples of what people pleasing can result to when it is done in the right way.

At the end of the day. According to a few individuals, the most awaited reward a people pleaser aims to have is the smile and the happiness of their peers. “I want to be one of the reasons why they are happy and fulfilled,” Abby Dacera (ABM11) said, saying how her main goal for helping people is the smile blossoming on their faces.

“When you do something to help others, you can’t help but feel better about yourself,” Kenneth Angelo Julio (STM17) stated when asked about how people pleasing affects him as a student and as a person. He went on by saying how it makes him gain a sense of being valuable and helpful.

“The feeling of being satisfied and fulfilled in helping someone is the most rewarding thing,” Julio added, explaining the motives behind his actions of kindness. It goes to say that these students go through all the trouble of attending to other people’s needs in order to gain a sense of accomplishment by seeing smiles light up their faces and a “thank you” gracing their lips.

Knowing what these students feel in regards to helping the people around them, may it be fellow students or other community members, it poses the question of knowing the difference between the light and the dark sides of this rewarding task.

The Light vs the Dark. “Positive people pleasing is the ability of a person to please the people around (them) in a good and pleasant way. While negative people pleasing usually [involves people who] do not think of themselves and tend to become too selfless,” Dacera opened up on the fine line between the two aforementioned types of people pleasing. “[Negative people pleasing] can affect you in a bad way,” Abygail Dimailig (ABM12) stated. She discussed how negative people pleasing can take a toll on the person partaking in it and those around them.

Knowing that there is some harm that can be done by pursuing the acceptance of

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“

The line between the negative and the positive will always be the intention behind our actions.

people around us, taking a leaf from the book of the students who have learned the harms that the night and day contain can be able to help in the process of facing the dawn of the new day.

A new day dawning. “[S]eeking for the approval of your peers is alright because you get to know their thoughts, but you should still (know when to) decide for yourself,” advised by Dimailig. We are still in charge of what we are going to do and how society views us shouldn’t change how we act. We shouldn’t be considering what other people think of us in every move we make.

Dacera, on the other hand, made a statement on how “We are the author of [our] own books, (and) we are in charge of our own lives.” She goes on to say how we do not always need the approval of others in order to make decisions and how the satisfaction that you have towards your own work will be the best form of approval there is. Seeking the approval of others may not turn out to be a healthy habit that one should continue doing since a lot of it could be able to cause damage to a person.

According to Humanities and Social Sciences faculty Geordan Carungcong, it’s necessary to know oneself better in order to release insecurity. “Dapat may congruence tayo in terms of your ideal self and real self,” Carungcong said. He explained that when people don’t know who they are, they resort to comparing themselves to others and that they should, instead, broaden their knowledge on their strengths, talents, and skills.

As Dacera said, “They just have to remember that if they are already satisfied with what they have achieved, then that is more than enough.” She further remarked of how you are in charge of what you want to do and how you don’t have to listen to what other people say. Listening to whatever our peers say can help us be the best version of ourselves but if a person does it too much, they may just forcibly change to satisfy their peers.

Sunrises and new beginnings.

“Knowing your priorities and values helps you put the brakes on people (pleasing),” Julio stated. He continued by saying that learning how to say “no” is the most significant and fundamental step that one can take in order to avoid getting taken advantage of.

“Have a genuine concern for others,” Carungcong suggested when it comes to people pleasing. According to him, the line between the negative and the positive will always be the intention behind our actions.

These students are able to set an example by helping in the ways that they could. With the sun shining bright as another night ends, a new day and a new chance is given to each person.

Julio stated, “Rather than seeking approval from external influences, try to find true happiness by developing a more stable relationship with yourself. Feeling confident without anyone else’s approval means loving yourself first and knowing your own self-worth.” After all, the night and day do have their stark differences, yet both are loved by different people in spite of their imperfections.

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Food After Fight Words by Wallace Roland Beltran Photography by Renz Jericho Benitez

YOU’VE FOUGHT HARD, finished the ungodly mountain of assessments that won’t stop haunting your thoughts. But now it is done, and it is time to heal up. Aided by loads of rest and having fun, indulging yourself in the most comfort-inducing foods ever to exist around the campus is almost a must. Snacks that act as the ways of regeneration and health to the weakened, tired student soul.

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03

02

04

06

05

07

SELECT

F O O D

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01

KWEK-KWEK

This orange, sunset-colored tusok-tusok has the power to make anyone with an insatiable thirst for fried food binge with its incredibly cheap price. A warm welcome to students who wish to let go of eating healthily. Although, one shouldn’t eat more than ten of these for they can leave a heck of a burn, the aching batok.

SANITY REGENERATION:

50

Per Ball

02

CREAM PUFF

Soft pastry with a hard crispy caramel glaze sitting atop to satisfy the sweet tooth. Its creamy but not too sweet filling brings a satisfying feeling to anyone who eats one. This delight is just an explosion of crunch and soft and gooey.

What’s more to love from a snack that gives you the best of all worlds!

SANITY REGENERATION:

100

03

TAKOYAKI SANITY REGENERATION:

100 Per Ball

This savory bomb of bonito flakes and octopus—or squid for the most part—is a must try for anyone under the weather. The taste gives off the best feeling of warmth with the right level of crisp on the outside and softness inside. This savory Japanese street food is sure to heal you up and make you ready for the next study session.

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04

AICE ICE CREAM SANITY REGENERATION:

150 Ice cream has a lot of things people love in a comfort food. Something cold to keep the mind sane from the hot weather, sweetness that can just improve someone’s overall mood, and a multitude of good flavors to choose from. This ice cream is cheap, sweet, and milky— perfect for any casual ice cream lover.

05

BELGIAN CHOCOLATE WAFFLE SANITY REGENERATION:

200

Among the wide variety of different waffles, the belgian chocolate waffle is definitely a popular one. It’s the only sweet kind among the other available choices after all. Soft, warm, and a bit bitter from the chocolate oozing from the inside. Replicating lava cakes, it might just be able to warm up anyone who might feel tireless and beaten up by all their workload.

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06

POTPOTS SANITY REGENERATION:

350

07

Potatoes are known to be one of the best comfort foods out there. One that’s craved by a lot is the fried mojo-style Potpots. Choosing whatever flavor suits your taste buds and mood for the day, you just can’t go wrong with pairing the carb vegetable to your favorite one. The crisp on it pains addiction. The soft cloud inside with a warmth that just melts in your mouth.

Then it welcomes you with the saltiness on your palate. Potpots is a classic addiction for most of us.

MILKTEA SANITY REGENERATION:

500

Milk tea here, boba there, cream cheese almost everywhere. This milky drink does not disappoint with an endless amount of ways people have tried to brew and mix it up. This refresher welcomes everyone into a list of many flavors, perfect for changing your drink for whatever mood you’re in. Pair this up with a casual sit down gossip session with some close friends, and it could almost make up for one week’s worth of quizzes and projects pressed into a day.

Each second spent on working and studying has left you with less energy. A stopover around the campus for some snacks is always a quick way to heal up and get ready for the next battle.

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When Green Paws Play Words by Paul Christian Pama Art by Courtney Ivannah Gracio

Warm are the rays of the early sun piercing through the atmosphere; the day begins as the University awakens with the noise of conversation and the patter of feet bound to a destination. While students are preoccupied in their own world, small balls of yarn also unravel, heedless to our eyes at times. Yet it is present, manifested in the sound of meows and the scurry of paws silent to most ears. Furry on sight and adorable on a second, cats prevail in our community, peacefully living the campus life.

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ENCOUNTERING A FELINE is a common happenstance in the University, and it has been for a period of time. “I think cats have been here ever since I was in college [which] was around 2011,” Maurice Olivier Baylan, a Senior High School Biology teacher, recalls. Cat hotspots include the College of Tourism, Hospitality and Management kubos, the Junior High School Complex and the University Food Square, with the last being the most magnetic to the felines. As their populace grew, the whiskered animals became a staple element of the Lasallian community, strutting as the University’s unofficial pets.

However, not everybody is a cat person.

After all, how does one become a hooman?

Out of the Bag The general rule of socializing with cats is to remember that their mood is binary, nothing in between. Christine Pilapil (STM29), a mother of two cats, insinuates that first and foremost, the furballs are naturally tender. “Cats are pretty sweet, and you can cuddle with them all the time,” she recalled. They yearn for human touch, melting into the gentle hands of its pamperer. In return, the cat’s mere presence also brings comfort to their owners. “Kapag sobrang stress na ako or malungkot, nilalaro ko [‘yung mga pusa ko]. Napapagaan nila ang loob ko,” Maxene Mendoza (HMS11) expressed. With literally nine cat lives in her care, she narrated that her cats are her stress-relievers.

Cuddly as they may be, it is a different tale when the coin of mood is flipped. In certain days, a feline might feel allergic to contact, unleashing the leave-me-alone

energy. Pilapil confessed that she’s still figuring out some pieces on how her own pets behave. “[Cats] are not sociable with other people or with their kind. They can be distant if they want to,” she speaks from her own experience. Furthermore, she added that after they are left alone, the cats will switch to their dormant mode with only two functions. “All they do is sleep and eat, but they are cute when they do (those) things.”

Dyeing it Green Lasallian cats are no different from these descriptions; in fact, cat people were also able to connect with the furry fellows loitering in the campus grounds.

“Minsan, sinusubukan kong lapitan.

Kapag nakakalapit ako, hinahawakan ko ‘yung ulo,” Mendoza professes. Even though feeding their whiskered mouths are generally frowned upon, she confesses that she occasionally offers the felines food whenever she has a chance. On the other hand, Pilapil crosses the thin feeding line assertively and approaches them with more familiarity. “If I have food with me, I share it. I sometimes pet them, (though) some people say that they might bite, that (does) not stop me,” she affirms.

As the paw touches our fluffed hearts, Baylan reminds us that paws still have claws. “Paiba-iba kasi ng mood ang mga

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pusa. One moment playful sila then all of a sudden, mangangalmot or mangangagat,” he explains. In addition, Baylan prompts us to consider the sanitary and health risks of undomesticated animals which may be positive to rabies or other diseases. “I love them kapag nasa mood sila makipaglaro,” Baylan chuckles when asked about his DLSU-D feline encounters. However, he always checks for signs of crankiness before patting their heads or rubbing their bellies.

When it comes to petting the University’s cats, caution and care should be side by side.

As bonds are made with the resident felines, cat aficionados attest that attachment to them is deeply rooted from the DLSU-D cats’ semblance with their own pets at home. “Dahil minsan hindi ko maiwasang ma-stress kahit nasa school ako, makakita lang ako [ng pusa], gumagaan na ang loob ko,” says Mendoza, in which she referenced her relief-inducing pets. Pilapil adds that the presence of cats in the campus is like bringing her own to school; at the same time, it also paints a clearer picture of the school, making it feel more like the second home it was often said to be. While these instances demonstrate honest connections, Baylan took one step further to link the hand and the paw.

With an utmost affection for cats, together with a proficient sense ofat

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temper, he adopted a University female molly which he named Pepper, further solidifying their unreserved and warm nature.

Shelter for the Clowder The University was designed in a way where beings other than ourselves can live and flourish, and it is important to maintain its capability to do so. As part of the Lasallian community, Baylan implies that keeping the surroundings clean is a huge factor for the peace and prosperity of the cat population. “Bababa ang risk na maka-acquire sila ng sakit,” he reasons.

Furthermore, he believes that direct methods to ensure the welfare of the felines are necessary. Such actions include performing preventive shots to narrow the chances of outbreaks in their kind and administering spay and neuter to keep their numbers in check.

The key to making the most out of the University pets is by making the interactions with them civil but worthwhile. Pilapil advises us to be gentle in our approach to the cats, and to always regard their own space.

“Treat them like people. Show respect to them [for] they do no harm to you,” she reckons. Nevertheless, it is important to note that not everybody will find a sincere bond with the whiskered critters. Keeping that in mind, Mendoza enlightens us that a cat, or any other animal, has the ability to process feelings and to discern motives.

“Itaboy [sila] ng maayos kung ayaw nating nilalapitan tayo,” she suggests. The best direction for people who can’t stand cats would be to learn how to coexist with them; in that way, no harm would come onto them.

“Iparamdam natin sa kanila na ligtas sila,” Mendoza concludes.

While humans are the dominant kind in the campus, cats thrive inside as residents, relishing in the place we regard as our second home more than we ever could.

With every meow and prance, they bring personality to our University. The little furred critters are proof that DLSU-D is a place basking in cuteness, belongingness, and warmth.

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The solace within shadows Words by Psalm Mishael Taruc Photography by John Paulo Templo.

The brighter the spotlight is, the darker the shadows become. Where every beam of light stretched, there stood a pedestal where admirations are loud, and disapprovals are amplified. When the luminosity starts to burn instead of shine, one could either succumb into flames or dim the lights and leave the glory behind.

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AT A YOUNG AGE, Alliyah Dela Riva (ABM21) found herself in the midst of the chaotic scene of acting and show business. She watched as people’s eyes shifted onto her, their lips speaking potentials on who the little girl is and who she could possibly become.

Three, two, one, action! “Overall, naka-thirty plus commercials ako nung bata ako,” she shared, reminiscing about her experiences with advertisements. These which grew to be household staples at that time also became her pathway towards bigger projects. Numerous companies wanted the rising star to be the face of their brands—CDO, Sunsilk, and Hunt’s were just some of these.

However, what really set Alliyah’s career in stone were television or TV series, more popularly known as teleseryes. Her notable works weren’t only the tool that led her further into stardom—behind the scenes, it also spun her life into whimsical frames of adventure and action. She recalled her scene on Ikaw Sana, a GMA teleserye where she played the character Niña.

“Nasa ilog kami, tapos parang nalunod ako do’n. Tapos sinagip niya ‘ko,” she narrated, referring to Jennylyn Mercado, the female lead artist who was also Alliyah’s mother in the said series.

“Binihisan niya ‘ko,” she bragged, “Artista ‘yon!” She laughed as she remembered her time with the stars she looked up to.

Famous celebrities weren’t the only thing that engraved these experiences in Alliyah’s memories. Behind the flawless stories shown through screens were untold hardships of a tiny kid who had to deal with complex scenes which can sometimes be too much for her age. She looked back on an experience working on a Cinemalaya film, “May scene du’n na nasa tulay… tapos sa baba no’n river talaga. ‘Yung scene kasi do’n nadapa ako,” she shared. Alliyah explained how she had to manage her fears while acting out a difficult scenario. “Feeling ko mahuhulog na talaga ‘ko tapos ‘yung scene, naiyak pa ko…hinahabol ko ‘yung ate ko.” She explained how the incredibly challenging project reigned to be the most memorable one.

After all the hard work, it paid off with recognition behind cameras and most especially, in the streets where people were starting to know her. “Minsan, sa mall tinititigan (ako).” Alliyah giggled, sharing instances when people would oddly whisper among themselves as they realize who she is. These little meetings go on until this day, to her surprise. “’Pag may lumalapit… nakakatuwa kasi naaalala pa nila,” she beamed.

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Into the spotlight. However, no such career starts at its peak. Alliyah narrated how her story began, and how fateful circumstances led her to her first project—a CDO commercial. “Kumakain kami sa Jollibee no’n,” she shared, vividly remembering the day a five year old child was merely munching on a chicken when a huge opportunity fell before her very eyes.

“May lumapit [kay mama] na lalaki,” she said—an encounter which was followed by exchange of contact numbers and an offer of a lifetime.

Nonetheless, things just seemed to get harder from then forward. Alliyah immediately had a taste of the relentless path of a beginning actress, and the obstacles one must face before rising to stardom. “As in

everyday (akong) nag-au-audition,” she stated. Alliyah described her journey—the long commutes of chasing opportunities, the sleepless nights allotted to filming, and the moments she spent being more like an actress and less like a child. “’Yung pagod, nando’n. Umuuwi kami ng madaling araw galing shooting.” It indeed was a career that came with an unimaginable amount of sacrifice. There were occasional instances when her job demanded so much time that it intervened with her life as a student. “Hindi ako nakakapasok ng school,” she shared.

Despite the stressful circumstances, Alliyah didn’t let her innocence and enthusiasm be stolen away from her. “Basta masaya lang ako, tawa-tawa lang ako,” she giggled, mirroring how she never failed to face each challenge with a smile on her lips.

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Cut! Alliyah, despite her resilient personality, was pushed beyond her limits.

She realized how different circumstances were between commercial and TV production. And when the price to pay was laid before her, she started questioning whether that world was where she truly belonged—a battlefield where one either wins against constant criticism and comparison or falls prey to an industry where anyone is easily replaceable.

Alliyah became the recipient of the infamous cursing of directors when she continuously messed up her blockings in a fight scene for a famous series. Her young age didn’t exempt her from the harsh words yelled at her on set, in front of a lot of people. “’Yun ‘yung pinakamasakit [para] sa’kin,” she added, “normal sa kanila ‘yun pero ako, deep inside, naiiyak ako.” She explained how she had to pull herself together to avoid interrupting the shoot and continue to repeatedly take the scene.

Another thing that put her off was the lack of privacy most stars experience. “Ang dami mong pera, ang dami mong pwedeng bilhin, sikat ka, ang ganda mo, pero ‘yung privacy mo bilang isang tao, mawawala,” she argued.

As someone who was extremely private, this lifestyle was one she didn’t want for herself.

Furthermore, on this topic of disadvantages of the industry, privacy issues were just the tip of the iceberg.

When asked about what she despised most about the entertainment business, Alliyah answered, “Once na hindi mo (sila) na-impress…’pag hindi ka sikat, ‘pag hindi ka maganda, bye.” The entertainment built a culture filled with celebrities who scramble to get that next big role or chase after that

blockbuster title. The job also often involves displaying their ideal lifestyles on social media and maintaining their perfect visage to remain relevant in the industry. Although, some may enjoy doing so while others could grit their teeth through all of it in the name of success, this didn’t sit well in Alliyah’s book.

“Hindi ako fit in du’n sa fact na lagi akong nagpapa-impress,” she admitted. She knew she had a choice to make—a difficult one as the future’s vague and there’s a lot at stake.

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Behind the shadows. A fraction of Alliyah’s dilemma regarding limiting her acting career revolved around monetary issues as it was one of the biggest benefits that she got from doing films and teleseryes.

The talent fee from her projects funded parts of her tuition fee since elementary until high school, helped provide for her siblings, and increased her family’s emergency savings.

Alliyah confessed that income had been a motivation of hers to do better but far from selfish reasons, “Alam (kong) matutulungan ko si mama.” Since her father passed away, Alliyah willingly took some responsibility on her shoulders to ease her mother’s burden.

However, no matter how much she wants to be helpful to her family, insulting words and repeating failures seemed to steal every ounce of light the shining star once had.

“Kapag ginalingan mo, binigay mo ‘yung best mo, na-deliver mo ‘yung lines…tapos hindi ka nakuha [nang] paulit-ulit,” Alliyah paused, “masakit kasi ‘yun.” The joy she always had while working was buried by exhaustion—the only thing her tired body felt as she struggled to move her career further. “Nando’n ‘yung pagod mo, nando’n ‘yung magbabayad ka pa ng pamasahe mo. Frequent ‘yung nangyayari,” she emphasized. “Syempre nakakapagod.”

The spotlight that used to make Alliyah shine the brightest became the glaring light that stung her eyes until it blinded her— unable to see a future ahead in a TV career.

She knew it wasn’t the role she wanted to play anymore. Hence, the actress made the difficult decision of retreating away from the beams and decided to discontinue acting for teleseryes and films.

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Take two! When asked about what she felt about leaving parts of her career behind, Alliyah expressed, “Relief pero at the same time…nakakalungkot kasi hindi ko na (mas) matutulungan (pa) ‘yung nanay ko.” Although she would still be doing commercials, the financial benefits of being on TV series was still an undeniable loss. “Gusto ko talaga kasing tinutulungan si mama,” she added.

Nonetheless, her family conveyed their full support towards her choice and undoubtedly remained by her side.

Despite this, everyone can’t always be understanding and there might be people who would judge her actions and consider the TV career she left behind as a loss.

“Sayang siya, oo pero mas iniisip ko lang din ‘yung…[well-being ko],” she explained how pursuing more acting projects would be pointless when it brings her unhappiness, “[Kung] drained ka sa loob, wala lang din.”

Alliyah started with a brand new path mainly focusing on herself and pushing the celebrity dream on the side. “Mas nakokontrol ko din ‘yung time ko, mas free, mas nakakagawa ako ng mga kailangang gawin sa school,” she shared. This has also sparked beginnings of new plans for the future specifically studying Customs Administration then, hopefully, proceeding to pursue her dream of being a chef by completing culinary courses. The next few chapters are still vague but Alliyah’s enthusiasm remains as she uncovers what’s yet to come. She admitted, “Nandito ako sa state ng buhay ko na hindi ako sigurado.

Basta ine-enjoy ko siya. Basta gagawin ko lahat ng best ko,” concluding in a fit of laughter.

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Towards new beginnings. Alliyah’s choices indeed turned her life around which led to a different outcome. It may not always be as extreme like in this case, but this part of her journey is proof that life’s just a series of choices that turn into experiences which further mark as lessons. She explained the importance of thinking carefully before jumping into an option, “Before ka mag-decide para sa sarili mo, pagisipan mo muna.” She also suggested that if you choose to listen to others’ opinions, make sure it’s from the right people and those who are significant in your life.

Regardless of whether one sees her experiences as a failure or not, Alliyah expressed how relevant being open to failure is, “Kung (walang) [failure], hindi ka matututo…’yun ’yung tool mo na ipanlalaban mo sa lahat [ng pagsubok].” Alliyah’s story was filled with unpredictable ups and downs which molded her into the person she has become. And although it might not have the typical happy ending that’s heard from celebrities who reached the peak, her narrative is no less than theirs because in the end, it teaches the same lesson: “Huwag kang matakot mangarap,” she concluded.

When most lives are spent running after the brightest lights and greatest heights, the shadows could seem everything but inviting. Yet in the dull, one sparked a beginning inside of herself, realizing that the light within was what she had been chasing for—something that can never be dimmed by anything else.

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“Huwag

kang matakot mangarap.

Hair and Makeup by Angela Nicole Hernandez

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The dauntless and a dime Words by Psalm Mishael Taruc Art by Jericho Rasheed Celestino

NECKTIES AND SUITS. Meetings and forums. Signatures and agreements. These are some that may come to mind when ‘business’ is mentioned—a concept too big, that only seems to be fitting with the professionals. Nevertheless, none can ever seem to be too much for the youth who are pushed forward with the highest of ambitions.

With the rise of social media as a tool for entrepreneurship, it has opened doors for more people to start businesses regardless of their background. Starting up one meant a single click and a few posts could possibly bring success. Business has become accessible for all—students included.

YANG Beginning foundations Arguably, starting could be the hardest part of trying to run a business. However, these students are proof that being young doesn’t always have to mean less opportunities. Bettina Torres (HMS21) shared, “’Yung first business ko talaga was makeup...I think I (was 14) [when I started it].” Their visions and motivations enabled them to turn themselves into young entrepreneurs.

Many teens spark interest towards starting their own businesses due to the financial need. “I need more money for my allowance,” Nerin Espallardo (HMS24) said. Their income doesn’t only benefit them but also their loved ones. Jhelean Galeon (HMS23) stated, “Nung nag-start kami magka-family problem du’n ako mas na-inspire na magbenta kasi ‘di (madaling) magkaroon ng money.”

Meanwhile, Ailla Canaya (HMS21) shared how her online ukay-ukay with her significant other started off with them merely wanting to lessen pieces from their wardrobe. This humble beginning led to experiences which they grew to value greatly—same goes for Aenjelle Cabrales (HMS21) who initially started her online shop to obtain experience in entrepreneurship way before stepping into the real world after college.

Towering blocks However, handling a shop and distributing products while being a student, juggling assessments and exams can be extraordinarily difficult. “Pwedeng [may] conflict sa schedule nila,” Accountancy, Business and Management faculty Jem Salandanan stated. She explained how attending to clients and processing orders may take longer due to their classes and projects. Nonetheless, Salandanan expressed, “Nothing can’t be handled by or through time management.”

Besides time, there are a lot more factors that come to play when running a business. Many would agree that hard work is one of these. Although, even after pouring all the work necessary to keep a business afloat, rejection always seems to be waiting somewhere along the way. “Ang hirap pag nare-reject, ‘yung iba nang-cri-criticize ng tinda,” Galeon mentioned. It turns out, these young entrepreneurs have gone through sharp words from people. While other

times, they are blatantly ignored even by those who are close to them. Espallardo revealed how it can be upsetting when her friends give no response, “I expect support from them even just a little.”

Business seems to be an endeavor that goes beyond the boundaries of merely selling and getting money in return. Relationships play a vital role, especially for those businesses ran by multiple people whose rapport can make or break the business.

“Misunderstandings,” are the most challenging part according to Canaya.

She added, “Minsan hindi kami nagkakasundo [ng business partner ko] sa mga pricing, sa pag-de-decide kung ano ba dapat ‘yung ibebenta.”

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Running a business does take a ton of work and a whole lot of gut yet at the end of the day, all the possibilities lie within your hands.

Unclouded paths Despite this, the fulfillment of being a young entrepreneur could possibly go beyond all the hardships and challenges.

A couple of bills filling one’s pocket and the satisfaction of having a few more bucks to spend are things that can make the journey less tiring and even more rewarding. Torres uttered her delight about her income, adding, “You don’t have to ask money from your parents.” Galeon also affirmed, “Masarap sa pakiramdam na may sariling (pinaghirapang) pera.”

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These students also found themselves enjoying things beyond financial benefits, gaining more than what they could’ve imagined. Some of them shared that they find it fun doing tasks that may appear trivial to others. Torres expressed, “Masaya kasi mag-business, ‘pag may nililista ka, may inaasikaso ka. You keep yourself occupied.” Managing a business can be a chance to unleash skills in a way that would bring out their enthusiasm.

Galeon shared, “Na-e-enjoy ko din ‘yung pag-compose ng mga sasabihin para mas interesting tignan sa buyers.”

Void of limits With all of that said, it’s proven how age is never a hindrance from starting to develop entrepreneurship skills. When asked on what it takes to run a business, Salandanan answered, “In today’s age, Internet connection, a bit of courage, and confidence na kaya mong ibenta ‘yung products mo.” She further suggested ways on how to get started, saying, “The government also provides assistance to micro, small, and medium enterprises, specifically through (the) [Department of Trade and Industry].” Salandanan explained that these projects are available to anyone who is interested and ready to take that leap of faith.

The world of business is a place that requires one to toughen up to not be weakened by circumstances that may block the way. “Lakas ng loob lang and [dapat] willing kayong mag-risk,” Canaya advised. Meanwhile, Cabrales and Galeon emphasized the importance of building trust between you and the client and the commitment to offering them the very best.

The latter stated, “Honesty is a must.”

While Cabrales warned that otherwise, negative feedback will surely impact what you have started.

Overall, running a business does take a ton of work and a whole lot of gut yet at the end of the day, all the possibilities lie within your hands. “’Wag mahihiya at matatakot na sumubok,” Galeon urged.

Courage and Trust. Exhaustion and Rejection. Learnings and Success.

These are the blocks that built young entrepreneurs from their early experiences. These that led them to find their place in business—one that they can call their own.

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RPG: A Manual to Defeat the Clock Nemesis Words by Paul Christian Pama and Sophia Khassandra Reyes Art by Danielle Mari Tanael

NAVIGATING THROUGH LIFE is an adventure divided into daily quests, and we are characters

constantly faced with options. Every time we pull ourselves up for the day, we basically hit the play button for our story mode to continue. Each decision we make, no matter how significant or trivial, promises a new step that may bring us closer to completing our mission. However, a role-playing game following a linear path is deemed uneventful, so side quests are created to keep the game interesting. In our realm, these are our pastimes that help us endure the tedious route to our objectives. While some side quests are designed to aid us to develop skills, some tasks involve succumbing to a creature hungry for the hero’s precious time—the social media.

This everyday battle against the lure of social media is a fight where many are continually being defeated. According to the GlobalWebIndex, Filipinos spend an average of four hours a day perusing through different social media platforms. During this time, social media functions as a bridge closing gaps amongst people. “It keeps people in touch, (as well as) [become] a medium to learn about different issues,” says Judith Daguman, a Senior High School faculty. But while it can be said that every side quest rewards you with gold and experience or XP points, some may only waste valuable resources and energy that can instead be spent on the primary assignment.

Likewise, social media, when used excessively, leaves no room for other ventures.

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The avatar At the start of every mission, it is advisable to take note of the main goal.

Whether you are tasked to protect a distressed princess or deliver a well-written paper, reminding yourself of the focus of your main quest might help determine the right period to engage in social media.

Aldous Sorreda (ICT21) stresses that social media is commonly used in procrastination, prompting us to resist the screen’s temptation if it is unnecessary.

Fighting a dragon when there is a damsel in need of saving might cause dreadful consequences. Maryll Magnaye (ABM22) experienced this first-hand when she once resolved to put social media above her responsibilities as a student. “There was a time where I almost forgot that I have a pending assessment in [Schoolbook],” she reminisces. Since the incident, she resorts to keeping a planner to keep track of her school works, as well as to regulate her social media usage.

The exclamation point However, one cannot simply ignore the siren call of social media. It finds ways to draw you into its territory, forcing one to partake in battle until realization strikes that time has been lost. These hints take the form of ringing bells, popping out whenever silence is imminent. Fortunately, applications have a feature that can stifle the cry of Internet socializing. “Muting can help since it is tempting to open your phone when a notification pops out,” Magnaye expresses.

She also cites that turning off the internet connection can also keep our heads in the game. Moreover, apps have customizable notification settings that can be adjusted to suit your needs.

But how does one determine which should be cut off or not? Sorreda recommends removing the media that does not concern you directly from your notification shortlist, particularly those that might incite envy. “When you know you feel (envious) towards people in social media, do not enter unless you have a certain purpose.” He asserts that it saved him valuable minutes, enabling him to divert his supposed social media time to something more productive.

The infinite scroll Despite the threat of being trapped in a long cycle of scrutinization, many still take the risk of engaging in social media.

Exploring the cyberspace is not always toxic; it can even be beneficial as long as discipline is under your belt. However, as we enter the dungeon, certain spells are already in effect, preventing your escape.

These charms are seen in the structure of infinite scrolling and autoplay, present in almost every social media platform on any device. Sofia Tatad (HMS22) points these as reasons why many fall into the depths of social media addiction. “Instead of closing the app that you’re using, you’ll later realize na hindi mo na siya ma-close kasi you end up watching the next video or scrolling more,” she reasons.

Feeding off on discontentment, these structures produced wasted hours of looking for new content that may not be necessarily worthwhile. Recognizing these ploys can be part of the solution. Certain autoplay features in platforms such as YouTube and Facebook can easily be disabled in their settings. Another possible antidote involves controlling ourselves to quit waiting for the load sign to stop spinning.

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In the modern era wherein having social media account is apparently a need, everyday could be a battle of what to prioritize.

The specific circle Some games are not just about the protagonist; supporting characters and antagonists will never be out of the screen.

Other players will either give a leg up for the hero to complete the course or be the map that will lead to paths toward the enormous dragon, preventing the warrior to save the stunning princess. Characters that one chooses to believe in, can have a great impact on its process.

Netizens have the power to select the people that they can follow, just like how a hero can choose companions in his journey.

Sometimes, the people that an individual decides to support becomes a hindrance in utilizing time efficiently due to their posts or interactions. Tatad shared her experience when she followed her favorite singer, “You become “abangers” when you are waiting for them to post, which can also be timeconsuming.” Choosing who to follow is necessary to decrease the use of platforms because they have a lot of capacity to influence one’s time with its technological devices. Daguman stated that she does not contempt social media content makers, but these “influencers” can pull the strings of its followers to overuse social network.

Neglect the trend Focusing on the side quests can prevent the knight to reach its goal, moving forward to another set of targets through alternative routes can be beneficial for the warrior to reach the real treasure. Issues that are brought to light in social media is comparable to the hero’s side quest as it can be intriguing and entertaining. A person can dodge that journey by not dwelling on the discussions. Wanting to be the first one to sip the fresh tea even if there will be another issue after a minute or so, because being unable to fit into the conversation of the group could be disturbing for some, can also eat a big piece of someone’s clock.

Sorreda agrees that engaging in flame wars on social media is time-consuming and she suggests an alternative. “The only way we can solve this is if we discuss these issues in real life in order to be more effective in communicating.” Instead of pouring your power on futile quests, start focusing on getting the gem. “I have seen people who step away from [social media] when necessary and (claim) to have healthier lives,” Daguman says.

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The alternative fun Fixating on a single side mission might limit you from experiencing the best version of the journey. Joseph Tolentino (TVL11) suggested that finding a new hobby such as outdoor activities can help you focus less on social media and increase productivity.

As we continue our story, discovering new quests can aid in completing other tasks in a blink of an eye. A bunch of spare time or just wanting to revitalize your mind might be the cause of your desire to see latest stories.

Magnaye does chores or rewrite her notes to divert her attention from using social media. Meanwhile, drawing and playing sports is the strategy of Joaquin Del Pilar (ICT22) to reduce the use of social network. There are several activities to try such as reading books, learning musical instruments, writing, and many more to distract yourself from holding your devices.

New interests could help individuals improve their skills and gain more XP points for more battles to come.

In the modern era wherein having social media account is apparently a need, everyday could be a battle of what to prioritize. To be prudent enough in balancing your time between duels of media platforms and reality, practice and application might help. Daguman articulates that social media can actually be useful for the progress of society. She said that one must know how to discipline themselves because being productive will greatly help an individual to reach its goals. Not letting your accounts replace reality is fundamental to efficiently use your time. She concludes, “At the end of the day, too much of one thing is not good at all for anyone of us.”

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Bitag ng Liwanag Mga salita ni Erin Ruth Flores Dibuho ni Da Eun Sim

Nakabubulabog na ilaw ang pumukaw sa iyong atensyon.

Sunod-sunod na notipikasyon ang nagsimulang magsilabasan: “Big Sale!” “20% off on all items!” “Free shipping!” “Gamitin ang voucher na ito para makatipid ng malaki!” “Popular item!”

LAGANAP ANG TEKNOLOHIYA sa mundo sa kasalukuyan. Ginagamit ito ng mga tao para aliwin ang mga sarili, paunlarin ang edukasyon, pagbutihin ang trabaho, at kung ano-ano pa. Kabilang na rito ang pamimili. Maraming online shops ang lumilitaw ngayon na nagbibigay ng mga alok na marahil mahirap tanggihan para sa iba. Dahil dito, tila nagiging mga gamugamo silang naaakit sa isang maliwanag na ilaw.

Impulsive buying ang tawag sa pagkagat sa pain ng liwanag. Ayon kay Francis Oliver Balsamo, isang Accountancy, Business, and Management faculty ng Senior High School, “Impulse buying is kapag wala ka naman talagang planong bilihin (ang) product na iyon pero binili mo.” Minsan mahirap kilatisin ang mga ilaw na nakapaligid sa atin. Kadalasan, sa sobrang liwanag nito, hindi na napapansing

nakuryente na pala tayo at tuluyang nahulog sa bitag.

Kapansin-pansing tanglaw Ang mga karatulang nakapaskil sa malls, mga notipikasyong natatanggap sa mobile devices, at mga komersyal sa telebisyon ang ilan lamang sa mga nakaaakit na ilaw sa paligid. Dahil dito, madalas na nangyayari ang impulsive buying.

“I think mas maraming impulsive buyers online since given naman na you can spend anytime,” ani Channdher Gajo (HMS11) nang tanungin ukol sa patuloy na paglaganap nito. “[Kapag] online, mas malawak ‘yung range ng pwede mong bilhin kaysa ‘pag cash lang,” dagdag ni Gajo.

Dumarami rin ang impulsive buyers online dahil sa “shop-now-pay-later” na pag-iisip “[I]n online kasi (you) can buy whatever you want and then pay them later,” ani Gajo.

“Hindi tulad ng offline, parang mapapagisipan mo pa kung bibilhin talaga,” dagdag ni Balsamo.

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Nakabubulag na sinag Marami ang kumakagat sa pain ng ilaw na ito, maaaring dahil ito sa sales. “Hindi everytime (nagkakaroon ng sale). So kapag may sale, ang tendency (ay) gina-grab na nung buyer ‘yung chance na mabili ‘yung item (in) lower price,” saad ni Balsamo.

Nasisilaw ang mga tao sa oportunidad na nakalahad sa kanila, kaya minsan, napapabili ang mga tao kahit na wala ito sa kanilang plano o badyet. Naeenganyo silang bumili dahil sa takot na sa pagbalik nila, wala na ang mga gamit na kanilang napusuan.

Maaaring dahilan din nito ang mga limited edition na gamit. “’Yung satisfaction kasi kapag nakakuha ka ng limited edition,” ibinahagi ni Gajo nang tanungin kung bakit siya napapabili nang wala sa plano.

Nabanggit naman ni Daniela Fionna Palacio (HMS12) ang isang halimbawa ng produkto na nakita niyang sumikat sa app na Instagram. “Siguro sa trends sa (Instagram, kunwari) BT21 na merch.” Maraming limited edition na merch ang BT21 at dahil isa siyang tagahanga, ninais niyang makabili nito.

Nasasalamin ng liwanag May malaking bahagi ang emosyon sa rason kung bakit nag-i-impulse buy ang isang tao. Sa tuwing nananalo sa isang laban o kaya nakakukuha ng mataas na marka, minsan bumibili ang ilan para magsilbing gantimpala sa sarili. Ayon sa isang pag-aaral ng National Dong-Hwa University ukol sa koneksyon ng emosyon sa pamimili, “A good mood is central for acting on impulse online.”

“Kasi ako kapag malungkot, parang stress reliever ko talaga ‘yung pagbili ng mga gamit,” banggit ni Balsamo. “‘Pag bumili ako, nagiging masaya na ako in a way na ‘di ako mapapasaya ng kahit ano,” dagdag

niya. May mga panahong nagsisilbing stress reliever ang pagbili na nagiging paraan ng isa upang tumakas mula sa mga nangyayari sa buhay. Ngunit kapag nasobrahan, maaaring ito mismo ang maging sanhi ng stress.

“Para sa akin may times na masaya, may times na pinagsisisihan ko (kasi) alam kong may mga hindi naman akong (kailangan sa) binili ko,” dagdag ni Palacio. Ikinuwento naman ni Gajo na isang manlalaro ng video games, na napapagastos siya sa pagbili ng mga karakter para sa kaniyang laro.

“Well after mo makabili siyempre,...excited (ka) na makuha ‘yung gusto mo…(pero) panandaliang happiness (lang).” Idinisenyo ang mga larong ito upang himukin ang mga manlalarong bumili. Kaya pagkatapos bumili ni Gajo ng mga karakter, nakakaramdam siya ng matinding pagsisisi.

Kalasag laban sa silaw Ayon nga sa nakararami, prevention is better than cure. Ika ni Palacio, “Please don’t let yourself be an impulsive buyer (kasi) once na nagawa (mo na), mahihirapan (kang) tigilan.” Mahirap para sa ilan na pigilan ang sarili at hindi bumili.

Kadalasan nagiging pampalipas-oras ang pag-browse sa mga tindahan o ang pagbili.

Subalit kapag kumagat na sa pain, huwag iisiping ito na ang wakas.

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Mahirap ang maging impulsive buyer ngunit mas mahirap na baguhin ang ugaling ito, subalit hindi ibig sabihing wala nang pag-asa. Ayon kay Carl Joshmer Dumandan (STM12), “Try saving money and think of a plan on how to spend less money.” Minsan, kailangan munang tulungang mapabuti ang sarili at subukang kontrolin ang mga pabugso-bugsong nararamdaman.

“Try (not to) buy anything you don’t need,” dagdag ni Dumandan. Minsan ito ang paraan upang makayanan ang stress na nararamdaman, subalit tulad ng sabi ni Palacio, “Siguro once in a while masayang bumili ng luho mo, pero limit it while you can.”

Marahil mahirap iwasan ang liwanag na inilalabas ng impulsive buying. Sa modernong mundo, hindi bihira ang makasalubong ng mga ilaw tulad ng mga ito.

Ngunit, kahit na mahirap gawin, mayroon pa ring paraan upang hindi masilaw dito, isang paraan ang paglayo sa ilaw upang hindi masilaw. Ayon kay Gajo, ang paggawa ng badyet, pagsasanay ng self-control, at ang paninindigan sa ginawang badyet, ang ilan sa mga pwedeng gawin upang hindi bumili nang padalos-dalos. Sa paggawa nito, maaaring matakpan ang mga mata mula sa maliwanag na ilaw.

“Isang paraan ang

paglayo sa ilaw upang hindi masilaw.

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Orgs: A step beyond the classroom Words by Wallace Roland Beltran and Paul Christian Pama Art by Jericho Rasheed Celestino

Academics is regarded by many as the number one priority of students, but their abilities are not tied to their desks. On top of seatworks and examinations, the school setup also leans to collaboration, compelling students to venture out of the world inside their classrooms.

HOWEVER, SOME ARE floating aimlessly through a weightless vacuum, unsure or oblivious to the opportunities.

The vast space is filled with foreign cultures and unconventional environments that can potentially point people to a desired direction. These take the form of student organizations inside DLSU-D, available for the Senior High School (SHS) student body to join. However, with a setting as broad as the skies, it is easy to get sucked into a hole that absorbs light, passion, and time not in your benefit. Fortunately, there exists a diverse selection of clubs that students can choose from, each with their own goals and purpose that might fit your heart’s interests. Buckle up, here are the student groups you can reach the stars with.

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Different mediums to work with and different passions to pursue intertwined through a connecting goal of distributing knowledge and information to the Lasallian student body. LEV Editor in Chief Edcel Derick Padulla says that, “We have the power to offer [the student body] information that will not just give them additional knowledge, but (that) will make them a better person and a better citizen in our society,” in relation to the contribution of the club while also emphasizing the impact of a student-journalist’s voice to the expectations of change in the University.

LA ESTRELLA VERDE

“We are looking for people who are willing to learn and are capable to serve the community through the medium(s) we are doing [or] offering,” he added. In order to produce their weekly radio shows, newspapers, magazines, and online updates, they seek for students with their behavior and attitude projected towards the ideals of upholding the truth and speaking one’s mind to become a herald of change. A family—that is how Padulla would describe being in the organization. Ending with an expression of how their familial relationships with one another tends to go beyond the boundaries of work.

@LeviOfLEV

@DLSUDLaEstrellaVerde

The high school experience is composed of many memories, all of which are collected and immortalized by this club into an annual jam-packed yearbook. “We also cover school events and post our pictures (on) Instagram and Facebook (accounts) for students to see,” Clarisse Bucu, the current Viridiscent Editor in Chief, explains. Aside from cultivating sentiment, Bucu states that they also highlight the route that the community has taken to develop.

VIRIDISCENT

To be part of their ride, one must first be a team player. Talent and background knowledge on fields such as photography, videography, and copyreading is a plus, but Bucu elucidates that a person’s dedication still holds the key. Even though the organization is comprised of separate departments, trainings are conducted for every member to hone their skills in the craft. “As long as you’re determined to learn, we’re equally determined to teach you and help you grow.” Once you jump into the Viri rocket, Bucu assures that the ambiance would be open, chill, and friendly.

While benefits such as getting a free copy of the yearbook is reserved for its affiliates, she reveals that the relationships that fostered inside made the time and effort she committed worth it, describing Viridiscent as a place of diversity unburdened by virulent atmosphere. “There is no toxic competition nor suffocating leadership in the Viri family." viridiscent.dlsud

@DLSUDSHSYEARBOOK

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If the trail you are following appeals to the art of movement, this dance company should be one of the first stops. Being the first of its kind to be accredited by the Senior High School Division, the group’s primary objective is to showcase the rise of modern dance.

“Commonly, DLSU-D focuses on the traditional performing arts such as cultural dance, theater arts, and choir,” says LJ Villanueva, head of the dance troupe. As performers, they attempt to leave a comet’s tail by brandishing various genres and styles in their craft.

LASALLIAN PATRIOTS DANCE COMPANY

While dance skills are given criteria, Villanueva points out that building a strong character towards the art carries more weight in being accepted. “We look after our trainees and observe their passion, perseverance, and love for the team and for the art,” he expounds. Furthermore, establishing membership does not stop the forward music; the group organizes cyphers or dance showdowns designed to boost the artists’ confidence. These activities created a family dynamic, something that is strengthened with every beat and rhythm. “We have huddles and our team yell that encourages each and every member of the dance company to push through our limits,” Villanueva expresses. With the same energy, unified love for dancing, and an immense sense of discipline, Lasallian Patriots Dance Company (LPDC) prevails as one of the most prominent stations in the DLSU-D airspace.

@thelpdc

May it be in the material things or through the act of service, volunteering to provide aid to those who are in need is what’s essential. “One of our aims is to help other (people, especially those who are in need,) through organizing and facilitating outreach programs,” says the Students’ Extension of Resources through Voluntary Efforts (SERVE) President, Richelle Johanne Cruz. Although the focus is directed towards doing good unto others, each member also assists in facilitating and organizing other events which includes the Climate Strike as well as the Intramurals.

S.E.R.V.E.

Through an act of service rather than contribution, willingness is the brightest characteristic seen from all students. “We are looking for those students who are willing to serve other people, willing to spare his or her time serving those who are in need,” she states.

Of course, the opening of gates towards new experiences and the openness to be welcomed as a part of a new family is what shines bright as well. A family that pushes for inclusion of everyone as part of the group.

Bringing in the stress and workload from all the academics, Cruz explains just how much providing help through the club can counter all of that, “No words can explain the feeling when you serve other people. You will feel the happiness and fulfillment that you will only feel when serving,” shedding even more light to the situation. @DLSUDHSSERVE

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Music is a universal language, as they say. It speaks to those who are restless and those who want their voices to be heard.

The talent and skill it takes to create music is welcomed and given a platform for a chance to perform and meet fellow musicians in this club. Their president, Manuel De Vera, explains that, “Tunog Lasalyano aims to amplify the voices and the music our own Lasallian community produces, for everyone off or on-campus to hear.”

TUNOG LASALYANO

From the passion that brightens up the void of endless academics, De Vera shares they look for an individual who has the confidence and a welcoming and warmhearted personality. Though of course, professionalism is key during serious performances, he shares something fun about the organization, “Everyone forms a bond through countless (practices) and performances.” Sharing and expressing their love for music while building relationships with one another. “Singing along to old 2000s R&B hits, eating together after a long practice,” and he notes that the bond that’s made with each and every moment they cherish only grows stronger overtime.

Tunog Lasalyano

Culture could be painted through each flick of a wrist and the sounds of bamboo tapping on the ground to a rhythmic beat.

“We’re the only [club] who performs the cultural heritage of the Philippines through collaborative performances in the aspect(s) of dance and music,” says their current president, Francheska Griño.

La Salle Folkloric Ensemble

Those who have the dedication to the group and the ability to manage their time properly for the rehearsals stand out in a sea of new members. She adds that, “It is fine if you don’t have any background about folk dances and music as long as you’re willing to dedicate your time and always attend rehearsals.” With the traditions of calling each other ‘ate’ and ‘kuya’ whenever they meet, they even created a bond with their sister organization in DLSU-D College, the La Salle Filipiniana Dance Company. “[Filipino culture] should stay alive, even in the future, so that more people would appreciate and see the beauty of our history,” Griño emphasizes.

@LSFolkloricEnsemble

When bringing oneself out of their comfort zones and away from their own worlds, they might find a feeling of uncertainty with their decisions—floating about in a vacuum of endless cultures and personalities.

Landing into a safe space where new people await a new member in the family. However, the list above is to merely shine a light on a few from a ton of organizations. For there are a lot more experiences to explore, and a whole lot of people to greet and bond with.

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Hawla ng marka Mga salita nina Erin Ruth Flores at Mary Abigail Manalo Dibuho ni Kristen Faith Maala

Dahan-dahang napupuno ng takot ang buong katawan. Ang pagtambol ng mga daliri sa mesa, ang pagpadyak ng paa sa sahig, at ang tunog ng orasan sa kamay ang mga naririnig sa paligid. Matapos nito, nanaig ang isang nakabibinging katahimikan. Lumabas ang mga grado sa iyong harapan.

Maaaring kabilang ang kuhanan ng card sa mga pinakakinatatakutan ng ilang mga estudyante. Marahil para sa iba, basehan ito ng katalinuhan ng isang tao. Nagsisimulang ikumpara ang mga nakukuhang grado sa isa’t isa na maaaring maging sanhi ng pagkababa ng tingin sa sarili.

Maraming rason kung bakit nakararamdam ng pagkabihag ang mga mag-aaral sa madilim na silid ng preysur, preysur na magtamo ng matataas na mga grado. Mahirap makalabas sa madilim na silid na ito, mataas ang mga pader ng ekspektasyon na nagmumula sa mga taong nakapalibot sa kanila at sa mga pamantayang inilatag ng lipunan ukol sa gradong kailangang makamit ng isang magaaral upang masabing mataas ang nakuha nilang mga marka.

Mapanglaw na paligid “(Kinakabahan ako kasi baka) bumagsak tapos baka rin mahihirap ‘yung exams,” sabi ni Jondell Grantusa (STM12).

Maraming mag-aaral ang nababalisa sa kanilang makukuhang marka lalo na sa mga pagsusulit. Kadalasan, isang puwersa ang dumadaig sa kanilang mga isipan, humahadlang sa paglabas nila sa madilim na kuwarto; maaaring pangangamba o pagkabahala dahil posibleng makakuha sila ng mababang grado o bumagsak sila sa ibang asignatura.

Marahil, dulot ito ng mga taong nakapalibot sa mga mag-aaral, tulad ng kanilang mga pamilya at kaibigan. “I’ve always been held by my family at a higher standard, so I’m very grade conscious.

Very nerve-wracking talaga ang labasan ng grades,” isinagot ni Hazel Reyes (ABM14) matapos siyang tanungin ukol sa nararamdaman niya tuwing natatanggap ang kaniyang mga marka.

Gayunpaman, ayon kay Kou Murayama, ang pangunahing manunulat ng Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, “Although parental aspiration can help improve children’s academic performance, excessive parental aspiration can be poisonous.” Maaaring dahil sa mga matataas na ekspektasyon ng mga magulang at ng mga tao sa paligid, nababawasan ng kumpiyansa sa sarili ang mga mag-aaral. “Simply raising aspiration cannot be an effective solution to improve success in education,” dagdag ni Murayama. “(Laging) sinasabi [ng mga magulang ko] na kailangan maganda grades ko, lalo na kasi lalaki ako. Balang araw, ako ang kailangang bumuhay at sumuporta sa family ko. ‘Yan lagi nasa isip ko tuwing may mga subjects ako na mababa,” paniniwala ni Cyril Lucas (STM28) ukol sa mga ekspektasyon ng lipunan at ang kaugnayan nito sa mga gradong nakukuha niya sa kaniyang pag-aaral.

Nakasusuklam na kwarto Posibleng eksaminasyon ang isa sa mga pangunahing salik ng mabababang marka.

“Ang laki (kasi) ng percentage [ng exams] sa [overall] grade. [Na-pre-presyur ako], parang kailangan ko (talagang) mag-review,” ani Paulo Serwelas (STM18) nang tanungin siya kung ano ang kaniyang karanasan sa pagkakaroon ng presyur na makatanggap ng matataas na mga grado. Maaaring ito ang panghatak o dahilan ng pagkabagsak nila kaya’t madalas na nababalisa ang mga mag-aaral dahil sa mga ito. “(Exams are) always for the assessment of the capacity and ability of the student, ‘yung comprehension niya for a particular task,” sabi ni Letecia Martino, isa sa mga guro ng asignaturang Filipino. “You are going to progress (by studying and exerting) more effort,” dagdag niya.

Bagaman may mga estudyanteng gumagamit sa mga eksaminasyon bilang paraan ng pagpapalalim ng kanilang mga kaalaman sa pamamagitan ng pagsisikap sa pag-aaral, mayroong mga mag-aaral na matataas na grado lamang ang pakay. “’Yung ibang tao naka-focus na lang sila sa grades nila, hindi na sa natututunan nila.

(Mukhang) para sa kanila, mas importante ‘yung grades (kaysa doon) sa learnings,” idinagdag ni Serwelas.

May mga estudyante ring na nakasalalay ang mga pananaw sa grado sa mga pamantayang sinusunod ng iba’t ibang

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indibidwal. Mayroong mga panahong mababa pa rin para sa iilan ang gradong mataas na para sa ibang estudyante.

“Syempre, it’s disappointing for me to see grades below (line of) nine because I know I could have done better,” ani Reyes.

Patungo sa liwanag “Sa huli, at least alam ko kung (saang subject) ko pa kailangang mag-improve,” tugon ni Grantusa. Maaaring isa sa mga hakbang upang makalaya sa kuwarto ng kawalang-kapanatagan ang payak na pamamaraan ng pagtanggap sa sariling marka at pagsisikap sa higit na pagtaas nito.

May katapusan din ang pagkakakulong sa madilim na kuwarto, maaaring mapawi ng liwanag ang mga makulimlim na pangyayaring nagdudulot ng lumbay at pagkabigo. Unti-unting bumubuhos ang liwanag na ito, nagmumula sa isang maliit na butas sa mga pader na nagpapanatili sa isang indibidwal sa loob ng isang masikip na puwang.

“Nasa isip ko na lang na babawi na lang ako kasi hindi ko nagawa ‘yung best ko. Minsan feeling ko kaya ko naman,” sabi ni Serwelas. Bagaman nalulumbay at nakararamdam ng pagkabigo sa unang sulyap ng kanilang mga grado, mayroon namang mga estudyanteng natatanggap agad ang kanilang mga marka at mas nagpupursigi at nagtitiyaga upang matamo ang kanilang inaasam na grado.

Takot ang nararamdaman ng mga estudyante tungo sa nakababalisang kadiliman, at nakahihindik na pader—mga pamantayang nakalatag ukol sa mga grado. Ang mga nakasisindak na pader ng mga markang ito, at ang puwersa na maaaring idinudulot ng iba’t ibang tao ang nagkukulong at nagtatakip sa mga mata ng mga mag-aaral. Kadalasan, naiisip ng ilan na wala nang kawala rito, wala nang pag-asa. Gayunpaman, walang masama sa mahigpit na pagkapit sa pag-asa.

Alalahanin na sa kabila ng pansamantalang pagkabitag, maaaring dumating ang panahon na masusugpo ng mga mag-aaral ang mga pader na nagkukubli sa kanila upang bumalik na muli sa liwanag.

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Button Up,

Lasallian!

Words by Wallace Roland Beltran Photography by John Paulo Templo, Sofia Andrea Baldonado, and Diego Forrest Cruz

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School dress codes could limit the ways a student may express oneself as those that leak through the sieve of the strict implementation are scared off by the feared consequences. Although, it cannot be denied that uniformity does not fit each and everyone’s taste and standard to get that feeling of confidence through their clothing.

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Overarching everything, the color green is of course, the most common color, apart from white, to appear in the uniforms. Matching colors with layers and other elements can go a long way. By having greens with different values or other colors that match with the Lasallian shade in a palette can enhance the appearance and mood of a look.

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One option is to add layers which contributes more shape to a silhouette. It could be used to define certain parts of the body like the torso or the head by having it look differently from the rest of one’s figure. Examples of these could be adding a puffy jacket that holds a shape or any headband.

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If the weather doesn’t fit the practicality of wearing layers, putting on accessories allows a bit of personality come through without breaking a sweat.

Wearables such as watches, bracelets, necklaces, or pins can easily be personalized.

Whether you want to flaunt your bubbly way of talking with yellows and gummy pinks or if you want to blend in the crowd with deep navy blues and inky blacks.

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Even without the constrictions of school dress codes, DLSU-D’s uniforms are pretty useful and fashionable outside of this context.

The silk jogging pants makes a great comfy alternative for rough kinds.

The forest-like dark green of the slacks simply has a lot of possibilities for mixing and matching.

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Restrictions aren’t necessarily a hindrance to self-expression. Regardless if these regulations are useful or not, once we talk about showing who we are in the exterior, it doesn’t need to end with the standard white polo.

Editor’s Note: We thank the following models for their participation: Bryan Hebreo, Jhen Ryanne Valeriano, Justine Rein Valeriano, and Allen Clyde Villanueva.

Mukha na bang panlalaki?

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Mga salita nina Wallace Roland Beltran at Sophia Khassandra Reyes Dibuho ni Angela Nicole Hernandez

Sa bawat kurap ng mata, ang mukha’t kutis ang unang napagmamasdan kaya nagsusumikap ang lahat, pati na ang kalalakihan, na makahanap ng naaayong produkto para sa kanila. Ngunit, nakatatak na sa isipan ng iba na hindi natural ang lalaking mayroong skincare routine. Tila kumukupas ang pagkalalaki’t tikas sa paggawa nito marahil dahil pambabaeng gawain lamang ito para sa kanila. Ngunit sa panahon ngayon, marami nang kalalakihan ang nagsasagawa ng skincare dahil sa kanilang kaniya-kaniyang rason.

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“Ang arte mo naman!”

Malimit mang ibinabahagi ng kalalakihan ang saloobin nila ukol sa kanilang mukha, mahalaga sa kanila ang magmukhang malinis at presentable sa harap ng bawat taong kanilang makakasalamuha. Ayon sa The Grooming Manual ng Brickell Men’s Product, matagal nang binabalanse ng kalalakihan ang kanilang pagkalalaki’t pagiging malinis, ngunit mayroong kwento ang bawat lalaki kung bakit nagsasagawa sila ng skincare. Gaya ni John Benedict Silla (HMS21), “Napansin ko na nagkakaroon ako ng skin irregularities since nasa stage ako ng puberty. Nakaapekto ito sa kumpiyansa ko sa sarili kaya naghanap ako ng mga bagay na makatutulong sa akin para mabawasan o mawala ‘yung mga zits sa mukha ko.”

Maraming sanhi ang pagkakaroon ng acne tulad ng polusyon, stress, o maaari ring nasa genes. Hindi man sanay ang nakararami na nagsasagawa ng skincare routine ang isang lalaki, pagdating sa ganitong usapan, iisa lamang ang pangunahing layunin nila—ang magmukhang malinis at maayos. Kaya naman, sa panahon ngayon iginigiit ng kalalakihan na walang pinipiling kasarian ang pagkakaroon ng skincare routine. Tulad na lang ng Senior High School student na si Sej*, “Hindi basehan ang kasarian sa pagiging maingat sa pangangatawan maging sa pag-iingat sa balat dahil parte ito ng pisikal na anyo.”

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sa panahon ngayon iginigiit ng kalalakihan na walang pinipiling kasarian ang pagkakaroon ng skincare routine.

“Dami mong pinapahid!”

Kaliwa’t kanan ang posts at tweets na may caption na “RT for clear skin” dahil sa kagustuhang matamasa ang kutis na ninanais, at hindi mawawala roon ang pagbabahagi nila ng iba’t-ibang produktong kanilang ginagamit. Ngunit, pagdating sa ganitong usapan, tila hindi maidikit ang salitang “lalaki” sa mga produkto’t prosesong pambabae lamang para sa iilan.

Maaaring dahil ito sa mga komersyal na kadalasang nakatuon lamang ang pansin sa kababaihan o maaari ring dahil malimit lamang itong pag-usapan ng kalalakihan.

Gaya na lang ng pahayag ni Gregory Palenzuela (STM21), hindi raw kabilang ang skincare sa paksa ng usapin nilang magkakaibigan kaya naman hindi niya nababanggit ang kaniyang paraan ng pangangalaga sa mukha. Gayundin naman si Yñigo Delos Reyes (ICT21), “Hindi naman kinakailangang sabihin sa kanila bukod (sa kung) sila ay nagtanong.”

Samantala, ibinabahagi ni Venedict Bagalayos (STM22) sa iba ang mga produktong kaniyang ginagamit pati na rin ang kaniyang routine, dahil sa ganitong paraan, maaaring makakuha rin siya ng ideya tungkol sa mga produktong maaari niyang magustuhan. Ganoon din si Sej na nais makatulong sa mga kaibigang nakararanas ng breakouts gaya niya.

Nakaugalian na rin ni Ethan Navarro (STM23) ang pag-aalaga sa kaniyang balat, kaya naman hindi niya ikinakahiya ang pagbabahagi ng kaniyang mga nakasanayan. Magkakaiba ang sagot at ideya ng kalalakihan pagdating sa pagbabahagi nila ng paraan ng pag-aalaga sa kanilang mga mukha na maaaring dahilan ng malayong agwat sa pagitan ng salitang “lalaki” sa salitang “skincare” sa kaisipan ng karamihan.

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“Kalalake mong tao.”

Isang kaisipang tinatanggap ng marami ang ideyang dapat mag-ayos ng sarili at magpaganda ang kababaihan. Kasama na sa mga paraan ng paggayak ang paggamit ng mga skincare products. Subalit sabi nga ni Silla, hindi lamang para sa mga babae ang paggamit ng mga produktong ito dahil lubos daw itong tumutulong para mapaayos ang pisikal na kalagayan ng balat.

Lumalabag ito sa kaisipang hindi lalaki ang mahilig maglinis sa sarili. Ayon sa kaniya, isa rin itong aspetong nakapagpapataas ng kumpyansa ng isang tao sa kaniyang sarili.

Gayunman, nabubuhay pa rin ang mga stereotype kung saan madalas naiuugnay ang skincare at kasarian bagamat marami sa mga lalaki ang patuloy na gumagamit nito. Ika nga ni Paulo Jimeno (ABM21), “Para sa akin kasi, iba’t iba ang way [ng mga] tao sa pagpapakita o pag-express ng kanilang masculinity.” Masasabi na sa kanilang sariling mga paraan, mas natutuklasan at napapalalim ang relasyon nila sa kanilang pagkalalaki.

“Magpakalalaki ka kaya?”

Usapang lalaki: marami nang nagbago sa pamamaraan kung paano ito ipinakikita o ipinahahayag. Subalit, hindi pa ito sapat para sa iilan. Mayroong mga nagsasabi, katulad ni Sej, na nakabase ang kaniyang pagkalalaki sa panlabas niyang anyo, sa pagiging maginoo, at magalang sa kaniyang kapwa. Pinaliwanag rin ni Delos Reyes na wala naman siyang pinagbabasehan ng kaniyang pagkalalaki kundi ang kaniyang prinsipyong pagkakaroon ng respeto sa kababaihan at sa sinumang tao. Binigyangdiin nilang pareho ang pagkakaroon ng magandang pakikitungo sa mga nakakasamang mga tao.

Sa kabilang banda, may mga nagsasabi ring hindi nila masyadong binibigyang pansin ang kanilang pagkalalaki. Binanggit ni Silla na “I’m mostly just being myself without prior thinking,” habang idinidiing higit na mahalaga ang kaniyang pagkatao kaysa sa kaniyang pagkalalaki. Angkop ito sa isinaad ni Bagalayos na “Iba’t iba ang [paraan] ng mga tao sa pagpapakita o pag-express ng kanilang [pagkalalaki].”

Nakabase na ito sa buong pagkatao at hindi lamang sa mga hinahanap na katangian at galaw ng mga lalaki.

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Kasabay ng mabilis na pagsikat ng skincare sa mga kalalakihan ang pagkakaroon ng bagong kahulugan ng kanilang pagkalalaki. Maaaring maging sukatan nito ang pagiging maginoo at pagbibigay-respeto. Pwede ring magmula ito sa pagiging totoo sa kung sino ka, kasabay ang hindi pagpapalaki sa isyu ng sariling pagkalalaki. Bagaman maaaring maging basehan pa rin ang mukha, higit pa rito ang konsepto ng pagkalalaki. Dahil katulad ng skincare, sa sariling mga pananaw ito nananahan. *Editor’s note: Ikinubli ang mga pagkakakilanlan sa pamamagitan ng pseudonyms.

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Sa gitna ng tinahak na kawalan Mga salita ni Laird Joaquin Gulmatico Dibuho ni Valerie Anne Antonio

Sa isang disyerto, marami ang mga panganib na maaaring ikatakot ng mga manlalakbay. Kabilang na rito ang kawalan ng tubig at ang init na nakamamatay.

Dahil dito, upang mapadali ang kanilang paglalakbay, naisipan na lang ng mga tao na magsanib-puwersa at maglakbay bilang isang grupo, nakakaantok na lektura man ito o sa mahihirap na pagsusulit.

NGUNIT, KASABAY NITO ang paghiwalay ng mga mapag-isa dahil hindi lahat gustong makihalubilo sa iba. Nakapupukaw sila ng atensyon at maraming iba’t ibang opinyon ang nakapaligid sa mga taong ito, kabilang ang mga mabubuti at maling akala sa kanila. Ayon kay Jose Apollo Mabini, isang guro ng DLSU-D Senior High School, malaki ang epekto ng mga emosyong nagmumula sa paligid nila pagdating sa mga tinatawag na loner. “A loner’s biggest problem is emotion. Emotion in the sense na...depende kasi sa situation nila...depende sa emotion na nakukuha nila sa paligid nila.” Sinabi rin niyang isa sa mga maling konotasyon tungkol sa mga loners ang pagiging malungkot.

Sa isip ng manlalakbay Isantabi muna ang mga peligro sa disyerto at itanong sa sarili, hindi ba malungkot maging mapag-isa? Hindi ba naiinggit ang mga loner sa mga taong kasapi ng isang grupo? Naglalakad man sa mainit na buhangin o sa daan papuntang eskuwelahan, mayroon pa ring mga

pagkakataong may maling paglalahat sa mga loner.

Paliwanag ni Kate*, hindi naman dahilan ang pagiging mapag-isa para maging malungkot. “Kasi minsan gusto lang namin na, wala, mapag-isa lang. But that doesn’t mean na we feel sad. Mas gusto lang naming (maging) mapag-isa para [may] peace of mind.” Isinaad din niyang para sa mga loners, mas nakagiginhawa ang pag-iisa dahil hindi sila kumportable sa mga mataong lugar.

Dinagdag naman ni Pepe* sa usaping pagkainggit sa pakikisalamuha ang konsepto ng social battery. “Some people just don’t like social interaction that much, like me. I have something I call a ‘social battery’, and when it runs out, I kinda stay away from social interaction until it recharges.” Nangangahulugan itong mayroong mga oras na gusto o ayaw makihalubilo ng mga loner, taliwas sa maling pagkakaunawa sa kanilang mga ginagawa.

Pilit na sabwatan Minsan, pinipilit ng disyerto ang interaksyon sa pagitan ng isang loner at ng isang grupo. Maaari silang magtulungan bilang tugon sa isang hadlang sa kanilang paglalakbay o maaari ring humantong sa hindi pagkakasundo. Madalas itong nakikita sa mga trabahong pang-eskuwelahan at sa mga pangkatang gawain, ngunit nakararanas din ang ilang mga loner ng pananahimik at pagtanggap na lamang sa opinyon ng iba, sinasarili na lamang ang mga ideyang naiisip.

Isa sa mga dahilan ni Aaron* ang pagkakasundo ng kanilang grupo sa kaniyang pananahimik. Ayaw niyang makagalit ng iba dahil sa kaniyang opinyon.

Paliwanag niya, “Kapag nag-iisip ako ng opinyon, parang (nasa) mindset ko na baka...may matapakan akong ibang tao, so ‘di ko talaga siya na-vo-voice out.”

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Marahil higit na nakakabuting huwag silang pangunahan at ikahon sa mga bagay na walang basehan o sa mga pala-palagay lamang.

Mas pinapahalagahan ni Aaron ang pakikitungo ng mga kasapi sa isa’t isa kaysa sa pagpapahayag ng kaniyang mga ideya.

Kabilang din sa dahilan ng pananahimik ng mga loners ang hindi lubusang pagkakilala sa kanila ng mga tao. Paliwanag ni Thirdy*, “Perhaps they didn’t agree (with) my opinions because they barely know me... so why should they trust me when they don’t know anything about me?” Mahirap magtiwala ang tao, lalo na kapag ibibigay nila ang tiwalang ito sa hindi nila kilala. Ang pag-iwas sa gulo at ang maayos na paglutas ng isang problema ang ilan sa mga dahilan ng mga loner upang sumunod sa idinidikta ng grupo, nagreresulta man ito sa pagtikom ng kanilang mga bibig.

Tawag ng paglalakbay Sa disyerto, mayroong dalawang salita na maaaring maglarawan sa iyo kung naglalakbay kang mag-isa: matapang o baliw. Hindi man ito totoo, ito ang madalas na unang impresyon ng mga tao sa paligid, at hindi ito madaling alisin sa kanilang mga isipan. Ngunit, sa konteksto ng mga mapag-isa, ano nga ba ang itatawag sa kanila? Iminungkahi ni Aaron ang paggamit ng introvert kumpara sa loner. Sabi niya, “Loner kasi parang...napaka-degrading masyado. Mas (safe) [ang] introvert kasi wala namang taong mag-isa talaga...mas pinipili nilang (maging) mapag-isa.” Ipinunto rin niya na batay sa kanilang karanasan ang pagpili sa pagiging mag-isa kaysa sa pakikipagsalamuha, at dapat maging maingat na hindi makasakit ng iba gamit ang mga hindi iingatang mga salita.

Sa pananaw ng iba, nakaiinsulto ang paggamit ng loner kaya hindi ito angkop sa lahat ng pagkakataon. Saad ni Thirdy, hindi pa rin nababawasan ang sakit na maaaring maramdaman ng isang tao tuwing naririnig ito. Banggit niya, “It is okay to call people certain things but it can also be insulting at some point.” Marahil dapat pag-ingatan ang paraan ng pananalita upang maiwasang makasakit ng damdamin ng iba.

Paano nga ba natin dapat tratuhin ang mga introvert? Ayon kay Mabini, “Try to understand” at “learn how to respect.” Ibig sabihin, dapat silang intindihin at bigyan ng respetong naaayon sa kanila. Marahil higit na nakabubuting huwag silang pangunahan at ikahon sa mga bagay na walang basehan o sa mga pala-palagay lamang.

Suhestiyon ni Pepe, maaari ring pansinin ang mga pagkakataong ayaw nilang makipag-usap. Aniya, “It’s for respect.”

Sa mga ganitong pagkakataon, dapat hayaang mapuno muli ang kanilang social battery bago sila kausapin o kulitin. Isa ring paraan ng pakikitungo sa mga introvert ang paglalagay ng sarili sa kanilang perspektibo at subukang intindihin ang kanilang pag-iisip.

Ngunit, matapos ang lahat, alalahaning mapanganib ang disyertong nilalakbay, at mas ikabubuti ng lahat ang pag-iwas sa mga hindi kailangang pagtatalo.

Kung tatanggapin ang lahat ng uri ng manlalakbay, mas makabubuo ito ng isang lipunan kung saan nagtutulungan ang bawat isa upang labanan ang bawat peligro ng disyerto. *Editor’s note: Ikinubli ang mga pagkakakilanlan sa pamamagitan ng pseudonyms.

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The Fruit of Deceit Words by Erin Ruth Flores and Laird Joaquin Gulmatico Art by Angela Nicole Hernandez

The paper on top of the desk looked cleaner than a cloudless sky. Looking around, heads are bent down and fingers are moving fast. Ten minutes left. Heart rate increasing, mind drawing to a blank, and beads of perspiration starting to roll down. Glancing to the side desperately, the situation brings one to decide to bend low and slowly peer over the test paper of his seatmate.

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SINCE THE INVENTION of exams, cheating has been present. The beguiling sweet scent and plump flesh keeps drawing them in. Enticing as it may sound, being aware of its hidden secrets may do us better than otherwise.

The lying serpent. Before Eve took a bite of the forbidden fruit, the serpent persuaded her that doing so is the best thing she could do; she would become like God. Cheaters are somewhat the same—having a snake whisper things that persuade them to cheat. DLSU-D Senior High School Counselor Joy Parohinog said that the basic reason why students cheat is because, “They didn’t study, they want to pass, and they want to have the easy way out.” But there are other things that the serpent could use against us.

As per Louise*, he said that he resorted to cheating because he has family expectations to meet. “I want to get a high score to make my family proud (of) my achievements in school.” Ian* also had the same experience with the same serpent. He said, “Desperado akong pumasa kasi ayaw kong makita ng magulang ko na may line of (seven) ako sa card.” Ian also stressed that he will do anything to avoid disappointing them, even if he has to cheat his way to get it.

The serpent could also use the premise of getting you to be sure of your answer. Chi* explained, “I (don’t) know the answer to that specific question (and) I would rather copy my (seatmate’s) answer than (guess) the answer.” The serpent can play with our minds, telling us to do a little bad for a whole lot of good, as seen here. Little do we know, the forbidden fruit has already been bitten; the sin already committed.

The apple’s worth. Before taking a bite out of any apple, people should think about it first. Parohinog recalls of a major cheating incident a few years ago. She explained that cheating didn’t do any good to the students because of the consequences that came afterwards. “Some of the parents were really disappointed because they didn’t realize that their child (would) resort to cheating just…so they’ll meet the expectations.”

Individuals should actually maximize what they learn once they are in school. Chi said, “Sa’kin, hindi magiging valid

[ang cheating] kasi pinag-e-exam tayo (to) test (‘yung) mga natutunan natin [mula] sa ating mga guro.” He explained that tests are a way to measure what we know so that we can be prepared to apply our knowledge in real-life scenarios, however, cheating makes this process lose its meaning.

Bottom line is: there is no amount of cheating that would prepare you on how to live your life.

However, some people think that cheating is somewhat necessary. “Utakan na kasi sa trabaho, same as cheating, utakan lang din so, yeah, utakan lang talaga ‘pag nagtrabaho na,” said Ian. “[Basta] give and take ng sagot at ‘wag papahuli.” He also remarked that students have different circumstances, and that they have no other choice but to cheat.

The answer is still debatable, as people have different views and opinions on cheating. Louise said that the answer “depends on their situation” and later explains that for the cheater, it may be worth it to cheat so that he can graduate with high honors because after that, he can help his family by working a job that pays well. But he later clarifies that cheating is still very awful, since the cheater is copying someone’s hard work and effort.

The hidden rot. Even if cheaters argue their reasons as to why they cheated, it doesn’t mean that what they’re doing is allowed. Continuing on Parohinog’s recall on the cheating incident, she said that “some of the students were actually running for honors, and when [the cheating incident] happened...they got a zero on the exam.”

Ian expressed cheating is still wrong, even when one’s sick and has missed the lessons. “Never naman naging tama ‘yung (pandaraya) sa exam eh. May sakit or what, responsibilidad ng (estudyante) na alamin ang lessons na lalabas sa exams.”

Louise also mentioned that “[cheating] will never (be) a good solution for you to succeed (in) your education.”

Not only did he explain that cheating is morally wrong, but also regarded it as pointless from an academic standpoint. “(There) is no point for you to learn if (you’re) just (going to) cheat, anyway.”

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Fruit abstinence. It may be tempting to some, but cheating is still what it is.

Forbidden. An alluring fruit that presents us with great offers but with the disadvantage of regret and dishonesty. Trying to resist the urge to partake of this fruit may be hard but it is up to the person if they want to get away from it—to block their ears from the sweet words of the serpent or how they judge it to be worth the risks.

Parohinog put forward that if students are to resort to cheating due to pressure from expectations, it is best to have openness

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in the family, instead. She said, “If the communications are really open...the students would not (have) difficulty opening up...sa mga parents nila na they have difficulty in these (subjects).” Opening up to their parents would help relieve them of the pressure, and that could make cheating less likely.

Ian also suggested that since the basic reason of cheating is not studying for the exam or being unprepared, then students should just do the opposite. He explained, “Slow progress ‘yan. (Unti-unti) lang,

Little do we know; the forbidden fruit has already been bitten; the sin already committed.

magsipag-sipag na [on studying] ...(tapos no) to procrastination.” A basic reason addressed with a basic solution.

As Parohinog stated, “We get mad at the society if everything is not fair, pero kung titingnan mo, ikaw rin ba nagiging fair sa ginagawa mo?” No matter how tempting cheating may be, nothing will change about it being a forbidden fruit. But what could change is the choice the students have: to accept or reject it. Cheating may present itself as the alluring fruit with the easy way out or the rotten apple with the consequences attached, but when all is said and done, it is still up to us if we are to pluck an apple from the tree and take a bite. *Editor’s note: Identities are hidden behind pseudonyms.

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Talim sa Ilalim ng Aliw Mga salita ni Paul Christian Pama Dibuho ni Gizella Katrine Gawaran

MARKA NG KABATAAN ang kanilang pagkiling sa paglalaro, subalit iba-iba ang depinisyon nito para sa

bawat henerasyon. Noon, isa itong eksena ng isang musmos na bugnot dahil siya ang taya, kasama ang kaniyang mga kaibigang handa nang tumakbo at umilag. Sa pagdating ng video games at online gaming, lubusang nagbago ang ideya ng paglalaro; napalitan ito ng paglagitik ng keyboard at ng pagliwanag ng mga screen habang tutok dito ang mga mata. Ikinulong na ang interaksyon ng mga manlalaro sa mga karakter na kanilang pinapagalaw at sa loob ng virtual world kung saan magagawa mo ang bawal at mali.

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Buwelo Ang karahasan sa loob ng online gaming at video games ang nagbuhat ng alinlangan tungo sa mga midyum na ito. Namuo ang kaisipang nagsusulong daw ito ng mga agresibong gawain sa totoong buhay, habang naniniwala naman ang ilan na ginagawa nitong insensitibo ang kabataan sa moralidad ng mundo. Ngunit lingid sa kanilang kaalaman, hindi rito nagsisimula ang impluwensiya ng konsepto ng karahasan ng isang tao sapagkat nakatanim na sa ating mga isipan ang mga binhi nito sa murang edad pa lamang.

Para kay Jozeph Tolentino (TVL11), unang nabuo ang konseptong ito nang masaksihan niya ito sa isang kababata.

“Nagalit ‘yung papa [ng kaibigan ko] sa (kaniya, kaya) pinalo niya ‘yung friend ko hanggang sa umiyak.” Tulad niya, sa ganitong paraan unang nakatagpo ng karahasan sa buhay ang ilang mga Lasalyano. “Maaaring maimpluwensyahan ang isang tao ng hindi maganda at maaari nila itong makasanayan o madala hanggang sa paglaki,” dagdag pa ni Sherry Quiogue (HMS13). At sa paglipas ng panahon, unti-unting gumapang ang konsepto ng karahasan mula sa ating mga pamumuhay, papunta sa mga larong tanyag ngayon.

Isa na rito ang mga edisyon mula sa Resident Evil franchise, mga larong gamay na ni Shanell Contreras (ABM25). Batid niyang tunay nga itong bayolente, mula sa paggamit ng sari-saring mga armas hanggang sa labis na pagpapakita ng dugo.

Idagdag pa ang mga karakter na walang pag-aatubili sa paggawa ng masama, kaya lalong naitatatag ang marahas na reputasyon ng larong ito. Ngunit sa karanasan ni Contreras, mayroong sariling tema ang bawat video game na angkop sa gameplay nito, at hindi sa karahasan nakasalalay upang gawin itong kawili-wili.

“Mas madami pa rin akong nakikitang video game na “child-friendly” at hindi nakabase sa pagpatay o kahit ano mang uri ng karahasan,” katwiran niya.

Totoo man ang hakang ito, patunay ang katha ni Jeight Cantimbuhan (STM25) na maaaring magbunsod ng masamang gawi ang libangang ito. Bukod sa pagiging isang mag-aaral, maituturing din siyang isang gamer; ilan sa kaniyang mga hilig ang mga larong hindi maikakailang nabahiran ng dahas sa ilang pamamaraan tulad ng Call of Duty Mobile, Rules of Survival, at League of Legends. Isinalaysay niya na sa kaniyang murang edad, nagdulot ang kaniyang paglalaro ng hindi kaaya-ayang epekto sa kaniyang ugali. “There was a time when I bombarded [my family] with terms that I’ve learned from repeatedly playing Grand Theft Auto,” paglalahad niya.

Suntok “Labis na exposure sa karahasan ay maaaring magdulot ng pagtaas ng agresibong pag-uugali o saloobin,” wika ni Joy Parohinog, isang guidance counselor ng DLSU-D Senior High School, nang tanungin

ukol sa epekto ng karahasan sa kilos ng isang tao. Mananatili lamang ang isang aksyon kung paulit-ulit itong ginagawa, kung kaya’t mahalagang alamin ng isang manlalaro ang kaniyang mga limitasyon.

Nilinaw naman ni Parohinog na hindi maituturing na bayolente ang lahat ng agresibong pag-iisip o gawa. Ayon sa kaniya, mayroong mga sitwasyong makararamdam at makapag-iisip ang isang tao gamit ang emosyon ng galit.

“Iba [‘yun] sa violent na ang hangarin ay makasakit o makapanira.” Iginuhit niya ang linya sa pagitan ng mga kilos bunsod ng emosyon at mga kilos bungad ng motibo. Isang halimbawa ang salaysay ni Cantimbuhan, kung saan kaniyang inamin na nakararamdam siya paminsan-minsan ng pagkayamot sa kasagsagan ng kaniyang paglalaro. Totoo ito para sa karamihan ng mga manlalaro; ngunit hindi ito kaagad maiuugnay sa kanilang kapasidad na kumilos nang masama. Ipinahihiwatig ni Parohinog na maaaring inis at bagot lamang ang namamayani sa kanila noong mga sandaling iyon. Ngunit bakit nga ba sagana ang tema ng dugo at kaguluhan sa mga larong ito?

Naniniwala si Cantimbuhan na ugat ito ng ating hilig sa labis. Isa sa mga sangkap na posibleng makaantig sa mga manlalaro ang mga masisidhing pangyayari at umaapaw na mga emosyon, at isa sa mga epektibong paraan upang makamit ito ang pagpapakita ng karahasan. “People like being

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Mananatili lamang ang isang aksyon kung paulit-ulit itong ginagawa, kung kaya’t mahalagang alamin ng isang manlalaro ang kaniyang mga limitasyon.

entertained by events that are not necessarily real but relate heavily to reality,” aniya. Ayon naman kay Contreras, naging isang panukat ito upang matimbang ang husay ng isang manlalaro, at ipinagtapat din niyang maaari itong maging isang “guilty pleasure”. “Mas madaming patay, mas magaling ka maglaro.”

Bagsak Dahil sa paglaganap ng teknolohiya, mas naging mahirap ang pagsasala ng nilalamang angkop para sa mga inosenteng kaisipan. Ang payo ni Quiogue, kailangan ang patnubay ng mga nakatatanda. Bilang tugon, magiging epektibo lamang ito kung pahahalagahan ang kanilang mga babala at kung susunod sa kanilang mga paalala. Sila ang nagtuturo sa mga batang isipan kung ano ang tama at mali, pati na rin kung anuano ang mga bagay na dapat isabuhay at hindi.

Sa halip na patigilin siya sa paglalaro, ikinuwento ni Cantimbuhan na masinsinan siyang kinausap ng kaniyang mga magulang upang ipaintindi na hindi dapat nililinang ang pagmumura. Sa salaysay na ito, kaniyang ipinakita na imbis

na ganap na alisin o ituring na negatibo ang kaniyang libangan, mas makabubuti kung ating matututunang umangkop sa kultura ng gaming.

“Malungkot mang isipin, [ang] violent entertainment ay nandito at patuloy na lumalaganap,” banggit ni Parohinog. “Ang mahalaga ay malaman mo na iyon ay entertainment lamang.”

Hindi lamang limitado ang konsepto ng karahasan sa ating mga nilalaro; higit itong buhay sa iba pang midyum kagaya ng pelikula at telebisyon. Bilin ni Parohinog na isang institusyon ang ating paaralan na bukas sa matalino at pormal na diskusyon ukol sa mga likhang-sining ng makabagong panahon. Sa Lasalyanong pamamaraan, maaari nating mas matanggap at maintindihan ang kahulugan sa likod ng talim ng bawat eksena, at pati na rin ang kabuuan ng bawat palabas o pangyayari.

Sa bawat pindot ng ating mga daliri, ating isaisip na hindi lahat ng gawang kathang-isip ay maaaring gawin din sa totoong buhay. Sa loob ng industriya ng gaming na puno ng bahid na pula, nananatili pa rin ang mga Lasalyano na mapanuri at mapagmatyag sa kung ano ang tama at hindi.

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Writers’ Profile Psalm Mishael Taruc Features Editor

Sophia Khassandra Reyes

Laird Joaquin Gulmatico

Paul Christian Pama

Erin Ruth Flores

Elaine Samantha Olona

Mary Abigail Manalo

Wallance Roland Beltran

Stephanie Nicole Rabacal

Graphic and Layout Artists

Sean Patrick Serrano

Cristelle Corpuz

Athila Ian Marie Surtido

Christian Philip Renono

Valerie Anne Antonio

Aijren Tribiana

Layout Editor

Photographers

John Paulo Templo Photo / Video Editor

Sofia Andrea Baldonado

Renz Jericho Benitez

Diego Forrest Cruz

Michelle Hiya

Maria Angelica Pechon

Artists

Sim Daeun

Jerrika Mikaela Tonio

Art Editor

Courtney Ivannah Gracio

Angela Nicole Hernandez

Gizella Katrine Gawaran

Kristen Faith Maala

Gabrielle Ravacio

Valerie Anne Antonio

Danielle Mari Tanael

Jericho Rasheed Celestino

La Estrella Verde The Official Senior High School Publication of De La Salle University – Dasmariñas

EDITORIAL BOARD A.Y. 2019–2020 Edcel Derick Padulla, Editor in Chief Wallace Roland Beltran, Associate Editor Rheine Noelle Requilman, Managing Editor Enrico Jose Taguinod, Copy Editor Ella Lorraine Regudo, News Editor Psalm Mishael Taruc, Features Editor Chelsea Janelle David, Sports Editor Paulene Abarca, Literary Editor Sim Daeun, Art Editor Sean Patrick Serrano, Layout Editor John Paulo Templo, Photo and Video Editor John Benedict Aguirre, Web Editor Ayanna Franchesca De Asis, In Charge, Radio Athila Ian Marie Surtido, Green Herald Editor Din Rose Mirar, Adviser

La Estrella Verde has its editorial office at Room JHS241, High School Complex De La Salle University – Dasmariñas DBB-B City of Dasmariñas, Cavite 4115 Telephone: +63-2-7795180, +63-46-4811900 to 1930 local 3302 Email: laestrellaverde.dlsud@gmail.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/ DLSUDLaEstrellaVerde Twitter: @LeviofLEV