La Estrella Verde January - March 2023

LAKAS 2023 sparks mixed feedback

As the first intramurals held onsite after the pandemic, Lasalyanong galing sa Arts, Kultyur at Sports (LAKAS) 2023 has garnered criticism for its disorganization while still receiving praise for its execution and inclusion.

Aya Ahmad

Sports, Culture, and Arts Coordinator Donnie Marc Roble said that the student body enjoyed the overall event despite minor delays, changes in

schedule, and the small accidents that were medically attended to. “[G]enerally, based on the survey that we had…all the metrics naman

SC, S.E.R.V.E. push JUMP despite delay

DLSU-D SHS Student Council (SC) and Students’ Extension of Resources through Voluntary Efforts (S.E.R.V.E.) successfully push through the Joint and United in Movement and Praise (JUMP) event on Feb. 11 despite the two-month delay.

According to SC Vice President Rizz Gopez, the event was postponed due to the school administration’s decision to give the said organizations ample time to be more prepared.

“[G]usto (ng admins na) mas maimmerse…‘yung mga students (sa gagawin nila) para sa mangyayaring (event) so, they needed more time para ma-prepare ‘yung students ‘tsaka ‘ yung (chosen) barangay (for the)... event,” Gopez explained.

Following this pronouncement, S.E.R.V.E. Student Coordinator

Iyah Jabagat shared that the SC and S.E.R.V.E. signed a partnership last Oct. 21 and have already polished the plans on Nov. 28.

“[W]e were…the main partner…of the [SC] in preparing and conducting the outreach program part of the event only… [T]atlo kasi yung part ng JUMP, and yung gagawin ng SERVE is ‘yung…outreach program,” she said.

Consequently, Jabagat disclosed that S.E.R.V.E. was informed two days prior the original date of

the distribution that JUMP will be delayed.

“[A]ll of us were shocked kasi nadisseminate na namin everything (such as) the discussion sa student body…(pamimigay) ng packages… Tapos, na-set na rin ‘ yung deadline,” she revealed.

Furthermore, Jabagat assured that the packages were thoroughly checked and in good condition following the two-month delay of the distribution.

JUMP, see page 7

were met and in fact, matataas ‘yung scores na binigay nung mga sumagot ng survey,” he stressed.

LAKAS 2023, see page 7

DLSU-D SHS responds to second semester schedule concerns

As DLSU-D Senior High School (SHS) entered the second semester of the A.Y. 2022–2023, administrators and academic coordinators elaborated on the factors considered in the changes implemented in the class schedules.

According to HUMSS, ABM, and TVL-HE (HAT) Academic Coordinator Robbie Ann Jesser Eullo, the second semester schedule is based on the pre-pandemic schedule but with some adjustments such as classes lasting at most 5:00 pm only.

“Ang naiba lang (ay) hindi (tayo) umabot ng 7:00 pm…but the classes before are 7:00 am to 7:00 pm… So hindi pa ‘yon binabalik but we’re gradually returning to our prepandemic…class schedule,” she said.

In addition, Eullo expressed that the call for more onsite classes was motivated by students’ demands and the teachers’ observation that students often fail to study the online lesson materials provided in advance.

“[W]hat we also noticed is that… the students are just relying on the onsite…sessions (and) they’re not reviewing na dapat bago pumasok ng onsite (ay) na-review na ‘yung nasa online,” she remarked.

Additionally, Eullo highlighted the directive given by the Department of Education (DepEd) stating that full face-to-face classes must be effective by November 2022.

“[W]e did not implement (the DepEd order) nu ’ ng November dahil patapos na rin ‘yung semester natin, and we will have a new semester nang January so sinabi namin na we’ll just finish the…semester…and then… we’ll follow DepEd’s directive of a 100 percent face-to-face,” Eullo stated. Moreover, Eullo emphasized that the vacant times, excluding lunch breaks, included in some schedules are intended to be utilized by students for their schoolwork.

“It’s the norm na rin [even prepandemic]. Hindi siya wala kayong gagawin kasi you have a lot of… collaborative works… So…we’re also…cultivating…’yung culture na schoolworks should be done…in school,” Eullo explained.

However, DLSU-D SHS Principal Marlon Pareja revealed that there were 16 sections that appealed for adjustments in their class schedules due to lengthier vacant times than usual.

2nd sem schedule, see page 2

Let the Games Begin. House regents lead the torch lighting event during the Lasalyanong galing sa Arts, Kultyur at Sports (LAKAS) 2023 Opening Ceremony on Jan. 25. Photo by Nicole Infante

Kei Oinuma

Out to Reach. Officers of DLSU-D Senior High School (SHS) Student Council (SC) S.Y 2022-2023, together with faculty members of DLSU-D, poses with the handmark activity poster from the DLSU-D SHS Students’ Immersion and Gift Giving Activity entitled Joint and United in Movement and Praise (JUMP) on Feb. 11. Photo by Jean Carla Villano.

Jezic Abueg

COMELEC disclose changes in onsite SC Elections

Jezic Abueg

DLSU-D Senior High School (SHS) Commission on Elections (COMELEC) reveals changes to the A.Y. 2023-2024 Student Council (SC) elections.

According to COMELEC Chair and Finance Marketing Department Head Xent Claire Davila, the election will take place onsite as the University’s learning modality changed from fully online to face-to-face.

“[F]or the onsite election, it will…be done…with the use of the computer labs where the students could conveniently register their votes,” Davila explained.

Furthermore, Davila stated that each section will be given alloted time to use either of the two computer laboratories for the onsite voting.

“COMELEC will escort each section from their class to the computer laboratories. (Then) they will log in (to) their DLSU-D accounts to answer (the) ballots,” Davila added.

Moreover, Davila emphasized that the voting of candidates is compulsory and absentees will still be able to vote online through a given link for the ballot.

“(Microsoft Form) [l]inks to the ballot will be posted through Schoolbook and other social media platforms of the HS COMELEC,” Davila remarked.

In addition, students in the online modality can also vote through the same Microsoft Form links.

“The students taking the online modality will receive a ballot link through their schoolbook accounts. They could answer their ballots at any time within the duration of the voting period,” Davila said.

Moreover, Davila also added that the Miting de Advance and voting period will happen onsite while the campaign period will make use of both modalities.

“The candidates are permitted to conduct a room-to-room campaign for each section. One Saturday will also be given to the candidates for them to campaign to the online students,” Davila emphasized.

Students’ Feedback

Having experienced the online student elections last year, Nicole Ortega (STM212) hopes that the onsite student election will maximize its resources.

CLASS SCHEDULE

A.Y. 2022-2023

TERM 3

“I would also like to see them participate in a Miting de Advance. This is for us to hear out our future student leaders as we listen to their comprehensive plans and different platforms, “ Ortega stated.

In line with COMELEC’s plans, Allen Ronquillo (STM24) suggests having activities which will help engage the students in the democratic process.

“COMELEC could organize events such as debates, town halls, and meet-and-greets with the candidates to encourage students to participate in the elections,” Ronquillo said.

Meanwhile, Miguel Nazario (ABM11) expects to see a more interactive campaigning of the candidates and a Miting de Advance since the elections will be held onsite.

“An event that I honestly want to be conducted…would be the Miting de Advance since this… will give the voters a clearer vision on what (a) candidate is planning to achieve,” Nazario remarked.

TERM 4

DLSU-D SHS signs partnership with CI

Maurice Claire Sabido

In line with DLSU-D Senior High School (SHS) Principal Marlon Pareja’s goal to broaden the influence of the University, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed on Feb. 16 detailing a Joint Student Research and Activities Partnership with Cavite Institute (CI).

According to Pareja, both CI and DLSU-D have individual strengths which they aim to share with each other through this partnership.

“(In particular, DLSU-D is strong with)...research…while CI is very rich in terms of theater and… activities,” he said.

Subsequently, Pareja mentioned that they already have initial plans which will take effect for this A.Y. while the activities to be implemented for the next academic year will be tackled in their next meetings.

“(For example), [o]nce na naestablish na ‘ yung respective Student Councils (SC) (of both schools)...for (the) next school year…

(we plan on having a joint) leadership training (with the two SCs),” he disclosed.

With regards to the activities, Pareja asserted the possibility of activities with CI every month and the benefit the students can get especially in terms of quality social interactions with CI students.

“[A]s much as possible (though, we will make sure na) walang disruption (of classes ang magaganap) kung may activities. (We will put a)...specific time and schedule for activities only,” he assured.

Moreover, he disclosed that DLSU-D is looking to form partnerships

with other schools, particularly in CALABARZON and other Lasallian schools.

“We are (also) looking at the possibility of internationalizing (our) partnerships, (similar to our current partnership with Northern Lights Colleges [NLC] Canada),” he shared.

Additionally, he emphasized that the linkages with other schools allow the students to interact and learn from other schools.

“[I]f you look at the full curriculum of the SHS, it’s not purely academic. We try to…(add) a lot of activities… that can supplement (our academics, and our linkages help with this),” he stated.

Yun nga lang, unfortunately… there were 16 sections na medyo masyadong (malaki ‘ yung) vacant nila [W]e’re doing our best (na) ma-resolve ‘ yon,” he said.

Consequently, Pareja clarified that the vacant times are not caused by being understaffed but rather by some teachers handling more units than others.

“For example, usually a teacher kasi is given about 24 hours per week of teaching. So…normal ‘yun sa ’tin (and) may mga teachers tayo na minsan 28 sila… But nonetheless, wala naman tayong subject or class na walang teacher,” he affirmed.

In relation to this, Eullo mentioned how hiring new teachers is not an optimal approach for the issue of vacant times.

“[I]t’s not economical din naman to hire…a new teacher…just to fill that class tapos considering na mabilis yung semester (and) ‘yung term natin, ‘di ba? So baka mamaya, ‘yung pag-hire natin ng new teacher…finals na,” she noted.

Furthermore, Eullo assured students that she sees challenges with the current schedule as only a matter of readjustment.

“Hindi pa sanay (ang mga estudyante). This is the… the first time that (the students have)…seen such a schedule… and then coming from an online class for how many years…syempre nagugulat (sila) [d]ahil hindi ito (kagaya nu’ng)…last sem” she stressed.

ADLP to be integrated with MIL curriculum

Carmela Carrasco

With the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between DLSU-D Senior High School (SHS) and Break the Fake Movement, the ASEAN Digital Literacy Programme (ADLP) will be incorporated into the Media and Information Literacy (MIL) curriculum.

Linkages and Engagement Focal

Person Rachelle Arbiol remarked that the two-year program intends to combat misinformation and disinformation through digital literacy training.

“We want to raise…awareness about…misinformation and disinformation because it’s definitely rampant in…our society, especially (since) we (use) social media in our everyday…lives,” she stated.

Additionally, Arbiol affirmed that the guidelines regarding student participation are still subject for the approval of DLSU-D SHS

Principal Marlon Pareja and the MIL subject moderator.

“It depends on the subject moderator…if they will…require the students. (But if) it has something to do with the lesson that they will (have in)…MIL, then definitely, it is a requirement,” she shared.

In addition, she added that Grade 12 students are the main target of the program while it may also be open for

Grade 11 students, faculty, and staff of DLSU-D SHS.

“[W]e’ll look for…a specific lesson (in a specific subject for Grade 11 students)…and incorporate (ADLP) to (the subject’s curriculum),” Arbiol said.

Moreover, Arbiol mentioned that the program was supposed to be conducted onsite but the University has decided to hold it online instead.

“(The initial activity) is a two-hour session. We have to consider a lot of things for that (since we have 2000 students)…and according to the (Break the Fake Movement), they’re only…facilitating webinars…via Zoom,” she expressed.

Furthermore, Arbiol disclosed that the two-hour session will be done during Self-Care Week but they have devised plans if the schedule gets disrupted.

“Plan B (would be to conduct it) during (Term 4, and Plan C would be) during…Self-Care Week after Term 4,” Arbiol explained.

Infograph by Juliana Ellice Polancos

Infograph by Julliana Ellice Polancos

Pareja reveals more partnerships are to come

Preparasyon para sa Work Immersion, umarangkada

Work immersion balik onsite

Maurice Claire Sabido

Ayon kay Work Immersion Chair John Christopher Pascual, muling gaganaping face-to-face ang Work Immersion ng DLSU-D Grade 12

TVL-ICT at HE students

Ayon kay Pascual, nagsimula ang preparasyon para sa Work Immersion mula Nobyembre hanggang Disyembre ng nakaraang taon kasama ang Topserve Company.

Bagong probisyon sa GAs, inilatag

Ayon kay Santiago, ginawa lamang kalahati ang kabuuang dami ng onsite GAs bilang konsiderasyon sa iba’t ibang pamamaraan ng pagtuturo ng mga guro sa kanilang asignatura.

“[I]t depends upon the subject pa rin kasi (on) how the teachers (will) assess the performance of the students. It’s not a one size fits all. That’s why there are provisions na at least 50 percent...‘yung…onsite [gateway assessments],” nilinaw niya.

Gayunpaman, nilinaw ni Santiago na limitado lamang ang nasabing probisyon sa GAs at nasa guro pa rin ang desisyon kung paano isasagawa ang mga discourse, integrative, at formative assessments.

“[I]t still boils down to the preference and how the…subject intends to measure the learning of the student through their assessments and how to check the performances of the students,” ani niya.

Sa kabilang dako, masasabi ni Santiago na pinakamabuting

probisyon ito sa kasalukuyang sitwasyon subalit hindi ito masasabing epektibo ng pangmatagalan.

“Sa ngayon, hindi natin masasabi na optimal siya in terms of the teaching and learning process (since) we are just comparing it to what we have done before which is a 100 percent online,” pahayag niya.

Puna ng mga Estudyante Matapos ang pagpapatupad ng nasabing probisyon, ipinahayag ni Aimeelyn Ruth Gallardo (ABM12) kung paano ito nakatulong sa paggawa at pagpasa ng kaniyang mga gawain.

“(Doing the assessments) onsite (is okay for me kasi), may consideration yung teacher na (magpa-review) bago magpa-GA or DA…(since nare-refresh kami dahil) nasa utak pa rin namin [ang lesson]” pahayag ni Gallardo. Dagdag pa rito, nabanggit ni Lorenzo Gabriel Navarro (STM211)

ang inaasahang bigat ng trabaho na dala ng pagkakaroon ng online assessments kumpara sa kung gagawin ito ng onsite

“Online has more workload and…no guidance from teachers (for example), when students encounter problems (regarding the assessments). [W]hereas in onsite, students and teachers work together in the studying process,” ayon sa kaniya. Gayunpaman, inihayag ni Cassidy Dwayne Garcia (STM29) ang kaniyang opinyon kung bakit epektibo ang pagsasagawa ng onsite gateway assessments kaysa online “GAs in (the) schoolbook are horrendous. It is made for people who memorize and repeat cycles of reading rather than testing your actual intellect, ...has a lot of grammatical errors, programming difficulties, a lot of room for error, (and) doesn’t encourage studying for every student,” ani niya.

Research Conference, mananatiling online

Sa isang panayam, ipinahayag ni Associate Principal for Academics and Research (APAR) Ma. Luisa Cuaresma na magiging online muli ang Research Conference upang makapanghikayat ng mga presenters mula sa iba’t ibang eskwelahan.

“Kasi (if we’re to hold the conference onsite)...(the outsiders would) need (to) spend money for…travel expenses. Whereas kung online…(kahit na sa bahay sila or na sa school nila), they can (easily) present,” pahayag niya.

Dagdag pa rito, binanggit ni SRC Chair Marilou Medina na prayoridad nila ang kaligtasan ng mga presenters kaya pinagpatuloy ang pagiging online ng nasabing conference

“[A]lthough at first we thought of (holding it onsite kasi) it would be a great opportunity (for the participants) to meet face-to-face…kaya lang, (we have to bear in mind that we are still in a pandemic),” paliwanag niya.

Sa kadahilanang mananatiling online ang Research Conference, ipinagbigay-alam ni SRC Co-Chair

Alyssa Karen Acal na Microsoft Teams ang gagamitin bilang online platform

kapalit ng FLOOR dahil sa dalang balakid nito sa mga estudyante noong nakaraang taon.

“[A]lthough (FLOOR) was very interactive,…nagkaroon (kasi) ng (mga concern) yung mga presenters, (especially sa mga) naka-data lang, (dahil) masyadong heavy raw (sa data) yung FLOOR,” ani Acal.

Gayunpaman, ipinaliwanag ni Acal na kinakailangan na magparehistro ng mas maaga ang mga presenters na mula sa iba pang mga institusyon.

“(The outsiders who will present) will (need to) be given temporary Microsoft accounts (for the Research Conference) and since…(hindi mabilis ang proseso, we will need to require this from them),” saad nito.

Puna ng mga estudyante

Alinsunod sa preparasyon ng

SRC, binanggit ni Cedee Anne Beatriz Abesamis (HMS23) na mas mainam na gawing online ang conference dahil hindi ito gaano magiging abala pagdating sa preparasyon kumpara kung onsite ito gaganapin.

“[A]ng cons lang (ng online setup) is mas-fair (ang) face-to-face (kasi)...makikita mo (talaga ang) mastery (ng presenters sa study nila)...kumbaga (kapag) online pwedeng may scripts (at) mag-search (ang mga presenters),” aniya. Samantala, inilahad ni Naomi Bey Diana (STM23) na mas mabuti kung gaganaping onsite nalang ang Research Conference dahil bumabalik na rin sa dating modality ang DLSU-D SHS.

“(There’s also the fact that) researchers (and presenters alike) will be more productive (and engaging in an onsite conference),” dagdag ni Diana.

Gayumpaman, isinalaysay ni John Francis Valdez (STM25) na para sa kaligtasan ng lahat ang naging desisyon ng DLSU-D at ng SRC.

“Additionally (though), I can say that a face-to-face setup would be much more effective in developing the different skills and potentials of the students (especially considering that some students may have short attention span),” pahayag niya.

Puna ng mga estudyante

“(TopServe Company) ang bahalang mag-deploy…(sa ating mga students) sa iba’t ibang company kung saan (sila) mag-wo-Work Immersion,” paliwanag ni Pascual.

Sa kabila nang maagang preparasyon para sa Work Immersion, ipinaliwanag ni Pascual na nahirapan ang TopServe Company maghanap ng mga partner companies na puwedeng tumanggap sa mga mag-aaral.

“(One of the) difficulties (is that)... senior high school students (have) very (short) [On-the-job training] (period which is)... two weeks only,” saad nito.

Gayunpaman, inaasahan ni Pascual na mas magiging madali ang paglikha ng solusyon kung magkaroon man ng problema sa nasabing immersion

“[M]ahirap siyang sabihin sa ngayon na (kaunti lang ang magiging problema)... [H]owever…[t]he communication (will be much faster and)...mas magiging…madali (maresolve ang problema) because (onsite na)…tayo,” ayon dito.

Sa isang panayam, inamin ni Dwyn Anthony Delos Reyes (ICT21) na inaasahan niya na magiging mahirap ang Work Immersion dahil sa pagbabalik onsite nito..

“(The Work Immersion) seems very challenging…lalo na in terms of operating in an actual workspace and interacting with actual employees pero…I’m looking forward to what (the immersion) has to offer,” paliwanag niya.

Bukod dito, inilahad ni Lee Joshua Albiar (TVL22) na nagpapasalamat siya sa pagbabalik onsite ng Work Immersion.

“(The immersion) will undoubtedly benefit us, particularly the TVL strand, as we will receive firsthand experience that (an online Work Immersion could) never provide,” ani Albiar.

Samantala, ibinahagi ni Christian Angelo Salva (ICT21) na inaabangan niya ang mga aktibidad na mangyayari sa work immersion dahil makakatulong ito para sa trabahong kukunin niya sa hinaharap.

“[K]ahit ICT students kami…(it’s still) much better…(na) maganap yung Work Immersion (namin) onsite (kasi) mas (na-se-set)...’yung professional mood onsite kaysa kung online,” dagdag niya.

College boot camp, magbabalik sa A.Y. 2023-2024

Ipinaalam ni DLSU-D Senior High School (SHS) Associate Principal for Academics and Research (APAR) Ma. Luisa Cuaresma ang muling pagsasagawa ng College boot camp exposure program sa susunod na taong panuruan.

Ayon kay Cuaresma, plinano na ilunsad ng SHS at ng kolehiyo ng DLSU-D ang nasabing College boot camp noong Pebrero.

“We want to offer (this program)...sa ating SHS (para) ma-encourage sila…na dito na rin mag-enroll sa University aside from the fact also na ma-experience (nila)...(‘yung) mga iba’t ibang activities na ginagawa sa college,” saad ni Cuaresma.

Subalit, ipinahayag ni Cuaresma na naudlot ang pagsasagawa ng College boot camp dala ng okupadong schedule ng iba’t ibang departamento ng Unibersidad.

“[W]e’re still planning to push through with it next school year [K]ung…magiging okay…’yung preparations, then definitely, do’n natin siya i-pu-push (through),” dagdag niya.

Gayunpaman, paliwanag ni Cuaresma na mayroong nakahandang aksyon kung sakaling hindi masunod ang kanilang mga orihinal na plano.

If (hindi pa rin available ang lahat ng college (departments) ang Plan B natin would be (to invite)… yung (mga department) na ready at available (to accommodate the students for this program),” ani Cuaresma.

Puna ng mga estudyante

Kasunod ng planong paglulunsad ng ng College boot camp sa susunod na akademikong taon, itinuturing ni Ralph Christian Narciso (ICT12) na malaking tulong ang programa sa mas maiging pagpili ng kursong kukunin ng isang mag-aaral.

“(The College boot camp) may also provide to those who are still uncertain of their future a more fleshed-out (career) path as they will have experienced those activities (related to their chosen course) as (opposed) to simply learning about it through text, video, or another medium,” paglalahad ni Narciso.

Sa kabilang banda, inilahad ni Julius Matthew Lim (STM11) na may kaakibat na maganda at hindi magandang epekto ang programa.

“[P]ersonally, I have already been stressed with the workload we currently have and this (program might) only add to it. (However, I also think that the) overall advantage that it may bring (to the students)…can outweigh the cons,” paliwanag ni Lim.

Dagdag pa rito, ibinahagi ni Sealtiel Uniqua Buling (HMS12) ang kanyang opinyon sa bisa ng magiging programa.

“There are times wherein we just don’t know if time would tell…on how effective this program could be towards the students of DLSU-D. Although I m sure naman…(na kayang maexecute nang maayos ‘yung boot camp) to make it accessible for all,” saad niya.

Carmela Carrasco

Maurice Claire Sabido

Aya Ahmad and Charise Crisha Caramancion

Ayon sa Student Research Council (SRC), gaganapin pa rin online ang Ikatlong Research Conference ng DLSU-D Senior High School (SHS) na gaganapin sa Mayo 17-19.

Ibinahagi ng Chair of the Test Construction Committee Rozene Santiago na naglabas ng internal provision ang DLSU-D Senior High School (SHS) sa mga guro na hindi dapat hihigit ang bilang ng online gateway assessments (GA) sa bilang ng onsite GAs sa bawat asignatura.

Pagbabalik Eskwela at mga Hamon sa Online na Gawain. Ang mga mag-aaral mula sa baitang 11 ng DLSU-D ay nagtipon sa kanilang silid-aralan upang tapusin ang kanilang mga aktibidad habang nasa paaralan. Photo by Anika Jordan Muñoz

Dolonia Tiffany Geluz

Schools and organizations generously grant scholarships and financial aids to intelligent and poverty-stricken students as many Filipino families struggle economically today due to difficulties such as unemployment, rapid rising inflation, underpayment, and personal reasons that may be out of one’s control. Students apply for scholarships and financial aids to obtain quality education in private institutions. However, the deserving students who need these esteemed grants are not always considered.

Juliana Ellice Polancos

WEB EDITOR RADIO PROGRAM MANAGERS

Serge Angelo Quiambao Yzabelle Mei Robillo

Many students now face difficulties—as online assessments have to be completed onsite such as on-the-spot video recordings and submissions; Kahoot games, PowerPoints, online Gateway Assessments, written debates, and submission of documents—due to lack of resources, specifically gadgets or devices as well as an internet connection that is strong enough to allow them to carry out the assessment, and even worse, submit them. While some are given consideration where alternative materials are provided to allow them to fulfill the task due to unfortunate reasons, it is still unfair as differences in accessibility also bring differences in learning and completion opportunities.

Onsite assessments are termed that way because they should be completed within the students’ reach at school with consideration of their resources and capabilities. Focusing the students on just one mode of learning would not prevent them from honing their skills within the school. As a result, the student may experience obstacles, which may lead to them struggling to complete the task instead of doing so at home, where it is more accessible. Whether we admit it or not, not all students have the ability to do what is asked of them, knowing that it will only serve as an excuse to justify the resources that each student has.

Although some may think that through the fast modernization of society, everyone today has devices like smartphones, tablets, and laptops; the reality is that not everyone possesses these said devices. Even if the majority may have them, their devices may not be updated or powerful enough to execute the tasks given at a limited time as they may not have the features, storage, or other further specifications needed to complete a task at a given time.

Surely, if those who are supported still face challenges, what more than those who lack all these? Their peers who lack resources, funds, and support would face harder challenges that they would not even experience in the first place.

FEATURES

LITERARY

Pia Heart Lambuson, Kurt Brandon Bautista, Lois Lu, Aqeena Reyes, Bianca Jan Sibayan, Marielle Navarro, Carmela Carrasco, Lelaina Sofiya Fernando, Kyoko Honda, Sarah Nicole Jallorina, Cheyzer An Nicole Remogat

Aya Ahmad, Sean Jacob Altoveros, Jannbeau Amadeus Rain Bagon Astrero, Sophia Nicole Guadamor, Johanna Abigail Nieva, Klaire Niña Llarena, Rianne Nicole Ocampo, Jessie Gabrielle Peralta, Reanne Ashley Roguel, Liam Nico Sullivan, Jana Allyson Añora, Nika Charmee Dugay, Jaquelyn Guevara, Katherine Shaniah Llarena, John Benedict Varon

Kyle Desmond Co, Van Deguilmo, Alfredo Hilario, Gabreielle Domingo, Aliah Mae Endaya, Nadine Narciso

PHOTO AND VIDEO

John Froilan Gacasa, Bianca Jan Sibayan, Patrick Co, Antoine Cortez, Anika Jordan Muñoz, Almira Isabel Aguila, Jean Carla Villano, Kaisha Keith Perez

Additionally, some students commute to and from school, bringing along gadgets such as tablets or laptops with them during the journey wherein unforeseen and unfortunate circumstances may arise is a risk, especially if they are only doing so to complete an assessment that can be done online while onsite. This not only poses a risk for something bad to happen to their gadget, but also requires extra effort from the students to keep their belongings safe and unharmed.

Besides, Wi–Fi connectivity issues are also imminent to a big part of the University. Certain rooms and facilities not being able to cater all the students’ connection demands also plays as a hindrance to their academics.

The exclusivity and learning gap these types of assessments build within students is similar to the concerns that the public has raised before online classes were implemented due to the pandemic. As anti-poor and exclusive online classes are, online assessments to be done onsite are far worse as it requires students to have such materials and devices at school that most of them may not have.

Despite great efforts in the gradual transition, the administration must assess whether merging online assessments with an onsite set-up will jeopardize both the safety and the status of a student, or not. It is recommended to implement a consistent modality. If an assessment is required to be online, then let it remain to be done at home. Otherwise, if it is onsite, then it must be completed at school without the need to connect to the school Wi-Fi. This will lessen the pressure brought upon needing to have a gadget in school, and also lessen the connectivity issues that the students are currently facing.

Applications for scholarships and financial aid usually use income of family members and grades of students as the bases of the grants to bestow upon students. Nevertheless, having the highest grade and topping one’s batch may be unattainable for those of the middle class, especially if placed among those who can afford to spend on necessities for learning. It puts them behind at a better chance of attaining scholarships. Giving those who are not in need of these financial assistance exposes an economic gap for students who are unable to attain quality education and a better future. Although the basis in considering the grants of these scholarships and assistance is fair, reasonable, and acceptable, there are instances that these bases are not enough.

Those who are in dire need should also be considered especially if they are also part of the middle class as their satisfactory performance may be a result of important priorities such as part time jobs that they have to put first before excelling academically or through extracurriculars. These satisfactory students whose performance may seem to only be average to the eyes of others may already be doing their best, but due to unfortunate circumstances, cannot reach the expectations for scholarships.

Although some students strive to obtain scholarships to prove how diligent and intelligent they are, they should also remember that their peers who are in greater need are far more important to be prioritized than making it a credential and achievement.

With the competition and expectations employers have from their applicants, graduating from well-known schools surely gives students leverage for their future careers. Also they simply want to acquire quality education, knowledge, skills, experience, and opportunities, through these reputable institutions. They hope to gain all these as it bridges the gap between their current situation into giving them a better life and future.

The consideration and process of scholarships and financial grants should undoubtedly be reevaluated to cater those who these programs aim to help. For financial aids, the income and requirements needed could be altered into also being able to cater those of the middle class. Furthermore, the process of scholarship grants should also include an interview of the students to look into their personal lives and assess who needs these grants the most. Students who study with ease and are well aware that their peers are in better need of these grants should also give way when applying for these scholarships as it could make a big impact in the life of those who are in need.

Patrick Co, Einjela Esguerra, Nathan Romyl Gequillana, Kathreen Anne Hornilla, Camille Paragsa, Jasmine Soriano, Ethan Gabriel Bautista, Janella Gwen Baybay, Jan Gabrielle Chua, Henry M. Gertos Jr., Jana Alexa Limoico, Hanz Wendell Reginio

RADIO ADVISER

Aya Ahmad, Jezic Abueg, Venice Dawn Bringino, Charise Crisha Caramancion, Carmela Carrasco, Andrew Dela Plana, Aidan Española, Kei Oinuma, Maurice Claire Sabido La Estrella Verde

Room JHS149, High School Complex De La Salle University - Dasmariñas, DBB-B City of Dasmariñas, Cavite 4115 Email: laestrellaverde-shs@dlsud.edu.ph

Kadalasan, sanay ang lahat makita na ang mga babae na naglalagay ng make-up, nagsusuot ng mga maiikling damit, mahinhin na kasama ng barkada, at marami pang iba. Ngunit dahil sa patuloy na pagbabago ng panahon, hindi na lang babae ang gumagawa nito kung hindi pati na rin ang mga kalalakihan. Sa kadahilanan nga na bago ito para sa ilan, nagkaroon ito ng epekto sa mga kalalakihan dahil sa iba’t ibang pananaw mula sa lipunan. Hanggang ngayon, hindi ko pa rin lubos maisip kung bakit para sa ibang tao, napakalaking kasalanan maging totoo sa sarili. Parang isang malaking bakod na humaharang sa sarili nating “kalayaan.”

Sa panahon natin ngayon, malaya tayong nakakapili kung ano nga ba ang gusto ng bawat isa sa atin, maging pansarili man o para sa nakararami.

Mga bagay na sa tingin naman natin ay hindi nakakaapak ng dignidad ng ibang tao at hindi rin naman kabawasan bilang tao. Isang halimbawa nito ay ang pagpapahayag ng sarili o ang tinatawag na self-expression

Isa sa naging stigma sa mga lalaki ay ang tanong na “Bakla ka ba?” Dahil sa kanila, bukod sa babae, tanging bakla lamang ang gagawa noon. Ginagamit nila ang terminong “bakla” upang bigyang depinisyon ang kanilang nakikita. Mula ito mula sa mga taong nananatili sa mentalidad ng “gender norm” o ang pamantayan ng kasarian na mula pa noong unang panahon, na hindi nakasabay sa pagbabago ng kasalukuyang panahon. Aminin man natin sa hindi, naging balakid ito sa mga nais gawin ng ibang kalalakihan kaya dapat nating baguhin ang ganitong pag-iisip. Hindi sa lahat ng oras matapang ang mga kalalakihan, hindi sa lahat ng oras ay siya ang magliligtas sa mga tao, hindi sa lahat ng oras kayang

lampasan nang mabilisan ang mga problema nila. May karapatan din sila maging malambot, emosyonal, at malayang makapaglahad ng nararamdaman sa ibang tao nang hindi sila hinuhusgahan at pinapangalanan ng mga pangalan na hindi naman sila.

Maaari itong makaapekto sa kanilang mental health dahil ang mga tao sa pakiramdam nila, ang kanilang kinikilos ay malaking kasalanan sa karamihan.

toxic masculinity ay

Panahon na para basagin ang mapanghusgang lipunan na ating mga nakasanayan. Lalo na sa usaping kasarian. Sa bawat mamamayan na kinatatakutan ang pagpapakatotoo sa kanilang sarili, nababawasan ang kumpiyansa sa sarili dahil sa mga tao sa paligid nila. Katulad ng sa kanta, “you’ll never know unless you walk in my shoes, everybody sees what they want to see.” Upang sa gayon, ang bakod ng mga salita sa ating “kalayaan” ay tuluyan ng mawala.

One’s own fulfilment and aspirations may be put down to help others who are in better need.”

Jose Miguel Octavo, Alexie Jeanne Masangkay, Mattheo Gabriel Neala, Lois Lu, Roy Hembra, Kurt Brandon Bautista, Andrew Dela Plana, Arianna Parani, Adam Joaquin Guasis, Francis Andrei Baraquel

Ang

hindi hindi dapat laganap lalo na sa panahon ngayon kung

saan malaya ang mga tao na gawin ang gusto nilang gawin sa paraang hindi tinatakpan ang karapatan at dignidad ng ibang tao.”

A fit criteria for judgment

Kaizen Anielle Mendoza

Pageants and beauty contests alike bring joy to the audience watching and confidence to the contestants. Due to their impact on students and teachers alike, intramurals and sports festivals give the student body the chance to enjoy the various activities being presented as well as offer them pageants and contests that will allow its contestants to shine and show their best to their peers.

With its occurrence, one can be grateful for the opportunity to experience what contests like this hold, especially after a long time spent online with no means to join said contests. However, though the pageant may just be the most awaited part of various school-wide events, when its judges set certain criteria that fails to include inclusivity, then one’s perception of this contest begins to turn into a negative one.

Of course, there are those factors like confidence in one’s person as well as stage presence that should stay present in the criterion for judging. In this case, it is certainly important for a contestant to possess these qualities that would really help them achieve the most charming version of themselves on stage. Yet, if a person were to judge someone and deem them unworthy of being called a winner based on their physical fitness, then this would be the time where a re-evaluation of the criteria should be made.

Though it may be common in society for beauty pageants to require their participants to possess a certain body type, as an institution whose aim is to become more accepting of its students, we must reject the notion that being physically fit and having the “ideal body type” makes for a worthy winner in a pageant. Although it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, a difference in body types does not make for an unhealthy one. Just as every person is different in personality, so do the bodies we walk this life with are; and there should be no shame in that.

Knowing this, is it really important to have a “physically fit” criterion for beauty pageants? Possessing this specific criteria in judging a pageant contestant only promotes more bad than it does good. For one, we would be isolating those people whose bodies differ from the “physically fit” ones, or as society seems to call it: the “ideal ones.” Not only does this cause exclusion of different people, but it also promotes the belief that one must be a certain way or have a certain type of body in order to “win.”

Moreover, as school events catered to showcase student talents provide an outlet for them to shine, erasing this criteria of judging would bolster not only the contestants’ confidence, but the audiences’ as well. To see a fellow student with a body type deemed as “unacceptable” by mainstream media and society truly shine on stage will only carve a path towards acceptance—towards a path wherein no one will ever have to judge another or themselves for the body they were born with.

Once again, we must not forget to consider our health. Though one may argue that keeping this criteria inspires one to exercise and achieve physical fitness, another can say that achieving that goal can be done so through other means, and that keeping this criteria will only inspire insecurity and a negative self-image among the people; especially in our students.

So, for the next time our institution holds event pageants, it is with great hope that judges will reconsider and re-evaluate their criteria for judging.

Luministere

Saira Vanessa Varon

Since the beginning of the academic year, a set time frame has been set for research. As everything gradually went back to the usual prepandemic schooling, schedules of students and teachers sometimes do not match up. While most groups can match their schedules and brainstorm, STRIDE groups who are from different strands struggle to meet and find the time when every member is available to focus on their research. This causes not just missed deadlines on what they need to submit but also pushes back their planned agendas and is much worse if that group has to undergo experiments or surveys. The system makes it unfair for groups that have everything planned out but are held back due to poor scheduling and external factors that they cannot control.

is everyone’s goal, however, these circumstances make it impossible for them to do so despite doing their best to do so. It cannot be easily concluded that these are just because of the students as we need to see that it is the system that makes it difficult to comply with research. Often, these concerns are not addressed and are overlooked especially when it comes to schedules, availability of research advisers or statisticians, or their unresponsiveness. If such problems arise, it becomes a hurdle that limits a researcher’s capacity or even competence. Research as we know is establishing facts and investigating to reach and solve problems but with these circumstances, researchers fail to do so. Their progresses and

We must cultivate a community that is accepting of all body types, even the ones that society deems as “unideal.” Only then can we consider the true meaning of a pageant winner.

Paurong na byahe tungo sa modernisasyon

Abakaderio

Naevien Riley Valenzuela

Tila rompekabesa ang modernisasyon para sa bansa nating patuloy pa rin pag-unlad bilang isang third world country. Tulad na lamang ng Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) na inilunsad ng gobyerno noong 2017. Sa kabila ng mga magagandang layunin nito, hindi makakailang mahal ang gagastusin ng mga tsuper at operator para dito.

Maaring handa na ang mga

modernong

pampasaherong jeep upang

magamit pangpasada, ngunit

handa na ba ang mga bulsa ng mga gagamit nito?”

Sakit sa bulsa. ‘Yan ang karaniwang hinanaing ng mga operator at driver ng mga jeep sa paglunsad ng PUVMP. Sa liit ng kinikita ng mga jeepney driver na halos barya na lamang, hindi makatarungan kung mapipilitan silang tumigil pasada dahil lang sa hindi abot-kaya ang presyo ng mga makabagong jeep. Subalit, hindi na maiiwasan ang modernisasyon sa panahon ngayon. Ngunit kailangan pa rin nating isipin ang kapakanan at kabuhayan ng mga maapektuhan sa jeepney phaseout. Ang pagiging jeepney driver ay isang marangal na trabaho. Ilang henerasyon na ang nakalipas, pero nagsilbing daan ito para sa mga pamilya ng mga jeepney driver sa pagkamit nila sa kanilang mga pangarap sa buhay. Ilang kwento na ang narinig ko na nakapagtapos sila ng mga anak nila ng pag-aaral dahil sa kanilang pamamasada. Kaya hindi rin masisisi na marami ang may ayaw sa nasabing modernisasyon ng jeep

May mga kasalukuyang loan na maaring kunin ng mga may planong bumili ng modernong jeep. Ngunit, isa sa mga kailangan ng mga bibili ang pagsali sa mga kooperatiba bago mabigyan ng loan. Kaya kailangan din nating isipin na magiging dagdag bayarin pa ang pagkuha nito. Sa liit ng kita ng mga tsuper, maaaring hindi na ito sasapat kung may kasabay pa ito na iba pang mga bayarin. Depende rin ang kita ng mga tsuper sa dami ng pasahero nila. Dahil dito, hindi pa rin masisigurado ang kita nila, na maaring mas dumagdag pa sa kanilang iisipin kung dadagdag pa ang bayarin sa pagkuha ng loan.

Totoong ligtas nga ang mga makabagong jeep. Malinis, bago, at may mga komportableng upuan. May Wi-Fi na at automatic na rin ang pagbabayad dito. Kung tutuusin para na nga itong pinaliit na bus. Dalang pakinabang na rin nito ang pag-alis sa mga jeep na nagdudulot ng maiitim na usok dala na ng kalumaan nito. Ilan lamang ito sa mga pagbabago na inilunsad sa PUVMP. ‘Di hamak na mabuti talaga ang pakay ng programa. Hakbang na rin ito sa upang mas mapaigting ang pagiging progresibo ng bansa. Kagaya nga ng sinasabi ng marami, kung hindi ngayon kikilos, kailan?

Kung tutuusin, wala namang masama sa modernisasyon. Daan ito upang makasabay sa mga progresibo at mauunlad na bansa. Ngunit hindi mawawala na marami ang makakaranas ng hirap sa mga pagbabagong dala nito, lalo na sa aspekto ng pera. Kailangan nating dinggin ang mga boses ng mga tsuper at operator dahil sila ang pinakaapektado sa malaking pagbabagong ito. Kung ninanais ng gobyerno ang modernisasyon ng mga jeep, dapat makagawa sila ng solusyon kung saan hindi madedehado ang mga may-ari ng jeep. Maaring bigyan sila ng sapat na subsidiya upang makabili ng bagong jeep, upang hindi maapektuhan ang kanilang hanapbuhay. Kakaunti na nga lang ang kanilang kinikita, tama pa bang dagdagan pa ang kanilang gastusin para lang makasabay sa modernisasyon?

Though most groups are able to follow their plans, not every group is able to catch up due to struggles with their data-gathering procedures. Data gathering involves either experimentation, survey, focal group discussion or a mixture of these and this procedure exceeds beyond the allotted time in the research’s time frame. Additionally, most studies require Ethics and Data Privacy (EDP) Certificates when their research requires human involvement.

Although the essence of the EDP review is understood as it ensures a student’s safety when they participate in a certain study, however, the process that a research group goes through just to get one makes it hard for them to comply with a certain deadline. EDP reviews usually take 10 days or more to be approved with requirements needed to be submitted and these requirements need certain signatures from certain authorities that are hard to look for and contact.

The truth is that most groups had the capacity to comply and submit certain requirements however these circumstances make it hard for them to fulfill what is needed due to the unforeseen time allocation needed.

As oriented, research groups are aware that there are certain people whom they need to request and coordinate with such as research advisers, statisticians, and proofreaders to guide them, the problem lies with most of them being unresponsive. Although the scheduling issue could be the cause, most assigned research advisers or statisticians are difficult to contact even if the research groups reach out all the time. It cannot be claimed that they fail to do their jobs as there are possible reasons why, however, some groups handle what is supposed that certain person has to do by themselves. For instance, if a certain group lacks the presence of a statistician, they became the statistician themselves in accordance with the statistical treatment that their research needs without proper guidance or experience. These could result in invalid data or in the worst-case scenario redoing the datagathering procedure that leads to pushback final defense. Moreover, there are faculty members that are strict when it comes to observing school hours in responding but forget the urgency that the researchers need them due to their tight schedule of deadlines set by the faculty themselves.

Getting through with the final defense and having their research papers approved by the panelists

results are stagnant and if not resolved, they will remain as it is. The need to address and establish a coherent system that does not compromise one of the parties is a necessity. The department could resolve the issue by plotting schedules that could work out for both the teachers and the students or allot a certain time period or class where they could meet them, especially for STRIDE groups who have different timetables. Moreover, they should ensure that the students had met or contacted their respective research advisers, statisticians, or soon proofreaders with the help of their subject teachers or should have been monitored by the Student Research Council (SRC) itself.

A simple action would advocate so much and could inspire in the students the realization that one’s worth is not measured by some numbers determining the size or weight of their body.”

It cannot be easily concluded that these are just because of the students as we need to see that it is the system that makes it difficult to comply with research.”

Wrenzhie Arroyo

Every president of the Philippines, as enshrined in the 1987 Constitution, must only serve for a term of six years without re-election and afterward would become a private citizen, unless they run for a different position and win. The highest position in the government, just like any other job, also receives a salary as compensation for their service which is roughly P411,382 to P423,723 a month. Apart from that, when their term ends, they are “entitled to a life pension, tax-free, of forty thousand pesos annually beginning with the month following the date he ceased to be President of the Philippines,” as per Republic Act No. 5059. Meanwhile, the average Filipino worker can barely afford the stated amount which would even decrease as they have bills and taxes to pay. However, it appears that it is still insufficient for the other senators.

Former (corrupt) Presidents Benefits Act of 2023

Just recently, Senators Bong Go, Ronald dela Rosa, Francis Tolentino, and Mark Villar have filed Senate Bill 1784, or the proposed “Former Presidents Benefits Act of 2023”. This bill seeks to “maintain the dignity of the Office of the President and honor former Presidents of the Republic”, and provide them more benefits and privileges, such as providing them security and protection, their staffers, and an office. The authors of the bill reasoned that even if the former president’s tenure had expired, they still needed to make public appearances and cater to guests. Furthermore, Senator Bong Go states that they face threats to their life as they continue to serve the people. Meanwhile, there are only three former presidents that are still alive to this day: Joseph Estrada, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, and Rodrigo Duterte.

In the United States, former presidents have these perks from having personal security and protection to receiving pensions yearly. On the surface, there seems to be nothing wrong as the intentions

may be pure. Let’s give them the benefit of the doubt. Besides, they have served the country for six years, so what seems to be the problem with compensating them? Looking back at our history, we can see that these three remaining former presidents have been involved in cases of corruption, plunder, and human rights violations. There goes Estrada who was ousted by People Power 2 following an aborted impeachment trial, in which he was charged with plunder, as was Arroyo, but was acquitted in 2016. Former President Duterte, on the other hand, is currently being investigated by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for the bloody war on drugs campaign and other extrajudicial violence that occurred under his regime.

Knowing that these crimes against the public that are linked to their names, how certain are we that they

Con-Con Conniving

With the evolving circus in the government, it can be stated that the emergence of numerous proponents for charter change (chacha) was a forthcoming reality in the country. Alteration can be providential as long as its implications will be favorable to the society; however, if it is a plain scheme to serve the will of the ruling system, then it is only just to regard it with outright renouncement.

On March 6, the House of Representatives passed House Bill (HB) No. 7352 which implements the Resolution for Both Houses No.6 or the call for the hybrid constitutional convention owing to the proposal of amendments to the constitution. Senator Robinhood Padilla has been pronouncing his steadfast advocacy for charter change, and has been convincing the senate and his political party to support this political

endeavor of his. Nevertheless, I could not help but feel a sense of repugnance knowing that this is a course of action designed to pacify their arbitrary acts.

In addition to that, the proponents of con-con altercate that the central aim of amending the constitution is for the enhancement of the economy.

Yet, it is not improbable for the delegates to assert the necessity to also change some political provisions. If we are going to derive some hypothesis through retrospect, the previous administrations: Rodrigo Duterte and Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, adamantly endorse the change in term limit or eradicating it. Unfortunately, rhyming with the two preceding regimes’ plans might be possible considering how the two aligned themselves with the current administration.

Moreover, another reason to reject con-con is that its orchestration is

costly. As per the HB. 7352, the 300 con-con delegates will get P10000 PHP every day for seven months, and according to the National Economic and Development Authority, the government might spend P28 Billion for this. It is a complete absurdity to utilize this money in a project like this when it can fund a plethora of social development programs that can benefit the populace. There are many unresolved conundrums in the country that require immediate attention, hence, they must direct the legislative branch to restructure its priorities.

Furthermore, the advocates of the con-con contest the need to amend the constitution because of the seemingly unimproved state of our country. In my opinion, it is just another way of justifying their detrimental actions for them to shift the playing field to their

are deserving of the people’s money as compensation when they are the same individuals who stole it away from us for their gain in the first place? We have more pressing issues that require government help and financing, particularly in agriculture, healthcare, education, and transportation, which continue to be a daily burden for everyone. Furthermore, considering their backgrounds and businesses, these people are more than capable of fending for themselves.

While it may benefit future leaders who have genuine intentions to serve, given the status quo of our country, we need to serve the Filipinos first and foremost by passing bills that will benefit them in these trying times when inflation persists and continues to beset us while we are still struggling to recuperate from the pandemic.

desired side. The constitution, just like the type of government, is integral in fostering an outstanding political society. However, the responsibility of implementing the constitution falls under the responsibility of those in positions. If they really want to provide enhancements to the country, they will do it even with the limitations imposed by our constitution.

To surmise, charter change through constitutional convention can be effective with the right intentions. However, in this political climate, it can be perceived as something insignificant considering the numerous conflicts we are currently facing. The constitution is the supreme law of the land. It defines and limits the power of the government in order to guarantee the safety of the citizenry. Hence, it is important to undergird it, and protect it from the draconian intentions.

Kahimanawari

Ma. Ladeevie Tamonan

There are many unresolved conundrums in the country that require immediate attention, hence, they must direct the legislative branch to restructure its priorities.

Furthermore, considering their backgrounds and businesses, these people are more than capable of fending for themselves.”

“[B]efore (SC) transferred it (sa S.E.R.V.E.), na-check na nila lahat ng packages… [A]fter (the transfer), S.E.R.V.E…instantly (did the) final inventorying and… repacking of the goods…para maensure talaga na every package given (is still) good (for the) 30 plus families,”

Nevertheless, Gopez mentioned that the event was able to fulfill its purpose of creating a movement of students that is willing to take action in serving the needs of others.

“[S]obrang fulfilling nga talaga kapag nakita mo or nakausap mo ‘ yung mga families…(kasi nakikita)

mo ‘ yung smiles nila…(tapos) lagi silang nagsasabi ng ‘thank you’,” Gopez said.

Students’ Feedback

In correspondence to the twomonth delay, Glenda Abada (STM13) stated that the organizations should have immediately announced JUMP’s deferral.

“[N]agtataka ako bakit ‘di nila in-announce no’ng December na na-delay pala… [K]ung mag-aannounce sila, like a few weeks prior or at least two weeks prior sa kung kailan siya (gaganapin) kasi nga namamadalian kami,” Abada stressed.

Furthermore, Kyle Aeson Rosell (STM112) expressed disappointment upon learning that the delivery of the noche buena packages were delayed.

“I (was) worried how the families who were due to receive (the noche buena packages) would celebrate Christmas,” Rosell said.

On the other hand, Jamilla Aguilar (HMS14) saw the delay as an opportunity for SC and S.E.R.V.E. to prepare more for the event.

“I believe that (JUMP) was prepared thoroughly because we didn’t have any problems during the event and the time management was excellent,” Aguilar remarked.

DLSU-D SHS implements onsite GA

Aidan Española

With the increase of onsite class hours, DLSU-D Senior High School (SHS) has disclosed the return of onsite Gateway Assessments (GA) in the school’s curriculum.

According to HUMSS, ABM, and TVL-HE (HAT) Academic Coordinator Robbie Ann Jesser Eullo, the purpose of conducting onsite gateway assessments is to recalibrate the students to traditional assessments.

“[W]e noticed, especially for subjects like Math, Science, (and) Physics…mababa ‘yung (nakukuha ng mga estudyante) during…written exam dahil hindi na (sila) sanay na magtake ng pen and paper onsite exam na one take lang,” she emphasized.

In addition, DLSU-D SHS Principal Marlon Pareja stressed that the teacher decides whether to record the students’ best or latest score in online GAs as it is different on how it assesses the students’ skills.

“‘[P]ag best score kasi binibigyan

(pa ang mga) [students] ng pagkakataon to…try…(until they) get the best score…(while) ‘[y]ung latest naman is (kailangan muna nilang) pagisipan…(nang) mabuti kung ano ‘yung (kanilang isasagot),” he explained.

Students’ Feedback

In accordance with the implementation of onsite GAs, Jan Aura Denise Dulce (ABM14) favors the implementation of onsite GAs as she finds them more effective in the students’ learning than their online counterpart.

Kapag online…maraming possibility na mag-cheat ‘yung (mga) students…(kaysa sa mga onsite) (GAs na)…talagang nag-aaral ‘ yung (mga) students (beforehand),” she said.

DLSU-D SHS set sights on JHS return

Andrew Dela Plana

DLSU-D Senior High School (SHS) Principal Marlon Pareja revealed the possible return of Junior High School (JHS) program in the near future with the chance for a Grade School program in the discussion.

Pareja explained that the University has been receiving inquiries from parents regarding the said program and this the reason why the JHS would return.

“[H]indi pa naman definite if we’ll have the JHS next year. Second, (based) on the survey (we conducted), (we figured out na) pwede pala (since it garnered positive results regarding its return)” he stated.

In addition, he elaborated that the University must first establish the JHS before offering a Grade School program.

not be greatly affected by this decision since the initial plan is to launch a full online set-up for the JHS students.

“[M]agbabago ang [organizational] structure ng high school because (we will) have a JHS. So, mas tinitingnan ko siya (as a continuity) program from JHS to SHS. Hindi (mababago ang SHS because)... (it will) always be a preuniversity high school.” he remarked.

Moreover, Jessica Mae Dela Cruz (STM16) expressed her concern for having both kinds of GAs and suggested that the SHS should just conduct all GAs in one modality.

“(DLSU-D SHS needs)...to have that consistency (in giving GAs)...not (just having a)…mix of online and onsite,” she stressed.

Nonetheless, Adrien Dormiendo (STM21) shared that it depends on the student whether or not they will try harder in attaining a better grade upon taking the online GA.

“(Ang) pag-record ng latest submission (or)...best score…have its (own) pros and cons, and they benefit students in a certain type of way depending on kung saan sila mas matututo,” he emphasized.

CPAR Festival 2023 proceeds onsite

Charise Crisha Caramancion

DLSU-D Senior High School (SHS) Contemporary Philippine Arts from the Regions (CPAR) Festival Moderator Cyra Dime shared updates and details regarding the CPAR Festival 2023 to be held in May.

In an interview, Dime mentioned that the Festival will commence following a week-long onsite celebration in which the culminating activity will be held on May 3 from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm at Ugnayang La Salle (ULS).

“[B]ased…sa napag-usapan namin (na)...(we will release letters)… excusing (the Grade 12 students) (para) sa (CPAR Festival as the schedule will interfere with class hours),” Dime remarked.

Additionally, she shared that the Battle of the Bands is the highlight of the event and both the competition and awarding of winners will be conducted live.

“[A]ctual na mag-pe-perform ‘ yung mga banda na nakapasok for the elimination… [O]n the spot na (rin) pipili (‘yung mga judges) ng winners,” she said.

Furthermore, Dime informed that there will be designated rooms for

the three-day Art Gallery which will showcase the artworks that passed the elimination round and the one-day film showing.

“[T]he (committee is) still… finalizing the room (for the Art Gallery and then) the Short Film…(ay sa) Multi-purpose Hall,” she stated.

In addition, Dime disclosed that they will include the outputs of the finalists from the ABM and HUMSS strands, both of which first took the subject last semester.

“[L]ahat ng Grade 12 students, kahit na tapos na silang mag-take ng CPAR (ay kasali). So we’re just waiting for the STEM, ICT, and TVL (to be finalized,)” she revealed.

Students’ Feedback

Following the suspension of classes, Jazzy Gonzales (STM23) expressed the interruption that their preparations for their outputs encountered.

“[N]ahirapan lang (kami) sa

preparations (kasi) may delays dahil… sa (Jeepney) [S]trike (the deadline was moved on March 31)... [S]till… mahirap…siya (kasi) sasabay siya…sa exam week.” she expressed. Despite the worries regarding their performance for the Battle of the Bands, Peter Mharl Fred Cañero (ABM21) looks forward to the activities that will occur in the said event.

“At first, I felt the pressure to perform well since we participated in the Battle of the Bands…but it was actually a good idea to exhibit the best outputs and artworks of students to inspire and amaze everyone,” Cañero stated.

In addition, Paula Francisco (STM214) asserted enthusiasm for the upcoming onsite festival, particularly the Battle of the Bands competition.

“[M]as (magiging inspired) ‘yung mga students na ma-e-express ‘yung… artistic side nila.” she stated.

“[B]efore we set sights on really offering a (grade school we need to consider the JHS establishment kasi)…‘di rin natin alam Baka naman outside of DLSU-D (‘yung grade school, which could be) a separate school. [A]no tayo…one at a time,”

Pareja expressed.

Additionally, he emphasized that the SHS students will

LAKAS 2023 , from page 1

Furthermore, he clarified that these are all indefinite plans and the return of JHS program are still being studied to ensure its readiness once offered.

“I don’t think the school will (implement a program that will only be offered one time). Kaya (ang) tinitingnan natin (ay ang) long term (effects) once we implement it. We need to make sure that once we offer it, okay tayo,” Pareja stressed.

Consequently, Roble emphasized the role of the students’ participation and the number of participants’ effect on particular events.

“‘[P]arang we’ve seen the same faces… Kumbaga, parang ‘ yung… sumali sa volleyball s’ya rin ‘ yung kasali sa basketball… [T]here (is) so much room for everybody…kaso lang they…don’t want to [participate],” he elaborated.

In addition, DLSU-D Senior High School (SHS) Faculty member Michael Adam Evangelista raised his concerns regarding proper task distribution for the three-day event as it was still lacking.

“For example…isa lang ‘ yung teacher na in-charge d’on [sa event], so nahihirapan [sila] kung ano ba ‘ yung focus, kung ano ba yung babantayan So for me, dapat hindi lang isang… tao… ‘yung i-a-assign d’on,” he expressed.

Moreover, Evangelista added that the implementation of culture and arts was one of the strengths of the event as it highlighted and gave attention to the different skills and talents of students.

“[P]wede i-showcase (ng mga estudyante) yung…kakayahan nila… so marami (silang) option (na salihan),” he said.

Additionally, Students’ Extension of Resources through Voluntary Efforts (S.E.R.V.E.) Finance Officer Lexinne Angela Villanueva, S.E.R.V.E. had difficulties with time management, schedules, and preparation for the event.

“All the games and some activities were simultaneously occurring at once, which led to schedule conflicts for…players (who had other games and) were also players for the Palarong Pinoy,” she remarked.

Students’ Feedback

Following the closing of the LAKAS 2023 Sports and Culture Week, Pierre John Vetuz (STM111) praised the implementation of the events as their sport, darts, had no setbacks and followed its schedule.

“[S]a totoo (lang,) sa buong student life ko, ito (‘yung) best so far (sa akin) na [intramurals](kasi) napakalaki (n’yang) event (tapos ‘ yung) expected hype (ay na-reach talaga) so…napakasaya ng experience,” he emphasized.

However, Cassidy Dwayne Holt Garcia (STM29) stated that the event lacked scheduling and planning which led facilitators and coaches to take over.

“[T]he schedules…integrations of the…time and the…allocation of where a specific event is supposed to be, didn’t really have a sense of freedom for organizations to really explore,” he reasoned.

Moreover, Kathlene Dean Badana (HMS11) expressed her concerns regarding the schedules and organization of the event.

“Naging magulo ‘ yung practices and even the event itself… Talking about the (three-day) event, hindi siya (naging) flexible regarding the sports,” she observed.

Homage to Filipino Culture. House of Brother Arnould performs a Filipino folk dance known as Sarung Banggi, during the Indigenous Dance Competition at DLSU-D SHS Court on Jan. 26. Photo by Nicole Infante

Enchanting elixirs against egoistical enigmas

Inside the ancient witch’s hut, one might be mystified by the various concoctions, intricate amulets, and vintage trinkets. As antique magic proves its power, heroes of epic tales may often seek elixirs and potions for remedies. However, many still marvel upon the mainstream and modernity might have detached one from reality and authenticity. With the rising pursuit for relevance, a syndrome of self-centeredness has made itself prominent in one’s community. Alarmed by the lack of answers, word-of-mouth spreads throughout the land as the masses face this controversial conundrum.

With modernity creating a variety of platforms for expression, this mysterious conundrum makes its introduction. “Kapag sinabing ‘Main Character Syndrome’, (it’s) someone…na parang feeling nila sila ang center ng lahat ng bagay,” Humanities and Social Sciences faculty Michael Adam Evangelista explained.

Inside one’s fantasies

Figments of the mind reflect the depths and damages of one’s image. As one explores ethereal fantasies from within, their consciousness recognizes the energy emanating from other individuals; however, as they delve deeper into the layers of individuality, one shall remain cautious of being detached from authenticity.

“Being self-confident is something that people can be inspired (by)… you’re proud of yourself without making others feel low,” Jeon Abigail Yana (STM113) expressed. Different presentations of selfconfidence might create a variety of reactions for each person. Being cautious of one’s expression may prove to be useful when one is under the attention of many.

“You can’t have self-confidence without having narcissism, and (the) same goes with a narcissistic person—they can’t be narcissistic without being self-confident,” Jahri Emmanuel Aguilar (HMS21) stated. Spotting the differences between confidence and narcissism confines the expression of certain behavior.

Siguro ‘yung nag-se-separate lang sa isa’t isa, self-confidence is empowering, while narcissism [makes] you think you’re better than everyone else,” he explained.

Among hazy delusions

Falling deeper into a trance, rituals and amulets prove futile against the hazy delusions of the mind.

As vivid fantasies take over one’s consciousness, one is shackled to a different state of reality.

“Pwedeng innate or pwede din developed ang pagkakaroon ng [Main Character Syndrome],” Evangelista remarked. He recognizes how the lack of constructive criticism in the family contributes to the rise of Main Character Syndrome. “Palagi kang pi-ne-praise [ng family mo] pero hindi naman sinasabi kung ano ‘ yung negative [side mo] kasi anak ka[nila],” he reasoned.

Social media, trends, and other fruits of modernity might make people more vulnerable to being detached from authenticity. When lavish lifestyles and recent fads affect people’s tendency to present and express themselves, some may be pressured to follow and fit in with the times. “Kung hindi ka fit doon sa mga ginagawa ng mga tao, parang hindi ka nakaka-angat.” Evangelista stated.

Various personalities emerge from electronic platforms for everyone to marvel. However, the desire for relevance affects how each person interacts with one another. “Kaya may mga nag-so-social climbing; ‘yung eagerness nila maging superior [sa iba] lumalabas,” he asserted.

Concocting remedies

In the pursuit of finding a cure for these delusions, brewing potions create hope for those affected. Having the potency to fight against maladies of the mind,

person’s wrongdoing immediately,” said Yana. She explains that narcissistic tendencies are confronted when the proper circumstances arise. “‘Yung immediately parang hahanap din ng right time na masasabihan mo siya nang maayos,” she clarified. Considering the fragility of pride, the appropriate manner of addressing such behavior might be a wise decision for one.

“Ngayon, mayroon tayong ‘call out’ culture at ‘cancel’ culture,” Evangelista pointed out. “Napapansin ko ang ginagawa ng mga tao, ki-nocall out nila instead na ki-na-cancel nila,” he added. Through addressing the self-centeredness of an individual, the choice may finally be up to them: to improve oneself or to stay inside one’s own fantasy.

Sacred circle of salt

seen at the surface level. “A selfconfident person would be there for their friends, but a narcissistic person (would) expect others to show up for them without giving [the same energy back].” For Aguilar, meaningful relationships should be rooted in healthy intrapersonal and interpersonal communication. Through grasping one’s selfconsciousness, one may create long lasting friendships.

“I’m more of a listener… kaya naanalyze ko ‘yung mga sinasabi ng mga tao,” Yana shared. Knowing when to listen and when to speak may provide opportunities for more productive interactions. One gains the ability to avoid toxicity and negativity by fostering an open mind in handling one’s relationships.

***

elixirs must be handled properly. With the right combination of ingredients, the malady may finally be resolved—through the concoction’s embrace, people may finally awaken from the trance.

“When you hear something insensitive…it’s fine to address that

Diminishing the odds of being harmed, one summons a sacred circle of salt. As they tread upon it, the boundaries of the ritual takes effect. One steps out of bounds to confront the syndrome unfazed by hazy delusions. Full of enlightenment and protection, the noble approach conquers the inner delusions of the mind.

“I usually pay attention to demeanor,” said Aguilar. When one seeks friendship and connection, people may pay attention to qualities

“Narcissistic people choose to be narcissistic [on] purpose,” said Aguilar. One could always make the crucial decision between two extremes: to stay inside the illusion or to face the pure reality. Although delusions remain prominent among the current generation, one’s consciousness holds the self accountable and grounded. Cured by the elixir of truth, the community is freed from the shackles of illusion—the ego is controlled and the enigma becomes a figure of one’s past.

Words by Mattheo Gabriel Neala

Photo by Anika Jordan Muñoz

You can’t have selfconfidence without having narcissism, and (the) same goes with a narcissistic person—they can’t be narcissistic without being selfconfident,”

Susi sa apoy ng kamangmangan

Mga salita ni Andrew Dela Plana at Alexie Jeanne Masangkay

Puno ng usok ang paligid mula sa apoy ng panlilinlang na lumamon sa dating ligtas na tahanan. Habang lumalagablab ang liyab ng misteryosong apoy, kumaripas ng takbo patungong pintuan ang babaeng binubulag ng abo. Ngunit, sa pagmamadali niyang makalayo sa init nito, huli na nang maalalang nakakandado ang mga tanikala sa pintuan. Kinakailangan na niyang makahanap agad ng paraan upang makatakas sa nagliliyab na kapalaran— isang susi na makakapagbigay kalayaan mula sa apoy ng kamangmangan.

Ayon kay Angelo Fajardo, isang guro mula sa Humanities and Social Sciences faculty, maaaring maging susi ng kamalayan ang mga pelikula at iba’t ibang media dahil nagbibigay ito ng kabatiran sa mga manonood. “Nakikita (kasi sa) film and media kung ano ang mga nangyayari sa lipunan (sa simple) o komplikadong aspekto man,” paliwanag niya.

Gapang ng mainit na pag-alab

Unti-unting kumakalat palapit sa babae ang matinding siklab ng apoy. Upang makatakas tungo sa mapayapang kinabukasan, kailangan niyang harapin ang nagliliyab na nakaraan upang hindi basta-basta mawala ang susi sa kamalayan.

Ipinaliwanag ni Fajardo kung paano gumagamit ang pelikula, at iba pang media, ng mga paraang masasabing tulay para ipahatid ang mga isyu sa totoong buhay. “[Movies and media] have the power to encourage a positive impact on the people with certain issues, however (they also have) the power to alter the (said) issues,” paliwanag ni Fajardo.

Upang magbanggit ng halimbawa, idinagdag ni Fajardo ang isyu ng pag-iral ng mga spliced videos, na kalimitang ginagawa upang linlangin ang mga manonood. “[N]owadays, (there are) ‘spliced videos’ in the (media); pwede ka maniwala kasi right away despite (the lack of context) sa video,” sabi niya.

Pagharap sa matinding liyab Nagdadalawang isip, buong lakas hinarap ng babae ang init na kanyang tinalikuran. Nagmamadali at kinakabahan, sinimulan niyang hanapin ang susing magbubukas sa pintuang nakakandado. Nasa kanyang kamay na lamang kung paano niya lulunukin ang matinik na katotohanang dala ng kahapon.

Para kay Edrich Esguerra (STM17), isa sa mga sakit ng lipunan na kinakailangang ipabatid sa nakararami, ang panghuhusga nang hindi inaalam ang kabuuan ng kwento.

“It’s all about perspective because not everyone can understand each other,” paglalahad niya. Idinagdag din niya na may mga pagkakataong hindi nabibigyang pansin ang mga biktima dahil sa pagmamanipula ng ibang tao. “(Manipulating others to victimize oneself) doesn’t give justice to those who are actually affected,” saad ni Esguerra.

Batay naman sa mga salita ni Ezekielle Chavez (HMS25), maaring

magbago ang pananaw ng isang tao sa mga pangyayari ng ating kasaysayan na pinipilit baguhin dahil sa pag-unlad ng teknolohiya.

“There (is) a lot of history [distortion] that (is) happening, especially nowadays since television and (other media) are (evolving).” Ipinaliwanag ni Chavez ang kapangyarihan ng mga pelikula sa mga tao. “Movies are being used as weapons to change one’s perspective,” aniya.

Pagtakas sa siklab ng apoy Nang mahanap ang susi, nagmadaling binuksan ng babae ang kandadong pumipigil sa kanya upang makawala sa kapit ng init. Sa pagbukas niya sa pintuan ng kinabukasan, dali-dali siyang tumakbo palabas ng kanyang dating ligtas na santuwaryo. Ipinaliwanag ni Fajardo sa mga taong naghahanap ng mga magagawang paraan para maipabatid sa mga taong pilit tumatalikod at iwasan sa mga

Whenlightning strikes

Words by Arianna Parani Art by Liam Nico Sullivan

As a traveler tries to navigate their way across the difficult path, they encounter inescapable hurdles—enough to make one cower and turn back, but they find it is impossible. Looking forward, they see that the only path is to further venture the gray and unfamiliar direction ahead. Along the way, the traveler begins to recognize the downpour of rain gradually becoming heavier on their back—traces of their steps beginning to fade; the distance they’ve yet to elapse with no end in sight.

First signs of the storm

As the sky begins to darken, unknown weather starts to form. One reaches their palm upwards and waits for the storm to approach— unaware of what it may bring and the consequences that may follow.

Eliza Japzon (STM110) shared her perception of the future through an innocent lens. “I thought adulthood meant (that)... adults (would) have free time, but [no], apparently not.” Growing up, she learned that the grown up life is not what she expected it to be. “I have to be responsible… Now as an 18 year old, I’ll have to be the one to guide people.” Japzon explained.

When young ideals get washed away, a new wave of realizations enter one’s head, of what it is like to come of age. “[A]s we grow up, (we) realize that there (are) a lot more responsibilities [that we would have],” Dwyane

Mitchel Vasallaje (STM12) answered when asked about adulthood. “I (thought I could) do all the things that I wanted to do, but that wasn’t true.” He explained that growing up has made him realize that the world has limits, and that not everything in life always goes one’s way.

When raindrops begin to fall

As the rain begins its descent upon the land, the traveler learns to adapt with the weather as one learns to accept that the coming of the storm is inevitable. For Vasallaje, understanding the challenges he is bound to encounter helped him to adjust with this new phase of life. I know [being an adult] will (have its struggles), but I still want to have fun.”

isyung panlipunan. “Nowadays, we are embracing that kind of trend to somehow deliver these kinds of issues to people kasi merong mga taong (who) tend to avoid social issues especially (pagdating sa) news,” giit niya.

Hakbang papuntang kinabukasan Nang siya ay nakalabas, nakakapanibago mundong ang kanyang natuklasan, sapagkat nasanay na ang babae sa dilim at init ng kanyang pinanggalingan. Sa wakas siya ay nakakahinga, at naninibago sa mga unang hakbang sa maliwanag na kinabukasan.

Idinagdag ni Fajardo ang maaaring hakbang na makakatulong sa pagharap sa mga isyung panlipunan. “You are that platform para ma-share natin ‘tong social issues na meron tayo,” sabi niya. “Let us invite these people na makita nila (kung) ano ‘yung importance nila d’un sa isyu na ‘yun,” aniya. Ipinarating naman ni Chavez ang kahalagahan ng wastong paggamit ng media, dahil ito ay posibleng magresulta sa ‘fake news.’ “Media is a double-edged sword for everyone, and it really depends on the person who is using and posting it from there on,” pahayag niya. Para sa kanya, maaari ding maging sanhi ng iba’t ibang interpretasyon tungkol sa mga isyung panlipunan at depinisyon ng mga bagay sa mga paligid nila, kaya kinakailangang maging responsable sa pag-post ***

Nakalabas at nakatapak na muli ang babae sa maliwanag at malawak na kinabukasan kung saan malaya siya mula sa banta ng pagkasunog. Hawak ang susi sa kamay, kanyang tatandaan ang paraan upang makatakas sa lumiliyab na apoy. “[T]he best thing to do is to spread the right information to people,” sabi ni Chavez. “It is the least we can do to help the society.” Sa pagtutuloy ng paghawak sa susi ng kamalayan, dahan-dahan ding mamamatay ang apoy ng kamangmangan.

Over the course of his teenage years, he had learned to keep up with the continuous downpour of responsibilities that never failed to cease as he grew older. “I have learned that I need to enjoy every moment of

Amidst the rainfall, one may find nostalgia through the pond it creates—a collection of memoirs that was once washed away. “It’s afternoon and you’re just lounging around with something on the TV. Me and my brother would be sleeping [as this happens],” Japzon recalled warm memories of her childhood before the first strike of reality hit.

The cold rain continues to pour— enough to make one shiver, but therein lies that ever present warmth within that will never fade away. As Vasallaje explains, “My inner child will still be inside me no matter how mentally (mature) I am.”

As lightning lights up the sky

Though quiet with only the rain to fill the silence, the presence of thunderclouds unveils as a dark gray overhead—turning the skies alight as lightning pierces through, striking down targets at random.

Vasallaje reacted to the sudden strike of adulthood with mixed feelings. “It honestly feels bittersweet,” he began.

“I am very happy to be getting started in my adulthood, but… it is also a bit scary because of what might happen in the future.”

Thereafter, the storm reaches its climax. Japzon began to realize many things that had changed in her life revealed by the hints around her, “I stopped wanting toys and [began to] wish for cooking utensils or clothes.”

For Japzon, this sudden change of desires marked the new beginning of her journey into adulthood. Slowly, they begin to notice how their circumstances have changed and how much they have grown.

Soon as the rainbows emerge

Despite the heavy downpour of rain and the loud crashes of thunder, the traveler recognizes the glimpse of sunlight. Soon, the sun will peek through the apertures of the gray clouds, erasing vestiges of those dark skies and bringing forth a prism of color. Japzon idealized the near future with a dream—marking a goal within her reach. “I want to live [life as an adult] with less worries [and] be more confident.”

As the atmosphere slowly becomes tranquil and the bolts fade away, Vasallaje continues to venture the

path ahead by looking at things from a brighter angle. “I just have to comply and do all these things that are necessary for me to be at a point where the responsibilities (don’t) seem like a burden anymore.”

***

The storm has passed, still the voyage carries on. The rain may have made the traveler shiver throughout their journey, but sunlight will soon come to bring them warmth. “I wish to start my adulthood with the help of the people surrounding me,” Vasallaje reassured. “I know I can trust them enough to know that they will always guide me (to) the right direction.” Although the rain may come back one day, the traveler will keep on navigating their way. For they know the sun will always be there after.

“[T]he best thing to do is to spread the right information to people. It is the least we can do to help the society.”

My inner child will still be inside me no matter how mentally (mature) I am.”

“

my life [as I grow older], and [that] I should always try to take care of my mental health.” Vasallaje added.

THESIS DEFENSE DAY

Levi and his groupmates are about to defend their proposed research! Help them prepare for this and find seven differences from the two.

Answers:

by Nika Charmee Dugay

DAYDREAM by Sophia Nicole Guadamor

IN MY DREAMS by Aya Ahmad

IDLIP by John Benedict Varon

UWIAN by Sean Jacob Altoveros

SCHOOL AIR NGA BA? by Jana Allyson Añora

LOVE’S SENTIMENTS by Jessie Gabrielle Peralta

Zeal for Service

The embodiment of being a Lasallian is not just about acquiring knowledge and skills, but also the ability to serve others. Our zeal for service, especially towards the impoverished and marginalized, shows the essence of being a Lasallian. It is one of the core values which enables us to bring awareness to societal issues and connect with the underprivileged. Moreover, this allows us to contribute for a greater good and transform people’s lives. Despite everyone’s differences, our desire to be of service unites us together without the expectation of receiving anything in return. Through serving our community, we become catalysts of change and motivators in engaging the innovation of the society.

Nicole Infante, Almira Isabel Aguila, Jean Carla Villano Juliana Ellice Polancos

Photojournalists: Layout artist:

Kubling Kudlit: Ang Pagsambit

Sa paulit-ulit na paglubog at pagsikat ng araw, likas na nawawalay sa alaala ng tao ang ilan sa mga araling kanilang napulot noon. Ngunit tila mayroong mga salita na liban sa katotohanang ito. Mayroong isang kasabihan na minsan ko nang narinig. Dumapo ito sa aking isipan at hindi na naglaho kailanman. Ayon dito, nakararanas ang bawat nilalang ng dalawang uri ng kamatayan: Una, iyong pagkalagot ng hininga— ang paghinto ng pagdaloy ng dugo; Pangalawa, ang huling pagsambit sa kanilang pangalan.

“Martha!” Sigaw ng matatalik kong mga kaibigan habang tumatakbo sila papunta sa akin, hawak ang mga cellphone at hindi mapakali sa kung ano man ang kanilang ibabalita. Ilang segundo ang lumipas bago ako napatigil sa paglalakad at napalingon pabalik sa kanila, matagal bago ko napagtanto na ako nga pala si Martha. Dahan-dahan kong ipinuwesto ang palad sa dibdib, nagsisikap na maramdaman kung handa pa akong makisalamuha sa ganoong ngalan.

Dugdug. Dugdug. Ang tumitibok na puso ang nagpapadaloy ng dugo na siyang nagpapahiwatig ng buhay at kung nakukuha ko pa ring magbuntong-hininga, nararapat pa ring tumugon sa pangalang isinambit nila. Gayunpaman, kung hindi ko na ramdam na akin ang pangalang iyon, hindi ba’t para na rin akong pumanaw ayon sa kasabihan?

Isang bersyon ng sarili na mahaba ang buhok, malumanay ang kilos, mahinahon ang boses, at nakasuot ng bestida ang dumarako sa aking isipan sa tuwing nasasagap ang dalawang pantig na iyon. Hindi ko magawang pigilan ang panginginig sa aking gulugod. Kailanman, hindi ko kinagisnan ang mga katangiang ito na bahagi ng aking pagkatao, ipamungkahi man ito ng mga nakatatanda sa akin.

Ngayon, sa gitna ng kalyeng pabalik sa tahanan, doon ko iyon unang naranasan. Sa pagmulat ng aking mga mata, tanaw ko ang munting hardin. Ramdam ko ang damo sa daliri, amoy ko ang simoy ng tag-ulan, at rinig ko ang mga ibon na dumaraan sa gitna ng mga sanga ng puno. Sa pagkakataong ito liban sa kompanya ng kapwa na mayroong kakayahan na husgahan ang aking mga kilos ayon sa panlabas na anyo, lasap ko ang

kalayaan at napakadaling limutin ng pagdududa.

Malapit sa akin ang tamis ng kaaya-aya at buong kalayaan sapagkat dati na akong binisita nito. Tanda ko ang aking pagtapik sa mga braso ng aking mga magulang, pati na rin ang pagturo ko sa isang batang babae na nagdiriwang ng kanyang kaarawan. Nasungkit ng kanyang kumikinang na bestidang kulay rosas ang aking atensyon at ang dyamanteng korona na nakaupo sa tuktok ng kanyang ulo. Nagtipon ang lahat ng mga bahagi ng kanyang pananamit upang magpinta ng larawan ng isang reyna na pinapaligiran ng kumikintab niyang kayamanan.

Naaalala ko pa ang ngiti ng aking ina noong kanyang nasilayan ang simuno ng aking atensyon, saka niya tinanong, “Gusto mo ba, ganyan ka rin sa birthday mo?” Mabilis ang ginawa kong pagtanggi doon, kung kaya’t nakaranas ako ng kaarawan kung saan simple lamang ang kasuotan. Mas gugustuhin ko na iyon kaysa sa pananamit na lumolobo pagdating sa binti. Akala lamang nila na inibig ko ang pagiging simple. Hindi ko pa nasasabing naguugat ito sa aking lumalamang na kagustuhan na pumasok sa silid ng selebrasyon habang nakaBarong Tagalog.

Sa tuwing pinapayagan ako ni ama na suotin ang kanyang necktie, kulang na lang na lumipad ako sa galak. Minsan, sa braso ng ama at habang nagbubuhat ng mga kahon, pabiro pa niya akong tatawaging Mario. Sisimangot ang ina na nakaabang sa malapit, at tatawa ang ama na parang dulang komedya ang aming buhay at magsasailalim muna ng pagsasanay ang bawat yugto nito.

Kailan ko kaya makukuhang masabi sa kanya na ang mga segundong iyon sa kanyang balikat ang nagpakilala sa akin ng tunay na kalayaan?

Tumayo ako at nagpagpag ng binti, takam sa higit pang mga tanawing matutunton kung aking itutuloy ang paglalakbay. Ngunit pilit akong hinihila pabalik sa reyalidad. Nagmulat muli ang aking mga mata sa daan pabalik sa aming tahanan, at naroon ang mga kaibigang

diretsong nakatitig sa aking mga mata at nakaabang. Sa kagustuhang itago ang aking pagkanerbyos, napahimas ang palad ko sa batok at nagkunwaring natatawa.

“Nagmumuni-muni ka na naman ba sa gitna ng kalye?” Pabirong tanong ng isa, at napatawa silang lahat. Ipinagdasal ko na lamang na kapanipaniwala ang aking reaksyon sapagkat wala pa rin ang aking isip sa reyalidad. Magbalik man ako sa paraisong nadatnan, pakiramdam kong ito ang aking masisilayan: isang kubo sa likod ng makapal na katawan ng mga rosas.

Tunog ng langitngit ng pintuang kahoy ang aking narinig, magkakasunod na parang kidlat

at dumadagundong na parang kulog at tila mayroong kumakatok mula sa labas. Hindi ko mapigilan ang aking katawan sa pagsagot. Palapit nang palapit ang puwersang animo bagyo, at nagtatangkang puksain ang berdeng kapayapaan ng paligid.

Hindi ko pa kakayaning makipagdigmaan sa sarili—ako na espiritung naghihingalo sa paulitulit na sigaw ng Martha at binabawian ng gana sa tuwing hahatiin ang klase ayon sa kasarian. Ngunit mayroong isang tanong na alam kong nais kong talakayin.

Kung hindi ko matiyak ang blankong kambas—ang tabula rasa na minsan nang tinawag bilang ‘ako,’ masasabi ko bang tunay nga akong nabubuhay?

Do Not

Cadaver

A body hit the loam

Its assailant long fled Heart left alone; rooted

As death asserted its will

Trees grew further

And fathers grew old

Evergreen was its bark

But its bite will never return

Resurrection

Despite the desire

To remain in solitude

The warmth of solidarity

Enticed his shattered soul

No longer a puppet

Created from splinters

Tinted by old, faded varnish Tarnished; a pendulum of pain

Mga Salita ni Lois Lu Dinubho ni Jaquelyn Guevara

Madonna without child

Words by Kurt Brandon Bautista

Art by Katherine Llarena

A sweet caress for a child so innocent. Gentle, so as not to wake her from slumber “Will this be the last time?”

A scene of a mother and child.

Forced by the ruthless hands of fate to protect one from this world of danger, mother shall be a stranger to her very own daughter.

The humble compound and chapel even with the laughter of its children heard, brings naught but chills and anxiety; for one knows what she will lose here.

The mother steps, daughter in arms, soles grinding against the stone floor. The pounding of her heart syncs with the gnashing of her teeth.

A chance look at the walls around her, something catches her sullen eyes; painting of Madonna and the Child–she lets out a strained, painful sigh. She draws nearer and nearer, “How could this have happened?” Approaching yet slower and “This is the best for her.”

And when daylight breaks tomorrow, the mother will be childless.

A child with new futures ahead, all yet motherless.

A love so strong that it sees the need to abandon, to give away what is most precious and dear, despite all hesitations, pain, and fears.

Tranquil symphony of confinement

2018

I’ve always wondered what happened to the rocks I threw into the water at the beach.”

This thought ran through my mind as I buried my hand in the sand to retrieve a smooth stone carved with the letters: SOS.

“Sauce? What a strange thing to write,” I murmured. Kneeling in the sand, I forced myself to stand straight up as my feet dug into the damp ground. I laughed as I threw the stone and counted to set my new record. I scanned the horizon, keeping an eye on the stone skidding above water. I closed my eyes and channeled the motions of the waters, each splash of the sea resonates the moment it goes farther.

“Woah! That’s a new record!” I squealed. As the rays of the summer sun basked my skin, I hummed to the beat of the waves hitting the hulls of the rickety broken down boat by the shore.

HONK! I shifted my gaze toward the approaching tinted sedan. Along the asphalt, a colony of black antique ants was marching. The rubber tires of the sedan hit a stone and launched it to the line, ants scurried aside. The vehicle came to a halt. Its window rolled down, revealing my parents.

“Are you ready to go?” My mother asked as I cast a sidelong glance.

“How about an ice cream when we get home?” My father lowered his gaze to check the rearview mirror, raising his eyebrows at me.

Quickly, I sat behind the passenger’s seat. Suddenly, I felt at ease as if the tranquil sea waves were lulling me to sleep. As my train of thought faded into the terrain of slumber, I only remembered the radio playing a classical song. It was either Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata or Bach’s Prelude in C major. Every minute or so, the fragrance of Mom’s aura lingered as a sweet scent you can almost taste. A whiff of the scent caused me to glance at her, yet I could only see blurry white light from her phone.

“Just close your eyes, honey. We’ll be home soon,” she promised. The coalescence of

Words by Bianca Jan Sibayan

cascading lights and rapid ambiance fills the voids left by the languor. Warm air embraces me, almost as if I’m at home.

Drifting to sleep, I entered into a state of dream. Waves carry me afloat in this seamless ocean under a thousand skies. From afar, a tune formed a recurrent rhythm. The strident tone came from behind me, making me lose my balance and sink into the fathomless waters. All at once, my eyes shot open to the ringing sirens outside. At the corner of my eye, I saw flashing crimson lights.

Oh no

I toppled over the matting and knocked over the kitchen chairs as I ran through the darkness to find my parents, which were illuminated by maroon lights. Tiny rocks thrown by neighbors shattered the windows. Adrenaline flushed over me as I dodged each rock that perforated the walls. When I arrived at the back door, my parents were packing our belongings and preparing to leave.

Dad carefully swung open the door, revealing blinding flashing lights. Our neighbors were dressed in royal blue clothing. Mom looked into my eyes and kneeled. With her left arm, she locked me into an embrace.

“Honey, I’m doing this because I love you.” She cradled the words in a honeyed tone.

“Drop your weapons!” Dad gestured and groaned at the neighbors belligerently. After the neighbors quietly laid down their weapons on the concrete floor, they slowly raised their hands to the sky. Mom dragged me out to the car while Dad followed us, carrying our luggage.

Suddenly, I heard an ear-splitting sound. A tiny rock pierced my mom’s shoulder, leaking scarlet liquid on my shirt. Mom prostrated on the frigid concrete. As I held her, crystal-clear liquid trickled down my face from the horror I had just seen. Dad’s eyes were clouded with despair. He, too, was struck on the shoulder and collapsed to the ground.

I wanted to flee from the scene but my knees seemed to be trembling, and my feet

couldn’t move almost as if they were glued to the concrete floor. The neighbors, on the other hand, shackled them. As they were still bleeding, two neighbors picked them up and placed them inside the car. Two of our other neighbors held me captive while I couldn’t do anything else other than lash in anguish and grind my teeth.

2019, present

Within this enclosed chamber furnished with a hanging light bulb, two chairs, and a desk, I remain in solitude. Taking out my earphones, drowning out the white noise outside the enclosed space. I choose a tropical tune that always puts me at ease. As I close my eyes, I see the soothing waves of the sea palpitating at a steady and calm pace. A cool breeze sweeps, hushing the turmoil outdoors.

The creak of the door startles me. A lady in blue slacks and a white-cuffed shirt enters the quiet room. A silver badge adorns her right collar. She grins at me and motions for me to remove my earphones.

“Hello, Elysion. I hope you’re well. I’m Agatha from the Child Protection Center,” she said and extended her hand which I only looked at like it was a foreign thing. She withdraws her hand and begins to write notes, clearing her throat.

“Could you tell us what happened that night?” She queries in a concerted manner. It then becomes evident that this conversation is happening for the sake of tarnishing their reputation again. I need to brace myself. This is going to take a while.

“They took my family, knocked them to the ground, and seized them,” I stated as my eyes pierces through the notebook coldly. Such people like Agatha would be seeking my vulnerability to take advantage of it. I just need to keep up this act. At this point, I don’t know who to trust anymore.

“Did they ever hurt you?” She asks warmly. Her gaze softens as she places the pen at the

side of her blue notebook. Momentarily, her palm hovers on top of my hand resting on the hardwood table. Although, I retreated my hand away from hers.

“No, they never did.” I winced, massaging my head. Like shattered glass fragments, events of that night flooded ever so suddenly.

Instantaneously, a metallic scent fills the cramped room. Cemented tiles lifted across the room, and they all began to spin in unison. From a confined interview room, my surroundings suddenly changed as if I had teleported. The ground is damp and trampled grass envelopes the soil, the splashes of crimson paint covering my hands. A chill went down my spine as the wind lifted the blanket of fog. Two bodies lie on the loam, one face upward and the other face down. Despite my efforts, they seem to move further away. A throbbing pain engulfs the entirety of my head and my vision began to double as a voice called out my name in the distance.

“Elysion! Elysion! Are you alright?”

Simultaneously, the silhouette of a woman forms in front of me. It was Agatha that caught me before I reached the cemented floor.

“Do you want to go to the clinic?” Agatha tried to assist me in gaining my balance, but I shoved her away. Gripping the hardwood table, I gather the strength to stand up.

Briefly, I recall the last time I visited the beach. I wonder what became of the rocks I’d thrown into the water. I just want to sit by the beach where serene sea waves would tickle my feet. I want to escape this trap.

“It was a difficult experience, but we’ll be here to support you,” she said, taking my hand in hers, which I tried to shake. I withdrew my hand and turned my back against her. It was a fleeting moment in time, and echoes of that one night linger in a separate corner of my mind, by which a box lies unopened.

Akin to the rocks I threw, I sit at the bottom of the water remaining in the sand where I am. Eventually, I’d be free like the waves in a symphony of tranquility.

Miguel, Solomon clash in LAKAS 2023 Basketball Finals

Franchesca De Guzman

House of Br. Miguel’s boys basketball team won 56-50 in the LAKAS 2023 finals against House of Br. Solomon while House of Br. Mutien-Marie won 29-26 against House of Br. Miguel in the basketball girls championship on Jan. 27 at DLSU-D Ugnayang La Salle (ULS).

House of Br. Solomon Basketball

Boys Coach Bench Yap said that they could have won the championship had their team maintained their composure throughout the game.

“[K]aya sana nila mag-champion kung hindi lang sila na-rattle,” he stated.

Regardless of the difficulties faced by the House of Br. Miguel, Yap was still proud of his players and the efforts they put into the game.

“[P]ero ang masasabi ko sa…players ko…[ay] talagang…competitive (silang) mag-laro and masipag din silang mag-training kaya sila nakarating sa point na ‘yun (in the finals),” he added.

On the other hand, House of Br. Miguel Basketball Boys Coach Kirby Fabros complemented House of Br. Solomon for their teamwork which their team lacked.

“[M]agaling ‘yung Solomon. Saludo…sa kanila kasi may teamwork sila, ‘yun ‘yung wala sa’min; ang nangyari kasi sa’min parang lahat marunong mag-score…(pero) parang nag-aagawan (na) sa bola,” he stated. Nonetheless, Fabros was grateful for the team’s victory as they trained

hard for what they had earned.

“[S]yempre…masaya po…unanguna (we thanked The) Lord para sa panalo…[s]yempre hindi rin madali ‘yung training na ginawa (ng) team kahit na gan’un ‘yung napagdaanan,” he said.

While on another basketball court, House of Br. Miguel Basketball

Coach Alliyah Nadres of Miguel says that they can join the basketball girls varsity team with the performance they showed in the game.

“[T]hey’re very passionate with… playing basketball and sobrang determined nila maglaro…[W]e just want them to enjoy the game,” they said. “[K]ung kukunin namin sila sa basketball…varsity… pwedeng-pwede namin sila isali,” she added.

Nadres also complimented House of Br. Mutien-Marie’s basketball girls, saying that their players had commendable stamina for playing both in the volleyball and basketball championships.

“[M]agaling (ang) [Mutien-Marie basketball girls]…knowing na naglalaro sila sa championship ng

volleyball and…basketball, grabe ‘yung stamina nila,” she commented.

House of Br. Mutien-Marie Basketball Girls Coach Pia Romagos said that the championship game between House of Br. Miguel and House of Br. Mutien-Marie put them on edge as both teams were on fire with passion throughout the game.

“[M]asasabi ko sa Miguel (na) they really (put up a)…great fight with us kasi…watching them…Parang mararamdaman mo sa sigaw ng mga audience din ‘yung frustration (and suspense)” she said.

As the games concluded, DLSU-D SHS Sports Coordinator Donnie Roble said that there was no declared Most Valuable Player (MVP) as everyone performed well.

“Wala naman in particular na notable player kasi everybody performed and did their best so all players naman (did a satisfactory performance), especially those who joined the games…(they) showed remarkable…(character) in terms of sportsmanship, initiative… and…hard work,” he said.

QAS spoils Patriots’ comeback match in SLCUAA Season 23

Lilah Mikaela Paredes

The DLSU-D Patriots fell at the hands of Queen Anne School (QAS) Sentries in the opening match of the Southern Luzon Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (SLCUAA) on Dec. 10 at QAS in Santa Rosa, Laguna.

The game opened strong with the Patriots being up by three in the last three minutes of the first quarter. However, QAS rebutted with an 11-2 run to close the first quarter with:

QAS 20, DLSU-D 13.

In the second quarter, DLSU-D managed to cut the lead into three, courtesy of Christopher Allan Santiago and Ricardo Cesar Rallos. Yet, the game headed towards a different direction after the Patriots only scored 9 points against QAS’ 23 points in the remaining minutes of the second quarter, ending the first half with a score of: QAS 49, DLSU-D 30.

In the last half of the game, the Sentries continued their dominance over the Patriots, and gave them a tough time in the third quarter: QAS 28, DLSU-D 6.

DLSU-D tried to close the gap in the fourth quarter and tallied: QAS 21, DLSU-D 19, thanks to Paul Rafaelo Buan and Rallos’ efforts. The game closed at: QAS 96, DLSU-D 57 in favor of QAS.

As per DLSU-D Patriots Head Coach Tito Reyes, time constricted practices and preparations were among the things accountable for their loss, following their defeat to QAS.

“[A]ng training kasi namin twice a week lang… Hindi pa ‘yon [regular]. Minsan may event kaya [we are lacking in training],” Reyes remarked.

The prolonged period of no tournaments and new set of players also added to the factors of his team’s loss, as said by Reyes. “[S]yempre first game, ‘yung mga bata kumbaga…

DLSU-D Faculty, Varsities, naglaban sa exhibition games ng LAKAS 2023

Matapos ang mga labanan ng iba’t ibang koponan ng mga houses, sumunod ang exhibition game kung saan nagkalaban ang mga guro at mga atleta bago magsimula ang awarding ceremony

“[H]indi naman talaga siya super competitive in it’s sense for entertainment lang,” ani ni DLSU-D Senior High School (SHS) Sports Coordinator Donnie Roble.

Naunang idinaos ang volleyball at naging dikit ang laban ng dalawang koponan. Sa huli, nagwagi ang grupo ng mga guro na pinangunahan ni SHS Faculty member Michael Adam Evangelista. Kahit kaunting oras lamang ang naibigay para sa kanilang

pagsasanay, nagawa pa rin nilang manaig kontra sa mga atleta.

“[A]side from ‘yung usual warm up and training, wala namang mabigat na preparation so…kasi may mga training naman [ang varsity] regularly Pagdating naman doon sa faculty, wala din naman. May k’onting training lang sila after work,” paliwanag ni Roble.

Sa kabilang dako, hindi nagawang matapos ang laro ng basketball dahil hindi naging sapat ang kanilang oras sa paglalaro. Sumang-ayon naman ang lahat na hindi na ipagpatuloy ang laro at tapusin na lamang nang tabla ang iskor, 60-60.

Ayon kay Roble, hindi posible ang pagkakaroon ng overtime kahit natapos itong walang idineklarang panalo dahil may oras na hinahabol para sa closing event ng LAKAS 2023.

There’s no provision for overtime kasi we were working on a schedule. So definitely, wala talagang overtime regardless of the winner, whether it’s (a) tie,” pahayag ni Roble.

Sa pagtatapos ng exhibition games, masayang inihayag ni Roble na matagumpay ang pagsagawa ng liga.

“[The exhibition games] was successful,” sambit niya.

kabado… So, hindi agad nakapagadjust sa depensa ng kalaban,” he said. In terms of their strategies for their following games, Reyes said that the one thing his players need to improve most is their courage. “‘[Y]ung tapang ba sa paglalaro na hindi sila matakot dun sa kahit malakas o mahina yung kalaban,” Reyes explained.

Ronquillo on the other hand mentioned their need to focus on their coach’s plays and how chemistry and bond plays a key role to their matches. “

Kailangan namin mag-focus sa mga play na nagawa samin, or naturo samin ni coach… Para in the… the following games, nandun pa rin ‘yung strength.” Ronquillo remarked. QAS’ victory was by a huge margin. When asked in what way they were challenged most by their opponent, Reyes replied, “‘[Y]ung pressure (and) defense nila tapos, ‘yung running game pagdating sa opensa. Takbuhan sila nang takbuhan…talagang na-expose kami na mas less ‘yung conditioning namin (kaysa) kanila.

As they eye a promising return on their next action, Ronquillo commits to improve and use their learnings from this game to bounce back stronger in the next game.

“[I] know hindi lang ako ‘yung natuto sa game na to. Alam ko ‘yung buong team namin is natuto sa (mga) pagkakamali…na nagawa namin so mag-re-reflect kami and babalik kami para sa next game,” Ronquillo affirmed.

DLSU-D Senior High School (SHS) Men’s Basketball Team competes against the DLSU-D SHS Faculty and Staff in an exhibition game at Ugnayang La Salle (ULS) on Jan. 27. Photo by Kaisha Keith Perez.

Chastain Jinel Raz and Lambert Franco Inocencio Ginanap ang dalawang exhibition game sa pagitan ng mga guro at varsity ng volleyball at basketball sa LAKAS 2023 noong Enero 27 sa Ugnayang La Salle (ULS).

Child at Heart. Teams from each house strategically play various nostalgic Filipino games, such as the Sack Race, during the LAKAS 2023 in MTH Covered Court on Jan. 25. Photo by Almira Isabel Aguila.

DLSU-D Ravens compete against De La Salle Lipa (DLSL) Green Stallions

the DLSL Sentrum. Photo by Juliana Ellice Polancos.

Soaring amidst turbulent skies

Franchesca De Guzman and Lilah Mikaela Paredes

Abundance of struggle

The obstacles faced along the way provided Miguel with the challenge of achieving victory. From lacking enough participants in certain events to students withdrawing from their respective games, House Parent and Regents alike were forced to take certain measures to achieve their desired outcome. “[N]a-challenge kami sa…basketball girls since we [lacked] players on it and nakakakaba if may (ma-i-injure),” House Regent Shean Samson shared. With the insufficient number of players, some events had to be forfeited, much to the dismay of certain people. “[A]ng pinaka naging problem talaga naming event is swimming…[s]abi namin, ‘okay lang sige, kahit zero na tayo diyan.’ Talagang

sumuko kami sa swimming,” House

Parent Ismael Lorenzo shared.

Yet, despite these troubles, Miguel still plowed through the obstacles presented to them and faced the problem with a positive attitude.

“[N]anghatak kami ng mga batang mag-fo-folk dance at d’un ko nabuo ‘yung (mindset) [na] mag-enjoy lang kayo,” Lorenzo recalled. “Kahit third place kayo, okay lang. That’s an accomplishment, that’s a win.”

Conquering the arduous sky

As Miguel learns from the struggles presented their way, they are able to come back up stronger and more motivated than ever. With high heads and unyielding determination, Lorenzo mentioned how Miguel managed to overcome their hurdles on

the trek to reach heights undiscovered.

“[J]ust face the problem,” he said.

“‘Wag mo siyang talikuran, ‘wag kang mag-gi-give-up.”

With their spirits low and confidence wavering, Lorenzo reminded his house members to never consider the option of failure, “We don’t use the word ‘lose;’ we always win,” he emphasized.

Achieving new heights

Through every struggle, internal and external, the time came forth to reach the highest peak of the flight and land steadily back to the ground. As Miguel is named overall champion, Lorenzo shared he felt numb as he watched the students cheer and jump for the prize, admitting that it took him a week to allow all the events to sink in, “Du’n ko lang na-feel ‘yung parang happiness. [‘Yung moment na] ‘Ah, nag-overall champion kami.’”

On the other hand, House Parent Rafael Ilustre viewed it as

an unexpected result for he did not anticipate winning this kind of award, but was still grateful nonetheless, “[I’m] [t]hankful to be the overall champion, (and to) everyone who’s a part of our house,” he remarked. ***

As the roaring celebration came to its end, with the mighty owl having experienced the high of achieving such heights, Samson shared a few words of appreciation for her fellow House members. “To the members of the House of Brother Miguel, I just wanted to let them know na very thankful and proud ako sa kanila.” Having experienced a sense of unity and companionship, she expressed, “I could say that (the) House of Brother Miguel is hindi lang house, kung hindi pamilya.”

Orichom

Cordova

A ng paghahasik ng karahasan ay kailanman hindi magiging katanggap-tanggap sa sports community sapagkat hindi naman ito ang layunin sa bawat larong idadaos tulad ng nangyari sa isang basketball match nitong Nobyembre 8 ng nakaraang taon na nauwi sa palitan ng mabibigat na suntok at hindi kaaya-ayang mga salita sa pagitan ng College of Saint Benilde (CSB) Blazers at José Rizal University (JRU)

Heavy Bombers sa ligang National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) na ginanap sa FilOil EcoOil Center sa San Juan, Manila. Third quarter na at may natitirang tatlong minuto nang sugurin ng isang manlalaro mula sa Heavy Bombers ang bench players ng Blazers na nagresulta sa komosyon sa loob ng arena. Ilang oras sa bawat araw ang inilalaan para magpalakas ng pangangatawan at mentalidad ang mga atleta ngunit hindi dapat

Pananaig ng pagkakapantay kaysa pagtatagumpay

gamitin ang pisikal na lakas upang magpasimuno ng kaguluhan dulot ng pagkainis, pagkabigo, at iba pa.

Sa mundo ng sports, isa ang sportsmanship sa mga kaugaliang dapat na taglayin ng mga manlalaro tuwing haharap sa kahit anong laban. Bagamat hindi maiiwasan ang pagsiklab ng tensyon lalo na kung mainit ang labanan at talagang makaaapekto sa estado ng koponan ngunit hindikailanman naging solusyon ang pagpapairal ng dahas bunsod ng bigat na nararamdaman.

Sa paglipas ng panahon, dumarami ang umuusbong na magagaling na manlalaro sa ating henerasyon.

Sa halip, tuwing naipapakita ang kakayahan na buong pusong tanggapin ang resulta ng laban, tumataas at mas tumitibay ang kredibilidad nito bilang atleta na hindi nasusukat sa tagumpay o pagkabigo.

Sa bawat ensayo ng manlalaro, hindi lamang pisikal na kapasidad ang pinagsisikapang palakasin ngunit dapat na mas tutukan ang mental na aspekto nito. Bukod pa rito, dapat na nananaig ang propesyonalismo at katatagan ng isip tuwing sasabak sa isang laban at hindi bugso ng damdamin.

Kung bigat ng emosyon at bugso ng damdamin ang paiiralin sa isang laban, nawawalan ng bisa ang ipinapamalaas na kagalingan sa palakasang pinagsisikapan. Sa tuwing nabibigo, sana ay mas nag-aalab ang determinasyon ng manlalarong pagsikapan pang magpalakas, hindi panghinaan ng loob at diwa. Balikan natin ang tunay na diwa ng palakasan sa tuwing ipinamamalas ang kakayahan sa kaniya-kaniyang larangan na umiikot sa pagtutulungan at hindi sa palitan ng mabibigat na salita at suntok.

Ayon sa kanya, “Ang (kalakasan) ng team natin (ay) yung (pagkakaisa) nila.” Inihayag ni Reyes na ito ang puwersa ng Patriots kumpara sa mga nakalaban na koponan. Kalakip ng pagpasok ng Patriots sa semifinals, ibinahagi ni Reyes na nakapokus ang mga ito sa ball movement at pagdepensa sa kalaban. Pinalalakas din ng parehong coach at buong koponan ang kanilang mentalidad sa mga hinarap at haharapin pa nilang laban bilang paghahanda. Payo ni Reyes na mag-enjoy lamang ang mga ito sa paglalaro. “Kumbaga, ibigay nila yung best nila, win or lose At least masabi namin na binigay namin (yung abot ng aming makakaya). Yung outcome hindi na namin ma-co-control,” aniya.

Sa kadahilanang wala pang pagkatalo buong season ang QAS, inilahad ni Reyes na ito ang nakikita niyang pinakamalakas na kalaban ng Patriots.

“Ngayon, [susubukan] lang namin mag-improve sa performance (kumpara sa unang beses) natin silang nakalaban,” ani nito.

SPORTS COLUMN

Gilas, from page 16

Dapat tandaan na hindi nakabase ang kagalingan ng isang manlalaro sa kung gaano kabigat ang medalyang nakasabit o bilang ng pagkatalong hinarap.”

Jane Llana

The mighty owl soars higher than ever as Miguel ousts other houses in the competition of strength, might, and wisdom—the glory of the win thrumming through their veins and pushing them towards new heights unventured. Yet, this flight to victory was not without its fair share of hurdles, leaving the unflinching bird with a new journey to conquer.

Champions. House of Br. Miguel successfully obtains the title of overall champion during the LAKAS 2023 Closing Ceremony on Jan. 27. Photo by Antoine Cortez.

Pagsabak ng DLSU-D SHS sa Dasmariñas City Meet, sinimulan na

Matapos ang SLCUAA Skills

Competition, dumako ang DLSU-D para sa city meet nitong buwan ng Pebrero ngayong taon. Ang mga kalahok na isports sa nasabing liga ay Badminton, Table Tennis, Swimming, Taekwondo, at Chess

Taekwondo was done sa… [Dasmariñas] East Integrated High School (DEIHS). Badminton and Chess sa [Dasmariñas] II Central Elementary School…Table Tennis sa Dasmariñas Elementary School, [at] Swimming [ay] dito sa…

DLSU-D [Swimming Pool],” pahayag

ni DLSU-D SHS Sports Coordinator Donnie Roble sa mga lugar na ginanap ang Dasmariñas City Meet. Ayon kay Roble, kaunting oras lamang ang ibinigay sa kanila para makapaghanda sapagkat huling linggo na ng Enero nang mag-anunsyo ang Department of Education

DLSU-D Patriots, nagpakitang gilas sa 23rd SLCUAA eliminations

Althea Lauraine Libunao

Sinubok ang kakayahan at determinasyon ng DLSU-D Patriots sa ginanap na 23rd Southern Luzon Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (SLCUAA) na nag-umpisa noong Disyembre 10 sa Queen Anne School (QAS) sa Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

Sa muling paglahok ng Patriots sa kompetisyon, ibinahagi ni DLSU-D SHS Men’s Basketball Head Coach Tito Reyes Jr. kung paano nila pinagsikapan ang naturang eliminations pagkatapos mabigo sa opening match laban sa QAS. Ipinaliwanag ni Reyes na nagkulang ang koponan sa preparasyon.

“Ang schedule lang ng training namin ay twice a week. (Mayroon)

pang mga wala dahil nga ‘pag may mga event (sa loob ng DLSU-D), halimbawa, (yung) intrams…o walang venue (na mapagsasanayan),” saad ni Reyes.

“Tayo, nag-start lang noong pasukan so ‘yun ‘yung magiging disadvantage natin. (Pagkatapos ay) homecourt pa (ng kalaban),” dagdag nito. Gayunpaman, ani ni Reyes,

“(Ipagpapatuloy) pa rin namin (yung larong) nasimulan namin.” Napatunayan ito nang makabangon agad ang Patriots pagkatapos nitong makamit ang first place sa SLCUAA 3x3 Basketball Boys at second place sa Spot Shooting gamit ang nagbabagang determinasyon, ilang araw lamang pagkatapos ng eliminations

(DepEd) Dasmariñas ukol sa kompetisyong nabanggit.

“Napaka-sudden ng mga pangyayari… Aside from that, ‘yung mga requirements is also a challenge because DepEd is really thorough when it comes to requirements,” ani Roble.

Nagkaharap sa Dasmariñas City Meet ang mga susunod na pampubliko at pampribadong pamantasan: DLSU-D, Philippine Christian University (PCU), Immaculate Conception Academy (ICA), Emilio Aguinaldo College (EAC), at mga pampublikong paaralan sa lungsod.

DLSU-D SHS Paddlers, Badminton team competes in SLCUAA Skills Competition

Chastain Jinel Raz

As the SLCUAA Skills Competition commenced January of this year, various colleges competed for sports such as Badminton and Table Tennis.

The goal-driven players from the Paddlers and SHS Badminton Team managed to grab awards, all thanks to their hardwork and determination to win. Both DLSU-D SHS Paddlers Coach Khen Nemuel Lacaba and DLSU-D SHS Badminton Team Coach Jobert Bañaga applauded their teams for a job well done. “Our players have incredible potential,” Lacaba said.

“With all the skills and determination that most of my players have, they have the potential of joining bigger tournaments someday,” Bañaga followed.

Badminton and Table Tennis players faced hurdles as they gear in clinching awards in the competition. Both teams were given extra training time as the day of the competition was nearing. Lacaba mentioned that they had to add an extra hour in their regular training sessions to give the players more time to practice their skills.

“We were not able to prepare for a longer period of time…the solution I thought of was to set the training at three hours instead of two,” Paddlers’ coach explained.

Bañaga, on the other hand, said that it was a struggle whether to push through their training or not because of the deficiency in time, especially since the classes had also already started. “[The training time

is] not enough that sometimes we even have to cancel due to school activities,” Bañaga stated.

Aside from having worries regarding the athletes’ training period, the Badminton Team also encountered an obstacle right before jumping right onto the game day. Badminton player Jerald Mendoza, assigned to compete for the walling skill, was not able to attend the competition as he also had his college entrance test on the same day of the competition.

“Since the guidelines (allow two maximum skill per player, I had Mendoza replaced by Raphael Bangalando. This concern was immediately raised to the organizers,” the Badminton Team’s coach expressed.

Furthermore, both teams are looking forward to joining more competitions to hone the athletes’ skills as players.

“As of now, I’m waiting for the update from the Titan Table Tennis Club in [General Trias], they hold regular tournaments there monthly, so I want my players to be involved in that so that they would… improve their skills in the game,” Lacaba shared.

“If you want to win games, you have to play outside the school and play outside regular trainings and practices. You actually have to expose yourself to different players, that is where growth is: outside the trainings at school,” the Table Tennis coach elaborated.

Chastain Jinel Raz

Sa pagtatapos ng Southern Luzon Colleges and Athletics Association (SLCUAA), sumalang ang mga piling atleta mula DLSU-D Senior HIgh School (SHS) sa naganap na Dasmariñas City Meet noong Pebrero 22 hanggang 24.

Benedict Jacob of DLSU-D SHS Men’s Basketball Team drives toward the basket with the assist of Michael Mendoza during the Southern Luzon Colleges and Athletics Association (SLCUAA) semifinals at Queen Anne School of Sta. Rosa (QAS) on Feb. 17. Photo by Jean Carla Villano.

The DLSU-D SHS Paddlers and DLSU-D Senior High School (SHS) Badminton Team huddled awards at the Southern Luzon Colleges and Athletics Association (SLCUAA) Skills Competition that took place on Jan. 8 and 15.