LMagazine Vol.18 Issue 1

LMAGAZINE Vol. 18 Issue I 2020

For Fidex

WHAT’S INSIDE Editor’s Note Infinite Habits

5 Make green day great again

8

When the long press is needed

9

To have and to hold: The psychology of collecting

10

It’s not always OCD and nobody hears that

18

The opportunity in lacking

28

Campus journalists are journalists

29

Through the lens: Abundance in brevity

30

One week free trial

38

Utility

Contrast

47

Shifting

Dinner with the boomers

58

Retrotech and reminiscing the past

59

Steered by fate

66

The fabricated cost

74

Endangered sardies: Fact or fallacy?

75

beats

84

she: in her garden

86

Ephemeral

88

No place for good girls

89

Bangko

92

Hunger of the body and the mind

96

Insufficiently Sufficient

Stablize

Paper Thin

Illustration by Lloyd Morales

Illustration by Franchelle Fallaria

Editor’s Note

When I was a little kid, every Sunday morning my grandfather would always have our radio on full blast because of “Slow Rock Sunday”, a segment which plays his favorite songs like “Words” by the Bee Gees, “Sa Mata Makikita” by Roel Cortez and all the other jukebox hits that I eventually fell in love with I would stop whatever I’m doing just to listen to the melodies and understand the lyrics of every song because there is no playback button on the radio and we still didn’t have CDs and CD players that time. The next time I could hear the same songs would be the next Sunday.

Fast forward to today and slow rock is still my favorite but now there are streaming platforms like Spotify and YouTubes to play those songs on repeat. The songs are still as heartfelt as ever, but the feeling is a little bit different. With the overwhelming number of options I am given, the excitement has gone because it was made too easy.

Such thoughts lead to how this issue of this magazine was made—a little touch of some old school melodies and how the way we live today has changed the way we appreciate them, which is a way of pointing out how we use, waste or utilize the things in this world where everything we want, every resource we need, seems more available than before.

Shortage, ampleness, change and how to balance them against each other are what the articles in this issue of L Magazine revolves around in.

This issue is also dedicated to Fidex, a daughter, a student and a friend who lost her life in heinous circumstances last year, just two weeks before graduation. May her memory remind us to spend our time doing what makes us happy the most, as she did with the time given to her.

Ryan Emmanuelle Rico Editor-in-Chief

Illustration by Jeanne Hernandez

8 ABUNDANCE

Ryan Emmanuelle Rico

W

earing the school uniform is not my thing.

I have always felt uncomfortable layering a t-shirt and a polo every regular school day and that’s why I really love Wednesdays, school fairs or Intramurals when I can wear casual clothes and take a break from wearing uniforms.

But although I enjoy these days, the mandatory wearing of green shirts every first Friday of the month makes me uneasy more than the polo on a regular school day. It doesn’t seem to have a clear reason behind its implementation or a clear direction to support its environmental advocacy. Hence, I don’t see its relevance to the community besides being a day in a month where I can wear pants and a shirt.

Everytime I come to school during green day, it just feels like any other school day except everyone’s wearing green. One should expect that there are activities related to promoting environmental matters or encouraging members of the Lasallian community to help in making a naturefriendly campus, but as for my observation, there has always been none.

Back in my old high school, we had our own version of green day, but the difference was that our school also encouraged us to bring materials which we can be upcycled like paper or plastic after which we were given credit points for whatever we could bring. So when I came to DLSL I envisioned green day in DLSL as being much more than wearing a shirt, especially with its relation to our school colors and sustainable development goals and the resources we have compared to a small community in highschool.

Hence, I think student leaders ought to take action for Green Day to make up for the lack of anything

coming from the school admin. Aside from holding activities like Intramurals, the Student government can utilize “Green Day” to improve its relationship with the college students by creating programs and initiatives for environmental causes. With this, students can more appreciate the value of the “Green Day” and be more aware of the relevant reasons why they are not required to wear uniforms on that day.

Without taking concrete actions, wearing t-shirts to show our care of nature is a fallacy and pure hypocrisy. In the minds of students, wearing a green shirt has just become another part of school compliance. What’s wrong is that this is becoming a norm and a routine to wear advocacy symbols only when told to or mandated by someone.

Also, the idea of volunteerism is defeated solely by making it a requirement. Participation doesn’t mean anything if not voluntarily done.

We also can’t support something when we don’t know what actions are to be made aside from putting a green shirt on.

If the shirts are for raising awareness, we should question ourselves whether it works. Within the community, has the green day initiative became an effective program to educate or promote environmental causes to the students?

The program has already been going on for years, if awareness is the problem, then suffice to say it is evident already that all of us are already aware that we have to wear green shirts on the first Friday of the month. There must be something more.

“Without taking concrete actions, wearing t-shirts to show our care of nature is a fallacy and pure hypocrisy. In the minds of the student, wearing a green shirt hast just become another part of school compliance.”

ABUNDANCE 9

Pia Hautea Francisco

O

ut of all the uses for my hands, its adhesiveness to technology really has to be the most prominent. The only time you would probably see me without my phone is when I’m asleep, with the pillow a triple stack sandwich-thick division between us. Otherwise on regular waking days, you would never see my hands empty of it. Track me down in the elevator, in crowded walkways, in class, in family reunions, on the trip ride home—practically anywhere.

It was never my intention until my sister began getting pestered by me every time I ask her to switch her Hotspot mode on so I could hook my phone up whenever I forget to pay my bills. Soon even some of my friends would notice, asking me repeatedly about the offhand minutes I would just space out and forget about the world that I’m in while I’m on my phone.

But one evening while my friend and I were binge-watching a bunch of Netflix shows, we stumbled upon this one documentary series called “The Mind, Explained” by Vox. On its third episode “Anxiety”, social media was identified as a culprit on why people nowadays seem to be more anxious. Being exposed to the seemingly-flawless lives of other people can become a suffocating coercion to “fit in”.

“You’re scrolling through your Instagram feed and you see everyone else’s wonderful, amazing life,” said Dr. Ali Mattu, a psychologist in the episode.

If you are someone who’s vulnerable to experiencing anxiety, the tendency is for you to experience it all the more in that situation; leading you to overthink the pictures, clips or Boomerangs on your screen. “A lot of social media is designed to hold your attention, and anxiety is a powerful way to do that.”

People who spend more time on social media tend to feel more isolated, making the symptoms of anxiety worse. A research from the University of Pittsburgh sought a correlation between the time spent scrolling through all of social media and its negative body image feedback.

Those who had spent more time on social media had 2.2 times the risk of developing eating disorders and body

image concerns, compared to their peers or colleagues who had spent less time on social media. The participants who spent the most time on social media had 2.6 times the risk. But the episode also said that the takeaway remains a foggy vision. “Are anxious, lonely people just more drawn to screens? Or is social media really driving an increase in anxiety?”

But that one episode made no difference with the relationship I had with my phone. Tap by tap, the thought about trying to gradually ditch the habitual hour-long staring contests with my screen would just be at the back of my mind. Looking up multiple numbered-day detox challenges seemed thrilling initially but to no avail.

It just never worked for me.

“But as the years went by, the constant struggle to tap on something, to update the feeds of people you don’t even say hi to in public was exhausting. Going online appeared to be a source of validation for me.”

The roots in which my keenness for social media can be traced to my desktop version of Tamagotchi: Pet Society. I invested my whole nineyear old life logging on to Facebook everyday, pampering and keeping my yellow-furred pet Zoe alive. I even watched tutorials on how to get my pet richer and have those golden mystery boxes for free. At that time, it merely seemed like an innocent hobby. From being a devoted virtual pet mom, I signed up for what would then be my online diary. It honed my rough writing and it became the boulevard to meeting friends from other parts of the world who shared the same yearning for a personal creative space in the internet.

After I left my platform, I turned to Pinterest instead. It’s been my go-

to for anything of my perusal that I thoroughly enjoyed: other people’s fashion mood boards, potato recipes, skincare routines or ‘90s pop culture.

But as the years went by, the constant struggle to tap on something, to update the feeds of people you don’t even say hi to in public was exhausting.

Going online appeared to be a source of validation. Research says that tech users both hailing from the younger and older crowd are in danger of breaking under the pressure of unachievable standards of beauty and success, which are often inherent with how social networking websites are wired. A study found that among children aged 10 who are glued to the Internet, social media accounts “could have [a negative] impact on wellbeing later in adolescence and perhaps throughout adulthood.” It made me skip dinners and after school dialogues with my mother seemed impossible to finish, more so to start. The actual act of holding my phone up against my chest and a few inches from my face got in the way of my life.

Even now, a simple visit to Twitter can turn into two hours of endless and mindless browsing. Checking Facebook may only take a few minutes, but if you check several times an hour, that adds up to a lot of wasted time. What if we actually took a real break from it? If I had only done that sooner, I would have probably learned many other things I’m still clueless about right now. I would have known how to paint or play the piano. I would have taught my dog new tricks. On behalf of others who are attached to their phones, I think it is clear that there really is an underlying concern beneath this habit. We never stop even when we say we will.

Putting a halt to my social media usage isn’t exactly the solution because I still need it. It is my go-to in our digitally-climatized campus and as early as now, I can already tell that it might be identical with my future bustles post graduation. I will always need it. But at the same time, I am also seeking to be able to find the balance between the life I’ve made through my phone and laptop screens and the world I actually live and breathe in.

10 ABUNDANCE

To have and to hold:

The Psychology of Collecting

By Lillian Margaret ViĂąas & Pamela Mae Laguerta Photos by Nicole Mendoza & Lawrenz Tugade

ABUNDANCE 11

P

eople live their lives grounded

color, with certain emotions aroused by a

by the gravity of the people, the

singular tone of their objects. While there are

plactes, or objects they choose to

also some that collect based on sentiments

revolve around. It could center around the

and memories from an era like coins, toys

family, work, a sport or hobby. There are also

and even retro gadgets.

those like collectors, who choose to live their

But as to why they exhibit such a strong

lives with the items they feel emotionally

desire and motivation to collect has long

bound to.

been a subject of query and not even

There are instances when the pull that a

psychologists have come to an agreement.

collection has on the collector is so strong

Numerous theories and assumptions have

that they are able to play God and create a

emerged to try to understand why collectors

world of their own—one that makes their

are emotionally attached to their collection,

passion seem as tangible as the items

and why they would gladly invest money and

themselves. Some collectors focus on the

time on them.

12 ABUNDANCE

The Dark Knights It was way back in the ‘60s when

The collection now encompasses, not

Roland Relova, also known as Kid, was

just action figures from the Batman

introduced to the Batman television

universe,

series by his father and became a

with a touch of Batman as well such

fan. Soon after, in 1966, “Batman: The

as Batmobiles, happy meal toys and

Movie” came out along with the first

even Batman rulers. He even has a

of the DC hero’s action figures. What

snow globe which he enthusiastically

began as a few small purchases soon

took out of his cabinet to shake and

grew and became the collection that he

to watch as its miniature bats flew

now keeps of his all-time favorite hero.

around and then slowly sank. “Ito ‘yung

For most people, the Batman action

Gotham City. What is so unique [about]

figures look indistinguishable from one

this one is when you shake it, ang

another but through the quizzical eyes

daming paniki.”

but

practically

anything

of Kid, details like height differences

At present, Kid has allotted a

and features like detachable masks do

cabinet on the second floor of his

not go unnoticed. Even subtle things

home exclusively for his collection

like where the Batman logo is positioned

of Batman action figures. A small

do not escape his scrutiny. He dutifully

space that what Carl Jung, a Swiss

familiarizes himself with these details

psychologist and psychiatrist would

so that new purchases wouldn’t be

say, is the fruit of a collector’s natural

identical to those he already owns.

drive to create “a smaller world that is

“Walang duplication. Mayroong medyo

friendly and controllable” in pursuit of

kahawig lang pero there is [always] a

a sense of mastery and satisfaction. Kid

slight difference,” he said.

acknowledges these sentiments from

For Kid, as the feeling of security and

working on his collection, proclaiming,

happiness from surrounding himself

“Self-fulfillment ‘yan. Happiness ‘yan. If

with possessions valuable to him grew,

you have some problems, if you go here

his collection eventually expanded.

[sa collections] nawawala.”

ABUNDANCE 13

“Self-fulfillment ‘yan.

Happiness ‘yan.”

14 ABUNDANCE

Family Heritage Aaron

Briones

is

a

man

who

silverware given by the Marcoses like

antiques, one is reminded that all things

inherited from his grandmother a

serving plates and bowls, as well as

are fleeting but with care, they endure.”

passion—along with family treasures

other household items ranging from a

He added, “Things such as these help us

and antiques—for possessions handed

handful of WWII military lunch boxes

reconnect to our culture and identity

down to them from generations and

and water bottles to a mysterious wine

and leads us to a deeper understanding

generations of relatives. These were

bottle that not even they remember

of who we are.”

proudly accumulated in their house

who it belonged to. Their collection

From a psychological perspective,

throughout the years until he decided

may only be mere odd and ends to

such statements reveal the innate

that he wanted them to be displayed.

others but to the Briones family, they

desire of people to cheat death. Even

This is why as early as when he was

are so much more than that; they are

though death is something everyone

still in preschool, he suggested to his

reminders of their family legacy. In

will have to face sooner or later,

grandparents to have shelves built. “It

fact, when asked how he would feel

the idea of actually dying is often

[the antiques] was part of history, part

if their collection is put at risk, Aaron

laced with fear. Hence, to serve as a

of our ancestors so the least I can do is

said that feeling upset would be an

“protection” against death, as argued by

to preserve these,” he added.

understatement and, “Magwawala ako

Philipp Blom, a German historian and

The collection spans generations

kasi, we put a lot of time and effort to

journalist, collections are kept intact

and historical time periods. Lining their

preserve these. Tapos these things are

so that the items continue to exist

patio and living room are furnitures like

more than [a] hundred fifty years old.

even after the collectors have passed.

a “pipisan, which is a 5-feet tall wooden

Tapos mawawala lang?”

For Aaron, this may very much be the

coffee grinder from the Spanish period,

For Aaron, collecting is not just for

case as he believes that “Collecting

and a handcrafted centre table that

the sake of collecting; it’s a mission to

is an investment on the future kasi

is made out of a glass-covered pot

make his ancestors’ legacy last, one that

it’s like taking pictures. You collect to

and filled with old coins. Housed

has given his life a sense of continuity

collect memories.”

within their shelves were engraved

and purpose because “in collecting

ABUNDANCE 15

Melodious Recollections From classic musicians like The Beatles, to modern artists like John Mayer and Ed Sheeran, Hans Macatangay—a collector of vinyl records—has bought complete sets of their records. Like Aaron though, Hans credits his collection to someone else. According to him, this collection is actually a hand-medown hobby from his grandfather who started the collection, down to his father who added records of his own and built a music room with shelves to house their collection, a record player and amplifiers in their basement Though the records are dutifully arranged by

genre,

the

sheer

number

of

three

generations worth of vinyl collection has filled every available space in the shelves of the music room, with more boxes of newly purchased records still on the floor. Though already massive, this does not stop Hans from making the collection even larger, contributing records of his own because he feels that “If you add another one, parang each song or album, you connect that to a story.”

16 ABUNDANCE

“...you connect that to a story.”

When buying a record, Hans

purchase their collection. “No one

doesn’t mind whether it’s brand

realizes that this sounds better [than]

new or secondhand so long as

any audio format, this sounds more

it’s in good condition and plays

natural,” he said.

smoothly. He revealed that what

Whereas most people would go by

drives him to be more engaged with

“Tell me who your friends are and I’ll

the vinyl records is the process and

tell you who you are,” for Sam Gosling,

experience of listening to them.

an American social psychologist, it’s

“You have to carefully remove the

“tell me what your possessions are

record from the sleeve, place it on

and I’ll tell you who you are” due

the turntable and position the tone

to his belief that the stuff people

arm. “Nothing sounds as good and

own speak for their personality and

nothing compares to the experience,”

interests. This much was exhibited

he heartily described.

by Hans, whose passion has led him

“It is a dying hobby,” said Hans

to pursue the ‘true music’ for his

when almost everyone started to

soul and to explore with different

forget about purchasing vinyls. He

musical instruments.

also justified that it was what made him and his father continue to

ABUNDANCE 17

*** When the three collectors were asked if it came to their mind to stop collecting, all of them, without hesitation, answered “no”. Kid said “Lifelong ‘to. Habang meron, if I really see some na wala ako, bibilhin ko pa rin.” On the other hand, Aaron expressed “if I can go back in time and personally ask my ancestors to give these things to me, I will ask for more because I really want to preserve [them].” As for Hans, it is because “We’re kind of, in a way, attached sa things that we like kasi they have more sentimental value, face value.”

Truly, collectors’ reasons for collecting vary greatly; the only common denominator among them being their passion and drive to continue collecting. Regardless to say, though the psychological community has a lot to say about collectors’ motivations—whether it be in pursuit of self-fulfillment and happiness like Kid, value for family legacy like Aaron or love for music like Hans —one thing is for sure, and it’s that the many and varied psychological motivation for collecting are as unique and meaningful as the collections and the collectors are.

18 ABUNDANCE

ABUNDANCE 19

It’s not always OCD and nobody hears that

By Vivien Abrigonda Photos by Kassandra Duño, Rain Lumban & Kitkat Afurong

O

ne of the many labels we often hear today whenever we see someone being overly neat and tidy is the term “OC”, or short for “obsessive-

compulsive”, used to brand someone in the guise of good humor. But whenever we use mental health terms casually, it often means that our perceptions could sometimes be far different from what the term actually means.

We invited some individuals from the field of psychology to share their know-hows and clear up some misconceptions regarding Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and how being “OC” might not be a laughing matter but something that we should be taking more seriously.

20 ABUNDANCE

ABUNDANCE 21

Being too orderly is not always a good thing Anne is a second year college student from De La Salle University, who claims to be obsessive compulsive as suggested by the results of the psychological tests she had taken in the past when she was clinically diagnosed with anxiety.

Anne recalls how the findings reflected that her tendencies could be a sign of OCD as it appeared to be her way of coping with anxiety. It became apparent to her when she realized there were times that she kept doing some tasks over and over, which became an impediment to her other activities.

“Lagi ko inaayos gamit ko ‘pag gabi. Tapos kapag tutulog na ako, naiisip ko kung [kumpleto] mga gamit ko tapos inaayos ko [ulit]. Hindi ako mapakali, inaayos at inaayos ko.”

She admits how being “too orderly” sometimes bothers her. For Anne, even turning in school projects meant accomplishing it several times over even until after its deadline—even after having started on it way in advance. But for her, she sees it as the only way to avoid having guilty feelings later over unwanted mistakes.

Despite being bothered sometimes, she looks after herself by being a step ahead of these triggers through a positive mindset. She consoles herself with reminders that there’s nothing she can do about it and she needs not to worry because there is more to anticipate in life than such obstacles.

According to Lovely Evarretta, a registered psychologist, psychometrician and professor from the De La Salle Lipa (DLSL) psychology department, Anne’s described habits may really indicate that she is obsessive-compulsive.

She explains that apart from having that urge to do things persistently, Anne is much immersed with work and organization of details. Even so, Evarretta said people who feel this way don’t automatically mean that they have OCD and that nothing is certain, even in Anne’s case, unless given a proper diagnosis by her psychologist or psychiatrist.

22 ABUNDANCE

OCD is not perfectionism Julie Ann Faltado, another registered psychometrician and professor from the DLSL psychology department, furthers the definition.

She explained that OCD differs from perfectionism. While OCD is fastidious and clinically diagnosed, perfectionism is a personality trait or a work ethic. People with OCD find it wearisome to function normally because of irresistible urges or obsessions. These could be in the form of anything that they think of and fighting these thoughts usually results in extensive compulsions.

Obsession and compulsion after all, are two different behaviors. In an article published under Health Central, it was emphasized that obsessions refer to recurring thoughts. A common example of this would be the fear of being stained by dirt. Meanwhile, compulsions are recurring actions. Using the previous situation, a person may think of devoting too much time in washing hands until it bleeds just to avoid such irrepressible urges.

Another example of an obsessive thought would be the fear of losing track of necessary items. As a result, a person may feel the need to irresistibly hoard things that one neither uses or needs.

Julie

Ann

explains

that

both

terms

are

used

interchangeably because of their similarities but in reality, they shouldn’t be.

More so, she disclosed cautiously how another kind of mental disorder exists with a name and a set of symptoms comparable with OCD. This could be found in the form of Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder or OCPD, which in many cases resembled what everyone described as OC. Using the standard fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), Faltado then elaborated to us how OCD and OCPD are not as similar as one would have imagined.

OCPD is concerned for the desire to have order, neatness and precision, establishing personal ideals in the natural

ABUNDANCE 23

environment by being a stickler for perfection. At certain

near abnormal. They would often even defend and rationalize

points, OCPD patients tend to arrive with unfinished tasks

their actions.

because they appear to be disoriented on the details, focusing

For some instances, there are patients influenced by both

instead on their desired standard, unmindful of their effect

disorders. However, in distinguishing between OCD and

on other people.

OCPD, she made it clear how important it is for everyone to

For example, upon seeing a stack of unaligned books

equally consider all sorts of mental disorders that there are.

on a shelf, a person with OCD may simply be driven by

“Ang mahirap ay lagi nating nilalagyan rin kaagad ng

uncontrollable obsessive and compulsive urges to arrange

diagnosis. Dapat talaga na-e-educate ang lahat on how we

those books, regardless of the particular details. While

could help and respect individuals diagnosed with OCD and

OCPD patients may feel the need to rearrange it by color,

OCPD, kasi still, we have this stigma. The more we highlight,

size or alphabetically, in accordance with their personality.

mas namimisinterpret kaya dapat hindi siya i-take for

In the given situation, persons with OCD are aware

granted lamang,� she added.

of their irrational nature and are often experiencing

The downside of having access to well-researched

tremendous distress once they are not able to accomplish

information, especially online, is that people often proceed

such activities. On the other hand, OCPD patients would

to panic or resort to self-medication upon seeing similar

ensure that everything is done perfectly despite the long

symptoms as those listed as signs of various illnesses. Hence,

delays. They would not ask for help because they tend to

it is vital to work with professionals for a clinical evaluation

think that how they do things is the best way and is nowhere

to acquire an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

24 ABUNDANCE

How treatment works and how we can help OCD and OCPD are different disorders

In Arsenio’s experience, he first tries to

yet people diagnosed with such can have

identify the patients’ set of triggers by asking

similar forms of treatment. The most common

them of the symptoms they have encountered.

treatment for both is the Cognitive Behavioral

After understanding its characteristics and

Therapy (CBT), a type of psychotherapy or talk

level of intensity, he would then advise each

therapy. But like DNA, treatment is unique for

of them with strategies suitable to overcome

every individual. It may also vary depending

their conditions—whether there’s a need for

on the severity of the cases. Evarretta shared

follow-up sessions or personal consultations

a couple of personal experiences during her

and hands-on treatments. Though speaking

practicum days.

of which, Arsenio did remind us that progress

There was a time she had seen a patient diagnosed to be comorbid—having 2 or more

varies and such treatments cannot be measured by time.

mental disorders, with psychotic symptoms. In

But unlike others who’d rather bear with their

that case, it was OCD and schizophrenia. The

apprehensions privately to avoid judgments,

patient seemed to do most things repetitively;

some would actually come to see him the

counting his things, checking the locks of

moment they have noticed the symptoms early

his room and washing his feet. But given the

on to seek for help. That act itself is a huge

difficulty of the patient’s condition, not just

leap towards lighter sessions and eventually, a

being a personality but also a psychotic disorder,

successful therapy with his clients.

they decided to refer him to a fellow psychiatrist

Arsenio stresses the importance of awareness

to be given with proper medications other than

especially to help individuals cope with OCD.

just psychotherapy.

“If you don’t have a [mental condition], you are

However, treatment is not solely limited

fortunate but we need to be sensitive to those

to medications. It could also cover several

who have them. Because in many of these

other interventions.

situations, it is inherent in that person. We won’t

Arsenio Alianan Jr., a psychologist and an

use it as an excuse; it is not a crutch but we do

assistant professor from Ateneo De Manila

need to understand and [to] give them a leeway.”

University, explained the emerging practice of

It has to be kept in mind that being

online counseling. Also known as e-counseling,

obsessive-compulsive is no one’s fault. Neither

this form of therapy is designed to provide

should a person be ashamed nor lose hope upon

mental health aid and services through the

having such a condition. Thus, it is sensible to

internet. This could come in different forms like

be optimistic, reassuring and tolerant towards

online messaging, email, video conferencing

one’s self or to others who are suffering from

and many more.

it. It has to be clear though not to overdo the

Arsenio however outlined that there are

counselling talks as getting too concerned

limitations with this initiative. The absence of

with their obsessions could make it worse. But

physical interaction, wherein verbal and non-

with more knowledge learned about it, better

verbal signals play significant roles, is the hard

assistance could be offered to them.

part. But despite its lapses, e-counselling is still

Regardless of how, Arsenio says that it is

considered as an effective and more convenient

indeed a challenge, but help should not be

alternative, especially to avoid the public stigma

embodied by pity, rather, it should encourage

of having to go through therapy.

the betterment of an individual.

ABUNDANCE 25

Throughout the years, mental disorders are still frequent areas in the mental health spectrum that fall prey to misconceptions in the mindset of privileged people. People easily label by leaning on far-fetched assumptions, or deliberately provoke one’s inner afflictions. On the other hand, there are some, especially on social media, who seem to glorify or make “cool” the idea of having mental illnesses. That such is the nature of most people is a shame.

Perhaps if we make an effort to understand OCD more, we also aspire to get the message across—that mental disorders are things to be taken seriously—not to be made fun of or assumed to be something that is easy to fix. For some it may be manageable while for others it may not.

The bottomline is, the term OCD should not be used casually on a daily basis nor should it be used to claim oneself, or someone, as a perfectionist. We have to respect our individual differences because each one of us could be fighting battles we know nothing about.

Illustration by Anna De Silva

Ra Illustration by Nichole

gas

28 SCARCITY

Rennier Cuevas

I

t was the holidays. My cousins from Manila came to the province one night with a bulky, unfamiliar box, which they plugged the box into the television. Pulling out a DVD album similar to the ones that contained pirated discs, one of my cousins flipped the pages to find his desired game and inserted it into the slot of the strange cube: NBA Live 08, in bold flashed on the screen.

Losing consecutive times to my cousins didn’t matter as I was immediately hooked to the aspect that made it a game: the characters jumped so high, ran so fast, and hit impossible shots from insane distances. Going beyond the divide between digital and reality, I dreamed to be in their huge basketball shoes. I imagined myself jumping so high, running fast, and hitting shots from way downtown, to the demise of my opponents. It seemed like a simple night for my cousins, but for me, it was the birth of a passion.

I could have been doing these things in real life, but circumstances did not give me any chance to do so.

I am diagnosed with Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita (AMC), which is a development of multiple joint contractures prior to birth that limits the function and range of joint motion and affects the body differently for every case. My hands, wrists, waist, legs, and ankles are either inverted, bent, or fixed, requiring me a wheelchair to travel, and a weekly therapy session is recommended to stimulate my nerves and avoid muscle stiffness.

Despite the inability to participate in sports, basketball became an escape for me, but no amount of hours spent in a video game or number of games watched—not even immense love for the game—will directly translate to real-life skills on the court.

Watching from the sidelines instilled a realization in me that we cannot excel in everything we want to be, and at times, we can only be a spectator to our dreams. Moving myself around in a computer chair or wheelchair to go back and forth a whole basketball

court is so physically dragging that I would rather prefer to just view the game. It is not because I am lazy, but I know the physical limitations of having my condition.

To make up for what I cannot do, I set my sights on what I still can do. An awe-inspiring moment while playing a video game gave me an idea that I, too, can create my own immersive game, which resulted in my choice of a programming-related course to pursue in college. Furthermore, my tendency to commentate basketball games in my own mind while watching them gave me

“Here is another slap in the face: we keep fooling ourselves that tolerance is the same as acceptance, when in fact they are completely different.

There is no one to blame but ourselves for this lie.” an eye for journalism—which became an accidental passion for writing.

When we identify our own scarcities and focus on finding undiscovered passions, only then can we turn our disabilities into abilities.

Here is another slap in the face: we keep fooling ourselves that tolerance is the same as acceptance, when in fact they are completely different. There is no one to blame but ourselves for this lie.

It is my fault for tolerating people’s glares, thinking that having a disability is something bad instead of educating

others for what it really is. It is possible to spread ‘awareness’ that we should avoid staring at PWDs, but it is just another form of tolerance which is several levels below acceptance.

We develop acceptance towards what we truly are when we openly acknowledge what we lack. When we talk about our deficiencies to others, we open the eyes and the minds of those who stare, and more importantly, a burden is lifted from trying to hide imperfections which are impossible to disguise in the first place.

The path towards embracing a realistic image of oneself is not an individual journey. When I doubted my future in basketball, it was my father who urged me to continue shooting and passed back all the shots I missed.

My main support system—my family— reminded me that life does not end at a disability and that I possess talents I have yet to discover. School classrooms in higher floors pose a physical struggle for me, yet my friends understood my lacking and carried me through stairs no matter the height, literally and figuratively.

Society’s lens on what we lack magnifies them even more, but there are those who adjust their lenses in order to magnify a greater cause: acceptance. In the end, they know that they, too, have their own flaws, and acceptance starts with the self.

When we become open to sharing our flaws, we realize that others carry their own as well. We are all part of a bigger puzzle, and it becomes less difficult when we solve it together.

While a passion made me feel that I am scarce in something regarding myself, it became an unexpected turnaround. From it arose numerous passions, paved the way for acceptance, and gave meaning and importance.

We are all the same. We are lacking, wheelchair or not. Yet, we are also different. We all lack something in different ways—and that is perfectly fine.

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Ericka Nieto

T

here should be no distinction between campus journalists and professional journalists.

I’ve always wanted to be a journalist. My interest started when my Grade 10 English instructor asked me to help her in reestablishing our school publication three years after it was shut down by the school principal who was then having issues on improper liquidation of school funds.

We weren’t given any funds nor his approval, we just started mobilizing the publication.

Every weekend, I would visit my adviser at their own home to train in different categories of writing. I was appointed as the editor-in-chief and after three consecutive sessions we started recruiting our own staffers.

As we were in the process of preproduction the principal was ousted., I collected the necessary evidence to expose it in our first issue that we had problems releasing due to lack of school funds. It was an unusual way to join a publication for a highschool student, with most people associating such activities only for joining writing contests. But right then, it became the foundation of my dream.

In college I chose a communication program to pursue journalism.

What made me decide to study in De La Salle Lipa (DLSL) was because of its publication. A week before enrollment in DLSL, I had already registered in the online application posted by the Lavoxa Group of Publications. I’ve heard about the publication on acquaintances who previously joined Papercut, the annual journalism forum that the publication organizes for the student journalists in Batangas.

After passing the recruitment examination, I was assigned to different types of coverages inside and outside the campus. It always gives me the adrenaline every time my editor assigns me to cover on-thespot or crime related coverages rather than covering school events that I used to cover in high school. It gives me the feeling that I am really doing

what the journalists do. As I become exposed to the authorities and other people whom the media interacts with, I noticed a strong distinction with the treatment authorities give between the campus press and the professional press.

I once accompanied our junior writers who were covering a robbery to a police station to request for a copy of the police report. As we identified ourselves as media, the desk officer immediately accompanied us to their information office. We were having small talk with the officer-on-duty and one of the officers slightly raised

“In our age of trolls and disinformation, the role of the campus press becomes even more important in shaping public opinion and laying down the facts when the mainstream media is under constant and direct attack from a government that refuses to be criticized.” his voice when he heard that we were a campus press. He firmly said that only the victims and the people involved are allowed to access the report, opposing his own previous statement and showing ignorance of the law. It is clearly stated in the Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines, under Article 3 - Bill of Rights - Section 7 that the right of people to information of public concerns shall be recognized.

When we were about to leave the precinct, the officer shamelessly said that “Binobola kasi ang pulis,”.

The incident is not a case of misinterpretation of the Data Privacy

Act of 2012 but a method to prolong the delivery of the information to the public.

This kind of treatment for campus journalists leads to delaying public access to information. When authorities ignore the role of campus journalism through questioning the credibility of students journalists, they are in fact, breaking the constitutional provisions that guarantee the right to exercise freedom of the press and the right of people to information. Be it a campus publication or a professional publication, both follow the same ethical standards in covering the news and the law makes no distinction between the two.

Campus journalists are capable of reporting. We have a long history of campus journalism playing its part in revolution, as has been established since the colonial rule of both the Americans and Spaniards starting with the writings of Marcelo del Pilar, Graciano Lopez Jaena, and Jose Rizal to name a few, the perpetrators of a propaganda movement which lead to the birth of an independent nation.

During the Marcos regime, student journalists were also among those who led the call to revolution when mainstream press were all but shut down by dictatorial rule. The first female who was killed during martial law was a campus journalist, in just one of the thousands of attempts to silence the fourth state in telling the truth.

In our age of trolls and disinformation, the role of the campus press becomes even more important in shaping public opinion and laying down the facts when the mainstream media is under constant and direct attack from a government that refuses to be criticized.

Though my own experiences are shallow compared to the threats and attacks that professional journalists encounter, the move to silence or withhold information from any publication—even if just a campus publication—is a threat on both the freedom of the press and democracy.

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SCARCITY 31

Through the lens: Abundance in brevity

By Arn Alinea & Pauline Torino Photomanipulation by Kassandra Duño & Allian Pelayo

M

y view of Filipino games changed after watching Taya, a short film by Adi Bontuyan. Highlighting how kids have created their own little world through the likes of bangsak,

bente-uno, and langit-lupa, the film subtly conceals an underlying message that mirrors a harsh reality far from the knowledge of these youngsters—from how bangsak refers to both a gun (the sound bang) and a knife (saksak—a knife thrust), to how langit-lupa (earth-heaven) can be the divide between social classes.

Taya captivated me with how it metaphorically portrayed truth within society. It opened my eyes to how people, regardless of age, are all “players” in their own battles—in the game of life. What made it more special was that the film’s duration was only eight minutes.

This representation of reality in short films just goes on to prove that narration is not limited nor bound by time: even the tiniest details can contribute to a profound message. Like the imaginative kids in Taya, short films become the box which the filmmakers have to think out of; it’s an opportunity to create one’s own little world. Unfortunately, in the local context, the demand for short films of this type is lacking.

Thus, I aimed to learn more about the creative process behind the art and how makers of short films deal with the accompanying challenges.

A bigger frame As a variety of full-length and short films became readily available for audiences through online streaming platforms, I have been gradually exposed to diverse content which have made me realize that the story and artists are just a part of a bigger frame in a motion picture. There are a lot of things that can greatly affect the outcome of a film such as visual aesthetics, musical scoring, and narration more than the usual things we appreciate.

Consequently, the influx of accessible films has created a hunger for quality rather than quantity. Audiences need to have assortment in their plate—a buffet of features. Thus, producing quality short films may be similar to providing an innovative menu to satiate the viewer’s cravings for a unique piece that distinguishes itself from the usual offering.

My hunger for unique film pieces made me explore other platforms in the likes of documentaries and animated films. But with the emergence of social media sites, I was more exposed to different kinds of short films,

everything

from

the

narratives

in

product advertisements to school projects that can pull off their story in a span of just a minute.

From that moment, I started having a greater appreciation towards the art and form of short films, from the flow and structuring of the plot to how the scenes are meticulously chosen to improve the clarity and delivery of the content in such a limited space of time.

32 SCARCITY

Short yet content-packed According to film festival guidelines, duration is

“Don’t waste time on introductions and establishing

what distinguishes full-length feature films from

shots/scenes. Go straight to the point. Start in the

short films. Indie or short films are standalone motion

middle,” said Adi Bontuyan, the video producer and

picture concepts that run for less than forty minutes,

director behind “Taya” which won the Special Jury

in fact, a majority of short films run for only five

Prize and People’s Choice Award during the Cinemalaya

to twenty minutes.

Philippine Independent Film Awards.

Going beyond the technicalities, Richard Soriano

To establish the structure well, the process of

Lesgaspi, an advocacy filmmaker who made the award-

choosing shots to be included is a critical part. Unlike

winning film ‘‘Paano Ko Sasabihin” and one of Philippine

full-length films where different kinds of shots can

Film Ambassadors of 2018 (as acknowledged by the

be inserted to prove a specific point, short films

Film Development Council of the Philippines) believes

magnify every element that is added. Everything

that short films are more than just the time; it is

should be worthy of its screen time, so it is a must to

showcasing the filmmaker’s artistry in the field despite

painstakingly think this part through as early as the

the time constraint.

storyboarding process.

“A short film is a powerful cinematic tool; it is the soul

In choosing the shots to be included, Nadjoua E.

of all full-length films. Short films represent our attempt

Bansil, a current film consultant in Brillante Mendoza’s

to immortalize our passion to tell, narrate, and converse

ongoing film Bangsa and Mindanao, explained the things

stories in a diminutive limited time,” Legaspi explained.

that should be considered.

As a result, efficient strategies and wise decisions

“Choosing carefully what has to be included in a short

are prerequisites in formulating the narration given the

film may be a feeling, an action or both. This is not to say

limited amount of time. Shots must be carefully arranged

it is limited to two things; the possibilities are endless.

to form a structure that best suits the platform where it

It’s just the storytelling should be clear, and if not, then

will be viewed.

it should pose a question,” Bansil suggested.

Short films break the usual storytelling format of a

A short film’s duration, structure, and narrative

feature film which requires significant investment in

are what separates it from full-length films. But this

setting up a specific scene. Instead, it goes directly to

brevity in time is a working through the form itself that

showcasing the message it wanted to relay for it needs

captivates the attention of the audience.

to escalate the short timeframe given.

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34 SCARCITY

SCARCITY 35

Coming to grips with a film’s budget and profit Due to its compact nature, short films do not necessarily need to be expensive. Just like the time when we were doing shorts for our own film class, we could get by with what we could fish out of our own pockets. Aside from the transportation fee that we spent to reach our locations, we barely spent money for other production costs. Unlike full-length films, short films experience more freedom from expensive

studio

demands,

which

make it more flexible when it comes to budget and money matters.

For instance, Carmela Honrado, producer of the award-winning indie movie of 2010, Sigwa, explained that the Php 20 million fund for the said movie can be cut to 3 to 10 million pesos if it were produced as a short film instead.

Keeping the story short without compromising its message reduces spending excessively on resources. This is another reason why some filmmakers prefer

venturing

into

short

films

because not everyone has millions to back them up in the production costs.

Some filmmakers even say that with today’s technology, anyone can produce short films with the use of only their mobile phones throughout the whole production process. On the contrary, full-length

films

require

complex

and expensive shooting and editing equipment.

Innovative

filmmakers

already produce experimental films using phones as their main camera, relying on other resources in post-

production to make up for what they

from different cultural, religious, and

lack in equipment.

political backgrounds. It will serve as

As a result however, short films do

a powerful tool to educate the public

not profit so much compared to the

and promote inspiring and accessible

commercialized full length films that

narratives whether in film festivals,

have the privilege of available platforms

advertising, art galleries or online,”

and marketing agencies to promote

Legaspi said.

Twenty-four-year-old Bansil whose

their work. suggest

film Piloto, a Visayan language medical

ways to raise funds and gain monetary

film about tuberculosis, aims to educate

support when producing short films.

people

Bontuyan explained that posting these

particularly from the rural communities

shorts on online platforms is a new

in Mindanao. As short films are time-

way of generating income and at the

conscious, it becomes a more efficient

same time makes it more accessible for

instrument for delivering a message.

Fortunately,

filmmakers

from

impoverished

areas,

everyone; the more views a film can get,

Meanwhile, Director Hugh Montero,

the higher the possibility it will earn

a cultural artist since the 1980s affiliated

from advertisements. Also, building

with the mass-oriented theater group

partnerships with production houses

Kulturang Atin Foundation, bagged

who are willing to take monetary

the Best Film of the 11th Mindanao

risks for the sake of art could also be a

Film Festival with his short entitled

bonus especially in the distribution and

Pakot, a film which revolves around

marketing of short films.

an education graduate who chose to

Short films as a means for social change

volunteer in a community school for Lumads amidst threats from soldiers and

Lumad

para-military

groups.

Highlighting the closure of schools in Though

making

is

Bukidnon and Surigao and the killings

always accompanied by challenges

of a school director and two lumad

like

budgets

leaders in Surigao del Sur, the award-

and accepting lack of monetary gain,

winning film ignited empathy for Lumad

filmmakers still continuously produce

students and their communities.

establishing

short realistic

films

films to create discussions around important issues.

These among many more show how short films are maximized by

Legaspi believes that short films

filmmakers to inspire, raise awareness,

can impact and create a new way to

and advocate on community-relevant

communicate with other people, thanks

issues.

to its accessibility.

compassion, they were able to create

“[The] more short films that we can

produce,

the

better

we

can

generate dialogues between people

Combining

artistry

with

an abundance of meaning and impact on a scarcity of time and resources.

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More than brevity Filmmakers, in general, see no difference at all in the content of short films and full length and believe that both should be treated with the same value, as both of them have the same purpose of giving out a specific message to its audience. However, short films’ limited time creates a far more extensive impact as it can easily reach a wide array of people with more accessible platforms such as social media.

SCARCITY 37 Some will argue that the film industry is experiencing a drought as a result of the constant recycling of clichÊ plots. However, one or two ideas come along from time to time that challenges an audience’s view of the world, and it is greatly more apparent in short films.

Just like the kids in the short film Taya, short filmmakers create their own little worlds to produce films that impart messages that are not motivated by profit and which are time-efficient in expressing the story inside the maker’s mind. As with any production, there are plenty of obstacles and other things to challenge the skills, talents and street smarts, yet, with the right platform and an open mind from the audience, a message, no matter how simple or short, can find its way to make changes to society.

38 SCARCITY

By Allegra Japson Macatangay

SCARCITY 39

D

uring breaks my classmates would always be on the hunt for the nearest food stalls and whenever they invite me to go I’d always jokingly ask my friends, “Libre mo ba ‘ko?” and they would all just laugh it off because it became their way of saying

no. That’s why I was anxious when my senior editor asked me to write something about a “generosity challenge”. No, it didn’t mean I would have to share with others out of my own generosity. On the contrary, it meant I wouldn’t be allowed to spend my own money for an entire week, not even a single peso (except for fare) without telling anyone about it. I would simply have to rely on the generosity of others.

The generosity challenge was also given to me in order to see things as someone who barely has any money to spend daily would. It was a challenge for me to experience the struggle, the desperation in fighting temptations.

How can I keep up for a week relying only on others’ generosity? What would I realize at the end?

It was even harder when I think about how I was supposed to keep all my money at home, in the safety of a glass jar. The thought of how to survive an entire week by asking people for money, food—especially food—or literally anything had me dragging my feet across the asphalt.

40 SCARCITY

|November 11th It was hard to go to school with only

believed it or they were just too nice to say

coins lumped in my pockets and with no

no to me because it was me—I’m usually

bills folded.

quiet and apparently they thought that I

The card I had in hand today was

was always serious.

confidence. See, jokes aside, I was sure my

My friends though, the actual circle I

classmates never saw me as that classmate

hang out with, barely put money on my

who always—and I mean, always—asks

yearning palms. That was because they

for something, so staining my spotless

saw this situation as a joke, “there’s no way

nameplate didn’t hurt.

you don’t have money right now,” one of

So I started by asking my classmate who

them said.

sat in front of me for a P10 coin out of the

Despite the suspicion, Garret, offered

blue, she gave it without questioning what

a

for. I formulated a plan which was to ask

“Hahayaan ko ba namang magutom ka?”

P10 from different people and pile them

she said. Those words filled my heart more

all up until I could afford a 65-peso lunch.

than I’ve filled my hands and stomach

Before lunch, my hands were filled with

today with money and snacks.

honey-glazed

chicken

for

lunch.

some snacks, two orange bills, and coins.

But the backlash of today’s success was

But it wasn’t as smooth as you would have

this also made me feel guilty about lying to

imagined. Some asked questions to which

her but I had to get over it because it has

I had to lie to, saying that I didn’t have

only been day one. I just won’t ask anything

money with me today. It made me wince

from her for the following days—hopefully.

mentally. I didn’t know if they actually

SCARCITY 41

|November 12th

This type of challenge required mentoring which was why before officially starting the second day, my senior, Ate Niets, gave me an alibi that could stand for the rest of the week—that my parents cut my allowance because of our lunch in the publication office from the previous week was free because of our Intramurals coverage.

Although we don’t have classes on Tuesdays, there are still other requirements we needed to accomplish in school, one of which was to practice for the gymnastics class. The leaders set a rule that whoever came late in the practices would be fined 20 pesos. Unfortunately I was a second too late. I was so anxious but still managed to practice, despite wondering where the hell I would get P20 from and still have lunch.

However, the purple bruises and muscle strains from the rehearsals, even the P20 crisis, were completely erased in my memory as Lean offered a burger when I desperately asked him, “Libre mo ako”. That lifted my mood. Giving a 55 peso lunch to a classmate you barely talk to, I don’t think I could ever do that.

After a while my classmate who asked me to pay 20 pesos because of my tardiness told me that she’d pay for it because she knew I didn’t have money. She also didn’t even pause to ask why.

Some people are truly just that generous I realized or maybe they just live without the worries of losing that amount of money. Hopefully, none of them would ever think of me as that person, the one who always asks for something, takes but rarely gives. And to think that I prepared myself to face troubles today because yesterday was already quite a gift; today, it kept on giving. Maybe tomorrow’s the real deal or maybe I’m overthinking it.

42 SCARCITY

| November 13th Today was film viewing day and also the day I should really hustle hard for this challenge because there was no way I’ll climb to the top of an elevator-less five-floored building to watch a one-hour documentary film and participate in another hour of discussions without lunch.

Why was it harder to ask friends for money rather than classmates whom I have little casual interactions with? Probably because they knew me better and for a moment I hated that they knew better. But I was convinced I was a good liar. Well, either that or they just got tired of me repeating, “I have no money,” like their minute-spaced alarms every morning. So they gave in, opened their wallets before they had to yell for me to stop.

They found it—me—annoying but when the alarms stopped, there was a bit of calm amid frustration, just like in the mornings. They were concerned and curious. Their words were overlapping with questions like “Pa’no ka nakakasurvive sa maghapon na gan’yan, e nabiyahe ka?” and “Bakit daw ‘di ka binibigyan? E, ‘di ka naman magastos”. One even said, “Sabihin mo wala ka nang pera. Baka kasi iniisip may ipon ka kasi last week, libre pagkain sa Lavoxa,” which is an excuse to tell my parents (who were actually giving me allowance, but no one had to know that).

Friendships are precious.

By noon, I had a meeting in the publications office. I discussed the progress of the challenge and how everything was working out for me somehow—and again!—a bag of pancit-filled boxes happened to grace our table right after the meeting. Of course, I had one for dinner.

On my way home, I was with Angelic who also came from the meeting and we took the same route. Before I could even pay, she offered to do so, saying that I had paid for her fare last time we got home together, and now was her time to return the favor. See, friendships are precious and today, my appreciation for them was all I could think of before bed.

They played today’s part of aiding my hungered belly and my hollowed wallet. Receiving from friends started to feel different. I was less anxious because there was… care. My friends so far are still trying to get to the bottom of things, still making sure I didn’t starve as I continued to rely on generosity.

SCARCITY 43

|November 14th Reaching the limit scared me—and

was only befriending people for my

“That’s just it,” as if to hide burdens.

not the limit on the goods, but the

needs. Thinking about this scared me

The guilt was heavier this time.

limit on patience. How long would

the most.

And when she left, I didn’t know

it really take for my classmates or

So I went off course. I messaged

friends to think that I was being too

one of my close friends from a

Outside the matters of food, though,

much? It had been almost a week of

different class, Rose Ann, about my

one of my close friends, Chaiya, gave

asking spare change and joining short

situation

situation)

me an iPhone case. It wasn’t random;

snack munches on recesses I never

on how my parents weren’t giving

we talked about this yesterday, but I

contributed to. When would it become

me any allowance. The few blue

didn’t think she’d actually give me one.

too much?

bubbles I sent swiped upwards with

Out of all the generous gestures I had

(my

made-up

where else to go.

Some had already told me jokingly,

her message telling me to meet her

thought of, this one was not in the list

“Nabubuhay ka na sa hingi,” and

at lunch, her treat. For three years

of my expectations. It cornered itself

“Nambuburaot ka na naman.” It made

of friendship, this had only been the

at the edge of my four-walled mind

me wonder if any of my classmates

time she paid for my meal because

that only thought of food. Right, this

talked about me during lunch, about

she understood that the situation was

challenge wasn’t only about food; it

how I had went around every day to ask

tough. She empathized with it. Like

could be anything. Anything is a gift—a

different people for money or snacks, or

my friends yesterday, she asked me

gift even without the fancy loops

how it was always the same classmate.

the how’s and the why’s and I could

of ribbon.

Maybe they would talk about how I

only reply with shrugs and simple,

44 SCARCITY

| November 15th

The previous days were too good for this one to be pleasant.

Today, I made up my mind. I wouldn’t

close friend but that was different because I had known her for almost half my life.

expect anything. And I don’t have to feel

Jeeps didn’t drop me off my place

bad despite knowing that I’d starve the

exactly; I had to walk for about fifteen

entire day. It was my fear to be judged

minutes to reach home, where by the

that pushed this, pushed me to dive into

time I opened the gate, eight dogs had

this whirlpool of overflowing thoughts

their front legs stretched up to lick

from overthinking. I hated thinking

my face. Tonight, this was the only

that my classmates disliked me. So I

time I rushed past them in a rush to

resolved not to ask for anything and

get inside, release myself from my five

that was fine with me. (And no, I will not

kilogram backpack, and dine my heart

ask strangers for anything too.)

out. The dining table had home cooked

My friends and I didn’t have lunch on

fried chicken and rice fresh from the

purpose because we had to practice for

stove. I felt that things were on my

a PathFi performance which was at 1pm.

side—and again!—when my father came

After that, we had gymnastics practice.

home with Chao Fan and fried siomai

My classmates only had their first

from Chowking.

meals at sunset and my friends asked

By the time I was preparing for bed,

me if I wanted anything, but I didn’t

I saw my glass jar and it had quite a

cave. I had asked for way too much the

number of neatly folded P100 bills

entire week. I feared being judged and

inside, an amount I’ve never had since

was being held back by shame or guilt

the beginning of the semester.

for some reasons. Although, I did take a fork twirl of pancit canton from a really

SCARCITY 45

Throughout the challenge, I was more worried about

need reasons, expecting that the people they are asking

the guilt and the idea of being judged rather than having

reasons from, have them. And reasons should be genuine

to take care of my stomach, which was why I didn’t ask for

to make things easier, without guilt. It doesn’t hurt to ask

a lot. I only worried about how I would solve emergencies

for help. And people are more than willing to when it is

like sudden class payments and the likes. It made me

really needed.

think of repaying those who opened their wallets for me

To have nothing pushed also pushed me to take more

regardless of our relationship (but it would destroy the

into account the things that matter, like having a meal

idea of the challenge).

by the tick of the clock at twelve noon. Typically I would

These people are those who made me realize the

always go for affordable luxuries, like a sweet snack

treasure in making relationships. Even more so than the

after lunch, another snacking at sunset before doing

bills and coins they laid in my awaiting palms and the

homework, or sometimes a McDonald’s sundae whenever

paper bowls they ordered for me, it’s another perspective

my friends and I decided to go to Robinson’s after our last

to see generosity simply as an act of giving. Generosity

class. But the daily 16-peso coins for commute stuffed in

is to give but it is not always there. Most of the time, the

my wallet gave only one choice: to ask people around me

concept of generosity is pushed aside by the material

for what they could give. With that, unnecessary things

worth of what is being given. This whole thing made me

were suddenly out of the question. Having less made me

realize how giving, no matter how little, should mean a

see how valuable things really are.

lot. It should not be taken for granted. The week after the challenge, I didn’t ask my parents for allowance.

“Libre mo ‘ko” has become a joke, I realized. It’ll only

With how things turned out, I don’t think I can say “Libre mo ‘ko” to any of my classmates for quite some time. And I think that’s a good thing.

work once or twice on the same person. Sometimes it doesn’t even work. It doesn’t even work on me. People

Photos by Allegra Japson Macatangay

Illustration by Lyzette Tapay

Illustration by Kitkat Afurong

46 UTILITY

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48 UTILITY

UTILITY 49

50 UTILITY

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Illustration by Julienne Vergara & Anna De Silva

Illustration by Marielle Robles

58 DYNAMIC

Melanie Joy Dangli

A

s an only child, big dinners with the family mean more than the warm homemade food made by my mom. Sure, they matter while the night is young but they will soon get cold when the elders and the children separate, with us playing tag all around the house while they talk over matters around the dinner table.

It will then fascinate me hours later when me and my younger cousins sit on the couch, tired from our little games, and the adults are still discussing passionately about the issues which at that time seem too far-fetched for my age. Before I can try to listen and understand their topics, my mom will lead me to the bathroom and help me get changed for bedtime.

That’s how things were before I soon grew out of the games and learned about politics, which crept to our bimonthly dinners like spoiled adobo.

When my uncle, a proud supporter of the president, asked me to delete the post I shared about the plight of farmers under this administration in my social media account, my Marcos loyalist father and my DDS cousin both butted in to agree. I, aware of their political stands which they also confidently share online, put down my utensils and stated that my post shall remain in my feed. If they can share redundant and misleading posts about Duterte’s achievements to boost his image then I should also be given the opportunity to repost content about the plight of farmers in the country to further raise awareness about their living conditions.

It earned me disbelieving remarks about how I know nothing because I was not there. “Iyan ba ang natutunan mo sa school?,” they asked, as if academic institutions like ours feel the need to teach its students to take a stand.

It is quite appalling to me how my relatives reacted as if they were ready to take my plate away if I said anything more against the dictators they support.

When I think about it more, it puzzles me how most households like ours do not welcome critical thinking about politics and have the tendency to shove their stand to younger people without explanation. You are served with this belief; you have to eat it or starve.

The propagation of having one stand per family can be attributed to the dynamic of close family ties that Filipino households are proud of. However, I think that one should be given the liberty to choose a side on pressing matters, especially when they are at an age when they can already weigh arguments in support of a stance.

“With the amount of resources already made available online about problems that plague our society, government, and our nation, it is pure apathy for the youth to stay neutral.”

Besides, wisdom should not be spoon-fed. With the amount of resources already made available online about problems that plague our society, government, and our nation, it is pure apathy for the youth to stay neutral. Fact-checking also only takes a few clicks.

Faster internet access in senior high school led me to Twitter, where I gained a better view of the world outside Lipa by joining discussions about national issues, just in time for the start of Duterte’s presidency if that’s what it’s called. Twitter is a very informative place if you follow the right sources who provide content about the status of the working class, the environment, the marginalized, the indigenous people, farmers and fishermen, and the LGBTQ+ community. I also learned a lot

about mental health more than what my daily environment can provide, as well as student activism and politics.

Along the process of learning, I get to debunk political myths that the elders in my family believed in, and it was not easy. Aside from the casual jokes from my DDS cousin who tells me I am too gullible to propaganda online (they called me a Dilawan one time which I denied since I do not like them as well), there are moments during our bonding time where they ask me my viewpoint on recent events like the vandalism in Manila, and listen to me expressing my thoughts only to twist my words against me afterwards. They end those talks with jokes to lighten up the mood they purposely spoiled.

It sounds distressing but at our age, it is normal to not have the same set of beliefs with everyone. I have friends who do not listen to the same music genres I enjoy, or do not prefer pineapples on pizza. That’s okay because in the process of growing up, we delve into the adventure of discovering the things we do or do not like and when we adjust to the fact that everyone is different.

It’s part of developing maturity and respect.

To develop different political or social stands from your family will be difficult but do try hard to not let it create a huge divide with your relationship with them. Being different does not give you a free pass to become rebellious; there are many reasons to respect your parents even with your contrasting viewpoints. As for me, I try to dodge further arguments by bringing up lighter topics to the table like some anecdotes about my week or our cat.

Now if you ask me how our family dinners are like after that incident, I can tell you that the food is still delicious and we laugh more over my younger cousins’ school tales.

The talk about politics remain like an elephant in the corner of the room which we casually ignore until meal time is over. For now, let us enjoy this caldereta.

DYNAMIC 59

T

By Vien Dimaculangan Photomanipulation by Nicole Mendoza he year is 2005.

reminiscing about it now brings feelings of

Your older siblings and cousins brag

nostalgia. As gadgets became thinner and screens

about their newly purchased flip phone,

became higher and higher definition, technology

showing off the front and back camera feature that

incorporated itself onto our daily lives providing

captures a pixelated photo. You hear your relatives

convenience and entertainment.

talk about getting on Facebook and signing up with

Despite all the more technologically-advanced

their PC’s or bulky laptops. Your classmates bring to

gadgets available in the market today, these bulky

school different types of video game consoles like

blocks and massive round discs continuously attract

PlayStation Portables (PSP) and Gameboys flaunting

collectors in our society. People are always on the

the games like Tetris, Tekken 5 or Grand Theft Auto

lookout for what’s next from the big tech brands but

(GTA): Liberty City Stories. Youtube is just on the rise

some feel content with the classic and functioning

and it’s where you would download Avril Lavigne or

hardware they’ve had for years.

2NE1’s songs and import it to your MP4 player.

Tried and tested, these are among the pioneering

It was during this decade when personalized technology

was

fast

becoming

a

trend

and

gadgets that influenced the way we now play games, listen to music, and take photos:

60 DYNAMIC

DYNAMIC 61

‘03 Apps Janelle Dilao, a sophomore student taking

day applications or apps that we download

up BS Psychology, got her pearl pink Game

on our smartphones. Both devices allow

Boy Advance (GBA) Special (SP) for her 11th

their users to choose their apps or games

birthday. Up until this day, continues to play

by easily interchanging the cartridges in the

video games on it.

GBA or simply downloading the application

She finds the time to use her GBA during

from Google Play App Store.

the weekends whenever she wants to take a

Janelle pointed out that she got hooked to

break from the noise of social media and feel

role-playing and simulation games because

comfort in playing the games she grew up

of their plotlines. Compared to the modern

with. She remembers the simple life she had

games like Mobile Legends which she also

when she was younger as she said, “Gusto

plays, she says that even though it is more

kong balik-balikan yung mga laro ko noong

complex with the mechanics and it is more

bata pa ako”.

heavily reliant on graphics, the simplicity and

She recalls the days when her only concern in life was about collecting GBA

ingenuity of the classic games are timeless.

There

are

instances

when

game

cartridges like Pokémon and those 361 in 1

developers adapt these classic games just

cartridges that hold almost every imaginable

like Pokemon Go in 2016 but Janelle did

game a child could ever want. She recalls

not get on with this game. The main idea

playing Harvest Moon, Princess Pegasys,

of the 2016 version was to allow its users to

Mario Kart, and her favorite game to play

catch Pokemon by scavenging for them in

presently, the Last Airbender which she has

different places in the real world, just like

today. She remembers the time when she

Ash Ketchum and Pikachu in the Pokemon

would drag her parents to Toys R Us and

World. Although it was her favorite game

marvel at the array of cartridges in the glass

to play in her GBA, the amount of resources

cabinet in the store.

needed for the current version, such as

The handheld console was one of the most

mobile data and battery life is too much of

popular and sought-after technologies and

a hassle. She still prefers the older version

it has contributed largely to the culture of

because of its familiarity, easiness and the

contemporary video games. The cartridges

wave of nostalgia that comes with playing

in the GBA can be compared to the modern

her GBA.

62 DYNAMIC

Php00.00 Monthly Subscription Old techs aren’t only used as a memento from one’s childhood but some gadgets offer more convenience in terms of battery life and handiness like the Sony Walkman that Jade Miralpes, an AB Communication firstyear student uses.

In her daily commute from her home to school, she never forgets to bring her blue brick of a Walkman which houses her favorite songs and bands.

However, the one she presently uses is not the original 80’s Walkman but the 2009 edition of Walkman. It looks more like a Nokia 3310 where the keyboard is instead replaced with a circular button to play, pause, or pick the next song.

It is the MP3 player released by Sony which carried the brand name.

Nonetheless,

whenever

people

see her using the device, they are astonished by its mere existence saying, ‘Wow! Mayroon pa palang ganyan’.

She got her Walkman as a gift from her parents during the 9th grade when they were working abroad and it has been home to the different genres of music that she’s grown to love over the years.

Every time she finds a new song from her favorite bands, The Japanese House or Ang Bandang Shirley, she downloads it from the internet and imports it to her device.

Although tedious, this was one of the features that made her fall in love with the walkman. Importing songs means going through a series of steps which might be the same feature why other people prefer to stream using online applications. Downloading the song then having to import it in the walkman using a cord takes more work rather than just typing the song and then listening to the music.

Jade feels more connected with the process as it allows her to personalize the gadget to her liking. She said that “Feeling ko mas malapit - mas homey. Mas nostalgic siya kaysa yung i-download mo lang [sa phone] or mag-Spotify ka”.

She does so by dividing the songs into folders, similar to creating playlists in Spotify or Youtube. It aids her to listen to the type of music that she wants to start and end her day with. On days when she feels like playing it on shuffle, an element of surprise awakes her when the device could almost guess what she feels and play the song that perfectly fits her mood.

She also emphasized the functionality of the device because it doesn’t use up too much battery unlike the phone that she has, and it’s significantly cheaper compared to apps that have a monthly subscription plan.

DYNAMIC 63

64 DYNAMIC

DYNAMIC 65

No_Filter.jpg Experimenting and immersing with outdated technologies, Simon Abarentos, a first-year Biology student, can be described as a retro junkie for using Nintendo GameCube, a PSP, and his most recent obsession: disposable cameras.

Film cameras are making a comeback as famous Youtubers like David Dobrik devote one Instagram account to post the photos from his film rolls. Inspired by him, Simon got his first disposable from his cousin’s friend from Manila.

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, film cameras are becoming popular as more people use it to capture moments in its true form, free from manipulation. Limited only to the number of shots the camera holds, it is important that the photographer count the clicks and shots they take before the film roll runs out.

The

authenticity

being

developed

in

film

rolls

—with the

film grains formed from the chemicals used to print the photo captured his interest in the gadget. There is also the thrill in the uncertainty on whether the photo will come out good or just be an overexposed image.

Before trying film cameras, Simon already uses a digital camera to capture moments and his favorite subjects are people—especially the ones close to his heart.

He did not deny the power digital cameras hold. Especially in ensuring that the photo gets the right amount of light that comes in fiddling with the aperture, or by tinkering with the ISO and shutter speed to get the perfect photo. The viewfinder and monitor also allow him to see the photo immediately and even though these features are not found in film cam, he still prefers the latter.

He feels more connected to the places and memories whenever he grabs his camera to take photos, after which he travels to Recto or Ermita in Manila where they still have shops that can develop the film.

There is the instant gratification from smartphones, but nothing compares to the feeling of reliving the past using these old techs with its power of bringing memories back and making the emotional connection with their users compared to the one click away and all-in-one package that contemporary gadgets offer.

Stashed in cabinet drawers and dusty boxes in the attic are the remnants of our past selves. They need not be used daily, but to be browsed upon once in a while. As technology relentlessly floods the market with newer and newer gadgets that get upgraded all the time, there is still the assurance and comfort from something familiar as retro techs survive even in the age of Wifi.

66 DYNAMIC

H

idden behind the image of being a lighthearted

former students, he would often treat them to a bowl of hot

professor on campus is a portrait of a man who

lomi after a community engagement activity, or talk to them

was supposed to have been the first priest of

with much sincerity about their own concerns and problems

San Jose, Batangas—a would-have-been worthy honor

in life.

and legacy to his family. Yet, destiny pulled him away from

Hailing from a family of doctors and public servants (his

taking the vows and instead, drove him towards what he

father had been the town mayor before) it was expected

sees as a more content and purposeful living within the walls

of him to also live a life of service. At that time, it was fate

of teaching.

taunting him to live a life within the clergy as there were

Known as “Sir Teody,� to his students and colleagues in

still no priests in their town. Knowing how being the first

campus, Mr. Tedoro Alday has been teaching in the institution

one can bring merit to his family, his parents motivated

for 27 years as a religious education teacher. His presence

and encouraged him to choose this path. And with only

classically brings out a light and friendly spirit to any crowd.

two years left before being ordained, it was a close call for

Fatherly-figure in nature, he is not just simply being a teacher

him before he made the crucial decision that changed him

but is one who is apt to establish an emotional connection

from a compassionate seminarian to a beaming educator

with his students through his inspirational lectures and

with a heart.

genuine communication and compassion. According to his

DYNAMIC 67

The devotional route Sir Teody’s entry to the seminary was in fact, also a spur-of-the-moment decision. He was influenced by his friend to take the entrance examination for St. Francis Minor Seminary. “Sa totoo lang kaya naman ako pumasok ng seminary dahil yung best friend ko papasok. Nagpasama [siya] ngayon sa akin doon noong kukuha siya ng exam. Noong makita nung proctor na wala akong ginagawa, ang sabi sa akin kumuha na rin ako ng test.”

His mother upon knowing of his application, couldn’t hide her pride and excitement as he qualified to be a seminarian in high school. “Sa aming lugar sa San Jose, Batangas, nagkataon na talagang wala pang naggiging pari noong time na ‘yon,” Sir Teody said, wistfully recalling how he almost clinched a legacy his family could be solely claim.

The fervor sketched in his mother’s eyes stoked his disposition to consider pursuing priesthood after high school in St. Francis Major Seminary with a degree in philosophy.

First departure Despite his family’s fervent support with his priesthood journey, Sir Teody exited the seminary twice as he was still doubtful with his legitimate calling—a mark showing his inner turmoil and doubts towards achieving the priesthood.

The cause of his first withdrawal was when his aforementioned friend decided to exit from the seminary first. As his friend parted ways with the priesthood life, Sir Teody realized that he really had a trifling purpose for entering in the first place. “Hanggang sa nakita ko para bang kaya lang ako pumasok dahil para lang maka-please [ng mga tao sa paligid ko],” he said. As he reflected on his thoughts, he realized that he was not happy anymore in this journey, driving him to a decision to leave the seminary.

He left after he finished his tertiary studies in the seminary with a philosophy degree. Hailing from a family of doctors, he then pursued a

Teody’s entry to the seminary was a spur-ofthe-moment decision.

degree in medical technology as a pre-medicine program at the Lyceum of the Philippines University-Batangas.

However, Alday learned that being a doctor was not his calling either as he left the program after only a year, to return to the folds of the seminary. He entered the St. Alfonso School of Theology, a seminary in Lucena City to pick up four years left in his priesthood formation.

68 DYNAMIC

Second departure However, skepticism about his priesthood path still chased him for two years in St. Alfonso which soon led him to arrive at his final decision. As he packed his bags to leave for good, he felt relief realizing leaving the seminary was leaving his own box of confusion.

His reasons were still the same. Still, being unhappy and unfulfilled prompted his second exit. Yet, the difference this time, was that he was already sure of his decision. This departure gave him a clear vision of what he really wanted. Sir Teody trailed two concepts which shaped his verdict to leave and he deemed these to be his philosophy in life. “Kailangan ng dalawang elements, una, masaya ka and second, you can serve God,� Alday said. Though the seminary would fulfill the second requirement, he had lost the element of being happy and fulfilled. His intentions he realized, was never a strong reason to start with as it was bottling himself in a situation with a chief intent to please everyone, especially his parents. As he was drawn closer towards becoming a priest, pressure in comprehending his atual purpose started to distance him from what he initially believed to be his calling. It made him realize that he was not happy.

His father was the first person to know about his withdrawal in the seminary. Though it was their vision to serve simultaneously as a priest and a mayor, his father supported his decision to move to a direction which would make him happier.

DYNAMIC 69

70 DYNAMIC

DYNAMIC 71

The reception of a new life Handling the changes after his retraction from the seminary is not as easy as it sounds. “Para kasing nakalaya na ‘ko... Although minsan hindi nawawala sa akin yung pag ka-batch mo naging pari na, siyempre di nawawalan [sa] isip [ko] na sana ako’y pari na din,” he said. Out of 33, only two of his batchmates were fated to be priests.

When

asked

about

his

what-ifs,

Sir

Teody

admitted

that

sometimes he still feels open to considering returning to especially since he is still single. There are days when he still wonders how it feels to administer sacraments to lay people. “Minsan malaking bagay pa din sa akin yung ikaw ang nag mimisa at nagbibinyag.” he stated.

“Although ngayon parang masarap ang teaching eh,” he smiled. He was directed to the profession as he was able to hit on the idea of being happy whilst serving God through preaching the Gospel and Christian values as a professor of religious education.

“Sa akin, pag kulang ang isang element [sa ginagawa mo], hindi ito talaga ang iyong vocation, mayroong ibang paraan kaya tinatawag ka ni God,” he added.

His first students as a professor were from San Beda College-Alabang, where he taught for two years. He then moved to De La Salle Lipa where he has been serving until now. Alday is presently in his 29th year of teaching.

Arriving at his final decision seemed to be a long-drawn-out process that he undertook and Sir Teody views the power of prayers and discernment as a significant tool in focusing and elucidating the mind while figuring out what he really wanted to do in life.

With his life-changing decisions, he strongly believes in God’s time, citing himself as proof that things take time and that things happen for certain reasons and that he should not close doors to possibilities. He goes by the idea of trusting the flow of life’s circumstances and getting through it by profound discernment and faith. Sir Teody is the living testament that we can survive the challenges of life, provided that we make better choices and wise decisions for ourselves.

As the drivers of our own destiny, we are fuelled by our hopes and devotion. This fuel gives us the power to turn our course towards a path where we can encounter growth in the end. Pausing and being indecisive for a while is part of the journey. It is important to silently take your time and focus on your decisions for in this way, we could eventually find what’s meant for us. In the end, what matters is that you pursue a path that makes you happy the most.

With his lifechanging decisions, he strongly believes in God’s time.

Illustration by Frances Aldover

Illustration by Aaliyah de Silva

74 BALANCE

Camille Resma

E

veryone wants to look good on a budget. But the back of the price tags seem like a daunting thing to look at when you walk inside high end stores. Hence, the demand for fine clothing and exquisite design has a big potential market in “fast fashion” —an industry that started in the late 1990s which exemplifies trendy fashion but for a relatively cheaper cost. Fast fashion shops like H&M, Zara, and Forever21 play a vital role for boosting confidence and making the stylish look available to most consumers. However, it is actually a wolf in sheep’s clothing.

Despite the looks, production largely lacks quality because the clothes are made fast by unskilled laborers in sweatshops in places such as India, Uzbekistan, China, Thailand, Pakistan, Egypt and Bangladesh.

These makes their products mostly throwaway items—adding to the disposable culture, marking it as an unsustainable idea.

Fast fashion is the second largest waste contributor in the world next to oil—about 85% of textile waste goes to the landfill each year while the industry accounts for 20% of wastewater and 10% of carbon emission globally.

According to WWF or World Wildlife, to produce 1 kilogram of cotton, you’ll need 20,000 liters of water (for the long process of washing, bleaching and dyeing) which is roughly equivalent to only a single shirt and a pair of jeans—a startling fact when we consider 20% of people in east Asia and the Pacific can barely fill their cups with clean water according to Our World in Data by Hanna Ritchie and Max Roser.

Furthermore, when we wash our clothes, microplastics are released into the water that could be digested by marine species along with the chemicals in the detergent. We often think of clothes as a harmless industry but fashion has a lot to account for in the damage being done to our planet.

Other problems with the industry pose a different threat to people.

Georg Kell in his 2018 article from Forbes magazine says that the fast fashion industry is employing over 60 million people that work in dangerous conditions, many which are prone to accidents. In 2013 for example, the Rana Plaza clothing factory in Dhaka, Bangladesh collapsed leaving 1,100 dead and 2,500 people injured.

Such accidents are due to buildings and factories that do not meet safety construction standards and the lack of maintenance.

“We often think of clothes as a harmless industry but fashion has a lot to account for in the damage being done to our planet.”

A lot of underaged individuals are also recruited in the manufacturing sites because they are a cheaper source of labor for the companies.

It can be considered as modern day slavery targeting susceptible groups in exchange for the promise of “good money”.

Illnesses are also developed inside the factories from being exposed to unsanitary conditions and toxic chemicals causing workers skin irritation and issues with breathing.

Such conditions also make people prone to developing cancer.

Psychologically speaking, disposable culture in fast fashion creates more bad habits for the consumers. There is this temptation to buy new things because we are living in the consumer era where cheap prices and dropping sales is an invitation to erase the guilt of splurging for the sake of #OOTD. People,

especially teens, reward themselves through acquiring material possessions and are prone to making compulsive shopping due to influence. I’m talking about those massive hauls that we see from our favorite YouTubers and artists in social media.

Sometimes, we also shop when we’re stressed or we browse online to find what trendy clothes we can add to cart. Though this can boost our dopamine, we have to remind ourselves that such excitement fades very quickly after buying. According to Olena Rudenko in her Share Cloth blog, fast fashion is twisting our sense of value. Low-price items are equal to low quality and value to the customers. Our brain is subconsciously controlled by these items that we will soon dispose of in time to make a space for the new ones to come. And the cycle goes on.

As Livia Firth, an ethical fashion advocate, said, “Fast fashion is like fast food. After the sugar rush it just leaves a bad taste in your mouth.”

Personally, I have never bought anything from the brands mentioned above nor do I often shop in malls. To lessen my impact on our environment I have resorted to the alteration and hand-me-down system to avoid throwing out clothes. By giving it to someone who would appreciate it more we can lessen our rate of consumption.

I basically survive in thrifting and repurposing old clothes when needed.

As I’ve been self-educating myself in the world of fashion and sustainability throughout the years, I see clothes differently now. It must pass the criteria and ask myself if I really need it. I look at it the way I check the nutritional facts and ingredients in food labels.

The true cost of fast fashion isn’t just in our pockets, it’s literally in the world around us.

BALANCE 75

Endangered Sardines: Fact or Fallacy?

By Claudine Valencia & Angel De Jesus Photos by Kassandra Duño & Angelic Cabataña

F

or the next few years, the dining tables in Taal that once had a spot for a plate of Tawilis might become empty.

Being a staple and a delicacy around towns surrounding Taal Lake, Tawilis, the only

freshwater sardine in the world, has long been a tourist favorite and an iconic breakfast meal paired with fried rice. However, back in October of 2018, Tawilis made the headlines by making it to the endangered species list of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

While scientists and experts assert this claim with their research and observations of the behavior of the sardines in the lake, locals living near Taal Lake beg to differ from the experts’ assessment and hold their own claims that the sardines have never been endangered based from their own encounter of catching the prized fish species.

76 BALANCE

Views from the experts Tawilis has been under the study of the National Fisheries Research and Development Institute—National Fisheries Biological Center (NFRDI-NFBC), an institution that has been monitoring the marine life of Taal Lake since the 1990s.

Dissecting five kilos of the endemic fish has been the monthly task of Chief Agriculturist Maria Theresa Mutia and her team at NFRDI-NFBC to analyze the reproductive biology of the sardine. They have observed how its population decreased, and how much it has changed compared to the last 20 years. Since they first started the research, the catch has dropped by 80 percent.

As they monitor the activities in the lake of Taal, two illegal practices of the fishermen, more locally known as “mamumukot”, were identified that has pushed Tawilis into IUCN’s Red List.

Hauling fish with nets that trap small Tawilis called beach seine is one of the common malpractices in the lake. With the use of compact nets with narrow holes,

fishermen

trap

smaller

sardines,

which

eradicates younger generations and diminishes their chances of reproducing.

“Endangered na rin ang tawilis dahil na din sa unsustainable fishing practices kasi yung net size [na ginagamit ay] maliliit.

Kaya yung mga maliliit na isda na supposed to be ay mabibigyan pa ng chance na magpalaki at magparami ay nahuhuli na din,” Mutia stated.

With technology rapidly evolving, fishing gears and baiting practices changed the way locals hurl their nets on Taal Lake. The illegal use of motorized push nets which allows fishermen to operate larger nets and reach farther

areas of the lake hauls in more than 20 kilos at a time— much larger than the catch from traditional nets causing overexploitation.

It is not only the fishermen that pose a threat to the marine life of Taal but also the two cities and 10 municipalities which surround the lake. Waste discharges brought by commercial establishments, household activities and agricultural areas surrounding the lake and leftover baits dumped in the water causes further pollution and biological contamination.

The rise of new species in the lake that prey on Tawilis is also a concerning factor in its dwindling population. In 2008, IUCN warned the locals about the invasion of tilapia which feeds on the freshwater sardine. With the lake only at 234.2 square kilometers, competition among species for food and space becomes unavoidable.

To rehabilitate the decreasing population of the Tawilis, Mutia and her research team drew a line for restrictions along the waters of Taal. The Tawilis Reserve Area (TRA) was established in Barangay San Nicolas, Cuenca and Balete to protect the spawning area of the threatened fish. However, even after the implementation the TRA and a closed fishing season during March and April, Chief Mutia sees no improvement in the numbers of Tawilis.

BALANCE 77

78 BALANCE

What the locals think Unlike the claims of the experts,

seasons, the Gamo family believes that

that the researchers had only gone to

locals who grew up near the lake are

Tawilis only appears in specific periods

observe the lake during low production

convinced that Tawilis is not endangered

of the year. According to them, during

months of Tawilis.

as they continue to ignore the news

the months of December to February,

The instruction from authorities

of its progressive disappearance and

sardines tend to swim in the deeper

about the closed fishing season from the

continue to deny that they experience

parts of the lake, which causes the

months of November to March also did

difficulties in catching it.

decrease of fish production during that

not stop the ‘mamumukot’ from fishing

The Gamo family, one of the oldest

period. They also clarified that there

inside the restricted areas as they

of the mamumukot families in San

has always been an abundant catch

consider their own knowledge about

Nicholas, Batangas, have recognized

during the summer season between the

Tawilis more dependable and truthful

fishing

months of April and August.

compared to the numbers presented by

as

the

pinnacle

of

their

occupation for decades. For more than

“Sapol nung kami ay magising dito sa

researchers. The indifference expressed

70 years, the Gamo family has been

San Nicholas, nakagisnan na namin yang

by locals demonstrates how much

passing down knowledge, skills and

Tawilis na ‘yan. Hindi ‘yan nawawala.

they validate their own experience

practices to the younger generations as

Talagang kusa at may panahon siyang

and knowledge far more than the data

they have always relied on the abundant

nalabas at nawawala,” said Lola Rosalita

and information shown by science. A

catches of the sardines to meet

Gamo, head of the family.

lack of awareness that according to

their needs.

Opposing the research made by the

Being knowledgeable of the activities

experts, they reject the claims about

of the freshwater sardine during all

the sardine’s endangerment insisting

the researchers, can have dangerous and irreversible consequences.

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80 BALANCE

Science versus experience Despite fishermen clinging to their own understanding and experience, the numbers and the information presented by researchers are solid evidence of the dires status of the species.

Augustus C. Mamaril from the UP Diliman Institute of Biology explains that catches of Tawilis were already declining back in the 1990s, and that their sizes were becoming smaller and thinner. This may indicate serious threats within the lake that were already present even before Tawilis was red-listed.

According to Rappler.com, there was already a steady decline of fish population in the past, with studies estimating a decline of about 49% in the last decade.

With scientists showing great alertness even before Tawilis became endangered, it’s possible that people,

BALANCE 81

especially locals, may have to start opening up to the fact that Tawilis may be a threatened species, and that continually going to restricted areas to obtain abundant catches may result in its total disappearance.

As the experts perceive ways for the population to recover, the loss of connection with the locals is the biggest threat that hinders any progress from being achieved.

Fishermen continue to lure in the remaining population of the fish during on and off seasons. Resorting to extreme and illegal means of fishing.

With lack of awareness, the famous endemic fish on breakfast tables may soon be gone forever and cooperation between scientists, officials and locals is needed to bring life back to life the lake that is the only home of this prized fish.

Illustration by Frances Aldover

ah de

Il

Aaliy n by o i t a r lust

Silva

84 LITERARY

beats

By Ryan Emmanuelle Rico

90 BPM Murmuring in my ears “Intubate,” he cried Alone was his decision “If it is really needed,” they replied 60 BPM 70 BPM

Illustration by Marielle Robles

My body drifts Far from where they cried Held the ropes, pushes “Wake up, we’re going to be okay.”

100 BPM Stable yet unstable Through a canal, my brain breathes Though the heart inhales floral aroma The lungs were soaked, it drowned itself 110 BPM This vacuum With air, with resistance, with a rosary Absent was the water, absent were the greens Through the canal they flowed 200 BPM Eyes were from afar, from 10 years ago From a knock, my brain awakens There they are, it was like a time heist Michael, Sonny, Aldrin, Perry and Eduard 220 BPM Glass divides the vacuum Butterflies flew by the barrier Sending cheers like an ocean to an island And from that, the glass shattered 110 BPM Noises in my ears, murmurs “She can’t see you all yet” It was the decision “She needs to rest” 80 BPM No butterflies today No Michael, No Sonny, No Aldrin No Perry, No Eduard No today 80 BPM Still in the vacuum Without resistance The body won’t last long Even with the air 60 BPM My sons 30 BPM “Clear” 0 BPM

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86 LITERARY

she: in her garden

By Pia Hautea Francisco

Illustration by Nichole Ragas

unfinished: bowls of cereal by the sink, dismembered alphabet in warm milk. on wrinkled egg cartons watercolor skies never dried running late for the cloud chase.

almost finished: stargazer on hot pressed paper by the window. it will not wilt. she painted it. it cannot wilt.

fin: it does not matter because nobody’s home. to tend to them, she must be around. just before daylight closed its eyes. the color of her neck matched the sunset. she is among them now. she will not wilt.

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88 LITERARY

Ephemeral

By Allyssa Ria Paz Illustration by Nesli Sanchez

we are wingless delicate little figures trapped between the cracks of dawn of dying stars and

new beginnings

awaiting for the sun to reign in its place

skies split

open for light

with hands tied and feet fettered eyes the color of rotten peach pits tears, spilling

on cheeks just as red

people are

unkempt hurricanes

swirling like mixed bitter and blue of sorrow, of longing in a world of perpetual walls

cotton candies

LITERARY 89

ticking

of clock hands, rotating around

nights and days we can’t escape when minds come diving into oblivion dying seconds, raffling hours

planets,

unshifting and steady

from the world’s

rotating madness

of closed fists and desperation and wild eyes against dissolving skies

90 LITERARY

No Place for Good Girls

By Nela Mari Padre Illustration by Franchelle Fallaria

She was sitting in the corner of the dull, beige meeting room, staring off into the picturesque cityscape from the twentieth floor of the building.

A movie night celebration awaited her at the end of the day to mark the second month of her working in the company. It wasn’t that long yet to be wellexperienced, but long enough to be officially called a decent job.

As always, she was there in case her boss needed her to get something. In the meantime, her boss was too busy flailing his arms in front of the new American investors looking less-than-enthusiastic over their uniquely new and innovative tech start-ups.

The rambling moved her gaze from the window to the flat and disappointed expressions of the investors. “Look, maybe I can persuade you over a few drinks,” her boss exclaims to the three men in front of him. “And maybe more,” he says as he glances over to the silent and clueless assistant, sitting at the corner.

She wasn’t so sure of what was happening, but it definitely ruined her movie night.

As the men left the drab and dreary room, looking forward for their intimate meeting later in the evening, she was found cornered by her boss and asks for a far-fetched favor.

LITERARY 91

“I know it’s an informal business meeting,” he said, then trailed off, before finding the right words to convince her. “Maybe you could let loose later. Maybe put an edge to your fit, or change up something to get us on the investors’ nice side.”

She’s new to all of this. College was two months ago, but if there’s something it taught her, it was to be prepared. She was one to follow what she was told to do, out of sheer respect and praise for her superiors; her parents, former teachers and professors can prove it. But there she was, at a rather claustrophobic and restraining setting. No one taught her what to do if this happened, in fact, she never imagined to be involved in this, but her career—only just beginning—was already on the line.

Work and sacrifice must come first over weakness and giving in.

The profane music blaring through the club’s speakers made it hard to hear any of the agreements made, but it didn’t matter. She was told to only do three things: smile, nod, and be pretty. It wouldn’t go too far, she was told. She was wearing her skintight striped tube dress, with nothing but a goldcolored bolero to hide her modesty, nothing like the plain, pastel pant suits she wears in the office. Not to mention the flawless layer of highlights and contours, the heavy amount of golden glitter on her eyes and brows, and the devilish red lipstick, just so “being pretty” was well-taken care of. She wouldn’t even be spending the evening there if it weren’t for a slight muck-up in a meeting that wasn’t even her fault in the first place.

Her body-hugging dress left little to the imagination. Before she could protest, all sorts of hands reached over to what she bore: her arms, her shoulders, neck, waist, hips, legs and more where she felt like she was losing her dignity in increments. “Just sit still,” her boss said when he took a firm grasp on her hips. Unlike the meeting earlier, he already finally had their clients hooked on their next big thing, while she sat there, shocked but still smiling, nodding, and being pretty. It was happening so fast it was all she could do.

Long into the night, she sits undisturbed at the private table where all of their business had been taking place. One of the investors, tall, but brooding in character, scoots closer to her, but she moves further away too, to maintain space. A quick nip at the neck, or just a sly pinch at her rear; though she distances herself from the advances, it doesn’t stop.

It wasn’t long until she was offered a drink. “Take a rest. I had this made specially for you,” offered the man who has been fooling around with her.

Something changed. At that moment, he wasn’t just the brooding man that watched over her like a character that chased after her. Something loomed over him like a dark haunting figure for her; the vulnerable person’s worst nightmare, as he towered over her, about a foot taller. She didn’t have to take one sip of the drink for her to notice the undissolved particles of what could be roofie.

She was already sick. No, she didn’t want to throw up. But the

idea of this whole set-up was suddenly disgusting for her. She threw the drink at him and ran off quickly to the women’s restroom, where the stench of drunk girls, mixed with trace scents of lavender, rose, vanilla, and eucalyptus from what could be vapor rub, quickly overwhelmed her senses.

Earlier in the day, she was just looking out in the world, at the promising life outside of an empty and dull workspace. She contemplates why she ended up in some assistant position after being misled to take a “high-paying job”; why she was in this club when she could finish off some paperwork for tomorrow; why her boss probably thought This girl could be up here with the big guys, if only she weren’t such a clean, innocent prude; why she fell for the job description so easily just so she could pay the towering stack of tuition loans, and her parents’ other debts.

Behind the colorful pigments painted on her face, the reflection in the mirror looking back at her was quiet; blank. The deafening silence rang in her ears. She washed her delicate, yet trembling hands under the cold, running tap, turned around, and walked towards the wild and busy club, to endure what would already have been a traumatic experience for some.

Eventually, it would become an endless loop of pageantry to these men. They won’t see her as nothing more than a dog to bark around orders to feed off their ego.

Eventually, it would stop if either she quits or she gets fired. In any way it should happen, she only has to smile, nod, and be pretty.

92 LITERARY

Bangko

By Allegra Macatangay Illustration by Anna De Silva

T

he mango tree just outside Jonathan’s window probably won’t grow any taller.

Jonathan sits in front of his desk, its edge

hitting the bottom glass border perfectly. His house is dimly lit and so is the outside he stares into the soft grey skies behind the tree he remembers naming “Bangko” in lieu of the difficulty of saying “mango” as a child. No bird chirps.

Reminiscing in silence, he smiles.

As a child of the 60’s, Jonathan dreamt of becoming a farmer unlike other kids. At about six years old, under the white-patched blues, he playfully planted mango seeds beside their house. A few mornings later, amid his heavy snores, his mother lightly tapped his shoulders to tell him a sprout grew. His feet shuffled in excitement as he wore his rubber slippers by the doorstep to step out for a look.

His mother helped him with Bangko. At times, Jonathan cried to his mom when he thought he watered Bangko a

LITERARY 93

little bit too much for fear of it drowning, or when he

the two huts near the muds and the human-towering

forgot to do so at sundowns because he catnapped on

stalks. The older man munched on a biscuit, its plastic

the couch a little too long. Even with school, he had

sachet still loaded with flakes which were raining upon

his afternoons and weekend mornings for Bangko to

his knee, and on the ground, a mug of coffee with its

measure against his knee, his hip, and then eventually

mouth chipped. Behind him were his sack of grain and

to his waist. He worried when it had to deal with the

his mud-covered boots. He nodded to Jonathan then

unapologetic

his eyes travelled somewhere into the tree-lined red

typhoons,

the

alternating

weather,

but remained patient until Bangko levelled with his

horizons, and his attention to his afterwork

shoulders, the freckle on his left cheek, then beyond

meal disappeared.

the longest strand of hair he could possibly pull into a straight line from his scalp.

“Our trader said we need to lower our price,” Mang Ruben said lowly, and Jonathan felt sorrow layered

Then the time came when Bangko teared up with

beneath his words. “We have to lower the price or else,

yellow fruits. They dangled from their wooden strings

I’m afraid we’ll have to find other traders. I wish I could

until they ripened and started dropping one by one. The

wait. That will take a week, then another, and another;

mangoes became the centrepiece of their dining table,

I have to pay some debts! So do the others!” He added

arranged in ribboned baskets, shared with neighbors

chuckling, “What’s worse is Mendoza’s also thinking

sometimes unintentionally as the branches crept and

about selling the land. My wife heard when she was

hovered over fences.

cooking there. There’s nowhere else for us to go, no

Jonathan also bore fruits, finally earning an

in betweens.”

accountancy diploma under his arm. He had wanted to

The young man kept his lips in a straight line and

be a farmer but at his mom’s behest, had enrolled in the

there was a silence between them. He didn’t know

course which he dutifully accomplished. But despite

where to look so he found himself looking at the

this, the call of the farm—of the earth—was too strong

horizon. He knew very little, only the details about

to resist.

the Mendoza’s owning the land they tended and Mang

A farm in Rizal welcomed him and his lean-built body.

Ruben’s wife working for them. He turned his head to

The farm hands were men in their thirties, forties and

look at Mang Ruben only to find him already looking at

fifties. Some were employed with their fathers in their

him with eyes as tender as the fading flames of the sun.

old washed jeans crammed in knee-high rubber boots.

“Why do this to yourself?” the older man asked. “You

Mang Ruben, a man in his mid-forties, was the leader of

come in here so young yet not so young. I joined here

this rough group and always had a sack of grain or dried

younger than you did but only because I had no choice.

plants over his shoulder. With his guidance, Jonathan

You have one. You graduated college!” His crooked lips

worked from day to noon, washing himself with the

curled upward as he rested a palm on Jonathan’s back.

rays of the sun that entered the holes of his straw hat.

“It’s hard finding a future here,” he sighed. “They’ll eat

And despite wearing slippers, the calloused soles of his

you here alive.”

feet mingled with the rough lands.

One afternoon, Jonathan took a break beside Mang Ruben, sat up on a small dusty wooden porch of one of

“But I want this,” Jonathan muttered slowly, the first time in a while they heard his voice.

“You can make it out there,” Mang Ruben said, calm.

94 LITERARY

“And when you do, see if you still want to come back. If fortunate enough, I’d still be here.”

Mang Ruben was up his feet shakily, bones reeling inside his narrow body as he watched Jonathan come

Jonathan came home feeling like he left parts of

closer. Jonathan approached with leather-covered feet

himself in the farm, on the porch, in the bed of red. He

but his calloused soles could recall the same earth,

picked up a few fruits of Bangko along his way to the

the same smell of water to tend the soil. Mang Ruben

doorstep, as if finding a way to complete himself.

wrapped a hand sagging with skin around his wrist. It

He left the farm a month later, concluded with hugs

was warm, still.

and the tightest one from Mang Ruben who whispered

“You’ve grown!” was his joyful utterance. “Into a fine,

to him, “Make it out there.” Luckily for Jonathan, it didn’t

fine man I see,” The gray-haired farmer took a long

take long for him to be behind cubicles as a part of the

look. “A face I’m glad to be refreshed.” He laughed and

accounting team of a real estate company his uncle was

continued, “You’ve made it out there. None of us could.”

a manager of. From time to time, his uncle would show

It wasn’t hard to grasp—why no one could. Mang

up above the low divider in his office, giving him advice

Ruben’s flimsy weight tried to pull him so he could meet

and even urging him to get a master’s degree in business

other people, but he didn’t move. Instead, he gave him a

administration which he did.

forced nod, a smile, and then he hurried back home.

In just a few years, he became the senior accounting

The mango tree parallel to Jonathan’s window hides its

manager of the same company, moving up the ranks as

fruits in its leaves, yellows peeking through the greens,

fast as a stone skipping on the sea. He went to business

their shapes reminding him of the seed he planted. It’s

parties with baskets of Bangko’s fruits as gifts. His

difficult to formulate feedback to the board especially

position allowed him to look into the in’s and out’s of

when the land in question was fitting. He wasn’t given

the company with contracts spinned on his desk, signed

much time either with his phone ringing in his hand—a

for land conversions of previous farms to land franchise,

call from his uncle. He answered it.

one after another.

Then one day it was that farm in Rizal—yet another

“So, how was it?” his uncle asked.

“Well,” Jonathan sighs, “it’s great—wide.”

area to soon be engulfed by the shadows of skyscrapers.

The other line anticipates for more and Jonathan feels

As required by his position, he had to step foot on the

it, hears it from the calculated breaths and the stretched

land he had tilled before and which his company had

pause. “Anything else?” asks his uncle.

its eyes on. As someone trusted by the board his uncle belonged to, he was asked to give simple feedback.

“Very wide but I don’t think it’s what we’re looking for.” Jonathan hears his chest pumping. “It’s in the middle

Bedded on the lumps were crops similar to the ones he

of nowhere. Public vehicles don’t even reach here. Its

used to pick. He passed several farmers but he couldn’t

neighbors are old small houses so far from each other.

see anyone he knew, until he met a slanted figure. Like

The roads aren’t even lit at night.”

before, Mang Ruben spotted him with a smile that looked familiar but didn’t feel familiar to Jonathan. Now, it was a trigger of guilt, piercing past the flesh and bringing back memories of the old man’s words.

His uncle could be heard rather taken aback and arguing with him.

He continues, “It’s not what we’re looking for.”

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100 LITERARY

Illustration by Frances Aldover

LMAGAZINE Editorial Board

Editor-in-chief Ryan Emmanuelle Rico Associate Editor Ericka Nieto Pia Hautea Francisco Creative Director Aaliyah De Silva Operations Manager Lillian Margaret Viñas Editorial Assistants Camille Resma

Melanie Joy Dangli

Rennier Cuevas

Assistant Creative Director Nicole Mendoza & Franchelle Fallaria Chief Artist Nesli Sherina Ann Sanchez Chief Photographer Kitkat Afurong Chief Layout Artist Angelo Mojares Contributors Vien Dimaculangan, Vivien Abrigonda, Angel De Jesus, Claudine Valencia, Lillian Margaret Viñas, Pamela Mae Laguerta, Arn Alinea, Pauline Torino, Allegra Japson Macatangay, Jona Bondad, Jennylyn Garcia, Nela Mari Padre, Allyssa Ria Paz Jeanne Rose Hernandez, Marielle Robles, Nichole Ragas, Lyzette Tapay, Lloyd Ivan Morales, Rain Lumban, Kassandra Loreign Duño, Lawrenz Tugade, Frances Ariane Aldover, Anna De Silva, Julienne Vergara, Angelic Cabataña, Beata Escano, Jona Bondad, Kitkat Afurong Page Layout by: Angelo Mojares, Jessica Mora, Denielle Camille Casalla, Mark Gerold Baustista, Kitkat Afurong & Aaliyah De Silva Publications Adviser Frederick R. Cumagun

About the cover We usually define our stories through measuring things.

The abundance and scarcity of life may feed our ongoing fantasies or place us in great discomfort. As our hands are supposed to be the tool of tools, it also has a mind of its own, sometimes ignoring the cries and concerns under the pressure we’ve placed upon ourselves. Perhaps, it is the reason why we need to shift our perspectives on our needs, to adapt—for our survival.

Art by Camille Resma

L Magazine is a member of the LAVOXA Group of Publications, De La Salle Lipa. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system without prior written permission form the publication.

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