The Manila Collegian Volume 32, Issue no. 21

THE OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES - MANILA

THE MANILA COLLEGIAN M AGN A

EST

V E RITAS

E T

P R E VA E L E BI T

p. 04 ON PAR WITH THE MINIMUM by The Features Team

p. 06 DUELO 2019 by The Culture Team

p.09 SEATBELTS AND SPINAL CRACKS: LUHA

by Haku

p. 12 PROGNOSIS by The Features Team

DIALOGUE: GUIDELINES IN UP MANILA 2019 UNIVERSITY ELECTIONS NEWS

VOLUME 32 • ISSUE 21 APRIL 10, 2019

02 EDITORIAL Basagin na ang palabas na eleksyon.

Gumagaling man ang mga aktor, nagiging awtomatiko man ang pagpapanggap, kailanman ay hindi ginawa ang eleksyon bilang isang palabas.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Mika Andrea Ocampo Ramirez ASSOCIATE EDITOR FOR INTERNALS Shaila Elijah Perez Fortajada ASSOCIATE EDITOR FOR EXTERNALS Marie Angelu De Luna Pagobo MANAGING EDITOR Shelly Elaine Familara Andes ASSISSTANT MANAGING EDITOR Josef Bernard Soriano De Mesa NEWS EDITOR Ryana Isabel Neri Kesner NEWS CORRESPONDENTS Leah Rose Figueroa Paras FEATURES EDITORS Czyrah Isabella Manalo Cordoba John Michael Tribiana Torres FEATURES CORRESPONDENTS Ronald Satore Simyunn Jr. CULTURE EDITOR Jonerie Ann Mamauag Pajalla CULTURE CORRESPONDENTS Cyness Edward Fergus Resuello Sophie Mireille Echivarre GRAPHICS EDITOR Justine Vince Amanca De Dios RESIDENT ILLUSTRATORS Abigail Beatrice Malabrigo

Simple lang ang esensya ng eleksyon: ang maghalal ng mga lingkod bayan na tunay na titindig para sa interes ng nagluklok sa kanila. Mandato ng bawat ihahalal na konseho ang maging representante ng pinaglilingkuran niya, at samahan sila sa hirap at tagumpay na haharapin nila. Pero paulit-ulit na nakikita ang mga platapormang puro hangin at pagpapairal ng sariling interes, na siyang patuloy na nagsasadlak sa masang Pilipino at binubutasan ang tiwala na ibinigay nila.

Sa kabila ng libo-libong buhay na ninakaw ng estado, at patuloy na pagdura sa karapatang pantao, kasalanan sa mga Iskolar ng Bayan at sa masang kinabibilangan niya ang pagkakaroon ng konsehong tinatanggihan ang laban nasa harap nila.

Walang sinuman sa pinaglilingkuran nila ang nararapat alukan ng kahalili na ang armas sa laban ay kaduwagan o pagpapakitang-tao, dahil hindi isang

REALITY BITES

malabong panaginip ang paghiling na magkaroon ng mga kandidatong tunay na maglilingkod sa mga estudyante at sa masa. Bagkus, ito ang pinakamaliit na hinihingi mula sa kanila: katotohanan.

Karangalan ang tumapak sa entablado ng eleksyon. Sa ilaw pa lang na pinapasinag sa sinumang binigyan ng mikropono, umutang na sila sa sambayanang pumayag na sila’y pakinggan. Ngunit, ang atensyon na binibigay ng madla sa mga kandidato ay hindi imbitasyon para magtanghal: umawit ng mga hambog na pangako o sumayaw ng inensayong malasakit sa tao. Hindi materyal ng mga praktisadong monologo ang panawagan ng masang binubusabos, o kaya’y palaman ng mga talumpating walang kaluluwa at tunay na hangaring isakatuparan. Ang pakikiisa sa kanila ay hindi pagtapak sa lupa ng isang sugo, pataba sa mga pangalan, o pandagdag sa mga titulo.

Ubos na ang oras ng kawalan ng kibo at pakialam habang patuloy na binababoy

ang mga karapatan, sa loob o labas man ng pamantasan.

OFFICE 4th Floor Student Center Building, University of the Philippines Manila, Padre Faura St. corner Ma. Orosa St., Ermita, Manila 1000 EMAIL mkule1819@gmail.com WEBSITES issuu.com/manilacollegian www.facebook.com/themanilacollegian www.twitter.com/MKule

MEMBER

Hindi na maaaring ulit-ulitin ang mga nabigong pangako o sumuka ng mga mabubulaklak na salita. Basag na ang pagpapanggap—pagod na ang mga magaaral sa teleserye ng totoong buhay.

Hindi na maaaring ipalunok sa mga mamboboto ang mga ideyang walang laman at mga proyektong walang saysay. Tapos na ang pagpapaniwala— panahon na upang ilabas ang kwento ng tunay na kalagayan ng bayan. Sa lumalalang sira ng bansa, tumitindi ang pangangailangan na mamili ang mga estudyante ng mga lider na dadalhin ang mga isyu ng pamantasan sa mas malawak na laban at ilapit rin sa mga estudyante sa mga sakit ng lipunan.

Ngunit mas kinakailangan ng mga estudyante na mamulat at kumilos ngayong panahon ng eleksyon. Wala nang sandali ang pwedeng sayangin na hindi nalalaman ang mga isyu ng bayan at ng masang pilipino. Ubos na ang oras ng kawalan ng kibo at pakialam habang patuloy na binababoy ang mga karapatan, sa loob o labas man ng pamantasan. Sa panahon kung kailan ang mga kandidato mismo sa pambansang eleksyon ay mapagpanggap, mas nararapat na maging mas mapagmatyag at mabusisi sa pagpili ng susunod na lider estudyante.

Dahil sa huli’t huli, ang mga botante ang tunay na may kapangyarihan, at ang tunay na magwawagi.

Panahon na para tapusin ang palabas.

Mag-iba man ang aktor, mabago man ang pagtatanghal, kailangang tigilan na ang panonood lang. Tumayo, kumilos, at baguhin ang kwento.

College Editors Solidaridad - UP Systemwide Alliance of Student Publications Guild of the and Writers’ Organizations Philippines

Dibuho ni Abigail Beatirce Malabrigo

NEWS 03

VOLUME 32 • ISSUE 21 APRIL 10, 2019

Dialogue: Guidelines in UP Ma nil a 20 19 University Elections

by Tammy Habal

T

The meeting started at 6:33 PM, with handling out and discussion of the revised election code.

Concerns arose during the meeting, such as the decision of the UEB against the extension of filing of candidacy, with 7/7 votes.

will only be applied if a lone candidate is running for chair or vice-chair.

The majority rule, or “50% + 1” rule, is an electoral system that ensures a leading candidate achieves a majority of votes in order to win. Under this system, if no candidate gets the majority of votes at the first round of voting, there would be a second round, a “rerun,” or special elections. The participants would be the top two candidates of the initial ballot.

he UP Manila University Electoral Board (UEB), together with the campaign managers of this year’s University Student Council (USC) candidates, held a dialogue last Friday regarding the guidelines in this year’s USC elections.

Essentially, the use of majority rule was also raised, specifically, with the definition of “abstain” and its power over votes. Brandon Belmi, UEB chairperson, clarified that abstain counts as a vote, and can win against other candidates. Majority rule

FROM CP

FROM CN

FROM CAS

FROM CP

For Castillo - bilang treasurer, bakit hindi maayos ang UPM Fiesta?

Naglabas din daw ng personal money ang organizers para lang macater ng maayos ang performers.

What are your thoughts about the low student involvement/ participation in UPM USC projects?

To the KILOS slate: How can you ensure that you will be fully committed to the USC when you fielded a candidate who backed out at the last minute? Does this mean that you do not really meticulously choose your chosen candidates at nagpapatakbo kayo ng kung sino lang pwede?

For all USC candidates - what concrete actions/steps will you take to address the growing issues regarding the RSA?

NISOM CASTILLO: Actually, as the treasurer of the USC, I was not able to monitor the flow of the money for UPM Fiesta. That is actually an issue. On the day itself, I gave 12,000 pesos, and at the end of the night, they said they had 567 pesos left. The organizers of the team just gave a very informal breakdown of how they spent the money, that they’re still looking for receipts. They still haven’t given that to me. I call for more transparency in the UPM Fiesta team.

TINANONG NI ISKO'T ISKA

FAYE ARGUSON: Alam kong walang estudyante sa UPM na apolitical. Meron at meron po tayong mga student leaders na magri-rise up po to the challenge at magseserbisyo sa community.

Kakulangan din ‘to ng mga student leaders sa pagpapatanggol dito.

FROM CN If you were to be the president of the Philippines, where would you allocate the biggest budget?

JOSLIN MACAPAGAL: Mahirap ang tanong kasi napakaraming nangangailangan ng suporta. ‘Yung agriculture po ang susuportahan ko kasi natatambakan tayo ng foreign agreements na nakakasama sa sektor na ito. Sila rin ang pinakamadami sa populasyon pero wala silang suporta galing sa gobyerno. Kung mabibigyan natin ng suporta ang agriculture, we will become more independent as a country.

NISOM CASTILLO: The reason why Manlutac backed out is because we wanted to take care of him first. We acknowledge that the UPM USC elections here is very toxic.

It could lead one to get hurt. We chose him very very carefully, because we found that he was very capable of running the Bakbakan and for the position he was running for.

A certain candidate said na hindi naman kailangan na pumunta ng mobs para matuto. What can you say about this?

FAYE ARGUSON: Para po sa mga kandidato o para sa mga iskolar ng bayan na nagsabi nito, ay hindi ako dito agree. Ang ating pagkatuto ay hindi lamang dapat makulong sa apat na sulok ng silid-aralan. Ano ang magagawa ng mataas na grado at credentials niyo kung hindi naman kayo marunong lumapat sa masa.

The meeting adjourned at 7:51 PM of the same day.

JOSLIN MACAPAGAL: Better communication with each other so we know how to address RSA. As someone who shifted out of a white college, students should be able to shift to a course where they can grow better because the students should not be burdened by the fact that they want to shift, and instead serve the RSA in the course where they shift to.

NISOM CASTILLO: We first need to contextualize the grievances per college through student consultations. Different colleges have different issues. When we have proposed changes already, it would make our campaigns and proposals a lot better, especially when we involve staff and students, in amending the RSA. FAYE ARGUSON: Isa po sa mga concrete steps na ginagawa pa lang natin ngayon pa lang ay nangongolekta tayo ng mga naratibo at mga resibo galing sa mga estudyante na nagigipit ng RSA. Iprepresent natin ito sa susunod na BOR meeting with DaniCon and CHED Chair De Vera.

04 FEATURES

F

or the past year, the 40th University Student Council (USC) of the University of the Philippines Manila exhibited a very quiet performance, yet still effective and true in its own ways. This council faced both major and trivial difficulties, some of which almost rendered the institution incapable of putting on a worthy performance.

But the show went on, as it always does.

Precarious Start

Instability became the 40th USC’s shadow all throughout the year—it was there during their highs, and it was what ultimately caused their lows.

The term of the 40th University Student Council has been plagued with numerous obstacles from the start. Beginning its term with an incomplete slate, the odds were already stacked against the thenincoming 40th USC. However, even before their work officially started, controversies came to light, pushing the council into the shadows, and shrouding it with turmoil—a trend which ultimately affected the resulting performance of the council.

With the 40th USC starting out without its chairperson, arguments surfaced regarding on who was to fulfill the position. The slinging of technicalities from the electoral provisions of the USC constitution, the administration’s interference, and the heated debate on the concept of abstain further muddled the council, detracting it before it even got started.

After the 3rd General Assembly (GA) of the USC, then-number one USC Councilor Voltz Moya presumed the chairpersonship after a majority vote within the council. However, this was nullified by the USC during their next GA, which resulted in the assumption of former USC Vice Chairperson Raphael Santiago. Despite this, Moya still asserted his claim to the position, which then led to further contentions and did not do anything to resolve the internal conflicts within the USC. Despite this, with Santiago as its head, the 40th USC finally had its taste of stability, getting the show started. However, in spite of the lack of fulfilled seats in the council, Moya resigned in November of last year, after his fraternity, Upsilon Sigma Phi, became embroiled in controversy due

VOLUME 32 • ISSUE 21 APRIL 10, 2019

On Par with t

Assessment of the 40th U

to the discriminatory and hateful remarks found in the leaked conversations of its members. As a result, Santiago was formally elected as USC Chairperson without further contest, with then-USC Councilor Anj De Vera as the new USC Vice Chairperson.

More changes of the 40th USC’s lineup occurred later on its term. Then-USC Councilor candidates Nisom Castillo and Faye Arguson were appointed into the council by the USC to help fulfill the vacant positions, particularly because both garnered the next highest number of votes in their respective elections. However, the lineup of the 40th USC did not become final with this change, as with only a few months left in the academic year, Santiago resigned, citing personal reasons. De Vera then assumed the chairpersonship, while former USC Councilor EJ Mateo took over the vice chairperson post.

The one problem that the 40th USC consistently admitted was the instability of their internal dynamics. Given the very confusing turns of events with regard to the USC’s election, this council focused almost all its energies in constructing and reconstructing a stable leadership within, just so it could do its functions and jump-start its projects.

Expected Feats

Credit is given to whom it is due, as this council’s triumphs must be attributed to the solid support it gets from the student body.

Each year, there are three flagships projects that determines the legacy of every USC: the Bakbakan, the UP Manila Fiesta, and the Alternative Classroom Learning Experience (ACLE). This year, the 40th USC tried to push through with these projects even with the constraints from both inside and outside the council.

The Bakbakan, headed by Councilor Castillo, could only be called a success if we only consider the opinions of its main audience— the university’s student-athletes. During the interview with the USC, then-Chairperson Santiago mentioned that students expressed their satisfaction over Bakbakan, as this year’s USC was “really accommodating to the student body,” citing that the concerns and complaints of the student-athletes were listened to, with all of their problems were addressed.

Despite this, it couldn’t be denied that the Bakbakan was nowhere near perfect. Even so, the council remained positive. When asked to assess this year’s Bakbakan, Castillo said, “Thinking of Bakbakan and seeing it how it is now, honestly, this makes me so proud.” He further added, “It makes me proud of what the 40th USC has achieved. I think Bakbakan embodies what the current state of the 40th USC is. We might not have much at our disposal, but we maximize it.”

With its next banner project, the UPM Fiesta was touted by the USC as a success, bringing forth a multisectoral approach while utilizing homegrown talents, as what College of Nursing Representative to the USC Allan San Diego said. This was seconded by the project’s head, Councilor Faye Arguson, who said that its main aim was the promotion of local bands to strengthen the appreciation of arts and culture within the university.

Still, the USC was not blind to the faults of this year’s Fiesta. Arguson admitted that they had a hard time organizing the event this year because of many issues, particularly with the budget. “It’s not what I expected it to be,” she said, “pero hindi ko masasabi na hindi ako proud sa nagawa ng Fiesta team ngayon, dahil alam ko na pinahirapan po natin ito at pinaghirapan din po ng mga performers ang pagpapatampok sa kanilang mga talento.”

The show must always go unfortunate series of even characters go missing; even fall apart; even when the pl by minor inconveniences, t put on a brave face becau perform

The Featu

San Diego echoed Arguson’s sentiments, stating that the face of this year’s Fiesta was far from what it looked like in the previous years, wherein the Fiesta only focused on bands and music. In contrast, this year’s started to include dancers, spoken-word poets, and artists—a feat that the USC considered to be a “start”.

Next in line is the Alternative Learning Classroom Experience (ACLE). Headed by Vice Chairperson Mateo, the USC this year had executed it with a heightened focus on national minority groups, with the theme, “Pakigbisog, #SaveOurSchools.” In tandem with different university-wide organizations, the USC had collated the publication materials

FEATURES 05

VOLUME 32 • ISSUE 21 APRIL 10, 2019

the Minimum

University Student Council

From L-R: Councilor Elijah Mateo, USC CP Rep. Joelle Fransisco, Councilor Faye Arguson, incumbent USC Chairperson Anj De Vera, former USC Chairperson Raph Santiago, USC CAS Rep. Angel Roque, Councilor Nisom Castillo, and USC CPH Rep. Andrew Chan

Right from the dawn of its term, up until now that the end is nearing, the 40th USC faced glaring problems that could have stopped the council from functioning altogether. But with the help of the students and organizations inside the university, the USC, although it may not have exceeded expectations, rose above the said hurdles and still managed to perform the duties expected from it.

Heavy Burdens

Unlike past USC’s, this council cannot boast of such great victories, nor can it be ridiculed for such terrible lows. It remains in the middle where it only satisfies the bare minimum.

One of the most obvious manifestations of the students’ dissatisfaction with the student council could be seen in the number of its vacant positions. The overwhelming abstain win proved to be the roundhouse kick that sent this year’s USC stumbling down, even before it even started. Moreover, due to the repeated changes to its lineup, its internal dynamics were inevitably affected.

o on even under the most nts. Even when the main n when the stage is ready to lot of the story is destroyed he ”team“ responsible must use the audience expects a mance.

ures Team

of the different ACLE's for students to choose from. Despite the theme not being echoed by all ACLE’s, the event was labeled a success as a whole, because of the USC's decision to rely on the manpower and initiative of student organizations. From this point, it was clear that the council’s greatest strength is derived from the organizations that consistently forwarded their own respective campaigns, aiding the council borne out of less than fortunate circumstances.

This notion is echoed throughout the incumbent council’s interview, as evidenced by their pride in effectively consolidating the League of College Student Councils (LCSC)

and their dependency on the said body. There has been no hint of shame from the USC when they admitted that they have been largely dependent on the LCSC, especially during the turbulent times of the first semester—and there should not be any, because the strength of any university-wide council comes from the solid support of its local constituencies.

CAS representative to the USC Angel Roque admitted that the multiple lineup changes had led to a domino effect of problems for them.

“Nakasandig kami at that time sa local college student councils para mailapat pa rin yung mga kampanya at proyekto namin,” De Vera added.

“Napagtagumpayan naman namin yung internal problems with the help of the students.”

More of a deed than an actual triumph, the USC’s sensitivity to aid the past issues regarding election so as to avoid similar cases in the future deserves merit. In light of the past controversies regarding the election of the university student council, the 40th USC had the initiative to propose amendments to the existing USC Constitution and the university’s election code.

Mateo also mentioned that their main point of improvement was that they should have forwarded concrete projects that were usually being forwarded by the USC. And while it had consolidated the help of local college student councils, this was not enough to successfully execute many of their projects. There has yet to be concrete solutions to problems with SAIS and police and military presence within the campus other than dialogues held with the UP administration and resolutions filed.

However, the USC was accused of having no student consultation regarding the constitution’s amendments. It was quick to clarify that in their interview, stating that the proposed constitutional changes were posted on their social media accounts. The main problem, according to the council, was that no one was responding. Nevertheless, it emphasized the importance of the students’ participation regarding the matter, saying that it’s impossible to continue without consulting with the student body, because in the end, the students are the ones to decide whether or not to accept the proposed amendments through a referendum.

It is commendable that the USC had still functioned with many of their parts missing, but as Mateo mentioned, this political situation requires more than just the bare minimum projects from student councils.

The USC was not able to drum up enough support amongst the students with regards to different campaigns against fascist attacks on the state and attacks on students’ rights—one of their larger failures this year.

At a time when the USC was needed to be at its sharpest, it was stumbling half-blind with little manpower to execute the basic, banner projects like the Bakbakan and the UPM Fiesta. There was little to no support from the administration, with some of the funds of their projects being downsized.

Arguson had mentioned that the council requested P100,000 for the UPM Fiesta, and was instead given only 10% of that amount. In this regard, the USC had to cut costs and make do with what they had, which resulted in several problems for them.

The 40th USC had been set back by structural problems and had lacked the manpower to launch university-wide campaigns this year, and while the political situation of today requires student leaders to be at the forefront of the battle, the USC was barely standing due to the many problems that plagued their term: lack of funding and manpower, and multiple changes to their lineup, among others.

The USC had not addressed the root cause of several of their problems, which is ultimately the students’ disconnect with the student council as manifested in the abstain vote in the last elections. Despite this, however, the USC had still functioned at the bare minimum level and had still launched events like the Lumad-focused ACLE and the underfunded Bakbakan and UPM Fiesta.

Problems with logistics and manpower had kept the outgoing council from successfully serving its constituents. While their execution of projects alongside local student councils was commendable, their weak campaigns on pertinent issues like SAIS, military and police presence, and other attacks on students’ rights makes them seem non-existent to the very people they should be convincing. The next USC must take note of these failures and come up with stronger solutions to problems that have, for so long, been plaguing the USC.

In the end, the next USC must take of the many weaknesses of the outgoing USC and strive to emulate the unity that they had shown this year. As this year’s elections show, it looks like the USC will also be facing the same, if not greater, problems with manpower and internal dynamics.

06 CULTURE

VOLUME 32 • ISSUE 21 APRIL 10, 2019

[TANDA: Ang nakalakip na mga sagot ay direktang isinalin mula sa panayam sa dalawang kandidato na ginawa noong umaga nang Abril 4, 2019.]

NATIONAL ISSUES Ano sa tingin mo ang nakukuha ng estado sa pagpaslang sa mga magsasaka?

Nisom Castillo (Kilos Iskolar)

Faye Arguson (Sulong UPM)

In my opinion, the reason that they kill farmers is so that they silence opposition. We see that the state literally silences all those who oppose them. We see this from the silencing of free speech, with Maria Ressa, and we see this with the farmers who just speak out and try to get their rights— the right to till their land, the right to fair wages. The government clearly does not like this kind of opposition, so they silence them. But then, the government in the end does not get what they want, because this only raises the issue even more, produces an outcry, an outrage from the people.

Ang nakukuha ng estado sa pagpaslang ng mga magsasaka ay siguro ‘yung sense of security nila.

Ang pakiramdaman naman namin talaga ay pinapaslang nila ang mga magsasaka dahil itong mga ito ay patuloy na umaalma dahil nga sa pagstrip-away ng kanilang mga karapatan. Ang mga karapatan nila sa lupa, mga karapatan nila sa mga basic na human rights ay tinatanggal mula sa kanila—kaya ang nakukuha ng gobyerno sa pagpapaslang sa kanila ay ‘yung sense of security na wala ng magbabatikos sa kanila.

Bakit magpahanggang ngayon ay natatagalan pa rin ang gobyerno sa pagpasa ng pambansang badyet?

Nisom Castillo (Kilos Iskolar)

Faye Arguson (Sulong UPM)

For me, I believe that the reason why it takes a long time for the government to release the national budget is that they still have to set their priorities straight. We can see where their budget is going—to things that the people don’t really need, like military budget, instead of diverting it to things that we actually need like healthcare, education. It’s going to other unnecessary spendings like the military, and the like.

Siguro natatagalan ang gobyerno natin sa pagpasa ng budget dahil marami tayong mga utang. Meron pa tayong utang sa World Bank, pero bukod pa rito ay meron pa rin tayong mga iba’t ibang proyekto na hanggang ngayon ay parang kwestyonable kung saan nga ba ang budget. Away ng kanilang mga karapatan. Ang mga karapatan nila sa lupa, mga karapatan nila sa mga basic na human rights ay tinatanggal mula sa kanila—kaya ang nakukuha ng gobyerno sa pagpapaslang sa kanila ay ‘yung sense of security na wala nang magbabatikos sa kanila.

Sa gitna ng lahat ng krisis na dinaranas ng sambayanan, ano sa palagay mo ang pinakamasakit sa sikmura ng mamamayang Pilipino na pagtugon diumano ng administrasyong Duterte?

Nisom Castillo (Kilos Iskolar)

Faye Arguson (Sulong UPM)

Currently, for me, I think one of the most painful right now is the water crisis. People in different parts of Metro Manila are experiencing the lack of water for their daily needs, to bathe, to shower, to clean their clothes and all the other things in their house.

But then the problem with this is that it’s a manifestation of something even deeper. The government wants more and more foreign influence in the country, and that’s why it’s one of the most painful things—we’re losing our sense of national identity. The Chinese are starting to have a heavier and heavier hand in our country, and that’s why we should do our best to oppose these kinds of things.

Siguro isa sa mga pinakamasakit sa sikmura ay ‘yung huwarang pagbebenta or pagbibigay lamang ng ating mga lupa, ng ating likas na yaman sa interes nga ng Tsina. ‘Yung Kaliwa Dam, ‘yung mga iba’t ibang dam na ipapatayo sa mga locations kung saan maraming mga indigenous peoples na nakatira, kung saan maraming mga environmental sites na tuluyan ngang masisira, ay siyempre nakakasakit ito sikmurain dahil nga sobrang gahaman ng isang gobyernong patuloy lamang na binebenta lamang ang ating bayan sa mga malalaking imperyalista.

Bilang estudyante, hanggang saan aabot ang iyong pagsuporta sa kalayaan sa pamamahayag?

Nisom Castillo (Kilos Iskolar)

Faye Arguson (Sulong UPM)

Me and my slate are willing to go above and beyond to defend press freedom and freedom of speech. We believe that free speech is a right that we should all protect to our last breath, and as students, what we could concretely do is ensure that our publications would have budget. And then, one of the concrete ways we can do this is to create admin dialogues— to speak with the administration to ensure we could have budget again for our publications.

Simula pa dati ay aktibo tayo sa pakikibaka kasama ang ating mga kababayang journalists para sa kanilang karapatan sa pamamahayag.

Kung [noong] panahon ng Martial Law ay pinaglaban natin ang karapatan nila upang malayang makapagpublish, malayang makapahayag, ay kaya rin nating ulitin muli ito—dahil nga sa patuloy na pagka-crackdown sa ating mga journalist ay patuloy tayong lalaban at titindig para sa kanilang mga karapatan sa pamamahayag.

Ano ang mapupuna mo sa napipintong TRABAHO Bill o ikalawang bersyon ng TRAIN Law?

Faye Arguson (Sulong UPM)

Nisom Castillo (Kilos Iskolar)

‘Yung unang bersyon kasi ng TRAIN Law ay para sa personal taxes. Tapos ngayon ‘yung TRABAHO Bill ay para sa mga malalaking kumpanya. Ang napupuna ko lang dito ay parang bakit patuloy pa rin ang paniningil, ang pagpataw ng malalaking taxes sa ating sambayanan? Para lamang ba ito sa mga proyekto ng gobyerno? Hindi ba’t sobra-sobra na ang hinihingi nila sa mamamayan kung sila rin ang pinagbabayad nila ng mga ito?

Personally, I have not yet completely studied the TRABAHO Bill, but we here in Kilos Iskolar will endeavor to study it and be able to give a more informed critique and study of it. When it comes to TRAIN Law, we believe that the TRAIN Law is, at its core, very anti-poor. It makes the burden of paying taxes lighter on the rich and heavier on the poor. You couple this with all the other increases in taxes, and it puts the lower class at a disadvantage. This is the reason why we strongly oppose the TRAIN Law.

UPM ISSUES Sa tinagal ng panahong may RSA, nasagot ba nito ang kakulangan ng health workers sa bansa?

Faye Arguson (Sulong UPM)

Nisom Castillo (Kilos Iskolar)

Since 2009 pa ‘yung RSA pero nga masasabi nga natin na meron pa ring talagang kakulangan ng health workers, specifically kakulangan ng health workers sa kanayunan. Ang goal daw ng RSA ay para daw mas dumami or magserbisyo sa loob ng ating bayan ang mga graduates ng UP Manila or ng health sciences. Pero ang nangyayari ay marami pa ring pagkukulang. Hindi lang sa RSA ang problema or hindi lang sa pagkokontrata ang problema.

Ito ay sa mismong kakulangan ng binibigay ng gobyerno na mga trabaho sa ating mga kababayan. Ang sinasabi nilang brain drain ay hindi lang naman ito masosolusyonan sa loob ng pamantasan through these kinds of agreements or contracts.

Ito ay masosolusyonan kung ang gobyerno mismo ay gagawa na ng mga hakbangin para makapagprovide ng mas maraming trabaho nga para sa ating mga kababayan—hindi lang dito sa urban areas, kundi pati nga doon sa kanayunan.

In my personal opinion, the RSA has, at some point, addressed the issue of brain drain in the Philippines. But then the problem with the RSA is that it’s vague in the way that it tells people to just serve the Philippines. There are some issues that still need to be addressed in the RSA, and from there, if we improve the RSA, then we could say with utmost certainty that it has solved the problem of brain drain in the Philippines. Right now, I can say that it has, but it could still be improved and done better by solving these issues.

CULTURE 07

VOLUME 32 • ISSUE 21 APRIL 10, 2019

Ano pa ang maaaring gawin ng UP Manila hinggil sa mental health and wellness ng mga mag-aaral?

Nisom Castillo (Kilos Iskolar)

Faye Arguson (Sulong UPM)

Last semester, we ran for the USC Councilor for Health and Wellness, and the main flagship project was that we had counselling programs to be able to open our students to avenues to speak about their problems, speak about their programs. But other than that, our USC Councilor for Culture and Arts, Nicole Joslin, has music and art therapy. These are avenues for you to express yourself, and in my belief, if you could express yourself in these areas, mental health could be greatly improved. But other than culture and arts, we also have projects with sports, under our USC Councilor Mario Manlutac. I believe that with sports and exercise, we can improve our mental health, and his projects like the Bakbakan tournament and sports clinics—with these, we can get our students moving, and then through movement and exercise, we can also improve their mental health. This is centered around the USC, because it’s about the programs of my slatemates.

But I believe on the admin side of UP Manila, they could also help improve the mental health of our students. They could do this by actually listening to the concerns of their students, especially the ones who are experiencing a hard time with the RSA, and experiencing a hard time shifting as well. If the administration could listen to their concerns, could listen to their needs, and be able to address this, then we could alleviate the kind of mental and emotional stress that these things have on the students, thereby improving the mental health of our community.

Marami tayong mga estudyante sa loob ng pamantasan na nakakaranas ng mental health problems at karamihan ng mga kakilala ko na nakakaranas ng mga mental health problems ay academic-related or dahil sa nahihirapan na nga sila sa kursong piang-aaralan nila. At bukod nga dito ay ‘di nga sila makapag-shift ng maayos dahil ang karamihan, lalo na sa white colleges, ay nakapailalim nga sa Return Service Agreement (RSA) kung saan sinisingil sila ng napakalaking halaga na hindi bumababa ng 600,000 pesos at umaabot ng halos two million pesos para lamang sa kagustuhan nilang mag-shift. Sa amin sa Sulong UPM, ang stand nga namin ay to stop and review ito dahil bukod nga sa huwarang pagpigil sa estudyante sa kanilang pagshi-shift, ay nandoon rin ‘yung epekto nito sa mental health nila—dahil nga sa susunod na pagrevise ng RSA, hindi na valid daw ang pagkakaroon ng psychological or physical incapacity para makalipat ka o para ma-waive yung babayaran mo. So kung meron ka mang incapacities na ganoon ay pagbabayarin ka pa rin either way kung gusto mo talagang lumipat. It’s that or magtitiis ka sa kurso mo.

Sa wellness naman ng ating mga estyudante, or rather, sa health, siyempre mare-realize natin na marami tayong mga construction sa loob ng ating pamantasan.

Tapos meron din tayo nung mga iba’t ibang outbreaks—siyempre kinakabahan tayo kung bakit maraming estudyante na nagkakasakit, na bakit hindi mandated na or bakit hindi kailangan na meron tayong vaccinations para sa mga hindi pa nagkakaroon ng vaccine? Ang solusyon dito ay hindi lang vaccine drive. Ang solusyon dito ay malawakang panawagan dahil kung ito ay pangangailangan na talaga ng ating mga estudyante, dapat ito ay binibigay na nang libre ng ating administrasyon.

DUELO 2019 Tapatan ng mga Partidong Politikal sa UP Manila Seksyon ng Kultura

Paano ninyo mapapatagal ang sikhay at sigla sa pagpapalapit ng mga isyu sa mga estudyante hanggang dulo ng termino?

Faye Arguson (Sulong UPM) Kung swertihin nga tayo na mapaupo, magiging malaking advantage ito upang mas lalong mapalapit ang mga estudyante sa mga isyu ng masa, hindi lamang sa loob ng unibersidad pero pati na din sa labas. Through sa pagbabalik ng mga educational discussions, mga ED fest, ng mga basic mass integrations, siyempre dito mas lalo nating popukusan na mas maraming estudyanteng makasali or makalahok sa ating mga iba’t ibang proyekto para nga sila ay makalapit sa ating mga kababayan.

CHUMMY QUESTIONS

Nisom Castillo (Kilos Iskolar) For the Kilos Iskolar slate to maintain its enthusiasm and drive to bring the campaigns and issues closer to the students, this would lie more on the personal level. We have to ensure that we remain informed on the issues. By keeping informed on the issues, when we’re updated, we will learn new things to share with the students and new things to campaign with the students.

And then this way, this constant influx of information would ensure that the things we teach and campaign for do not get stagnant. Whenever we have something new, we would always find ways to be enthusiastic about it. We realize that the struggle will never end, and we will ensure that we keep on struggling with the students and with the masses. Furthermore, as the USC Chairperson, what I could do to ensure that my councilmates and slatemates are still enthusiastic with their campaigns, with their projects is to make sure we have regular meetings and disposition checks.

When we check up on each other, I feel like we could create a support system to ensure that we remain focused, we remain concentrated, and stable—strong to carry our projects and campaigns to the end of our terms.

Paano mo mapapapayag na maging Vice Chair ang kalaban mo?

Faye Arguson (Sulong UPM)

Nisom Castillo (Kilos Iskolar)

Siguro para mapapayag ko na maging Vice Chair ko na lang siya ay maaaring ibigay ko na lang sa kanya ‘yung mga proyekto katulad ng Bakbakan.

I would convince Faye to be my Vice Chair by showing her the things we have done in the council. I could show her that we have done great things together as the 40th USC, and that we can continue to do greater things together, with her as my Vice Chair and me as the Chairperson.

Sa mga tumatakbo ngayong senador, sino ang kukurotin mo sa pisngi, sa tenga, at sa singit?

Nisom Castillo (Kilos Iskolar)

Faye Arguson (Sulong UPM)

The senatoriable I would pinch on the cheek would probably be Chel Diokno.

Wala, I just wanna say, “Like, you’re cute, man, good job.” And then for the tenga, it would probably be Imee, of course, this is for stealing the funds of the country, the money of the country, for all that your family has done. And then for the singit, I don’t want to touch anyone there, that’s dirty!

Kung may kukurotin ako sa mga senador, siguro sa pisngi si Neri Colmenares, dahil siyempre napakacute nga naman talaga ng ating tumatakbong senador. Napakagaling din niya or napaka-admirable ng mga ginagawa niya para sa ating mga kababayan. Kung may kukurotin naman ako sa tenga, maaaring kurutin ko sa tenga si Bam Aquino, dahil although sabihin nga ng ibang tao na marami siyang mga plataporma na maayos naman daw, ito ay kailangan nating mas tuonan ng pansin or mas gabayan dahil nga ay baka mamaya maglead back ito sa self-interest nga lang. At kung may kukurotin naman ako sa singit, siyempre ang kukurotin ko sa singit ay si Imee Marcos dahil walang lugar talaga sa senado ang para sa sinungaling at magnanakaw.

08 FEATURES DEUS EX POPULUS | FROM P. 12 the nick of time for UPM Pride. Arguson also pushed through with the UPM Fiesta despite administrative hindrances and the lack of screening time for the overall production. However, the turnout for both events reflected the lack of preparation bestowed upon them, and the Fiesta, arguably one of the USC’s biggest events, was unsuccessful in meeting expectations.

This may then further translate to the votes she may garner this election season.

Even so, Sulong UPM’s militancy and progressiveness amidst the growing apathy within the university and their genuine fight and advocacies in spite of growing attacks from the Duterte regime may be the greatest contributors to their success of winning the race for Chairperson.

Series Spin-Off: Kilos Iskolar A more palatable reiteration of the original supreme; a product of its time—full of potential and zeal that its predecessor has been robbed of.

Staging a comeback into the UPM election, Kilos Iskolar fields incumbent USC Councilor for Sports and Wellness Nisom Castillo and additional star power Joslin Macapagal to run for Chairperson and Councilor respectively. Setting their sights to reform the biggest projects of the USC, Kilos Iskolar enters the race with a lot more expectations and a lot more to prove.

Coming out victorious last elections, having secured 3 seats in the 40th USC, Kilos Iskolar has continued the campaign to call for wider and safer spaces within the university. They stand apart from their rival in this election season as they provide more concrete and specific plans in alleviating the plights of the Iskolar ng Bayan. The party stands firm to unite—reiterating that it is in our times that we should “recognize the importance of collective action”.

Spearheading the campaign for universitywide solidarity, Kilos Iskolar Chairperson bet Castillo sets his sights for the limelight once again, dismissing all forms of disempowering remarks that are rooted in his infamous history of defeat. Waving the attention from his three losses, he woos the voters with projects that revolve around the students’ welfare, most especially the Bakbakan, which he headed twice already.

This proves to be his greatest tactic in this year’s election—bridging the alreadywidened gap between the USC and the student body once more. Seemingly a seasoned spectator from the conflicts of the previous elections, Castillo’s envisioned

VOLUME 32 • ISSUE 21 APRIL 10, 2019

chairpersonship brings forth a student body that is united against the battles inside and outside the walls of the university.

Kilos Iskolar’s trajectory for another term in the limelight is supported by its sole councilor bet, Nicole Joslin Macapagal.

A newcomer to the industry of campus politics, Macapagal banks on her reputation as an artist, claiming the label “artista ng bayan,” as she presents her ALL IN platform with art fairs, mini-concert caravans, and a better UPM Fiesta, and more artist representation in the USC. Both candidates from Kilos Iskolar offer fresh takes to the traditional election culture of the university. Castillo’s history as someone who worked closely with the council despite never winning, as evidenced by his years as a USC volcorp member and voluntary Bakbakan head, may be able to boost his star, showcasing his craft. Macapagal’s inexperience with politics may also help her, a pure light in the tired eyes of the election’s audience.

However, both of their aces may be their fatal flaws, as Castillo’s student-centric campaign prove to be too narrow, and Macapagal’s untainted history shown to be inutile, especially as she boasts of vague improvements on the alreadydowntrodden legacy of the UPM Fiesta.

For the party itself, while its novelty may pander to the tastes of tired viewers, its inconsistency may ultimately dim the lights of its potential. The abrupt withdrawal of one of its initial candidates, together with the lack of a solid general theme in its representatives’ campaigns—most of which far-fetched from the party’s primary call to unite for more spaces—highlight the party’s unpreparedness to take over the highest student representative body in the university. Like a toddler learning how to walk, the possibility of Kilos Iskolar tripping and stumbling down is high.

Despite this, these may be just isolated hindrances for the party. While both sides boast of a 2-election stint, Kilos Iskolar has ultimately proven itself to be more victorious than its rival.

However, the past performances of the party’s representatives, together with Castillo’s incumbency in the council and performance with his Bakbakan, may lend a hand in highlighting its party’s standard of performance. This may become the turning point in the career of Kilos Iskolar, ushering a new age in the university politics and stabilizing the initial steps of its legacy.

Breaking the Fourth Wall: Prognosis Even with all these grand scripts and grand gestures that the actors are aspiring for, the Iskolars ng Bayan are yet to act to finally turn this series into a stellar production.

UP Manila has seen its lowest voters turnout in years, and this election season may take the previous one of the charts.

With only a showdown between peers for Chair and a lone Councilor, one could expect only a handful to come and exercise their right to vote on opening day.

With both parties sharing the same stands on the same issues, it would be a question of who brought the sharpest line and delivered their promises well. The students will ultimately decide who adhered to the script religiously in both theory and practice, and gave a better performance.

Arguson and Castillo would be haunted by both of their projects—both the biggest events in the whole university.

As both are questioned financially, it would all boil down to who gave more and showcased more in ensuring their project wasn’t the complete flop as the ratings and critics would make it seem.

Macapagal could easily play up the true-blue artista ng bayan narrative to secure the votes, as she is unopposed in the seat she vies for. However a breakout star amidst these scarcity of candidates would only register the tone of hopelessness that no one else could play the part. She also runs opposite of the incumbent Culture and Arts Councilor, and must do more to outshine her so that she doesn’t fall to be the second lead.

Kilos Iskolar bets Castillo and Macapagal are expected to clinch the support of their home college, CAS, which also happens to be the largest college in terms of population in UP Manila. However, Sulong UPM has fielded an unopposed slate in the local college elections which could also translate into votes for Arguson. CAS, known also for being the red stronghold, has historically voted the most progressive candidates, but it has also been consistently one of the colleges with the lowest turnouts.

Any support there to any candidate being almost minimal is expected.

Sulong UPM bet Arguson may also garner support from her own home college CAMP, as well as other swing colleges like Dentistry and Public Health. However, colleges with a healthy sports culture like the College of Medicine and the College of Nursing plus the other athletes in the

other colleges may opt for Kilos Iskolar candidate Castillo, provided only if his performance satisfied them greatly.

Because there are only three candidates who have been struggling for a place in the grand spotlight, it is an easy assumption that it would be easier to bag the positions they’re running for. The rising popularity of the supporting character in the form of abstention becomes the threat to this election’s main characters - a seemingly unfortunate flashback to last year’s election. A series cancellation is on the table as the possibility for a failure of elections proves to be a very likely outcome. With the menace of the abstain vote, the two standard bearers might just as well worry about losing to a third candidate. Arguson and Castillo might have proven their worthiness during the run of the series’ past season and have also fielded their weaknesses to the viewers, but the pull of the abstain vote remains as the odd character whom everyone likes to support whenever the main characters become somewhat ordinary.

The same character threatens the sole candidate for councilor. Macapagal may have already set her eyes on the prize, but the possibility of her being written out the series is still viable. The 50%+1 rule that killed off many characters in the past may be the enemy she comes face to face with this coming election. The abstain vote might be the early end for the newly-introduced character, should the students deem her campaign lacking.

Given the critical situation of the country under the rule of a dictatorial administration, the Iskolars ng Bayan have the responsibility of choosing a student council who cannot only champion their constituents’ rights inside the university, but a council who can also fight for the welfare of the Filipino people. More than just continuing the series and adding unnecessary episodes, what’s more essential is to give the viewers a show worthy of their time and trust.

The student leaders who employ the same mainstream platforms and campaign tactics are set to recreate a lackluster production. Nevertheless, the voting masses who hold the switch to revolutionizing change continue to decrease the volume of this series and flip the channel, in a subtle attempt to liberate themselves from the flop.

OPINION 09

VOLUME 32 • ISSUE 21 APRIL 10, 2019

Seatbelts and Spinal Cracks

Passive-Aggressive

Tense

CALL TO ACTION

E

merito Samarca, Darwin Sulang, Carlo Arnaiz, Kian delos Santos, Ismael Avelino, Kristel Tejada, Sherlyn Cadapan, Karen Empeño, and many others.

Do these names mean anything to you?

Maybe you have heard them from the news. Or, perhaps the mainstream media would not even publicize this information because there are more superficial news that they'd rather use to infuse the masses with a false calm.

Luha s i n u l a t n i Ha ku

M

They are victims of social injustice, of the everyday fascist system that kills the underprivileged. The Kidapawan Massacre, the slay of the Negros 14, anti-student policies, severe red-tagging and militarization of indigenous people's communities are one of the many atrocities under the exacerbating fascism in the country.

It is easy to go on with our daily routines and ignore gruesome news such as this. It would be normal to shrug our shoulders or shake our heads and pity these poor and unfortunate victims.

It would seem practical to submerge ourselves back in the matrix of our privilege and prejudice.

We are to become part of the problematic system that wages violence against the vulnerable sectors if this continues. We stay quiet despite the overwhelming numbers of poor killed without due process. We look away when we see student activists, farmers, labor groups, environmentalists, journalists, doctors, health workers, the urban poor, and other militant groups demanding for justice. We keep our heads bowed in shame when she defends herself against a pack of bigots. We close our doors on the truth that the system only works in favor of the ruling minority, and against the oppressed majority.

CONTINUED ON P. 10

ay bagahe pala akong daladala—nang hindi ko nalalaman.

Sumusulpot na lamang ito bigla, walang oras na pinipili, madalas wala sa lugar, at minsa’y hindi ko alam kung bakit biglang nararamdaman ko ang kanyang bigat.

Mag-iisang taon na ito, kay hirap buhatin.

Sa sobrang bigat nito, pati dugo at pawis lumalabas sa akin, nanginginig ang aking laman sa tuwing aking bubuhatin.

Kaya para isipin niyo na ako ang mababaw, na wala akong pakialam, na pabor ako sa taong nakagawa ng kasalanan? Hindi niyo talaga ako kilala.

Nand’yan lang siya, umaaligid.

Hindi ko mabitawan, kasi hindi ko alam kung kailan ko siya dala-dala at kung kailan ako mahihirapan dalhin.

Kasalanan mo ‘to.

A ng daming nawala sa akin dahil dinala ko ang bagahe na dapat sa’yo.

Mistulang pinasan ko ang krus kung saan ka dapat ipako. Ni hindi kita matignan sa mata. Ni hindi na nga kita nakikita bilang tao. Kasuka-suka na tingin nila, ipinagtanggol kita.

A ng sahol ng ginawa mo. Sobra. Kahit na ang laki ng kasalanan mo, hindi ko akalaing maaapektuhan ako nang ganito. Wala ako noong panahong nang yari ang lahat, pero bakit ganito kasakit? A ng lakas pa ng loob mong humingi ng oras ko—oras namin para subukang linisin ang pangalan mo. Pero ayos lang, marami akong natutunan mula rito. Nalaman ko kung sino ‘yung tunay na nand’yan para sa akin.

A ng sakit na parang pinapalabas pa na pinagtatakpan kita. Sabagay, hindi ko rin naman siya masisi—siya ‘yung biktima, eh. Siya talaga ‘yung may pinakamabigat na pasanin. Gusto ko lang naman magpaalam na sa inyo—tama na. Masaya na ako, sana kayo rin. Ayoko na madamay sa gulo na ito, na umpisa pa lang hindi na dapat ako kasali. Itong bagahe na ito? Mawawala rin siguro ang bigat—kahit na minsan, habang kumakain, bigla na lang babagsak ang puso ko tapos may sasabay na luha. Hindi naman siguro masamang umasa, ‘di ba?

Galit? Poot? Dismaya? Hindi ko alam kung anong nagtutulak sa’kin para sulatin ‘to. Ito yata ang unang bagay na lumabas sa akin tungkol sa gulo na ito—at ito na rin ang huli. Siguro nga, mas kinakaya ko na dahil nailalabas ko na kahit magulo. A ng daling sabihing parusahan ang may sala, o kaya’y patayin na sila mismo, pero ‘yon nga ba ang gusto niyong gawin? Nagawa niya pa rin ‘yun nang parang hindi siya apektado. Kahit kailan, p’wede niya ulitin ‘yun, dahil hindi kasalanan para sa kanya ang ginawa niya. Bakit? Dahil hindi niyo inintindi ang gusto kong iparating sa inyo—na maiwasang siya ang masaya at tayo ang agrabyado. Kaya para isipin niyo na ako ang mababaw, na wala akong pakialam, na pabor ako sa taong nakagawa ng kasalanan? Hindi niyo talaga ako kilala.

Paalam sa inyong lahat. ‘Wag niyo na akong hanapin. Tama na. Sana maisaayos niyo ang lahat. Hindi ko alam kung mababasa o babasahin niyo ito, pero tigilan niyo na ako.

10 GRAPHICS

VOLUME 32 • ISSUE 21 APRIL 10, 2019

[ON K-12] Illustration by Alyssa Margau Sinfuego Caparoso

CALL TO ACTION | FROM P. 9

The problems occurring and even worsening in this age such as sexism, red-tagging, contractualization, poverty, unemployment, homelessness, extrajudicial killings, lumad killings, intensifying militarization, and others affect all sectors in society. We should not be complacent because these ails are not isolated to particular groups.

Perhaps when we hear the stories and struggles behind an issue, we would be able to realize that these people are not at all different from us.

From the statement of Thomas Jefferson: "When injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty".

We, being the middle-class, have been living off their labor, sweat and blood.

Filipino Youth vs. Goliath Illustration by Marie Angelu D. Pagobo [Sa kawalan ng suporta sa mga atletang mag-aaral] Illustration by Abigail Beatrice Malabrigo

SIGNOS

It is high time to listen to them who have been discriminated and disregarded. We can learn far more about life and sacrifice from the poor and those that stand with them.

Hence, whatever we do, we have to do it to support and defend the marginalized. We should fight with them and voice their calls.

After all, we owe it to them.

LAYOUT Marie Angelu De Luna Pagobo

daluyong

ILLUSTRATION Marie Angelu De Luna Pagobo

THE COVER

NEWS 11

VOLUME 32 • ISSUE 21 APRIL 10, 2019

MagOOgunaw na ang mUND0 (ft. 4 of SpEDSZCHS).

Chararat lang! Kamuxtah na ang aking nga aphowszh!!?? Miss niyo na ba me?!?! Miss na miss ko na rin kayo! Aagghhh! Xencia na kasi nag-vakasyown ang lola niyo sa paradise island—ng mga home for the aged!!

Tumanda ako nang mga bente years pero saks lang. Hihi. Kulang lang ng moolah para mag-lakwasta at makinig sa inyong mga sUmVONG sUMvONG kay vOnggang vongvong!

MGA

FULUNG

VULUNGAN

NG

NAGJIJISANG

Lola Patola Bardagulan serye

Elekshown sizon na nemen! Aaanddd, marami-rami sa aking little biRBS ang nagsusumvOnG sa lola niyow! Shinashabe KO SHA inyo HA! Magugunaw na ang MONDO HEKHEK! Ang kekefel ng feszz!

Nakekesuka. Nakekefenelabowts. And really, really, nakakafanindeg-valahivowz.

Ugh. In the end, tayo-tayo lang rin naman ang magsu-suffer sa mga kabahuan nating lahat...

WELL,, mas magsusuffer ang eschudyante kong mga affows kapag hende tumakbo o nanalo ang mga well-deserved na kandidato— YES PINAPARINGGAN KO ‘YUNG MGA TATAKBO SA ispeysyal ELEKSYONS BCUZ IMMA GIVE NO SH*TS TO Y’ALL. CHAROT HIHI. NaguGUNaW nA ang YUFIEM tas KAYO W8NG PA FOR le right ofortunidad. biiiiiiitcchhhhhhhhhhhhh. imma say it, “U DON’T GET TO DO THAT UNDER MAH WATCH”.

Bukod sa feeling mga self-entitled ang mga vaklachucha, eh lalo lang finafagulow ang elekSHOWnz. Naker, mga afoletski, magingat us sha menge aswangGurlaloo na ‘yaN! DaHELL madali shilang magfaLet ng afiraNCe! ‘Yung iva, nagiging vavuoy-ramow at nite! Kung she-en maliwanag ang VUW@N (ft. jk lavawhomst), doON nila tayo nalilinlang.

Uünahin kuow na shi Sadako. Nagsumvong ang isa kong aphowsz na sa sowvrang Lungkotski niya sa VALOWN, kahet tegi na si Badet, umaahon fa rein zhazha fadelya! Kaler mowszz vaklachuci ng taon!

MagFAFAtakvoww ng WENKWONK taPOS, waLEY raw zha pubLIC caMPAIgns!??!?!

GUrrLLLLLLL. Wag ganOINN. Deva, mga aphowszh?? Tapowsh ayon sa aking mga sumbungerang afowsch, ‘yung anAKIZ niyAng Jafanese ghosT,, puro val//aku/VAK ng hairlalu lang ang kAYANG iVander@.

OOPSSssssSSSS. Nauubos ang kilay ko ha. First remedy tip: “Magaling ka do’n. So, Why don’t you i-stay there?” CHARET WAG DAMDAMIN!?!??!!? Pero ang sinasabi ko lang naman ha... Kung alam na may kakulangan ang manok, eh dapat pinapainom ng booster, ganon! sTUMOYOIN?!!?! stukoyoin.

Dadakü naMAN akeTchi sa next na chika/ sumVong from le madlangpipol!!!! According to mah very very chikadorang source, ang manowk ni Japanese GHOSSTTT na c Piranha ay not originally from them!!

Nakakalerki ‘de va??? Nanginginig pa si little biRB nANG iKWEN2 niya Cyzt! FRESH from the deep bLuE sE@ raw si Mamang.

Sa sowvrang f Resh RAW NIYA amOy keli-

FaGOWDSZ nA @ng lowLA niyo sa mga sOBRANG IMMATURE NA CONTENT HA. (wow kala mo mature din si aketch) PERO ISTOPPPP LANG. AKO ATA ANG LOLA NINYONG LAHAT. I just want the best for y’ALL,,, U KNO WHAT IM SAYIN’’???? Gus2 ko ‘yung kaya ninyong pauurungin ang tae ng kalaban niyo bcuz YOU actually KNOw what you’re actually SAYING... aaND BCUZ U ARE SMART AND SHARP AND CAPABLE ENOUGH TO KNOW NA MAVIGAT NANG VOWNGGA ANG RESPONSIBILITY NIYO AS COUNCIL sa STUDENTZ and sa BAYAN—GANOIN!!

keling asim-PAKsiw. Chereret! Feeling niya raw,, larow-L@rOw laNg itechi anG finasowks niYa, nUhhh??? And hende niya knowszz, magkAkaInan nang vuhaeyyy ang meNge Dedz kapaG umAhownz na ZHA ZHA FADELYA zha pReTTY WORLD NIYA. Huhuhuhu. so, magical. tEH. remind KO Lang na afowkaliftik ‘e2ng eleKSHOWNZ HA. Hindi ‘TO RAINBOW UNICORNVERSE. Bato-bato sa langit, matamaan: PIGSA sa sobrang sensitive! Charaught.

BTW, KUMUNOT NANG BONGGA ANG NOO KO SA SOBRANG STRESS NANG SINUMVONG E2 saketch. Knowszx nIU vaVAv00m ‘yung chika nA “hende” raw pala siya tatakvowz under Japanese gHosT in the 1st place? Nagowlat ang isang iNsiDer daheyl sa ganito raw ‘yung convo diumano: Piranha: “sO yEAH... [redacted] offered me to run under their PARTEHPIPOL...... (le fakifowt act) Japanese ghost: “HUH. just run under me instead.......(le dominante act)” Piranha: “ok *blushes* uwu” Japanese ghost: “ok *heavy breathing*”

Gravetee, mej ‘di na ako sure anong trot sa mga ituuu. Natuyo laway ko,,,. slight.. chEREZTSZKSIiiiIIIKELLZZZ. Anywayyyy kayow na vahala if maniniwala ba kayo itechi: open for interpretation!!!! Vavantot. Char.

Naker may isa fang chika mula sa ateeng mga sumbungerang fr0gletz. Ayown kasi kay ate-mo-gurl, ‘etowsking mananangGurL from the other Horr0r multi-verSe, nangwarla! ALAM na nga raw NA PIMPOL ‘yung isa sa sowvrang PAGKA-SENSITIVE,,,, eh hinawakan fa raw nAng hinAwayyken!! ayAn 2l0yyy,, laLowng nameGe... Nafafablik aphowlogie 2L0y siluhh... Shishteretz!!

Oo, cla na ang mAY alamineszki,,, Oo, CLA na ang maGALEEEENGG!1!!! CLA NA ANG MAHAL NI MAMA! Cla na ang ang kayang hatiin ang katawan for campaigns, pero nasaan raw ang talent nila sa paghati ng katawang noong kailangan raw sila ng aking mga apo?

OOOPSPSPSOZOSPPSPSPS. My aphowsz are very upset! Ang sinasabi ko lang naman ulit, almost there na ang manok! Pero nai-vomit niya ata ang pinainom na booster! Ganern.

Mashayahh nëmên anG muuUUd-sLiNging pero kung AKO ANG TATANUNGIN HA,,, nangangamoy fey/lyur of el/ek/shooonsz…

De ba nga,,,, magugunaw na ang eArtH!!

Habang kayo ay nagbabardagulan sa isa’t isa...,, [serious Mam Charo voice] Nawawala na ang, you know, essence ng elekshowsnss…

Minsan kasi ‘yung nga manok na nakukulong sa though na “okay, u kno let’s get this student bread” pero ‘di nila inaalam ang tunay na pag-process ng bread. HA HA HA HA. AH BASTA NAPAPAKALAT… Tifong lahAt ng livag niyo naifON sa leeG niU gAnoin!

TaPOS sa uVER iTIM naging kWINTAS of shame na sha ganern. HAHAHA. Pero sabe nga ng great philosopher: “BAQUET AKO MATATAKOT?!?!” [maglavas ng kalat niu] Chararat lang mga junakiz ko haaa, ‘wag niyo qng awayen hehehehe jok jok lang!!

May isip na naman tayung lahat ihhhhh be the bigger person, ‘di va?? Sabi nga ni Lordte, OUR Savior, Jesasu-senpai....... “immAA GET TIS BREAD AND LET Y’ALL EAT IT” [eng sub].

Datz it... So loonhnGGG mga afowletskiSzz. pE@cE oÜt.........

Another streams

election season now its awaited finale.

The students who prudently subscribe to the show deserve an outstanding, caliber production.

The era of star-studded ensemble casts, grand scripts, and blockbuster franchises has gotten obsolete — it’s about time the student body once again experience a stellar performance that is worthy of a standing ovation.

With its new season of clashing views and convictions, the passive viewers are cursed to be part of the never-ending series of politics in the university.

Series Remake: Sulong UPM An adaptation of the established and acclaimed party, fighting for the same principles and fielding the same troupes—hoping it could match the accolades of its predecessor.

Returning in this new season of UPM elections with its progressive ideology and unwavering militancy, Sulong UPM marches to the forefront of being the champion of both local and national issues with their campaign, “Mangahas na pagtagumpayan ang panibagong mga laban! Tumindig at tumugon, Iskolar ng Bayan!”

Incumbent University Student Council Councilor for Culture and the Arts, Faye Arguson from the College

Deus Ex Populu s

THE 2019 UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES MANILA

STUDENT COUNCIL ELECTIONS PROGNOSIS of Allied and Medical Professions (CAMP) helms this one-woman show as she vies for the leadership of the 41st USC. Sulong UPM heeds the call of these challenging times and tries to reinvigorate the true, militant, and nationalist spirit of the Iskolars ng Bayan with their 4-point program.

Continuing the decades of campaigns and issues, Sulong UPM banks on the tactical victories brought upon by struggles of activism. It continues its onslaught on the controversial Return Service Agreement, calling for the administration to stop and review the existing policy. It is also relentless in its battle for more spaces

in the university, revving up its game by advocating that this is not only a request but is already a “demand”.

This year’s campaign also called for Enhanced Programs and Services for the Students, which are reflected in the party’s array of candidates’ specific plans of actions. It generally planned to “strengthen the alliances within the council” in order for the USC to become “more receptive” of their suggestions and initiatives, and this appears to be a strategic approach for the steadfast implementation of projects for the students. Collectively, Sulong UPM stands firm in its conviction to mobilize the Iskolars ng Bayan in their mandate to use the core powers

of strength, intelligence, and talent in solidarity with the fighting masses.

Sulong UPM’s campaigns and principles may resonate well with students, but translating them into concrete votes would prove quite difficult. Its previous lackluster performance in the past elections is a double-edged plot device: only the staunchest critics would remember their portrayals while all the while they fade into obscurance from the general populace as they failed to clinch the majority time and time again. Their seemingly minute presence in UP Manila could also hold them down the charts, as they may fight for a wide array of advocacies, but the number of movements and programs hosted this whole academic year has significantly dwindled. Boasting a wide array of campaigns is one thing, but to actually get people to support them is another.

Despite these, Arguson may outshine the other nominee this season. Her home college, CAMP, may also support her, as well as significant votes from the historically red supporter, the College of Arts and Sciences. As an incumbent councilor, her performance may also prove the needed skills to maintain the show despite the absence of a full cast. Given the amount of time and the limited scenes she had to work with, she showed true star power despite invalidating claims on her performance due to her mental health.

She convened the General Assembly of Gender Advocates (GAGA) just in CONTINUED ON P.8