Michael Adrian Pagaduan

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THE LADY WHO FELL IN LOVE WITH HER WORLD Afar from the glamour and glitziness of being an ‘all-around’ studentleader, Lennie Javate talks about school, leadership and the ‘love’ that she comes home to every day.

TEXT: MICHAEL ADRIAN PAGADUAN PHOTOS: DAN GIL MARAMAG

School politics is not an easy-going industry for someone to remain genuine. Every single thing you say and do is discerned by hundreds of students. Critics are regularly on the lookout tower for any excuse to say crap about you.

Your image is put to a test, and people dread for an odd mixture of authenticity and flawlessness from you.

Once you engaged yourself into a college local council, it is unavoidable for you to come into contact with these kinds of things. And the recently-elected College of Business and Accountancy (CBA) Governor Lennie Javate does not rant and rave against this machine.

The cliché, “You know my name, but not my story” is suitable for the 31-year old CBA governor. It is because she is just branded for being a novice in the student government scene, but nobody has an idea what else her life has to say.

The Life-Changing Saga

Lennie opened up to Genre, telling she is a delighted student-slash-mother. During her stay overseas, Lennie got a news that she knew would transform her life everlastingly.

No, it wasn’t a job promotion or something that would have set her on a path to victory; it was something that would make that path much harder—she was pregnant at age 23.

“Actually, before pa ako mag-aral, may anak na talaga ako.

Nag-aral ako sa NEUST, eh hindi ko siya natuloy tapos nagabroad ako. Nagtrabaho ako sa hotel tapos du’n ko nakilala ‘yung tatay ng anak ko,” Lennie confessed. At 23, most girls are thinking about clothes, boys, and parties. But Lennie got pregnant, and now she’s fixated on raising her daughter while studying and serving the biggest college in Wesleyan.

Being a mother and a student at the same time is still one of the major stigmas of the society. However, Lennie is hopeful to change this perception. “Wala namang kaso ‘yung pagiging nanay para maipagpatuloy mo ‘yung pangarap mong makatapos eh. Sa pag-abot ng goals or dreams mo, walang dapat humadlang,” she said.

Lennie then admitted that being a mother is one of the best occurrences a girl can ever achieve–but it’s not easy.

“Masayang maging nanay. Kaya lang minsan, ‘yung time ko para sa anak ko, nababawasan pero pinipilit ko pa ring magmake-up sa kanya kapag may extra time na makabonding ko siya,” she told. “Mas masayang may anak kasi may extra inspiration ka, tsaka ‘yung pagiging magulang kasi hindi mo ma-eexplain.”

She then frankly disclosed that her life changed with the coming of her child. “Nu’ng wala pa akong anak, umiikot ‘yung buhay ko sa sarili ko. ‘Yung pamilya ko lang inspirasyon ko. Tapos ngayon, parang nadagdagan na ‘yung inspirasyon ko. Kung noon, family ko lang, sarili ko lang iniintindi ko, ngayon yung anak ko ganun. Isa na siya sa inspirasyon,” she said.

Like Mother, Like Daughter In between laughs and smiles, Lennie gave us a pinch of stories from the world of her daughter. Her daughter, who is a half-Filipino and half-Japanese, is currently a grade schooler. Just like Lennie, her daughter is an achiever.

“Consistent honor student mula preschool. Champion siya

sa drawing. Matalino siya,” she revealed. With her kid’s performance in school and engagement in activities such as swimming, dancing ballet, piano lessons, singing lessons, and voice lessons, Lennie is nothing but a proud mother.

“Nakakaproud kasi kahit minsan eh wala akong time para sa kanya, nag-eexcel pa rin siya,” she stated.

The Major Comeback

Though she confessed being fruitful overseas, Lennie still thought that there’s something lacking in her life–getting a diploma–and that gut pushed her to pursue her studies once again. With her career in a hotel in Japan being stable, she opened to her parents that she wanted to come back to the Philippines and also to the life that she wanted.

“Alam naman ng mga magulang ko na may pangarap ako— pangarap kong mag-aral. Proud sila sa akin at payag sila kasi syempre hindi naman lahat kayang mag-aral sa ganu’ng edad. Settled na ‘yung pamilya ko, pero ginusto ko pa ring mag-aral,” she explained.

Her ‘Game of Thrones’ experience

Though she is busy raising her 8-year old daughter, Lennie still managed to succeed in academics and extra-curricular activities. (She’s a candidate for Latin Honors, excuse me!)

“Bukod kasi sa academic, gusto ko ring mag-excel sa extracurricular activities,” Lennie said. “Nung una nga, ayokong tumakbo bilang governor kasi feeling ko, ‘yung time ko sa pag-aaral mababawasan.”

She described herself as a studious person and she never imagined to be sitting on the ‘governor’s throne.’

“Tinanggihan ko talaga siya. Pero nu’ng tumanggi kasi ako, maraming nag-object—‘yung mga professors at mga estudyante. Sabi ng isang mentor, nakikita [raw] niya na magiging effective leader ako kapag itinuloy ko ‘yung pagiging governor. Nakumbinsi ako kasi kung naniniwala ‘yung ibang tao sa kakayahan ko, bakit hindi ‘yung sarili ko, ‘di ba?” she shares.

After claiming the gubernatorial post of the CBA-Local Council, Lennie admitted that the job is ‘stressful.’ “May time na nakakastress kasi sa trabaho, hindi mo maiiwasan na maramdaman ‘yung pagod. Tao lang din naman tayo.

Stressful siya pero masaya,” she uttered.

Yes, she may have claimed the ‘throne’ but that doesn’t mean she’s free of criticisms. “Marami akong natatanggap na hate comments sa social medi pero ‘di na namin pinapansin, hindi ko na lang tinitingnan,” Lennie shared. “Syempre nasasaktan ka rin sa mga ganun kaya lang di na namin pinapansin.”

Acads? Stress? Haters? They won’t let Lennie down. She came and conquered the Game of Thrones a.k.a. the student government election and its aftershocks.

Words of Wisdom

For moms like her who would like to pursue their studies and to teen moms, Lennie has got something to tell: “Ituloy nila ‘yung maganda nilang vision or mission. Kung single mom ka, mas lalo ka dapat magpursigi kasi mayroon ka nang bata na paghahandaan mo ang future.” Coming from a girl with a lot of experiences, you should put your ears on her.

Of ambitions and aspirations

In her first and last term as the CBA governor, Lennie pushes a lot of things for the future. “Gusto ko lang magkaroon ng project bago kami gumraduate. Kahit di namin mapakinabangan, at least ‘yung mga bata na bumoto at naniniwala sa amin, magagamit nila,” she said. The CBA governor wants to accomplish three things during her term: to propose all CBA rooms to be air-conditioned, to build a student counseling organization, and to enhance the educational tour of the CBA students. Still, she has dreams of her own that she wants to complete in the near future. “Kapag successful ka na sa lahat ng bagay, parang may kulang, [parang] ‘di pa rin kumpleto na tingin mo, may iimprove pa ‘yung personality mo. Dream ko talagang maging lawyer. So, after graduation, mag-lalaw ako,” she disclosed.

That sounds a woman who’s driven to climb the ladder, even if it doesn’t appear like it, even if there’s no evident fear or tenseness about her when you see her in person.

Truth is, the drive is there. It’s a silent rumble that plugs away, trundling and escalating steadily. Fabricating in momentum gradually, until it gets her to a juncture where she can break out and reach everything she ought to have, and more.

“Pinasok ko ‘to kasi alam kong may improvement pang mangyayari sa personality ko. Sa academics, sa pamumuno sa CBA, sa pagiging nanay, gusto ko may improvement at ibibigay ko ang best ko.” •

REMEMBER THE NAME Mr. Wesleyan 2016 Christian Lloyd Escuadro is getting finer and better while you are not watching, so it’s time you put your eyes in formation.

TEXT: MICHAEL ADRIAN PAGADUAN PHOTOS: DAN GIL MARAMAG

MEET CHRISTIAN LLOYD

nu’ng screening tsaka ko lang naririnig mula sa ibang tao na kaya raw hindi ako pinili kasi reserved ako for Mr. Wesleyan,” Lloyd confesses. At first, he treated that overheard rumor as a joke, something not be taken seriously but as a student being close to his college dean, the tables turned for him. “‘Yung dean namin, medyo kakilala ako at napilit niya ako at nu’ng nalaman kong ako ‘yung ilalaban, medyo naghanda na rin ako kahit papaano,” he says.

It was easy for Lloyd to step into the world of pageantry for he already joined several contests way back in his elementary and high school days. Though he won the title for Central Luzon State University’s Lantern King a.k.a. Mr. Lantern Festival, he still considers himself a newbie in this field and got scared of losing and letting his gigantic college down.

He tells, “Simula pa lang, parang hindi umaayon sa akin ‘yung tadhana. Nu’ng start pa lang ng practice, nanghihina na ‘yung loob ko kasi sa practice ng sayaw, parang ‘di ako nagsta-stand out. Parang kailangan kong bumawi sa ibang part.”

It’s time, once more, for an exposé of mine—one which may probably have situated me into some dilemma.

When I heard that we were highlighting Christian Lloyd Escuadro on this magazine with me being the writer of the article, I was like “Who?” And when I questioned people about him (my friends, principally), expecting to perhaps get a strip of background information, they were like, “Who?” The greatest anyone I had inquired could come up with was emphasizing that he won the Mister Wesleyan 2016 title.

How could I not have kept track about this guy with alabaster skin and good looks? Of course, it’s wrong that he’s anonymous. He is famous. He has a crown on his head, anyways.

If people are aware of his name, it’s because Lloyd thrived his ass off to secure that victory. Just because the situation we put ourselves to day to day is not

automatically the setting he succeeds in; it doesn’t connote he has not accomplished anything. The Mister Wesleyan 2015 crown, which is presently in his hands, proves me wrong. The pride he brought to the College of Business and Accountancy proves me, again, wrong.

In fact, he didn’t even want to join the university-wide pageant in the first place. He didn’t crave the life and the micromanagement that goes with it. He did not want to have to fuss about his persona. Who likes to live a life worrying all but that? It’s something people who want to be prominent do not grasp they end up having to do, and Lloyd is all the cleverer for taking into account all of that before he formulated his verdict.

The Road to Conquest

“Nag-start lahat nu’ng Intrams last year kasi nagpa-screening sila for Ginoong Palaro tapos iba kasi ‘yung napili ron. After

From Horror to Honor

But the horrifying part did not stop there as Lloyd experienced difficulties during the talent competition of the pageant. “‘Yung piece ko, mali pa ‘yung naibigay ko. Dahil may time limit, ‘yung hindi edited ‘yung naibigay ko. The show must go on na lang, ganu’n. Sobrang nakakahiya kasi nandu’n ‘yung CBA, nagchi-cheer tapos nagkamali ako,” he narrates.

It is normal for the candidates to feel shaky during the pageant wherein the eyes of the spectators are nowhere but on your eyes, too. But as the night got longer and the awards—maybe it minor or major— were distributed, lucky Lloyd ended on the top 5, with him being empty-handed.

“Sobrang nakakapanghina ng loob kasi parang may iba, nakakahakot na ng awards. Sobrang nado-down ako, Lloyd says, “Ituloy ko na lang ‘to. Tapusin ko na lang ‘to.”

During that night, Lloyd’s hope of becoming Mister Wesleyan decreased. He was losing hope that night. “Ang nangyari sa akin, paurong. Syempre noong una, aim ko na ‘yung title. Pero nung nasali na ako sa top 5, kahit anong runner-up na lang, basta may award. Kahit ano na lang,” he says.

From being disregarded at first during the Ginoong Palarong Wesleyan screening and rumored to be CBA’s representative for the pageant, the direction of fate led Lloyd to the title.

“Unexpected [‘yung pagkapanalo ko] kasi sa mga kasama ko, ako lang ‘yung walang award. Napansin pala ako ng mga judge. Tumatalab pala ‘yung mga efforts ko,” he says.

For all this talk about feat, it was never the prize Lloyd was after, anyway. The more we talk, the more it becomes clear to me that he is simply fighting for success, and one doesn’t have to be the toast of the town to bring home the bacon.

Lloyd admits his life changed after being crowned and awarded. His Facebook notifications blew up, anonymous

netizens asking for confirmations, a wave of messages coming. It’s a blur for him, I guess.

“Nitong nagdaang acquaintance [party], may nagpapapicture. Nung araw ng pageant at after nu’n, maraming message requests. After 3 months ko lang nakita tapos nakakahiya kasi binati nila ako. Creepy [at first] pero overwhelming,” he says.

But, Lloyd’s okay with you not identifying his name—if it means he has a blank state to amaze you with.

King’s Shooting

If there’s one thing about Lloyd that is hard to neglect, it’s his charisma. More than his noticeable good looks, an honest smile coming from him will make anyone calm. That was the ambience at the shoot when we took his photos: sociable chitchats and sincere discussions between Lloyd and the Genre team made the shoot delicate and striking.

Watching Lloyd play to the camera so contentedly says a lot about how faraway he’s come from being a simple lad to a Mr. Wesleyan titleholder. fun shoot

Dressed in relaxing and natural colors, Lloyd was graceful when it came to posing for the camera. His movements were minimal, but his aura impaled through each photo.

There is no distrust then as to why he was capped as the Mr. Wesleyan 2016.

Though he is playing it up for our cameras, he is not Christian Lloyd Escuadro the title holder, the Mr. Wesleyan.

He’s just Christian Lloyd Escuadro the man. He’s just being himself—the relaxed Financial Management student who is as chill as other guys come. He’s not shy about being an Anime geek or singing at Mother of Perpetual Church during Sundays. He’ll tell you that he subscribes to YouTube channels that offers infographics and videos that tackles technology, phones, and gadgets. the real score

My major takeout from running through the day with Lloyd is the eye-opener that being a public figure at school requires laying different masks for different instances. On the stage, he’s the boy-next-door who shows a lot of swagger since he has to be. Off it, he does a total 180 and gives off a chill and calm vibe. When he is with people who have to work with him, he’s accommodating, relaxed, and commonly jovial to be around. When he’s got his idle time, he’ll eat pizza, watch TV or play around with his phone.

There’s an unofficial social agreement involving a public figure and the public, in which by attaining prominence, one surrenders the right to a point of privacy. Some famous students around the university would freely open up as much as they can about themselves on social media. But it’s always fascinating to keep an eye on young people who sail across through this popularity and fame.

Whether he desired to be or not, Lloyd Escuadro is, for all objectives and reasons, a public figure of Wesleyan. He just turns out to know where his off switch is. •

WATCH THE THRONE

Celine Marie Pecson proves that, like the famed iceberg, while it is her crown that gets the most attention, it is only but a scrap of who she really is.

TEXT: MICHAEL ADRIAN PAGADUAN PHOTOS: DAN GIL MARAMAG

Miss Chemistry Society International 2014, Miss College of Arts and Sciences 2015, Miss Wesleyan 2016—while all these impressive titles, still, they just aren’t enough to encapsulate the multi-faceted beauty of Celine Marie Pecson.

Though she’s a winner in the looks department with her smooth, brown complexion, delicate features and long, silky hair, you’ll realize upon meeting her that she’s pretty in a whole lot of other ways. Pretty smart, she’s insightful beyond her 20 years. Pretty kind, Celine is friendly and states that she is a chatty person.

Pretty real, she’s down-to-earth for someone who’s nailed the art of being a beauty queen. Pretty strong, she’s optimistic even if many teens her age choose to wallow in negativity. Pretty inside and out, she’s a rare gem in this complex world we live in. Pretty sure, Celine slays every aspect of her life.

People can easily conclude that Celine is the ‘queen,’ but it is just a shred of story from her roller coaster ride to the top.

Of swallowing the pressure

After securing their back-to-back win in the Miss Wesleyan beaucon, the people from the College of Arts and Sciences have turned their heads to Celine. Of course, the pressure is on her since she’s expected to win the crown—for the third straight time.

“People are expecting na I need to be good, I need to win this.

Syempre, partly sa isip ko, kailangan kong manalo,” Celine says while reminiscing the huge amount of pressure she has to shoulder that time. “Sure na sure sila na ako na ‘yung ilalaban and that added to the pressure kasi sinasabi na ng family and friends ko na “ako” na raw, pero sabi ko, don’t expect because I don’t want to disappoint anybody.” And the talks became more

serious.

The senior Mass Communication student also told her friends messed around with her, telling they will forget her ‘as a friend’ if she doesn’t take home the most prestigious crown in Wesleyan. “‘Sabi ko, huwag ganu’n kasi nakaka-pressure lalo na’t ako lang ‘yung ilalaban. It’s either I win or not. Crown or wala. Three-peat or wala. Tapos sa’yo lahat ng sisi kasi ikaw lang ‘yung ilalaban eh,” she tells.

The pressure getting ‘digital’

“Hindi pa nagsisimula ‘yung second semester, sobrang ingay na sa Twitter na mine-mention ako na ako ‘yung next Miss Wesleyan. Pero ako, hindi ko nirereplyan kasi baka sabihin nila na I’m claiming it, na ang yabang ko,” Celine says.

Yes, a lot of people expected her to win with a lot of people tweeting she’ll be the next Miss Wesleyan but it’s expected to hear bad stuff about her.

“Sabi lang nu’ng mga taga-ibang college na parang kine-claim ko na kasi kilala na siya eh. Maingay daw ‘yung pangalan ko [in social media].” Decently, she responded to the buzzes: “Ako nga sa sarili ko, hindi ko inaaming ako ‘yung ilalaban kasi ayokong mag-expect sila, ayoko na madi-disappoint sila.”

With all of the people’s eyes are on her, Celine prayed to God and asked for His help. “Pinagpe-pray ko na lang: Lord, make me shine!”

Keeping up with the insecurities

For beauty pageant participants, it’s a cliché to say that nobody

leaves the pageant stage without insecurities brought to her mind. Unobvious, maybe, but Celine got unconfident and selfdoubting.

“Nadaanan ko ‘yung stage na mayroong insecurities kasi lalo na nu’ng unang-unang meeting at nakita ko lahat ng candidates per college,” Celine states, “Hindi mo maaalis sa akin na may insecurities ako kahit na alam kong maraming naniniwala sa akin.

I have insecurities but I need to cope up with it.”

Despite of being apprehensive, Celine learned the art of deadma—not focusing to what her co-candidates can flaunt that she doesn’t have. “I strive not to win but to be the best, she exclaims, “I don’t want to disappoint anybody because they’re expecting from me and they’re expecting that I will win tapos ayaw ko ring ipahiya ‘yung sarili ko.”

And in the night, where she expected everything would sail smoothly, another twist got her problematic.

Celine almost did not make it to the first appearance of the candidates during the national costume portion of the pageant.

“Umabot sa backstage na kami lang ‘yung problema kasi ‘yung damit ko, malaki masyado. May point pa nga na ayaw nila akong palabasin nu’ng unang labas ng national costume.” But how did they solve it? “Sinira nila ‘yung gown. Binawasan nila hanggang sa lumiit. I know that in every situation that I am in, in every challenge that I am, there’s a good thing na mangyayari.”

And when it was her time to walk on the stage, she said a little prayer: “I’ll do my best. Make me shine, make me stand out then I will accept everything that will happen [next].”

The rocky road to victory

She defied the odds to become the queen and but Celine winning the crown alone is just a piece of her bittersweet success.

“Marami kasing conflicts sa akin noon. Iniisip ko ‘yung talent ko.

Iniisip ko ‘yung gagawin ko at isusuot,” Celine confesses, “May time na stressed ka na pero kailangan mong mag-fight, kailangan mong i-balance lahat.”

Though she’s excused from her classes, Celine still managed to attend her classes as much as possible. “Sabi nila, hindi ko na raw kailangang pumasok kasi excused ako pero mahirap ‘yung makikisabay ka, lalaktawan mo tapos hindi ka makakasunod kaya iba-balance mo rin.”

Classes in the morning. Training in the afternoon. Meeting deadlines at night. Celine definitely found the perfect formula in balancing everything—joggling her acads, responsibilities, and the goal of winning the title. But, she almost gave up.

When asked if she had hesitations during the preparations, “Meron,” she admits, “Umabot ako sa time na, ayoko na.

Nagagalit na ‘yung mom, dad, adviser ko kasi parang nakikita nila ayaw ko na, hindi na nila nakikita ‘yung efforts ko though I’m trying.” Luckily, she did not stop and still got her head in the game. “Somehow, I realized that I need this to prove something.”

Aside from the conflicts with her schedules, talent, costume, and confidence, Celine also admitted having ‘struggles’ with her family.

“Sabi ng dad ko, “Huwag ka nang sumali d’yan. Bukas magbackout ka na.” Nag-argue ‘yung mother and father ko. Rindingrindi na rin ako that night kasi nagkasabay-sabay lahat ng intindihin,” she narrates, “Naging open forum ‘yung gabi kasi ‘yung mom ko is really supportive with the activities that I join tapos ‘yung dad ko is the opposite of my mom.”

And guess what happened next.

“Sabi ko “Stop na. Eh kasi hindi mo naman ako sinusuportahan sa mga ganyan.” I was crying. Somehow, I knew na he felt guilty.”

After all the quarrels and arguments, her dad became instantly supportive and showy. “Gumawa siya ng mga little papers na nakalagay du’n na iboto ako for Miss SMART. Good way din pala na nag-open ako kasi I felt that you didn’t support me, now I feel it.”

THE WINNING MOMENT As one of the spectators that night, Celine obviously performed very well. And when she was called as the Miss Wesleyan 2016, the CAS community celebrated with her. “Grateful [ako] kasi I achieved the goal of proving myself and that the CAS can also do it for the third time. Proud ‘yung parents mo, friends, mga taong kilala ka pero ‘di ka kilala, pati ‘yung mga advisers ko rin. Super fulfilling nu’ng moment.”

Though she has her crown with her for the rest of her life, Celine admits of not being big-headed. “I just need to be myself. They will judge me as me. I am me, win or lose. Though it’s a big achievement, you don’t have to change yourself for the crown.”

As her royal-sounding name suggests, it was as if Celine Marie Pecson was fated for brilliance from the very start. True enough, she did not descend with being a normal girl and chased her daydreams of becoming a queen, and alas, she turned out to be one.

From the outset, Celine’s demeanor surprises me. Beauty pageants is a jungle that swallows people whole—they either get spit out or get better. I was expecting a girl who was either subtly guarded (if there was a spot to protect) or relieved to speak a little freely about their disdain (if there was any at all). It can get that cutthroat. As you might have already guessed by this point, Celine is none of those things.Although it’s a struggle to find the ideal balance between beauty and brains, style and substance, and form and function whether in the pageant world or in real life, there are the fortunate ones who manage to achieve this feat— and, when you see that they’re making the most of what they’ve been blessed with to make this world better in their own way, like Celine who’s proving to be a great role model for her generation, you’ll be inspired to master this beautiful combination, too.

Like an afterglow, Celine’s presence lingers. It is there after you heard her answer the question-and-answer portion with confidence and brilliance. It is there even after you watched her slay the stage. It is there even after you have heard her talk in her Public Relations video projects and Snapchat stories. The only difference is, while an afterglow will fade eventually, Celine has managed to stay in the spotlight. The fascinating part is, she seems to do so effortlessly, while still managing to keep her feet on the ground

You’re a beacon of light, Celine Pecson. Never dim. •

DAUNTLESS

DAN If looks could kill, many would be lifeless just by gazing at this Adonis. If he is the police and punisher, countless girls would beseech just to be chained and cuffed by him.

TEXT: MICHAEL ADRIAN PAGADUAN PHOTOS: DAN GIL MARAMAG

He grew up with his dad who is presently working in New Rural Bank of San Leonardo and his mom who is an educator.

He humbly confesses that Criminology wasn’t really the plan for him. “Dapat kasi mag-aaral ako sa Baliwag Maritime Academy. Nakapag-exam ako at nakapasa. Umabot ‘yung average ko. Pero, natatakot ako kasi alam kong mahigpit dun. Naisip ko, bawal cellphone, bawal lahat. Hindi ko kako kaya. Tapos sinama ako ng mommy ko sa Cabanatuan, tumingin daw kami ng school baka raw may magustuhan ako. Tapos, ayun… sa Wesleyan na,” Dan narrates.

ginoong palarong wesleyan 2015

As time passed by, it looks like Dan being a Criminology student was indeed written in the stars. “Gusto kong makatapos ng BS Criminology kasi gusto kong magkaroon ng marangal na trabaho, gusto kong maglingkod sa taong-bayan.”

After graduation, he aspires of pushing his dreams to the next level—to do well in his board exam, join the Philippine National Police and most especially, help his family.

“Siyempre gusto kong maipasa yung board exam ko. Tapos, 19 pa lang ako, 21 kailangan sa PNP kaya gusto ko muna tumulong sa magulang ko.”

Of Hobbies and Interests

With his sultry, strong aura and well-toned physique, he is visibly a boy with interest in sports. “Mahilig akong magbasketball, actually varsity player ako noong high school.”

In the usual battlefield with banging bullets and blowing bombs, one is typically armed with guns and explosive weapons. But everything came different with Dan Mendoza as he entered a battlefield full of pumped-up EDM tracks, thundering claps, and squealing cheers from the spectators.

two things—get his muscles flexed at the gym and say a little prayer.

Just by looking at the soft-spoken 19 year-old student from the College of Criminal Justice Education, you would never hypothesize he’s a man with interest in walking the runway clothed in sports attire.

Throughout the contest, he admits that he had little qualms in himself. “Sakto lang ‘yung confidence ko. In a scale of 1-10, siguro 7 ‘yung score ng confidence ko that time,” he adds.

Success Story of a ‘Warrior’

And in a snap, he was prevailed as the man who will take home the title.

He looks up to his basketball idols—Michael Jordan and Marc Pingris. “Siguro kung makita ko sila ng personal, syempre magpapapicture ako. Sasabihin ko rin na kung gaano ko sila hinahangaan at kung may time sila, sana makalaro ko sila.”

“Halos napatalon ako nung tinawag ako, kasi hindi ko inaasahan,” he meekly states.

When asked on what team will he support in the NBA, he promptly responds, “Syempre, Golden State Warriors!”

In the recent university intramurals few months ago, Dan made the Ice Warriors proud as he took home the much-admired title of Mr. Palarong Wesleyan 2015. Dan reveals that it was only when he seized the title that he modestly acknowledged to himself that, yes, he was, uhm, good-looking. All his life, the olive-skinned Criminology student assumed he was just average.

“Pinilit lang ako ng professor ko. Two days before, tsaka lang ako sinabihan,” says Dan. “Hindi ako masyadong handa. First time ko kasing sumali ng isang bigating pageant.”

During that unsatisfactory preparation, he only pulled off

But just like the typical stories of beauty queens and male pageant participants, at times, the most unprepared are the ones meant to slay the competition.

He owes his feat to a long list of people. “Nagpapasalamat ako kay God, sa parents ko kasi sinuportahan ako, syempre lalo na sa Criminology family, supporters from CONAMS at mga kaklase ko.”

The Bulakenyo’s ‘Simple’ Life Dan Emmanuel Legaspi Mendoza, born on April 15, 1996, traces his roots on San Miguel, Bulacan. He is the third child among four children. “Simple lang kami,” he says.

WIN HIS HEART As the proverb goes, cooking food for a man is a good way to win his affections. To satisfy his tastebuds, one should totally sneak out and grab his mom’s Caldereta recipe.

“Yung maanghang,” he adds. But if you’re not a good cook, well, there’s a simpler way to win him. “Gusto ko rin ‘yung ice cream…ni Mang Maning, lalo na ‘yung chocolate!” he says.

‘Crazy’ Love He then admits the craziest thing he did when he was in high school. “Nagjowa ako ng lima. Nung High School ako, may MWF ako. ‘Pag Monday, si ganito. Kasi nung high school, laro-laro lang. Pero, ngayong college at nag-mature na… iba na. Matino na,” he says in between laughters.

As he grew up, he did not become the mainstream playboy, as some girls would say after hearing his past stories, but in fact, he transformed into a better one. “Yung last girlfriend ko, sa Manila siya nag-aaral tapos ako, dito sa Cabanatuan. Hinahatid ko siya kahit minsan nilalagnat ako. Tapos ‘pag na-trip-an, ‘pag nandon ako [sa Manila], ipinaglalaba ko siya (laughs),” he narrates.

Next Target He unpretentiously admits that he reaped more confidence after winning the title. Out of the blue, he is bound to a “bigger” pageant, Ginoong San Miguel 2015, armed with his title and improved self-confidence. After all, resting on his head is the 2015 Mr. Palaro crown.

For this year’s Ginoong San Miguel competition, Dan keeps his hopes high. He, too, keeps a confident heart that everything that will happen in her life is the will of God. “Mas confident na ako kasi halos lahat sa kanila, sa mga kalaban ko, first timers. Tapos ako, may title na. May experience na ako. Alam ko nang humarap sa maraming tao.

‘Pag tumayo na ako sa stage, mas confident ako sa kanila kasi may experience na ako,” he tells.

To those who are just keeping an eye on him from afar at the CCJE Building or even in the campus, those who are mere voyeurs to his life, it is effortless to reckon that he is one self-assured man. While to a certain point, that is true, Dan says that the biggest false impression about him is that he doesn’t have insecurities.

“Sa akin na lang ‘yung mga ‘yon,” he says with a chuckle when I asked him what those insecurities are.

Perhaps, this is how we should look at Dan Mendoza, as how he sees some of his respected male personalities on the show business: apparently perfect, but like every one of us, have insecurities of their own. As individuals with divergence, we should handle the cards we are dealt with.

One thing is for sure: whether or not he’s just bluffing with his projected poise, Dan has undeniably played his cards right. •

When Verses Come Alive There’s nothing more nourishing and soul-mending than reading poetry—whatever the idea the narrative holds, it’s an iced coffee for the soul. Refreshing. Mind-boggling. Energizing.

To think that poetry brings daring powers like vampires who taint and consume a person’s sense of self is possibly one of the greatest paradoxes of our generation. Yet by means of decomposing impact and ideas, some literary pieces all the way through history undeniably demonstrate a literary poison that some minds cannot read.

But Krizel Cunanan’s work of art is not a poison—it’s a craft she wants to share to every single member of today’s society and community as well.

TEXT: MICHAEL ADRIAN PAGADUAN PHOTOS: MIGUEL ROMERO

express. She leaped a huge space for her to gain whatever way of matured thinking she has right now, and with that, she also learned how to get away from the tide and started creating her own waves—the unique ones.

If there’s one thing that makes Krizel’s jive in the youth, it is her creative mind. As she walks down through her literary works, Krizel makes sure that everything will fall in to place.

This jack-of-all-trades editor and student definitely loves people to hear her heart out through words, but when she does, printed letters just come flying out of her mind in a consolidated flow of deepness.

And this passion and talent of hers started at an early age.

She admitted what pushed her to write—cliché may it sound—but it’s for a crush.: “I started writing since elementary pa ako pero hello, it’s not yet my passion. Pagpa-pacute lang sa crush ko ang passion ko no’n,” she confessed.

But this concept changed when destiny led her to the doorsteps of the Genre office.

“First year college ‘yun, meron akong friend na gustong sumali sa isang org. ‘Yung friend ko, interesado siya sa pagsusulat tapos ako, hindi masyado kasi nga parang nakalimutan ko na ‘yun at elem pa ako nung nag-start. Nag-apply kaming dalawa para samahan ko siya pero hindi ko goal na makapasa kasi nga hindi ko pa talaga gusto pa,” she narrated.

And guess what? The major plot twist. *insert drum rolls* She passed. And sadly, her friend didn’t.

“I love writing about society because love is too cliché,” she said.

Love has been a main topic for several works— may it be a short story, teleserye, film, book, or poem.

And Filipinos obviously adore and support that. But for her, she’s no Lang Leav.

“From my POV kasi, mas maraming problema [about society] at mas maraming nangyayari. Mas maraming emosyon. And poems are made for that,” she explained, “There’s so much more to life than writing and posting things that’s love-related. I mean, try to write for yourself.”

Far too often, we may have found ourselves standing for at least one time—chilling on the cliff of the future. For the youth is continuously in the progression of coming to be full-pledged grown-ups, it’s every so often a trial to discern who we are—and what we actually want to do.

At the identical time, there’s the irresistible plea to get up and run away from all we know, and the tender itch to take a step back and find comfort within ourselves.

Good for Krizel. She actually knew what she wanted and what she craved to inspire. Unlike other writers, society has been her key not just to impress but to

“Nung makapasok ako sa Genre, that was when I could actually say that writing started to be my passion,” she said.

In many ways she’s coming out of her shell, moving out of her comfort zone.

And going out of your comfort zone is not at all about forgetting instinct, but actually the contrary—it’s being authentic with yourself and taking accountability for what you want to do and who you want to be.

She felt that several will use boy-girl relationships as their topic for the poem. But she took the road less traveled by. “I changed the system and chose death penalty as the theme for my poem,” she said.

competition, it’s a #shookt moment for her.

“My LHEPC story? It’s the most memorable and unexpected one for me. Syempre, Luzon-wide na ‘yon.

And parang iniisip ko no’n, wala na ‘kong laban. Tapos heto pa, as a literary writer, ang hirap ng binigay na topic,” she told.

In the competition, Krizel and the rest of literary writers from Luzon were asked to write about tomatoes and using it as a concept for a love poem.

“Imagine? Kauna-unahang tanong ko sa sarili ko no’n, paano kong babaliin ‘yung magiging story ng poem ko? One thing that I always keep on my mind when competing is that you have to stand out from the rest,” she added. When you look at Krizel, you can tell that there is more to her than meets the eye, it can be seen in the way she looks for herself in literature—with a nomadic yet inquisitive stare, inviting you to do the same. But her eyes were unpredictable and blank in the moment of truth.

“Nung natawag na ‘yung 6th and 5th place, nawalan na ako ng pag-asa. As in ubos na ubos na.

Kunwari na lang may ginagawa ako sa phone ko to lessen the awkwardness,” she said.

But with the passion she always had for writing, her odds were definitely in her damn favor. She won.

Second place. And seeing the girl searching for her definite purpose and now winning medals and prestige is heart-warming. Her ‘verses’ came alive that time.

“Kapag naaalala ko ‘to, feeling ko fresh pa rin sa tenga ko ‘yung pagkakasabi na nanalo ako. Nung nakuha ko na ‘yung medal and certificate, do’n na ‘yung moment na umiyak ako. I can’t stop my tears from falling. I even took a picture of myself crying (laughs),” she narrated.

Nevertheless, as for her, literature showcases the creativity and artistic side of an individual. Some people are born to have their own creativeness while some people can learn how to be creative. With patience and perseverance, everything will fall into its right place.

Krizel told me she hasn’t thought about how privileged she is until this interview. I couldn’t fault her for that, to be honest. Life must be chaotic when you’re trying to get into that ideal lifestyle—the glamour and prestige of it all. In a way, there’s something very ‘natural’ in how she’s assertive about her willpower to be prosperous. In this day and age, a hunger for prosperity is better combined with persistence rather than fresh talent.

And Krizel’s drive might just be her key to the zenith.

And just last February, at the beautiful island of Palawan, she definitely fell in the right place too.

Out of several writers all over Luzon, Krizel managed to climbed her way to the top in the Luzonwide Higher Education Press Conference 2017’s Poetry Writing Category held in Puerto Princesa. She placed second—and to think that it’s her first time in the said

It has been a lengthy and sluggish ride for Krizel so far, and what’s next for the creative is still up in the air. But one thing that will stay unchanged is the modest and cooperative way she approaches her work ethic. It is this individuality that helped her grow in her poetry, but more importantly, it will serve her glowing in her next endeavor, whatever the forthcoming times may hold.

Krizel disclosed though that hesitation still comes from approval and validation from people, judges and editors she came across with, it’s something she has learned to accept and purely let go. For her, poetry is exclusive to everyone and it is there to be appreciated by anyone.

Not everyone can be good at it, but at the end of the day, it really depends on who’s eyeing at your literary pieces. After all, she’s gone this far in getting more than her foot through the door into the world of literary competitions. And if no one opens it for her, Krizel would just surely open the door herself. •

unleashed and Uncovered The boulevard headed for one’s dream is not and will never be smooth. No shortcuts. No cheats. For Norie Mae Copian, the flight may be harder but the benefit of getting the learnings and the values from the ‘challenges’ she faced will always keep her a step ahead.

Further into the conversation we had for this interview, I challenged her a bit. So how ready are you to open up? How do you want the readers to know your story? She gave a coy smile and said without hesitation, “Ready na ako.”

TEXT: MICHAEL ADRIAN PAGADUAN PHOTOS: MIGUEL ROMERO

Being the lone girl in the family with her mom working overseas, Norie was given the opportunity to handle a challenging situation and has to fill in a huge responsibility for her family’s sake.

“At early age, malaki na ‘yung responsibilidad ko dahil ako nga ‘yung nag-aalaga sa kapatid ko.”

When her mother left the country to work her ass off for their family’s future, she was left with no choice but to be the mother her siblings never had. “Yung bunso ko, ‘yun ‘yung pinakaclose ko kasi simula baby siya, ako ‘yung nag-alaga at nasa ibang bansa si Mama.

Sa aming apat, kami lang nung bunso ang nag-aral nang mabuti kaya nasa akin lahat ng responsibilidad,” she said.

In dealing with her brothers, she honestly said that it was not easy. “Yung kuya ko, ilang beses nang nag-college pero hanggang ngayon, hindi pa rin siya makatapos. Ngayon, may kinakasama na ‘yung kuya ko,” she confessed, “Yung kapatid ko na sumunod sa akin, ‘yun ‘yung pinakaproblema namin ngayon kasi nagrerebelde siya sa amin. Gabi-gabi ko ‘yun iniiyak.”

With that being said, she is left with an obligation – to become a better version of herself for their future. “Kailangan kong makapagtapos.

Kailangan ko silang matulungan.”

Going over our mini discussion in my head, I sensed that maybe my standards of misery in the life of Norie are too crucial. I’m most likely just a little too laidback, too insensitive for a guy who’s only ever given short previews of her dramatic life. I can’t relate, to be honest. But even then, I figured that, her stuff is serious. She is stressed and misunderstood.

She’s got more than a few pangs in their chests. She’s got something painful kept inside all waiting to be vented.

And that painful side of hers was my target that day. I want to uncover what she’s been hiding the moment she sat on the couch, opening the unopened.

Little by little, she discussed with me the most challenging part in her life as a youth.

“Second year high school, merong kapatid ‘yung daddy ko. ‘Yung daddy ko na ‘yan, step grandfather ko lang siya kasi pangalawang asawa siya ng lola ko. Lolo ko siya pero ‘daddy’ tawag ko.

Hindi ko inaakala na darating ‘yung araw na gusto niyang ibalik ko lahat ‘yung ibinigay niya sa akin dahil binibigyan niya ako ng pera nung elementary [student] ako. Ninong kasi turing ko sa kanya. Du’n ko naranasang murahin niya ako sa school, sa harap ng mga kaibigan ko. Gusto niya akong sagasaan.

Hindi ko nai-o-open sa magulang ko kasi nahihiya

ako. Kung anu-anong kwento ‘yung ginagawa niya,” she confessed with tears streaming down her face.

Very MMK-ish but the difference was, this moment was captured by my two eyes – not rolling cameras or video recorders.

She added, “Sobrang down na down ako.

Hindi ako kumakain. Walang buhay na Norie.”

The odds seemed to be against her at first, but Norie likes taking risks, which got her to where she is today.

“Lagi kong sinasabi na ‘yung mga problema na ‘yun, ‘yun ang dahilan kung bakit ako ngayon ganito – matapang,” she declared.

Norie Copian was a caterpillar – can’t move, can’t speak, and was weak. She was, for such a long time, caged in a cocoon made by the problems created by people she did not expect will come knocking her down. But yes, change is constant. And that cocoon that shooed her away from the happiness life brings was broken by her own self – and her drive to become a better girl. Now, she’s a butterfly free from problems and stress.

Well, people, if Norie Mae Copian can pull off growing into a butterfly, well damn, so can the rest of us. •

HAPPY LITTLE PILL It is weirdly silent when I entered the location of the interview for the first time—except for a number of students moving around and doing their stuff, hardly anyone creates a definite noise. I run through my list of questions hurriedly transcribed in my overpriced planner and try to reminisce anything my friend instructed me to gather for the interview. One thing appears to stand out more than others. Her nickname is the “The Jolly Friend.” Do whatever the hell you want with that.

TEXT: MICHAEL ADRIAN PAGADUAN PHOTOS: MIGUEL ROMERO

The word “sanguine” is an adjective that means jolly— an alternative expression for optimistic, lively, and poised. It is also considered as one of the four characters, the symbol of a person filled with brightness and faith. Weeks after meeting her, I eventually learned that sanguine perfectly describes Elizabeth “Beth” Eduardo.

Sanguine.

It rolls certainly in speech when said it very, very loud. I restate the word on my precious lips, and decide that I like it for Beth.

This much I believe, after half an hour of pep talk with her head-on. At this peak, the 19-year-old Tourism student of this university has just finished a dreadful activity in school during the sizzling summer heat—the unbearable, roasting introduction to the irritating heat index we Cabanatuenos are paddling over now—but she is still agile and, most notably, excited to talk. Although she’s allowing herself to settle down, I don’t find a dash of exhaustion in her high-spirited voice. And almost everything she conveys me is as sunny as the afternoon sun that gleams through the corridors of the campus.

Then she justifies why she’s called ‘jolly’ and the ‘mood changer’ of the squad they called ‘Perfect 10.’

“Kunwari sa bahay, pangit ang gising dahil masikat ‘yung araw, pero basta pumasok na ako sa school, kapag nakita ko na ‘yung mga kaibigan ko, ‘yun bang parang ‘di ko na maiwasang ngumiti, magpabibo, magbitaw ng mga jokes…

Lagi akong may joke,” she cheerfully said.

As abovementioned, she’s a girl full of happiness. But she’s not an exemption in facing problems and challenges in life. She is dealing with problems in a way that she can handle herself peacefully.

Beth also considered that being a joker was inherited from her family. As they say, it runs in the blood. “Nature ko na ‘yun. Sa family rin kasi namin, ganu’n ako. Mana sa Papa ko.”

“’Pag nasasaktan? Nalulungkot? Tahimik lang [ako.]

Pumupunta sa peaceful place. Hindi ko lang dinadala sa school, nakokontrol siya. Malapit kasi kami sa bukid, bale dun ‘yung peaceful area ko.”

And yes, you heard it right. She got it from her father – who is now in heaven.

“Papa ko, nasa heaven na. Diabetes. Noong Grade 3, nine years old. 2006 ‘yun,” she recalled.

Though it’s tragic, she is optimistic about everything despite the loss. “Wala akong malungkot [na memories], puro masasaya kaya ‘yun naman ‘yung pinagpapasalamat ko. Mula kasi nung bata ako, lagi kaming magkasama.

Marami kaming bonding, lagi niya akong pinapasan.

Princess niya ako, bunso po kasi ako. Sabi nila ate, kuya, lahat sila nasinturon ni Papa, kaya siguro ganito ako kakulit,” she told me.

With her papa now an angel up above, she did not have the chance to ask him what course to take in college.

“Undecided pa rin ako nung high school. Ang gusto ko kasi, reporter. Bata pa lang ako, ginagaya ko na ‘yung mga nasa TV tapos pinanlalaban din ako. Pero ‘yung ano ko kasi sa akin, ‘di naman ganu’n kasapat ‘yung skills ko. Baka wala rin akong kalagyan kapag nag-Mass Com ako. Kaya Tourism kasi ayaw nila ate na ma-stress ako tulad ng stress na niraranas nila. Easy-go-lucky po kasi ako, hindi mahilig mag-aral,” she discussed.

Though she considered being easy-go-lucky, she is still a person who is on the run in achieving her dreams. “Talagang hindi ako grade-concious. Hindi naman ako nagpapabaya,” she said, “Nitong college lang ako nagseryoso kasi future mo ‘yung nakasalalay.”

And when her friends are the ones who are stricken by problems, she just says “Ipaparealize ko sa kanya kung gaano kaganda ang buhay, na parang magiging kwento na lang ‘yan na ‘di dapat problemahin.”

The world is a great place to be. It’s a massive and blissful island to be in. But it is also an island of uncertainties and sadness. As we stay in this island full of doubts, we may be pulled down but we can always choose to smile our way up.

You are a pocketful of sunshine, Beth. Never lose your everglow. •

history of bravery During Fridays, traffic chooses no victim – whether you’re an employee, a traveler or a student going home. Cars, buses, jeepneys and tricycles in the frenzied highway that no one could pass through. The agony of waiting for the traffic light to signal a ‘go’ appeared almost like forever.

With all the negativity bombarded in the lives of commuters, Ana Marie “Anne” Ramirez does not mind the chaos – for she is excited to taste, smell, and feel the taste of home.

TEXT: MICHAEL ADRIAN PAGADUAN PHOTOS: MIGUEL ROMERO

But for Anne, procrastination has no place in her life.

“Kapag may ginawa akong assignment or works sa school, gagawin ko on-time. Ayaw kong ipapabukas pa. Kunwari ngayon, may oras ako. Gagawin ko na ngayon. Ayokong magkakasabay-sabay ‘yung mga gagawin mo kaya kailangan kung may time ka, gawin mo na,” she said.

And maybe, this belief of hers was the key for her to attain an achievement she’s really proud of – being an academic scholar.

That’s why she does not comfortable with mediocrity – and giving her 100% is her game. “Sensitive kasi ako kapag ginawa ko na ‘yung best ko. Alam ko kasi sa sarili ko kapag ginawa ko na ‘yung best ko. Kapag sa iba, hindi sapat, parang wala lang, parang may hinahanap pa siya. Ayaw ko lang ng ganu’n.”

Being the eldest among four children, being an academic scholar of the university is not just about having discount on the fees she’s paying for education. For her, it’s a strength that even superheroes are not capable of achieving.

“Strength ko talaga is ‘yun nga, ‘yung pagiging responsible student. Sa family ko talaga, gusto ko talaga silang matulungan.

Bread winner, ganyan,” she declared.

Speaking of family, Anne is very vocal about being close with her family. Surrounded by some of her friends, Anne was not hesitant of sharing her life with her family. Tears streamed down her face while storytelling – and she doesn’t give a damn if she’s being emotional. It’s her family she’s opening up about, anyways.

“Pagdating ko sa bahay tuwing Friday talaga, ang una kong ginagawa, tutulong talaga kay Mama. (cries)”

Being a college student is no laidback undertaking. The experience of having mountains of assignments and activities to wrap up within a week or two will habitually feel like a living inferno.

These circumstances have been morphing our hassled selves to turn out to be chief authors of procrastination which some regard as an alibi for just being lazy. In fact, believing that being a reckless person in casually staying away from everyday jobs doesn’t lead us to become a cool kid, but just a couch potato who’s nothing extraordinary.

Procrastination is an unavoidable part of our early life. It’s difficult to acknowledge that the whereabouts we do day-to-day force us to instill enjoyment before labor, but the fact is, we have a tendency to set apart our obligations and give precedence to relaxation over deadlines to the point that we know how knowledgeably do our school work just minutes before the cutoff date.

With a father working abroad as a caregiver, her mom is working her ass off 24/7. And exhaustion is not her mom’s cup of tea. “‘Di ba nagtitinda kasi siya. Araw-araw ‘yung bibili sa palengke tapos nakikita ko tuwing tanghali, lagi siyang tulog. Kitang-kita ko kasi talaga ‘yung hirap niya,” she said.

While narrating, the crying game began.

“Naiyak ako kasi, nakikita ko talaga ‘yung hirap ni Mama.

Kung ano ‘yung mga dapat kong gawin, kahit hindi na niya iutos, gagawin ko na talaga kahit may mga rereviewhin pa, gagawin ko muna talaga ‘yung sa bahay.” Aww, that’s so sweet.

With a father million miles away from her humble home in Nueva Ecija, Anne admits she became close with her mom because of this situation.

“Nung high school ako, hindi ako open kay Mama about sa personal na buhay at lovelife. Nung high school kasi, limited lang ‘yung pag-uusap namin. Nung nag-college ako, tsaka ko na-realize na bakit hindi ako makipag-usap o bonding kay Mama. Mas naging open ako kay Mama simula nung nagopen ako sa love life ko,” she narrated.

We were brought into existence with the longing to live through experience—to satisfy our craving and to make the most out of our youth. Our everyday customs like lying on the couch while scrolling our Facebook and Twitter feed or using cute filters on Snapchat no longer electrify our minds. Yet the same even goes for walking towards the inside of a haunted house, hiking a mountain, and other exciting activities that were once on the top of our buzz list. As trends revolutionize, the youth now hunt for a different taste of life that will satisfy the emptiness of contemporary millennials to kick the stress away.

With Anne’s case, she discovered the perfect recipe for the taste of life she’s looking for.

Not in social media. Not in a haunted house. Not in a mountain.

Not in the mall. Not in the club.

She found it at home. And she’s very full of it. •

watch the damaged When we were younger, idealistic relationships looked as if they were so much uncomplicated. If you ‘liked’ someone, you will just convey it and if they felt the same way, you two can start a relationship. A love team in the making, stuff like that.

Today’s relationships are much more complicated and frustrating.

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Trust me, I know. Uhm, well…

I mean, Camile Jeremy Mae de Guzman knows.

“Kasi nung first year college ako, may boyfriend ako. Since high school pa.

Nagkahiwalay kami ng school kasi nagCIC siya. May itsura naman siya. Okay kami, matagal. First boyfriend ko siya na matagal tapos sobrang kilala ko. Nainlove ako,” she said.

We millennials want a cup of overpriced iced coffee in our Instagrams of chill Saturday mornings, another pair of kicks in our VSCO-enhanced pictures of our feet. We want a buddy for a Monday morning jog, someone to sympathize with throughout the grind of Tuesdays, a ‘Walktrip’ Wednesday partner along the peaceful roads in our city, someone to text us good morning on Thursday. We want a post that wins #relationshipgoals and trends all over the internet. But we are the Generation Y who likes to mess up relationships.

And that case is very familiar with Camile.

“Nambababae kasi siya. Meron akong nahuhuli sa kanya. Minsan, sa chat. Away-bati kami. ‘Yung family naman kasi niya, okay naman ako don.

‘Yung ate niya, supportive. Okay naman ako sa family niya, pero siya talaga ‘yung may problema,” she came clean, “Di ba kapag mahal mo pa, papatawarin mo kapag bumabalik naman. Natuto na lang ako. Nakalimutan ko na lang siya.”

With that, Camile learned her lesson – not to rush things, and keep the pace very slow… but sure as hell. “Merong may mga nanliligaw sa akin. Nakakausap ko, ganu’n pero hindi pa dumating sa punto na kami na, boyfriend ko na kasi naghahanap ako ng the best.”

Nowadays, we want somebody to hold our hand, but we don’t want to put the control to break us in their hands.

We love pick-up lines, but we don’t want to be picked up. We want to keep hunting the concept of love, but we don’t want to really fall into it.

Our overwatched and overrated Disney movies and fairytales showed us legit love and proved us that happily-everafter stories happen to everyone. And so we put in no determination, and we still question why our prince charming never came into sight.

With a heartbreak at young age, Camile is still open for relationships but… she wants to find the perfect guy – and we cannot blame her for it. She admitted having a “ka-MU” as of this moment, but she’s still waiting. And that’s okay with everyone around her. “Hinihintay na lang namin ‘yung approval ni daddy.

Nagpupunta naman siya sa bahay tapos si mommy, kilala siya.”

The point is, if you’ve gone through pain, the easiest way out is to find and discover new things (or old) that can help you forget everything. Camile is still young – and there’s a long way for her to travel on.

She has immensely done so much during her heartbreak season.

She is still young – now smarter and fed up, shimmying her way to the glory of success in her life.

With a mindset focused on achieving her dreams, Camile is surely an achiever.

“Gusto ko ring mag-travel, lumibot sa magagandang lugar ganyan kasi sa family namin, hindi kami ‘yung nagta-travel talaga. Hindi ko pa naeexperience mag-travel sa ibang bansa o malalayo,” she said.

Standing with confidence on what she believes in, Camile has once again shown that relationships during our youth is not bad – that you can convert into an inspiration and heartbreaks as a lesson. She is the personification of an ideal girl who does not only exemplify the modern millennials but with something far more than that – passion, pride and positivity. •

MISTER AND MISS WESLEYAN 2017

Cherrie Valeriano

Leonard Singson

cherrie on top The hustle and bustle of Thursday instantaneously saturates the mood. Traffic cherry-picks no victim – whether it was 7 in the morning or 6 in the evening. Cars, jeepneys and taxis are neck to neck with a distance that no one could pass through.

And what does it mean? The Cabanatuan heat is back. Last year, state weather bureau PAGASA registered the hottest heat index in the country at 52.3 degrees Celsius in Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija, which broke the country’s recent record for the hottest heat index at 42.2 degrees Celsius in Tuguegarao on May 11, 1969. As I predict, may be the heat this year will be the same as last year’s. Ugh. With all the pessimism and fuss wearing in, Miss Wesleyan 2017 Cherrie Valeriano stays unsullied, well-poised and jam-packed of positivity as she talks about her ‘unexpected’ success.

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this world that might have dragged her down a time or two. Not that I was asking it on her, though—certainly not that. I was just looking for an entry point into her world—a world that more and more people discern every day with each achievement and each accomplishment.

hindi mo kaya o ayaw mo at napipilitan ka lang, ‘wag mo nang ituloy.”

With all these verbal support coming from her parents, Cherrie considered the most important words of wisdom came from her sister—a former Miss Wesleyan contestant. Here’s her big sis’ message for her: “Bigay mo ‘yung best mo. Just be yourself. ‘Wag kang kakabahan kasi napakaimportante nu’n. Kapag kinabahan, mawawala lahat ng pinractice at preparations mo.

Puro kaba na lang ‘yung mangyayari.”

I even asked her trademark—her poses when taking her turn to make an impression at the stage. “Tinuro lang sa akin ‘yun (laughs).” It’s a trademark most would often call cocky and egotistical, but it’s one that has definitely helped her get to where she’s at right now.

As she sits down all set to be interviewed, one could not stop liking on what a magnificence this 20-yearold is – flawlessly shaped eyebrows, alabaster skin, straight and undamaged hair, and a sweet yet delicate smile.

When asked about her make-up, she teasingly states “Mahirap lumakad sa school na wala kang kahit kaunting lipstick or anything in your face, Miss Wesleyan ka kasi eh,’’ revealing her quirky and spontaneous side.

Though the day was rather irritating because of the weather, Cherrie is always ready-and-graceful self illuminates the office as she is set for the first set of questions. Clever was indeed an understatement to describe her.

Cherrie took us back to the days she accepted the challenge of becoming the College of Business and Accountancy’s bet for Miss Wesleyan 2017.

“Medyo nagdadalawang-isip akong sumali sa Miss Wesleyan at first pero tinanggap ko na rin kasi ‘yun po ‘yung naging regret ko before nung sumali ako sa Mr. and Ms. Marketista. Pinilit ako nung mga kaklase ko pero parang hindi ko siya sineryoso at hindi ko ginawa ‘yung best ko. Ayaw ko pa, ganu’n. Hindi buo ‘yung loob ko nung sumali ako ron so ayon, ang ending,

natalo,” she said. Scared of going home a crownless girl again, she needed moral support just to turn herself into a warrior on the beauty pageant stage.

“Sinuportahan naman po ako ng family ko, ng mga friends ko, at sinabi naman nila na kaya ko naman ‘yun. Ginawa ko na lang ‘yung best ko kasi nando’n na eh para sa huli, wala kang pagsisihan.”

Cherrie is firm with her belief: mothers know best. And asking permission and suggestions from her mom is a must for this girl. “Actually, gustong-gusto niyang sumasali sa mga pageant pero ako lang ‘yung sa sarili ko ‘yung ayaw at nagdo-doubt. Parang medyo mahina ‘yung loob ko.” Also, her father gave his side—telling her to follow her heart and whatever she wants. “Sabi niya sa akin, kung kaya mo ‘yan, sige, sumige ka. Pero kung alam mo sa sarili mo na

She also told that her mother wasn’t present during the pageant for there was a belief that when her mom watches her and her sister competing, a loss will come right away. “Kapag lumalaban kami ni ate, pray lang ‘yun ng pray, novena nang novena kasi sobrang religious person si Mama. Si Mommy Dionisia nga raw siya tuwing nanonood ng laban ni Pacquiao. May hawak lang ‘yun rosary at book of prayers sa bahay. Dasal lang ‘yun ng dasal. Isa ‘yun sa isang way niya ng pagpapakita ng support sa akin.”

One would not have fathomed her personality and behavior. Cherrie may look like she has proved to be far more than what people see of her. She entails so much confidence; not just purely a girl with an appealing face and a Miss Wesleyan crown but a girl with brains, passion and an ambition.

“I’m taking up BS Business Administration major in Marketing Management. Third year [student] na ako. Plus, academic scholar ako,” she said, “Makakatulong kasi sa family ko ‘tong pagiging scholar ko.”

I was on the lookout for anything, any pits and lows in all of her 20 years in

“Hindi mawawala ‘yung criticisms. Kapag sumasali ka talaga sa mga contests lalo na sa beauty pageants na katulad nito, maraming magbabash sa’yo. Maraming ‘di naniniwala sa’yo at sasabihing bakit ikaw ‘yung nanalo eh mas maganda at magaling naman ‘yung isa.

Naiintindihan ko rin naman sila dahil kapag sumasali naman ako ng mga beauty pageants, hindi palaging panalo,” she told, “Si Lord lang ang pinanghahawakan ko despite sa mga naririnig ko sa ibang tao.”

Cherrie added that it is impossible not to be down when you’re competing for a crown. “‘Pag nasa stage ka talaga, hindi mawawala ‘yung kaba pagdating sa paglakad. Akala mo okay na ‘yung lakad mo. Sabi ng iba, maganda na pero, ‘pag nandon ka na sa stage, hindi mo na rin alam ‘yung ginagawa mo.”

The newly crowned Miss Wesleyan also discussed the hardships she had to face during the preparations for the battle.

“Sa totoo lang, the night before the pageant, kailangang palitan ‘yung heels ko. Naghanap ako ng mahihiraman para hindi bibili kasi sayang naman, isang beses lang naman gagamitin. Buti na lang, may mga nagpahiram kaso nga lang, hindi ko pa siya sanay gamitin.

8 inches siya, napakabigat. Ilang beses akong natapilok. Nung gabi, umiiyak na ako. Parang ayaw ko na. Ang hirap pero, nag-pray lang ako. May dumating namang another heels, Bragais, tulad ng mga sinusuot ng mga talagang lumalaban sa pageants. Magaan kasi siya. Comfortable kang gamitin kaya kahit hindi ka sanay sa kanya, hindi ka mahihirapang mag-adjust. Buti na lang, may dumating na ganoong blessing,” she narrated.

Also, hardships in balancing not just her poise in heels but also her academics came bugging her mind. “Academic scholar po kasi ako. Medyo nahihirapan akong i-balance ‘yung time ko kasi nga pang-hapon ‘yung class ko tapos panghapon din ‘yung practices. Marami sa classes ko ‘yung natatamaan. Minsan umaabsent ako. Excused naman po pero sa mga discussions, hindi ka nakaka-attend kaya medyo mahirap

ding humabol,” she said.

Despite these challenges, she emerged surviving them—with a crown sitting pretty in her head in the end.

I recommend that possibly she could go independent, and she rests back and grins favorably. There is a spark in her eye and I could straightaway tell that this girl does not jest around about the things she loves most. Try undressing her of prominence and significance, but one thing’s for sure—you can never seize desire away from Cherrie Valeriano.

One can say Cherrie tripped into this mad world of beauty pageantry and chose to take it all on. And I can ratify that she, at this point, is fully okay with the idea of having to run off it one day, finished or not finished, disaster or victory. If it ever has to come to that, she can walk away from it just like she left us after our interview, walking into traffic, blending into the city crowd, facing the scorching summer heat, unhesitant of who would spot her and tell her she’s Miss Wesleyan 2017. And she’ll still have left the stage a better place than she found it. •

NEXT ATTRACTION It’s past 1 o’clock in the afternoon and I haven’t had my first cup of my favorite iced coffee from Ate Nancy’s store yet. With the scorching heat surrounding the portals of Wesleyan, it’s a need to be refreshed. I go grab my pouch and I hear someone walking towards inside the office, knocking his way in.

In comes who else but Mister Wesleyan 2017 Leonard Christian Singson himself. (It was obvious since our door had this ‘peep hole.’) He is wearing his school uniform and his hair is perfectly waxed and groomed, similar to the ones I see in high schoolthemed movies from Star Cinema. Coming from a lunch break, he took quite a lot of steps just to get to the office but he has not broken a single drop of sweat. He examines the room left to right, and for a jiffy, he appeared like a sailorman fresh off the boat—without the waves and the Popeye costume— watching at the distance as if it were the new world all set to be dominated.

The gentleman looked pretty grandiose. If this was a movie, the camera would zoom in on him as we exchanged hellos with beaming smiles and escorted him to the other side of the Genre office, where we would hold our small talk. As an alternative, I back out to grab my cup of iced coffee and I was—yes—worried.

TEXT: MICHAEL ADRIAN PAGADUAN PHOTOS: DAN MARAMAG

was a different story for this 17-year-old student. “Pinili po ako ni Sir Kim, nung senior high school teacher ko. Sumali po kasi ako nung intrams namin. Nagkaroon ako ng place, first runner-up. After nu’n, sinabi sa akin ni Sir Kim na ako nga daw ang ilalaban sa Mr. Wesleyan 2017 ng High School Department.”

Upon hearing the suggestion of his teacher, honestly, he did not say ‘yes’ aggressively and fastly. “Big event kasi dito sa Wesleyan ‘yung Mr. and Ms. Wesleyan. Parang inisip ko muna. Sinabi ko sa parents ko, kay Mommy, na sinasali nga ako sa Mr. Wesleyan.”

Being a former contesierro during his high school days, Leonard easily got a nod from his family. “Sinabi ko sa parents ko, kay Mommy, na sinasali nga ako sa Mr. Wesleyan.

Sabi naman ni Mommy, ipagpaalam ko raw muna kay Daddy.

Mag-send ako ng e-mail kasi si Daddy, nasa ibang bansa.”

With everything seemed to be laid out and settled down, the final decision is still his. “Payag na si Daddy pero nasa akin pa rin daw ‘yung decision.”

With all honesty, he said that one of the things he considered before joining was the scholarship grant he might get if he will win. But, the kid is still unsure of his decision even though he’s okay with the pageant. “Sabi ko sa kanila, hindi ko maipa-promise na magiging angat ako at pwedeng manalo kasi sinabi ko rin naman in the first place na, hindi pa ako pang-laban do’n,” he cited with all uprightness.

I was worried not only because I don’t have my coffee that day, but also because I don’t know how to come within his reach.

In my mind were a number of queries I gathered round— some questions you just don’t ask right in a New York minute.

I wanted to let both of our walls down and communicate.

I don’t want to raise him these questions off my Starbucks planner the same way I would tick off boxes from a grocery checklist. You know the classic proverb: real recognizes real. I don’t want to make him think of this interview as another part of my job as a writer for the university’s student publication.

Authentic chitchats are the Grade A chitchats.

I take a sip of water from my bottle and a deep breath. There is no space to grip and settle on what is making me super nervous.

With anxiety eating up my system in whole, I remembered the time my editor told the “top” job for me in this magazine—a cover story. I was told I was getting an interview with the Mr. Wesleyan titleholder for the second straight year, I venture forth on an objective. I had well thought of making a goal of things: ranging from the harmless (like having him to put his arm around me for a brag-worthy selfie to show to my gay and girl friends) to the T.R.O.-worthy (like checking the true spark behind his smile). But these could be completed hurriedly, with slight courageousness, and a lot fewer probing will than I was anticipating to set out. No, my aim was going to take full benefit of the circumstance that I was going to be in the interior of his orbit for one full afternoon.

With a drop of ink in his registration form, the journey to his success started.

For the mental aspect, Leonard was asked by his trainers to read materials to prepare for the question-and-answer portion.

“Marami silang questions na binibigay sa akin. Sinasagot ko po tapos afterwards, tinuturuan ako kung paano sagutin ‘yung mga tanong na ‘yun,” he said. As for the physical aspect, he was shy for having a small frame—no abs, no muscles to flex.

“Sabi nila mag-gym daw ako pero hindi ko na ginawa. Kung ano na lang siguro ‘yung katawan ko, ‘yun na siya. Wala na akong babaguhin.” As I slowly got his attention, he started to confess and bare his insecurities during the process—oneby-one. “‘Yung mga kalaban ko kasi, physically fit na sila.

Developed na ‘yung mga katawan nila unlike sa akin na payat na hindi pa ganu’n ka-developed ‘yung katawan ko.”

With his self-esteem on the rocks, he was convinced that the ‘older’ and ‘hotter’ male candidates will belong to the top 4. “Natakot din ako. Hindi ko kako kayang sapawan ‘yung ibang colleges. Confident kasi sila eh—confident silang gumalaw, sumayaw, ‘pag nakikipag-usap sila sa ibang tao,” he admitted, “In-accept ko na agad sa sarili ko na sasali lang ako rito para sa experience. Sasali lang ako para malaman ko lang ‘yung nangyayari kapag kasali ka ro’n. Feeling ko ako ‘yung pinakamababa nu’n pero minotivate ko na lang ‘yung sarili ko na kahit anong mangyari, tanggapin na lang.” (Aww. But look at you now, Leonard!)

Since the beginning, Leonard considered his age as a reason why he might lose the pageant but he learned a lot from So, after shaking off the anxiety with a bottle of water, I came questioning the motto “Age is just a number.” “Natutunan back strongminded to get to the bottom of the puzzle that ko sa pageant na ‘to na kahit pala ikaw ‘yung pinakabata o was Leonard. hindi angat, ‘pag nandon na kayo sa stage, lahat kayo, pantaypantay na. Lahat pala kami pantay-pantay na,” he declared, Unlike the culture where castings happen for a selection, it

“Kapag nasa stage ka na, ipakita mo lang ‘yung best mo at ‘yung talents mo.”

Traditional culture often looks down upon youngsters for their lack of experience. High school students joining pageants, in many ways, are often associated with a weakness.

However, that’s not the end of the story for Leonard. He have many over-looked skills and advantages that he utilized during the pageant. His charm. His smile. His dedication.

These three put him on the high pedestal—the Mr. Wesleyan 2017 title. “Hindi ko inexpect ‘yun,” he said.

From a skinny shy boy now a king who conquered the battle up stage, Leonard has a bunch of people he considers worthy of gratitude: 1. God – “Pinalakas niya ‘yung loob ko para gawin ‘yung best ko. Na-feel ko na hindi niya ako sa mismong pageant.”

2. Family and friends – “Gusto ko ring pasalamatan ‘yung mommy, daddy, [at] kapatid na todo-suporta sa akin at hindi rin nila ako iniwan. Ganu’n din sa mga kaibigan at mga classmates ko.”

Associated with the current Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, the hashtag seems to be applicable to Leonard now that he has an invisible crown in his head. “Kapag naglalakad ka sa hallway, feeling mo may nakatingin sa’yo. Kailangan mong maging maayos sa sarili unlike dati na kahit ano lang itsura mo, okay lang. Nakakadagdag pressure.” Also, the change came in digitally too. “Nung binuksan ko ‘yung Facebook ko nu’ng nasa sasakyan ako pauwi, parang nasa 100+ na ‘yung messages ko na kino-congratulate ako. Kahit ‘yung mga teachers ko dati sa Gapan City, then ‘yung mga kaibigan ko, minsan mga taga-Wesleyan, maraming nag-congratulate at nag-add. Sa mga nag-add sa akin, inaccept ko naman sila lahat kasi mga taga-Wesleyan naman sila. Hanggang ngayon, may nag-aadd pa rin. Wala namang dahilan para hindi mo sila i-add sa Facebook.”

To try and make him more comfortable to open up to me, I brought up my Gapan City roots and attempted to strike a connection with him. He seemed relaxed as he started to answered my questions and never failed to make eye contact.

The first thing that I notice about Leonard is that he speaks easily. A quarter of the way into the interview and it already feels like a casual conversation between two friends catching up. He candidly discusses his hometown, his many interests as an adolescent, and the Sundays he spent with his family.

Being the next Lloyd Escuadro, former Mr. Wesleyan, is not Leonard’s priority. To him, it’s more about focusing on himself and his own work, his own talents. “It’s an honor na ako ‘yung sumunod na Mr. Wesleyan after Kuya Lloyd pero gusto ko ring makilala ako ng iba, hindi lang bilang kasunod o katulad niya, gusto ko ring makilala ako bilang ako.”

Further into the discussion, I dared him a bit. So how are you different from the others? How do you stand out from all these other young male students in the university? He gives a modest smirk and speaks devoid of reluctance, “My determination when I have goals.”

Like any regular teenager, Leonard Siogson is still tripping

through the ropes of his youth and his goals. Regardless of the substantial triumph he conquered within such a brief span of time, he acknowledges he’s still hitting the books, still becoming starstruck over boys both older and younger, still trying to get an entire Wesleyan community to acknowledge him as the ‘other’ Leonard rather than the Mr. Wesleyan titleholder.

Notwithstanding everything that he certainly must stomach, there is no fear in him aspiring for individuality, a life and reputation he could truly be full of pride of—only unsullied confidence and self-assurance. That is, I believe, where Leonard Siongson is the victor with a crown and sash. •

SERIES REVIEW:

GAME OF THRONES

BY MICHAEL ADRIAN PAGADUAN PHOTOS: GOOGLE.COM

1

The Red Golem The opening OMG moment of the season didn’t have any gore and slaughtering, but just some shocking revelation (especially for Gendry). As she meditated into a blurry mirror, the beautiful Melisandre detached her signature necklace, exposing her true identity—a spindly old woman who is centuries old. Told yah, you better not tell it to Gendry or else he’ll be disgusted for life!

Warning: For the article is dark and full of spoilers.

Game of Thrones wrapped up another outstanding season on HBO last June 26. From “The Red Woman” to “The Winds of Winter”, everything was just as epic as sworn.

The S6 finale closed a season that’s been speckled with numerous scenes from the Seven Kingdoms—stress, tension, rebirth, reconciliation, feminism and, as usual, a lot of jaw-dropping moments.

Here’s a “throwback” at some of those moments (from Jon Snow’s resurgence to the Queen of the Dragons’ sail to Westeros + anything in between) as the whole world anticipates for the coming of Season 7. Seven hells! Hold my patience.

5

HO…LD THE…DOOR Bran’s “warging” quests in the present-day had actually sent young Wylis (Hodor’s real name) to a seizure. As Meera cried “Hold the door!” to Hodor in real life as the White Walkers attacked them, young Wylis in Bran’s vision perceived Meera’s cry and reiterated it as he bore convulsion, until it mixed-up into “Hodor”. That was Heartbreaking Part #1, but to then see him getting brutally attacked by the wights—that’s Heartbreaking Part #2.

3 2

Sashay away, Ramsay After countless sufferings felt in the hands of her bastard hubby, Sansa finally got her vengeance on Ramsay by feeding him to his own doggies—alive. It’s so pleasing to see him roughed up to death by his own ravening hounds. Sansa even moved away with a smirk while the dogs horribly tear Ramsay into pieces.

Serves him right, tho. He would meet his maker with a shitty face.

6

#FierceForLife Lyanna Lady Lyanna Mormont, the 10-year old House Mormont head, became an immediate favorite GoT character after shutting down Jon Snow with her angst and ferociousness and standing up for him in a room full of grown-up lords real quick. Bossass byotch? That’s her.

The mind-blowing “Battle of the Bastards” The battle between Jon Snow and Ramsay Bolton is considered as one of the best cinematic experiences a person should watch. With millions and millions of dollars spent on the production, the Battle of the Bastards was worth every penny for it has been a religious moment for every Game of Thrones fan. From the packing of Jon and his small amount of surviving members into a small circle, Jon being crushed to death, the pile of dead bodies, the cannibalistic act of Tormund and anything in from the bloody war— IT. WAS. EPIC.

7

The ‘Kaboom’ in King’s Landing The first 15 minutes of the season finale, the goings-on were insane because Cersei Lannister had wildfire secreted in the tombs underneath the Sept of Baelor which caused a massive blow-up in the church.

Adios, High Sparrow! Adios, Faith of the Seven followers! Adios, Tyrells! Adios, Margaery! *sips wine*

4

The Jesus Christ of Game of Thrones After getting knifed to death by his brothers from the Night’s Watch, we didn’t want to assume that Jon was truly dead for he is a fan favorite.

But after two whole episodes had occurred without his recovery, we started to cry in the corner and think he’s lifeless. Then...Melisandre came and helped him get his life back. Jon Snow must be thanking the Lord of the Light until now.

8

The ‘Savage’ + ‘New’ Queen Cersei is ceremonially crowned as the new leader of the Seven Kingdoms. Well, good for her since she craved for power ever since she married King Baratheon.

CONCERT REVIEW:

5SOS MNL

BY MICHAEL ADRIAN PAGADUAN PHOTOS: GOOGLE.COM

sounds live feels live

Twenty thousand strong fans brought their jet black hearts to the SM Mall of Asia Arena last March 12 to watch the Australian boy band 5 Seconds of Summer’s “Sounds Live Feels Live” World Tour (which is their first-ever sold out headline show in Manila).

Krizel Cunanan and I (Miko Pagaduan), who are—by chance— Genré staffers, were lucky to be part of 5SOS’ one-night concert three months ago. The band closed the Asian leg of SLFL in SM MOA Arena with a sold-out show sponsored by Visa and produced by Music Management International (MMI) Live. Manila might have been their last Asian destination, but the Manila concert wasn’t the least—and we’re very fluky to witness them perform live, considering the fact that we traveled all the way from Cabanatuan City to Pasay.

The 5SOS Fam The crowd of predominantly teenage girls and boys shrieked at a high level rate, swooning over their favorite band made up of lead vocalist Luke Hemmings, drummer Ashton Irwin, bass player Calum Hood, and lead guitarist Michael Clifford.

By assessing the concert venue’s attendance, I cannot deny the fact that the band’s fan base a.k.a. “5SOS Fam” comprised of millennial teenagers who waited for so many

years just to see 5SOS play a show in the Philippines.

Well, most of the concert-goers decked out in their own versions of 5SOS’s signature OOTD—flannel, ripped jeans, and black T-shirts and Chucks. Others came in with band shirts and tees with anything 5SOSrelated printed into them. What’s a concert without fans dressing up?

The Glorious ‘Mayhem’ The religious moment, that every single member of the 5SOS Fam dreamed of, kicked off as the lights dimmed and the intro music began.

There was no shortage of liveliness as soon as the band banged the stage.

5SOS welcomed the Manila crowd with a snippet of “Carry On” and “Hey Everybody”. They welcomed the fans, all smiles in their signature fashion statement with the thrilling oomph you would be expecting of four Aussies living the dream. At first look, you might assume that 5SOS is just another pop/punk Australian boy band, but they can perform.

This was recognizable when they performed their hits “Don’t Stop”, “Heartache on the Big Screen” and “Waste The Night”.

On one of the greatest moments of the concert, Michael Clifford shouted, “This is the part of the set where we’ll be singing a song about

you and your beautiful country,” and the group altogether did an spur-of-the-moment song “Vanilla in Manila”’, repeatedly singing, “Vanilla in Manila! Manila in Vanilla! Vanilla in Manila all day!”

PS: The fans went crazy for it. #LSSed Fans also adored it when they played “Good Girls”, and went nuts for their “What I Like About You” cover.

During Beside You and Amnesia, fans raised their phones with screens

gleaming blue, red and yellow lights (which represents the Philippine flag), along with signs that said, “We thought you’d never come.” It was an Insta-worthy moment for it showed how artistic the Filipino fans are.

the stage.

As the lights gently went back on, fans were left stunned, astonished, and shocked. As anticipated, some were lying on the floor screaming “OMG” and others in smiles…and tears.

They concluded their show with the hit, “She Looks So Perfect”, and got the crowd lifting their hands up high.

The concert ended with the ever traditional 5SOS-with-the-crowd photograph, and Luke, Ashon, Michael and Calum were messing with each other on their way out of

Some bands that gain popularity in this generation are only known for their front act or lead singer.

With 5SOS, the four of them are individually and equally talented and have their own legions of fans.

Luke and Calum both played guitar and sang mostly of the songs in the

set list. They both intermingled with the crowd, making the spectators feel like they knew the band personally.

In the middle part of the show, Ashton, Luke, and Calum left the stage, sending-off Michael alone.

He performed the first verse of Jet Black Heart and then the three came back for the chorus—which proved that Luke was not just the band’s lone vocalist.

Also, Ashton’s drum solo also gave him an opportunity to show off his real drumming talent. •

WUP gets ready for senior high program

news

All news articles under this section are published on Genre, the central student publication of Wesleyan University-Philippines.

With almost one year left before the K to 12 program is in full swing, Wesleyan University-Philippines (WU-P) High School Department is now stepping up preparations to guarantee their faculty, staff and students will be geared up for the most recent basic education scheme.

According to Professor Tita Agsunod, WU-P High School Principal, Wesleyan is very much operational for the “big” adjustments to be given by K to 12 program next school year.

“I as a professional in the line of the academe, it is really high time for us to have this kind of curriculum. As far as I am concerned, we must be adapting the new curriculum,” she claimed.

In a scale of 1-10, Agsunod also gave a score with regards on the readiness of Wesleyan in the K to 12 implementation.

“8, because always give a room for improvement,” Prof. Tita said.

In a short interview, the principal also brought up the department’s actions as a retort to the Republic Act 10533 or the “Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013,” which adds Grades 11 and 12 or Junior High School (JHS) and Senior High School (SHS).

“First, there was a very comprehensive and rigid preparation in the marketing. We had an exposure outside the university as we paid visit on schools sited in Nueva Ecija starting in Cabanatuan, San Jose, Munoz, and Gapan.

These are the 5 divisions wherein I had my Marketing team with the Junior HS teachers,” she added.

Aside from school visits, the department also made radio announcements and advertisements within the province.

“When you speak of Wesleyan University, ‘di mo na talaga kailangang mag-market pero but in this point of time, we really need to have intensified marketing strategies kasi pati public schools ngayon, nag-o-offer na ng Senior HS,” she also cited.

Since there will be zero enrolment for first year college by the year 2016, the forthcoming students under the K to 12 will utilize classrooms from different colleges of the university.

Lastly, the HS principal gave emphasis on the trainings and preparations of the teaching force which are dominantly college professors and instructors.

“I have talked with the management. These faculty members from the tertiary level will be having a retooling because they will have a big adjustment. They will definitely undergo in intensive seminars and retooling kasi iba na talaga siya. Pang-college ang subjects pero high school type ang attack,” she pointed out.

Contradictory from the course of actions executed in the collegiate level with automated grades and three examinations in one semester, those who will be under the Junior and Senior High School will be having report cards and four quarter exams.

The first and second quarter exams are covered by the first semester while the remaining two are covered by the 2nd semester.

Unlike in the tertiary level, no SHS students will obtain remarks like “Dropped” and “Failed.” Transferring will not be also permissible in the new educational curriculum.

Meanwhile, the university has already received a provisional permit from the Department of Education (DepEd). There are two tracks permitted—the Academic track with four strands namely Business, Accountancy, Management (BAM), Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), General Academic Strand (GAS) and Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS), and Technical-Vocational-Livelihood track.

As a message for the future enrollees, she disclosed, “I am encouraging them to be a part of the Wesleyan family. For quality education, readiness and everything, then choose Wesleyan.” ###

New dress code policy forbids crossdressers

Starting this semester, the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) members of Wesleyan University-Philippines (WU-P) are prohibited to practice cross-dressing in the newly amended dress code policy by the Office of Student Affairs (OSA).

Under the Student Conduct and Discipline section of the recently circulated student handbook of WU-P, males and females are obliged to wear uniforms and clothes according to their gender.

“Ang nakalagay doon sa student handbook na luma, ‘Students are expected to dress appropriately’ tapos ‘yung bago ngayon, na-include na ‘yung No Cross-dressing,” OSA director Dr. Elgin Paguirigan explained.

The OSA director also said that the culture of Wesleyan is not yet ready for gays wearing blouse.

“Ang meeting kasi namin sa academic council, if ‘yung babae magpopolo, okay. Pero kung ‘yung lalaki, magbo-blouse, ‘yun ay hindi allowable,” she added.

Paguirigan narrated in an interview that they al-

lowed a lesbian student to wear male uniforms during Mondays to Thursdays because the student had a written consent from her parents.

“May isang nagpunta rito na pinapirma niya ‘yung parents niya na pinapayagan siya ng magulang niyang mag-polo,” she said.

But according to some LGBT students from the university, the cross-dressing policy should be “fair and just.”

“Dapat kung bawal sa mga bakla, dapat bawal din sa mga tomboy. Para sa akin, hindi fair ‘yung acceptable kapag babae ang magpopolo pero kapag bakla or trans naman ang magsusuot-pambabae, binabatas,” a gay student from the College of Business and Accountancy said.

“Kung may karapatan ‘yung mga tomboy, dapat bigyan din ng kaparehas na karapatan ang mga bakla,” he added. ###

Female Wesleyanians reveal CR issues vs LGBT

Some students of Wesleyan University-Philippines (WUP) raised issues and concerns about the usage of the female comfort rooms in the university by some gay and transgender students.

In a random interview, a number of female students are “uncomfortable” of using the CR with gay and transgender students.

“Minsan, nakaka-bother sa aming mga babae na makikita na may mga baklang pumapasok sa CR ng girls. Syempre, sanay kami na kami-kami lang na mga babae ang nagkikita-kita sa CR ng girls,” a female student from the College of Business and Accountancy said.

Dr. Elgin Paguirigan, Office of Student Affairs director, said that she is already in the process of thinking ways on how to resolve the issues brought up by the students.

“Pinag-uusapan na namin if we are going to put a CR for the homosexuals, eh ‘di bibili ka rin ng CR ng mga lesbians, eh ‘di additional na kuwan ‘yun. Mahabang proseso na naman, kaya nga ibi-bring out ko ‘yan sa academic council natin.

Problema talaga ‘yan,” she said.

Paguirigan said that she interviewed a set of female students enrolled in the university and asked them if it is okay with them when gays use the girls’ CR.

“’Yung hindi sumasagot, ‘yung iba sinasabi, ‘Ay ‘wag naman,’ eka nila. ‘Wala namang urinal na panglalaki doon,” she said.

The OSA director said that she explained to the female students that if the gay and transgender students will use the male CR, there is a big chance of bullying against the homosexuals.

Paguirigan said that she further explained to the female students that the gay students can stay inside the cubicles but according to her, the female students are awkward with that system for they still see the transgender and gay students as ‘males’.

She added, “Sabi ng mga estudyante, ‘Ma’am, kasi kapag po papasok na sila, eh hindi na kami papasok sa CR. Pinauuna na lang namin sila.” ###

WUP adopts K-12 program, opens Senior High

In line with the nationwide implementation of the K-12 program, Wesleyan University-Philippines (WU-P) commenced the first semester of academic year 2016-2017 with the opening of the Senior High School Program (SHSP) last August 1.

“I am very grateful that they chose Wesleyan although we have a very high top-up. We have a 34,000 tuition yet, they chose Wesleyan. They are making their lives different in choosing Wesleyan,” Dr. Tita Agsunod, high school principal, said.

Agsunod also said that the incoming Grade 11 students for the academic year 2017-2018 have lots of reasons on why they should enroll in WU-P SHS.

“One of the best reasons why they have to choose Wesleyan for the senior high school grades 11 and 12 because of the competitive faculty members that we have,” she said. “We are utilizing college professors with their alignment of degrees—that’s the dominant feature I can attest why they should choose Wesleyan.”

“We topped in the accreditation. Level 4 tayo. ‘Yan ang hindi kayang pantayan ng ibang universities,” she added.

Offered tracks

According to the Department of Education (DepEd) Government Permit SHSP No. 056 s. of 2015, WU-P is granted a provisional permit to operate two tracks namely Academic and Technology-Vocational.

The academic track comprises of four strands: Accountancy, Business and Management (ABM), Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) and General Academics (GAs).

The tech-voc track consists of Home Economics, Information and Communications Technology and Industrial Arts.

Wesleyan also applied for Arts and Design track and sports track but was only approved to carry out the academic and tech-voc tracks.

“We appealed after a month, pero ganu’n pa rin ang outcome,” Agsunod said.

SHS population

Presently, the SHS comprises of 652 students with 335 students enrolled in STEM, 217 in ABM, 63 in HUMSS, and 37 in GAS.

The university is also following a mandate from DepEd that a block should contain 40 students only.

“Bawal ang dropped, bawal ang pag-transfer, at bawal din ang leaver,” Agsunod said.

Classrooms, facilities

Currently, the SHS students are using 11 classrooms from the Computer Science Building, occupying the 3rd and 5th floors of the building.

However, Agsunod said that there is now an existing physical structure plan from the management that will be used in constructing a lone building for the SHS students.

“Starting the first week of September, we shall be having the groundbreaking ceremony located between the Agriculture Building and University Chapel,” she said.

The proposed SHS building will comprise of 4 floors with 10 classrooms in each floor.

The high school department is also expecting that the soon-to-rise building for the SHS students will be used in the 2nd semester of this academic year.

Agsunod also mentioned that University President Pacifico B. Aniag already approved the purchasing of 16 window air-conditioning units that will be used in the classrooms. However, the air-conditioning units will not be used yet since the Computer Science Building has a shortage in transformers.

Teaching force

The WU-P SHS has 19 teachers: 14 are newly-hired and the other five were displaced, tenured faculty members from the College of Arts and Sciences.

“Hindi bumaba ang sweldo nila. Ganu’n pa rin,” Agsunod said.

School setting

Like WU-P’s undergraduate programs, the SHS will also have two semesters in an academic year. The 1st and 2nd quarters will cover up the first semester and the 3rd and 4th quarters will be allocated to the second semester.

Each SHS student shall complete 31 subjects from Grades 11 and 12. They will be having 15 core subjects, 7 applied subjects and 9 specialized subjects.

All SHS students, regardless of their strands or chosen track, are obliged to take the core subjects. ###

PATINTERO Agahan niya ang alikabok ng lansangan at umiindak ang kanyang paa sa ritmo ng mga busina. Taban sa kaliwa ang kumakalampag na sako at sa kanan ang baston.

At napa-aray siya sa sumagi sa kanya.

“Hoy, tignan mo nga ‘yung dinada…”

At hinalikan siya ni Sarao bago matapos ang kanyang pangungusap at ang kanyang hininga.

literary A collection of literary pieces such as flash fictions and poems written in Tagalog and English

NAKAUWI NA Ala-una na ng madaling araw.

Ang katawan kong nagnanais nang lumingkis sa kutson at ang mga mata kong nagnanais nang sumuko ay binulabog ng isang busina galing kay Kapitan.

Napahiga ako. Diyos ko, buti na lang, galos lang ang inabot ko. Ngunit, heto. Tuloy pa rin sa lakad, tuloy pa rin sa kagustuhang makarating sa bahay.

Bumungad sa akin ang kumpol ng mga tao sa harap ng aming bahay. Nabalot ang mga tsismosa’t tambay ng pangamba. Nakaupo si Tito Al sa kalsada at humihikbi ng walang humpay.

“Tito, anong meron?” Ayaw niyang sumagot. Ayaw ding huminto sa pag-iyak.

At sa hindi kalayuan, narinig ko si Mama at dali-daling tumakbo sa kanya. At sa kanyang harapan, nakita ko ang kasagutan. Ang dami kong nakitang bubog.

Ang basag na puso ng mga tsismosa.

Ang basag na puso ng mga tambay.

Ang basag na puso ni Tito Al. Ang basag na puso ni Mama.

At ang basag na bungo ko sa loob ng patrol ng mga tanod at ni Kapitan.

MAMON

dugyot

“Happy Birthday, ‘Nak!” ‘Yan ang mga katagang sumulabong sa ‘kin pagkauwi galing eskwela. Dali-dali kong ibinaba ang aking bag at kumaripas ng takbo sa hapag-kainan.

“Pasensya na, ‘yan lang ang nakayanan ng Mama.”

Nagtatalon ang puso ko sa tuwa sa natanaw na plastic ng Goldilocks. Pers taym ata ni Mama na mamili sa mall. Unti-unti kong tinanggal ang balot ng isang kahon. May mamon.

“Nanlaban kasi, pare. Ayan, tigok ang hayop,” wika niya habang nakikipagsapalaran kami sa gabing nababalot ng puyat, baho at kokak ng mga palaka.

Ang lansang bumabalot sa kwarto ay palala ng palala. Hindi ko na kinakaya.

“Pare, kuhanin mo nga ‘yung Lysol sa locker ko,” utos ko kay Menong.

“Tira ‘yan ng mga bisita ni Ma’am Grace kanina,” wika ni Mama. “Isipin mo na lang, cake ‘yan.”

Dali-dali siyang lumabas habang isinusuot ko na ang lab gown, rubber gloves at face mask. Maya-maya’y sinimulan ko na ang trabaho. Bahagya kong inangat ang puting kumot at pumikit pa ng bahagya bago hawii’t alisin ang buong tela.

At hinipan ko ang kandilang nakatulos sa mamong puno ng butas, hiwa at kagat.

Nakita ng dilat kong paningin ang saradong mata ni Menong na sinusupsop na ng uod.

At wala na akong ibang hinangad kundi ang lunukin ang aking suka at kumaripas ng takbo.

UNCERTAIN Under the sheets, we both know That nothing beyond this moment Is sincere Next to me, you lie Caressing my loneliness With your warm hands And your cold soul Every kiss is a compulsion Every touch is a coercion Everything is just Damn uncertain I’m picking up these worn-out clothes I’m getting off this bed For there’s a world out there Waiting to be seen For the ones unsure Like us

blame it on the alcohol Joggling up and down Leaning side by side Settling to anything Settling to everything I assumed to find answers to my hasty queries at the far end of the bucket In my wandering, I lost myself but I found you— your silhouette, your vibrant face, your brown eyes, and the touch of your lips and how it caressed mine And in that drunken inertia, our fear of feeling something was actually real Behind the drunken words and sober thoughts— you were mine Everything went blurred yet I take another drive south to taste another sip of hollow bottles and the idea of you

A collection of photographs captured by Michael Adrian Pagaduan

photos

Castaway Music Festival Banatu Float Parade Binibining Cabanatuan 2017 Coronation Night Miss Gay Cabanatuan 2017 Street Photography

CASTAWAY MUSIC FESTIVAL

SM City Cabanatuan April 28, 2017

BANATU FLOAT PARADE

Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija February 3, 2017

BINIBINING CABANATUAN 2017 CORONATION NIGHT

Plaza Lucero, Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija February 2, 2017

MISS GAY CABANATUAN 2017 BATTLE OF THE QUEENS Plaza Lucero, Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija February 1, 2017

STREET PHOTOGRAPHY Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija

michael adrian pagaduan 266 sta. cruz, gapan city, nueva ecija mikopagadu@gmail.com 0926-343-3942 facebook.com /mikopagaduan