Caritas March 2016 by Moira Fonseca

CARITAS THE OFFICIAL STUDENT MAGAZINE OF MIRIAM COLLEGE

MARCH 2016

CARITAS

CHI RHO PUBLICATIONS 2015-2016 TEAM

JACQUELINE BEATRIZ HIDALGO Editor-in-Chief

CONTENTS

MIKAELA CANTO Associate Editor ARIANNE KRISTEL PELAGIO Managing Editor BLESSED KESIAH ALVAREZ News & Sports Editor ISABELA SECILLANO Features Editor ANNE KRISTINE ROBLES Literary Editor

MOIRA FRANCESCA FONSECA Senior Layout Artist REIGINA LOREN LOZADA Senior Cartoonist ISABELLA MARIE CRUZ Head Photographer JOEL TOLEDO Moderator KHRISCIELLE YALAO JAMIYA DOREEN UMALI JASMINE MATIONG FRANCHESKA GO Contributing Features Writers MICA EVANGELISTA HANNAH MANALAOTAO ANGELICA FELIPE NIKAELA CORTEZ ELAINE NASI SELINA JAE SOLIS CRIEL QUIAZON Contributing Layout Artists DEYANNE DALISTAN EMILLE ANGEL MJ VILLOLA MADISON NG CHEYENNE CAMUA TIN SAMSON ALIDA LEJANO ERIKA FLORENDO Contributing Cartoonists ABI DANGO TRISHA ILAGA ANGE FRADES Contributing Literary Writers BIANCA FELIPE CARISSA PABLO FRANCES GUEVARA Contributing Photographers

# 36

DISCLAIMER: All images used in this issue are not sole property of Chi Rho Publications unless otherwise stated.

Chi Rho Publications

@ChiRhoMC

chirho.mc@gmail.com

LETTERS FROM THE EDITORS The idea of modern royalty strikes me as a bit humorous, considering that growing up I had always reserved the adjective royalty for queens with long flowing gowns, crowns on their heads and often a handsome king beside them. Though royalties of that kind still exist, a newer form of royalty is emerging: one that feels more attainable in a sense. They embody our ideals still, but because of social media, they feel like people that we can get to know. And sometimes, these modern royals spring out of seemingly average circumstances. They’re real people. But because of their personalities, their skills, talents, etc, they become royal. It’s inspiring, really. In our age, it feels like anyone can be royalty. We take a look at some of them in this issue but don’t think that this issue is simply an homage to them because it isn’t. This issue is also an homage to you. Yes you, holding this issue right now. Let this issue inspire you to be your own queen. And no, that’s not a sign to look for a Prince Harry or William of your own, but a gentle push into your journey to find yourself, to constantly improve yourself, and to embody the true attitude of a queen: confident, empowered, passionate, and driven. And don’t let the journey’s length discourage you! Maybe you don’t feel like it yet, but truly every girl is a queen in her own right. I hope you enjoy this issue. x

Sincerely, JACQUELINE HIDALGO EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, SY 2015-2016

Caritas has been emanating the likes of a coming-of-age movie but on this issue, I wanted Caritas to grow out of that. In lieu of wanting a rather mature Caritas, I pictured in my mind a minimalist layout and then the boldness of the issue will come from the articles itself. I thought hard and long on how to do that without losing the youthful touch of the magazine. Then one time, I saw a photo of the ever gorgeous Vanessa Hudgens on Instagram clad in her usual boho ensemble and I noticed that most of the comments we’re “Yassssss queen!!” or “My queen ” or “The queen is slaying!”. This may seem weird and irrelevant but this gave me the inspiration of this Caritas. What is it you ask? MODERN ROYALTY. The era of modern royalty is upon us. You may not notice it, but it is manifested heavily on social media. You see how terms such as “#goals”, “slay”, “on fleek” or “on point” rewards certain people who gets these comments with praise and glory, making them feel like royalty. Case in point: the Kardashians, Beyonce, Taylor Swift… I could go on. Who puts these people to their throne? Us, with the mere fact that these people bedazzle us with how they speak, think and dress. I don’t have all day to educate you on modern royalty so why don’t you read on and see what I’m talking about? I know you’re already hooked the moment I mentioned #goals. Enjoy!

Yours truly, ISABELA SECILLANO FEATURES EDITOR, SY 2015-2016

IF YOU WERE GIVEN THE CHANCE TO BE A RULER, To prioritize programs that will give people access to mental health services and will help get rid of the mental health stigma. On a lighter note, I’d probably also prioritize getting rid of jump scare videos (is that what they’re called? Yung biglang nananakot out of nowhere) because they are traumatizing

JACKIE HIDALGO EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

I would like every homeless child and adult to live comfortably and securely in a provided housing project because everyone deserves joy and shelter teehee

MIKA CANTO ASSOCIATE EDITOR

I will ban shark finning because it’s both cruel and wasteful! After the fins are removed, the sharks are discarded back into the water alive to sink into the bottom of the ocean where they die of suffocation and eaten by other predators.

ARIANNE PELAGIO MANAGING EDITOR

Ban the use of money -- bills, coins, any form of currency. Goods and services shall be acquired by an exchange of the same good or service, or its equivalent.

KESIAH ALVAREZ NEWS & SPORTS EDITOR

Ban contractual employment and raise the minimum wage! Millions of people are poor because of unstable and underpaid jobs. Give people permanent and regular jobs that pay well and has a long-term sustainability. :)

SAB SECILLANO FEATURES EDITOR

WHAT WOULD BE YOUR FIRST DECREE AND WHY? Matutong umunawa.

Walang parehas.

ANNE ROBLES

LITERARY EDITOR

Safety and welfare of the animals along the streets and highways since from what I’ve observed, there has been a higher number of dead cats and dogs along the streets :( Also a program more active in taking care of the strays :(

ISABELLA CRUZ

HEAD PHOTOGRAPHER

Construction of sustainable and durable transportation systems because traffic sucks, also bikers lanes in all areas so people will learn to pedal and possibly nice sidewalks for people to learn how to walk especially when they’re destination is just near anyway.

MOIRA FONSECA

SENIOR LAYOUT ARTIST

FREE EDUCATION FOR EVERYONE! Many people don’t have the capacity to pay for an education since it is not often for free. Providing free education would enable everyone to concentrate on learning and gaining more through education, instead of struggling with the payment of tuition fees.

REIGINA LOZADA

SENIOR CARTOONIST

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d luck! cesses. Goo n ri p TOON TEAM f o ll om fu ON BY CAR ro TI a A TR in S g U L in IL Ediths hid

QUEEN OF THE SCENE WITH WORDS BY MIKAELA CANTO STYLED BY MIKAELA CANTO & ISABELA SECILLANO MODELED BY LORRAINE CATACUTAN MAKEUP BY PATRICIA COSCOLLUELA PHOTOGRAPHED BY BIANCA FELIPE

You don’t need to be the Duchess of Cambridge or Hollywood royalty to have a well-rounded closet, you only need select key pieces to build a strong foundation for your wardrobe without breaking your budget. If the Spring 2016 runway shows indicate anything, it’s that we’re in for a pretty inspired year in fashion. The major throwback to the 70’s and 90’s influenced this season’s textures and silhouettes- bringing back the bow blouse and ribbed top, sweats, saturated prints, love for denim, fringe and leather among others slowly but surely becoming wardrobe must-haves. And as grand as the fireworks that bring us into the new year, so does 2016 need to be welcomed in style. Amp up your style game with closet essentials this year with classic and trendy pieces. Be your own style queen whether you’re going laid back basic, urban, uptown chic, boho and even more. Whatever style you prefer and for whatever the occasion, rule wherever you go with Forever 21. Consider this as your guide to ruling the campus hallways and the world beyond, Queen! FOREVER 21 IS THE PLACE TO GO FOR ALL YOUR FASHION NEEDS. find their stores in these locations: SM MEGAMALL•SM MAKATI•SM CITY CEBU•SM CITY NORTH EDSA SM MALL OF ASIA•SM LANANG PREMIER•SM AURA PREMIER SM CITY FAIRVIEW•SM CITY CLARK•SM SOUTHMALL 21

Dress P950 Jacket (model’s own) Sunglasses P450 Boots P1700 Bag (stylist’s own)

Blouse P1275 Jeans P1275 Boots P1990 Hat (stylist’s own) Bag (stylist’s own)

Top P1175 Jogging Pants P1275 Backpack P1700 Sneakers (modelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own)

Top (price unavailable) Skirt P755 Handbag P1420 Heels P1420 Sunglasses (stylistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own)

Little Ana Marie

by RIVA ALTHEA PANGILINAN ROLDAN There are some days, days like this one, when you feel it deep in your gut that it is going to be a good day. Ana Marie thinks about this as she brushes her hair that morning in front of the mirror. The mirror is old and cracked, but she smiles anyway. The little girl on the other side smiles back, complete set of teeth but crooked here and there, hair looking like a bundle of black wires and skin of the last sip of tsokolate on Christmas Eve. As she stands, her gaze sweeps across her home—a dim and cramped single floor with nothing but a small table and sink, a decrepit bathroom and up against the wall is their worn banig, the one she, Mama and her brother and sister sleep on—all about a mere three steps apart from each other. The state of her home did not bother Ana Marie. Perhaps she would have a staircase made when she gets older, or maybe two. Yes, with a fountain in the middle. People who see Ana Marie step outside in her pambahay and tsinelas probably think nothing of it and go on with their day, but it is not so for the little girl. She walks out in a pink and gold dress (the one designed by only the best in the kingdom!) and matching slippers that gleams under the touch of sunlight. Slowly, she treads across the patches of dry ground and trash that is her garden, carrying herself with grace and poise only fitting for a princess. The outside was devoid of silence, people were talking and chatting, cars were honking, the train resounding its familiar screech—music created by the roads of Sampaloc, Maynila—but this is not what the little princess hears. Only pleasantness seems to exist in her mind, like the soft hum of the wind and the lovely chirping of birds. She continues to glide across her garden, singing sweet tunes in a gentle voice. Every now and then, the little princess would stop to sniff a bush of delightfully colored flowers, but they were nothing more than broken tree branches swept into a dusty pile. This did not faze her either. Ana Marie went on and was about to take another turn around the garden when her dress got caught in one of the rose beds! “Dama,” she calls out. “Sumabit ang damit ko!” Immediately, the maid who follows her around cautiously lifts the end of her pink and gold dress off the thorny rose bed. Satisfied, she smiles and adjusts the crown atop her head—silver and encrusted with precious jewels—before strolling around her garden some more. Here, Ana Marie catches a glimpse of the glistening swimming pool in her garden. The little girl grins as she runs towards it. The swimming pool was so clear it seems like diamonds settle at the bottom, was vast that it may have extended until the edge of the earth, and it is all hers. “Parang ang sarap mag-swimming,” says the little girl to no one, right before jumping into the pool. For a moment, there was nothing but the swimming pool and the diamonds and the maid and the crown, but in the next, she couldn’t breathe. The water of the canal was black, black like the wires on little Ana Marie’s head, but also black like crude oil. She tries to hold on to the hundreds of disposed plastic bottles that littered the canal, but none could keep her head above the water. Faintly, the little girl hears someone scream, “May nalulunod na bata!” In a desperate attempt to breathe, she ends up inhaling the pungent water filled with garbage. After a heartbeat or two, Ana Marie is pulled out by a kind neighbor who dives into the dingy waters to save her. The little girl coughs the ingested water out before lying down, eyes resting on the enamoring sky overhead. There are some days, she thinks, days like this one when you feel it deep in your gut that it is going to be a good day. It may not be. Perhaps the day it is is yet to come, but little Ana Marie knows she will always be the princess of her palace, the ruler of her kingdom. She smiles to herself and feels that if she has a mirror then, the little girl on the other side would be just as happy as she was.

#winning #imthequeenof #goals PHOTOGRAPHED BY FRANCES GUEVARA AND CARISSA PABLO