Silak Media | Magazine | Vol. XLII | No. 1 | Dec. 2020 - Nov. 2021

COVER

Vol. XLII No. 1

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ABOUT THE COVER

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The world of fantasies is vast compared to reality.

The cover portrays a girl that is split into two parts: one being grounded in reality, dark and bleak as it is, and the other grounded in the imagination of an ideal self in a colorful world. While real life has beauties of its own, it hasn’t stopped humans from wondering if maybe—just maybe— there’s something more to what is already here.

One of the reasons why people would want to temporarily escape the real world is the belief that there may be something even better out there, where they could be more in touch with themselves and be happier. Real life is hard to control and being in control helps one stay grounded and in tune with oneself. Admittedly, the concept of make believe is both mysterious and magical; the fact that each one of us has a different idea of an ideal world created for themselves.

However, as all dreams, we would one day have to wake up as we can only imagine for so long. Reality may not always be pleasant, but running away will only blind us from the truth rather than learn from it. We simply must strive to live through with the hopes that one day, reality may become the ideal world we dream of as well... we just need to start accepting it... one step at a time.

Cover Design by Paulo Bryan David, Toni Gwyneth Boluso, and Rain Julien Tuvilleja

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SILAK MEDIA Committed to Development Journalism

Vol. XLII No. 1 December 2020 - November 2021 EDITORS IN CHIEF Rosefel Iritz Maghuyop Gabrielle Faye Tolentino ASSOCIATE EDITORS Jessa Delos Reyes Janna Marie Deocampo MANAGING EDITORS Sophia Angela Docena Nickalaine Santiago CONTRIBUTORS Dhanna Arlane Blancaver Cher Cyrene Taclino Mary Annklein Gajete Runuel Salvador Cheyenne Refugio Abigail Gabitanan

silakinc@gmail.com @silakmedia silakmediacoe

NEWS & SPECIAL REPORTS EDITOR Marron Aerielle Bonotano FEATURES EDITOR Loraine Camagan LOCAL LANGUAGES EDITOR Rodel Pacit FILIPINO EDITOR Queenie Rose Saludares SPORTS EDITOR Gizelle Amour Tagabi LITERARY EDITOR Paul Aries Valera MAGAZINE EDITORS Toni Gwyneth Boluso Richard Neil Lencio Marie Panerio ONLINE EDITORS Mary Fer Baylen Riza Joyce Dela Cruz Shenette Lape LAYOUT ARTISTS Marielle Esportuno Deryl Sazon Rain Julien Tuvilleja ILLUSTRATORS Rommelen Dema-Ala Deborah Faith Monsalud

JUNIOR EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS Shannen Casquio Erika Noreen Dela Rosa Arleen Joy Subong Mark Lawrence Articuna Christine Joy Badinas May Joy Olmido Angel Grace Palec SENIOR EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS Phyllis Claire Zarriz Dorothy Joy Espin Ma. Beatriz Niña Barranco Dionessa Grace Galimba Ma. Trisha Nicole Valdez Aimerine Montano Joey Camilao Dianne Mae Estocado Paulo Bryan David Euthel Jhon Finlac SENIOR EDITORIAL CONSULTANTS JB Ryan Babas Orlando Gamilla, Jr. ADVISERS Hazel P. Villa, Ph.D. Neña Vanessa Cabiles, Ph.D. COLLEGE DEAN Ricky M. Magno, LPT, Ph.D. UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT Joselito F. Villaruz, M.D., Ph.D., FPPS

SCAN ME! SILAK Media accepts comments, contributions, and suggestions, recommendations, and letters to the editors. You may send them to SILAK office, located at the ground floor of the New Academic Building, West Visayas State University, Luna St., La Paz, Iloilo City, Philippines or you may send us an e-mail at silakinc@gmail.com.

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All Rights Reserved 2021

EDITORS’ NOTE

There’s a popular saying that goes,

“reality is stranger than fiction”. With the kind of times we’re living in right now, it’s not too hard to see how especially true this is. A non-strange reality would be the editors and contributors of this magazine sitting together inside the tiny space of the SILAK office, at the ground floor of New Academic Building.

And then, a face-to-face celebration of the fruit of our labors as soon as it is done. And eventually, a building-to-building distribution of the printed copies. But unfortunately, the realities of today restrict that concept as something akin to a dream. We can only imagine it in our heads.

You have to admit, a good way to

describe reality would be to compare it to motion sickness. There are just some certainties in life that we cling to, and things being stagnant is a sign of stability, all while being aware that change is the most constant thing in the universe. However, change should preferably come in manageable levels, don’t you agree? Or else, all this metaphorical speeding and shaking and slowing down can make one so sick of it all. Somebody roll the windows down. Someone needs to breathe over here.

In this issue, we tackle stories of different

people who had moments in their lives that made them want to escape certain aspects of reality. Inside, we’ll get to read stories about feelings of great heaviness and the wanting to be “somewhere else”, whatever that means for them. It probably would not be too wrong to assume that the urge to escape is a universal human experience. In certain cases, acting on these urges is harmless.

You’re allowed to dream. You’re allowed to build a castle in your head if it helps you feel better. (However, another universal human experience we need to note is knowing that everything done excessively is bad.)

With all that said, we hope that reading

this issue gives you some sort of avenue for rest, too.

Love, Toni Gwyneth Boluso Richard Neil Lencio Marie Panerio

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COVER STORY

Learning the Art of Escaping in Moderation words by RICHARD NEIL F. LENCIO photos by GWYN CASTRONUEVO

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hen the pandemic changed the world around Gwyn Castronuevo of BSED-2A, she was left with a plate full of anxiety and guilt. Despite being stuck at home, she knew she had to somehow find an escape.

Sitting on top of her fear of the unknown after the announcement of the first lockdown in March 2020 was the recent spat that she had with some of her friends. Gwyn, 19, just knew she was going to be put through a rollercoaster of negative emotions for the next few weeks. After all, she generally preferred to express things in person rather than online, so it was hard to talk about the conflicts through chat.

The quarantine rules forced her to stay at home, and then her isolation forced her to think about the situation. “It inevitably led to self-blame,” she recounted. “It got to a point where I felt like getting out of bed was pointless, and when I did, I often found myself lost and directionless.”

As things got worse, it came to a point where she had to admit to herself what she knew was the reality: she was lonely.

REGAINING CONTROL

Hoping to gain some kind of control and give her day-to-day life some purpose, she made the decision to make a daily to-do list. It served as a distraction for this English major.

After two months, she managed to integrate a daily routine that worked and it eventually became a habit.

One of Gwyn’s favorite things to do is to write. Her works range from original short stories, fanfiction, and poems. However, when the lockdown started, she found that it was hard for her to write long paragraphs.

Knowing herself well, Gwyn explained that she doesn’t like to write at the height of her emotions because it forces her to relive the experiences (when that’s not the goal at all).

So, she started with small pieces she calls “entries” and short poems. A graduate of West Visayas State University’s Senior High School, Gwyn has long been writing and as she says, “Those poems and those entries gave me an outlet and a way to let my feelings out without unnecessarily burdening anyone.”

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RUDE AWAKENINGS

A resident of Leganes, Iloilo and the older sister to two brothers in a middle class family, Gwyn eventually found her way back to writing long paragraphs, but she avoided writing anything that would remind her of her own experiences. Instead, she created characters and lived their reality, even just for a bit. But while Gwyn’s hobby gives her a medium to exhale, it’s not a complete fix.

“I wouldn’t say that I fully forget my problems. They’re just all at the back of my head, rather,” she clarified when asked about how escaping reality through writing feels. As it turns out, like every work of fiction, her trips to alternate realities eventually have to come to an end. And the transition from fairytales to facts isn’t always sweet.

“Some would liken it to a crash. But personally, it’s more of a ‘looks like I can’t ignore my problems anymore’ kind of feeling. The problems that linger behind are like annoying background noises that slowly grow louder until it overtakes all other thoughts and feelings. At that point, I could only feel resigned, and hope to have energy to deal with whatever it is.”

“

I wouldn’t say that I fully forget my problems. They’re

just all at the back of my head, rather’’ she clarified when asked about how escaping reality through writing feels.

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THE ESCAPIST WITHIN

“People cannot survive with the little satisfaction they can steal from reality,” Sigmund Freud once wrote. Life is naturally stressful, after all. Thus, there will always be that innate desire within humans to look for something more and something else that will sate their hunger for fulfilment, and personal coping strategies to make it through each day.

Escapism is one of these coping strategies. The American Psychology Association defines escapism as the tendency to avoid the real world, and instead turn towards a fantasy world for the desired security and comfort.

There is an escapist within every human being. That’s why people travel to beautiful places, read and write fiction, consume films, and other hobbies that would enable one to feel disconnected from the harsh realities of life.

However, escapism as a coping strategy can only work for so long.’

NOT A SOLUTION

The desire to escape isn’t inherently good nor bad. Like any other coping strategy, escapism allows humans to deal with a reality where things can feel overwhelming at times.

It’s common to feel like wanting to distance

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yourself from everything for a while. This psychological distance may be what is required to assess the situation and come up with a solution.

However, when escapism is treated as a solution, it is likely that sooner or later, there could be problems that would pop up. At times, maybe even greater than the problem that was being escaped from in the first place.

A research study conducted at the University of Leiden revealed that avoidance of dealing with intense emotions usually causes one to experience greater feelings of anxiety and stress over time.

Escapism tendencies can start small, but can then have a snowball into a destructive avalanche if done in excess.

Thus, while escapism is natural and can largely help in dealing with stress, one needs to have the maturity and self-awareness to know when it’s time to return to reality, face their situations, and look for practical solutions.

Continually escaping problems can lead to vicious cycle of self-destruction. But then, it takes one some self-awareness and emotional honesty to break out of it. The first step is to recognize and admit to yourself that you are trying to flee. Then, detect what you are trying to escape from. And lastly, search for solutions that will solve your concerns.

And when it’s all done, one needs to ask themselves what exactly do they want their life to be like - and be willing to work to make it happen.

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PROFILE

Escaping the Pandemic One Pedal at a Time words by JESSA S. DELOS REYES and MARRON AERIELLE BONOTANO photos by LPHOTOGRAPHY, CYCLCK, and photo credits by MATTHIEU GONZALEZ

“...the joys of travel will always refine your perspectives, learn, and appreciate the things around you,’’

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anding on his hands and knees, young Matthieu Gonzalez looked around in a daze, hoping no one saw him embarrassingly fall off his bike. As a kid, instead of playing the usual hide and seek, six-year-old Matthieu, or commonly known as “Matt” to his friends and family, would rather take out his old trusty two-wheels for a bumpy ride along a badly rutted road in his neighborhood in Jaro, Iloilo City. Now at 21, he would do longdistance travels under the scorching heat of the sun with his helmet and sunglasses on; his skin layered with a short-sleeve moisturewicking jersey and padded gloves.

As he traipsed down and set forth to an unknown road, Matt was beaming with happiness and giddy with excitement like his 6-year-old self who only used to dream of the endless paths he would someday traverse.

SETTING FORTH

It was not always long roads and bare sunlight, sometimes it was the simple stroll along the banks of Fort San Pedro. Before it was anything, it was his simple getaway vehicle with two wheels. It was rather more of a convenience than for fun. Matthieu, as a junior Social Science student of West Visayas State University-College of Education, knew how troublesome it would be to commute everyday with the loud honks, and raven-colored smoke ejecting from vehicles who can’t seem to move

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beyond a meter every hour or so, and so he opted for biking as his means of transportation, going back and forth to school.

“It became a healthy enjoyment when a friend of mine introduced me to cycling,’’ Matthieu recounted. ‘’I would describe cycling as the closest thing to nirvana because it can take me to sceneries where cars don’t usually take you.’’

But when the pandemic happened, it felt like Matthieu got lost with no clear destination in mind. As an outdoor person wary of the COVID-19 virus, Matt found it hard to cope with just being at home. His feet longed to pedal back into the road. He yearned for the busy streets and late-night traffic. He missed the comfort of the familiar roads and sceneries.

LONGER ROADS

But three months after the pandemic started, Matthieu pushed his pedals with his feet wrapped in clipless shoes to neverimagined places. Having your first adventure after months of being stuck at home was a breath of fresh air for Matthieu. It felt like releasing all of your pent-up energy.

His first long distance ride after so many months was a jaunt to Alcatraz Ruins in Roxas City, 125-kilometers from Iloilo City. He took

it as a huge leap, a level up from the lowkey city adventures. After going out of his comfort zone, there was no looking back for him.

He went to different places and travelled unknown roads. With only his trusty twowheels, he travelled 62 kilometers going to Calinog, 77 kilometers to Antique, 84 kilometers to Lemery, 98 kilometers to Concepcion, and 103 kilometers to Sara.

“If you take it slow, you find yourself enjoying the sceneries, if you take it fast, things don’t go easier, but it makes you stronger. And most importantly, the joys of travel will always refine your perspectives, learn, and appreciate the things around you,’’ Matt shares when asked about the joys of cycling.

PEDALLING FURTHER

Cycling has the certain effect that makes you ask yourself, “How far can I go?’’. In Matthieu’s case, the possibilities are endless.

Holding back his fears and self-doubts, he signed up for a race held in Cabatuan entitled, “Pabaskugan sa Pamul-ogan” which was a 21-kilometer race all over the barangays in Cabatuan.

Suddenly overcome with anxiety, Matthieu has second thoughts of pushing through the race because of the possible accidents or injuries that might happen. When he started to lose pace and momentum, he had an epiphany that he is not the same person he was from three years ago. ‘’I have grown into the best version of me and started to push the pace,’’ he recounted as he was able to place 10th in his category.

When asked about his future plans, Mat says, “After college, I really look forward to climb the iconic Kennon Road and explore Baguio City.’’

A HEALTHY ESCAPE

Every person has a different coping mechanism. Certain situations in our lives trigger our fight or flight response. For some, they choose flight in the form of a new hobby.

A research study conducted at the University College London showed that taking up a hobby can have beneficial effects on alleviating depressive symptoms, engaging in physical activity can reduce levels of depression and anxiety and enhance quality of life, and broader leisure activities increase personal empowerment and optimism, foster social connectedness, and improve life satisfaction.

In Matt’s case, ‘’Cycling became more than just a hobby when I started to look after myself.’’ He would sign up on countless races in order to measure how far he has progressed not just in his cycling ventures but also in his growth as a person.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that adults perform at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic physical activity, such as cycling, every week. In an article published by Medical News Daily, the benefits of cycling include improvement of cardiovascular health, lung health, and mental health. It also improves one’s balance and coordination and help a person manage their weight because it increases the metabolic rate, builds muscle, and burns body fat.

‘’Take it easy. Be consistent when taking short rides. Ride little or ride as much as you can. When going for long distances, pace yourself, and enjoy the scenery - for you are one of those people who sees the world much better than others,’’ Matthieu advises people who are just starting out or want to try biking in far distances.

So, what are you waiting for? See you on the road!

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Artwork by Deborah Faith Monsalud

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PROFILE

Are You Into Avoidance Coping? words by DIANNE MAE ESTOCADO and DIONESSA GRACE GALIMBA artwork by PAULO BRYAN DAVID

W

hile getting hooked to her all-time favorite anime saga or K-drama series, Lexie (or as her friends would fondly call her, “Lex”) would be mulling over several half-done essays. Two weeks went by like this, most of it a meaningless blur of procrastination and anxiety that crippled her and made her even more anxious about being bombarded with non-negotiable deadlines.

It surely was a constant struggle for her to make things fall into place. The more she desperately wanted to quash her avoidance coping, the more she engaged in it several times.

Avoidance coping, as defined by Elizabeth Scott (2021) in her article titled, “Avoidance Coping and Why It Creates Additional Stress”, is also known as avoidant coping, avoidance behaviors, and escape coping. It is a maladaptive form of coping in which a person changes their behavior to avoid thinking about, feeling, or doing difficult things. Avoidance coping involves trying to avoid stressors rather than dealing with them.

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“...just because something minimizes our stress in one particular moment does not mean that it is a healthy form of coping.”

WHY IS AVOIDANCE COPING UNHEALTHY?

Avoidance coping is considered to be maladaptive (or unhealthy) because it often exacerbates stress without helping a person deal with the things that are causing them stress. Procrastination is one example. If something that we have to do is stressing us out, we might avoid doing it or even try to stop thinking about it. However, we typically do not stop thinking about whatever it is that needs to be done. Rather, we continue to feel stressed about it until it gets done

HOW TO EVADE AVOIDANCE COPING

is simply understanding what avoidance coping is and why it has become part of your life. ●

Some forms of passive coping, however, are not maladaptive and are healthy. These healthier forms of coping do not necessarily approach the problem directly but they do affect our response to the problem. It is healthy to practice techniques that help you feel calmer as you face a difficult situation even if the techniques do not affect the situation directly. However, just because something minimizes our stress in one particular moment does not mean that it is a healthy form of coping. For example, eating, shopping, or having an alcoholic drink might make us feel better in the moment but they have long-term consequences if they are overdone.

Recognize When You are Doing It. Take a

minute to think of situations when you tend to use avoidance coping. ●

Take Small Steps. Taking the first step can

make it seem more doable. ●

Identify Active Coping Options. The next

time you are faced with a stressor, pause, and look at your options. ●

Find New Ways to Relieve Stress. If you learn

to calm your body’s stress response when you are stressed, you will be less reactive and more empowered to be proactive when faced with conflict. ●

Use Emotional Coping Techniques. Using

healthy and empowering emotional coping strategies can help those threatened by stress and are more prepared to face it rather than feeling the need to escape from it. ●

Practice Communication Skills. Learn to

become comfortable discussing issues and come up with a “win-win” solution whenever possible. ●

Have Someone Hold You Accountable. You

might want to ask a friend to help you as you work on getting rid of your avoidance coping strategies. ●

WHEN IS AVOIDANCE COPING ACTUALLY HEALTHY?

●Understand Avoidance Coping. The first step

Learn to Tolerate Uncomfortable Feelings.

When you become comfortable being uncomfortable, you will be better able to deal with feelings and stressors that cause them. ●

Ask for Help. If you are finding it hard to

make changes or are not even sure where to start, a mental health professional might be able to help.

Despite getting overwhelmed with a pile

of unaccomplished tasks, Lexie has realized that although her avoidance coping helps her to fleetingly escape from the realities of online class, it eventually gets in her way. How she dealt with stressors that led her to avoidance coping seems different from how others handled it, but the importance of unlearning her unhealthy ways of coping is something she gains during this difficult time and swears to focus on things that matter while safeguarding her mental health.

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PROFILE

Keeping Sane via Fa and Online Selling words by SHENETTE LAPE and ERIKA NOREEN DELA ROSA photo by MIKEE TANGUB

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hey are a phenomenon ─ young girls smitten over chinky-eyed men who do not even know them; willing to spend hard-earned money over photo cards; devotees of Korean pop idols.

But for a third-year BS Education Major in Mathematics student at West Visayas State University, fangirling saved her sanity and family.

As the pandemic kicked in, it brought havoc to all families including that of Mikee Tangub, a native of Tigbauan, Iloilo. Her parents lost their jobs, leaving no one to provide them with their basic needs, including food.

“Being the eldest, I don’t have a choice but to initiate and volunteer myself to work,” says Mikee.

Things went out of hand. Mikee feared that one day, she would lose her grip. At the peak of her anxiety, she found herself clinging to that one thing that keeps her anchored - fangirling.

INNER DISTRESS

Facing the pressure to be functional amidst pandemic fatigue, Mikee developed mental breakdowns knowing that if she did not take action, she and her family would starve.

“I remember barely eating because we don’t have enough money. It pains me looking at other people buying what they like to eat at a grocery store while here I am, doing my best to work hard and do multiple tutorial sessions just to buy eggs and sardines for us,” she sadly says.

The 20-year-old had gone through so much, silently shedding tears of suffering. But having no choice, she had to suppress the emotion and be tough, bearing in mind that she needs to focus on the goal of providing for her family by finding initiatives to have income.

“I need to balance my time between studying and working. I have grades to maintain because of my scholarship and I have a family whose needs I have to provide.”

RESELLING

So, a Kpop fangirl, Mikee decided to become a K-pop merchandise online reseller.

“I started with nothing. I took the risk to open my shop online because I love K-pop and I badly need a way to earn money for us to be

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angirling

able to eat,” says Mikee who managed to get a very minimal capital.

Her newfound work ate up her time.

She’s busy as a beaver going live on Facebook and Shopee showcasing her products -- BTS Albums, CDs, Photobooks, Korean idols’ stickers, BT21 Plushies, and Lightsticks.

Mikee did not mind her fatigue because she can now provide for her family’s needs, buy her necessities, and give herself and her siblings a treat now and then.

“Seeing my parents’ happy faces, buying them clothes, and having enough food for us, I’m thankful to God for this blessing which I never thought possible. I can’t explain how happy and grateful I am,” she adds.

REGAINING SANITY

“Fangirling made a huge impact in my life in a way that inspires and motivates me to keep reaching my goals no matter how hard or far it is, that nothing is impossible as long as you believe in yourself,” says Mikee.

Just like other fans, she found satisfaction in watching her K-pop idols’ performances.

“I’ve realized that being a fangirl is being a role model. It is not just about supporting your idols but it is also about self-betterment and selflove,” explains Mikee regarding her realizations about fangirling.

“I’m always and forever grateful to BTS for they saved me and they’re always my savior no matter how hard my problems are. They make me happy and they comfort me,” she adds.

Many fangirls reckon that they’ve found someone who gives balance and hope in their lives. As for Mikee, the language barrier is not a hindrance in relating to Kpop music for she believes that BTS is much more than just that.

For her, fangirling made her feel safe, thinking that there’s still a world where she can build self-identity and self-determination.

Now, if you take a glance at their tiny home, you’ll notice those K-pop albums, wrapped and unwrapped, taking up all the spaces of their living room with wrappers everywhere and merchandise stacked on one side of the wall. You would not expect that a year ago, a forlorn young woman was at her wit’s end trying to fix everything that was wrong with her life.

“

I remember barely eating because we don’t have enough money. It pains me looking at other people buying what they like to eat...

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PROFILE

Thriving Amidst Disregarding words by JANNA MARIE DEOCAMPO and AIMERINE MONTAÑO artwork by TONI GWYNETH BOLUSO

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labyrinth-like life brought on by current circumstances showed us how devoid our minds can be when we stick to the restricted realm of our comfort zone - thus, we usually seek sanity away from facing tangible sources of distress known as reality.

Nearly two years have gone but the pandemic is still around, leaving online students with little choice but to face it

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straight on. Some handled it by pedaling, while others are working their way out of their haven to escape this adversity.

For Arjan Fernandez and Ma. Jessa Bangeles, junior students of Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in Mathematics, this pandemic is a chasm they have fallen into, and now have to find a way to “get away from it all”.

COMFORT IN CYCLING AND E-SPORT

As an adventurer at heart, nothing could stop him as he pedals his way through the busy streets of Iloilo to nearby towns, or run his fingers skillfully along the screen of his mobile phone to crush the enemies and plan strategically to win the game, hoping he could forget about the responsibilities he left at home.

Arjan Fernandez, a junior student of Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in Mathematics, is just one among many who chooses to care less about responsibilities, to avoid getting overwhelmed by the notifications from the Google classroom.

In just a day, especially on weekends, he can explore places with his companion as far as 50 kilometers away as a long ride, or even bike around the vicinity of Iloilo for fun. He may be weary but his heart is overjoyed.

Besides cycling, he also loves playing mobile games. For some, it is viewed as an addictive strategy game, with a community of toxic gamers — but for him, it is a way to escape.

But he knew he had to surrender the game and shift his attention to what’s more important; and as the setting sun reminded him to go home, he faced the tasks he needed to burn the midnight oil with—his studies.

“By neglecting problems, it had a bad effect because I abandoned my studies and I focused on what makes me happy. To avoid stress, you need to focus on certain things that can make you happy…

I thought it was that but it’s not; by putting this in reality some things can make you happy but you cannot avoid the problems if you will escape with it,” he points out.

Indeed, actions have their consequences.

Tasks are piled up until there is little time left for submission. Probably because of the adrenaline rush as deadlines are approaching, he managed to set his phone aside to work on his assignments to pass the semester.

NEVER NOT BOTHERED

Others may look giddy about their new hobby, but for someone whose entire family was laid off from work when the pandemic struck; her escape seems to have appeared from another viewpoint.

Ma. Jessa Bangeles, a hardworking first-year BSEd student majoring in Math, spent her time trying to distract her thoughts from the troubles the pandemic had brought her family.

“My siblings lost their jobs, and my parents were also unemployed. So, despite my exhaustion from my college admission, I feel compelled to help. I tutored three high school kids to keep myself

sane while also helping my family financially,” says the 18-year old.

She used her work to forget the worries that lingered in the confines of her thoughts.

“Working as a student is second nature to me.

I worked all day, and when I came home in the afternoon, I still had domestic duties to do, which made me stay wide awake in the evening until morning to finish my school work, usually skipping a meal,” she says.

“There were several breakdowns and bouts of overthinking. I was unable to concentrate on my studies since I felt weak.

Back discomfort, colds, and fevers performed the job of reminding me that I need to take care of myself,” adds Bangeles.

The disadvantages weighing her down look too overwhelming, yet this is her means of coping. However, keeping away from problems might have negative implications, which made her wonder if she was ignoring the worries gnawing at her head or if it’s the other way around.

She, in turn, neglected herself in the name of believing she was ignoring mental problems. Nevertheless, Bangeles was still left with much to ponder from her escape.

“Getting away from my problems has shown me how strong I am as a person and how much more I can offer to others. We all have to just hang in there since life will soon turn around and smile back at us,” says Bangeles, feeling positive.

She decided not to ignore herself in exchange for disregarding her thoughts and feelings, despite life’s shifting circumstances.

She believed that choosing oneself screams the most about what life is all about.

SOMETHING IN COMMON

Even studying amid the pandemic requires a great deal of patience and perseverance; much more if you’re a Math major? This may offer people an indication of how their fellow Taga-Ed students cope, but the fact is that we all have various systems in place to deal with life’s obstacles. It is impossible to work continually; a break is required. People have different personalities and interests; thus, there are various methods to escape, but one thing is certain: one must never neglect oneself.

We may be in a whirling maze of life right now, but we don’t have to run away from it.

We can eventually get out of the chasm no matter how narrow it may get.

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Artwork by Toni Gwyneth Boluso

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TRAVEL

Down by the Cadimahan River in Roxas City words and photos by DHANNA ARLANE BLANCAVER

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river carries thousands of stories no book can ever hold. It bears witness to many downfalls and triumphs. And the Cadimahan River has just that. Among the many unwritten stories it has kept is one about an unfortunate event that gave birth to what is now known as the Cadimahan River Tour.

The Cadimahan River was an oasis for subsistence fishermen that depended on the river’s abundance to sustain their family’s daily needs. However, there is no story without a tragedy. Come 2006, this simple means of livelihood was put to an end by the city government on the grounds of it being illegal.

Thought to be the beginning of the end, renewed hope for the fishermen came in the form of an eco-cultural project in 2007. Former Roxas City Mayor Vicente Bermejo, along with the Capiz Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs, launched the first-ever river tour in the whole province of Capiz.

It officially operated in 2009, employing the fisherfolk who lost their

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livelihood amidst its construction.

It is located in Sitio Lawis, Baybay, Roxas City. To get there, you need to take a 15 minute tricycle ride. From the city proper, you will travel along Barangay Dayao, passing through the circumferential road up to Barangay Culasi. If by chance you ride a small tricycle, then better watch out for your head. The road may get bumpy as you approach your destination.

What awaits you there are rows of bamboo rafts that will take you along the river of Cadimahan. The river tour passes through seven barangays. A 2-hour river tour on a large raft back and forth costs Php 2,200 (food not included) and Php 1,800 on a small raft. There are also other services such as full body massages, foot spa, manicure and pedicure, as well as other recreational activities. Cadimahan River Tour that also has entertainment like river serenade singers does not only offer a feast for the eyes, but also a feast for an appetite that craves seafood. The menu ranges from different selections of fish, crustaceans, and shellfish.

The LABSFAR (Lawis Baybay Small Fishermen Association of Roxas City) vice chairman, Mr. Bienvenido Dela Cruz Jr., the chief tour guide, pointed out that as you go about with the tour, you will see various fish cages that grow bangus, snappers and sea bass. The outline of the river is also covered with different species of mangroves.

For a fun fact, Manong Bienvenido even shared the origin of the name Cadimahan. He said that the prefix Ca stands for Capiz, while dima is the vernacular term for breadfruit, and han pertaining to many. In a whole, it means that that area in Capiz has a bountiful source of breadfruit.

The Cadimahan River Tour is not only a tourist attraction. It is a means of livelihood for the fisherfolk of Sitio Lawis. Although the situation at the present does not look good for tourist establishments, word about Cadimahan is starting to spread.

A river carries thousands of stories. And a river, wherever it is, flows out to the sea and far into the oceans. That is how a story will spread. Stories about Cadimahan, just like a river will surely reach many people.

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TRAVEL

Iloilo’s Flower

A Pleas

words by CHER CYRENE T photos courtesy of the of YAMATO FLOWER GARDEN

A

re you one o photos on In sitting here Instagram-worthy d

Fret not. Why not try the flower farms and gardens of Iloilo Province? They are the biggest thing when it comes to nature travel, made more in-demand with the plant craze the pandemic brought. And so, off we went to Central and Northern Iloilo to check out the amazing sights, which you can very well say is our version of the Netherlands.

YAMATO FLOWER GARDEN

This unique attraction in Lambunao, central Iloilo, is located in a previously abandoned international school. The Lacuesta family that built the Yamato International School decided to turn it into a flower farm to make use of the vacant space and turn it into a tourist attraction.

The fastest way to get there from Iloilo City is to ride a van from Ungka terminal in Jaro en route to Lambunao. This will take you about an hour. Upon arriving at the town proper, ride a motorcycle or tricycle in the public market that will lead you directly to your destination.

The entrance fee as of November 2021 is P5.00. The best months to visit the place are from October to December because the flowers will be in full bloom. Tourists can enter the school building and visit the rooftop for sightseeing. The Yamato Flower Garden is currently still in its planning stages and has plans for building more amenities.

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SUNFLOWER GARDEN AND KALAN-AN SA GARDEN

Located at Brgy. Tinori-an, Barotac Nuevo in northern Iloilo, this sunflower haven is the perfect place for your next profile picture!

This farm is rented by Elvin John Lonzaga who decided to put up a flower farm. To get there, ride a bus from Tagbak Ceres Terminal en route to Barotac Nuevo. Just tell the bus conductor that you want to get off the Sunflower Garden because it is located beside the national road. You will need to pay an entrance fee of P50. Not bad for a place worth the photos and the relaxation.

The best time to visit here is during the summer season to avoid muddy trails. The place is filled with different varieties of flowers: sunflowers, celosias (flowers with flame-like buds), and gomphrenas (brightly colored gumdrop-like flowers). They also built colorful structures around the farm where you can pose for pictures such as a small windmill, a piano, frames, and other “garden accessories”.

You can also buy some flowers and cuttings from their farm which you

can replant at your home.

Aside from the flower garden, Kalan-an sa Garden also offers a wide variety of Filipino food.

The price ranges around P70 to P200 for meals.

DAFALONGS GARDEN CAFÉ AND PARK Further down the trail, you will discover a garden that serves

Farms:

sant Cure for Travel Envy

TACLINO fficial Facebook pages of the following: N, KALAN-AN SA GARDEN, and DAFALONGS CAFÉ AND PARK

of those who get “infected” by the travel bug every time you see those awesome nstagram and Facebook? And by “infected”, we mean “Let’s go now, why are we staring?” And so you frantically scroll on social media looking for a budgeted destination to cure your travel envy.

Recalling how the café and park started, Camille Bantillan, the owner, said the idea came during isolation because of a health condition last 2019. It was at that time that she realized that her home is a sanctuary. She saw the beauty of sunrise and sunsets, the chirping of birds, and the smell of morning dews and flowers.

Together with her parents, they came up with the project, and thus, Dafalongs Garden Café and Park were born.

“Starting with how warmly we welcome our friends and family, how we serve coffee at home… that inspired us to share that when nature and chill meets, you’ll realize sometimes this is all we need. We all need respite,” says Camille.

Indeed, this is true. Dafalongs offers an escape from the busy city life through food and nature.

Their café offers al fresco dining while enjoying a panoramic view of the mountains. They serve native coffee, rice meals, home-baked treats, and sandwiches which range from P35 to P240. The café has no entrance fee but if you want to stroll around the park, you have to pay P50. The best time to visit here is around 7 to 9 a.m. when lotuses and lilies are in bloom and at 3 to 6 p.m. when the sunset is at its prettiest.

There are other flower farms in Iloilo that are equally beautiful. Just make use of social media and search for the other Instagram-worthy attractions!

as a sanctuary for plantitas and plantitos. Dafalongs Garden Café and Park are located at Brgy.

Bagacay, San Dionisio -- also in Northern Iloilo. Covering around two hectares of land, Dafalongs has a café, a park, and a place where the ornamental plants are kept and sold. It is approximately a two-hour drive from Iloilo City.

Just ride a bus at Tagbak Ceres Terminal going to Estancia, Carles or Balasan.

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TRAVEL

A Walk Back in Time at Faro de Islas Calabazas words and photo by DIANNE MAE ESTOCADO

T

he tranquil island of Calabazas in the northeast part of Panay Island in Ajuy, Iloilo is just a 30-minute pump boat ride away. The crystalline water and picturesque views are not the only treasures that attract local tourists; the history of the isolated Calabazas Lighthouse is equally entertaining.

Built above a small hill overlooking the Guimaras Strait leading towards the Port of Ajuy with housing pavilion, the tourelle-type tower Calabazas Lighthouse is also known as “Faro de Islas Calabazas” and was constructed in 1892 and became operational in 1895.

“It is one of the 27 major lighthouses built to illuminate the Philippine archipelago during the Spanish reign,” said Romina Capalla, Ajuy Iloilo Tourism Officer.

Faro de Islas Calabazas is known to the locality as “Parola Island” and this spectacular site has become a place for island hoppers, fisherfolks, and even local journalists who feature the island.

Despite the structure being in ruins and deserted for a long time, the remnants of the pavilion are the only traces of the historical lighthouse that was built during the Spanish era. Some of the remnants of the said pavilion are found still standing at the top of the island.

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“This island has sheltered us against sea storms and when we stopped by the island, we often see travelers and families visiting the tower,” shares Edwin Labsan, a 50-year-old fisherman,

Other lighthouses in northern Iloilo are Faro de Islote de Manigonigo in the municipality of Carles and Faro de Sibulac-Babac de Gigantes in Estancia town.

Most of these have collapsed despite having metal tourelle towers. Tourelle is French for “turret” or “little tower”. They are now replaced with modern aluminum towers and lights.

“Faro” is the Spanish word for lighthouse and the Calabazas lighthouse is one among many around the archipelago that were built to light the seas and channels of the country to guide ships in and through the most important sea channels to the ports of Manila, Iloilo, and Cebu.

Prior to the pandemic, Calabazas is open to tourists who are allowed to bring their own food if they want to stay longer in the island. However, they have to observe the “Leave No Trace” policy which means that they should be responsible for their own garbage. Things they can do at Calabazas are trekking, island hopping since Calabazas has neighboring resorts such as Marbuena, Nasidman and Guin-Asyan island that are the most-visited locations in the municipality of Ajuy.

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FOOD

DeoRios: A Floating Restaurant words and photos by MARY ANNKLEIN GAJETE

M

aexperience sang taga city ang pangabuhi sa uma… simple lang mahangin makakaon ka sa bahay kubo.. kay sa city daw ka crowded na, daw hindi ka ka relax..”

This is what Gene Gregorios, an Architecture graduate, and Ciara Nixanne Gregorios, a graduate of Hotel and Restaurant Technology of Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT-U) Dumangas campus, both had in mind as a concept in creating their floating restaurant made of bamboo.

The Gregorios couple who are natives of Dumangas took the name DeoRios from their last names which are Deocampo and Gregorios. The busiest days in this floating restaurant are Sundays and holidays.

People do tend to look for a place where they can escape the hustle and bustle of the city and DeoRios in Paloc So-ol, Dumangas is designed just for that where you could enjoy the summer breeze and the muchneeded silence and relaxation. It will just take about an hour via bus, van, or jeepney ride in Tagbak terminal, Jaro going to the town proper of Dumangas. From the town proper, get a pedicab going to Paloc Terminal. A tricycle will bring you to DeoRios.

A place for your soul. Because of the pandemic, the couple used all their available resources and knowledge in order to survive and earn a living, which is when DeoRios was made last November 2020. The pavilion and cottages stand in the middle of a brackishwater fishpond, a hatchery for milkfish and tilapia. It overlooks a hectare of hatchery which is owned by Ciara’s parents.

“May gin bilin man nga property ang parents niya daw na panumdum namon bala kun ano nami nga business dira kay kung sa isda lang

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mahina man ang isda kay kung san’o ka lang makahaw’as mo,” said Gene.

Designed by Gene, the cottages are “Bahay Kubo” inspired, a kind of stilt house typically found in coastal or rural areas. The only difference is the roof which is designed and intentionally made pointing upwards.

“Daw ka boring man permi sang kubo nga same lang. Gin tingwaan lang namon nga mag kurba ang iya atop. Daw sa pamahiin man na sya mo, nga kun naga pababaw naga pababaw or pasaka ka man,” explained Gene, as he made the roof a metaphor for success.

The best view of the place is during sunset because the lights

from the pavilion and cottages gives a serene reflection of the water along with a hint of pinkish to orangey colors from the sky.

Food for your soul. The food is freshly made as you order. The price goes along with the quality and quantity of each meal. DeoRios is well-known for their Buko Halohalo which costs P90.

“Gin dayo kami di sang mga tao kay daw first time palang diri sa Dumangas nga may BukoHalo. Diri kami na ka isip nga try bi ibutang sa buko ang halo halo ta,” says Ciara.

Also, the coconut shells that was used in Buko halo-halo are

not thrown away; instead, it serves another purpose for the establishment. The couple turned it into filling “soil” for the empty space beside their house.

“Ubrahon na namon nga parkingan. Himuon siya namon nga tambak. Pag damo na butangan sa babaw sang mga batobato and limestone.

Atleast hindi kana mag patambak kag ang basura mo na puslan mo pa,” says Ciara and Gene.

A story for your soul. Every business starts with a small

step. Asking the couple about the challenges that came their way as they started to venture with DeoRios created a polite smile.

Ciara says, “Ay kadamo lang,” and then had a small laugh of relief. Before they built DeoRios, they managed almost the same business but it was bulalobatchoy. But then something came up with one of their relatives, they had to give up the business. That experience was a stepping stone and preparation for them to do something great and it was DeoRios.

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FOOD

Hot or Cold? Coffee, According to Ilonggo Call Center Agents words by RUNUEL SALVADOR photo credit: bing.com

C

offee is known to be the call center agent’s most loyal companion; it gives them the stamina and energy to finish their 8 to 12-hour night shifts, keeps them active between conversing with their customers and pulling them through the long nights of taking calls and working full-time, five days a week.

Drinking coffee is a necessity for most Ilonggo call center agents before and during their daily shifts.

You may consider it “petty” but, yes -- the question of which is better -- hot or cold coffee is an issue. The call center agents have their respective preferences and choices and this ranges from health benefits to the influence of colleagues, all the way to personal options.

According to Andrew Baron, a call center agent for a couple of years, he prefers to drink hot coffee over cold coffee.

He says, “I prefer hot coffee because when you drink cold coffee while you are on duty, dasig ikaw dakpon ka lamig kung tugnaw (You can easily catch a cold when

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you drink your coffee cold.), and there’s no perfect time to drink coffee because as long as I want to, I’ll drink.”

Furthermore, he believes that “hot coffee is more aromatic compared to cold coffee.”

On the contrary, Jean Marquillero, who has a tenured status in the call center industry, chose cold coffee because he often drinks coffee late in the day.

According to him, “I love to drink cold coffee because it is for pampalamig sa mainit na panahon dala na pampukaw (It is refreshing during warm weather, and at the same time, it wakes me up.),” adding that as a call center agent, “Coffee is in our blood, and most working people will know that coffee is one of the best ways to kick-start your day at work.”

Raine Bernardo, another

old-timer in the industry, loves both hold and cold coffee and the choice depends on her mood on a particular day. Starbucks is her go-to for coffee because of the wide options.

“Drinking coffee helps keep me awake, active, and in a good mood at work. Let’s say it is the fuel for my body before I go to work,” says Raine.

For Ilonggo call center agents, individual preferences matter the most. Coffee is life, hot or cold -- for as long as it keeps them kicking and functioning every night while working.

LIFESTYLE

It’s Not Just Paper! words and photos by CHEYENNE REFUGIO

I

t’s 8:59 p.m. and a cool gush of air runs through my spine as my trembling fingers hover over my laptop’s keyboard. The clock strikes 9:00 p.m. and a scheduled tweet appears on my Twitter timeline.

The loud punches on my keyboard echo through my room in contrast with the almost silent prayer I whisper under my breath. The Enter tab releases the word “mine” and I hold my breath as I hopefully await a reply. The notification button lights up and so does my face. “Yours!” the reply reads.

Finally, Lee Hyunjae from The Boyz is mine.

Exactly five days later, Lee Hyunjae arrives inside a plastic top loader sandwiched between two thick cardboard and several layers of bubble wrap. There he is, in all his 85 millimeters by 55 millimeters glory. An inexplicable feeling of elation bubbles inside my chest as I stare at the photocard between my fingers. A photocard is not just a simple piece of paper.

A photocard can mean a lot of things for many people.

For my friend Elle who collects photocards of Choi Chanhee and Kim Younghoon from The Boyz, photocards serve as “a nice remembrance.”

The same is true for my other friend Ali who started collecting NCT Dream’s photocards last May. “I've been a fan of the entire group since 2018, and with the release of the group's first full album since their debut, I wanted to have something to remember them by,” she says.

For my fellow Ilonggo collectors Han and Deniece, it is something that relieves stress and serves as a coping mechanism.

For me, a photo card is an item that holds a lot of sentimental value. It primarily represents my adoration for my favorite K-pop idol, but it also reminds me of my often arduous yet fun journey in acquiring it.

For every photocard collector out there, a photo card is something that sparks inexplicable joy in life. Although collecting official photocards is not an easy hobby to maintain as it requires money, time, and energy, it is something that we all consider to be worthwhile doing.

Ali shares. To non-collectors, a photocard may be just a simple piece of paper. But for us, it is something with added emotional value that is often worth more than any financial value.

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LIFESTYLE

I Became a Cat Slave and Why You Should Be, Too words by ABIGAIL GABITANAN

I

hate cats. No, scratch that. I loathe them. They are one of the most cunning beings that could cause dominion over humanity if we can’t keep their hypnotizing effects on check—that is what I’m trying to tell myself as I add to cart collars, cat toys, cat food, and a grooming kit online for the monthly shopping sale (they’re fifty percent off by the way).

You might be scratching your heads right now and so am I. The pandemic is a shock for everyone, and it is so to my self-awareness. I guess isolation from the outside world for a whole year can compel you to do the weirdest things. Mine just happened to be adopting creatures that I reportedly loathe. To top it off, not one got in but two. Take note, "got in", I never wanted them they just forced their way in—successfully advancing their territory from the gates to my couch.

But if there is one thing, I'm sure about this plot twist is that cats are furry freeloaders who are demanding, sassy, and do what they want to do.

Having one means you got tricked into signing a one-sided agreement like me. But despite this, and with the small price of scooping turds, I figured that adopting (more like serving) your own cunning feline might be the greatest deal of your life, and here is why.

If you are worried about don’t. Because they have a d According to Richard Kirschn known as Jackson Galaxy, a c up to 50 percent of their wak themselves. If someone can than them. They eat less foo they are small, do not take u make zero noise that you mu to make sure the kitchen cou

Aside from feeding them to the vet (unless your cat is much manage on their own. researcher and educator in a that the Felis silvestris lybica asocial in nature. They are w Africa and Southwest Asia th domesticate. They do not ma own species nor stay in grou season and because of this, c independent because they c

Cats are the very definition of unbothered. Try calling a cat's name and you would have a 50 percent chance of summoning them. Do not be fooled, they did hear you. They just don't care enough to acknowledge it. A study by Saito Atsuko in the University of Tokyo proved that cats do recognize their names they just don't respond to them.

Though it hurts, it's more evolutionary than personal.

Atsuko explained that cats domesticated themselves to human habitat when farming started to be a thing. Their ancestors came down from the hills and started killing rodents from the crops. This means that they initiated their integration with humans from the start and they were never trained to do what they must do like dogs, more so reacting to any verbal cues emitted by humans.

They could ignore your existence and shenanigans for the whole day because unlike dogs who tend to match up the energy of people around them most cats are calm. They would just sit from afar and look down on you for being pathetic.

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cat photos from the internet

t your cat getting stinky— degree in grooming. ner or more popularly cat behaviorist, cats take king hours to groom do it best, it's no other od and water too because up much space, and almost ust put bells on their collar unter is safe. m and taking yearly trips unwell), cats can pretty Kristyn Vitale, Ph.D., a animal behavior, explained a— cats' ancestors are wild cats from North hat humans managed to ake close bonds to their ups unless it's mating cats are hardwired to be can survive on their own.

As if owning a cat couldn't get any better, they apparently make you live longer too. It is scientifically proven that anxiety and stress are heavily linked to cardiovascular illness and a 10-year study conducted by the American Stroke Association’s International Stroke Conference in New Orleans proved that cat owners have a 30 percent lower risk of death from a heart attack compared to non-cat owners.

“Simply petting an animal can decrease the level of the stress hormone cortisol and boost the release of the neurotransmitter serotonin, resulting in lowered blood pressure and heart rate and, possibly, in an elevated mood.” Marwan Sabbagh, MD, Director of Cleveland Clinic’s Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health stated in a 2008 medical news feature.

So, when a cat finally gives you the muzzle rub be honored, you might have earned another second in your life. If this does not seal the deal, I don't know what is.

Having said this might sound like cats are indeed cold-hearted, but contrary to popular belief they do get attached to you, it is just they have their own ways of showing that. Vitale in her experiment concluded that cats have 64.3 and 65.8 percent attachment and are pretty close to the 65 percent secure attachment rate seen in human infants. She added that the 'cat language' relies heavily on body movements. They may not vocally respond to your affections, but the slow blinks are love confessions and believe it or not when they turn their heads to one side when you are in front of them is not an act of disdain but a sign that they relax around you.

At this point, you may or may not have been convinced to adopt your own feline friend, and if it is the latter—it's perfectly fine as I don't know how I got myself convinced to be a cat-mom either. In fact, the reason why humans get attached to cats is yet to be undermined according to Dr. Atsuko.

Is it hypnotism? A cult for human slavery operated by cats? Who knows, the answers are yet to be unraveled and I guess I will be a slave by then.

Now if you'll excuse me, let me check out these online orders.

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artwork by ROMMELEN DEMA-ALA

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ENTERTAINMENT

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illustrations by TONI GWYNETH BOLUSO

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VOICES

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REVIEWS

What’s in

During Lockdown, there are just not enough worlds that you could potentially visit, explore, a

DUNGEONS & DRAGONS 5E

There is more than meets the eye, the power of the imagination is unlimited. Dungeons & Dragons or DnD is a tabletop roleplaying game where each player creates their own character and embark upon imaginary adventures within a fantasy setting. A Dungeon Master (DM) serves as the game’s referee and storyteller and plays the role of the inhabitants of the world and it’s events while the players form parties and interact with this world and each other.

Together, they solve dilemmas, engage in battles, explore, and many more. DnD is not limited to one story, it’s story can be dependent on an already preexisting adventure or a story that the DM and you have created on your own. The limitations are endless.

GENSHIN IMPACT

Genshin Impact is a cross-platform gacha RPG that follows the story of the Traveller, an entity that had the power to fly across different worlds with their sibling. In their usual journey, an unknown God traps the siblings in that world and tore them apart from each other. You can play as Aether (male) or Lumine (female) and travel the beautiful and expansive world of Teyvat in search of your only family, to know it's people, and to find the truth about the unknown god. The game allows you to join other players' worlds as well in Co-op mode and travel the world together.

MINECRAFT It takes a man made of squares to be world famous! Minecraft is a sandbox video game that has and continues to be incredibly popular among the public. In it you are chucked into the world to do whatever you wish, may it be building, mining, farming, crafting, fighting, or creating elaborate programmed creations within the game’s redstone system. The magic of Minecraft is that it gives you freedom in its restrictive nature of blocks, and that freedom is what has led it to inspire so many creations.

The fan base has created a variety of things from a programmed web browser, massive world-spanning builds, a variety of mods, highly detailed texture packs, and a library holding restricted books and articles from all around the globe-- just to name a few. It’s clear that people love it, and that love is what makes people come back to it again and again even after all these years.

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DON’T ST

The scaries wilderness scientist na known as th the player mu a variety of su him. The ga

n the Game Box?

h places you can go- that is if you chose to remain rooted in the real world. Here’s a list of and be emotionally attached to!

HADES Try and try again. The biggest bounty is given to those who work hard. In Hades you play as Cathonic god Zagreus, son of Hades who in a bout of rebellious teenage angst decides to break his way out of the underworld (both metaphorically and literally) to meet his mother Persephone on the surface. The game is a roguelike action dungeon crawler with characters, art, music, and a storyline that keeps you coming back for more. Hades never punishes you for losing and instead encourages it by giving you multiple plot points that can only be resolved by coming back again and again and again. By far the best things about it are the art, music, and character interactions.

Hades is a story perfectly crafted to make you come back for more.

POKEMON (SWORD AND SHIELD) Pokemon will always be a classic, almost everyone knows of it but not everyone has ever played it.

Pokemon Sword & Shield is one of it's latest addition to the franchise that follows the story of you, the player becoming a trainer along with your trusted partner in the Galar Region. You are able to capture, train, and play with the pokemon you caught in this turn-based combat system with many different type advantages and weaknesses.

The story is nice, although not it's strongest points but the world is vastly different than the regions before it especially with it's addition of Gigantimax, camping, and a new cast of fresh new pokemon to catch.

TARVE

st enemy is the dark itself. Don't Starve is an uncompromising s survival game full of science and magic. The game follows a amed Wilson who finds himself in a dark, dreary parallel world he Constant and must survive as long as possible. To this end, ust keep Wilson healthy, fed, and mentally stable as he avoids urreal and supernatural enemies that will try to kill and devour ame's Adventure mode adds depth to the sparse plot and pits Wilson against the game's antagonist, Maxwell.

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artwork by ROMMELEN DEMA-ALA and TONI GWYNETH BOLUSO

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READ US ON ISSUU

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