SIRMATA VOL. XXXVIII NO. 3 (Foundation Anniversary Special Issue)

Sirmata

Concert3:NetworkStalliONLINEholdsSeasonSappuyot

CHS KNIGHTS WIN BACK-TO-BACK IN MISS MMSU 2022

Withtheshowcasingaimtheof

diverse talents of the Stallions, the Mariano Marcos State UniversityUniversity Student Council conducted its third edition of the students’instudentactivitiesisThe17-29NetworkStalliONLINElastJanuaryviafacebooklive.sappuyotconcertoneofthreemajorputupbytheorganizationcelebrationoftheday.

This virtual event was participated by the different colleges and laboratory schools of the University, each with a different show schedule. The said concert commenced with performances coming from the Laboratory Schools of BatacTheCampus.creativity and talent of the students was displayed with the variety of concepts seen in their performances. With this, thorough planning was made, despite the students’ hectic schedule— all to guarantee a good show.

This program serves as a platform to highlight the hidden gifts of students to prove that Stallions does not only hold the banner for excellence in academic endeavors, but also has the talent to toSappuyotactivitieslearnersAgnirparticipant,performerworld-classentertainmentprovidethroughperformances.AsalongtimeandaJayDucaoencouragesalltojoinUniversitysuchastheconcertasawayconquerfearsandto establish self-confidence.

AfterLyza Claire Raquel from the College of Health Sciences (CHS) won Miss MMSU in 2018, another CHS Knight won the title, making it back-to-back wins for the said college.

Jmee Jeanne Tacata, a second-year nursing student, was recently crowned as the winner of the same pageant last January 31 held at the Teatro Ilocandia and live-streamed via MMSU University Student Council (USC) Facebook page.

With 16 Miss MMSU 2022 hopefuls from different colleges from various campuses of the university, Tacata stood out among other lovely candidates.Inaninterview, Tacata shared that she did not expect to be hailed as the new Miss MMSU as other candidates also deserve to win the “Hindicrown.parin nagsinkin sa akin na ano na nanalo ako or that I got the crown, but either way I am proud of myself and I am also proud [of] towards the people that {who] helped

me get where I am right now,” said Tacata. Aside from winning the title, she also got the Best in Long GownTheaward.chosen top six candidates who advanced in the question and answer portion were Brithney Nichole Raguindin (COE), Angelica Ramos (CBEA), Grazielle Reina Laran (CAS), Jmme Jeanne Tacata (CHS), Kayla Miralex Patoc(CBEA), and Gieanne Marie Palacay (CTE).“First of all, I will serve as the voice of the students. I will also help in stopping the spread of self-diagnosis through the internet such as in TikTok or Youtube. I would also advocate and stop the misinformation that is happening, especially to adults and also to students like me, because this mental health is

overlooked,” an excerpt of Tacata’s winning answer.

Gieanne Marie Palacay emerged as first runner-up while Kayla Miralex Patoc won 2nd runner-up.

Other candidates also got minor awards: Britney Nicole Agundin of the College of Engineering (COE) won the Best in Headshot and Best in Runway Walk, Joanna Mae Durias of the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) as Best Introductory Video, Angelica Ramos of College of Business, Economics, Accountancyand(CBEA) as Beauty with a Purpose Awardee, and Gianne Marie Palacay from College of Teacher Education (CTE) as Best in Swimwear.Theboard of judges of the said pageant is Mr. Aian Raquel, Head of the Ilocos Norte Tourism Office, Ms. Krissel Joy Abygail Garduque, Legislative Officer of the House of Representatives,

Mr. Ancher Anthony Cua IV, owner of Applause N’ Cheers, Mr. Randy Leaño, Director of Ms. Laoag City International, and the chairman of the panel, Prof. Arsenio Gallego, the former Director of the Center for Human Movement Studies of MMSU.Meanwhile, University President Shirley C. Agrupis congratulated the organizers of the event, especially the USC.

“The University Student Council has opened the door for all the ladies in the university in selection of the most beautiful and fitting one to carry the Miss MMSU sash and crown,” she said in her message.After four long years, the USC was able to put up the pageant again as one of the highlights of the Students' Day in line with the celebration of the 44th university foundation anniversary of the Mariano Marcos State University.

Ryand Ugalde

Edmar Delos Santos

Sirmata

Agrupis highlights MMSU’s 2021 ACHIEVEments

Tocommemorate Mariano Marcos State University’s 44th Founding Anniversary, the university president, Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis delivered her 2022 State of the University Address highlighting the university’s successes and achievements in line with the Seven-Point agenda, as well as a glimpse of the future in holding high the green and gold during the anniversary convocation last January 20 held at the Teatro Ilocandia and on different online platforms.

The president proudly noted that MMSU retained the passion to go forward, to elevate and excel, and to develop new methods to assist and enhance the lives of the students.

She praised the achievements towards academic excellence.

“MMSU set a new record in the university’s entire history with the biggest number of programs producing top passers,” she said. “We have significantly improved our performance in board exams and we expect to do even better as we continue to beef up our support and calibrate our strategies.”

Moreover, she detailed the accomplishments of the faculty members, stakeholders and students on different ventures.

“Indeed, we are thriving through the so-called ‘new normal.’ But we should not only limit our aggressiveness to meeting the challenges of the present. Our goal should be to define the next normal, a better normal,” Agrupis said.

In closing, Agrupis again thanked and congratulated everyone for all the achievements and new milestones of the university.“Here in MMSU,

we seized HeofservedResourcesEnvironmentofRoyconcluded.willforward.Fromourselvesconstantlyvisionalwaysinmakingcommittedmoreopportunity,thatexploredpossibilities,andourselvestopositivechangethelivesofourpeople,stayingtruetotheofourfounder,andcommittingtoexcellence.herewewillmoveTogether,weachievemore,”sheMeanwhile,Hon.A.Cimatu,secretarytheDepartmentofandNatural(DENR),astheevent’sguesthonorandspeaker.complimentedthe

USC leads Students’ Day 2022

Asone of the main events of the university foundation anniversary celebration, the USC has spearheaded the Students’ Day 2022. Unlike last year, the activities were held on-campus and on different dates that spanned the whole month of January.

Its highlight is the Miss MMSU 2022 pageant.

After four years of hiatus, a new Miss MMSU was crowned on the last day of January. “This year’s edition of Miss MMSU is a revamp of the usual pageant by the different student councils in the university.

Students from the different colleges and laboratory high schools showcased a variety of performances, all while helping

accumulate resources for the Oplan Sappuyot program of the Office of Student Affairs and Services

Thus, the blended word ‘KARUBATAN’ from karagatan and Meanwhile,kagubatan.theCollege of Business, Economics and

university’s successes in the past year for the clear goal and strong determination to succeed despite the COVID-19 greaterherShirleyMMSU“Withoutpandemic.adoubt,thewithPresidentandallofyouinteamwillreachevenheights.Gomake a bigger difference in the lives of our stakeholders. And as you fortify your international partnership and collaborations, make our country, the Philippines, even prouder,” Cimatu said. With the safeguarding,weforenvisioningstrategies.sustainablecenteredinnationalastechnologiesadditionalCimaturesearchersadministration,MMSU’sfaculty,andstudents,hopestoseesystemsanddevelopedwellasinputstopolicymakingsupportofpeople-environmentalanddevelopment“IjoinyouinbiggerdreamsFilipinopeopleasworktogetherinprotecting,

and future proofing our environment,” he added. Furthermore, former members of the university’s board of regents and administrative council were honored for their service to the institution. The event was attended in person by Representative Angelo Marcos Barba of the 2nd District of Ilocos Norte; Vice Governor Cecilia BORofMayorMatthewrepresentingAraneta-Marcos,GovernorM.Manotoc;AlbertChuatheCityofBatac,members,AdCo officials, and other staunch supporters, while representative from other government agencies and MMSU’s strong partners, state universities and colleges (SUCs), attended via Zoom.

Recognizing years of triumphs and achievements, the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) celebrated a month-long festivity for the 44th University celebration.heldatthatAnniversaryFoundationCelebrationstartedonJanuary20.ThanksgivingServiceTeatroIlocandiawasasakick-startfortheTheuniversity officials, directors, chiefs, faculty and staff were present in the venue while the students joined through Facebook live. One highlight of the start of the celebration is the opening of the garden show and Trade Fair at the College of Law (COL)

Shaina Dwine M. Pablo

Ian Paul Villanueva

Dana Meryll Gapas

Qualityeducationwastransformedbecauseofthenationwidehealthpandemictomeettheneedsofanemergingglobal,digital,academicexcellency.Thisyear,qualityeducationisonceagainconfrontedtoservetheneedsofthestudentcollegeswhileachievingandexpandingthepursuit of the Theuniversity.prominence of the university’s milestones was renowned during its 44th partnerprivateacademicandextendedtheofmore”44:theme,CelebrationAnniversaryFoundationwiththe“MMSUatACHIEVEinglastmonthJanuary.Indeed,universityhasitsprogramsstrategicplansinexcellence,andpublicinstitutions,

and emphasizing that MMSU is a accreditationreachedEnvironment;VirtualandFlexibleopenedexaminations;ratesandgeneratedoftheyear,community.multisectoralInthepastMMSUproducedbiggestnumberprogramsthattoppasserspostedhighpassinginlicensureitsCenterforLearningupgradeditsLearningandLevelIVinits11

Sirmata

Relevance. Excellence. Growth.

programs. Combined, the current trend tells us that, taken as a whole, the university is embracing the new realities and new possibilities.Intimes of profound social institutionsinnovativechange,

emerge as profoundly different alternatives to endow students and mainstream college programs. The promise of MMSU at 44 will incrementally adapt to changing conditions, as it has expressedShirleyambitiousatglimpsearesuchandthewemission.currentmaintaininghistorically,itsvisionandInretrospect,canalreadyseeearlyadaptationsthechangesofmagnitudethatcoming.Wecanthefuturethemarginsofvision.MMSUPresidentC.Agrupisinher

fifth SOUA that the university is constantly

committing itself to excellence, shaping the contours into a “University of the Future” by pledging with the Fourth Industrial Revolution (FIRe) as the new norm in its operations to stay relevant and responsive amid various crises. These are not set of incoherent adaptation to changes, because they offer a preview of what the university will likely to normalvaluesembraceuniversityalsoandtheNotwithstandingbe.pandemic,timeprocessarevariables.Thewillhavetotheseshiftingofthenewespeciallythat

it’s taken the first step of opening the campus for face-to-face classes. These values should be rooted in outcomes of quality, it must be student centric rather than the refurbishment of its name on the outside because quality education should still be at the top priority.

“University of the future” is unfolding before our eyes; surely, these kaleidoscopic changes will emanate into better focus if we vanguard these values at the margins of the university’s vision and mission.

Edsel Harry Turda Editor-in-chief / Jamico Cris Jingco; Althea Dela Cruz Associate Editors / Christelle Alynna S. Agustin; Angel Alyssa Pascua; Rizza Swerte Urbina Managing Editors / Grazielle Reina S. Laran; Maria Anna Jessica Rosqueta Circulations Managers / Shaina Dwine Pablo News Editor / Jesusa Mae Sumaoang Features Editor / Princess Alyzza A. Calamayan Literary Editor / Adrianne Lorenzo Corpuz Sports Editor / Anthony Joseph V. Duyao Layout Artist / Neil Bryant Baliao Visuals Editor / Ian Paul R. Villanueva; Dana Meryll Gapas; Graziel Mae G. Ramat; Kyle Nojen O. Andres; James Carlo Lucas; Warren Raciles; Mary Grace Tajon; Marc Louie Pasion Writers / Casmir Remyell Cadiente Photojournalist / Aira Nadine Q. Pascua; Paola Joy Francisco; Lujean Guieb; Illustrators/Graphics Artists / Edmar Delos Santos; Randy C. Gianan Jr.; Hyung Sun James Maestrado; Ryand Angelo Ugalde; Jayson Sabong; Jessa Mariz Corpuz; Christian Jay Perpuse; Correspondents / Prof. Bryan R. Realgo; Prof. Bryan Eli B. Sadorra Technical Advisers / Dr. Editha B. Valdez English Critic / Prof. Djoanna D. Pungtilan Fillipino Critic / Dr. Marlina L. Lino Ilocano Critic

Edsel Harry R. Turda Editor-in-Chief AKO BA?

‘Dinamanngako?naman,ulit-ulitinipagkalandakanniyoatba?ba?pinto.dadaantruckParangkayoTumabimakikiraannagdamitparangtao?peronagbagonakakalipas,dalawangdalawangpanghuhusga.ka,umintindi.rinlahat.magbabagopagdatingaynapa.SiguradobangNaranasanngmoNasubukanmonabangmagingganito?Alambaangpakiramdamnasaposisyonko?monamagingako?akonghindiMahiraphilinginsanaikawnalangako.Angsabinila,ngpanahon,rinangMatututunanngmgataonaNatingnanngwalanghalongNgunitdekada’ttaonnaangoosige,ngaanglahat,angpananawngGanoonpadin.“Anobaiyan,baboynatao!Uy,raw!kayo,bakapa’ymadisgrasya.ten-wheelerbanamankasingsamaliitnaKakasyakaHoy,pssst!”AkoMATABAAKO,alamko!Hindinakailangangatpa.EhanokungmatabaInaanobakayomgabilbilko?Waladiba?“Anoiyan,puno?nanahiyaparang

buto’t balat nagleggings pa! Nagbra pa, akala mo naman may itatago. Eh, hindi mo nga matukoy kung saan ang likod at harap! Hay nako, siguro wala silang kinakain.” Ako ba?

PAYAT AKO, at alam ko! Ano bang pinuputak ng mga butsi niyo? Bakit, inaano ba kayo ng suso ko, ng katawan ko? Wala naman di ba? Kung walang kayong sasabihing

katawan.Taponampangetokeypinapakealaman?dihitapagitanibaka,kungkoniyongbako!BAKLAkababaelalakeKapagngniyangmobaklitangnamanRaul!tumahimikmakikiusapmaganda,nalang,nalangkayo.“Raul!Raul!Angkapalngmukhangito,akalanamanmababagopagdadamitbabaesanasapagitandalawanghitaniya!pinanganakkangkahitmagdamitkapa,lalakepadin!”Akoba?AKO,atalamPinakealamankokunganonggustoisuot?Pinunabaangmukhaniyosamukhangbabaeolalakeka,kahitnamanangnasangdalawangmo?Hindinamanba?Ehbakitmoako“Uy,tingnanniyo,nasanapero,ngmukha.ulo,kainAnoito,

hipon? Sayang naman!” Ako ba? PANGET AKO, at alam ko! Akala mo ba papatulan kita kahit ganito ang mukha ko? Kung magiging maganda ba ako, sa tingin mo magiging tayo? Hindi naman porke’t ganito lang ako ay wala na akong standards. Inaano ba kita?O, ano? Naririndi ka na ba? Mabigat ba? Hinding-hindi mo hihilinging maging ako. Sino ba naman may gustong makutya ng paulit-ulit? Wala. Hindi ko lubos maintindihan kung anong nakukuha ng mga tao sa pagbibigay opinyon nila kahit hindi naman hinihingi. Totoo, may

kanya-kanya tayong opinyon na malayang naihahayag ngunit hindi porke’t may kalayaan kang gamitin ito, ay hindi mo na iisipin ang kahihinatnan nito bago mo gamitin. Hindi lahat ng opinyon mo, gustong mapakinggan. Kung hindi naman hinihingi sa’yo, tumahimik ka na lang. Ano bang mawawala kung ititikom mo ang bibig mo’t hindi manghusga? Mabuhay ng mapayapa. Mag-isip bagoSamagsalita.Filipinas, hindi isa kundi walo sa sampung tao ang nagiging biktima ng taonglangiilangIsangdiskriminasyon.indikasyonnaporsyentonaangnatitirangnakakahinga

ng may maluwag na damdamin. Kritikal, kung mamartapatin. Ito’y kasaklaplamangrepleksyonkunggaanomamuhay sa mundong ganitongnanamanmapanghusga?pagbabagoaasahanmagingbagopaganito?Hanggangandamipanghuhusga,krimentaomasaholdin.anyosano?sinasabingaumasangdiskriminasyonnangngsarili.insikyuridadmayngnapakaramingnailatagbakadahilnanamandepresyonnagkakaroonayonKaramihanmapanghusga.sakanilasaDOH,ngatkunghindiaytakot,takothumarapsamgataosakonotasyongmahusgahanlang.Ilanlangangmganaehemplosakaranasaniba’tibangtaonakanya-kanyangsakanilangNamulatakomaagasamundonapakaramingatmagbabagoangmundotuladngngiba.NgunitBaenteydosnaako,ganoonpaSatinginko,maspangaangmgangayoneh.Kunglangsanaangsiguronangnakulong.kailanbatayoIlangdekadabaanghihintayinnatinmaisip,makatao?MaybatalagangsamundongObakamagigingnormallangsatao,angsitwasyon?

Sirmata Excellence.

‘‘ TO WHICH ARE WE GEARING UP?

AVALANCHE

Forundoubtedlythetwoalmostyears,pandemic

caused twists and turns when it comes to our perspectives. The shift in learning modalities sow the seeds of the general claim that flexible learning is less effective compared to face-to-face meetings. With the university finally holding limited face-to-face sessions, we have heard students expressing sentiments that they’d rather continue taking online classes. This particular change on their preference came from intangible reasons and this boils down to a question: to which are we gearing up, towards academic excellence or towards new problems to university’sisface-to-faceapprovalacknowledge?Inretrospect,thetoconductclassesaproductofthetremendous efforts exhibited for a long time– from the implementation of vaccination programs to the preparation and establishment of safe campus environment are just few to mention. However, it is interesting to note that, aside from the clash between ensuring public

Christelle Alynna Marie S. Agustin Managing Editor

safety and guaranteeing better

studentsin-persontheofstudents.concernsandmentalhighprimarilyeducationalconsequencespandemic-inducedindicateasfortostudentsreasonsillustratesaopportunities,learningthere’sbroaderpicturethatmoreoftheonwhysomedonotappearhavethesamethirstface-to-faceclassestheyhadbefore.Numerousreportsthattheinthelandscapeincludedropoutrates,healthproblemssocio-emotionalamongInthecontextMMSUreachingpointofallowingclasses,somearecarrying

baggage of difficulties that directly affect the options they wish to attain. Some are unfavorable to faceto-face sessions due to shortage on financial resources, such as a sufficient budget to rent dormitories, for allowances and for public onlinejobsbegunhomes.topsychologicallythosealsoexpenses.transportationThereisamentalriskforwhoarenotreadyliveawayfromtheirSomestudentshavetoworkpart-timejuggledwiththeirclasses.When

they started coming to school physically, they could no longer attend to these jobs subsequently losing their source of income. This would exacerbate financial issues and have a significant impact on the student’s ability to finance education. When students are confronted with challenges like these, they are most likely to get more pressured, as it may look that they are unable to keep up with the waves that are approaching them in their academic endeavors.Thewaivers may seem to voice consent, however, the concern on health and safety has still its ink ready to write when something

critical happens within the parameters of the university.Limited face-to-face classes is a gamble inevitably accompanied with risk, and became unaffordable for students. While this is an attempt dressed as an opportunity to reestablish the pre-pandemic era of schooling, students were confronted with not just necessary adjustments, but also new struggles they had never faced before which directly affect their academic performances. The university grounds may have been prepared to the greatest extent possible, but we must keep in mind the long-held belief that

no student should be left behind; everyone must have a lessburdened feet to go along with this ride. The question is, how will the university further address these concerns carried by the students? How can everyone be encouraged to fully believe again to the idea that in-person session is the best option they can have?Both sides of the coin also reveal that it is important to keep students’ academic fires burning so that they can continue to provide warmth and light to their future. Some of these flames must have been extinguished by the pandemic, but at some point, it might be worth noting that the university should or can reignite it. Let’s not grow tired of asking for the basics: considerate professors, championing engaging discussions over linear learning and active interaction over mereHowinstruction.astudent act is always base on his or her understanding and perspective. So, why don’t we acknowledge and address their problems first, then, allowing their desire for academic excellence to emerge naturally?

No student should be left behind; everyone must have a lessburdened feet to go along with this ride.”

Sirmata

HARD CALL

Grazielle Reina S. ManagingLaranEditor

Ourinbeencardsvaccinationhavethemostdemand

identification card. This small rectangular piece of thick paper with a person’s identity on it has been the basis of a person’s validity in our society now. This is our validity in entering establishments where we get our needs. Now that face-to-face classes is back, being fully vaccinated is one of the requirements in joining the said occurrence. The university lead the vaccination roll-out for students that have not been vaccinated on their local government units. With 98% of vaccinated students and 2% unvaccinated, where does this 2% fit?

There are a lot of reasons why these people choose to be Someunvaccinated.oftheseare the following: concern on the side effects of the vaccine, distrust in the government or medicine, questions on the benefit of vaccination, and personal reasons such as religion, culture, etc. These reasons are valid, their choices

should be respected. The vaccination card does not really represent our actual health condition, having it doesn’t mean we cannot become a carrier of the virus and vice versa. Our validity in our society should not always depend on what the dominant number prefer but we should also be able to see clearly on what is at stake. Lives are at stake; we should use our freedom to make choices for the wellness of all.To my co-vaccinated peeps, let us be real, we all thewerenotGettingtobeenusvaccinesandscienceisvaccinedogettingvaccineexperiencedhesitancybeforeourjabs.Wenotknowwhatthecarriesbutitonlyourtrusttothecommunitythetrustthatthesewillallbringbackonwhatwe’veusedtothatleadusgettingthoseshots.vaccinatedwasaneasycall.Weconcernedaboutvaccine’sphysical

effects, but we were even more concerned about what would happen if the vaccine was not used.

It should be us,

vaccinated, be the first to understand what these unvaccinated ones feel. The 2% should not feel outcasted, we must do something for them. These 2% should be our priority. Again, we were all there in the phase of doubt and overthinking of what the vaccines will give us or take from us. As products of vaccination, we should understand them the most for we were there in the hesitancy stage, it’s just that they are a bit more intrigued and taking more time to understand what these vaccines can give them. What can we do?

Let us be a bit more considerate. The academic standing of these letacasestonevervaccinatedunvaccinatedofaclasses,attendbecausemustTrainingclassestheytamperedstudentsunvaccinatedmustnotbejustbecausecannotattendphysically.andlearningnotstopjusttheycan’tface-to-facethereshouldbefairtreatmentinclassthesevaccinatedandones.ThepercentageofstudentswillbeanassurancetheriseofCovid-19andwillneverbeconceretesolutiontothestudentssucceed

in their respective fields. I am not selling the idea that we must not be vaccinated but what I am trying to emphasize is that, being vaccinated should always be a choice and never a requirement. We have to stand for our rights and must not be dictated by the ideology of standardization that the University is inculcating to our system. Well, if their defense is the vaccination percentage is the only solution to fight the rise of Covid-19 cases, then they have not yet researched well the circulation of the said virus. It doesn’t mean that when you are vaccinated you get the full protection, but it’s only to make your system be familiar with the virus and be immuned with it.

Let us share our narratives. It is always our stories that compel others into action. We communicate the things we believe in the best possible way we can and best possible mode of delivery we can use. It’s never too late to aim for that 100%.

We have to stand for our rights and must not be dictated by the ideology standardization.”of ‘‘

Esports Mania

If there would be a Mt. Rushmore for the several rescuers from the abyss of inactivity during this pandemic, the rise of Esports will surely be included. Since its early days, the graph for online games has only seen an increase in attention and popularity. Now, the lack of physical-centric activities, along with the factors of trend and gaming influence, pointed the spotlight to the Esports scene, elevated the competitive online gaming into its prominent era. In fact, it is so prominent these days that Mariano Marcos State University held its first major university-wide 3-game Esports mania for its 44th foundation anniversary. It featured three online games commonly played by students and gamers alike. Besides Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, MMSU also managed to conduct a tournament for PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds: Mobile, and for Valorant. From the long history of amateur tournaments for varying online games, the call of

As the most popular game in the pocket, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang served as the highlight of the Esports tournament. The relatable set of heroes, entertaining gameplay, and fierce battling, MLBB made the online competition popular to Stallions. Not to mention the inspiring effect of the contest to invite ofmagnifyfutureentrants,upcomingandumpirerivalriesthatwilltheintensitythegames.

The tournament proper for Mobile Legends: Bang Bang included a two-bracket format which enabled the managerstournamenttodraft a round robin approach for the enlistment of the top 4 teams of each bracket. The eventual two top 4s collided in a best of 3 manner for the semis of which the triumphants faced in a best of 5 finals match up.For the result, the grand finals of the Mobile Legends

Tournament was played between Team Maki (COE), and Omicron (CAS), the top-seeded squads from bracket A and bracket B, respectively. The series ended with a 3-0 sweep for Team Maki, headed by team captain Carl Garcia.BryleAchuela,ArjayJaysonCarl(champion)Salvacion.TeamMakimembers:JuliusSalvacion,Laforga,JamesAcosta,NhicoJohnCalvinTomon,Jhonray

While the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang has the moniker of gunshots, the real gun show game with literal explosive matches is indicatedmobiletransitionPCemphasizedoftheasMobile.BattlegroundsPlayerUnkown’sAlsoknownPUBG:Mobile,originalversionthegamewasasagame,yetthetotheplatformthatthe game is onsquad,duo,aeither100employsroyalcounterpart.asentertainingaddictivehighlyanditsoriginalThisbattlegameplayers,assolo,ora

After its conclusion, Ma. Karel Mariñas, president of the host college’s student council (CAS), shared her thoughts on the event.

“The presence of esports mended our drive to do things beyond our capacity. In this pandemic era, we’ve been neglected with a lot of physical activities or sports in general,” said Mariñas in her opening statement.Shefurther elaborated on why Esports is now a prominent feature that the university must have in terms of displaying the raw potential of students who may have a future in the professional scene.

“Esports helps us cope with our motivation to compete with our athletic ambitions…This esports tournament not only satisfied our need to showcase our mechanical skills, but it also structured a very bright and strong future of esports here in the university,” declared Mariñas.

for MMSU 44th

students to bring an official Esports contest has satisfied the thirst of the competitive Stallions for paramount showcasing of skills.The

MMSU Esports tournament was administered by the College of Arts and Sciences and University Student Council. It required the 8 different colleges to send their most practiced and most seasoned participants to contend against the best of their fellow challengers. In total, a massive number of 38 teams combined in all of the 3 games raised the banner of their own factions. The teams wrestled and combated from January 14, to January 18, and at its conclusion, the deserving winners acclaimed their unrivaled spot at the top.

specific maps for survival. For the tournament itself, MMSU umpired 10teamsPUBGMthatbattledtheirwaythroughblazinggunsandhigh-calibretactical

execution.Forthe results, the host college (CAS) dominated throughout the whole tournament and obtained both 1st and 2nd places via their representative teams ITlog and Seeknkill, led by Patrick Borja and Leigh Aloha Badua,

When asked about the future plans of the student council, Mariñas reiterated her strong beliefs on the students’ potential to develop their skills and how they need to be exposed to larger events.“Ibelieve we have great talents here in our university and right now we are just needing bigger stages to showcase it. Luckily, we already started these ‘bigger stages’, like this one,” Mariñas concluded.Thereis no doubt for the students, gamer or not, that the tournament held a strong foundation for the future of not only Esports, but also the bright path of the students in the world of competitive gaming. While considered as a success, the succeeding years are now ought to continue this exciting tradition of which exemplifies the presence of skills and competitive spirit of the Stallions.

A game popularised by its amusing and enjoyable gameplay, Valorant is a staple household name for the gamers who are into volatile and rapid matches. Contrary to the requiresgames,aforementionedValorantaplayerof a capable computer, in addition to the differing gaming peripherals, and a stable internet to play. While this may retract many stallions from playing it competitively, the situation for the Esports tournament suggested otherwise.Whileit may sound simple to one’s eyes, there are a lot of

determining elements that contribute to a match of a Valorant. From the picking of agents in certain maps, up to the rapport and team chemistry of the squad, as well as the mechanical prowess of the players, Valorant is a certain platform for the Stallions to showcase their capabilitymaximumasan Esports player.

10 total teams from the different colleges combated for the prestigious recognition of being the champion. And in its conclusion, the squad from College of Engineering, COE to the moon, led by Jovencarl Java managed to incur no series losses in their Cinderella run, as they pummeled their way through the finals with a 3-1 gentleman sweep over EZW Ensign E (LHS-Laoag).COEtothe moon (champion) members: Jovencarl Java, Joshua Tomas, Marc Adonis Asuncion, Arylle Jake Nifalar, Raymund Jan Pedro, Russel Piedad.

Sirmata

Relevance. Excellence. Growth.

“Ay wait, makapag-post muna nga sa Tiktok.”

“Baka nagchat na si crush.”

“Malayo pa naman deadline, makapagscroll nga muna sa fb”

“Lose streak na naman sa ML, last game na promise” “Hala, deadline na ng report ko bukas, wala pa akong nasisimulan.”

“Bahala na si batman.”

Pamilyar ba ang mga linyahang ‘yan sa inyo? Marami sa atin ay may gawi na madalas ipinagpapaliban ang ilan sa ating mga gawain. Ito ay ang tinatawag na procrastination o ang habit ng pagpapaliban at pag-iwas sa iyong mga gawain. Sa new normal na ating kinahaharap, malaking pagbabago ang nangibabaw. Maraming estudyante ang tambak ng sandamukal na “school activities”, mga takdang-aralin o “school requirements.” Na sa halip na mga manliligaw ang pumipila sa kanila ay araw-araw silang pinipilahan ng essay, reflection paper, reaction paper, thesis, poster, infographic at samahan pa ng video nila sa P.E. At habang nagpo-procrastinate ang iba, dito na papasok ang pagtaas ng stress at isyung pangkalusugan. Ngunit huwag nang mabahala! Dahil may baong bagong “study tips” si Parekoy Sirmata sa kaniyang mga kaibigang estudyante. Epektibo! Produktibo! At mapapa “GOODBYE STRESS” ka!

STUDY TIPS NI PAREKOY SIRMATA

Ang paggawa ng list things to do ay isang malaking tulong para sa mga estudyante dahil ipinapaalala nito ang mga dapat tapusin o gawin o kaya mga itinakdang pagsusulit o mahalagang meeting na dapat salihan. Sa paglilista ng mga dapat gawin, unahing isulat ang mga gawain na malapit sa itinakdang petsa ng pasahan o kaya naman mga gawain na di masyado mahirap upang maayos mapamahalaanmongang iyong oras. Sa pamamagitan nito, nahihimay ng isang estudyante ang kaniyang mga gawain sa itinakdang oras na paggawa at maipapasa nang maaga bago ang itinakdangpetsa ng pasahan.

Isang paraan para di magahol sa oras ay unahin ang mga dapat unahing ipasa at malapit sa itinakdang-petsa ng pasahan. May mga binibigay na gawain ang mga guro na bukas na ang petsa ng pasahan at yung iba sa mga susunod na linggo. Upang di ka matambakan ng sandamakmak na gawain, unahin mong tapusin ang mga dapat ipasa kinabukasan, at mga susunod na gawain sa sumunod na araw.

Maari kang gumawa ng plano, outline sa gagawing essay o kaya naman sketch kung poster ang pinagawa sa iyo. Isa pang paggamitnagingitinakdangangparaan,mobodyipapamalasoyungkonseptonilayorasnifbmagscrolltuwingpakinabanganmagandangnaorasaygabinasahalipnangscrollsaatmagihintayngreplycrushaygamitinangnaitoparamagnilaysakunganongmogagawinreactionpapermokayakungpaanomoangtotalwork-outvideosaP.E.Saganitongmapapabilispaggawangmgagawaindahilmakabuluhanangmongoras.

Isa sa bawatatangpagsusulit,tuwingsahabangngngmapabilisibangibavideospanonoodkaniyanginihahanaykaalamanatmoduleangmasyadoisangmaylearningmoangparaanpinakamahalagangmgaupangmaiwasanstressaypaggamitngiyongsarilingstyle.Minsanmgapagkakataonangestudyantenahindinaiintindihanmganakapaloobsalearningmaterialmaslumalawakangnitokapagniyaangsarilisangeducationalhinggildito.Mayringpamamaraanangestudyanteupangangpaggawamgagawainnitogayapakikinigngmusicgumagawaatpagrerebyunamanmalapitnaangepektiborinpagsusulatngnotesmgamnemonicsngkonsepto.

Ano ba ang layunin mo kung bakit mo ito ginagawa? Dahil ba requirement at pinagawa kasi ng guro mo o dahil gusto mong matuto? Ang isang angsiguradongineresadonga,bakitnghindimalalimgawainmganito,kungkapalaranito’ydiwasapinapagawabawatisapusokinakailnganestudyante,niyangatisaisipangtinuturoatngmgagurokanyaatlawakanangngpagkatutonapartengkaniyangsabuhaydahilwalasiyaniisawalangsilbiangpinapasaniyangmgaatmaguugatitonastressdahilniyahinanapanpatutunguhankungitonag-aaral.Ikakungmahalmoatkangmatuto,produktibobawatarawmo.

Sirmata

FROM A NATIVE TASTE-BUD’S TASTE BUDS

Sweet,

sour, salty, and bitter –good food will make life way, way better. Add some more for the umami flavor –don’t be shy, take what you are craving for! Being able to visit and stay in other places in Ilocos gave me the oppor tunity to have a taste of the food that they proudly offer. The Ilocos region is well-known for its cultural heritage sites and various tourist spots both from Southern and Northern part –and along with the sceneries and experiences that satisfy the eyes –their delicacies satisfies the stomach in addition to one’s soul.

Tinubong is one of the delicacies that can be found throughout Ilocos. It is a mixture of ground glu tinous rice, strips of young coconut meat, and sugar cooked in coconut milk. Although it seemed to have the same ingredients as ka lamay, tinubong is different on how it is prepared and cooked. The ingredients are placed in the “tubong” or the inner node of a bolo or bamboo, and then cooked in dug rectangular holes which are considered as traditional cooking stoves. In the municipal ity of Tagudin, the most southern part and consid ered to be the Gateway to Ilocandia, they celebrate a traditional thanksgiving on every last Friday of January

and tinubong as the main dish along other Ilocano delicacies, were offered to their patron saint as a token of gratitude for every farmer’s bountiful harvest. The bamboo-ish taste and smell of tinubong is what makes it unique and more special. Taste-bud’s taste buds cornkornikhand,bananathenputtingpriortionalandricecacylamaycookCandonproducedIlocos.pasalubongsweetchichacornKalamayapprove!andisafamousandsaltysnackandcomboofThesearemostlyintheCityofwherethelocalsthesedelicacies.Kaisastickysweetdelimadeoutofglutinousflour,coconutmilk,brownsugar.Tradiwrappingofkalamaytocelophanesincludeitinacoconutshellwrappedwithdredhusk.OntheotherIlocoschichacornorismadebysoakingkernelsinwaterfor

days and then deep frying it in oil with a specific range of temperature for it to be satisfyingly crunchy. It comes in different flavors –classic, sweet, adobo, chili, barbecue, and cheese. This one is obviously ready to fire up taste buds!

Going further north, the Ilocos region of fers something locals.knownmainandlonganisa,withsincemouth-watering,more…literally,thesefoodarepairedSukangIloko!Ilocosempanada,bagnetareoneofthedishesthataremuchtotouristsaswellasTheycanbefound

in almost every food kiosks in the region, especially in Vigan and Batac City, since the people have their own versions of empanada and longanisa, respectively. Vigan is garlicy in flavour of longanisa and empana da, as what my taste buds say. Although that is the case, even a single bite can determine that the Ilocano spirit is poured in every ingredient included.

These delicacies comes in different flavors, tex tures,and way of cooking, and are just one of the many dishes that we, Ilo canos, are proud of. These dishes do not only serve as a platter that we offer to tourists, but also serves as something more than its taste or aroma –something that goes beyond our taste buds.Something that surely satisfies the heart, and of course –our stomach!

Graziel Mae Ramat

ElpisAmidst Cerebro’sChaos

Entry 718. Stop chasing after people and being the only one trying to fix everything. You have to find peace with whoever comes and goes in your life. Don’t be the only one putting in effort because you will lose yourself trying to save someone else. I smiled bitterly after reading that entry from Code:Synéchise. It’s an account Twitter that would post words of encouragement to those who need to hear it. Synéchise is a Greek word that translates as keep going. On the account’s bio, the words Endroit Sûr was written. It means somewhere you feel at ease; a safe place. It encourages whoever reads it to keep going no matter how difficult it is. After all, when Pandora opened the box and hell broke loose, only Elpis remained. And just like the owner of the said account, I wanna be a ray of hope to others, for I am Selene, the brightest light despite being surrounded by Erebus.

Jesusa MaeSumaoang

Looking after yourself doesn’t only mean taking care of your physical health, but also your mental health.

In order to take care of your mental health, you need to Talk about your feelings. Opening up about what you genuinely feel inside is very difficult, as not everyone would understand it. But talking about what you feel helps you stay in good mental health. It also allows you to deal with the times when you feel troubled. Keep active. Doing some regular ex ercise allows you to concentrate better, and boost your self-esteem. By ex ercising, it also helps you keep both your brain and vital organs healthy. Make sure to eat properly and don’t skip meals. In order for it to function in optimum capacity, your brain needs a mix of of nutrients for it to also stay healthy. Drink moderately and sensibly. When we are troubled, we can’t help but get some good drink. Some peo ple would tend to think that by consuming alcohol, it will help you forget your worries or loneliness. Sure, that’s partly true, but its effects is only temporary. Once you’re so ber, you’ll remember every single thing you try to forget over and over again. Drinking is not an advisable way to manage your feelings. Drinking oc casionally is fine, but you should limit your alcohol intake according to your tolerance, and don’t be too dependent on it.

Keep in touch. When things get tough, having deep talks with someone you trust is advisable. You don’t need to keep everything in. There are people out there who are willing to listen to you, even strangers. As other people say, sometimes even a stranger is a better listener, as they won’t judge you for baring your vulnerable side to them. Ask for help. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness. If you really cannot handle things on your own anymore, don’t hesitate to seek help from others.

Take a break, don’t push yourself too much. Changing your pace and environment is another way to take care of yourself. Its not bad to reward yourself some me time, in order not to drain or exhaust yourself. Engage yourself into something you enjoy. Indulging yourself into activities you enjoy doing helps you to beat stress, and to also boost your self-esteem.

Accept and love yourself for who you truly are, not what others want you to be. This might be a tough one to do, as there are a lot of reasons and traumas that prevent us from accepting and loving every part of us. But bear in mind that we are unique and beautiful in our own ways. Its healthier to accept who you truly are, rather than living a somebody else’s shadow. You don’t need to hide. And how can others accept you, if you can’t even accept yourself? Having a good self-esteem helps you cope up with the difficulties life will make you face head on. Lastly, care for others. Caring and sympathizing with others allows you to establish strong bonds with others, and it will bring you closer to them. With all the challenges life brings to us, we can’t help but be vulnerable at times. We are humans with emotions after all. That is why we need to learn how to take care of ourselves, both physically and mentally, so that in the future, we will be able to create a better version of ourselves. A stronger and more resilient version of us. We are stronger than we think we are. And as long as the sun keeps rising in the east, there’s always Elpis to keep us going. Keep going, my bravest!

Sirmata

Relevance. Excellence. Growth.

Namamangha

pa rin ako sa mga nangyari sa buhay ko mula noong dumating si Derick sa aking buhay ang matagal ko ng pinapangarap na lalake. Matipuno at gwapo wala na akong mahihiling pa. Siya ang kumumpleto sa buhay ko at sa aking naghihingalong puso na noon pa man ay nakiki ”sana all” lang sa tiktok. Ngunit ngayon masasabi kong “sana all no more!”

Magmula noong araw na nakilala ko siya ay nagsimula na ring makulayan ang aking munting paraiso na ako lang ang may alam. Sa wakas, araw-araw ay pppmayroon na ring nagsasabi sa aking mga “Mahalkatagangnamahalkita

luv…Mag-ingat ka palagi… Miss na kita.” Ito ang nagpapakiliti sa aking puso at nagpapatunay na hindi ko na kailangan pa ng sino man o ng anumang bagay sa aking buhay sapagkat makita ko lang siya sa aking tabi ay sapat na upang magkaroon ng saysay ang aking paghinga sa mundong mapaglaro.Dali-dali na akong bumangon at naghilamos pagkatapos ay magluluto na rin para sa aming umagahan. Kailangan kong gumising ng maaga dahil sa aking trabaho bilang isang nars. Mahirap pero kinakaya lalo na ngayon na kailangan kong mag-ipon para mapakasalan ko na ang aking pinakamamahal na kasintahan.Alamko, na hindi na siya maghahanap pa ng iba sapagkat ibinibigay ko lahat ng bagay na gusto niya at sinusunodnamanlahatngutosna kaniyang ipinapagawa. Ginising ko na ang aking iniirog dali-dali kong hinalikan siya sa pisngi at nagpaalam sapagkat ako ay mahuhuli na sa aking trabaho. Ngunit bago pa man ako makaalis ay naramdaman ko ang kaniyang mainit na mga kamay sa aking pupulsuhan at ako’y napalingon.

“I love you luv! Ingat sa trabaho mo.,” mahinahong sabi niya habang suotsuot ang matamis na mga ngiti na hindi ko kalian man pagasasawaan. Ang ngiting tumunaw sa aking nagyeyelong puso.

“Mahal din kita luv.,” tugon ko sa kaniya at agad na tumakbo palabas ng bahay papunta sa sakayan ng bus. Kailangan kong magcommute ngayon dahil ipinapaayus ko pa ang aking kotse.Habang ako ay nagmamadali hindi ko namalayan na mayroon palang nakaharang na bato sa aking bumabagsakDahan-dahandinaraanan.akongsalupakasamangakingputing

uniporme na konapansinnasaparangmukhakoangtumayokamalayan.doonestrangherongnaestranghero.sabimala-anghelmatakongakingmgamalambotangtadhanangmatakomadudumihansiguradongdin.Ipinikitnalamangangakingmgaathinayaankonaangdumiktakunganomangyayarisaakin.Nagtakaakosapagkatnamedyomaymatitigasnaparteangkinabagsakan.Unti-untiiminulatangakingmgaatnakitakoangisangnamukha.“Nasalangitbaako?,”kosagwapomg“Huymiss,nangagalaykamaykooh!,”tugonnggwapoataynagisingangakingAgadakongngmatuwidatinayusakingsarili.Ngayonlangmasnatitiganangniya,tunaynganganghelangakingharapanatna

naka-uniporme din siya ng katulad sa akin.

“Jay nga pala, nars din na katulad mo.,” mahinahon na sabi niya habang nakangiti at inabot ang kaniyang kamay. Sa hindi ko malaman na dahilan ay bigla na lang tumitibok nang napakalakas ang aking puso at tila huminto ang oras sa pagkatataong iyon. Inabot ko ang aking mamasa-masang kamay at ako ay nagpakilala rin.

Jusko po, siya na ba ang aking “the one” ? Napatanong ako sa aking sarili “Sapat na nga ba si Derick?”“Hay, hindi ko na Gggrrrr!”alam!

INNOCENT’S CRY

James Carlo R. Lucas

On the alley, The downpour of rain Thestarts.sound of every drop From the rusty roofs Fade the noise of the Bullyinggunshots.bullets pierced Through the flesh of the Frominnocent.nothing, their anger

“Shootresonates,them all!” says their Onmaster.the alley, The victim lies – lifeless. Another unsolved case Of abuse in power. Badged cops walk freely on WhereEarth their victims were buried.

Perhaps, fear is the cause Of turning a blind eye to Butthese.fear is nothing Compared to the lives lost. To fear is to tolerate Weinjustice.aregreater than this –For the power that people Isholdgreater than the people In power.

Warren Raciles

SIRMATA, commits itself to link, bridge the gap and continually host the interaction of the stakeholders of the University - the students, schools administrator and the community towards desirable educational and socio-cultural development objectives, promote and preserve Filipino cultures and traditions, and catalyze community response and action in national and local issues.

SIRMATA, the official publication of the college students Mariano Marcos State University is envisioned to be the principal student organization to advocate social consciousness. Uphold and advance the rights of students, and promote their general welfare through fair, balanced, innovative and responsible campus journalism