The Angelite - Contagion Newsletter

ART BY John Michael B. Manalastas (@nhillarts)

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the contagion

contagion OFFICIAL 2020 NEWSLETTER OF THE ANGELITE

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the contagion PHOTO BY Karen C. Salunga

HAU concedes, freezes TOFI The student body through united, and independent representations composed of petitions, protest actions, and dialogues pulled off a victory as the University announced the halting of the 6% Tuition and 22% miscellaneous fee increase for the Academic Year 2020 - 2021.

“Ipinapakita rin nito na ang pwersang nagkakaisa ng masang estudyante at ang alyansa ng mga publikasyon, organisasyon at mga student council departments na posibleng maigpawan ang anumang pahirap na polisiyang nais ipatupad ng pamantasan.” said HAU Speak Now, an alliance of student councils, publications and organiza-

tions in Holy Angel University.

This move of the University was made possible through dialogues, petitions and protest actions initiated by the student body.

Actions such as the 4-point position paper appealed by the University Student Council resulted into a series of College Student Council - Admin consultations and the 7-Point demand petition and the #HAUyokoNa online protest in a combined effort of the University Student Council ,The Angelite and Anakbayan HAU with College Student councils, publications and organizations through the HAU SPEAK

NOW alliance.

Nationwide TOFI fight amidst COVID “Student councils, as the premiere youth formation in colleges and universities, stand in solidarity with the people directly and indirectly affected by the Covid-19 crisis, which is a factor mainly of a system that perpetuates the commercialization of both education and health services,” said the National Union of the Student Philippines as stated in their 5 Student Demands petition.

The union also said that the lack of preparedness of the government when

signed by 32 University Student Councils in both public and private institutions across the country including the Holy Angel University Student Council.

TOFI continues - CHED “On the part of the universities they may need a bigger tuition increase because they have to compensate for lost income because for example if there is no summer class, there is no revenue on the part of the private universities for summer.” said Commision on Higher Education Chairman Prospero de Vera.

BY Jhon Marco D. Magdangal

Mga manggagawa ng GL, nagwelga

PHOTO BY Marienel C. Calma

BY Klenia Ern B. Mendiola

USC painted green and yellow

BY Jhon Marco D. Magdangal

After four years of the USC being dominated by a single party, fifth year engineering Sibul candidate claims victory for the chairmanship position in the 2020 - 2021 USC elections alongside Kayabe’s external and internal VP candidates.

“Patungkol sa maaaring iba-iba kami ng pamamaraan, makakatulong yun upang matimbang namin kung ano ‘yong mas makakabuti para sa ating lahat.

Actually, the three of us were already coordinating with each other, given that

it comes COVID - 19 gave rise to the inability for the educational sector to adjust to the situation including also unprioritized public health care, and weak policies protecting our workers, and among others.

The 5 student demand includes the call suspension of online classes, stop collection of fees and impending tuition and other fees incr ease, sustain teaching and non teaching staff salaries, preserve student representation through genuine student councils, and to stop the railroading of anti - student and repressive policies such as ROTC. The petition is supported and

the summer period is our preparation before we start our term, and I find it productive and harmonious as early as now. We work as a team, and so far, the chem works.” said Paul Ernest Carreon, the USC chairman elect, when asked on how will the USC chairpersons work together in lieu if their differences.

Along with Carreon is, with Jonard Balilu as Vice President - External (Kayabe) and Clarisse Elizabeth Revestir as Vice President - Internal (Kayabe).

Iba’t ibang unyon ng mga manggagawa mula Gitnang Luzon ang sunod-sunod na naglunsad ng kilos-protesta bitbit ang kanya-kanyang mga panawagan simula Pebrero hanggang Marso laban sa mga kumpanya na kanilang kinabibilangan.

Sa Clark, Pampanga ang Kapit-Bisig ng Manggagawa (KBM) ng Asian Sports Apparel Philippines (ASAPHIL), ang Nagkakaisang Manggagawa ng Cherubin (NMC) ng Meycauayan, Bulacan at kamakailan lang ang mga manggagawa ng Yokohama Tires Philippines, Inc. sa Clark, Pampanga.

Ayon kay Angel Gulpan - Adorza, treasurer at tagapagsalita ng KBMA, katapos ng pagkapanalo ng kanilang unyon noon Certification Election noong nakaraang taon ng ika-1 ng Hunyo, naglabas ng abiso ang kumpanya na isang buwan na force leave sa mga manggagawa, na nagpatuloy hanggang ipinabatid nito sa Department of Labor and Employment Region III (DOLE-Region III) na ito ay ipasasara noong ika28 ng Nobyembre, 2019.

“Ang pagkasa namin ng picket-protest laban sa kumpanya ng Asaphil ay para labanan ang mga paglabag sa aming mga batayang karapatan bilang manggagawa.” saad ni Adorza.

Nagpa-abot din ng suporta ang Worker’s Alliance in Region III (WAR III) and National Federation of Labor-KMU (NAFLU-KMU). Mariin namang kinokondena ng WAR III ang ASAPHIL Inc. sa paglabag ng batayang batas ng mga manggagawa at ang hindi pagkilala sa nabuong unyon.

Ayon kay Pol Viuya, ang tagapangulo ng WAR III, “Ang pagpapalabas ng abisong force leave ay isang paraan ng union busting at refusal to bargain.

Ito ay isang karaniwang gawain ng mga kumpanya hindi lamang upang makakuha ng kita kun’di ginagamit itong instrumento upang atakihin ang mga bagong tatag na mga unyon.”

Maging ang punong kalihim ng NAFLU si Tony Pascual ay nakiisa rin sa laban ng unyon, “The illegal closure of the company without prior consultation to avoid negotiation with the elected union of the workers should be

denounced.”

“Hangga’t walang malinaw na pagtugon ang kumpanya, hindi kami aalis sa kinatatayuan namin. Ang laban na ito ay hindi lang laban ng unyon namin, kundi laban din ng mga manggagawa sa loob ng Clark para sa kanilang karapatan sa tiyak na trabaho, sapat na sahod at karapatan mag-union.”

Dagdag ni Pascual.

Protests across the region Matapos ang piket-protest ng mga manggagawa ng ASAPHIL, sinundan naman ito ng mga Nagkakaisang Manggagawa ng Cherubin (NMC) - NAFLU - KMU mula Cherubin Gardens sa Meycauayan, Bulacan, para irehistro ang kanilang mga panawagan hinggil sa kasiguraduhan sa trabaho at pagkilala sa kanilang unyon.

Nagsara ang Cherubin Gardens sa Meycauayan, Bulacan matapos ang sama-samang pagkilos ng mga manggagawa at pagtatagumpay na maitayo ang kanilang unyon.

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Rappler sympathizes with HAU’s twitter trend #HAUyokoNa

BY Jay-Ar M. Turla

BY Erica Clare B. Garcia Thousands of local women, children and men alike participated in the One Billion Rising movement all over the country.

Expressed through flash mobs or dance sequences performed in public, it seeks to call out the total end of gender-based violence, especially to women and girls.

Since its first debut in 2012, OBR is in fact the biggest international campaign with such a mission that happens in more than 180 countries and everyone is welcomed to engage in this yearly phenomenon.

According to onebillionrising. org, statistics show that 1 in 3 women worldwide may have or will possibly experience physical and/or sexual abuse during her lifetime. That staggering number equates to more than 1 billion of girls and women out of the 7 billion world population.

PHOTO FROM Rappler

After Holy Angel University (HAU) released the recent enrollment and opening timeline, Rappler, one of the widely known online news websites in the Philippines sympathized with the HAU’s twitter trend #HAUyokoNa as it issues an article amplifying the call of the Angelites to heed the 7-point demands, a petition filed to the administration.

The trended hashtag, #HAUyokoNa has been escalated rapidly online as the university is much in a rush of the enrollment period and opening of classes amidst Coronavirus (COVID-19), compromising the essential needs of the

Locals engage in a choreographed global movement

students – to be financially stable and ensure the health and safety in this time of pandemic.

With a total of 12.3k tweets, making it trending at number 2 nationwide, and “Holy Angel University” to be on the trending slot in the latter, memes, personal sentiments, and call to actions have been circulating in the media from the various ‘tweeters’, even those outside from the university showed condemnation to the inconsiderate and anti-poor policies of the university.

Initiated by The Angelite, University Student Council, Anakbayan HAU, and HAU Speak Now in alliance with

college student councils and student publications, the 7-point demands include (1) moving the opening of classes in accordance to the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ), (2) no to online classes, (3) Tuition and Other Fees Increase (TOFI) freeze, (4) present a clear and definite breakdown of the fees, (5) deduct the payment from the unused services, (6) ensure the income of all the employees, and (7) retract the payment from the summer classes; provide student discounts not loans.

This online protest asks for an accessible quality education as this is the university’s long-life mission in navigat-

PHOTO FROM Kadamay Metro Clark

ing the Angelites towards their greater future. It also seeks for leniency and sensible consideration to the students as the virus has colossal plight to deal with, either in mental state of perplexity or in social dilemma.

Punto Central Luzon, iOrbit News Online, and Kodao Productions have also published news articles online, highlighting the tweets of the Angelites in a call for attention to heed the students’ demands with the administration.

To date 9,372 people have signed in one with the Angelite 7-point demands along with comments of support and sentiments both from parents and students.

Mga manggagawa.., from page 2 Libong mga unyon ng mga empleyado (Alliance of Yokohama Employees) naman ang nagsagawa ng welga sa Yokohama Tires Clark Pampanga kamakailan lang. Ayon sa kanilang bitbit na panawagan “Ibigay ang karapatang pasahod at tamang trato ng mga manggagawa.”

Workers situation in the PH context Sa buong bansa, nagrerehistro ng mga panawagan ang mga manggagawa hinggil sa kasiguraduhan sa trabaho at pagkilala sa kanilang karapatan. Kasabay ng hostage taking ng 30 na indibidwal na naganap sa Greenhills ng isang nasisanteng security guard na si Alchie Paray, natalakay ang diskuro ukol sa sitwasyon ng mga manggagawa sa ating bansa.

Ayon sa Inquirer, nagawa ni Paray ang mag hostage nang matanggal siya sa kanyang trabaho dahil the ‘korapsyon’ ng kanyang nakatataas. Base naman sa International Labor Organization, 7 hanggang 10 milyong mga manggagawang Filipino ay kontraktwal.

Noong 2019, matatandaan na hindi pinirmahan ni Duterte ang Security of Tenure Bill o siyang magpawawakas ng kontraktwalisasyon sa bansa.

The intended influence The global dance of resistance is a call to action to primarily fight against all forms of violence against women, including transgender women and those who identify themselves with other gender expressions.

The Global Campaign Director of OBR Monique Wilson also emphasized that art can be utilized as a powerful and creative form of resistance to address the roots of patriarchy and misogyny that are still being normalized in today’s society all across the globe. The mass action of dancing in public draws more attention that may be intriguing for other people to know more about the cause.

Rise, resist, unite Over time, One Billion Rising has developed its campaign to condemn a variety of social issues that do not merely just inflict over women’s welfare, but for every marginalized sector in society. Their vision of intersectionality has paved its way to fight tyranny and human rights abuses that are often overlooked in spite of their blatant persecution to the people.

Other issues this movement fights for include homophobia, transphobia, corporate greed, racial justice, climate destruction, and more.

GABRIELA, Kadamay, Amihan, and several other organizations led the local OBR campaign throughout the country. Just at the Bayanihan Park in Angeles City, different groups also gathered to participate in the OBR, dancing and chanting to rise, resist and unite to address violence against women, plunder and corruption, human rights violations, unemployment, improper land distribution, and other social issues.

“We rise - in countries across the world - to show our local communities and the world what one billion looks like and shine a light on the rampant impunity and injustice that survivors most often face. We rise through dance to express joy and community and celebrate the fact that we have not been defeated by this violence. We rise to show we are determined to create a new kind of consciousness - one where violence will be resisted until it is unthinkable,” stated from a Facebook post of One Billion Rising Philippines.

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Calingo: The education of our youth must push through

BY Jhon Marco D. Magdangal

In dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic, the University will implement the ‘blended’ classes wherein both online and laboratory classes will simultaneously ensue for the upcoming 1st semester of A.Y 2020 - 2021.

According to the announcement posted by the administration, online classes will begin on July 20, while the blended classes will be implemented once social mobility among the students is allowed.

“The education of our youth must continue despite COVID-19. We cannot relegate education to a lower priority as history has been replete

with examples of foregone human development when education had been interrupted.” said Dr. Luis María R. Calingo, the University President of the Holy Angel University in the Memorandum Circular Number 8 Series of 2020.

Besides the blended classes, the University also developed the ‘Student Economic Relief Package’ as a response to the current state of the economy according to the Memorandum released by the University.

The Memorandum Circular Number 8 series of 2020 can be accessed through the Official Website of the Holy Angel University.

Underground chinese hospitals in Pampanga raided

BY Klenia Ern B. Mendiola Police uncovered an illegal makeshift medical facility for Chinese citizens in two different locations in Pampanga last May 19 and 28; a villa in Fontana Leisure Park inside Clark Freeport Zone and a rented house near the Korea Town.

The Angeles city information office released a statement with regards to the incursion, “An illegal underground medical facility in Korean Town, Barangay Anunas was shut down on May 28, 2020, as Angeles City Mayor Carmelo ‘Pogi’ Lazatin Jr., in coordination with National Bureau of Investigation, Food and Drug Administration and Philippine National Police, raided the

makeshift medical facility, where two Chinese nationals were arrested.”

Officials were able to pinpoint that these underground hospitals were for Chinese patients who tested positive for coronavirus. The drug store, which apparently lacked FDA permit to operate, was selling Chinese-labeled medicines and medical products. Chinese-labeled testing kits for COVID-19 were also recovered by the FDA raiding team.

The patients in the 300-hectare residential resort were also found to be Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGO) Chinese workers. However, the leisure park was shutdown by CDC.

PHOTO FROM Flipboard

HAU to push online instructions this August

BY Jay-Ar M. Turla As Central Luzon is placed under General Community Quarantine (GCQ), Holy Angel University (HAU) plans to open the academic year 20202021 on August until December for the first semester thru online classes with Canvas application as the prime learning platform.

July 15, being the initial plan for the first day of online instruction, was moved to a later date, August 10 for college, while August 24, 25, and 26 for Grade 7-12, Grade 1-6, and Nursery & Kinder, respectively.

Amidst the pandemic, the university pushes through the scheduled enrollment period, tuition

fee payment thru online transfer or over-the-counter makes the first step in college enrollment. The university also offers three possible choices on the process of the enrollment; online enrollment, telephonic enrollment, and in-campus enrollment once the government allows in-campus activities. The entirety of the steps and its further details were released by the university.

The university’s opening of classes is subject to changes as HAU adheres to the government pronouncement and to Commission on Higher Education (CHED).

HAU to be transparent on unused fees

BY Jay-Ar M. Turla As the first semester of Academic Year 2020-2021 is under online instructions, Holy Angel University ensures to deduct unused fees and to fully utilize miscellaneous fees despite of facing virtual activities, more so, students are asking for transparency of the breakdown of fees.

With the residual miscellaneous fees amounting to 7,120PHP and 4,682PHP for freshmen and upperclassmen respectively, the university deducted unused fees suchlike Guidance and Counseling, Medical/Dental Fee, Athletic Fee, College Student Activity Fee, Audio Visual Fee, Energy Fee, Publication Fee, and Student Council Fee totaling to 2,033PHP. Whilst these fees will not be collected, guidance and counseling, and medical/dental clinic are still open to accommodate the necessities of the students if the government warrants the need to operate incampus activities.

Additionally, student publications and students councils that agreed to not collect fees this semester will be given advance funding if activities materialize after pandemic, as well as the guidelines to be strictly imposed during the events.

When online instruction starts, the university assures that students can access the university library thru e-books and e-journals which will be in dire need as resources for the entire semester.

Various meetings have been continuously taking place spearheaded by the administration to plan the academic year amidst the pandemic.

Stress and pressure haunt SBA Compre Exam Retakers

BY Marienel C. Calma

Along with the already dire pandemic situation, the School of Business and Accountancy (SBA) Comprehensive Exam retakers are also locked down in fear of their futures at stake.

“COVID-19 brings so much mental stress to everybody, including the students.

It is difficult to focus and prioritize academic requirements during this trying time” stated the Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants-Holy Angel University (JPIA-HAU) in a mediated interview with The Angelite, regarding the Comprehensive Exam Retake.

Held last February 22, 26, and 29, “Only 63 out of 133 students passed the comprehensive exams, making that 47.37% or less than half of the batch,” JPIA-HAU disclosed. Rendering the 52.63% who failed the test, in the brink of not graduating within this school year and disabling them from taking the October 2020 Certified Public Accountant Licensure Examinations (CPALE) if no concrete plans for a retake will be implemented.

Moreover, “According to the SBA Administrators, the students who would pass the retake in May would be considered summer graduates because the semester supposedly ended on April 06, which would be the date of conferment for those who

passed the exams the first time” JPIA-HAU relayed.

For that matter, the organization explained, “...the retakers should not be considered summer graduates because the retake was originally scheduled in the last week of March, but was postponed due to the lockdown. Our question is, why should the students bear the consequence of being hailed “summer graduates” even though they had no failed subjects, and the reason behind the postponement of the retake is a fortuitous event?”

“The main purpose of the comprehensive exams is to simulate the actual CPALE. The first take of the comprehensive examinations, whether the result be passed or failed, already served its purpose” JPIA-HAU added.

On their own The retakers’ representative also expressed in the mediated interview, “All graduating 5th year students have batch officers and batch names. ‘Yung dito [sa Novixor batch] po kasi, halos lahat po ng batch officers passed the comprehensive exam. Isa lang ata ‘yung ‘di nakapasa. ‘Di naman sa dinidisregard namin yung batch officers, pero may separate na gc [group chat] ‘yung mga students na hindi pumasa.

Nakakausap lang namin batch officers pag may need na letter or may gusto kami iparating sa Dean. Gumagalaw kasi kami on our own.”

It has been two (2) weeks since The Angelite contacted the Novixor batch officers but until now, no official response was given regarding the matter.

Furthermore, the retakers directly aired the issue via email to the university president, Luis Maria R. Calingo, where they were asked to list their other concerns in a consolidated document along with recommended solutions before agreeing to the Zoom video conference that was being suggested to him.

After complying and sending the asked document, however, the retakers received a reply from the president which said that he referred with guiding principles for decision-making, the request to the key administrators which includes SBA, and Student Affairs and recognize their recommendation as his final decision.

Rescheduling and Contingency Plans Originally scheduled on March 30, 31, and April 1, the retake was cancelled when the entire island of Luzon was placed under Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ)

due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was then rescheduled to April 20, 22, and 24 which was called off again as the ECQ extended.

Consequently, the SBA Dean’s Office conducted a survey on May 8, asking the retakers to confirm their availability according to the dates stipulated: May 25, 27, and 29.

“This [survey] does not constitute that the examinations are already scheduled, we are to see first how mobility will transpire during GCQ, should there be limitations as to mobility and other limiting factors, we shall not schedule the exams even if all have signified their availability” clarified the SBA Program Coordinator, Renz Marasigan, who posted the official Google Forms.

Insofar, the office has not yet released the turn out of the survey. The Angelite also received no response after an email for an interview was sent to the Dean a week ago.

Initially, the SBA Administrators had formulated a contingency plan for the retake of the exam: a. To administer the exam inside the campus wherein, according to the retakers’ representative, HAU’s busses will be used to pick up those who do not have private vehicles and a “No face mask, No entry” policy will be applied; or b. For the retakers to avail of the

online exam which requires them to have two (2) electronic gadgets — (1) for the Zoom video conferencing aid and (2) for answering the exam.

“A physical retake at HAU is not feasible due to the ECQ and even after the lifting of the quarantine, it is still not advisable to do a pen and paper exam due to risks on the health and safety of students.

Lifting of the lockdown does not signify the end of the virus, unless a vaccine or a cure can be made, alongside mass testing. An online retake is also inconvenient for the students because not everybody can comply with the 2-gadget requirement and not all students have access to a stable internet connection” JPIA-HAU furthered.

In a Zoom meeting, the HAU Admins informed the 5th year students that waiving the retake is impossible because the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) requires it under the curriculum. “However, several higher education institutions have already cancelled their mock boards and retention policies such as Colegio De Sebastian and Tarlac State University” JPIA-HAU added.

As of this writing, the retakers are still waiting for that “final decision” yet to be made.

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PHOTO FROM ABS-CBN

Charging change for public transport

BY Erica Clare B. Garcia The national government reassures yet again to resolve the long overdue problems in the country’s public transport system as we prepare in adjusting to the ‘new normal’. Easing traffic congestion under the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) is an opportunity that will be tackled and programs such as providing fuel subsidy for Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) drivers and operators nationwide may even be granted as operations resume.

As promising as it sounds, existing consequences of the suspended mass public transport are yet to be resolved.

In the National Capital Region, numerous workers dependent on commuting are displaced and still unable to get home. Many have lost their jobs and opted to walk all the way back to their provinces even if it meant risking their health from hunger and exhaustion. Construction workers are spotted begging for whatever they can along Macapagal Blvd in Pasay City on Monday, May 11.

On the same day, 100 jeepney drivers share the food and money they received from motorists passing by in Blumentritt, Manila after settling to beg there the whole day. The group claims they are yet to receive cash assistance from LTFRB and DSWD. Just like them, many other PUV drivers are still patiently waiting for the government’s delayed cash assistance.

According to an online survey conducted by the Commission on Higher Education, about 9,637 students are still stranded in schools across the country since the beginning of the community quarantine. There are also 1,229 students and educational institutional personnel overseas that are in need of repatriation.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has yet to respond to these students that need to be sent back home.

The suspension of all mass public transport systems was an abrupt announcement at the beginning of the Luzon-wide ECQ. Stranded workers in Metro Manila flocked in checkpoints while frontliners, pregnant women and other sick civilians due for their medical checkup couldn’t get to hospitals in the first week. It was a great adjustment as local government units had to come up with an immediate response to rectify these problems.

Allowing the return of mass transit

Following the latest directive of the national government that will take place from May 16 to May 31, traveling remains under strict preven-

tive measures to ensure the public’s health and safety. Transport protocols vary for every type of community quarantine.

For areas under Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ), public transport is completely prohibited. The suspension covers train systems, buses, jeepneys, taxis and TNVS. “Sa Modified ECQ, wala pa rin pong public transportation pero pwede po na mag-deploy ng mga shuttle buses iyong mga industriya na ina-allow na magtrabaho at saka subject din po sa exceptions na ibibigay ng DILG tungkol dito,” Roque said in a televised briefing on May 13.

Individual biking and non-motorized transport in local vicinities are encouraged, while private vehicles are allowed with a maximum number of two passengers per row.

International and domestic flights are still banned. However, controlled inbound travel for OFWs or returning Filipinos in the country are authorized to enter. There will also be no inter-island travel. Although included in the guidelines is that all government officials and government frontline personnel are allowed to move across areas placed under any form of community quarantine for important agendas.

With the existing conditions, Presidential Security Group commander Colonel Jesus Durante III confirmed on May 16 that Duterte flew back to Davao City in a private plane to visit his family. Roque added that he was accompanied

by Senator Bong Go. “He is in Davao for a visit after more than two months of not being able to see his family,” Durante said.

Amid the ban on non-essential travel, Roque later on justified that Duterte’s decision to go home to his family is not just the only reason for his return to Davao City. He added that the president was there to “assess the coronavirus disease 2019 situation in Mindanao.”

“Kinakailangan niya namang malaman kung ano ang nangyayari sa Mindanao ‘no dahil ang buong Mindanao ngayon po ay bumabalik na sa normal. So hindi po naman maaalis sa katungkulan ng presidente iyan ‘no,” Roque said.

But Roque clarified that leisure travel is still prohibited.

“Pero yung leisure po, yung tipong mga bibisita sa ating mga kamag-anak, baka pupwede po maiwasan muna po ‘yan kasi wala pa talagang pahintulot ang IATF,” he added.

On the other hand, the general community quarantine (GCQ) will permit public transport again. Buses, jeepneys, taxis, TNVS, tricycles

and public shuttles will be resuming operations with limited capacities.

Directed along safety protocols, inter-island (GCQ to GCQ) will also be allowed.

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque believes that the GCQ is more difficult to enforce as more people will crowd the streets once public transportation becomes available.

“It’s really harder to implement because people will be allowed to go out of their houses and there will be transportation. The lesson we learned is if you really want them to stay home, remove public transport,” Roque said.

Alongside Metro Manila, Pampanga and its neighbouring provinces have also been put under Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ). With the suspension of public transportation, only authorized shuttle and point-topoint transport services will be allowed to travel aside from private vehicles.

These very same private vehicles greeted the first day of MECQ to occupy roads and cause the all-too-familiar heavy traffic in EDSA, proving the flawed preparation of the government as the new community quarantine loosened its measures. Each car had to be inspected one by one in checkpoints to ensure the control of the people’s appearance back outside. Detected violators were simply asked to return back home while others were issued with tickets.

Reports indicate that many were quick to leave Metro Manila to finally go back to their provinces, where some admitted they intend to go right back inside NCR again after a couple of days. Meanwhile, others openly risked enjoying their freedom and privilege after being under strict protocol of the ECQ. Among other reasons for the public’s disregard of existing restrictions, Roque reiterated the need for discipline.

“We must understand that we have started to slowly ease restrictions in order to revitalize the economy, and not because we are safe,” the Roque said.

It is commonly assumed that heavy traffic is always caused by commuters, PUVs and PUJs, and rarely the massive number of private vehicles. With the still removed public transportation, the government fell short yet again in utilizing the two-month preparation for easing into the ‘new normal’.

208 new positive cases were recorded as of May 17 and the numbers are yet to decrease.

It is still unclear how the government will ensure to lead the following months in adjusting to the supposed new normal. What entails in this new normal arrangement for the country may even cause an additional list of concerns as mass testing and other scientific interventions to contain the virus are also yet to be performed.

PHOTO FROM CNN

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No S ̶ t̶ u ̶ d ̶ e̶ n ̶ t̶ s̶ ̶ Compassion Left Behind EDITORIAL

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lienating half of the student population, various academic institutions move forward to an online-based learning system while awaiting Tuition and Other Fees Increase (TOFI) for the upcoming academic year. With the pending economic recession all over the globe, and the country’s poor internet access, institutions remain blind to the plight of the students and their parents.

Students whose homes are not equipped with stable internet access and adequate resources are forced to look for a place where they can connect to the world virtually despite the ongoing Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) in order to fulfill their academic obligations. With sources of livelihood and public transportation paralyzed, students are still expected to follow unattainable protocols set by their respective academe.

Through their official social media page, Holy Angel University (HAU) announced that, in the case of the extension of the ECQ until early June, where classes are set to begin, the first semester of the academic year would solely rely on e-classes via Canvas and Zoom. Despite the number of internet users in the country, the data allocation needed for the e-classroom and further requirements is costly compared to social media platforms.

A sizable number of students are reliant on free Facebook and so on, that are offered by some telecommunication companies, limiting their access to the internet to the websites alone.

It is also important to note that these free promos are not guaranteed and are not capable of showing photo or video content.

In a country where the well-being of citizens have been set aside in favor of the corrupt public servants, online education is only for those who can afford it especially with the ongoing ECQ caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. With the closure of internet cafes and unavailability of public WiFi, students who are not equipped with gadgets and internet connection are anxious on how they will comply with the demands of their program. This is not an issue of the students’ creativity to comply but the reality of experiencing helplessness in their situation.

The threat of compromising quality education in order to simply start the academic year early is heavily guarded. A research study about adopting e-learning in higher education, from the International Journal of Education and Research (IJERN), Arkorful and Abaidoo writes: “With respect to clarifications, offer of explanations, as well as interpretations, the e-learning method might be less effective than the traditional method of learning. The learning process is much easier with the use of the face to face encounter with the instructors or teachers.”

To add that in skill-based programs, the hands-on teaching and learning for students are necessary.

As future practitioners of our chosen field, the pandemic should not compromise the quality of education they need in order to succeed.

Aside from exposing the incompetence of the government, COVID-19 will cause an economic recession. Par-

ents would lose their source of livelihood and, after being quarantined for months, are most likely to have more spending than savings. Adding to their burden, parents and students would also think of ways on how to survive the Tuition Fee hike.

Apart from ensuring a stable internet access, families are also subjected to pay off the remaining balance and the upcoming tuition of their student.

In order to enroll in the summer term, HAU students are expected to pay off their remaining balance plus an entrance fee. HAU Speak Now, released an online petition against the rather unattainable ordeal, given the current situation. As an answer to the petition, the administration allowed a lending system for the struggling students with a 3% interest.

In a society where work-fromhome is not always applicable, employees from unforgiving private companies are in disarray to the bills that are slowly pilling up. Families are starving because of the inability of their employers to secure a sufficient wage. The need to pay off the remaining balance, entrance fee, and the 3% loan interest are a burden they are forced to accept in their dream to graduate from college and land a stable job. The price of a dream is expensive, and the less fortunate students have no choice but to follow the policies forced upon them.

HAU also confirmed that there will still be laboratory classes in spite of the online classes albeit being limited. However, if the academic institution continues to advocate for an online-based learning system for the first semester, laboratory and other fees are highly anticipated, by students and parents, to decrease or be waved off. Nothing has been released or confirmed on the current status of the proposed TOFI for the upcoming year, however, with the situation the world is in, students pray for a freeze in the additional fee.

The implementation of plans that does not consider the various struggles and pleas of the students is in contrast to the No Student Left Behind program. One action that some educational organization and student leaders promote is the adjustment of the academic calendar to a later date in order to accommodate the entire student body. Aside from easing the stress of post-lockdown, parents/guardians need time to at least get back on their feet from the lockdown expenses. For those who lost their livelihood, the back accounts and the tuition fee for the upcoming semester are an addition to the burden.

It is within the right of every student to demand for quality education that is inclusive to all social status.

The uncertainty of the situation should not be a hindrance for students to not attain the education and consideration that they need.

Academic institutions hone future professionals and leaders. However, by limiting the students that they accommodate violates the rights and welfare of the student body. In this difficult time, these institutions are demanded by students and their parents to listen to their pleas and to have the best interest of all their learners be the center of their plans.

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The Art of Asking Questions

orgive my uncultured swine background but the first time I fully understood who Socrates was during our 12th Grade Philosophy class.

It was a subject that I didn’t fully appreciate then because why should I waste my time studying the thoughts of dead people when I can just go home and sleep? However, as I entered college I understood why these people are asking so many questions about life.

My freshmen year is the most challenging academic year because I struggled with what I really wanted and I often compared myself to the achievements of my peers. The confident human in me became the super insecure whiner. In hopes of becoming a significant person, or at least a useful one, to our classroom and to society, I started asking questions.

At first, I started criticizing myself on why I do not know anything about video editing, I’m taking up Communication Arts, why don’t I have the talent in terms of art and so on. Second, I asked people on why they are so knowledgeable about various skills and/or why were they so socially aware?

I asked tons of questions regarding life, socio-political contexts, skills, and so much more that I can barely remember everything. Through this I was able to come up with my own conclusion, asking questions and knowing is not enough one must do something about it.

According to Socrates, the art of questioning is grounded on the idea of practiced discipline and thoughtful dia-

After I asked questions, I began to do something about the things I lacked.

I’m slowly, emphasized on the word slowly, learning art, people, and leadership skills. logue. It is what we should do in order to fully understand and to be able to think critically about a topic/subject. This is a simple notion but with a very huge impact.

After I asked questions, I began to do something about the things I lacked. I’m slowly, emphasized on the word slowly, learning art, people, and leadership skills.

True enough, I was able to win back some of the confidence I lost after a year of being an insecure person.

However, the greatest question I asked, and continue asking, are the ones involving our society. My friends and family think I’m too political, believe me I’m not “too”, but once you ask questions you’d get baffled by the answers you get to the point where you’ll never be satisfied.

We are an agricultural country but why are the farmers the poorest? Why are we suffering from brain drain when we

are in need of professionals? Why are we so dependent on other countries? Who is helping the marginalized? Are we capable of surviving another world war? And so many more questions that I can simply fill up an entire page in just typing my questions.

I have questions but were given unsatisfactory answers. With the availability of information and people who are willing to educate me, I’m able to formulate my own opinions, ideas, and suggestions regarding various topics. But, as I said, asking questions is not sufficient.

The answers we receive should be the basis of the actions we take. What could we do to help? What aspect or faction in our society did the government neglect?

What right did they violate? Asking questions allows us to look at the broader spectrum to analyze what is really happening.

Our capability to think critically as well as our action towards it is our only defense against another abuse of power.

We would witness the end of our democratic rights once we stop asking questions. When we, forced or not, accept every information and answer given to us without criticizing it is the day the ill-powered people celebrate their tyrant rule.

I encourage everyone to not stop asking. Stay curious until you and other people are satisfied with the answers you receive. My curiosity first led me to a personal quest to a fight for the independence of the country. I started first, and still am, educating myself and now as a journalist, I’m doing my best to educate more people.

the contagion

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opinion

The Senate’s Magic Wand

epublic Act No. 10592 or the Good Conduct Time Allowance (GCTA) Law can cut short prisoners’ years of sentence. It became controversial when the media realized that one of these prisoners is a rape-slay convict, former Calauan mayor, Antonio Sanchez.

Primarily, as then-Justice Secretary Leila de Lima and Interior Secretary Mar Roxas signed the law’s Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) in 2014, it was prospective in nature. Which means that it can only be applied to those who were sentenced not earlier than 2013 which was the year it was signed to law by then-President Benigno Aquino III. Now, the gaping hole in the law can be seen in this scenario. Why is it that it cannot be applied to all prisoners? Aren’t laws supposed to be protecting and benefiting for the nation?

I can only agree when Supreme Court Associate Justice, Marvic Leonen, said on a Rappler report that the prospective provision of the 2014 GCTA Law’s IRR “implies that all inmates detained or convicted prior to its effectivity can no longer be rehabilitated for a successful reintegration into society, effectively trampling upon their dignity as human beings.”

Such perspective, as it seems, cannot be generated by the legislation for it had to take a series of petitions-in-intervention of the

provision from June to October 2014 before the Supreme Court convened to make the law retroactive just this June 2019.

Why is it that it cannot be applied to all prisoners?

Aren’t laws supposed to be protecting and benefiting for the nation?

With this recent addition, many loopholes can still be seen on the sentence-cutting law. Imagine that in just the first 2 years of imprisonment, if the inmate behaves for every month, 20 days will be deducted in his or her total sentence. For 3 -5 years of sentence, 23 days can be deducted for each month of good behavior. Sentences that are six to ten years can be deducted of 25 days while 11 years and beyond can receive 1 month deduction. Like what the Cagayan de Oro City Representative Rufus Rodriguez said, “Those are too generous.”

The Senate’s magic wand, it seems, has a manufacturing defect as its Section 1 states “That recidivists, habitual delinquents, escapees, and persons charged with heinous crimes are excluded from the coverage of this Act” while Section 3 tells us that “The good conduct of any offender qualified for credit for preventive imprisonment (under Section 1)… or of any convicted prisoner in any penal institution, rehabilitation or detention

center or any other local jail shall entitle him to the following deductions from the period of his sentence.”

We can appreciate that the Senate has been doing revisions and doing their best since this September but we cannot disregard the fact that 120 heinous crime convicts were already released during Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa’s time as the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) chief and more than 2,000 were released since 2014. Only more than 350 of them have surrendered when ordered by president Duterte to go back to prison and have their GCTA computed (Jess Diaz on PhilStar).

At the end of the day, we are all just humans, aren’t we? We all commit mistakes.

Therefore, we all deserve to be given a chance to correct them and learn from them so we become better versions of ourselves and as a result, contribute as persons of the community. But then again, how can we move freely in a society where the laws are self-contradicting and are just mere drafts of the ideal?

Keri Today?

W

hen finals come ahead, all that a student craves is to take a step back. However, if she does such, she’s wasting time that could instead be spent on schoolworks.

College was meant to be this way, they said. It contains the years where you tick off your best and worst moments. It’s meant to be easy and difficult at the same time.

Sadly, at the moment, it’s just plain difficult. You may start to think that you chose the wrong course or the unfit school. You may begin writing off your “101 (and more) Reasons Why I Should Just Work.”

If you ask this writer, you’ll probably receive anything but disagreement. With a lot of things in these hands and several thoughts in this almost-non-existent mind, all I wish is for the hell weeks to just end; that I’d go to sleep tonight and wake up on a different day.

A lovely thought, but that’s all that it is—a mindless one.

It truly is draining being a student, especially now that it’s the tertiary level. You have to go home, exhausted from 8 AM to 9 PM classes. Then, add more bags to those eyes by sleeping late not because you’re talking about the latest tea, but because you’re asking every single person from your class if they are already done with the projects due tomorrow morning.

What fun, right? (Yes, sarcastic.) But hey, there really is fun, still, in college.

Despite the rising problems that come with adulting such as financial responsibilities and time-management, college truly creates one’s best moments, too.

Imagine spending your lunch breaks— may it be quick or while walking towards your next classroom—with the friends you most trust and have fun with. They are those you choose (at times, not even) to spend your moments of meltdown with and the ones you’re probably least irritated at when everyone else is plain annoying.

Imagine receiving death glares from other people as the noise your barkada creates is just too much, but with all the apology you could send these people, the fun you’re having is just too much, as well.

That every laughter you share is a heavy part of the stress that you’re losing.

That downfalls are not that depressing

anymore for you have these people who accompany you as you learn once more how to rise up.

That when asked, “Keri today?”, you can confidently say that, “Yes! Keri today. Keri pa.”

Because you have such people in your life. And though they might not stay as long as you’d like them to, it’s worth noting that they are staying regardless of the hardship of the past school years and the future ones, as well.

So, maybe, when you plan to start your list of “101 Reasons (and more) Why I Should Just Work,” write alongside the list of people you want to see and experience the pinnacle of your success with you. May it be a friend, a family member, a pet, or friends-whoturned-to-family, provide a space for them on that blank sheet of paper the way you give a space for them in your once-in-a-while-sweetmushy heart.

It helps. Truly, it does. It will help carry all the burden of whatever you have to endure in order to reach your goals, and possibly, more.

And you know, it is also possible. To survive, that is. And to have fun while going through what possibly is the most challenging and inspiring years of our lives.

So, “Keri today?”

Yes! Keri pa.

Mind Over Matter by Calvin Kenedy Tuazon

R

obust yet vulnerable; Vicious yet indispensable; Significant yet given jut a pinch of attention – MIND. Powerful. Vital. Fragile. It cannot be doubted that our brains and minds played a huge role in what we are right now. From our deeds and actions, decisions and choices, emotions and sentiments, our minds are a crucial tool that we use on our day to day interactions. It enables us to move forward and progress even up to unthinkable heights.

However, our minds are as precarious as how puissant we think it is. If not given proper care and consideration, this can become way too problematic.

Hanging and choking into a deep

slumber. Cuts and slits through the wrist. A loud shot on the temple of the head. These are just a few of the ways on how a mentally ill individual seem to ‘get rid’ with the agony that they are suffering. It is in black and white that these scenarios are gory and dreadful, as this can turn you into an instant self-murderer.

This just means that an unhealthy mind can swiftly transform into a natural killer.

Depression, Bipolarism, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Schizophrenia, and Borderline Personality Disorder – Individuals suffering from the agony of such illness seems to step one of their foot into their grave. People who have these kinds of mental problem has huge tendencies of physical self-

harm. Moreover, burdens of emotions and even the agony of physical harm can become unbearable. It is with this reason why most people who were sunk in such conditions ‘explode’ and end up killing themselves.

Mental Health remains on receiving shut ears and slammed eyes regarding both its value and threat to humanity. We are continuing to walk on burning coals as this concern swell even more, yet still not given enough intervention, that it must have. In fact, news regarding various people suffering from the horrors of this dilemma were lined in piles, portraying what poor mental health can do to individuals.

As toxic as what was previously said,

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I am an Amazing Black

I

am an African child. Born with a skin the color of chocolate. Bright, brilliant and articulate. Strong and bold; I’m gifted. Talented enough to be the best. I am an African child.” This is an Eku McGred’s poem in which, as far as I remember, it was our piece when we had a speech choir when I was in 9th grade. Up until now, whenever I think of this stimulating poem, it suddenly prompts the question, “Why am I black?”

Skin is one of my clear-cut flaws. It is indeed my biggest insecurity. Whenever I look at myself in the mirror, I promptly ask myself in a satirical way, “How would I look like if I were white?” These are the things that ran into my mind and kept myself trapped in an enticing bait of life. I was teased several times. I was mocked by ample oppressive people. From an innocent mind and sinless judgment, I grew up in a world where criticisms and tyranny are normal in a society.

SARCASTIC MOCKERY TEASE My day wouldn’t be polished off without a tease I mainly get from people whose habit is to make fun of someone’s fragility, or in short, uniqueness, so I can glint the agony.

In the pivot of everything, I hold the spotlight even brighter than celebrities when one unfolds the humorous kick off like there’s no other day for another jeer session.

I have these signature teases where everybody remembers me when it comes off. In the midst of the discourse in a typical classroom setting, when a teacher turns on the projector and turns off the lights, someone will abruptly yell, “Antayu i Jay-Ar?” followed by “ot ating sususlapong malan karin” when I wear a white shirt. As they turn the lights back on, they’ll look at me whispering, “Ay salamat atsu naka, kalwat mu rin mewala.”

These contexts are normal which deserve not much attention for I believe that as long as I feed the trolls, they’ll procreate and torment innocents.

PINOY AKO, PINOY TAYO If we are going to look at the inner core of Filipino attributes, we are in-depth and diverse. As we have studied in our Philippine History, Negritos, Indonesians, and Malays were the early settlers in the Philippines. They were among the earliest

known migrants or inhabitants and indigenous groups thriving in the country.

The Negritos widely known as Aetas are believed to have migrated by land bridges or narrow straits that connected all land masses in the world. They are characterized as having mostly dark-brown skin, curly hair, thick lips, wide and flared nostrils, and usually below five feet tall.

These are the natural roots and principal physical appearance of each full-blooded Filipino. We are black. We are Pinoy.

In today’s generation, as several breeds have sprinkled in one’s seed, the standard of beauty has become a battlefield that whoever reaches the finish line of having every scheme of grandeur wallops the battle. At first, I was conformed to this notion. I’ve used a sort of whitening products to lighten my skin as I was too conscious of being set apart from the perspective of being beautiful. However, due to excessive application, I had skin irritation, it felt like my face was burning and stinging. I was agonized with the feeling of penetrating the obsession of becoming white. And it has never been easy as society sets the norm.

My day wouldn’t be polished off without a tease I mainly get from people whose habit is to make fun of someone’s fragility, or in short, uniqueness, so I can glint the agony.

AMAZING BLACKS Being black in America is tough as quoted by LeBron James who was once a product of racism. And recently, George Floyd was murdered by police officers by kneeling him down to incapacitate him.

This was a display of brutality as the United States (US) is known for at odds with people of color.

At this threshold, protests from different countries commence after this accident where #BlackLivesMatter has been worldwide trends for a couple of days, condemning the inhumane threats to these amazing blacks.

With these events where the world is at a pandemic crisis while suffering from various injustices, to speak is at all times of importance amidst this venture. We will not be silenced with these acts as we feel every inch of conundrum caused by the tyrannized authority.

Altering the norms set by standards that being black is at its prime exclusivity must be of substance. For someone like LeBron James and George Floyd deserve no difference but a fair share of community, liberty, and life.

We are black, yet, we deserve a living.

PAPERBAG mind-sick people often veil themselves into hard shells. They are thinking that their condition will degrade their dignity as a human.

Little did they know, having a mental problem is just normal for human beings. The difference among others is that some find it difficult to deal with while some manage to keep intact without losing their rightful thinking. In the long run, everything just depends on how to react to humps and bumps.

Mental health is as serious as physical health. What are we forgetting right now is the fact that the wellness of our minds also deserves the right care and involvement, for this can be mainstreams of the wellness of other life aspects.

There is no other way to cut this problem loose than to act and initiate. The Government must give enough actions and programs designed for the well-roundedness of the way we think. If not given so, we must expect a crazy society full of crazy people.

Our minds can devour us. We must just let our minds lead us into progression, not lead us into disastrous destruction. Thus, we must be able to respond and deal with such conditions as early as possible, or else, our sick minds stay on pulling us into our deathbeds.

Minds should not just be over the matter, but should over matter!

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the contagion

G

one are the days when she was forced to be blind. Gone are the days where she was pushed to choke in silence. She was harassed and tortured, as not so much value was given to her. Slits and cuts surrounded both her body and soul. However, this time, never again will she be frightened with the shackles of the stigma that condemned her.

Stereotyping halted her, yet she rose-up storming back, free of her will - WOMEN.

Maria Claras: Through Ups and Downs of History We, Filipinos, have a deep respect for women that was rooted from our pre-colonial ancestors, that is why we regard our Nation as “Inang Bayan”. Sadly, years of colonization tainted this beautiful culture that we have.

From the Spaniards who belittled women; who brought us the fixated “ideal” kind of woman, “Maria Clara” to us.They inculcated upon us that women should be religious and submissive. That is why during the Spanish Era, women were banned from handling high political positions and from participating from any political activities.

A light for a more independent women was seen when the Americans landed in our land, women were given a more liberal treatment as wider set of opportunities in education and career were opened for them, giving them access to handle higher positions in the society. The blooming path towards a more liberal treatment and a much wider acknowledgement in the society suddenly crumbled into pieces when Japanese took over during the 2nd world war. The arrival of the Japanese colonizers was considered a nightmare and one of the darkest moments for the women in the society. This is evident in the case of Malaya Lolas, wherein they recounted how the Japanese armies systematically and repeatedly raped, beaten and abused women.

Since then, women struggled to be recognized and treated equally with men, not only in the realm of politics but also in academe, religion and other distinguished fields. Everything continues as the needs in the society differs and more efforts are being given to reach the equality, they all dream of. In the end, equality can only be attained if respect and acknowledgement for both genders will be more prioritized rather than comparing them.

Yesterday’s Scars The past often shows us how much belittling and maligning women have undergone. From women treated as sex slaves, as mere “ownerships”, not given a chance to lead, - as worthless living things whose only purpose is to bear a child and do household chores, these dark experiences ruptured and drove them to eliminate such horrors. It is crystal clear how women fought the battle concerning the rights and freedom that they deserve. But still, this clash is yet to cease.

Now, still, we can often hear and see concerns regarding women’s right deprivation and women not getting equal treatment and opportunities in various fields of life. Such include politics, business, societal roles, and other domains of the community where one must play a particular character and pushed to do the norm. These don’t just tell us, but rather shout at us how cruel it is to be in a cage of delusions and glimmering inhuman misconceptions: false equality in terms of positions, possessions, and privileges. Really, this is a green-light for everyone to fight against these ever-problematic patriarchal catastrophes.

Victims. Fighters.

Mothers. Aunts. Sisters. Women. These people often are scapegoats of gender stereotypes, being labeled as individuals who are only meant to do kitchen responsibilities - an ironclad typecast that seems to still cripple among various countries. Such regions were again charmed with their gender traditions and cultures. Such areas were eyeing blind on reality’s context - gender is not always the basis for prowess. Also, some often regard them as people who can’t handle several positions that are conventionally performed by men.

However, these are huge lies. Women today are more than just what society dictates them to be. Women leaders all-over the world continue to stand up straight and confident in doing numerous jobs and works, even surpassing the productivity and efficiency of their gender counterparts. This is a vivid proof that women have might and power to utilize in contributing to the progress of the many.

Also, many are doing significant initiatives in hurdling the dilemmas of women’s rights and independence, which is somehow a good indicator of the world’s status in terms of equality. Women today are way far more potent and expressive than they were before – oppressed and strangled from becoming better individuals of society. Such changes brought

about by the advocates of women empowerment may be deemed significant, as it created a collective urge for other women to do the same thing in recoiling from different unexpected threats brought about by both historical and socially- derogatory impression.

March, a month dedicated to all women in the entire world, celebrates women as active contributors to the claim holders of development, as aligned with their theme “We Make Change Work for Women.” This theme is anchored with what has been said earlier – that women stepping-up is a beacon to a more inclusive and mature world open to diverse kinds of workforce. This time also is an excellent opportunity for each individual to strive for genuine equality and stand tall along with the women, especially those who had longbeen experiencing domestic violence, harassment, and abuse. Nevertheless, this does not mean that this season will only be the time to speak up. Each time must be taken advantage of for us to heighten women’s strength and dignity and to delete the pigeonhole on our skins.

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the contagion TEXT BY Calvin Kenedy Q. Tuazon

ART BY Fercy Ehdzon O. Lancion (@ _ xiaoluna)

Her Fight

It is good news that women’s participation in any aspect of work has gradually increased, but this does not mean complete success. The real thing that would turn all these into good feat is the society’s acceptance and the total disappearance of women aggression and other related violence attacking the feminine. At the end of the day, women empowerment is not just a simple melodrama, but a very relevant issue that must be given attention with at least all possible costs.

Voice it Out! “I want to correct the misconception of the society that we are ‘JUST’ women. I want to change their notion that women are not capable of doing what men can do. We are more competitive in today’s generation and all aspects of life. We all can showcase our inner beauty and strength; that our capacity

is beyond what people think. I will continue to strive in promoting women empowerment and continue to inspire and touch the hearts of many. We are not JUST women, but we are women! Lastly, I will make the society believe that what men can do, women can do better!!” says Katrina Capili, a young, aspiring advocate of women empowerment and equal rights by joining beauty pageants. By entering such contests, she aims to concentrate on being every women’s voice. These words clearly state the positive mindset of women in the 21st century and how dignified they are today.

These actual words are critical gauges on

how Women, primarily, Pinays, act regarding such issue.

Pawer!!!

Though women are still the ones performing domestic obligations, it is undoubted that there is still a considerably significant improvement in the status of women’s equality in terms of rights, liberty, and actions. This opportunity is also an excellent prospect to challenge our government officials and the entire human society to act not just accord-

ing for the sake of a particular group, but for the betterment of every living. We must not be puppets controlled by mere societal norm dictations, but free individuals guided with the notion of righteousness and prosperity.

Let us surf along with all women, let us storm back, and fight for what owes to be given- RESPECT.

10

the contagion

TEXT BY Cathriona Jene D. Ramoso

ART BY Calvin Kenedy Q. Tuazon

2019 is an eventful year for everyone. We witnessed various instances and survived calamities throughout the course of the year. However, 2020 is looking to be one of the most exhausting yet interesting year for the Gen Z’s.

1.Magnitude 6.1 Earthquake

Who could ever forget the dread we felt when the earth shook us last April 2019? The historical sites, churches, and the building it broke are still ongoing its restoration. One that we can never forget is the damage it caused to our beloved Holy Rosary Parish church who has not completely recovered yet. Most importantly, this is the natural phenomenon that took 16 lives after a prominent grocery story collapsed in Porac, Pampanga.

Indigenous people in Sitios located in Pampanga were also gravely affected as their homes were completely damaged. The walls of their home collapsed leaving them without shelter or proper evacuation centers.

Brave students from HAU came together to form LIPAD or Livelihood Initiative Project and Aeta Development to help the indigenous people in need. The Aeta network which consists of ROTARACT-HAU, The Angelite, various College Student Councils, and other publications collected goods that were donated to the victims of the earthquake.

2.2019 Senatorial Election

important the rainforest is to the earth, please read our Environmental Issue!

5.Tala Nation

Sarah G proved herself to be the Pop Princess as her old bop Tala resurrected in the charts. Anywhere you go, you can either hear or see people dancing to Tala. The dance craze went on for several months. It can be heard anywhere to the point where we’re sure that we are nakalutang na sa langit ngunit nalulunod sa’yong mga ngiti.

6.SEA Games If there is one thing this academic year is abundant of it’s the class suspensions. To give way to the anticipated traffic caused by the Southeast Asian Games, classes were suspended for a week just before the Holidays.

Who could ever forget the anomalies of this SEA Games? From the Kikiam to the accommodation, the international games met various hindrances, conflict, and possible corruption. Of course, may history never forget the 50 Million Pesos cauldron that is now stagnant and collecting dust at New Clark City.

Right after their release, three former senators who were involved in a pork barrel scam, namely Bong Revilla, Jinggoy Estrada, and Juan Ponce Enrile, immediately ran for a position in the Senate. With his budots TVC, Revilla was able to win back a place in the Philippine legislation. He was able to finish at the top 11 garnering 14, 624, 445 votes.

7.Revilla is Back!

3.PH vs CHINA, at Sea

The country was ill-prepared when the Taal volcano erupted and wiped out many barangays in Batangas. It is one of the most devastating calamities that ever struck the country because of the harmful effects of the ashes emitted from the volcano. Many had given support to the victims as their homes and livelihood were greatly affected by the sudden outburst.

This phenomena, however, has been expected by Filipino scientists whose calls for attention has been neglected by the government for so long.

In hopes of feeding themselves and their families, 22 fishermen were rammed and left to float alone at sea by a Chinese fishing vessel.

Duterte was adamant about this issue saying that this is just an isolated case failing to assert the country’s rights in the West Philippine Sea.

4.Amazon on Fire

The diverse rainforest of the world has been on fire for weeks (even months) and many countries came to their aid. The burning of the rainforest is said to be connected to a commercial establishment that wants to develop a portion of the rainforest and drive out various local tribes. To find out how

Revilla has been showered by blessings after his release from jail. He was re-elected in the Senate as well as receiving a new show from a media conglomerate. Seems like the Pork Barrel Scam served as a good exposure to the convicted Senator.

8.Eruption of the Sunken Volcano

9.Top 6!

Despite the tuition and other fees increase, ‘The Right School for You’ is in par with other well-known universities in the

country as we ranked 6 at an article released by msn.com regarding the Top Universities in the Philippines.

10. The Death of a Legend

After the breakup of a prominent love team in the country, the Sports Community lost one of its best players. Kobe Bryant, a legend in the basketball community, was involved in an airplane crash that killed him and eight people on board including his daughter Gianna Bryant.

In a generation that grew up playing basketball or just simply throwing trash in the trash can shouting “Kobe!,” his death has deeply affected thousands of people.

11. VFA No More

As of February 2020, the Visiting Forces Agreement between the Philippines and America has formally ended. United States President Donald Trump was supportive of the PH’s decision because according to him “We’ll save a lot of money.” However, the country’s agreement between China continues to strengthen. Oops.

12. Defend Press Freedom

Valentine’s Day is not sweet for media conglomerate ABS-CBN as journalists, and activists rally to defend their franchise.

Solicitor General Jose Calida filed a quo warranto against the network to cancel its license for its violations.

During the Senate hearing, it was revealed that the media company did not violate any regulations but the quo warranto still stands.

Artists from the network have expressed their support to their company. The possible closure of the media franchise is a threat to press freedom in the country.

13.TOFI NANAMAN

On its 6th year streak, HAU will once again have a Tuition and Other Fees Increase.

Days after the consultation, the University Student Council released petition papers in hopes of decreasing or freezing the proposed increase. Prior to the petition paper, students participated in various protests against the proposed TOFI.

14.Philippines, Province Another Country

of

As of March 10, 2020, the House of Representatives approved HB 78 allowing foreigners to 100% own companies that deal with the country’s power, transportation, and communications.

15. 7 out of 8 Departments

Formerly known as the College of Information and Communication Technology (CICT), the School of Computing (SoC) was officially promoted into a School this second semester of the academic year 2019-2020. The College of Criminal Justice Education and Forensic remains to be the only department at the College level.

16. #HAULalan2020

Although the election is a yearly event, what made this year exceptional is the heated come back of the SIBUL party after the wipeout of KAYABE the previous year.

17. COVID-19

Everyone is wearing a face mask these days because of the threat of COVID-19. A virus that originated from Wuhan, China has claimed hundreds of lives, as of writing.

This virus has also caused the lockdown of the university from March 11-14, 2020. Various precautionary measures are being done to prevent it from spreading.

18. Anti-Terrorism Bill

What sounds liberating is actually a tighter chain against anyone who dares to speak ill to the government.

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n a f o y m o t a n A The y r a d n a u Q c i m Acade Career is a paramount kit for a well-travelled journey. It is an essential tool in exploring places we fantasize about and uncover whereabouts that are out of sight.

As a student who’s into the juncture of a college degree, uncertainties are bound to groove on, hesitations double the distress, and spontaneity hampers the decisions. Choosing a course to walk on through is one’s integral role in building a character to be played in the workplace. It is tough to choose one especially if you are cannonade with incertitude. So as Jose Rizal who was uncertain as to what course to pursue, thus, he completed several courses such as Bachiller en Artes, Philosophy and Letters, Ophthalmology, and Degree of Licentiate of Medicine.

Stepping into a chosen course is a huge responsibility – either an engineering, accountancy, tourism, education, arts and sciences, computer programming, criminal justice, or in medical field. These courses go through obstacles to refine the strengths and withdraw the uneven. Audacity must be honed for the challenges that may render to somebody who wishes to become one – licensed and professional.

For you to become an engineering student, it takes a bunch of nerves because of the practical skills that must be developed – logical thinking, numeracy, and problem solving.

The books that are filled with chemical solutions, equations, and formulas would never be easy for them to study in an entire night. Ruler, protractor, t-square, drawing plates, laboratory manuals, textbooks and codes are the primary stuffs of an engineering student that can be found in their heavy-bloated backpacks. They chase deadlines, stiffed on their plates, and work rather than sleep on their leisure time.

Accountancy students are brave enough to carry calculators, a pack of worksheets, and massive accounting and law books. Accountancy is not all about maths, it’s about analysing certain situation. You may fool words, but not accounting numbers. Microsoft excel is their greatest companion. Analytical skill, problem solving, reasoning skill, and a good grasp of English are the requirements for the survival of the future CPAs. Debit, credit, balance sheet, financial reports, taxation, and receivables are just few of the accounting terms that are quite easy to hear but in dire straits to apply.

Managerial is the term generally associated with tourism management students because their workplace is into managing and decision makings. They have to enhance their skills in building a rapport because this is their stepping stone into their dream destination. In studying tourism management, students must concentrate more on business consciousness, entrepreneurship, and hospitality. These are the key factors in fulfilling the course. Pressure is their number one enemy because as a tourism student – they have to be very particular on several languages, they have to be confident enough in communication, and they have to learn different cultures of each country to prepare themselves in travelling into depths of the world.

In education courses, students are burning the midnight oil. They have an ample reporting schedules, they do well-upholstered debates, they have lessons

TEXT BY Jay-Ar M. Turla ART BY Shara P. Comullo (@artsyaraaa) plans, and unlimited research works. Same as with arts and sciences students who produce films, practice cinematography skills, write literary pieces, and perform different types of speeches. Camera, tripod, laptop, microphones, stage, and audience are the predominant instruments in becoming a bonafide arts and sciences student.

To become a computer programming student, it takes patience and determination to be part of their sphere.

Codes are running in their minds, juggling to create programs. Examining computer virus and malwares, studying database, designing software and hardware would never be trouble-free.

They have also math – calculus, statistics,

and linear algebra.

Computers serve as their love of their life for without it, they would never be called computer programmers.

Criminal justice students are not safe from challenges, they have law enforcement where rules and norms governing the society are being discovered. Behind those instantly appealing uniforms, trainings serve as their battlefield. Their physical strengths are being tested so as their minds in solving criminal cases. Body must harmonize the mind, they must be intertwined. They have given problems to seek for solutions using their own multiple intelligences. They undergo on various back-breaking trainings to compose themselves in their future workforce. Sweat, blood, and tears are the foundation to become one of them.

The world of the medical field students is not as plain and simple as what others may think of. It takes fortitude and spirit to step into this course, blood is waving at you. Stethoscopes, phlebotomy kit, first aid kit, medical books, and white coat are the stuffs they oftenly bear with during class hours. Lectures and laboratory are the starter packs of the real medical services – extraction of blood, blood pressure, auscultation, radiation therapy, and medications and treatments. It may sound easy but students must endure the pain first before applying it as perfect as how it should be.

These courses are into a learning process. Nothing is made to be easy. It’s normal to encounter a flood of defeats and failures. We are humans. Let’s break the stigma of courses perspectives. Shifting will never be an instant answer once toughness strikes your way. As long as you are enjoying the course no matter how complex it is, you will never get lost.

However, if you don’t have interest in it or if it’s not your own personal choice, then track your tastes and travel with your desires. No more courses are better than your personal interest.

We may be parceled with the dancing 70s in our portal, it doesn’t mean that we are a failure. Time will come, gleaming 90s don’t matter anymore, and all we need is growth and experiences to have a title affixed to our names at all times.

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The Spray-painted Truth TEXT BY Klenia Ern B. Mendiola

Art exists everywhere, it is often seen in the most unlikely of places. Back in grade school, art class has always been my favorite subject. It was free from numbers, equations, or even lengthy essays. I would pick my pencil to sketch or perhaps my brush and start painting a cloud or two. To me, art has always been for the sole purpose of entertainment.

When asked about art, a Picasso classic or Warhol’s Campbell soup would instantly come to mind.

In school, we were taught that art is supposed to be aesthetically beautiful and it is up to the onlooker to interpret what it tries to convey -yet social realism suggests the opposite.

Born out of the brimming tyrannical rule, economic depressions, and workers exploitation plaguing all over the globe; social realists used art to portray the struggles that the poor, and the working class are facing. Social realists aim to be empathetic, easily understood and relatable to the masses. They immersed themselves among the toiling class, inside scorching and perilous factories.

In these experiences, they were able to use brush strokes and paint to expose the lives opposite what the wealthy were living.

For those who are detached from reality it would come up as unsettling, and disturbing but then social realists don’t aim to please. What social realists aim to show are the harsh realities that both

the wealthy and the middle class tend to ignore.

Protest art is, therefore, a form of social realism from which intends to challenge the status quo.

Art — a catalyst for change Protest art has been very well alive all around the modern world. From Banksy’s sophisticated and satirical street art to anti-fascist, and anti-imperalist slogans sprayed on walls. This kind of art has garnered varying reactions from people; some would say it has of great relevance while some would dismiss it as a nuisance. On the contrary, its end goal is to spark discourse among the public and to reveal the everyday hardships the marginalized experience.

In the Philippines, we have our fair share of protest artworks. The story of our country is a story of class struggle, the poor and marginalized against the ruling elites. In recent events, progressive youths hit the headlines after “Graffiesta”, an initiative which filled public walls and spaces of Manila with graffiti, stencil, and wheatpaste art calling attention to important national and socio-economic issues. Sprayed paint walls of ATIN ANG PINAS, CHINA LAYAS called for the sovereignty of our nation amidst the West Philippines Sea dispute and the failure of our government to defend its own property. Part of the protest is pro-

ART BY Shara P. Comullo (@artsyaraaa)

test art. As the Filipino masses resort to protest actions to fight for their rights, it is often met with distaste rather than giving attention to the call for the rights of the farmers, peasants, and even typical Filipino citizens.

Art — a way of expression Graffiti protest art has a sole goal— to expose the current status quo and critique the existing governing system. As we were born into a world where art is seen as a separate entity from politics, where art must be for art’s sake and nothing else; protest art strays us away from our comfort zones.

It is a complete turn around with the kind of art we have been used to seeing, it is not an abstract of colors or fruits and vegetables in still life. It is contrary to what the rotten system has taught us because unlike the latter, it is not constrained on simply just aesthetic value but rather a revolutionary kind of art that brings about socio-economic and political change.

Protest art delivers what those in the ivory tower cannot see: the farmers amidst the sweltering sun striving every day to put food on their plates and the workers with the unlivable paying wage in harsh working conditions. It exists for a purpose not to “vandalize” but to awaken the consciousness of the masses.

Art — a way to break the chains Some would argue that no matter how artistic it is, it remains to be labeled as vandalism hidden under the guise of “protest” but it is the furthest thing from the truth. The words “graffiti” and “vandalism” are actually two different words, as stated by Iñigo Abellar, Graffiti comes from the word “Graphein” which means to write, and “Vandalism” is a corrupted term used by the State to classify public destruction of property. Graffiti is demonized and dubbed as vandal and seen as a destructive and subversive act. Protest art exposes the ruling class but the oppressed masses know no tiresom in demanding for what is right.

Art is indeed everywhere, it is seen posted on walls or glued on light posts. Art is a catalyst for change as it has always served for ages, it aspires to open the political consciousness of the people.

Art is a way to express what is experience, to show what is being hidden away. Art is a way to break the chains that bind the people. Protest art is a weapon of the masses and it continues to exist as long as a culture of exploitation and oppression exists. It becomes as a challenge to the administration to prove that they serve the interest of the people and not the few, to open their minds about the the Philippines’ harsh reality.

13 feature Apung Frank: The Reincarnation of Jose Gallardo

the contagion

TEXT BY Jay-Ar M. Turla ART BY Marienel C. Calma (@ma _ aarte)

“Mas masanting ne ing gawa, keysa king salita”, the hackneyed yet fascinating quotation of the 73 year old Kapampangan poet who was born and raised in Sta. Maria, Macabebe, Pampanga that he firmly beholds and looks up to in life.

An epitome of a poet laureate, an eminent Kapampangan poet who won a ligligan, a writing contest sponsored by a fiesta committee or a school.

Francisco Mallari Guinto usually seen in his wellgroomed polo shirts suited with his defiant appeal of denim jeans and a gnarled walking stick is an immense lover of Kapampangan poetry—he is fascinated with the verses, stanzas, meter, and rhyming scheme.

Being dubbed as “Apung Frank”, an enchanting smile and charismatic looks are the eye-catching characteristics he certainly clings to as he sets himself apart from other poets. Despite his age, he still has a pristine mind in poetry and a young heart towards Amanung Sisuan, the breastfed language of Pampango; Kapampangan. Apung Frank’s story is not the typical rags to riches stereotyping, he started from being bouncy and clever in his elementary days where he actively participated in every program of the school through spoken poetry. His pieces are either made by his English teacher or himself in which he imitated prominent authors. This became his stepping stone in creating an original piece.

When he was in his 4th year of high school, he intruded the world of poetry. He composed his first ever piece which he manifested through spoken poetry at the “Parangal ning Ligligang Leguan”, the annual beauty pageant in Macabebe.

Apung Frank is an avid fan of Jose Gallardo, the 2nd Ari Ning Parnaso ning Kapampangan, the highest title in the hierarchy of the poets’ society. He has stood in awe of Gallardo since he was a child. He often owned a book of Gallardo when he was still studying. He frequently has octopus ears when harkening to Gallardo’s radio program, “Bengi na ning Crissotan”. He also pondered setting his eyes wide open when Gallardo’s Zarzuela was playing in the theatre way back in 1964.

He truly patronized Gallardo’s alluring master of works. Thus, he never hesitated to ingress the shadow of his icon through the hyperbolic words and metaphoric speeches.

Apparently, some people observed the resemblances of the physical attributes of Apung Frank to Gallardo. The poet laureate admits himself that somehow there are irrefutable commonalities that he and his icon have—the tone of voice, the structure of the body, the height, the posture, and substantially, the unparalleled love and the flaming soul for Amanung Sisuan. Upon that, there are people who call him as Gallardo for they can perceive the poet laureate in 1950 from Candaba in the presence of Apung Frank.

Apung Frank’s style of writing is far atypical from other poets and has diverse strategies upon

his target audience. He also shares how prevalent he is in starting at the climax point of the story to puzzle the audience about the succeeding happenings. Afterwards, he would unveil the bolt from the blue through displaying flashbacks. Another technique he is good at is mixing and matching jokes through his writings for he has the charm and catchy personality to sympathize with the audience, especially when the ambiance is filled up with millennials and gen-Zers to strike their personal interests. He ensures to blend in with the taste of the contemporary world for he is well-acquainted with the preferences of the Kapampangan youth.

An orthodox old poet who dreamt to be a lawyer when he was a child turned into the playground of words. He was entitled thrice as poet laureate— sponsored by the Center for Kapampangan Studies (CKS) of Holy Angel University; Aguman Buklud Kapampangan in 2003; Ligligan

Pamanyawul at Poesya in commemoration of the Mount Pinatubo Eruption in 2004 with his winning piece “Tagumpe Busal Ning Lumbe” where he was conferred as the 1st prize award; and by the Municipality Government of Macabebe led by Honarable Annette Flores-Balgan. Beholding a triad poet laureate, Apung Frank was given a laureate wreath, a round wreath made of bay leaves as a way of honouring him for his crystalline contribution to Kapampangan poetry and to join the highly respected and noble ranks of Kapampangans who are greatly looked up to as they live their honourable lives.

Through his passion and love for poetry, the poet from Macabebe won an honourable mention as being 4th place in the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF) in 2006-2007 with his collection of 6-7 poems. Additionally, he was one of the 15 poets who shared the National Book

Award in 2013 which featured their poems entitled, “Kawatasan: Obrang Poeta Laureado” in the poetry category for a special division for Kapampangan works. This award is given annually by the Manila Critics Circle and the National Book Development Board.

Apart from literature, he also invaded the world of film. He starred in various Kapampangan films pioneering Ari: My Life with a King in 2015, a film about a young man portrayed by Ronwaldo Martin who doesn’t speak and understand the Kapampangan language until he met an old poet played by Apung Frank who taught him the language itself. This is the first full-length feature film produced by Holy Angel University where it bagged ample awards locally and internationally.

Apung Frank was named as the New Wave Best Actor at the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) in 2015 tied with JM De Guzman. He was also nominated as the best actor at the FAMAS 2016 and Gawad Urian 2016. The MMFF Best Actor really showed how he could set his foot into the limelight, as he also starred in Area, a film depicting a place which is the home of several low-rent brothels, in 2016 alongside AiAi Delas Alas. He was also nominated at the Young Critics Circle 2017 as Best Ensemble Performance for the said film. Moreover, he also starred as a poet in Aria, a film set during the Japanese occupation where what was featured where guerrillas and soldiers who fought during World War II, people who died in combat and those who lived on after the war without receiving any compensation.

The Ari star was also recently awarded in the Most Outstanding Kapampangan Awards (MOKA) under Culture category last December 11, 2018. This award was given by the Provincial Government of Pampanga to pay back his imperishable contributions in upholding the privilege of being a Kapampangan in the field of culture. Through Apung Frank’s perennially valuable contributions to Kapampangan poetry, the poet laureate inevitably entrusts himself to relentlessly awaken the sleeping worlds of Kapampangan literature and culture. He also bursts out to love and care for the Amanung Sisuan as this will be the license of entering the “Atin Ku Pung Singsing” spirit and a spectrum usually seen in ROYGBIV hues to blaze the essence of being a Kapampangan in nature.

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30th SEA Games: PH’s sea of records and medals

BY Calvin Kenedy Q. Tuazon Philippines emerged victorious during the 30th South East Asian (SEA) Games’ bulldozing a record-breaking total of 149 gold, 117 silver, and 121 bronze medals, held at various sports venues, November 30 to December 11 in 2019.

SEA games is a regional multi-sport event which occurs every other year participated by 11 countries within South East Asia. This year’s host is the Philippine home soil, which even boosted the confidence of Pinoy athletes to compete. Without a doubt, the 30th SEA games is an event to remember in the field of Philippines sports as this is where Filipino athletes garnered plenty of records and awards, recuperating their record in 2005 and jumping into huge heights in its previous performance in Singapore 2016 with only 23 gold hauls, 33 silvers, and 64 bronze medals.

Waves in the SEA Starting the event with fires that marred it, Philippine SEA Games Organizational Committee (PhiSGOC) had been slapped with news regarding the SEA Games’ facilities, logistics, budget corruption, and even food.

Many raised their eyebrows regarding the issue upstretched by several Filipino athletes, including Diaz, which involved the insufficient allocation of funds given to the Philippine sports industry, more specifically, to the pinoy-pride athletes. There are crippling rumors that the said issue is the root of underperforming athletes, back then, and, even until now.

However, untimely mishaps that crippled prior the games have instantly vanished as people witnessed the staggering presentations during the actual opening ceremony held at Philippine Arena, where several world-class Filipino singers and dancers performed, as well as every

country’s delegates walked during the soulful parade. In fact, PhiSGOC led by the Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano, was given an “Excellence award” in lieu of its successful planning and hosting of the said games.

Ironically, they seem to just be dressing themselves with phony flatters, as there was news that the said “award” was given by the Sports Industry Award (SPIA), endorsed and supported by the PhiSGOC themselves.

Conquerors of the SEA Gymnast Carlos Yulo, who was fresh from bagging gold medals during the 49th FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championship, finished SEA games with flying colors as he was able to snatch two golds and five silver medals, making him the most “bemedalled” Filipino athlete during the said event. Yulo is also qualified in the upcoming Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

Another Filipino champion is EJ Obiena, a pole vault athlete who showcased astral and Olympic-grade performance, clearing Olympics’ standard cut of 5.80 meters during his last tourney at Chiary, Italy, and thus giving him a ticket towards the next world Olympics. Though recently suffered from an ACL injury, Obiena bounced-back in his performance this SEA games as he was dominating in his field against other athletes during the event.

Obiena have obviously made a huge leap as he was able to set a new record, not only for his own personal record, but with the entire region, proof that he was the best in South East Asia.

Exemplifying Filipino women’s might are the gold-medal performances made

by Filipina athletes from different fields of sports. One of which is the Olympic silver-medalist Hidilyn Diaz who showcased the usual dominant performance in the Women’s weightlifting competition on the said event. Agatha Wong, Filipina delegate

PHOTO FROM Leverage Singapore

in Wushu has bagged 2-gold medals in the recently held SEA games. Cannot be deleted from the list is Pinay boxing champion, Nesthy Petecio, as she performed an unsurprising conquer during the said tournament and finishing with another gold medal of the Philippines. Other Filipina athletes include dash queen Kristina Knott who defied the record in 200m sprint while Gilas Pilipinas Women spanked their opponents and nailed their first ever gold medal, even amplifying the sweep of Filipinos in the Basketball tournaments.

Filipino tanker James Deiperine broke the dry spell in the swimming tilt, rewriting the history by claiming PH’s first ever gold after 10-years with his stunning dive in the 100m backstroke. On the same hand, Pinay veteran tanker Jasmine Alkhaldi crashed

the national records in five different swimming events held at the New Clark City.

Speaking of veterans is the legendary Efren ‘Bata’ Reyes who shows yet again why he is being feared by even other world champs in billiards competitions. The 65year old master of cue stick is relentless in the One-cushion carom tournament, hammering his Thai opponent with a commanding lead of 100-37.

Philippines has not only caught plethora of medals and records, but also earned praises from the sports industry as the Filipino hero surfer Roger Casugay saved his Indonesian rival Arip Nurhidayat in the preliminary rounds of the longboard event of the surfing tilts. Though inches to triumph, Casugay manages to display the real spirit of the said regional games— Sportsmanship, Sacrifice, and Brotherhood as he noticed and helped his opponent who struggled on his leash. In fact, Casugay was chosen as the flag-bearer of the Philippines in the closing ceremony at the New Clark City Athletic Stadium. Indonesian President Joko Widodo even lauds Casugay for his heroic deed, which is, at the end of the day, is what matters most.

Heart of the SEA Filipinos also stood warm support SEA Games’ underdog Timor-Leste until it finally got its first medal within the remaining few days of the said event. Cheers and support for Timor-Leste lurked the social media, and thus projecting Filipino’s trait of hospitality and camaraderie.

Virus & Financial Incapability Plagues ASEAN ParaGames

BY Klenia Ern B. Mendiola

PHOTO FROM The Strait Times

The field of physical sports has always been heavily dominated by the robust and the keen, even to the extent of having superhuman-like abilities. This constraint definition of physical sports was challenged by the opposite type of people, the differently-abled yet strong-willed proved that despite physical incapabilities they were able to push far beyond their own set of limits.

Dubbed as the twin-event of Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, the 10th ASEAN Paralympics Games was put off this March as decided by the Philippine Paralympics Committee (PPC) after reported financial issues hindered its kickoff despite its one year and a half allotted time for preparation. In light of the event’s postponement with regards to financial insufficiency, the ASEAN Para Sports Federation (APSF) has indefinitely postponed it for the second time and this time due to the coronavirus or COVID-19 outbreak.

This was recommended by the Philip-

pine Sports Commission as “safety and security” being the top priority. The PPC President Michael Barredo is eyeing the reschedule date at around May or June. As of this writing, there are 20 confirmed cases in the Philippines with 43 people under investigations (PUIs).

Due to the deadly outbreak, many international events were also called off such as The Asian Indoor Athletics Championship in Hangzhou, Women’s basketball Olympic qualifier in Foshan and cycling’s Tour of Hainan.

Postponement takes toll These seemingly unending rearrangements caused alarm in Southeast Asian countries as the change might affect their participation in the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics Games which will be held on August 25 to September 6, 2020.

Halimon Mohamad, Malaysia’s Na-

tional Sports Council (NSC) Paralympics Division director expressed that they originally planned their athletes to have a long break after the Para Games to prepare for the Paralympics and that the postponement of the event will affect their plans and training schedules as well. He also said that the schedule of the Para Games would affect qualification points for the Paralympics as it would coincide with the schedule of the qualification.

Originally scheduled from January 18 to February 25, 2020, the ASEAN Para Games calendared 16 sports; archery, athletics, badminton, boccia, chess, cycling, football, goalball, judo, para triathlon, powerlifting, sitting volleyball, table tennis, swimming, wheelchair basketball, and 10-pin bowling. To be participated by 9 southeast asian countries to deploy over 1,533 athletes and 829 officials have been all around the region but may vary due to changes in the date.

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KLenia Ern b. mendiola EDITOR-in-CHIEF • Jay-ar M. Turla MANAGING EDITOR • jhon marco d. magdangal Associate EDITOR • Cathriona jene d. ramoso senior EDITOR • Arlin G. Salonga Senior literary Editor • Marienel C. Calma ARTS EDITOR • John maurice s. cruz chief layout artist • justin P. Basco head photojournalist • fercy ehdzon o. lancion acting exchange editor • Hannah Rica L. Pineda acting CIRCULATIONS MANAGER • Karen C. Salunga PHOTOJOURNALIST • Luis Antonio A. Bonifacio, Erica Clare B. Garcia STAFF WRITERS • SHARA P. COMULLO, CARL JAY A. CUNANAN, Amber Dawn D. Del Rosario, Sheila Mae S. Torres, CALVIN KENEDY Q. TUAZON CREATIVE TEAM • Glenn Carlos B. Danting, , Bernard T. Domingo, Jon Aiken A. Fernandez, Mico Adrien M. Gueco, John michael B. Manalastas, IAN RODNEY G. SONGCO ARts DEPARTMENT • maRIA VICTORIA G. HARRIS TECHNICAL ADVISER