The Crusader December 2022 Broadsheet

welcoming the future

XUFD 2022 Held Full Onsite

fter two years of the pandemic, XU finally reopened its doors to the public for the recent celebration of the Xavier University Festival Days (XUFD) 2022 held last Dec 1-3.

Themed “Dayon! XU Welcomes You Back Home!,” the XU community celebrates the future with hopes to relive old memories and create new ones.

A three-day homecoming

This three-day festival welcomed all students, faculty, alumni, and guests—marking the first fully onsite celebration since 2019. The event aimed to highlight love, family, and hopes for a better future.

The annual celebration commenced with the onset of XUFD tradition, as the first day of the festivities began with a bike parade and food festival held along the Main Lane, followed by the wreath-laying ceremony, and tree lighting ceremony in the evening.

Following the opening of the festivities, one of the first main events was the XU Festival Nights held at the XU Covered Court, which showcased talents from XU alumni, students, and faculty from levels ranging from grade school to higher education. Meanwhile, on the Main Lane, people jammed to the XUFD Live!

The following days were jam-packed with an array of activities, starting with an Amazing Race participated in by XU Grade

School (XUGS) students, a performance from The Xavier Stage (TXS), Exhibition Matches from the XU Basketball Team, a trivia night organized by the XU Central Student Government (CSG), and a kick-off Concert with the XU Band alumni.

In customary XUFD fashion, the threeday long festivities concluded with the Dayon! Music Fest featuring performances by SMART artist JKLRD. Other performances by Hazel Jane Libe, Late November, Cyberband, Squishy, Niq Ramsis, and DJ Poccholo also graced the stage.

A First and Last: XUCA feasts Aggie Fiesta Day in Manresa

By Andre’ Socorro F. Doria

On Nov 26, 200 blue- and green-blooded bulls of the XU College of Agriculture (XUCA), more than a fourth of whom are freshmen students, huddled in the Manresa farm to feast on the Aggie Fiesta day, a yoke of two events—the “Aggie Freshmen day” and the “Manresa days” tradition.

The first half of the day served as the first welcome party for the freshmen students under the college who have yet to explore the premises due to the pandemic.

The Manresa Days tradition was then exclusively celebrated by the University Aggie community for the last time along Masterson avenue in honor of Fr. William F. Masterson, SJ who founded XUCA in 1953, and the Manresa farm three years after that.

The University Athletics Office (UAO) held a series of friendly games on Dec 2 as part of the festivities in

On Nov 23, student leaders from five Jesuit Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) commenced the 39th Buklod Atenista National Leaders Summit (BANLS) at XU Grade School (XUGS).

By Danica Ela P. Armendarez & Levina Eunice O. Palarca

XU Crusaders dazzle in homecourt

University News

Photo by Zle M. Yee

Breaking the stigma: SHUxx!’s City-wide HIV/AIDS Testing

By

n an effort to combat the issue against the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), the XU Central Student Government (CSG), and other private and government organizations spearheaded a city-wide advocacy campaign for HIV and AIDS’ sexual health literacy and awareness, free testing and counseling on Nov 23 to Dec 1.

With the theme, “Behind the Scenes: The Risk of the Unknown An HIV and AIDS Testing and Counseling,” this event aimed to not only spread awareness about the virus, but also to provide assistance to those who had been affected by it.

About HIV/AIDS

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system of the human body, making a person more susceptible to other infections and diseases. AIDS, on the other hand, is the late stage of the HIV infection that occurs when the body’s immune system is already severely damaged because of the said virus. HIV can only be transmitted by coming into direct contact with certain body fluids from a person with HIV who has

a detectable viral load. These fluids include the blood, semen, rectal fluids, vaginal fluids, and breast milk.

As of March 2022, the Department of Health (DOH), under the HIV/ AIDS & Anti-retroviral Therapy (ART) Registry of the Philippines (HARP), reported a total of 1,539 confirmed HIV infections, deemed to be among the highest numbers since the Philippines’ first case in 1984. From January to October 2022, the DOH’s Epidemiology Bureau under HARP reported a total of 12,859 HIV cases. Moreover, six cities with a cumulatively high prevalence of HIV and AIDS among males who have sex with males were identified, including Quezon City, Manila, Caloocan, Cebu, Davao, and finally CDO with a rate of 4.7 percent, a report from 2015 found.

An effort to break the stigma

The battle against HIV and AIDS has been a pressing and escalating concern in the country and still persists as a public misconception even today. With CDO now the fifth-leading city in the Philippines with the highest number of HIV/AIDS cases, the call for both attention and action intensifies.

XU-CSG’s campaign kicked off on Nov 23 with a media press conference held at Berchman’s Hall, which was then followed by a caravan and

procession walk along Plaza Divisoria and Amphitheatre on Nov 27, and a 3-day free testing and counseling operation held at Ayala Mall, Garden Area, from Nov 28–30.

Testing and counseling for these cases have been scarce for the past two years. Hence, several citizens and students from various schools participated in this week-long campaign. The first step in the testing and counseling processes was preregistration, which was done both online and through walk-ins where participants queued up to register, enclosing their personal information. Moreover, as part of learning more about HIV and AIDS, participants were then given the opportunity to watch educational video resources presented on a large screen. In preparation for the actual testing, pre-counseling and risk assessments were also completed. Finally, after being counseled and safely tested by medical professionals, a 20-minute wait for confidential results, postcounseling, and evaluation were all done accordingly.

In celebration of World AIDS Day on Dec 1, the campaign concluded with a culmination activity held at the Pearlmont Hotel.C

JUMP Manresa

FROM PAGE 1

The one-day event had a jampacked lineup of activities that showed off the brains and brawl of the students. It ranged from the Manrazing race for the freshmen and Aggie skills contests on flower arrangement, insect identification, identification of feeds and forage, feed formulation, and fertilizer computation for the upperclassmen. Friendly non-cattle competitions were also staged like load carrying and the tug of war match.

“We are lucky to have the experience nga last na gyud… [sic] it gives off something from the heart nga taga-diri gid ka, taga-Aggies gid ka,” said Agriculture Student Council Prime Minister Tara Torres.

To complete the tradition, the Rodeo Arena had its customary “Tumba Baka” exhibition that challenged the co-curricular organizations in a carambola alongside the XU Rodeo Enthusiasts and XU Bullriders 1969 organization. The Barn Dance 2022 contest and awarding ceremony ended the grand day at the Manresa farm Cuadra.

Asked whether Manresa will ever change after the first and last on-site celebration, Torres remarks, “It’s not

really

C

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Fritz F. Bustamante & Kenrich P. Gapasin

KNOW YOUR STATUS. Students from various schools participate in the city-wide HIV/AIDS testing and counseling campaign at Ayala Mall, Garden Area, on Nov 28, 2022. Photos by Zle Yee

about the place. Kung aha gyud ta ibutang—basta kay kung aha gyud ang Aggies magtapok—Manresa gyud na siya.” The construction of the New Manresa commenced last Oct and it is targeted to be operational in two years’ time

ON CHARGE. Students from Xavier University College of Agriculture (XUCA) community celebrate Aggie Fiesta Day on Nov 26, 2022, at Manresa Farm.

Photos by Frances Ryle Tan

This is the home of the Aggies for 66 years, and we are transitioning to a new home. We hope to name it as New Manresa.

Dr. Ma. Rosario Mosqueda XUCA Dean

XUCN dominates Nov 2022 NLE

By Claire Ivy T. Vanguardia

For 13 consecutive years, XU College of Nursing (XUCN) was once again hailed as one of the topperforming schools in the Nov 2022 Nurse Licensure Examination (NLE), with a 100 percent overall passing rate. Eight of its graduates also landed as topnotchers in the said board exam.

Yalany Soliva ranked fourth with a rating of 89.40 percent, Tiffany de Vera fifth with 89.20 percent, Gwyneth Porras and Rhea Tarife both seventh with 88.80 percent, Myles Arellano eighth with 88.60 percent, Casey Ty ninth with 88.40, and Emmanuel Ebarle and Eve Viudor tenth with 88.20 percent.

XUCN Dean Dr. Mary Grace Paayas, RN, MAN, commends this feat to the high-quality education that XU provided, “This is a solid testament to their Jesuit education, their extraordinary determination […] their faith in divine providence […] These legendary Jesuit nurses are the constant pride of XU.”

De Vera was astonished upon learning that she was one of the board’s topnotchers, as she claimed that the exam itself was challenging. “Lisod jud kayo to siya i-describe nga feeling, especially when one of your dreams has turned into a reality,” she expresses. De Vera further stressed the importance of “giving yourself time to rest” when studying for the board exams. Meanwhile, Soliva pinpointed the merit of having a good

foundation of nursing concepts rather than pure memorization during review season. She advised that, “Reading isn’t enough […] constantly answer practice questions, learn from your mistakes,

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Beth Nalam CONUS President

take a break, and lastly, don’t forget to pray.” As for Ebarle, he encouraged students to have faith in themselves, “Relax, let the knowledge flow freely in your mind, be sharp […] and the RN name will be yours.”

President Beth Nalam

believes that a combination of intrinsic (from the students themselves and their qualifications) and extrinsic factors (from the administration and their practices) are one of XUCN’s best practices in producing board passers with excellence. “What sets XUCN apart is the Ignatian touch. The added principles of Cura Personalis, Magis, and Finding God in all things are only among the added guidance that we Atenean nursing students also receive,” she asserts.

Current fourth-year nursing students are undergoing their Nursing Learning Outcome Appraisal (NLOA), a comprehensive subject serving as a board exam review course. “Much of our knowledge regarding concepts since freshman year up until now is being put to the test, and we are also challenged to make use of test-taking strategies in doing so,” Nalam adds.

Graced with various forms of support from their dean and clinical instructors, Nalam also highlighted the necessity of prayer, peers, and persistence among nursing students as they begin their undertakings with board exam preparation.

The recent NLE was conducted in the National Capital Region (NCR), Baguio, CDO, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Koronadal, Legaspi, Lucena, Pagadian, Pampanga, Rosales, Tacloban, Tuguegarao, and Zamboanga by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC). The exam has recorded 18,529 successful examinees out of 24,903 takers.C

University News

XU hosts 39th BANLS

By Kelly Camille G. Alair & Nedshla Acebes

On Nov 23, 41 student leaders from five Jesuit Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) commenced the 39th Buklod Atenista National Leaders Summit (BANLS) at XU Grade School (XUGS).

A five-day face-to-face forum held from Nov 23-27, BANLS is a biennial gathering of select delegates from the aforementioned HEIs of Buklod Atenista. It serves as a platform for Atenean student leaders to discuss prevalent issues within their respective communities.

After two years of holding it online, participants from Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU), Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU), Ateneo de Naga University (ADNU), Ateneo de Zamboanga University (ADZU), and XU convened. With this year’s theme, “Memento,” BANLS aims to address relevant social issues and strengthen leadership among the participants by learning about the latest national problems and putting forward resolutions.

The first day of the summit comprised a series of discussions. The first topic focused on Youth in Governance, elaborated by City Mayor’s Office Consultant Jordan Apat. Apat spoke of how to start movements and create Civil Society Organizations (CSOs). The next topic falls under the same subject, highlighting legislation, public lobbying, and long-term youth governance. It was delivered by CDO Technical Vocational Institute External Linkages Officer James Santos.

Moreover, resource speakers— Former City Mayor and XU Law Professor Atty. Oscar Moreno and Buklod Atenista National Convener Emeritus Mr. Julian Tarriela—shared their knowledge of the Education Situationer and the Students’ Rights and Welfare (STRAW) Situationer, respectively. The last topic was expounded by XU Social Development Vice President Engr. Dexter Lo. It centered on Laudato Si: Pushing Environmental Advocacies in the Grassroots.

The delegates reassembled on the second day at the XUGS Macasandig Auditorium for the discussion of Probable Board Resolutions, identification of Board Resolutions Authorship, and draft crafting of Resolutions. Afterward, the Wreath Laying and Mass for the Commemoration of the 40th Anniversary of Buklod Atenista were held at XU Main Campus.

On the third day, the assembly deliberated on 11 primary bills proposed by the Ateneo schools, with five sponsored bills from their Sectoral Assemblies. 12 out of 16 resolutions were adopted by Congress. The fourth day proceeded with a tour around the XU campuses and concluded with the celebration of Social’s Night.

With the success of BANLS at XU, Buklod Atenista Ambassador and Project Head Kyle Chester Cotacte expresses his delight. “Being Ateneans, naa tay responsibilidad to act on [the social issues,] and we’re very happy that we have likeminded student leaders to work on that,” he states. XU-CSG President Shilina Golez also explains that the significance of Buklod Atenista stemmed from the countless violations of human rights under the martial law, which pushed the national alliance to “form more policies and initiatives” and the students “to be more co-active in civic engagements.” Participants like ADZU El Consejo President Jason Idlisan responded to the call by drafting resolutions they can implement in their institutions.

Having the BANLS at XU is not only aligned with its mission and vision but a step further in upholding and enacting the Ignatian values of respect for humanity, dignity, freedom, justice, and service.

As the inter-institutional cooperation continues to foster humanism and patriotism, its delegates strive towards seeking social justice and implementing the change necessary to achieve it. Indeed, national initiatives like BANLS prove to be the difference that student leaders can individually and collectively make.C

Newsbits

#XUNovember Licensure Examinations2022

By Kenneth Wallace G. Melendez

In November 2022, XU College of Nursing took pride in its 13-peat with 100% passing rate for the Nursing Licensure Exam. Consecutively, Two XU Agriculture Graduates top the November 2022 Agriculturist Licensure Examination.C

ASEAN Marine Workshop

By Aliyah Francine G. Salan

XU student, James Martin Ambat, attends the 2022 Youth Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative Regional Workshop: Marine Warriors (YSEALI) last Dec 1-6, 2022 in Nha Trang, Vietnam.C

#XUPhilharmonic goes Disney!

By Kyla Gabrielle P. Tuto

Marking its 10th year anniversary, the Xavier Philharmonia, together with the Xavier Center for Culture and the Arts, performed in the XU Little Theater, themed “Be Our Guest” last Nov 24-25, 2022. C

XU welcomes 2022 Bar examiners

By Kyla Gabrielle P. Tuto

On Nov 9, 13, 16, and 20, XU hosted the 2022 Bar Examination as one of the 14 chosen testing centers in the nation.C

CONUS

What sets XUCN apart is the Ignatian touch. The added principles of cura personalis, magis, and finding God in all things are only among the added guidance that we Atenean nursing students also receive.

Photos from Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan Facebook Page

TO A GREATER ATENEO. Student leaders from five Ateneo schools convene for the 39th Buklod Atenista National Leaders Summit (BANLS) on

Photos by John Ian Bradshaw and Zle Yee

FROM PAGE 1

Various food stalls, coffee booths, clothing stalls, and other booths also crowded the University Main Lane all the way to the XU Soccer Field for XU constituents and guests to enjoy.

Back on campus

Bounded by limitations due to the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 and 2021 XUFD celebrations were both held virtually, leaving a longing for the irreplaceable experience of face-to-face festivities.

Finally, after two years, the University has now transitioned from the virtual setting, allowing the celebration to be held face-to-face

once again. As XU welcomes students, faculty, and guests back to the campus, this also marks a fond welcome for what the future holds for the institution.

University President Fr. Mars P. Tan, SJ expressed in his welcoming message his utmost gratitude toward the XU community for being geared to welcome the University’s anticipated future. “Now, equipped with lessons of endurance, persistence, courage, and resilience—we welcome the future for Xavier Ateneo—for all of us, for our dreams, and for our families. [sic] Do not be afraid to dream, to make the great future happen because we are Xavier Ateneans,” he imparts.

Now unbound from the virtual setting, XU was able to once again hear the loudness of the festivities and feel the strong sense of community that was once exuded by past face-to-face XUFD celebrations.

Of the many firsts With the transition to the new normal, organizers of the different events faced their fair share of challenges.

CSG Department of Events and Management (DEM) Head Antonette Ugat expressed that the preparations for the XU Festival Night and XU Music Fest, which were assigned to DEM, were tedious and

exhausting. “We only had less than a month to prepare, and we also have academic commitments to attend to, so it was difficult to reach some of our members.”

Adjustments from the last two years of the pandemic did not make this year’s face-to-face festivities quite the same as the pre-pandemic celebrations. There were some events that were not included in this year’s festivities, such as the Horror House, Wall Climbing, and XU Goes K-pop, that constituents and guests had always looked forward to each year.

Days prior to the festivities, CSG announced a call for drag queens,

which sparked anticipation for a Drag Show during the XUFD but was never pushed through.

The XU community, along with fellow Kagay-anons, was welcomed back inside campus grounds with ramped up warmth and fulfillment brought by the festivities. As the era of fully online events comes to an end, yesterday’s puhon becomes today’s reality and tomorrow’s hope. On the 89th anniversary of the founding of XU, let us cherish the memories we have made, nostalgic and new, and look forward to a better future.

C

DAYON! SA XU. Xavier University opened its doors for celebration of its annual XU Festival Days on Dec 1-3, 2022, with various events and activities held within the campus. Photos by John Ian Bradshaw, Christianne Cabrera, Antonio Miguel Ladra, and Aira May Plaga

University News

XUJHS holds Bubbles and Colors Family Run 2023

By Reina Margaret Gwynette T. Villamor

around the XASC Oval, with a cool down and closing ceremony following soon after.

Attended by all XUJHS students, along with their families, as well as teachers, staff, and alumni, the event sought to influence physical activity and participation in the family, community, and society.

The event started at 6AM with an opening program and a welcome message by XUJHS Principal Dr. Pamela Q. Pajente. It was then followed by a Zumba warm-up that commenced the blast of bubbles and colors.

Participants—in full running gear and race bibs—then started their run

Arts, Physical Education and Health (MAPEH) Department, held the event as a year-starter that seeks to promote

Even though the day started gloomy with the weather, kay na-alive ra ang people sa colors, bubbles, and sa run itself.

Joaquim Gabriel G. Gasatan XUJHS Grade 7 student

The XUJHS Parents, Students and Teachers’ Auxiliary Group (PSTAG) in collaboration with the XUJHS administration and its Music,

family bonding.

“For two years, atong family day is [sic] online. And since dili pa ta pwede i-confine sa usa ka closed na building,

mao ni siya ang concept nga naa. Part pud ni siya sa activity sa mga bata sa ilang PE classes,” Race Coordinator Jong Pamisa explained.

Participant turnout was high, with many enjoying the event. “Even though the day started gloomy with the weather, kay na-alive ra ang people sa colors, bubbles, and sa run itself,” said Grade 7 student and fun run participant Joaquim Gabriel G. Gasatan.

Proceeds of the event will be donated to select beneficiaries. “Because this [event] is paid for with a registration fee, naay mga communities nga i-serve sa XU Junior High School,” Pamisa added.

The XUJHS Bubbles & Colors Family Run is part of the Xavier University Festival Days 2022 Celebration held last Dec 2022 C

CDO COVID-19 Vaccine rollout ends in Dec 31

By Racquel Vaneza Kate B. Agustin

On Nov 14, the COVID-19 Vaccination Medical Coordinator of the City Health Office (CHO) Dr. Ina Chiu disclosed that the vaccination rollout will now be until Dec 31. The implementation is predicated on the Department of Health (DOH) Regional Vaccination Operations Center (RVOC) discussion, Local Government Unit (LGU) vaccine supplies, and the capacity and availability of the vaccination team.

The local government, together with the multidisciplinary team, released vaccination schedules last Nov 25 at the respective Barangay Health Centers of Bayabas, Balulang, Bonbon, Bulua, Canitoan, Carmen, Iponan, Kauswagan Main, Kauswagan NHA, Lumbia, Macanhan, Mambuaya, Patag, and Pagatpat. This also includes the vaccination areas at Limketkai Mall, the City Health Office, and the J.R. Borja General Hospital. Wherein, the allocated vaccination sites are said to cater to unvaccinated and unboosted residents. In view of this, people who will not be vaccinated by the end of the year, as mentioned by Chiu, can still be freely vaccinated as long as the vaccines are still available in 2023. “For now, emergency use authorization of the recent vaccines has been extended,” she emphasizes.

City Epidemiologist Dr. Teodulfo Joselito Retuya expresses, “Ang paglikay nato duha nalang gyud, ang atong paghimo sa atong minimum public health standards, ang ika duha is ang atong pagpa kusog or strengthen pa sa atong vaccination.” With this, the coordination and compliance of the community play a vital role in the prevention of the transmission of the COVID-19 virus and the increasing number of active cases in CDO. Additionally, booster shots are required, as this strengthens the immune system, its response, and its defense wall.

Moreover, herd immunity is a vision that is hard to achieve, most especially now that Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has multiplied its mutation. Thus, one of the challenges during this crisis is associated with vaccine hesitancy. It will take time for this communicable disease to be neutralized, and vaccination is the only way to prevent the community from contracting the severe form of the infection. For the time being, studies and clinical trials to increase vaccine effectiveness against COVID infection are ongoing.

The fundamental, minimal public health requirements like correct mask use should not be overlooked, especially in close quarters, and social distancing and frequent hand washing must be efficiently implemented. Chiu concludes, “Vaccines not only save ourselves from COVID, they also protect our families and our community as well. Vaccines are free; all you have to do is go to our vaccination sites and get vaccinated.”

Despite the seemingly decreasing number of COVID-19 patients in the city, the Cagayan de Oro City Information Office declared 44 active cases had been recorded on Dec 13, with 24 patients being admitted and 20 individuals getting treatment in monitoring facilities.

The vaccination and strategic implementation of the DOH programs concerning the existing pandemic strictly encourages the community to follow and practice minimum health standards. According to Chiu, text brigade messaging will soon be reimplemented.C

On Jan 7, the Xavier University Junior High School (XUJHS) community conducted its Bubbles and Colors Family Run at the Xavier Ateneo Sports Centre (XASC) Track Oval and Soccer Field.

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A FUN START TO THE YEAR. Faculty, students, and staff of XUJHS came together during the Bubble and Colors Family Run year-starter event held last January 7 at the Xavier Ateneo Sports Centre. Photo by Christianne Cabrera

TheCrusader

Editorial Board

Danica Ela P. Armendarez

Alyssa Chantal P. Moreno

Kevin Matthew N. Pacana

Reyjean Marie S. Bacud

Levina Eunice O. Palarca

Fritz F. Bustamante

Hyacinth L. Premacio

Kenneth G. Melendez

Catherine

Shaun

Karl M. Tabbay

Managers

Edshera R. Abella

Aliyah Francine G. Salan

Kyla Gabrielle P. Tuto

John Ian G. Bradshaw Online

Kiarra P. Lingating Senior Research Manager

Carmel M. Solarte Junior Research Manager

Catherine C. Naldoza

Reyjean Marie S. Bacud Senior Finance Manager

Ruie Rose S. Angcod Junior Finance Manager

Reina Margaret Gwynette T. Villamor

Staff Writers

Nedshla Acebes (Trainee)

Racquel Vaneza Kate B. Agustin

Kelly Camille G. Alair (Trainee)

Jysel Ashley C. Ayop (Trainee)

Andre’ Socorro F. Doria

Kenrich P. Gapasin (Trainee)

Claire Ivy T. Vanguardia

Staff Artists

Ricci Jilliane Bangis (Trainee)

Zsarlette Alanne A. Cabana (Trainee)

Christianne D. Cabrera (Trainee)

Timothy Christian A. Catiwalaan (Trainee)

Kim Angelo R. Dael (Trainee)

Zenju P. Espinosa

Antonio Miguel T. Ladra (Trainee)

Marichell Aliah Amor S. Langreo (Trainee)

Chloe Alexandra T. Orteza

Aira May L. Plaga

Frances Ryle R. Tan (Trainee)

Norman Jr. S. Wooton (Trainee)

Zle M. Yee (Trainee)

Staff Broadcasters

Christian A. La Victoria

Andrea Marie L. Tan Moderator Mr. Aage Benedict P. Maneja

Injustice has been served

On Nov 5, award-winning

Cartoonist Benharl Capote Kahil died of multiple gunshot wounds in Barangay Pasandalan, Lebak town in Sultan Kudarat. Eight bullet wounds were found on his body and head. He had been ambushed on the road past 10PM. The police still continue investigating as they have yet to identify the gunmen responsible for this crime. Though the initial motive of the murderers of Kahil still remains a clue, the police believe that it may be a personal one. However, they are not discounting the possibility that it may be work-related.

Kahil was a teacher and the Special Program in the Arts coordinator of Lebak Legislated National High School. He was famously known for his advocacy against disinformation through his editorial cartoons. He was part of the #FactsFirstPH Campaign, an initiative composed of journalists, researchers, and civil society members cartooning for peace in battling for the truth. His works have been acknowledged by many and have won several prizes in competitions held and organized by the Pitik Bulag collective. Most of his political cartoons emphasized the injustices faced by the masses, and the urgency to protect women’s and children’s rights.

On Nov 2022, Broadcaster Percival Mabasa was shot dead in a Manila Suburb by self-confessed gunman

Joel Escorial. Escorial admitted that a certain “Bantag” had ordered the kill. According to Rappler, veteran journalist Roy Mabasa, Percival’s brother, said that it was evident in the testimonies of the inmates who gave their

affidavits to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI). It all pointed to a certain Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) official. Percival Mabasa was known as Percy Lapid, the host of the Lapid Fire program on the DWBL 1242 radio station. His last commentary on YouTube was on Sept. 12 entitled, “Pagkuwestyon sa Batas, Katumbas ng

make people aware and to persuade them on unsaid matters. Yet they are seen as bullseye targets for some who are struck with questionable criticisms.

In reality, journalists like Kahil and Mabasa are more open than those in power, yet they are condemned by society for being honest. When disinformation looms in society, they

are needed now more than ever.

Over the last 36 years, around 197 journalists have been killed. According to the press freedom index of Reporters Without Borders, for 2022, the Philippines is ranked 147th out of 180 countries as the deadliest place for journalists to reside, which is such an irony for a democratic country. The government must do something about this and protect the press. It is not enough to just be disheartened by such tragic news but to provide them with the justice they deserve.

People need to realize that the press is doing what most politicians cannot: obligate themselves to put the people first, make them heard, and fight for what is right. There is a need to voice out the unspoken because if not, then who will? Sadly, their lives were taken too soon.

May the deaths of these journalists compel us to rage, because if justice is not served, oppression will prevail. Their criticisms of the government place them at risk. This comes to show that the leaders at hand refuse to listen and accept the truth. As leaders, they must serve in the same way Kahil and Mabasa had. The truth stands by itself, and as citizens, we must not tolerate our government suppressing it.

May justice be served for the lives that have been lost.

The official student publication of Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan

Illustration by

Pagpuna sa Gobyerno!” He was notable for his criticisms of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and former President Rodrigo Duterte. Journalists, broadcasters, and cartoonists are only doing their job to

Journalism has become a dangerous occupation in the country. Journalists become “red-tagged” as adherents of the communist terrorists and are perceived as active members of the communist party. They receive death threats and warnings from the government; they are placed behind bars; and worse—murdered. At present, these threats are not only limited to journalistic write-ups and commentaries but also to artistic expression.

People need to realize that the press is doing what most politicians cannot: obligate themselves to put the people first, make them heard, and fight for what is right. There is a need to voice out the unspoken because if not, then who will? Sadly, their lives were taken too soon.

Bingchilling

Bullet lead against pencil lead

By Shaun Arthur O. Pao

Artists offer their entire being into their craft. Each piece is a reflection of the thoughts and ideas that they stand for, mirroring who they are as individuals. Political cartooning is the marriage between visual artistry and social commentary, laced with the grit of politics. Cartooning is a perfect medium for exercising one’s freedom of speech, but in a country rampant with violence and impunity such as the Philippines, a seemingly peaceful advocacy can be met with death.

On Nov 5, award-winning cartoonist and art teacher Benharl Capote Kahil was shot and killed while riding his motorbike home.

His death came just a month after the death of radio journalist Percival Mabasa, another outspoken critic of corruption. A total of 197 journalists have been killed in the Philippines since democracy was restored in 1986.

It does not matter if you are a radio host, news reporter, cameraman,

Litik the Pitik Culture

By John Ian G. Bradshaw

or cartoonist. If your work provokes and goes against the tide, you will be marked. It is horrible to think that political cartoons can be the cause of someone’s death, but here we are, existing in such a grim reality.

No matter how dire it is, let us not be desensitized. Reading about a murdered journalist every now and then should not be the norm. The deaths of Kahil and Mabasa came and went cold like it was nothing. How

many more radical minds should be shot down before we begin to seek true change? The country is cycling back into what it was before with the return of a Marcos—expect this new golden era to be drenched in red.

A saying goes that artists offer their entire being into their craft. For Kahil, it was ink, paper, and blood. Staying silent will only lead people to forget the tragedies that happen week after week. Wrongdoings will make citizens

turn a blind eye, and the killings will never stop. As a cartoonist myself, I admit how terrifying it is to meet the same fate, but that fear is exactly what they want. They set Kahil’s death as a warning for those who wish to follow his path. That is why instead of cowering, we must stand firm. It is a bullet lead against pencil lead and injustice against the truth. Let us not be silenced.C

Life as we know it is in a constant flow. Moments after moments pass by so quickly without any pause. However, photography has changed that fact. This art of light enables us to defy the constant with just a click of our fingertips. It encaptures the most priceless and impassioned scenery in a frame, allowing us to visually share the emotions and experiences we had. Nonetheless, this freedom can undoubtedly slip right out of the palm of our hands.

In little more than a decade, photography on social media has gone from being a form of art and a medium of entertainment to a fully integrated part of many people’s daily lives. Predebut and maternity shoots are just two examples of photoshoot trends created by people. As it further becomes more accessible, a recent trend has emerged within the locality called the pitik culture. It is a modern-day paparazzi

wherein the subjects are random people. These individuals with pointand-shoot cameras just carelessly shoot and post photographs online of people from certain occasions or events. Some might be enthusiastic about being posted by these pitik photographers. But undeniably, these photographs of random individuals could cause harm to others. This is applicable to those who do their best to

stay away from the public eye. Though there are no rules imposed to prohibit the capturing of photos in public, the issue lies in the non-consensual taking of one’s photograph. Under the current law, the collection of personal data without the person’s consent is an invasion of privacy.

The presence of these so-called pitik photographers has always inspired viewers in their expression of

Woke up, people!

By Kiarra Dlahmane P. Lingating

art—often to the point that individuals take part in the art of photography. However, this pitik culture has been a danger to people’s privacy, entangling them at the risk of harassment. It has become an art for clout satisfaction, disregarding the needed ethics. Thus, there is a need for a litik of reality for this pitik culture that romanticizes this breach of privacy.C

Have you ever been shut down in an argument by the word “woke”? If not, consider yourself lucky. It’s probably the only word that could scare any reasonable person into putting their concerns to sleep. Presently, the word has a derogatory undertone, as if to say, “You don’t know what you’re talking about.” The word isn’t used as a form of constructive criticism but rather as an insult—a word to shame people for knowing too much rather than too little. A weapon of mass ignorance.

Today, it is the youth that tends to be at the other end of this infamously avoided word. For something that had its origins in fighting disinformation and discrimination, it is now a title bestowed upon the younger generations whenever they so much as defend their stances—even with credible sources and research—against the traditional and backward views of their elders. Not only that, but it’s also

backed by dismissive remarks about how sensitive, loud, and hypocritical the youth are today. But is that really such a bad thing?

Younger generations being active, vocal, and sensitive towards the issues of today is something worth celebrating. The past isn’t the golden age most older generations believe it is. The issue isn’t that there’s a trend among the youth to care more about

social issues, but rather the opposite. The issue is keeping quiet to appease tradition, practicing apathy in politics so as to avoid backlash, and letting corruption run its course for personal safety. These are trends that have always stopped any and all forms of progress within society. The youth shouldn’t have to be shamed for finally going against these trends, and celebrating ignorance by doing so will never be the

victory that woke-haters think it is. So woke up, Gen Z! As long as being “woke” means you’re actively educating yourself on the issues that matter, and using your voice to do what’s right, then nothing is wrong with it. Never be afraid to hold people accountable for their actions. As a wise “woke” once said, “Ang kabataan ang pag-asa ng bayan.” We are the future, so let’s lead it loud and proud!C

Column

AI-sthetically Inauthentic

By Karl Mykell M. Tabbay

Artists are

they

AI art is an amalgam of ideas, stolen from unknown artists and boiled down to only zeros and ones. In other words, the works of traditional and digital artists are being replicated or somewhat mixed with existing art to make new “art.” It uses databases from the internet, like posts from different websites and applications such as Instagram.

The style is then being replicated without the permission of the original owner. The product produced by the AI is maybe masterful and almost homogenous to human-made ones; however, is it really considered “art”?

So, how then are we able to consider art as “art”? Art is the culmination of what the artist has to offer in that moment of time. The journey they have experienced from

their struggles to their success is what defines that piece of art as art. An algorithm such as AI art cannot and will not see that aspect of humanity—it may have been masterfully stolen, but it was not theirs to begin with. While AI is only a vessel, the technology enables large-scale art theft at its very core.

The nuances of a piece of art will never be understood by digital algorithmic tracing. Streamlining a

very literal human experience and activity is very much tone-deaf. Personally, art is an expression. I see the art, the artist behind such beautiful work, and not a bunch of prompts given by another unoriginal “artist.” It is amusing to think that many have claimed AI art to be “art”. In reality, it is a large scale, more than needed intricate way of digital tracing.C

J-Rizz

chimken nuggie

storytellers;

create masterpieces from their creative minds that embody their thoughts, emotions, and sentiments. Telling their story is the goal, and creating the masterpiece is the ad hoc consequence, a true creative. In the field of art, artificial intelligence (AI) has been pushing through and making waves. However, critics have voiced out negative feedback of how AI art has become disrespectful and unoriginal, harming the works of other artists.

Hoarah Loux

MURDER OF THE EXPRESSION

Democratic Scars from A Thousand Cuts

Will you still fight for the truth knowing that, by doing so, your life will be at stake? Award-winning filmmaker Ramona S. Diaz attempts to answer this via a formidable subject in her political documentary thriller, A Thousand Cuts (2020). The film recently won the Outstanding Social Issue Documentary at the 43rd News and Documentary Emmy Awards—and that is only one of the international recognitions it has achieved.

The 90-minute documentary centers on Rappler co-founder and 2021 Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Ressa enduring the lacerations of former President Rodrigo Duterte’s authoritarian regime. Amidst the rising army of internet trolls and their massive social media disinformation campaigns, how did Ressa persevere in the battle against these threats?

The President and the Press

As the war on drugs ensued during Duterte’s rule, Diaz first presents his crackdown on Rappler. At the outset, the viewer can see Ressa and her colleagues keeping tabs on the antidrug campaign’s accomplishments. The filmmaker reveals how the tension between the two became more palpable, with the President throwing shade at the news platform.

concern is human rights; mine is human lives,” Duterte emphasizes. If he truly cared for human lives, how come thousands of innocent and poor people died at the hands of those in power?

This has been the anguish faced by the journalists who knew of the victims’ woes.

Among these reporters were Pia Ranada, whom Duterte eventually banned from media briefings at the Palace; Rambo Talabong, who looked into the police’s enforcement of corruption in Metro Manila’s poorest communities; and Patricia Evangelista, who chronicled the traumas and conflicts of the campaign.

However, the President was not alone in his endeavors. He and his initiative were documented from the perspectives of Mocha Uson and Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa. Courtesy of Uson’s colossal influence, the information ecosystem is overshadowed by the alternative news she perpetuated. Meanwhile, dela Rosa affirmed ceaselessly that “[he] would kill for the President,” and so he did. His gun would not only become an item of fear, but a symbol of oppression. Instead of serving the people, he served the iron-fisted ruler.

During the bad blood between the government and the mass media, Ressa was convicted of cyber-libel in the process. From then on in the

Death by a thousand cuts

With the press’ and Ressa’s freedom at immense risk, Diaz abandons the bird’s eye view and zooms into her life, not only as a journalist but as an amiable human being. Her directing style is clever, switching from multiple points of view and back to her subject, whose wit and courage she showcased.

The selected footage and interviews may seem scandalous given that viewers have unfiltered access to the characters, but Leah Marino’s editing rescues this feeling by producing rhythmic and tonal images.

The cinematography by Gabriel Goodenough and Jeffrey Johnson mainly consists of medium close-up shots and low lighting, giving the impression that a closer look into the cast makes the narrative darker and more intense. The foreboding musical score of Sam Lipman also sets the mood for mystery and revelation through its somber pacing and ominous timber.

Overall, the documentary is both informative and investigative, inviting the viewers to witness the horrors of fake news and abuse of power. The intriguing title draws inspiration from Ressa herself: “What we’re seeing is a death by a thousand cuts… little cuts to the body… of Philippine democracy.

When you have enough of these cuts, you are so weakened that you will die.”

Battle scars

In the film, Ressa also warns that “lies laced with anger and hate spread fastest.” Since the electoral campaign up to the present, disinformation has enjoyed its role as the anti-hero that everyone blindly roots for. Duterte also urged his successor to continue the anti-drug campaign, which the current President declared he would. Under his premature term, two radio broadcasters have already been killed for commenting on the realities that surround them.

All these are terrifying, but the documentary argues that one way we can get out of the terror is to use our rights. As Ressa reminds us, “If you don’t use your rights, you will lose them.”

***

The cautionary tale is a riveting take on the battle between disinformation and democracy. The freedom of the press and that of expression are what this country seeks to prevail, and yet they are continuously being slashed to a thousand cuts by those threatened by them. Nevertheless, purveyors of truth, like Ressa, take pride in these scars. They save us from the endless stabs against our freedom. Because of that, justice continues to prove victorious.C

If you don’t use your rights, you will lose them.

‘‘

Maria

Ressa 2021 Nobel Peace Prize winner

Story by Kelly Camille G. Alair Design by Kevin Matthew N. Pacana

“Your

documentary, Diaz unabashedly favors her side of the story.

Critical Feature

Gender-fluid Uniforms: Identity Puzzle

Story by Kenrich P. Gapasin Illustration by Marichell Aliah Amor S. Langreo

The LGBTQ+ community’s long-running struggle to secure a firm ground for their rights has finally been recognized. On Dec 6, chair of the chamber’s committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality Senator Risa Hontiveros, filed the Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression, and Sex Characteristics (SOGIESC) Equality Bill.

At the Senate Committee level, 19 of the 24 Senators have joined forces to move the bill forward. The bill explicitly states that all forms of discrimination, marginalization, and violence based on SOGIESC will be punished and prohibited; one included case is the imposition of more stringent disciplinary sanctions than is customary, or restrictions and prohibitions that contravene students’ rights.

Today, it is apparent that individuals and gender norms are shifting. Nevertheless, the subject matter of LGBTQ+’s rights, notably in relation to gender-fluid uniform concerns, appears to have been an imposed constraint at some schools up until now. As educational institutions, why would schools choose to regress over progress?

Beyond a means of self-expression

One’s gender-clothing preference is a form of self-expression as it symbolizes who you want to be. Gone are the days of adhering to conventional gender norms; crossdressing has morphed into a significant force. In fact, many global fashion industries, well-known organizations, and high-profile celebrities are now embracing various gender expressions and preferences, depicting themselves as progressive through the wearing of gender-fluid or unisex clothing.

In relation, thus far, some schools within the country, including Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM), PHINMA-Cagayan de Oro College (COC), and even Ateneo de Naga University (ADNU), have officiallly allowed students to wear the gendered uniforms of their choice in such situations. Despite this, others stick to being conventional, and one of them includes XU. A Jesuit-run University’s dilemma on this matter is still a point of concern for transgender students, for its stance remains equivocal.

University Director of Office Student Affairs (OSA) Ivanell Subrabas expresses, “We recognize that times have changed, the needs of the students have evolved—they are more expressive and have more awareness.” For instance, to receive consideration for gendered-type uniforms, transgender students are asked to write a formal request, which is then assessed by OSA through an open conversation, and permission is then granted. Nonetheless, the University’s

verdict is that there is currently no official policy available, which must supposedly serve as a solid statement. As it is deemed a sensible topic, dealing with it is an ongoing process.

Moreover, the reference to and discussion of the said matter with the other Ateneo schools has also led to the realization that “[it is] for benchmarking and that we are more guided in terms of addressing this matter brought up by our students,” Subrabas adds.

XU acknowledges and values the request of the LGBTQ+ community, however, there is still a glaring lack of accessibility and inclusiveness behind closed doors for transgender students, especially in terms of their rights and preferences in general.

Identity as a puzzle With the recent return of face-toface (FTF) classes, a few may find the idea of FTF exciting, while others may find it unsettling. Jan Tulibas (BSN 4), a transgender female student, recounts her own discriminatory experiences within the University’s spaces.

In Tulibas’ clinical classes, Related Learning Experience (RLE), the strictly required biologicallybased uniform and standardized male haircut are deemed to be her concern, which clearly does not fit with her femininity—especially with how she views herself as a woman. Consequently, callous incidents, such as: (1) being intentionally called “mister” rather than “miss”, (2) street harassment—catcalls, and (3) public toilet hesitation—are the byproduct of Tulibas’ ingrained lack of confidence and low self-esteem. “I hope ang Xavier would adapt inclusivity […] dress code policy is okay, but it should also be gender appropriate,” she explains. Moreover, as a transwoman, Tulibas is keen to emphasize that the University’s official decision for gender-responsive uniforms should be made soon, as “one’s” impressive school performances do not conform with the created policies. Tulibas’ personal preference and choice appear to be a missing piece of her identity; her male uniform disparagingly misidentifies her.

Even so, will gender-responsive uniforms suffice to end such discriminatory practices? ***

The approval of gender-responsive uniforms may seem insignificant to some, but it is a giant leap forward in establishing fairness and a firm ground of rights for transgender students. With XU’s notable identity as an institution that upholds excellence, the University is expected to be adaptable, facilitative, and above all, non-discriminatory. A call to action for realizing gender-fluid uniforms should be about more than just gender expression but also progress towards inclusivity.C

Jan Tulibas Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Student

I hope ang Xavier would adapt inclusivity [...] dress code policy is okay, but it should also be gender appropriate.

‘‘

On Nov 16, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) launched its Space Launch System (SLS) mega rocket carrying an unmanned Orion spacecraft from Cape Canaveral, Florida at 1:47AM Eastern Time. After multiple fuel leaks, manufacturing concerns, and two major launch delays, NASA Engineers have refueled the USD4.1B rocket for another attempt.

Hold up, what’s Artemis 1?

Artemis 1 is the pioneering moon mission under the NASA Artemis program, a revolutionary, multi-stage trip to the moon from 2022 to 2025. The ultimate goal of the program seeks to prepare humanity for its long journey to potentially terraform and live on Mars one day. The launch of Artemis 1 acts as a starting point for the long-awaited 25 and a half day voyage in sending an unmanned Orion capsule to space to test the rocket’s heat shield capacity and collect data about the moon and outer space.

NASA intends to record all possible data related to atmospheric conditions, gravitational pull, and other significant factors in the Artemis 1 mission to prepare for its future voyages, the crewed Artemis 2 mission around the moon and the Artemis 3 moon landing mission. Artemis 1 is expected to completely circle the moon 8-14 days after its launch and then return to earth before mid-December.

Okay, but why did the launches keep getting delayed?

Last Aug 29, NASA was forced to abort its first attempt to launch Artemis 1 due to an issue with one of the SLS rocket’s engines. It was found out that the engine was unable to meet the required temperature range for takeoff.

On Sept 3, a second launch attempt

Fly Me to the Moon: Artemis 1 for liftoff

took place but was unsuccessful because of a hydrogen leak in the quick disconnect, a part of the main rocket that serves as the connector between the SLS and the rocket fuel. Engineers discovered the leak in a space between the side plates of the rocket and the ground; the rocket cannot fly securely because liquid hydrogen is flowing out and contaminating the rocket’s interior.

After the second launch attempt of Artemis 1, NASA officials have stated that a close examination of their program is necessary because the US government’s money is being spent on it. Moreover, the agency has decided against attempting the launch of the Artemis 1 moon mission in early September. Concerning this, NASA stated that they will not give in to public pressure to speed up the Artemis 1 launch in compromise of safety and potential hazards.

“Over the next several days, teams will establish access to the area of the leak at Launch Pad 39B, and in parallel conduct a schedule assessment,” NASA officials said in a statement highlighting their course of action to further investigate the structural integrity of Artemis 1’s launching site and its SLS, the main rocket body.

So, how will the Artemis 1 mission be done without humans onboard?

Currently, the Orion capsule only transports inanimate scientific payloads like cameras, radios, and other measuring devices for data collection. A few hours after Artemis 1 took off, the Orion capsule detached itself from the main SLS. This propelled Orion to escape earth’s magnetic field and go into space.

On the eighth day of the mission, Nov 23, NASA published a self-portrait snapped by Orion and closeup images of crater terrains on the moon.

The voyage of Artemis 1 serves as a reminder that space exploration is no easy feat. After two failed launches, Artemis 1 blasts off at its third and final attempt in hopes of mapping the moon and then returning to earth.

As the trailblazer of the NASA Artemis program, this mission seeks to trudge the first steps of reestablishing human presence on the moon and future planetary exploration.

orbit and a small portion of the moon in the background. The close-up images were captured as Orion passed approximately 129 km above the lunar surface at its closest approach.

Artemis 1 will travel approximately 64,373 km into deep space, an area of space beyond the earth and the moon, immediately after Orion finishes its data gathering of the moon. Orion is scheduled to head back to earth and splash land in the Pacific Ocean on Dec 11.

But why bother with space anyway?

In recent years, humanity continues to face the climate crisis and suffer from its detrimental effects in the form of floods, storms, forest fires, and other natural disasters. More often than not, space exploration and astronomical studies are seen as a waste of time and energy because of environmental issues here on earth. Little do much know, space exploration has been a key factor in keeping the earth and its environment in check.

Without space exploration, humans would have never gotten to use the Global Positioning System (GPS), a key component utilized in designing maps, earth navigation systems, and weather forecasting. The use of GPS is found in our daily lives because it allows humans to get from one place to another; the locations of all places on earth are documented with coordinates generated by the GPS satellite. The data from the GPS is taken from a satellite up in space, where it is used to plan and oversee optimal routes of transport, dispatch vehicles more efficiently, and get directions on how to go to and from a place in the least amount of time.

black holes, stars, light travel, and the existence of other planets have paved the way for constructing space-based technologies. These studies have given greater insight into predicting how the earth behaves and adapts to certain conditions like changes in temperature and climate change impacts.

Well, what does the moon have to do with me?

Exploring the moon presents an opportunity for scientists to study its relationship with the earth. The moon has been known to influence the earth with its gravitational pull, triggering high tides and tsunamis whenever there was a full moon. Not only that, but recently in May 2022, University of Florida researchers were also able to successfully grow thale cress plants sown in “lunar regolith,” soil from the moon.

mounted on the outer part of the

which shows Orion in

Besides navigation, space exploration helps in answering the fundamental questions of how our place in the universe and our very existence came to be. The discovery of

*** The environment on the moon is related to earth because we are directly affected. The moon and the earth both have similar shapes, receive energy from the sun, and are made of rocks. Lunar exploration is an avenue to see the earth from a different perspective by uncovering how the earth-moon relationship works, forms, and evolves. Moreover, heading to the moon helps us understand how craters and other giant holes on earth came to be which can help us trace back our history and possibly our future, too. By gathering information about the moon, we can develop innovative technologies in space exploration to better comprehend the nature of the earth, our galaxy, and neighboring planets.

Today, we await Artemis 1’s return. Tomorrow, we prepare to see humanity make its way to Mars.C

The latest images of the Artemis 1 mission were captured by a camera

spacecraft

Story by Jysel Ashley C. Ayop Illustration by Antonio Miguel T. Ladra

Science Feature

Story by Danica Ela P. Armendarez Design by Kevin Matthew N. Pacana

January 07

February

March

June

July August

On Jan 7, a successful transplant of a genetically modified pig’s heart was operated on 53-yearold David Bennett in Baltimore, Maryland. This groundbreaking transplant marks as one of the first successful xenotransplantation C

In the earlier weeks of May, the first case of monkeypox (MPX) was recorded. Most confirmed cases with travel history reported travel to countries in Europe and North America rather than West or Central Africa, where the MPX virus is endemic.C

Jessical Watkins becomes the first black woman to serve an extended mission on the International Space Station (ISS) as part of SpaceX’s Crew Dragon Capsule. In orbit, the crew will work on science experiments and space station maintenance.C

On July 11, NASA released the first set of images captured by the James Webb Space Telescope. The first set of images contains clusters of galaxies called SMACS 0723 which are approximately four billion light years away.C

Philippine schools finally reopened on August 22 after its twoyear long pandemic and campus shutdown. The Philippines marks as one of the last countries in the world to resume fulltime in person lessons since the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic.C

The sixth queen of the United Kingdom Queen Elizabeth II died at the age of 96 years on Sept 8 at Balmoral Castle, United Kingdom. Reports unveiled that the death of the British monarch was caused by her old age.C

President Bongbong Marcos inked Executive Order (EO) No. 7 on Oct 28, allowing the voluntary wearing of face masks indoors.C

The global population reached 8 billion on Nov 15. A baby girl named Vinice Mabansag was born in Manila, and is considered as the symbolic eight billionth person in the world.C

National news reported an 8 percent climb of inflation rate in the country on Dec 6. This marks the country’s fastest inflation in 14-year high since Nov 2008 on the back of higher food prices, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).C

China reported Omicron variant as the largest outbreak of COVID-19 in China since Wuhan in early 2020. On March 24, around 3,122 local cases were reported daily. And more than 26M residents of Changchun and Shenzhen City are restricted from leaving their homes.C

In the earlier hours of Feb 24, Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a military invasion on Ukraine. The onset of the invasion began with dozens of missile attacks across Eastern and Western Ukraine.

On June 30, the inauguration of the newly elected Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. was held at the National Museum of Fine Arts. He was marked as the 17th president of the country, restoring the country’s most notorious political dynasty 36 years after his late father’s death.C

XU Crusaders dazzle in homecourt

The University Athletics Office (UAO) held a series of friendly games on Dec 2 as part of the festivities in XUFD 2022. The XU Crusaders put on a show for the jubilant crowd in basketball, futsal, and volleyball at the XU Gym.

XU Crusaders devour USTP Trailblazers in Futsal

XU Lady Crusaders’ Zippy Medalla and Nikki Bangot broke through USTP Lady Trailblazers’ defense twice to win the first friendly game of the day, 2-0. The Lady Trailblazers pressed the Lady Crusaders throughout the first half but were unable to find the back of the net. In the dying minutes of the first half, XU’s Medalla saw her chance after getting the second ball, charging down the court to break the deadlock, 1-0. In the second half, the roles were reversed as the Lady Trailblazers found themselves on the backfoot with the aggressive play of the Lady Crusaders which led to Bangot sealing the win for the blue and white, 2-0.

The XU men’s football team took a 3-1 victory over the USTP men’s football team, with Gaid Jr., Tagle, and Rubio leading the charge for the Crusaders. Gaid Jr. scored the first goal of the match with a powerful strike, which was then answered in kind by Trailblazer Quirog at the 16th minute, 1-1. It was Tagle in the last minutes of the first half who broke the deadlock

with a well-timed header to give XU the lead. In the second half, Rubio then sneaked past the defense of the Trailblazers to ensure the win for the Crusaders, 3-1.

XU Lady Crusaders fall short of expectations against IMCC Lady Rhinos

Iligan Medical Center College (IMCC) Lady Rhinos climbed back from a 16-point deficit to snatch the win from the XU Lady Crusaders fingertips, 66-60. The Lady Crusaders led early on, scoring baskets left and right, setting the Lady Rhinos back by as much as 16 points. It was a different story in the 3rd quarter, the beasts within the Lady Rhinos had awakened, pressing the ladies in blue by playing airtight defense, which saw the home team’s 16-point lead vanish by the time the 4th quarter started. Despite already gaining the lead, the Lady Rhinos did not let up in the final quarter, they continued to force the home team to commit turnovers. At the end it’s the ladies in red who came and conquered the court. “Dula lang jud,” IMCC Lady

Rhinos team captain Marydel Badelles shares her team’s motivation behind the comeback victory, “Among goal is maka-score and defense lang jud.” Defense certainly was the deciding factor of the game which tipped the scales in favor of the Lady Rhinos.

XU Crusaders redeem school pride against the IMCC Rhinos

The XU men’s basketball team took revenge for their lady counterparts by coming out on top of the IMCC Rhinos after a tension filled game, 94-98. The Crusaders struggled throughout most of the game, playing catch up to the Rhinos from the first quarter up until the end of the third. To the delight of the home crowd, the Crusaders were able to find their footing and snatch the win from underneath the Rhinos’ noses.

Crusaders team captain Joel Go stresses the importance of teamwork as the key to their victory, “Follow lang jud sa instructions sa coach and we work as a team.” The crowd erupted in joy as the final whistle sounded, but the games are far from over.

The Xavier Cup Invitational Volleyball League

For the final exhibition games for the day, XU’s men’s and women’s volleyball teams tested themselves on the court. In the first match, the XU Lady Crusaders towered over the XU Lady Alumni, 25-13, 25-23, 25-14. Lady Crusaders team captain Ranielle Carmeli Rosales expresses her excitement at playing against their former seniors, “grateful kaayo ko kay nakadula namo sila again”, she then added that “actually gusto jud mi na matagaan ug name again ang women’s volleyball team sa XU.” They have certainly impressed the home crowd with a strong showing against their former teammates.

Meanwhile in the men’s division, USTP Trailblazers claimed bronze over XU Alumni, 25-22, 25-20. In the penultimate grand finals, Unified Balibolista (UB) ripped the rug from underneath the XU Crusaders, 2522, 25-22, 25-15. The Crusaders were left wondering how the team they swept in two sets in the first match

of the friendly league, turned the tables on them in the finals match.

UB’s Josh Revaño shares about his team’s experience in the finals, “overwhelming siya since naa mi here sa XU,” he shares, and the Crusaders were not their only opponents, since UB had to contend with the XU community in full support for their men’s volleyball team. Despite the intimidating crowd, Revaño was glad his team were able to overcome it, “it was a great experience kay na overcome namo ang crowd, and nakadaog mi against Xavier University.” It had been quite a thrilling journey for Unified Balibolista on the road to the championship but it is one they will treasure for a long time.

***

The friendly games certainly livened up the XU community’s competitive spirit as they cheered, hollered, and gasped at every goal, basket and spike. While the Crusaders did not win all the games, getting to play in front of a jubilant home crowd again after the pandemic is certainly a victory on its own.C

Story by Hyacinth L. Premacio

Photo by John Ian G. Bradshaw

Photo by Christianne Cabrera

Photo by Aira May Plaga

Cora goes home for Christmas ‘‘

For a culture so rooted in familial values, how come Filipinos are the quickest to provide unsolicited comments...?

Illustration by Ricci Jilliane Bangis

Cora Contrabida