The DEMOCRAT

Hinay

ALIMANTAK TOMO IX

TRIGGER WARNING

Some of the written works in this volume contain sensitive issues and explicit contents (e.g., sexual abuse, suicide, etc.). To ensure your psychological safety, we encourage you to mentally and emotionally prepare for them as you leaf through the pieces; continuing your read is in your hands.

Disclaimer:

The works in this volume do not reflect the publication’s overall values and principles as one. All of these are the artistic expressions of the authors.

ALIMANTAK

TOMO IX

The DEMOCRAT

The Independent Student-Publication of University of Nueva Caceres

Kasapi

College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP)

Bicol Association of Campus Journalists (BASCAJ)

Tanggapan

Right-wing, UNC Sports Palace, University of Nueva Caceres, J. Hernandez Avenue, Naga City

Reserbado ang mga karapatang-ari sa mga indibidwal na awtor ng mga akda, larawan at ilustrasyon sa isyung ito. Hindi maaaring ilathala, ikopya o ipamudmod sa anumang anyo ang mga akda, larawan at ilustrasyon ng walang pahintulot ng awtor. Hindi maaaring ibenta sa kahit anong paraan at pagkakataon ang kopyang ito.

Karapatang-ari © 2023

ABOUT THE COVER

The journey to a better place starts with solitude and self reflection. It is only when we intimately figure ourselves that things become less complex.

PANIMULA

Hi! Salamat sa pagiging matatag!

Sa paminsan-minsang dinadala ka ng kalungkutan, kahirapan, at pressure ng buhay sa puntong iiyak na lamang nang ikaw lang ang nakakaalam.

Sa tahimik ngunit nakaririnding bulong ng pag-iisip na gumagambala ng iyong hinahon.

Sa mga pagsubok na pilit kang nililimitahan at maging ang pagbangon mo sa araw-araw.

‘Pagkat hindi sapat ang pagiging matapang lamang upang makayanan ang mga ito. Ito ay iyong nakayanan, nawa’y ang mga bukas mo’y masundan.

Sa paghahanap mo ng kakampi, natagpuan mo ang panitikang ito. Marahil ang mga akda’y ‘di sapat ngunit sana’y matagpuan mo ang mga salitang gusto mong marinig.

TRAN SI TION

Liway ng Dapithapon,

Lihim ng Bukang Liwayway

Marahil ilang beses nang dumungaw

Sa kaisipan, sa kapanatagan— Mga salitang nagpupumilit maghanap ng kahulugan. Alingawngaw. Pumapaimbabaw.

“Ano ang kalagayan ko bukas?”

“Kailan yaong ako ang nasa itaas?”

“Saan dadalhin ng oras?”

Siguro alam ko— hindi, sigurado.

Sa araw-araw mong paglayag sa dagat ng buhay, Binuo ang araw ng ligaya ng tanikalang balakid, Ngunit ito ka’t tumitindig, Nagsasagwan. Siyang tunay.

Subalit sa nagniningas na parolang paroroonan, Hindi naging madali ang kung anong kinalalagyan, Gayunpaman, ito ang karangyaan–Ang turo ng kasanayan.

Siguro hindi nga sigurado, Pero alam kong bukas ay ‘di selyado. Ang kapalaran. Ang kinabukasan. Ang pagdududa’y ‘wag ibunton, Sa oras na hindi pa natatanaw. Mas matakot ka kung hindi sumang-ayon ang galaw, Sa kabila ng pagsusumikap araw-araw. Hindi madaya ang tadhana, sinikil lamang tayo ng kapangyarihan.

Ni Patrick Joseph Panambo

Guhit Ni Cyen Esclanda

Debuho ng Pahina ni Darwin Escaro

By Berlineth Nymia Montes

The sharp tip of the clock’s hand is piercing my skin

Every tick tries to wake me up by inflicting pain I kept my eyes shut, feeling its tip as it deepens I don’t want to wake up yet knowing that the universe is just trying to get even

Locked in this asylum covered with fear and guilt–I find myself seeking comfort from the cadaver of our hopes and dreams

Caressing each part knowing that they all died with you I can hear people pulling me out of this place, but I’d rather rot here

Possessed with ghosts of our past and memories

People dear to me took me to different sermons and priests

Hoping to free me from my delusions of you coming back But my faith in my grief is stronger than any religion.

Everybody worries about how your departure changed me

But none saw how I was able to build a home out of it For sometimes, change doesn’t always bring sunshine and daisies

They just teach people to be comfortable with their miseries.

Photo By John Harvee Cabal

Page Layout By Rose Clavano

Tangis

Magsisimula ang araw ni Vito na papasok sa paaralan na walang almusal dahil hindi pa siya nakakapagkayod na magtinda ng kalamay dahil ‘yun ang hanapbuhay na naipamana sa kanya ng kanyang mga magulang. Ang mga magulang ni Pablo ay parehas namatay dala ng COVID-19 virus kaya naulila siyang lubos sa murang edad. Si Vito ay walang kapatid at nag iisa lamang sa kanyang bahay na barong-barong.

Mahigpit ang implementasyon ng lockdown dahil sa pesteng dulot ng COVID-19. Marami ang takot dahil maraming buhay na ang binawian dahil sa virus na ito.

Naglalako si Vito sa kanilang barangay simula 5:30 AM hanggang 6:30 AM upang sa maghapon ay may pangtustos siya sa pagkain. May mga suki na rin siya pero napansin niya na sa bawat bahay ay iba’t iba ang suliranin. May mga nag-aaway na mag-asawa. may mga manginginom na ginawang umagahan ang alak kahit ‘di pa kumakain ang kanilang pamilya at meron din namang pamilya na matiwasay ang buhay. Isa na ro’n ang pamilya ni Teresa.

Si Teresa at Vito ay magkaibigan pero ang kanilang estado sa buhay ay langit at lupa ang pagitan. Si Teresa ay mula sa pamilya ng mga abogado at negosyante habang si Vito ay mahirap at isang ganap na ulila. Pero hindi naging balakid ang estado nila sa parehas sa buhay. Mababait ang mga magulang ni Teresa kaya kadalasan ‘pag walang pang internet para maresearch para sa kanyang mga takdang aralin si Vito ay natutulungan siya ni Teresa.

Isang gabi habang papauwi si Teresa kasama si Vito galing sa pamilihan sa bayan ay may mga nakasalubong silang lalaki na mga lasing at lulong sa droga. Pinagnasahan ng mga lalaki si Teresa kahit pa ito parang madre manamit dahil laki sa konserbatibong pamilya. Binugbog si Vito hanggang

Ni Paolo Gabriel Jamer

Guhit Ni E-Jay Borjal

sa ito’y tuluyang mawalan ng malay at si Teresa naman ay patuloy na sinakal at ginahasa ng mga kalalakihan. Nagkamalay si Vito na nanghihina at nasaksihan ang pag gagahasa sa kanyang matalik na kaibigan. Wala nagawa si Vito at patuloy siyang tumatangis sa galit at awa hanggang sa magsi-alisan ang mga kriminal.

Natagpuan sila ng mga residente sa lugar ng krimen at agad naman rumesponde ang mga otoridad subalit patuloy pa rin sa pag-iyak si Vito dahil sa wala siyang nagawa sa kanyang kaibigan.

Buhay si Teresa pero nagkaroon na ito ng problema sa pag-iisip dahil sa trauma na dulot ng karumal-dumal na pangyayari sa buhay niya. Ang mga magulang ni Teresa ay masigasig na hinanap ang hustisya para sa kanilang anak. Lumipas ang panahon kahit na pamilya sila ng mga abogado at mayaman walang naarestong suspek sa krimen.

Si Vito ay patuloy namuhay at ang pamilya naman ni Teresa ay patuloy sa paghanap ng hustisya. Habang lumilipas ang panahon lalong lumalala ang sakit sa pag-iisip ni Teresa at isang umaga nakita na lamang ng pamilya nito na wala ng buhay at nakabitin sa lubid ang leeg.

Labis na pagtangis ang naramdaman ni Vito dahil sa pagkamatay ni Teresa. Hindi niya maiisip kung papaano nangyari ito sa kanyang mabuting kaibigan. Natutulala at labis na umiiyak si Vito sa mga nangyari at hindi pa rin makapaniwala.

Si Vito ay isa lamang sa maraming saksi ng malupit na realidad sa mundo kahit sa murang edad. Nagsumikap siya sa pag-aaral hanggang sa naging abogado si Vito. Ito ang naging inspirasyon ni Vito sa pagkamit ng pangarap na maging abogado at maging mabuti sa kanyang propesyon para sa mga biktima ng krimen at naaapi.

Guhit Ni

E-Jay Borjal

Debuho Ng Pahina Ni

Christian Reganit

And then there is something

By Neil Andrew Formalejo

Ben folded the letter, containing three neatlyhandwritten paragraphs. He labeled it, “And then there is something”. A direct reference to his favorite mystery book, “And then there were none.” by Agatha Christie. Why? Perhaps he wanted to change the ending. One little soldier boy was left all alone; He went and… someone defied and outsmarted the manic designer of the whole fiasco. A fantasy he wanted to replicate. However, reality is bitter. If he can’t win the game of life, perhaps he can cheat and take the shortcut to the end. After all, everyone is bound to go there. Everything that matters is only the end. All he needs is that tiny push to swallow all the pills.

Ben remembered his first date with Maria, a branch manager of a fast food chain. She was so stunning during that night, that he was left stuttering at some point. He knew her since college but only last week did he have the guts to ask her out, the moment he saw her while eating in the branch where she works.

“So what are your plans for the future?” she asked. “I haven’t figured out everything yet but I’m gonna finish law School.” Ben replied proudly. After a month of dating, Maria, an intelligent charming beauty finally said “yes” to Ben, a 2nd year law student who is still figuring out life. Even though it wasn’t explained to her completely, Ben dropped some hints to Maria about why, instead of already building a successful career just like her after college, he pursued law school. His father, a janitor at City Hall, is in prison, convicted of murder for the death of one of the city counselors. A very infamous case; a violent crime, a man of position stabbed to death a dozen times, then a sloppy cleanup. Ben believes

that his father is an innocent man, framed for this crime because he is convenient. He believes that their poverty has sealed his father’s fate of being convicted, knowing too well that they didn’t stand a chance against a broken system that favors the wealthy and powerful. He vowed that one day, he will be the key to his father’s freedom.

To make ends meet, Ben maintains his scholarship by having an excellent academic performance while working as a part time clerk. Balancing out his relationship, his study, and his work is a tough thing to do, but he managed it for three semesters. His momentum and drive just proves his intense determination. But it won’t be enough, for there are forces of evil in this world that can destroy him. His presence caught the attention of one professor. Ben has been told several times, even before, that he is a good-looking fella. It started in a playful manner. With all the teasings in the outside school affairs to the frequent unsolicited compliments. Ben is weirded out at first. Maybe he’s just really nice. The point came however where the chase was cut. There is the verbal invitation of “doing it with him” as he can “help” him in his studies. He also made Ben understand that he is aware of the situation of him having a scholarship and relying on it to continue studying. A chilling implication of the power he has over him.

“Come on, it will just be one night and I will make sure you’ll have a bright future,” the professor told him. Ben is frozen, not knowing what to do as the hands of his professor are locked in his backside, pressing and caressing it suggestively. He politely declined, removed the hand and thanked him for the offer. Awkward silence follows as he walks away,

away, trembling.

Although he didn’t completely fail the subject, he got a mark, low enough to have his scholarship completely revoked. During class, whenever there is a chance, the professor would display his power, a subtle way of threatening Ben. Out of fear that it may get worse, Ben stayed silent, not telling a soul about the incident. He has to double his efforts now that he will be paying a tuition fee. Besides working as a clerk, he also did side hustles like completing academic paperwork for students, online-selling, and sometimes, in his freetime as a delivery boy for a water-refilling station. Every sacrifice he makes is still not enough. He didn’t want to bother his mother for financial assistance as she is also supporting his two brothers still in high school. He stopped for a semester so he can save up enough money.

This is where his relationship with Maria starts to turn sour. Time, communication, empathy, and trust—the ingredients for a strong romantic bond—slowly fades. Maria wanted the Ben she’d come to know—sweet and always there. She didn’t understand why he was slowly killing himself and, in turn, chipping away at what they had for this dream of his. When they got into fights, she would lash out and tell him it was his fault for not doing good enough to keep his scholarship. Maybe they wouldn’t have to be like this. She also suggested that he could’ve gotten a career already and be successful just like her. One moment is all it takes to reach the tipping point. During an argument, she blurted out words that cannot be unheard.

“I want security, Ben. We are not getting any younger. I want the whole you. Look, I love you very much but you are not realistic.” He knows what this means. It’s as if he is almost hearing her say, You can stop law school Ben, it’s not for you.

She said things within this line, but it’s more shocking, “Ben, you can stop this hero complex nonsense. You cannot save your father. He is already convicted. A murderer. Be realistic, Ben. You still have a life ahead of you. Do not waste it on a man

who cold-bloodedly killed someone. You can move forward with me or be stuck in this awful misery.” She walked away from him after that and never looked back.

Those words have cut him deeply. If only she had the slightest idea why he is in this situation. However, he didn’t want her to carry the baggage of his tragedy. Although he is in deep pain after their relationship ended, he needs to continue. With how hurtful those words she left, he thinks that mending the relationship won’t be possible. To stomp in your dream, to pour out hatred towards the one you love and are fighting for, and to break your heart.

Slowly but surely, he made sure to be back on the track. Physical sickness struck him frequently, with all those emotional turmoil he is going through, added up with the stress from his studies and his multiple jobs and hustles. Albeit being delayed for like a year and a half, with the cycle of stopping and continuing, he is now nearing his goal. Just one semester left and he will already graduate. So what are your plans for the future? Maria whispered. In his dreams, she’s still here, celebrating all the fruitful success that is about to come. Take the bar exam, pass, fight for justice and save his father. It’s almost in the tip of his hand. Almost…

A terrible news shattered this moment of bliss and reclaimed his hope of redeeming his purpose to live. His father died in a chaotic riot inside the prison. It was ruled out that he is just one of those unfortunate victims of the unruliness inside. No foul play, or cover up. And just like that, he lost all the meaning of why he was making all these sacrifices. Just one semester left, and yet, there is just no point. This image of being a chivalrous brave knight, fighting for what’s right and in turn, saving a poor victim of injustice is what keeps him moving forward. It reinforces the idea that he is meant to pursue this and that the universe reserved this place for him. Then this happened. The final straw that pushed Ben’s wits.

After the gloomy days of mourning for this tragedy and being a strong man for his mother and brothers, something just snapped inside him.

“This is all my fault. If I wasn’t delayed, then it wouldn’t have to come up to this point. If only I had sacrificed my dignity back in those days then maybe… Maybe I would’ve the chance to do something instead of dragging myself into a deep pit of misery. Just for one night he said. Had I not been this selfish then… then… maybe Maria is right. I’m not realistic enough. I still have a life ahead of me back in those days. I could’ve been somewhere much higher than where I am currently at. I could’ve spent that time already building myself and letting go of my unrealistic pursuit. I could’ve been so much more. My life wouldn’t have been wasted. I could’ve been much happier. I … I …”

“So what are your plans for the future?”

The ghost of Maria whispered.

“Oh sweetheart, look at me now. I’m going. Please help me gather the strength and get it over with. I’m going.”

His vision is blurred as his eyes are drenched with tears. This is the point where he now places the letter labeled “And then there is something” beside his pillow. Writing it has been the most cathartic thing he has done since his father’s death. He is sure that it would easily be spotted as soon as someone discovers his body. It’s like a closure to this dark chapter in his life. Besides, he didn’t want to leave his mother hanging and keep her wondering her entire life why all of this happened. It’s a confession about how this cruel life robbed him of the courage to keep going, not just in pursuing his dreams, but also in living. There is no point.

Alone in his dormitory room, he is left with the most dangerous enemy of all– himself. All the darkest thoughts that have been throbbing at the back of his mind for quite some time, have now fully consumed him. Before he swallowed the pills, he wanted to say goodbye to Maria for the last time. He opened his phone and searched her name on social media. Nowhere to be found. She must’ve changed

her name. She tried calling her but he was met with a busy tone. Chances are, he might’ve been blocked also.

While scrolling through his timeline, he saw a post, a statement from student councils. A collective condemnation against a certain professor for his misdemeanor, exhibiting disgusting behavior and exercising abuse. That very same person who started this chain of tragic events for him. While the investigation is rolling, the professor is suspended. He knew that there would be hefty time for gathering evidence, and collecting statements from witnesses. It made him think. What if??? Almost reconsider what he’s doing. The world stopped spinning. He played every scenario in his brain.

“If I come as a witness then, I would help in serving justice.”

This has become a way to assess his life. It’s like cold water was splashed in his face and restored his senses. “I haven’t figured out everything yet, but I’m going to finish law school.”And just an inch closer he is very close to that.

“Why did I start? At first, it’s for my father. But there may be a much heavier reason why I keep going.” He took a step back and closed the bottle of those deadly pills. He regains his composure while pondering on this. He needs to figure this out so that he will have peace of mind. The realization hits.

“So that’s what it is. I want to make things right. I want justice. Now that my father has passed away, God help his soul, I won’t have to do this for just one person. Now that Maria is gone from my life, I wouldn’t have to become someone for her approval.”

He has been on a bumpy road for quite a while. The thing is, he has been viewing his path in the wrong way. With his heart and his good intentions, he is destined to be a lawyer– defender of rights and fighter of injustice. The next step he would take is to make sure that the predator that has ravaged his ounce of humanity would taste the fangs it deserves.

Ben ripped his suicide note, composed an email about his willingness to assist on the issue and take the whole day off, resting, as he may need all his strength for tomorrows battle.

GRAPHICS BY BRANDON JON DELOS SANTOS

All the Boulders We Roll

By Neil Andrew Formalejo

So you think high school is tough? College is when things gets really rough–It’s when you start to be crushed by the weight of pressure. It’s when even a few seconds of breathing becomes a treasure.

You just want to slap some senses to your younger self For saying “ I wanna grow up now, I wanna do things by myself.” College, a different kind of Dante’s rings. Oh, all the terror and horror it brings.

So why is college killing you? This stage is definitely a boiling stew It can overflow your wits, burn your sanity, and evaporate your will It can all do that, if not dealt with the right temper.

Stands the fact that the difficulty of college is absurd

No euphemism for this one, or covering up with a word It’s hard comprehending why all this is necessary As if it’s designed to make misery. Afterall, Camus warned us about life’s essence–The absurd reality of existence; We are boulder-rolling beings

The higher we go, the steeper it becomes.

College is one hell of a steep hill, You grow a muscle on the way up to counter the steepness and heaviness of the load

And from above, you’d have a wider view of the world All those experiences can teach a lot and make you

It is a preparation for the next stage

But you’d be thankful in the future, for it has shown

Nothing wrong with a strategic resting, To pause and stop for a while is not the ending You may not even know, that a space is all it needs to

Absurd as it is for now, believe me, your sacrifices has

Graphics

E-Jay Borjal

by

Page Layout by Darwin Escaro

Kaibigan Laban,

Ni Christian Bañega

Sa baitang na ito nasusukat ang aking tyaga at talino. Talino na tila’y naglaho pagtungtong ng kolehiyo. Bakit ba naging ganito?

Tila ba’y hindi nakasasabay sa agos ng mundo. Laban, Kaibigan. Mga katagang pinanghahawakan sa loob at labas ng silid-aralan. Pasensya na kung hindi ko maipakita ang bunga ng aking pinagaralan.

Dahil tila may isang harang sa aking tinatahak na daanan.

Para bang naglalakad sa masukal na gubat.

Kasabay ng walang katapusang kulog at kidlat.

Sana’y panaginip na lang ang lahat. Ngunit masyadong masungit ang reyalidad.

Lumalaban ka pa ba, Kaibigan?

Nakakapagod man, ngunit hindi pa ito ang katapusan.

Tumayo ka at baguhin ang iyong kapalaran. Nagsisimula pa lang tayo sa tunay na laban.

Kaibigan, ‘wag panghinaan ng loob.

Tayo’y may kanya-kanyang lakas at talino. Maramin rin ang sumusuporta at nakaalalay sa iyo.

Hindi mo man sila makita, nakikita naman nila ang dedikasyon mo.

Dedikasyon na tapusin ang laban na ibinigay sa iyo.

Kuha ni John Harvee Cabal

Debuho ng Pahina ni Darwin Escaro

By Jhezylle Faye Loria

It was in the 1800s when Waruii was a place in Japan that was once a thriving place. It once had the spirit that Tokyo has now. Many people, even foreigners, were attracted to visit that place. But what confused Haru was that no one knew the reason why. Normally, tourists flock to every spring festival. He is a seven-year-old boy who enjoys playing with his mother’s yukata. He looked like a girl from head to toe. But his otosan would be outraged for sure when he discovers his son’s secret. His father is a high-ranking samurai. He himself expects his child to take the path he took when he was a child. He would never

him and directed his face towards the horizon.

He once talked with Haru after arriving from his week-long mission from Haiyan. He saw him playing with his mother, happily playing the ragdoll that his mother made for him. He did not notice anything. Takeda, the otosan of Haru, has always been a shallow person, in spite of needing it in the nature of his work. It is still a wonder how he was able to climb way up in his position. He took him from his mother and let him sit on his lap. It was almost sunset, and he wanted to ask something to his son.

“Otosan, why did you take me away from okasan?” young Haru would ask

Takeda just blankly looked at

“Haru, you listen to me. When one day you have to decide on something that you consider dear, just remember Haru, be responsible with it. Weigh on its pros and cons and balance the yin and yang. We believe that it is necessary to balance everything and avoid disrupting its natural course. If your decision would disrupt it, it is beyond my control. But learn to take responsibility and not make a mess of it. It is considered a blasphemy against the gods. I hold you dear just like how I treat your mother.”

It was the last time he heard his father. The next was the news he heard about him. It was inevitable considering what he was doing. But still it took a toll on Haru and his mother.

Waruii mourned for the departed samurai.

A decade has passed, and a man in a black garment visited their place. No one knew a thing about him. His face was radiant, far from the rugged and tired look of the folks of Waruii. He went straight to the residence of Haru and his mother.

And when Kagome asked what his purpose

for visiting was, he cried.

“I am sorry, not for anything but for not letting you know and letting you be left out in the dark. It wasn’t our intention.”

At that time Kagome knew. But she didn’t speak. She wasn’t angry. She always knew. Before she even settled down, she felt it. But because she loved every bit of him, she accepted him, even before he discovered and knew himself. She was happy that for once, Takeda, who had battles within him, had won a battle, even if he felt he hid them well. It was an open secret for his wife, Kagome. She let him have the peace and freedom he deserves when he’s with someone he holds dear.

Haru later knew about it.

It angered him. Knowing that he deprived himself and portrayed the perfect son that his father never failed to teach him. He rebelled and did the things his father made him believe weren’t morally upright. He let his emotions take over his life. His anger fueled it. Everyone was aware of it but dared not call him out. His wayward life soon covered the upright life his father established, and every bit of it satisfied Haru. His once lukewarm personality is now boiling and burning from anger.

He thought he and his mother think similar, but what he doesn’t know is that his mother is crying every night, in mourning, not for Takeda but for the lost sweet Haru.

He was consumed by his anger that the things that were taken from him weren’t really making him happy. It was out of rebellion. It wasn’t out of love. It was nothing compared to what his father had.

Later in the morning, Haru saw his mother doing kintsugi again. It started after decade of his father’s death. He did not expect it from his mother, since she has no patience with any crafts at all.

He approached his mother and asked, ”Okasan, why did you decide to start doing kintsugi? What was your reason? I am just wondering because you normally don’t have a load of patience when doing crafts. Well, technically, it is not a craft. Just fixing things.”

Kagome smiled at him and said, “Haru, as you said, it is fixing things. It is a way of taking responsibility for your decisions. When you used a mug and put tons of ice in it, then took everything out and filled it with boiling water. It is a decision. And as a result, it now has a crack. You cannot use it, or it’ll harm you. Just like what you’ve been doing for the past months, it is normal to be enraged, but it is not right to do the things you once wanted to make it look unpleasant. You have been waiting for this moment. You did not need to see the man that day. You took the opportunity to use it and justify what you were planning to do. You have to heal. You

Graphics

by Cyen

Esclanda

Page Layout by Darwin Escaro

Ni Jay Vhie Abunda

Pundidong Bituin

Isang pundidong bituing nakalutang sa mga ulap. Inaasam ang pagkinang ngunit ito’y hindi mahagilap.

Habang ang lahat ay umaandap-andap, Nagmistulang anino sa gitna ng alapaap.

Hindi mawari ang gagawin sa pagkatalong ilang ulit dumaan. Pagpatak ng ulan na ang siyang tanging maririnig sa higaan.

Ang walang ningning sa iba’y isang kahinaan, Ngunit maaaring sa ibang mukha, siya sana’y muling pagmasdan.

Muling narinig ang pagkulog at pagkidlat.

Sa paghimbing, naalala ang natanaw sa isang aklat, Ang pagkatalo’y parte ng daang papunta sa alamat At ito’y hindi kahinaan bagkus sandata sa inaasam na pagsikat.

Isang pundidong bituing nakalutang sa mga ulap.

Maaari itong manghina at pangyayari’y hindi matanggap.

Mahati sa ilang piraso at patagong naghihirap

Ngunit hindi ka nag-iisa sa kadilimang natatanggap.

Hindi ka nag-iisa at maraming tahimik na sumusuporta.

Maaaring ang pagkinang ay malabo habang ika’ y papunta, Ngunit maaari naman na ito’ y wala pa

O kaya sa lahat na iyong kasama, ika’ y naiiba.

Iba-iba ang lokasyon at daan na tatahakin; Hindi pareho ang pagsinag sa lugar na lalakarin, Ngunit iyong tandaan na maaaring ika’ y hindi isang bituin. Bagkus isang buwan na may ibang kahaharapin.

Photo by Sylvanna SantaMaria

Page Layout by Rose Clavano

A poem with 5 stanzas

By Maria Jhoanna Yasis

Some days are too heavy, with dark clouds and stormy raindrops, and tired pleas and silent teardrops, and I’ll curl into a ball so no one will see, how much the storm made a mess of me.

Some days are too bright, with twittering birds and slithering thoughts, and flickering gleams and floundering flights, and I’ll curl into a ball so no one will see, how something so light made a mess of me.

Some days are too loud, with screaming ires and pleading cries, and freezing nights and tearing ties, and I’ll curl into a ball so no one will see, how my own voices are making a mess of me.

So, here’s a poem with 5 stanzas dedicated for the future that I can’t see; I don’t know if I will be on the right track, but just in case, I’ll leave the last one blank.

Graphics by Brandon Jon Delos Santos

Page Layout by Cyen Esclanda

Guiding Light Towards Bright

By Danrie Josh Garcia

The kerosene lamp that shines, Not forever to light. Watch over it so it doesn’t run out, So as not to be stuck in the dark.

Find ways to let it rest, When not needed. Use the time to find kerosene supplies, Maintaining its glare.

Time will tell when the corners will be lit, As the light restores vitality. Search for the soul within yourself, Directing towards the bright discovery.

Maybe it takes time, But this lamp will point the path. The shining light gives coating, And its heat provides comfort.

While it glows in the dark, This illuminates the doors towards acceptance.

Embrace the brilliance, To get out of dullness.

Maybe it is the unknown, But light can influence realizations. Healing from sorrow is possible, Until this light introduces reality.

Graphics by Brandon Jon Delos Santos

Page Layout by Cyen Esclanda

Pagtanggap

Sa mundong walang kasiguraduhan at pabago-bago, may mga bagay na magdudulot ng pagkalito, Tila ba para kang nakasilid sa masikip na kwarto walang alam kung saan ito patungo.

Hindi mawari sa isipan, animo’y naglalakad sa kawalan, hindi lubos na maunawaan, Saan nga ba nagkulang?

Kasabay ng pagpatak ng ulan ang patuloy na pag-agos ng mga luha.

Paulit-ulit na nagtataka–mga katanungang daig pa ang sirang plaka

Saan ba nagkamali?

Hanggang kailan kaya iisipin? Siguro nga’y tama sila, may mga bagay na hindi na kailangan ungkatin, At panahon na para umusad din.

May mga bagay na nagdala ng kalungkutan at walang kasig uraduhan, Panahon na para ito’y suungin at harapin. Mabibigyang linaw ang kasalukuyan, at hayaang magbigay ng aral ang nakaraan

Lahat ng bagay ay may rason Kailangan lamang sumabay sa ikot ng panahon, Sa pait ng nakaraan ay ‘di na lilingon,

Ni Darwin Escaro

Photo by Sylvanna Santamaria

Page Layout by Rose Clavano

TAKING DEFEAT TO STRIVE FOR SUCCESS

Photo By Harvee Cabal

Ikinukubli

“Pasensya na, ito lang ako.” Mga katagang paulit ulit sa isipan ko at mga nauusong linyahan na madalas maririnig mo sa karamihan kung minsan pa nga ay nagmimistula na ring katatawanan, sad boy o sad girl kung tawagin mga naghahangad ng pagtanggap mula sa mundong mapanghusga at patuloy na kukwestyunin ka.

Dahil d’yan, marahil ay alam mo na kung saan ito papunta.

Mabuti ka pa!

Ako kasi, hindi pa. Pakiramdam ko palagi akong nasa gitna, nag-iisip, nagtataka, mayroong duda at nagtatanong kung ano ba talaga?

“Anak, tanggap naman kita, pero…”

Sariwa pa rin sa’king alaala ang mga katagang sinambit ng aking Ina, “Tomboy

ka ba?” “Hindi maganda tignan kung ang karelasyon mo kapwa mo rin babae.” “Baka hindi mo ako nyan mabigyan ng apo e.” “Bakit puro lalaki mga kaibigan mo?” dagdag pa ng aking kapatid. “Pwede ba ‘yon nagkaka gusto ka sa babae at lalaki?” nagtatakang tanong naman ng aking lola.

Siguro iba ang aking gawi sa kung ano ang nais nilang makita kaya’t punong-puno sila ng duda sa kung ano nga ba ang kasarian ko. Pakiramdam ko tuloy iba ako sainyo, sinubukan ko mang baguhin at pinilit na kumbinsihin ang aking sarili, wale e, ito talaga ako, ganito ako, maaring magkagusto sa kapareho at kasalungat ng kasarian ko.

Hindi mo talaga madidiktahan ang puso, e ‘no? Gusto ko man sanang subukang umibig ngunit huwag na lang kasi sa tuwing

Ni Kyra Victoria

nabanggit ng nanay ko pakiramdam

ko mali ako. At magiging mali sa taong

iibigin ko maaaring hindi rin ako maging patas at magdulot lamang ng pagkalito.

Palaisipan din sa akin kung normal ba ito? Na sasagutin naman ng aking isipan na “pasensya ka na ah, kung ito ako.”

Mahirap nga naman kung mismong pamilya ang humusga at nagdikta sa kung ano lang dapat ako.

Ngunit sa patuloy na pagtahak ko sa mapanghusgang mundo

isa rin sa aking mga napagtanto

na hindi maituturing na “lang”

ang kung ano ang iyong tunay

na kasarian at di hamak na hindi dapat ihingi ng pasensya ang kung ano ka, na pwede kang

mamuhay..., na sa bawat yugto ng buhay... sa paanong paraaan

mo gusto nang hindi humihingi ng pagtanggap mula sa kahit na sino, na sa bawat yugto ng buhay

mo ay mas makikila at may mga

matutuklasan ka pa sa iyong sarili.

Sa palagay ko matatapos lamang ang gulo at mga katanungan sa isip

ko kapag natanggap ko nang lubusan ang

sariling kong kasarian. Sana’y makarating ako sa puntong hindi na ako apektado. Sa ngayon, sa mga magtatanong kung kumusta ako, ito

patuloy na magkukubli sa pagitan ng kapareho at kasalungat na kasarian, magkukubli sa pagitan ng mga katanungan at pagtanggap at magkukubli sa idinidikta ng lipunan at lalong lalo na ng nanay ko. Bye bounce na’ko, ang hirap maging bading!

Kuha Ni Christian Reganit Debuho ng Pahina ni Darwin Escaro

VALIDATION

Innocent Validation

By Rachelle Paja

We tend to ask people if this is fine –Trying to get validation as if our life’s in line. Curious with what they’ll say Self assuring that it’s okay.

Remembering our childhood asking people around us saying “Look, I did this! Is this okay?” We once tried to open up but were labeled as OA. We used to have the world as a stage, Making it certain that what you feel is in everyone’s range.

We aren’t anymore novice; it began from an innocent child

Ended up as an adult whose life is deprived. As you continuously ask for confirmation You do something with the thought that can catch someone’s attention. We are ourselves’ responsibility along with sharing what you feel and seeking validity.

We tend to depend on what the society will say Thinking that everything we do will not make them dismay.

PHOTO BY LEMMUEL PANCHA

PAGE LAYOUT BY ROSE CLAVANO

Pahuyaw

Marahil ang pinakamaalam ay naranasan na ring malito; bitbit ang desperasyong matuto, sa takot na ang kanyang talino ay hindi totoo.

Marahil ang pinakamaganda

ay naranasan na ring mainggit; inggit sa pag ibig na mas malalim pa sa itsura, bagay na kahit kailan ay hindi niya nadama.

Marahil ang pinakamalakas ay natalo rin sa kanyang mga laban; mga labang hindi nya sinabi kahit kanino, dahil hindi lahat ay makakaintindi nito.

Marahil ang pinakamagaling na makata ay naubusan na rin ng mga salita; kimkim ang bigat ng damdamin dahil hindi niya alam kung paano ito sasabihin.

Ni Maria Jhoanna Yasis

Marahil ang pinaka masaya

ay naranasan na ring umiyak sa dilim ng gabi; Kung kailan walang makakakita sa kanya, walang mata, walang mang huhusga.

Marahil panahon na para matanggap mong

nauubos ka rin; walang magagalit kung mag papahinga ka, at ipagpapatuloy ang laban kapag puno ka na.

Guhit Ni Brandon Jon Delos Santos

Debuho Ng Pahina Ni Christian Reganit

Duyan ng Pangarap

Ni Jean Aquino

Malakas. Walang inaaatrasang problema. Hindi nagpapadaig sa takot. Hindi umiiyak.

Ang aking munting isip ay namulat sa mga katagang ito na magbibigay depinisyon sa kung ano ang ibig sabihin ng pagiging matapang. Iilan sa mga katangiang sinubukan kong taglayin at ipakita sa ibang tao sa loob ng napakahabang panahon. Sa paglipas ng mga taon ay napaniwala ko rin ang aking sarili na ako nga ay matapang.

Ngunit sa mga oras na ito ay ramdam ko na ang pagkahapo ng aking katawan pati na rin ang kapaguran ng aking isipan sa kung papaano at kung hanggang kailan ko pa kailangang maipakita ang mga katangiang ito sa iba.

Nasa kolehiyo ka na rin hindi ba? Halika. Pakinggan mo ang aking kwento tungkol sa aking paglalakbay sa pag abot ng aking pangarap bilang isang matapang na estudyante, anak, at kaibigan.

Nagsimula ang lahat sa isang pangarap. Pangarap na balang araw ay makatuntong sa entablado ng aming unibersidad at tanggapin ang karangalan na iginagawad sa mga nagsisipagtapos sa kolehiyo.

Alam kong hindi madali ngunit para sa aking pangarap ay kakayanin ko.

Ang mga unang araw ko sa kolehiyo ay puno ng bago. Bagong kaibigan, bagong kaalaman at bagong karanasan. Hindi lingid sa kaalaman ko hindi lamang ito ang matutuklasan ko bilang isang kolehiyala.

Kasabay ng mga bagong bagay na aking nalaman ay ang pag-usbong din ng mas mabibigat na responsibilidad na nakaatang sa aking balikat at kaabikat ng desisyon na magpursige sa aking pangarap ay ang pagtaas din ng mga kailangan kong maabot para sa aking sarili at pamilya. Araw-araw ay pagod ang aking katawan sa pagsasabay ng pagaaral at pagtatrabaho. Kinaya ko lamang ang ganitong sitwasyon sa loob ng dalawang taon dahil sa ikatlong taon ko sa kolehiyo ay mas kailangang mag pokus ako sa aking pag-aaral.

Ngunit iba ang naging epekto nito sa aking mga magulang. Araw-araw ay pinapaalala nila sa akin na hindi daw ito dahilan upang matigil ako sa pagtatrabaho. Malaki ang galit nila sa akin dahil imbes na ako raw ay makatulong sa gastusin ay mas lalo pa akong naging pabigat. Maging ang paliwanag ko sa pagtigil ko sa pagtatrabaho ay hindi man lamang pinakinggan.

Malumanay akong lumabas ng bahay at sa unang pagkakataon simula nang ako ay mag-aral, hinayaan ko ang aking sariling umiyak.

Inalala ko ang mga napakaraming sakripisyong kailangan kong pagdaanan upang mairaos ang pang araw-araw ng

aming pamilya.

Nakatapos ako ng elementarya noon na araw-araw ay may bitbit na paninda upang may maibaon ako dahil walang maibigay ang aking mga magulang. Noong hayskul ako pakikilabada naman ang aking pinasok upang matustusan ang mga bayarin sa aming eskwelahan.

Hindi ako nagkaroon ng oras na umiyak man lamang sa aking sitwasyon dahil ang sabi ng aking nanay at tatay ay senyales ito ng pagiging mahina.

Kahit takot akong makilabada noon dahil naiiwan akong magisa sa malaking bahay ay hindi ako tumigil sa aking trabaho dahil isa lamang ang magiging interpretasyon ng aking magulang. Na mahina ako.

Kinuwestyon ko rin ang aking sarili kung matapang nga ba akong harapin ang mga dagok sa buhay o hindi lamang ako napagbigyan ng oras kahit isang beses

man lamang na umayaw na sa oras na kailangan kong ipahinga ang aking sarili.

Dalawang taon na lamang at matatapos na ako sa kolehiyo at napagtanto kong hindi nga sa lahat ng oras ay kailanang maging mapatang tayo. Higit kanino pa man, tayo lamang ang nakaka alam kung hanggang saan lamang ang hangganan nito. Ang pundasyon ng pagiging matapang ay nagsisimula sa pahinga.

Pahinga sa mga bagay na alam mong hindi kinakailangang pag-aksayahan ng oras. Pahinga sa mga bagay na alam mong uubos ng lakas mo upang makamit ang iyong mga pangarap sa buhay. At higit sa lahat, pahinga sa nakakapagod at walang humpay na ekspektasyon sa atin ng mundo.

Gumalaw tayo nang hindi naaayon sa depinisyon ng matapang na sinasabi sa atin ng iba kung hindi sa matapang na paraan na angkop sa ating sarili.

Magpahinga ka sa duyan ng iyong pangarap.

Graphics By

E-Jay Borjal

Page Layout By

Rose Clavano

Kuha Ni Sylvanna Santamaria

Pakatandaan

Lagi mong tatandaan — sapat ka.

Hindi ka kailanman nagkulang.

Nasaktan ka man o nabigo.

Nawasak man ang iyong puso.

Huwag hahayaang malunod ka sa dagat ng

pagdududa.

Huwag kang mangamba.

Mahalaga ka.

Para sa akin, sa kanya, at sa iba.

Tanggapin ang nakaraan.

Namnamin mo ang kasalukuyan.

Higit ka sa kung ano ang sinasabi ng iba.

Higit ka sa kung ano man ang tingin nila.

Wala kang katumbas at nag-iisa.

Matapang at karapat-dapat.

Talagang nakakabighani.

Natatangi ka.

Mahalin mo ang iyong kalakasan at kahinaan.

Maging mabuti at mapagpatawad sa sarili.

Sa lahat ng iyong napagdaanan.

Hindi ka kailanman nagkulang.

Lagi mong tatandaan — sapat ka.

Debuho

Ni Aila Joy Esperida

Kuha Ni John Harvee Cabal

ng Pahina ni Darwin Escaro

You and I are Distantly Close

BY JONAS CORPORAL

My memory of the night I changed is still quite clear–I took the pills without any fear, Even when I trip and fall, I don’t care. There won’t be more sobbing, cutting, or a blank stare.

You’ve remained here for so long, Join me as we traverse the dangerous downpour, Pointing to the moon when I forgot to see. You’ve guided me this far.

Before I was who I am now, I was someone I didn’t want to be. I was lost, battered, and defeated.

Before I knew how to be me!

You’ve traveled very far, my dear heart. Come in. Take off your coat. Take a rest.

The tears I shed from my eyes Are the hopes I had—the hopes that died, The hope that happiness could have made I hope I’m happy; I hope it lasts.

Let’s take a courageous breath. Let us succeed in what we presumed as inconceivable. I will serve you, dear heart. I am ready to listen to you.

GRAPHICS BY E-JAY BORJAL

LAYOUT BY CHRISTIAN REGANIT

It's all in your head

By Milliard Baliza

The world was sparkling like a fourteen-carat rock. The air smelled of sun-warmed bark and apple buds raring to blossom and get on with life. Overhead, a thousand baby leaves danced in the breeze. Fields spread outward from the bedroom window in which I lay, the newly turned soil rich and black, still wet from the rain. The rich colors of rainbow spreading over the horizon, fading but nonetheless beautiful, quiet birds in a circled flight in the glorious sunlight.

A day made of diamonds. However, some things are really way too good to be true. Soon, a looming black cloud threatened to shadow my mind upon realizing the reality I was in. I was too afraid to even make a step and got caught in the abyss of suffering in which I am struggling to get accustomed to.

“…It’s all in your head.”

I slowly opened my eyes and stared at the ceiling of a gloomy room on an unusually gloomy day. I faced the side of my bed as if looking for a more comfortable spot and hugged my pillow that my mom gave me during my 16th birthday a few months ago…

“…I don’t know, it doesn’t seem that bad.”

“…It’s all in your head.”

Those words… I remembered that a lot of things had happened during that night. It was not something that you would expect from a typical birthday celebration of a 16-year-old. There was no huge party, there’s just me and my mom and some of my closest friends. There were no glittering decorations and some fancy dresses, but the food was delectable. I’m quite contented with this setup; everything was great and all seemed fine, but actually it was not. From time to time, I was fixing myself so no one would notice how I sniffled quietly the whole time, how the tears were threatening to spill from my eyes, and how I smiled as if nothing’s wrong. I never cried. I never cried no matter how painful it may be. It might be because I’m used to this feeling or I’m just scared; scared of others to see my vulnerable part and how weak I am, especially if that “others” is no one but myself.

“…Maybe you’re just imagining things.”

“…Don’t worry, I’m pretty sure everything’s going to be fine.”

“…It’s all in your head.”

And there it goes again, those lines… those vexatious words that keep on lingering in my mind as if it were some leaves carelessly floating on a river, you’ll never know when and where it will appear. The once clear skies were replaced by a cold grey day, rain started to pour nonstop. Angry flash of lightning appeared; discordant thunder broke out. Cold and dark, I heard it again…

Graphics by Rose Clavano Page Layout by Cyen Esclanda

“…What, really? Others have it worse, you know?”

“…You are just being overly sensitive to small stuffs!”

“…It’s all in your head.”

I just sighed and got up to fix my bed. It’s already 8 in the morning and I still have to prepare for our breakfast. I am just living in a small house with my mom. I never once got a glimpse of my dad ever since; I never knew if he was still alive, or where he lives, and why he left us; in which I guess I have an idea as to why. “Hey, darling, I want to have one of these pretty and sparkling dolls that I can see on the TV. Can I have one of these? Please, please, please, pretty please?” my mom asked while watching the ads on her favorite channel. My mom has a disease that’s so-called the “Peter Pan Syndrome”. I’ve been taking care of her ever since I can remember.

“…What, really? Others have it worse, you know?”

“…Don’t worry, I’m pretty sure everything’s going to be fine.”

“…I don’t know, it doesn’t seem that bad.”

“…Why do you keep saying things like these, you’re just ruining the mood.”

“…Maybe you’re just imagining things.”

“…You are just being overly sensitive to small stuff!”

“…It’s all in your head.”

These thoughts are now all over. They keep on repeating over and over again as if a siren that’s living inside my head. I can’t get rid of it and it’s making my life an everyday hell. I opened my eyes to a world of shadows and misery. Those shadows pulled me, tripped me up, and knocked me to the ground. I’m starting to lose my mind as I brush my hair with the tip of my fingers and start to pull it as hard as I can hoping that everything would be gone by then. I’ve got no one, somebody, anybody, help me, please.

“…It’s all in your head.” I gasped, not because those voices were still in there, not because of the typical incomprehensible feeling that I always felt whenever I think of those words, nor was it because of the line instead. But because this time, it’s different. It does not come from my head but from someone very familiar to me. I turned around with an abominable look. I saw my mom smiling and said;

“You look like you need some ice cream right now. Tell me, darling, what’s wrong?” while showing her worried face.

At that moment, something unfamiliar trickled down through my face, my eyes began to get blurry and my throat felt like closing up. From that moment on, I cried and cried like I never did before. I hugged my mom and told her everything that was going on until I’m too tired to even lift my eyelids up. All those times when I’m keeping all of these all by myself, I finally lessen the loads that I’ve been carrying. Maybe everything was really just in my head. I got scared of opening up to anybody because I always thought that what I’m doing is not enough and my problems were not really that bad compared to others. I created those clouds and those shadows myself. I’m the one who’s afraid to face whatever I’m going through right now.

“This time, I’ll make sure to make a step forward in this abyss of validation. Move forth no matter how painful and wearing it might be. I’ll walk through it and create my own version of a world that was sparkling like a fourteen-carat rock.”

Graphics by E-Jay Borjal

NI JAMES RHUZZEL SASPA

Padayon

Nakararamdam ka na ba ng labis na pagkapagod sa dami ng kailangang gawin? Marahil ay paminsanminsan ay nakararamdam ka ng labis na pressure dahil sa hirap ng subject, o kaya naman ay puro one digit lang ang score mo sa mga quizzes and exam. Naisip mo na rin ba na baka hindi itong course ang para sa akin? Lahat nang ‘yan ay naranasan ko na. Ang hirap maging engineering student, ako mismo, isang estudyante ng Civil Engineering, nahihirapan din. May mga pagkakataong nagkaroon ako ng breakdown dahil sa nag retake ako ng subject, may mga quizzes and exams na mababa ang score, at madedelay ang aking paggraduate kasi may mga naiwan na subjects. Sobrang sakit sa feeling. Pero hindi yun hadlang para matupad ko ang pangarap ko na maging engineer.

“From baby steps to giant strides.” ‘Yan ang aking pilosopiya sa buhay. Ang ganitong uri ng mindset ay nagtataguyod ng pagsisimula sa maliit at paggawa ng iyong paraan hanggang sa mas mahihirap na gawain. Dahil sumusunod ito sa isang proseso, hindi kinakailangan na maging mabilis. Ang paglutas ng mga problema sa engineering ay isang halimbawa nito. Pag-aralan ang problem na isosolve, gumawa ng solusyon, pagkatapos i-familiarize ang proseso hanggang sa maunawaan mo kung paano ito ginagawa. Paano ba ma-survive ang engineering? Ano ba ang mga kailangang gawin para malagpasan ang course na ito? Ibabahagi ko ang ilang tips na ginagawa ko para maka survive.

Una, syempre kailangan mong IHANDA ANG IYONG SARILI. Papasok ka sa isa sa mga mahihirap na kurso sa kolehiyo, dapat kang maging handa mentally. Makararanas ka ng mga breakdowns at disappointments, pero hindi iyon makakapigil sa iyo na ituloy ang iyong ambisyon na maging isang inhinyero. Magsimula ka sa pagiging organize, dapat tandaan mo ang mga mahahalagang petsa sa mga exams, at quizzes, magtakda rin ng iskedyul para sa pag review (hanapin mo yung oras na makaka focus ka).

Ikalawa, dapat maging COMMITTED ka, dapat buo ang atensyon mo upang lubos na maunawaan ang mga lessons, kailangan mong seryosohin ang lahat. Ang pagsusumikap, determinasyon, pagnanasa at pagtuon ay pangunahing mga pangunahing punto upang makamit ang tagumpay sa larangan ng engineering.

Ikatlo, HUWAG MAHIHIYANG MAGTANONG. Kung nahihirapan intindihin, magtanong sa iyong instructor, palaging linawin ang mga mahihirap na konsepto ng engineering, humingi rin ng mga halimbawa upang mas lalo pang maintindihan. Hindi ka naman magagalitan sa pagtatanong mo. Kaya tanong lang nang tanong.

Ikaapat, PRACTICE. Sandamakmak na oras para mag praktis. Mahihirap ang mga konsepto sa engineering, kaya nga laging sinasabi sa amin ng mga instructors, PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE. D’yan mo malilinang ang topic na gusto mong pag-aralan. Kahit paikut-ikutin man ang problem, basta alam mo kung paano ang process, makukuha mo ang sagot diyan.

Ikalima, MAG-ARAL KASAMA ANG MGA KAIBIGAN. Syempre, hindi dapat nawawala ito. Malamang, ang ilan sa inyong grupo ay makakaunawa ng ilang partikular na topics na nahihirapan ka. Pwede kayong magtulungan sa pamamagitan ng pagpapaliwanag ng mga topics na madali para sa iyo ngunit mahirap para sa iba.

Ikaanim, RELAX. Normal sa engineering ang maraming gawa, mapa lecture at paggawa ng learning activities man ‘yan o mga kompetisyon patungkol sa mga kurso. Maglaan din ng oras para sa iyong sarili. Okay lang naman rin na may social life ka, ka-jam ang mga kabarkada, inuman, o mag party. Pwede ka rin sumali sa mga academic and non-academic orgs. Sulitin mo ang iyong college life sa labas ng apat na silid. Sumali ka sa school publication, o kaya naman ay maging officer ng iyong kinabibilangang kurso. Hindi mo na ‘yan magagawa kapag nakapagtapos ka na sa kolehiyo!

Pinakahuli, GET ENOUGH SLEEP. Dapat inaalagaan mo rin ang health mo. Malaki ang maitutulong nito upang i-refresh ang iyong utak at maihanda ka para sa mga gagawin mo sa susunod na araw. Hindi magandang ideya na isakripisyo ang pagtulog para sa anumang bagay. Kahit na nag-aaral ka sa gabi, siguraduhing matulog ka sa araw. Kung marami kang takdang-aralin at sanaysay, isaalang-alang ang mga serbisyo sa pagsulat ng papel. Ang hindi sapat na tulog ay maaaring masira ka. Gayundin, upang makontrol ang stress, hindi mo dapat ikompromiso ang pagtulog.

Nakaka- stress ang engineering, pero kapag nakuha mo na, tiyak magiging madali na lang ito sa iyo. Magbe-breakdown at magpahinga, pero hindi susuko. Alam kung kaya mo, PADAYON ENGINEER.

Threat or Treat

By Jean Aquino

Childhood really is something that adults envied secretly. Being able to express themselves without limitations, and as they always say, sky’s the limit.

Funny how our parents adore us before while we are busy minding our business playing from morning till afternoon, shouting and screaming at the top of our lungs when happiness strikes us at that very moment. All the proudest moments I had with my parents are hidden in the deepest memories of my childhood. And for the sake of my sanity, even though they are far from happening again, I always dreamed of experiencing them over and over again in my life.

Branded clothes. Expensive cars. Jewelries. Designer bags. Everything that can depict a luxurious living? I dreamed of having all of them. Not for me, but for my family.

Remembering how fast time flies, one special memory came running to my mind at that very moment. It was my father and I on the stage and he was pinning the ribbon to me while my teachers were congratulating me for topping our class.

I’ve never been so motivated in my life after I saw my father genuinely happy because of what I achieved.

My, my, I never thought that smile will actually drive me to be a consistent top 1 student until the 6th grade. The way he smiles at my every achievement is a priceless picture for me. It is not everyday that I made someone happy because of my hard work.

Everything was going well until I became the 2nd honors of our class, only one behind our topnotcher. For the very first time, my father did not accompany me to the stage to pin the ribbon on me.

Followed by hearing harsh words and insults from my father about how I quickly changed from being on the top, now one step behind our class. The thirteen-year old me cannot understand the reason to compete with everyone because I knew to myself that being in the honor roll is still a great thing.

But seeing my father like that, I know that competing will soon be my forte. One night, he even cried about it. And I, too, cried really hard. That night, I already figured out how my failures impact him. Something that I never want to happen again

In my last year in Junior High School, I gave everything I could to be the top of our class again. I even aced

almost all of my exams, even Math, my most hated subject.

Unfortunately, I was back to being the top of my class again until my senior high school years. But my father never gave me the same smile when I was in grade school.

I even tried harder during college days to strive harder. But I was welcomed with a very different environment. I learned that college is not about competing and being on top of everyone anymore. All I have to do is survive.

And being the eldest of the family, surviving has never been this difficult.

As I was slowly learning the phase of being a college student, I was also exposed to the realities of life. Growing up and being an adult is fun until you’ve got to experience it. Little did we know that childhood is the best and happiest time of our life. No worries, no hesitations in doing things and not living to impress other people.

Almost all of us live our life to prove that we are a good daughter or son. To be praised and admired by our parents. To not disappoint them. To always appear as responsible children.

But do you remember being a child? You quickly answer “I want to be a teacher” when you are asked what you want to be when you grow up. But when you are asked today, you will be hearing words from your parents like, “Teacher lang”, “Bakit teacher lang”?

Home is not the same as before because as we grow up, expectations from our parents also become bigger and heavier and it has already become a burden for us.

One more year and I will be getting my diploma. And I’ll say that it is the biggest achievement that I anticipated for the longest time. Because I worked hard for it not for others, not even because of the pressure from my parents, but because it is a step in achieving my dreams.

Dear daughters and sons of their parents, always remember your memories of being a child. Carefree in everything that you do. Your dreams in life are not to be decided by anyone around you, not even by those who brought you into this world, but only by you.

You can always choose what role your parents will be playing in your life. Is it a threat or treat? You choose because after all, you are yours.

PHOTO BY SYLVANNA SANTAMARIA PAGE LAYOUT BY ROSE CLAVANO

Perseverance in the midst of Adversity

PHOTO BY JOHN HARVEE CABAL

20s

BY AILA JOY ESPERIDA

You once had a big dream, Eagerness and passion were seen. A little rockstar, Hoping for years to pass by.

Years after, growing up feels like a blur, You are now in the stage where everything’s not sure. You woke up to the reality, Realized how life differs from your favorite story.

The dream you tried to pursue, Became a crime that can’t be undo. It drowned you in the deepest sea of doubt and negativity, Living lifeless and in pressure everyday.

At 20s, life is so hard to figure out. You will be lost, hurt, and on the verge of giving up. But, trust the process and conquer your fear; Stand up stronger, bolder, and braver.

Remember, life is not a competition, It is not about who got the highest recognition. It is about fighting all the struggles And reaching the end at your own pace and progress.

Continue to explore life– its good and bad sides. You will find your way toward a kind of roller coaster-like ride. As a young adult, being lost is okay, The reality of life starts at 20s anyway.

PHOTO BY SYLVANNA SANTAMARIA LAYOUT BY CHRISTIAN REGANIT

Rumaragasa. Humahampas. Babalik. Ang heleng humahalik sa buhanging maputik.

Alon.

Saan ba dako ang doon?

Sa Hilaga. Nililok ng hinaing ng kasaysayan, Kasama ang ugong ng iyak ng sinumpang kapalaran.

Ang pait ng maalat na luhang sinalungat; mga ala-alang naglamat.

Sa Silangan. Dumudungaw ang liwanag sa likod ng mapanghamong binyag ng mga aninong bumabagabag.

DALOY

By Patrick Panambo

GUHIT NI BRANDON JON DELOS SANTOS DEBUHO NG PAHINA NI CYEN ESCLANDA

Ngunit, ‘di kalayuan ay may umaaninag.

Sa Timog. Nagniningas ang apoy ng kasalukuyan na pilit na tinalikdan. Ang nunuyo ngunit namumulaklak na oras; Mga sensasyong bumubuhay.

Sa Kanluran. Ang kahel na kalangitang— Magpahinga. Buntong-hininga. Lalaban ka pa.

Umahon ka sa pampang. Hindi kumunoy ang buhay.

StePPING UP ON YOUR OWN REPUTATION

Perhaps some plants don’t bear fruits, While others are lucky to bear it. Maybe soil where they’re planted isn’t appropriate, Time to find another place patiently.

Go and search curiously, But remember, this isn’t a race. Others may rejoice in the fruits of their labor–Don’t be jealous about it.

Consume time wisely, Reflect on what needs to be done. Imagine planting yourself in nutrient-rich soil, To build your own reputation.

Turn failures into lessons, Convert them into inspirations. Feel the moisture of the soil, Until it flows throughout your soul.

Observe the achievements of others, During your growth. Just remember to not forget your own mission, To energize the backyard with green scenery.

Borne fruits surely taste good, So as building a base of own success. Fill your work with basket full of fresh fruits, Harvesting your own hard work.

Graphics by E-Jay Borjal

Page Layout by Darwin Escaro

Litrato’t Salamin

Ni Isabel Azaña

Ako’y muling babangon sa kinabukasang magdudulot ng pagod.

Hindi mawari kung hanggang kailan susubukang kumayod, Sapagkat ang pakiramdam ay parang laging may pagkukulang.

Tila ba’y kakaunti pa lamang ang aking nagagawang mga hakbang.

Tinititigan ang litratong nakasabit sa dingding–Taong suot ang helmet ng Agsikapin.

Kasalukuyang nag-aaral at

Para sa larawang puno ng ambisyon at pangarap

Sunod-sunod ang mga tagumpay at magagandang balita. “Congratulations!” o kaya “Ipagpatuloy mo yan!”; ang laging sinasabi.

Mga gantimpala at medalya sa litrato ay kitang-kita. Ngunit litrato’y hindi sa akin, sapagkat ‘di pa ako nagwawagi.

“Kailan ko rin kaya ito mararanasan?”

Isang tanong na laging binabanggit sa harap ng salamin. Inip kung titigan ang sarili sa salamin, at hindi na sa larawan

Na tila ba’y pagod nang sumubok sa mga bagay na dapat pang gawin.

Sa salamin, nakita ko ang taong

Ngunit ang ngiti ay pilit nang hinahanap.

Sapat pa bang sinusunod ko lang ang litratong bitbit ang ambisyong nais abutin?

O nakalimutan kong dapat magpahinga at sarili’y dapat alagaan pa rin?

Masyado ko atang pine-pressure ang aking sarili Dahil nakalimutan kong hindi naman pala ito karera na dapat magmadali. Ang propesyon sa litrato’y hindi ko susukuan at patuloy na tutuparin, Ngunit gagawin ko ito sa hakbang na kaya ko, ‘yung makahaharap sa salamin at ipagmalaking “Kaya ko rin.”

Ako’y muling babangon bukas at kinabukasan.

‘Di lang naman pala pagod ang dala ng araw-araw.

Guhit Ni Brandon Jon Delos Santos Debuho ng Pahina ni Darwin Escaro

Graphics by Lemmuel Pancha

By Christian Reganit

It is unfortunate that some people invalidate our pain. Few of them are mean-spirited haters who easily dismiss our dreams as worthless and lame. Rejecting, disregarding, refusing to believe, or even situation minimizing– “We’ve all experienced these things.” Oh, wait! There goes the right term to sound downplaying.

My bad, I’m sorry for that.

But in this poetry, I am not only apologizing for myself. Not only for my own mistake. But also, I am apologizing for those people who invalidate your pain. Those people who made you feel that you’re unworthy. That your emotions are unacceptable, and your thoughts are rubbish. I am asking forgiveness for those people whom you expected to support you under any circumstances, but also the first one who put massive disbelief in your ideas, goals, and dreams.

I’m sorry for that.

I wish my apologies would make you feel better. I wish that in just a snap of sorry, it would lighten up your bag of disappointments, and would clear your mind– full of frustrations. I hope that those people who made you feel that you’re unworthy, unacceptable, and rubbish will be forgiven, for perhaps they are also victims of someone else’s invalidation.

My bad, and I’m so sorry for that.

I am glad that despite hearing those unremarkable people, you never stumble. Because look at you now! Victorious. But sharing your thoughts and success with those who dismissed you, you’ll be stronger and even more successful.

I may not be right in my assumptions at this moment, but whether you’re a student, professional, or in the process of your glorious moment. Be reminded that success is meaningless if you are uncertain. Questions and doubts are part of the process. Hefty marks on your heart will slow the progress, but never stop chasing until you feel better and complete.

Life is forgiving. Everyday is a chance. True success is authentic happiness. Find yours and reflect on it

ANINO ANINO

Ni Rachelle Paja

Kamusta ka na? Nasa tuktok ka na ba ng tagumpay?

Marahil sa ngayon ika’y nasa proseso–

Kaunting tulak o hatak posibleng makuntento, Hindi tumitigil; umaabante, walang humpay.

Ngunit may anino

Sumusunod kanino?

Sa tagumpay kung saan patungo—

Mananatiling nasa likod, tagasunod kahit hihinto.

Huwag mangyaring ito’y makaapekto

Sa tinatahak mong mundo.

Tandaang kailan ma’y hindi makauungos

Ang may pakana ng dilim– ang likod ng unos.

Sa kabila ng lahat, Hindi maikakaila na mayroong sasalungat. Puno man ng mapanghusgang anino, Laging tandaan na may pangarap kang binubuo.

Huwag pansinin mga mapantapak na tao, Ikaw mismo nakakikilala sa sarili mo. Maniwala ka lamang sa kakayahan mo.

Panghawakan ang proseso ng katagumpayang tinatahak mo. .

Subalit aking napagtanto, Minsan ay pumapaharap din ang anino, Sasamahan ka nito sa maliwanag na parte ng buhay mo, Ngunit iiwan ka sa madilim na mundo.

GUHIT NI BRANDON JON DELOS SANTOS DEBUHO NG PAHINA NI ROSE CLAVANO

Shot fired

BY PAOLO GABRIEL JAMER

The three of them sit in a semicircle, the Director in the middle, HR to Pablo’s left and his line manager to my right. Door behind Pablo. Window across, dark with the March dusk and a miserable rain pattering on the double-glazed, soundproof, insulating, corporate glass.

Nature doesn’t usually mark the occasion. Babies are born during hurricanes. Lotteries are won in a blizzard. A guy jumps out of the twentieth floor of his apartment building on a sunny-blue summer day and sprays the warm sidewalk with his brains while seagulls fly above.

Nature doesn’t care.

Someone’s talking and Pablo’s employee-conditioning kicks in and he pays attention. The Director’s pudgy face contorts in a semi-sad smile and his mouth kickstarts the stage play they are about to engage in by invoking the first line of his managerial script.

“How are you feeling?”

Of course, honesty isn’t expected. Bound by the pseudo-social contract of professional interaction, Pablo also smiles sheepishly and mutters something between “okay” and a verbal shrug.

Phase one is over and it’s time for his soliloquy. He speaks in the measured, paced, practiced and soft tone of the veteran manager, but when Pablo looks up from the table and catches his eyes, all he sees is autopilot.

He uses a lot of filler. Words like “performance”, “output”, “competence” and “leverage” fill the air between blow-softening neutrals like “expected”, “observed”, “discussed” and “decided”.

Pablo nods to the music, but he can’t help keeping one eye on his watch. It takes him forty-seven seconds to go through the obligatory spiel, to put me at ease, to avoid conflict, to prevent negotiation, to minimize the chance that he will come back tomorrow with a case of home-made Molotov cocktails.

Pablo feels tired. Forty-seven seconds, and then he finally gets to it.

“We all think that it would be better for you to not continue in this role.”

They are expecting some reaction from me. For a moment, I entertain the idea of saying nothing and just staring impassively out the window. Lack of affect. Psychopathy. Scare them a bit. But then that “burn-no-bridges” instinct overcomes me, so Pablo sighs a little and throws on fake stoicism. “Well, some things just don’t work out.”

They all nod, relieved. Whichever of them writes the report on this, they’ll tick the box that says Pablo took it well.

The HR lady rattles off some information about contracts, final payments and paperwork. Then the Director looks at Pablo with managerial puppy eyes and asks, “Is there anything you’d like to say?”

Like that Pablo would make any difference. But he guess they give all the condemned a chance to final words, so he blather something that doesn’t exactly blame Management, but doesn’t exactly absolve them either.

They feel it. Pablo’s line manager – ex line manager – looks uncomfortable. Well. At least he’ll have a job tomorrow.

The rest goes fast. They get on with the scripted noise about how they wish Pablo well and that he will probably have questions in the next couple of days and shouldn’t hesitate to email them.

Then they took my staff ID card. Of course, they deactivated it before the meeting even started.

The Director stands up and then the rest of us do. Pablo breathes through my nose as my ex line manager storms out of the office without even saying goodbye.

The Director walks Pablo out of the building and tries to pass it off as being friendly. It’s not. Company policy dictates that he has to escort me off the premises. Not a bad idea, actually.

Before Pablo knows it,he is in a taxi on his way home. Five pm, on a rainy Tuesday. When Pablo gets home, he doesn’t turn on the lights. He locked the door behind me, walked into the lounge and sat quietly on the sofa, listening to the rain outside.

For the first time in Pablo’s life, he was fired.

GRAPHICS BY CYEN ESCLANDA LAYOUT BY CHRISTIAN REGANIT ALIMANTAK

KARERA

Ni Christian Bañega

Isa, Dalawa, Tatlo. Magsisimula na ang karerang hinihintay niyo.

Teka, bakit tila nanghihina ang katawan ko. Bumabagal na ba ang aking takbo, o bumilis lang ang takbo ng mga kasabayan ko.

Takbo! Isang sigaw na umalingawngaw galing sa kabilang ibayo.

Sinenyasan ako ng mga tao na nakapaligid sa bawat kanto.

“Bilisan mo! Kaunting tiis pa! Mananalo ka na!”

Kaliwa’t kanang sigaw galing sa mga kritiko. Ngunit sa karerang sinimulan ko, iba ang itatanghal na panalo.

Saan ba ako dadalhin ng mga paang ito. Papunta ba sa pagkapanalo o sa dilim na bumabalot sa kanto.

Samahan mo naman ako, harapin natin ang karerang ito.

Dumilim ang langit, bumugso ang ulan. Mahirap man ang pinagdaraanan, mayroon pa ring araw na susulyap–

Susulyap upang makita ang iyong pagtayo, Sa karerang malayo pa ang katapusan.

Tumakbo ka kahit sa paningin mo ay mahirap. Dahil sa bawat daan na iyong tinatahak, Madilim man o bumubugso ang malakas na ulan.

Hindi matatapos ang karera na iyong sinimulan, Hangga’t hindi ka tumitigil sa paglaban.

GRAPHICS BY E-JAY BORJAL

PAGE LAYOUT BY CYEN ESCLANDA

PHOTO BY JOHN HARVEE CABAL PAGE LAYOUT BY ROSE CLAVANO

Bit by Bit

By Jay Vhie Abunda

I am running in the race they call life. Where I feel like in my neck, there’s a knife. I tried to step my feet faster, without making strife, But why do I feel like I am left behind even in the afterlife?

I watched my fellows to reach the end, I saw how they held victory in their hands. Now, I am tired and ask, “Why am I running slowly?” When I always do my best, it ends up disappointing me.

A question popped up when the stars aligned. In life, is there such a thing as “being left behind”? Our lines are interlinked but not as twined. We are running separate journeys and only doing it to grind.

We’re busy comparing oranges to apples. While running, we’re focusing on the path of others. We should face on the line that matters And start validating the achievements that we gathered.

Time is not always on our side. Sometimes we need to stop and take some ride Or drink water and watch the flow of the tide.

We’re not falling behind in the race where we feel alone and tied.

We should learn to measure our progress, think of ourselves. Follow our own phase and put the comparison on the shelves. What matters is we’re trying and we should dump society’s expectations. Everything we do is for our future, It is us who should make the decisions.

Success is relative, so is time

By Jhezylle Faye Loria

It is one of those days Mia dreaded. She hates to know who would have the employee of the month or year would be. She had been hating this since she entered school, since she is constantly being compared to her elder brother Ahmed. Why can’t she just stay home and read novels all the time until she grows old? Why can’t children have a choice? She has so much to ask to her parents but they aren’t always around. They’re just around when they wanted to. Good for them.

Ahmed, her brother, himself is the strain of their brother-sister relationship. Mia hated the notion that she is the lesser one. When in fact she has other strengths that her brother doesn’t have. She likes to interact with people. She has an interest with books but not with the academic ones that bores her to death but those exciting literary ones written by George Eliott, George Orwell, Jane Austen, Ernest Hemingway, and Ralph Waldo Emerson which Ahmed seemed to be disinterested in. Whatever the reason is, her parents, no matter what, aren’t fond of what interests her.

Until she graduated college, they did not seem bothered with her presence. She did her best but nothing seemed to satisfy her. She is constantly looking for something. When she thinks she needs cooperation from her subordinates, by the end of the month she will send a resignation letter to her manager. It isn’t an easy path, but she is trying to at least save her last ounce of sanity.

Then, one day she passed by a bookstore that had an Arabic vibe interior. It has those contraptions she could not understand whenever she’s watching a movie. She skimmed through the shelves and saw some familiar books. By then she realized that it wasn’t all about Arabic. She saw bestselling books that she heard as a child from her nanny. While trying to scan the pages of some of the books, suddenly an overwhelming feeling ran through her veins. It was the excitement she could never explain. Her blood rushed and her ideas suddenly started to bombard her.

Graphics By Christian Reganit

Page Layout By Cyen Esclanda

She bought books and started to run, trying to match the beat of her heart. She’s so excited that she can’t contain it any longer. She hailed a cab and directed the driver to her apartment. She already knows what she’s going to do. She’s going to write a book! Finally, after years of looking for what she really wanted with her life, God gave her a chance to do it her way this time and not how society dictates her. So much time is wasted already.

She went to her room and took her laptop and went straight to her desk. She sighed.

“I have so much to do. But I don’t feel like getting tired right now. I badly want to write.”

Her eyes looked straight at the ceiling and she smiled.

“Thank you, Lord. I’ve been wanting to know what in the world would drive me insane so that I can go on with days without shifting jobs and not be bored with it. Finally.”

She then turned on her laptop and started to write. It went on with days which did surprise her.

“So, this must be really the feeling of excitement.”

She isolated herself from the rest of the world for the first three weeks of being ‘jobless but happy’ as she labels herself. A loud knock disturbed her from her imagination. It is her brother, Ahmed.

“Oh, glad you’re still alive. I thought you died three weeks ago after leaving a well-paying job. I never expected you to be this irresponsible Mia. I thought that you aren’t like our aunt Anna. I thought that you would be wiser than this. Just look at her life right now, so aimless. Why can’t you just be like us?” Ahmed’s face shows so much emotion, but what surprised her is the look of pity in his eyes.

“You pity me, do you? Well, good for you, for mom, and dad, you look…contented, maybe you consider your life bearable. But not for me. At least for myself I want to save my sanity. I am truly happy right now brother. Don’t come running here concerning yourself with my life. I can manage it.” She stared at him then touched his hand. She squeezed it, as if trying to convey a message that she appreciates the act somehow.

“How can you say that you’re happy when you’ve just begun three weeks ago. Isn’t that too soon to conclude anything? I am truly concerned

with you, what would happen if this won’t turn out the way you want it to?” Ahmed tried to convince her, while trying to convince himself that he’s not bitter with how adventurous his sister is. He never played in his life. But one thing for sure, he loves what he is doing though he doesn’t have time to play.

“Don’t be so dramatic. Ahmed, my brother, I have my savings. I’ve been investing in stocks lately and whatever happens with my plan, I’d have a safety net that could help me. Don’t you try storming here out of nowhere doubting my judgment again. I am already successful as you are with what you’re doing. I am successful because I am happy and contented with what I am doing. I could not be measured by how much money you’ve accumulated on what you are doing but the memories and joy it brings to you.”

“I might have to agree with that. Society had dictated us on how we should see success. The cars, houses, and money. But for some that I personally know, they consider some unconventional type of success that isn’t by the book of the society. Some may have found success building a family, doing their passion, and living alone and still feel happy.”

Ahmed and Mia went on with their lives and they lived happily ever after.

Nope. Life isn’t all about rainbows and butterflies darling. They had some problems that they had to face and the catch is that no matter how hard the circumstances are, it never made them quit. No matter how fast the ones they know, succeeded and may exceed what they’ve accomplished, their drive to push through never even once decreased. Because just having to do what they love is enough. Money is not the unit of measure for success, it is the joy and contentment you gain.

PHOTO BY SYLVANNA SANTAMARIA

GRAPHICS BY ROSE CLAVANO

PASASALAMAT

Hindi ka palaging panalo. Ang araw ay hindi palaging masaya. Minsan kahit na handa ka pa, kahit na hindi mo alam ang dahilan, ikaw ay may oras ng kahinaan.

Sa puntong ito, siguro’y naibsan nang kaunti ang iyong dinadalang pagdaramdam. Siguro’y mangilan-ngilang minuto o oras ka ring nakapagisip at nakatagpo ng karamay.

Huminga ka nang malalim.

Salamat sa pagbabasa. Ito ang dulo, pero ang parteng ito’y nagpapaalalang magsimula ka ulit kung saan ka huminto.

EDITORIAL BOARD AND STAFF

Berlineth Nymia Montes

Editor-in-Chief

Christian Reganit Associate Editor

Cyen Esclanda Managing Editor

Jhezylle Faye Loria Deputy Managing Editor

Patrick Joseph Panambo Senior Editor

Aila Joy Esperida

Sports Editor

James Rhuzzel Saspa Station Manager

Niel Andrew Formalejo Circulation Manager

Maria Jhoanna Yasis

Rachelle Paja

Asuncion Cristine Reyes

Darwin Escaro

Joy Villaspin Apprentices

Mary Allysa Jenica Sariba Technical Adviser

Earl Dwight Serrado Co-Technical Adviser

Brandon Jon De Los Santos Creative Director

Rose Ann Clavano Design Director

Jonas Corporal Web Manager

Danrie Josh Garcia News Editor

Kyra Victoria Heads News Writer

Paolo Gabriel Jamer Head Photojournalist

Lemmuel Pancha Technical Director

John Harvee Cabal

Belle Ashley Macalintal

Millard Baliza

Jessebel Nieva

E-Jay Borjal

Sylvanna Santamaria

Christian Bañega

Jay Vhie Abunda Contributors

Jean Aquino

Isabel Azaña Regular Staff