The Guardian Publication Volume 22 Issue 1 by theguardianpublication

news

GIVE HELP. Typhoon victims gather together to the arrival of aid from the donation drive. Photo by Anne Margarette Reoliquio

ULYSSES AFTERMATH

EIGHT REGIONS IN LUZON SUFFER INTENSE FLOOD by Jan Michael Silot

ovember 9-13, 2020 — After the back-toback typhoons Quinta and Rolly, Typhoon Ulysses (international name: Vamco) struck the Philippines for five days and left the island of Luzon devastated. As disaster’s aftermath, Typhoon Ulysses caused a total of 101 casualties, 85 injured, and 10 missing persons. Meanwhile, 1,139,287 families or 4,674,607 persons were affected from the regions I, II, III, IV-A, IV-B, V, National Capital Region (NCR), and Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR). Additionally, Ulysses left damages that cost a total of ₱20,229,128,825. Furthermore, as a precaution for the power and internet connection

interruption, Mandaluyong City Mayor Menchie Abalos and Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA)Dr. Magno Quendangan, suspended the synchronous classes from November 12-14. Subsequently, VPAA issued an academic break for high school and undergraduate programs from November 16-22. Moreover, Luzon Island is heavily affected and under a calamity state, especially the Cagayan Valley. The unexpected extent of flooding still affected the people; weeks passed after the landfall of Ulysses. Many Filipinos, even outside the country, raised awareness of the problem in the Cagayan Valley; foundations and institutions helped and reached their donations. Significantly, the Rizal Technological University (RTU) community, from different college departments to students and alumni groups, also joined

to share donation goods and everything essential that the typhoon victims needed. Furthermore, the RTU alumna and her family initiated a donation drive in Rizal province. The Good Samaritan shared the typhoon victims’ excitement when the donations were delivered; however, she also expressed her sympathy to those who cannot receive a donation due to the limited goods. Even more, the alumna described the victims’ situation, “Until now, I still couldn’t believe that the floods were roof-high tapos mostly ‘yong mga bahay do’n [ay] wala pang second floor. On the way there, makikita mo ‘yong mga residents doon sila-sila lang nagtutulungan maglinis ng mga naisalba nilang gamit. Ang dami ring wala nang suot na facemask, mga lumipad na yero, and pinakanakakalungkot ‘yong mga namatay na aso, nasa kalsada lang.”

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VOL 22 ISSUE 1 March 2020–Dec 2020 The Official Newspaper of Rizal Technological University

RTU honors Fallen Heroes

Song of Hope amidst pandemic

Himig Rizalia inspires Filipinos through a rendition by Lovelyn Mangampo

izal Technological University (RTU) Himig Rizalia encourages Filipinos to strengthen their faith in God to cope with the pandemic in a performance of Jamie Rivera’s Heal Our Land, posted on their Facebook page last April 7, 2020. With the arrangement of Sunny Bautista and the conduct of Himig Rizalia Choir Master Renier Aguilar, the choir members filmed themselves in their respective houses to present the prayer

song, and inspire people to unite and fight together to help end the crisis. Consequently, the video gained praise from netizens. Filipinos filled the comment section with their thoughts and gratitude towards the group’s performance. One of them is Macrina Vicente who said, “Thank you for giving us something to listen to and bring us hope. God bless all of you.” Meanwhile, Jd Flores Daclangin shared, “Grabe, 4 months pa lang ang dami nang nangyayari. May 8 months pa [bago matapos ang taon]. Lord, ikaw na ang bahala sa’min. Guide and protect us Lord. God bless us all.”

Dr. Eugenia M. Yangco (left) & Dr. Prospero De Vera (right) Photo by Jovelyn Mirandilla

RTU presents CHED’s SUC Expo 2020 by Jan Michael Silot

arch 9-11, 2020 — Rizal Technological University (RTU) spearheaded the State Universities and Colleges (SUC) Expo 2020:

The Art of Success, with the theme, “Innovation, Passion, Connection,” initiated by the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd), held at the Ayala Malls Trinoma, Quezon City. The event featured many schools coming from respective regions

by Mariel Bastasa

MELODY OF HOPE. RTU Himig Rizalia performs an inspiring song via online platform. Photo courtesy: Himig Rizalia Facebook page Additionally, the University pride was previously featured in ABS-CBN News’ Bayan Mo, Ipatrol Mo on their performance of Gary Valenciano’s Ililigtas Ka N’ya, as a form of gratitude and salutation to the front liners. The choir master shared that the weeks of editing and merging the videos of the 25 members of the group were paid off as the audience were moved and sent their gratitude towards the group.

Mr. Aguilar wishes Filipinos to not lose hope amidst the crisis of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Notably, the choir has been representing the RTU community in local and international competitions. Last November of 2019, the group became the Grand Prix Winner of the 4th Macantata Macau International Choir Competition with their rendition of Cordilleran folksong Chua-ay and Indonesian folksong Soleram.

showcasing their unique and authentic products originating from their land. Additionally, the expo aimed to promote innovation, as well as to support and choose our local goods and products. “We are now witnessing how globalization has led to improvements in research, innovation, and productivity. Nowadays, it is an excellent opportunity to venture into the Philippine research product and innovation of the 21st century,” Dr. Ronald L. Adamat, Chairman of RTU Board of Regent (BoR), praised the country’s progress in terms of innovation and productivity. Moreover, Marvin Orias, owner of Orias Studios, encouraged entrepreneurs and people to still continue and to thrive in the track or journey that they chose, especially to the local businesses. “You just have to recognize and appreciate the small steps because as the saying goes, ‘A journey to thousand miles begins with the first steps,’ there is no small effort in the eyes of our Lord. Everything is accounted for,” Orias stated. Furthermore, along with the three-day program,

there is also a contest for the participating schools entitled Best Wine Beverages, Best Healthy Snacks, Best Fruit Juices, Best Delicacies, Best Coffee, Best Tea, and Best Chocolate. Simultaneously, the expo featured guest speakers and performers on its respective days: Dr. J. Prospero E. De Vera III, Dr. Ronald L. Adamat, and Sec. Ramon M. Lopez, and Jing Castaneda –— Euclid S. Cezar, Monette Iturralde-Hamlin, Engr. Ariel Duran, Marvin Orias, and Kimpoy Feliciano — Hon. Mark Go, Tae Eun Lee, Dr. Diana Ignacio, David Ambrus, and Marcelito Pomoy. “Maniwala lamang po tayo sa ating kahusayan at kagalingan upang makamit po ang ating minimithing pangarap. Hindi lamang po para sa kaunlaran ng ating paaralan, kung hindi para na rin po sa kaunlaran ng ating minamahal na bayan,” RTU President Dr. Ma. Eugenia Yangco encouraged believing in one’s capabilities to reach their dream.

ctober 12, 2020 — Rizal Technological UniversityHuman Resource Development Center (RTU-HDRC) granted a Posthumous Award to the late professors to commemorate them as fallen heroes via RTUHDRC Facebook page. The award attributed to Engr. Renato C. Salvo, Engr. Alain C. Guillermo, Prof. Mark Jhun S. De Sotto, and Prof. Teresita F. Paez for their significant contributions to the successes of their former students in the College of Engineering, Architecture, and Technology (CEAT) and of the RTU community as a whole. Meanwhile, the retired faculty members also received the same award, namely: Prof. Ethel Emelia M. Abono, Dr. Virgilio R. Benito, and Dr. Serafin Lucas, in appreciation for their sacrifices during their service and for their continuous support for the university. “Honoring Excellence, Recognizing Oneness, and Exemplifying Service is a breakthrough in rewarding the remarkable efforts of our demised colleagues,” RTU introduce in an FB post. Furthermore, the award was solely given to the said professors as a tribute for their nobility and legacy which helped the university reach its triumph in shaping highly competent students to become successful individuals.

04 news RTU organizes first ever Mental Health E-Concert

by Marilyn Manas

izal Technological University Peer Facilitator (RTU-PF) held the very first E-concert via Facebook live stream under the theme, “Padayon Rizalista: Tungo sa Malusog at Positibong Kaisipan,” September 26, 2020. “Padayon Rizalista E-Concert aimed to be a welcoming event for our freshmen, as well [as] our way to introduce RTU as a safe place to talk about mental health and take care of it,” RTU-PF President Lance Rubillos stated. The e-concert highlighted the ‘Peer Talks’ segment discussing the students’ mental health concerns, with the participation of prominent mental health advocates. Commissioner Dexter Galban from the Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM) enlightened the audience by explaining the impact of ‘toxic positivity’ in mental health and even emphasizing the essential of acknowledging the emotions and being optimistic

VOL 22 ISSUE 1 March 2020–Dec 2020 The Official Student Newspaper of Rizal Technological University

NTC demands ABS-CBN shutdown

MORE THAN ENTERTAINMENT. Invited speakers and performers from RTU gives inspiration through e-concert. Photo courtesy: RTU Peer Facilitators fb page

amidst of tragedy is not the solution in addressing the concerning issue. “Not every hard circumstance is something that needs a silver lining. Looking for greatness in all things is not supposed to be instantaneous. There is a process that needs to be followed. There is a process that needs to be followed and acknowledged,” Dr. Galban said. Following the discussion about romantic relationships and mental health issues, Dr. Gia Sison, National Adviser of Youth for Mental Health Coalition, pressed the concerned potential harm and the importance of evaluating the quality of the relationship. “Relationship churning and sexual non-exclusivity during adolescence were associated with lower relationship quality during young adulthood. Sexual non-exclusivity during adolescence influence self-reports of depressive symptoms and lower selfesteem among young adults,” she

explained. Lastly, the Mental Health Advocate Chairperson on Youth for Mental Health Coalition, Dr. RJ Naguit, briefly explained Republic Act 11036 or the Philippine Mental Health Law. “Each person with a mental health concern should be able to be free from any form of stigma and discrimination. As well as receiver access to appropriate and accessible [Mental Health] services,” Dr. Naguit quoted. Furthermore, Director for Student Affair (DSA) Dr. Ma. Luisa M. Villanueva concluded the event with the encouraging words in her closing remarks. “Accept that the situation is different right now, and everyone is adjusting. Prioritize what is important and know that it’s okay to let something go right now. Certainly, there are different challenges ahead but we can overcome these challenges,” Dr. Villanueva stated.

Dr. Yangco explains RTU Mass Promotion refusal by Lovelyn Mangampo

R Jose Rizal Monument Photo by Lemmy Delos Reyes

by Mariel Bastasa

izal Technological University (RTU) President Dr. Eugenia Yangco answers students’ concerns with the class extension amidst the COVID-19 crisis on Ang Kalatas, a special issue of The Guardian Publication, released on Facebook, June 2, 2020. “Kailangang maibigay lahat ng dapat na ituro sa inyo ngayong semester kasi ‘pag next semester, ibang subject na, baka lahat kayo [ay] ngumanga. Kasi ‘di niyo naman napag-aralan yung ituturo sa inyo sa susunod niyong mga subject,” Dr. Yangco clarified the University’s decision of declining mass promotion, despite the students’ simultaneous call on ending the semester. When asked how they came up with the decision, Dr. Yangco explained that out of the seven Memorandum Circular of Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the conducted several meetings with the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC) together with CHED Chairman Dr. Prospero De Vera, the consideration of ‘mass promotion’ is not mentioned.

Additionally, due to the pandemic, the Philippine government issued a nationwide lockdown, which caused schools to close and shift to online learning. To answer the students’ complaints, the Office of the President released various memorandums announcing the implementation of flexible learning and adjusting the classes to prioritize the sake of the RTU community. Moreover, with their disappointments on the RTU administration’s actions, students conducted social media rallies to call for mass promotion and immediate ending of the semester to which made a place on the Twitter trend list with the hashtags: #EndSemNowRTU, #NoStudentLeftBehindRTU, and #MassPromotionNowRTU. Related to the simultaneous backlash to the administration, The Guardian Publication published Ang Kalatas, which contains the response of the RTU officials to address the students’ concern revolving around mass promotion and flexible learning. The interview also included former RTU Student Regent President Mau Estrabo, Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA) Dr. Magno Quendangan, Vice President for Finance and Administration (VPFA) Dr. Rodolfo Aldeon, Vice President for Student Services (VPSS) Dr. Aphril Alcalde, and Graduate School Dean Dr. Leonila Crisostomo.

ay 6, 2020 – The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) issued ABS-CBN a cease-anddesist order that demanded the network to stop their operation and to shutdown all their free radio stations and television channels. Following the ABS-CBN franchise expiration on May 4, 2020, the network eventually ended their activities to follow the NTC’s demand to go off air. The network said they would comply with the regulators’ charge as they urge Congress to renew their license. “We trust that the government will decide on our franchise with the best interest of the Filipino people in mind, recognizing ABS-CBN’s role and efforts in providing the latest news and information during these challenging times,” the network stated. On the other hand, Duterte administration critics claim that this controversy was rooted in the dispute between President Rodrigo Duterte and the network, recalling that ABS-CBN allegedly refused to air its campaign advertisements during the 2016 presidential campaign. Furthermore, the opposition lawmakers also expressed their criticism on the ABS-CBN suspension, claiming that it compromised the fight against the coronavirus outbreak. In a statement of Senator Risa Hontiveros, she questioned, “Why does the government’s chief counsel insists on shutting down a broadcast network in the middle of a health emergency and depriving the public of a critical means to receive timely and accurate information?” Meanwhile, the Association of Human Resource Management Students (AHRMS)RTU Boni Chapter shared their stand regarding the controversy, citing that the shutdown would cause an increase of unemployment, and the primarily affected is the network’s employees. “As future practitioners who are driven and passionate to take care of the welfare of employees, we express our notion regarding the shutdown of an organization that provides employment to thousands of Filipinos. We stand with ABS-CBN and its more than 11,000 employees whose jobs and livelihoods are now at risk,” AHRMS-RTU indicated in a statement.

Artwork by Reymark Boquiron

Tales of Law Enforcement on the kick of COVID-19 Outbreak

n compliance with the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, the Philippine National Government prepared to multi-sectoral COVID-19 response across the country. This included introducing several protocols like community quarantines which were further classified in accordance to the number of cases recorded in different regions – from Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) in high-risk areas down to Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ) in lowerrisk areas. Mandatory wearing of facemask and face shield were also enforced along with the strict observation of social distancing in public places and prohibition of mass gathering to ease the virus spread. The economy’s recession and lockdowns affected thousands of businesses, leading to about 5 million Filipinos suffer from unemployment. Mass transportation was killed and unessential establishments were forced to close, leaving poor families with no choice but to rely on the government’s financial aid. Massive loss of livelihood caused thousands of ordinary Filipinos to starve and beg for alms on the streets. Workers displaced by the crisis brought by the outbreak, has

resorted to ply on whatever rackets, even begging, just to feed their families amid the coronavirus lockdowns. HEIGHTENED LAW FOR THE POOR On June 2, 2020, six jeepney drivers, including a senior citizen in Caloocan City, were arrested for organizing a rally for lost wages and government aid requests. These six transport group members were forcibly taken by the police for alleged breaching of social distancing protocols. Police were quick to put verdict that these jeepney drivers were quarantine violators. Activist group Anakbayan condemned the verdict stating that the arrest of the six jeepney drivers, who protested the continuous ban on jeepneys, was an attempt to silence critic of President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration. Additionally, Anakbayan backed on the jeepney drivers who, in the first place, were only forced to protest because of insufficient government funds to which also has not reached millions of informal workers like the jeepney drivers. “Anim na araw po kaming ikinulong at pinaikot-ikot nang walang malinaw na kaso. Wala po kaming kasalanan,” 72-year-

old driver Elmer Cordero slammed - the oldest detainee who firmly stood on his ground to join protest for their aid and the return of their livelihood as jeepney phaseout was in the talks. Despite the transport group Piston’s argument that the rally went on with strict observation of physical distancing and people who attended wore their respective face masks, the said drivers still served at least a week in jail. EASY PROBES TO POLITICIANS In contrast to the heightened regulation to the jeepney drivers, the seemingly easygoing probes on bigger names like the Philippine politicians has becoming an ache of regard despite committing the same and even higher violations. Netizens took their frustrations on social media regarding Senator Aquilino ‘Koko’ Pimentel’s irresponsible action on breaching his home quarantine protocol after accompanying his wife in Makati Medical Center (MMC) on March 24, 2020, despite being a Person Under Investigation (PUI). The senator admitted later that he tested positive for COVID-19 and got the information straight from the Research Institute

for Tropical Medicine (RITM) while on the premises of the said hospital. The MMC Management denounced the senator’s actions, stating that he contributed no solution but created another problem instead. MakatiMed frontliners were faced a shortage of hospital workforce as numbers of nurses and doctors were put to immediate quarantine because of their direct exposure to COVID-19 positive Pimentel. Despite the management’s move in refuting these actions, the Department of Justice (DOJ) later dismissed the charges filed against Senator Koko Pimentel on three grounds: Pimentel is not a public health official obligated to report his conditions under RA 11332 or the Law on Reporting of Communicable Diseases; the Senator allegedly only found out he tested positive while he is on the hospital; lastly, the complaint filed was ‘defective’ because it was only based on news reports and hearsays. The decision only shows by far how law enforcement can go easy and hard depending on the party concerned. If the Philippine National Police were true to its oath following its announcement on warrantless arrest on quarantine violators, “Foremost, there will be

editorial board and staff Editor-in-Chief: Lance Francisco Associate Editor/Sports Editor: Mary Belle Radam Managing Editor/News Editor: Jan Michael Silot Features Editor/Literary Specialist: Chrisye Louisse Pigao Chief Photojournalist: Mark Joseph Garcia Art Director: Neo Anderson Respicio Pasig Coordinator: Julius Dancalan Circulations Manager: Charlie Mae Cruz

Senior Staff: Lovelyn Mangampo, Ryan Emmanuel Reyes, Romieleth Espillardo, Jamille Jane Dipol, Rona Jane Germano, Mariel Bastasa, Mycah Andrea Tusi, Daksh Neil Castillo, Jesse Viray Jr., John Lloyd Borromeo, Lemmy Delos Reyes, Angel Christine Valdez, Erica Mae Vidal, Marilyn Manas Junior Staff: John Paul Torrecampo, Justine Rose Generato Adviser: Prof. Paolo Gaspar

no more warning for ECQ violators— instead, arrest and inquest procedures will be applied to cases of violation of Republic Act No. 11469 [Bayanihan to Heal as One Act]; Republic Act No. 11332 [Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Health Concern Act]; as well as Article 151 of the Revised Penal Code [Resistance and Disobedience to Persons in Authority or Agents of Such Persons],” then why does this apply to the jeepney drivers and not to Koko Pimentel when in fact he was already a Person Under Investigation for Covid-19 infection? Why does the law literally apply to everyone else but the nation’s duly elected leaders? Don’t you think we have had enough of the culture of impunity that it has to stop right now? Aren’t we gifting our frontliners the respect they deserved if all else in the law is strictly implementing what they think would be best to contain the spread, without buts and exemptions? We have to be reminded to the key to battle the Covid-19 pandemic is a credible system that steers the people to be law-abiding, not a system that tolerates the acts of few individuals with fancy sense of entitlement.

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VOL 22 ISSUE 1 March 2020–Dec 2020 The Official Student Newspaper of Rizal Technological University

AMPERSAND

Chrisye Louisse Pigao syepigao@gmail.com

Social Construct: V-Card Sex. Virginity.

ow I caught your attention, didn’t I? Sex is one of the most conservative Filipino Culture. They say that when you are not married yet, you should not have sex yet; it should happen after marriage. When you lose your virginity at such a young age you are a disgrace and people will think that you are filthy; you should not be respected; it

Motherhood is not all a woman is fit for. She has the potentials to be more than what she thinks she can be without the baby bump along the way.

’

‘m already in my early 20’s, a student groping towards things that make up adulthood. One day I wouldn’t realize that I graduated from school and marketed myself away into the industry. I will be working on getting financial stability in support of myself and my parents. I will then reach a certain age where my parents would raise the question,“Kailan mo balak mag-anak?”

gives a permission pass to people to judge when you are not a virgin anymore. Nowadays, most of our social life focused around sex and hookup culture yet those things still does not sit in the acceptable pyramid. The concept of virginity is a social construct that purposes to commodify women and shame men who are not able to lose that V-card ‘fast’ enough. It seems that sometimes worth in relation to sex is more important than worth in relation to personhood.

Virginity was tied predominantly to women. According through biblical texts, search engines and societal perpetuation, virginity is defined as a woman’s who had yet to have sex, as proven by an “unbroken” hymen. Virginities of women were proven as a necessity in marriage, because those who lose their v-card where considered damaged goods. Though the blatant pursuit of “the virgin” may have or have not gone out of style, but the stigma surrounding virginity has continued to live on. Why should it matter? Society commodifies virginity as something to be won or conquered. Can you see how humanity slut-shame the non-virgins? Virginity is always spoken as of as if it is a tangible thing to be “given” or “taken” freely. With that, we commodify the sexual body and consent it to delineate our worth as a person—whether we have “lost” our sexual purity

MAGDALENA

Mary Belle Radam marybelleradam@gmail.com

Defining Women Outside their Womb Personally, bearing a child is no longer part of my plan to spare opportunities for myself. I digested some senses on its idea as well as accepted the consequences. Although, it’s challenging to explain these concepts to relatives without judgment. They perceived having children as the highest stage to humanist Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. Like it was the last step to take for a woman to be whole. Despite the ongoing feminist movement, the stereotype painted on women brought stigmas and issues facing today – specifically with women’s control over her body. To further understand its root,

Émile Durkheim, one of the pioneers of sociology, provides his insight on identities as a collective representation. Identities are considered sacred objects that signify one’s communal entity by representing their common ideas and values. On the other hand, the sacred self among men possesses a sense of pride. Hence, they prohibit identities that go outside the social norms and eventually led to stigma. The issues on identities are well manifested in reinforcing of the Virgin Mary’s image among Filipina women. The Holy Bible tackled one story on the Virgin Mary bearing Jesus under God’s will while remaining a virgin.

or “taken” someone else’s. It’s objectifying. Virginity isn’t something we can materialize - he “took” my virginity, I “gave” it to her… it’s not a piece of bread. This notion is dangerous as it essentializes a potentially meaningful, pleasurable experience into a status competition. The hardest pill to swallow: virginity is not real. It’s a socially constructed phenomenon that functions to police our bodies and make us feel guilty about our sexual experience, (whether profuse or non-existent). It continuously puts power in the hands of heterosexual men, subjugates and takes power away from heterosexual women and denies the existence of nonhet sexual bodies. The social construct of the “virgin” had its moment in history - it’s time to eradicate its damaging effects from our society and allow everyone to feel comfortable in their bodies whether they’ve had

sex or not - because in reality no one can take your worth away from you. You lose your keys, not your virginity. Sex is in our nature. It is being human. Sex is not dirty unless you abuse it.

The Church proclaimed her as the face of motherhood and social justice. Her image became sacred and taught to live by among women. But Simone de Beauvoir, an early renowned French Feminist, observed her representation to imply more in the men’s interest. The displayed symbol of female power turns out to be an accomplice in the patriarchy’s favor. It molds a woman into a nonthreatening and submissive figure, so men could place her under his superiority. Their constraints limit any identity that a woman builds outside the masculine interest. It includes female body autonomy over child-bearing. If she attempted to so, she will receive the punishment of shame from society. The conservatives cultivated the religious teachings on female figures. Conflicts arise among women resisting the succession of motherhood, which hinders their liberty for their identity and value. Although women can give birth, it doesn’t justify depriving their choice in regards. Until now, they are still guilt-tripped into reassessing her decision.

They are still convinced that their womb determines her identity and wholeness. Some ladies are not ready for a lifetime commitment. Others are too careeroriented to spare dedication on kids. Without free will and full accountability, pregnancy causes struggles for both the child and her in the future. Motherhood is not all a woman is fit for. She has the potentials to be more than what she thinks she can be without the baby bump along the way. Her inner wanderlust awaits to have her life figured out by the age of 40 – even discovered the rest of her authentic self. That’s where she will meet her sense of individuality and completeness. Don’t get me wrong, maternity is truly a blessing. It gives an exclusive connection between herself and a child. But on my part, I have a lot of internal conflicts to resolve before I could prepare for the maternal responsibility. As of now, I can only guarantee to commit as a parent for my cats ‘till then.

THE HARDEST PILL TO SWALLOW: VIRGINITY IS NOT REAL.

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VOL 22 ISSUE 1 March 2020–Dec 2020 The Official Newspaper of Rizal Technological University

CURAR A LA GENTE Jan Michael Silot

silotjanmichael@gmail.com

Self-Love is Not Expensive

ave somebody ask you to love yourself? Even heard someone that you must love yourself before you can romantically love someone? Or you just think that selflove is just another term for selfishness? Self-love is giving an appreciation to yourself, accepting your own flaws, and support for yourself that could be beneficial to your emotional, physical, psychological, and spiritual self. Self-love is not unnecessary unlike the

society that where we grew taught us, it is essential for your own growth as an individual. Loving yourself is not easy. It would be difficult and full of obstacles just like when we went through a romantic love. Its process varies with each one of us. It is also not a fixed state, we can still feel different emotions like happy, sad, scared, angry, tired, anxious; full of ups and downs and it is okay! Allow yourself to feel those emotions when you need to, because we are just humans, after all.

GIST

Lance Francisco 12.lancefrancisco@gmail.com

Shifting Career is never ‘Sayang’ “Hindi siya nakagraduate sa una niyang pinursue na course? Sayang.”

W W

hat a despair to conclude the life of a college student who decided to quit his/ her course. It is one of the most common line we are all familiar with, but never seem quite right to say at least. Let me tell you stories of two different people who chose to quit their courses in pursuit of something bigger. One’s an AB Physics student at the Western

Mindanao State University who decided to stop studying in 2017 on his second year. In our conversation, he mentioned that his course was actually his dad’s choice forcing him to set aside his dream—which is becoming a journalist. But after two years of trying to satisfy his dad, he finally decided to seek his own happiness which lies in journalism. He was discovered by Rappler and was booked to cover the Palarong Pambansa in 2016. From then, he started building his journalism career. Now, he is working

Practicing self-love is a long journey. It won’t happen just overnight when you decided to; it takes time. Practicing self-love is a long journey. It won’t happen just overnight when you decided to; it takes time. Sometimes, loving yourself is not always as a fun as you might think, there are sacrifices you have to make to give yourself the best. Just like choosing to sleep early because you have an early class in the morning, even if you wanted to bingewatch your favorite TV series. Also, forgive yourself. Do not be too harsh on yourself whenever you make a mistake. It is okay to be accountable for it but too much blame would be as a manager of a media company co-founded by GMA reporter Atom Araullo. Another one is my brother who studied Architecture at the University of the Philippines in Los Baños, Laguna. He decided to quit his course in his fourth year after realizing that it wasn’t for him. Afterwards, he worked in the BPO industry for quite some time until he found an opportunity as an ESL teacher. From being lost, he is now earning an estimated amount of ₱60,000 a month with a bonus of traveling in Hangzhou, China for two weeks. These two people are just few of many students who decided to quit their courses in pursuit of bigger opportunities outside their university. They were also the people who were once caught in the idea of practicality over passion, hoping that they would succeed. But after few tries, they still came to a realization and chose to pursue what they truly love. The change of path for most of struggling students is not the issue. The real problem to be dealt with are the people who often

harmful for your mental health. Use your mistakes as a lesson for your own growth, remember that you are also a human just like others, and that others make a mistakes too. Instead, you must recognize every single step you have made, celebrate every success mission that you achieved, you did it! Big dreams always starts with a single step. Meanwhile, whenever our friends ask us to hangout, we often and most probably to say ‘yes’, even if we do not really want to. Because it is the society that taught us that if we say ‘no’, we will be judged as bad-mannered or selfish; and even after we rejected their offer, we will feel guilty or humiliated afterwards. But let us fix it, learn to say no, and it is okay, do not follow others if you are uncomfortable. Protect yourself. Choose the people that will surround you. Choose the ones that is good for you, the ones that brings you joy and different kinds of love, and contributes to the wellness of your mental health. Do not

We should not call it a ‘waste’ for students who once drop out of their previous course to shift on another career. Believe that someone like them is destined to quit for them to achieve their precious and greatest dream.

ever regret to cut the ties to the people that only brings toxicity and stress to your life. Taking care of your self is a must. Supply yourself everything that you need and even wants that would make you happy and satisfied, whether to eat your favorite food, good rest, workout, and such. Lastly, follow your heart. Chase your dreams without the influence of others. Do what makes you happy without thinking what the others might say. Just let them judge you whenever or whatever they want, it won’t affect you. After all, you are the only one that knows who you really are, and that what is important. In a world that is full of complexity and stress, we need something that will make makes us happy and healthy; and self-love is one important and a good way. Let us break the stigma of being described as a selfish act and let us encourage people to give more value to themselves that could lead us into a better tomorrow and better society.

teach to be practical by choosing a high paying job than pursuing the career in line with one’s passion. And that shouldn’t be fine. Every student are entitled to their own choices. And when the time comes these students realize what they truly want, we should just be glad and support them in their own path instead of making them feel regretful to the past years of pursing the college courses that doesn’t fit for them. We should not call it a ‘waste’ for students who once drop out of their previous course to shift on another career. Believe that someone like them is destined to quit, for them to achieve their precious and greatest dream. Their once trial on an uncertain path is part of their own growth as they shape their utmost story of their journey. In the end, their decision could be really surprising. And yes, I still believe in the value of education. But I also believe that their choice of quitting to look for another opportunity is not something to be disappointed about. Instead, we should be proud of them for being brave enough to pursue what their hearts truly desire.

shutterspeaks 2

1. WORKING TO SURVIVE David Villanueva 2. PALARUAN Jesse Viray

3. ARUGA Charlie Mae Cruz 4. TANDA NG AYUDA Anne Reoliquio 5. ONLINE CLASS David Villanueva

6. READING INSIDE Jovelyn Mirandilla

7. DREAMING LIFE BEFORE THE LOCKDOWN Jovelyn Mirandilla 8. LINGAP SA NASALANTA Anne Reoliquio 9. HOPE INSIDE THE MASK John Lloyd Borromeo 10. BLESS Jesse Viray 11. BLESS Jesse Viray 12. VASTNESS Jesse Viray 13. JEEPNEY Daksh Castillo

14. FLOATING VIRUS Daksh Castillo 15. UNSTOPPABLE MEDIA Jovelyn Mirandilla 16. IN THE FIGHT OF THE UNSEEN Lemmy Delos Reyes FOREWORD: Shutterspeaks is a collection of photographs relating to a societal issue. It aims to use art and journalism to convey real-life emotions and situations.

VOL 22 ISSUE 1 March 2020–Dec 2020 The Official Newspaper of Rizal Technological University

shutterspeaks 09

QuaranTales:

UNFOLDING LOCKDOWN STORIES 4

5 8

16 14

features

More Than The Weight

of her Belly

“

Unintended teen pregrancies spiked up by a whopping 21%, assessing that over 2000 additional unexpected pregnancy is occurring every succeeding month of the lockdown implementation.

”

by John Paul Torrecampo and Mycah Andrea Tusi

reparing to embark on a journey to school, the young Filipina went on her usual routine – taking a bath, brushing her teeth, eating breakfast, and making sure that all of her gadgets and notes are in the bag. She shook her head, feeling the rush hour, seeing how every jeepney that passes by is full. Workers and students alike are on their way to their jobs and schools, battling the heat and traffic. Once she stepped down from the ride, out in the busy street, she is often greeted by the sweets shop in front of her school, which she ultimately loves to visit after class with her friends. That is how it should have been. But the young lady is no longer that teenager who wrestles the morning traffic to get to school on time. She gazes outside the window and smiles wryly. The cloudy sky, gloomy and dark, resembles her well-being. The anxiety and fear swallow her up as she faces a new chapter of life. She glances at the bottle on the table, eyeing the prenatal vitamins… Prenatal. The word hit her hard. She closed her eyes and felt the weight of her stomach. Life is developing inside her belly. Unlike her friends who either worry about upcoming exams or dresses to purchase, she found herself eaten by confusion and doubt. Of all the endless possibilities, she worries most about the life she and her child will be led into.

SURGE IN TEENAGE PREGNANCY CASES Delicate hands slowly crept towards her stomach as she hears the news of her pregnancy. The young mother’s mind went blank, but her heart was bombarded by overwhelming emotions. For a moment, her eyes were hardly staring at oblivion – trying to process everything. After regaining a bit

of composure, she made her way to her parents to tell the news – accepting the fact and resigning to the situation. They went to visit the OB-GYN. And to her surprise, lined up in the waiting area were pregnant teenagers just like her. Implementation of the quarantine protocols sparked the estimated number of unintended pregnancies in the Philippines, ranging from ages 15 to 19. According to United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Philippine branch and University of the Philippines Population Institute (UPPI), it spiked up by a whopping 21%, assessing that over 2000 additional unexpected pregnancy is occurring every succeeding month of the lockdown implementation. What could have been a preventive measure for a contagious disease kindled another critical crisis to face. There are approximately 24 babies born to teen moms per hour. And one in six teenage pregnancies is a repeat pregnancy – which means that they got pregnant for the second time while still being in their teenage years. What is much alarming is the number of teenage pregnancies that are fathered by 20-year-old men or older has been escalating in

the past few years, as stated by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). Furthermore, the Committee on the Welfare of the Children stated that approximately one in every five Filipino youth is a victim of sexual abuse. Some are experiencing commercial sexual exploitation wherein they are being forced into prostitution or pornography in exchange for money. And with the threatening increase of adolescent pregnancy cases during the COVID-19 pandemic crossing the designated threshold in their criteria, Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM) calls for the government to declare this as a national social emergency.

VOL 22 ISSUE 1 March 2020–Dec 2020 The Official Newspaper of Rizal Technological University

features

Page Layout By: Julius Dancalan

PERILS OF JUVENILE PREGNANCY Being thrust into motherhood at a tender age, the teens may experience exhausting physical and mental battles that may be too much for young people who have not experienced much in life yet. With their body not being mature enough for childbearing, they are at higher health risks than adults during pregnancy and giving birth. However, the dangers not only loom over the young mother. The bundle of life nestled in their wombs is also vulnerable to mishaps. With cases of adolescent pregnancies being unplanned, the teens often do not get prenatal care soon enough. Teens significantly younger than 15 are vulnerable to anemia, low blood iron, and pregnancy-related high blood pressure. Approximately 14% of pregnant women develop anemia, and the condition occurs at higher rates in pregnant adolescents because of the insufficient amount of healthy caloric intake needed during pregnancy and the increased iron requirements associated with the expansion of the red cell mass during pregnancy adolescence. Additionally, pregnancy and childbirth complications are the leading cause of death among girls, ages 15 to 19 years globally, with low and middle-income countries accounting for 99% of global maternal deaths of women ages 15 to 49 years. Concerning mental health, adolescent mothers are more likely to experience depression during and after pregnancy due to the lack of support from their families and the criticisms they receive from getting pregnant out of wedlock or even before finishing their secondary or tertiary education. Some mothers even resort to unsafe abortions that can cause lifetime health problems or, worse, lead to their death. Adolescents are more likely to give birth to a premature baby than adult women. Premature babies tend to be underweight and underdeveloped. These babies might have trouble breathing and feeding as infants. Their skin might not be fully developed and appear shiny, translucent, dry, or flaky. The baby may not have any fat under the skin to keep them warm. They are more vulnerable to cerebral palsy, asthma, mental retardation, vision problems, or blindness. INTEGRATING SEX EDUCATION The young Filipina recalled the night when whiffs from the cigar, an uncapped bottle of rum, and a sensual song playing on the stereo becomes her fragmented memories. The naive lovers’ clothes scattered on the floor as the bed squeaked in a sober noise. Two unaware souls. Totally unequipped. Driven by their desire to try things without actually knowing what awaits them. Behind the sporadic rise of teenage pregnancy in the country, sex seems to be an

irresistible attraction for adolescents. After all, adolescence is the period that ignites curiosity and sparkles desire to take risks. A moment of self-exploration. A time of welcoming impulsive acts. For the past years, statistics were ballooning. According to POPCOM, around 196,000 Filipinos between the ages of 15 and 19 years old get pregnant each year. A disturbing spike of numbers. The implication is enough that as the younger generation engages in sexual acts, it is distinguished that sex education is integrated on a more efficient level. Sex Education mentor Kathryn Stamoulis, emphasized that sex is normal within teenagers. One should not deprive himself of the pleasure it brings. However, it is also crucial that one must be aware of the consequences of his actions, the preventive measures not to acquire sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and better ways to cope with sex in its entirety. For Filipinos, adolescent sexual habits remain taboo despite the high teenage pregnancy rate. Contradictory, as the rates increase, sex discussion becomes more controversial and being highlighted as a national concern. In a heavily dominated Christian nation, sex education remains far from being normalized. It has also come as no surprise that religious institutions persist in opposing policies such as distributing contraceptives and accessing other birth control services. Consequently, the Catholic Church remains critical of the Reproductive Health Law, hampering the progress into full concrete action. To date, the Philippine legislation lists three pending bills which primarily advocate catering to the varying needs of adolescents, from the prevention level to the social protection of teenage parents. Gradually shearing from the traditional ties, the Department of Education (DepEd) also expressed its willingness to formulate a ‘standardized’ Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) to be maximized by institutions nationwide. Last September 2020, the supposed deliberation of a bill associated with CSE, was postponed to offer more consultations to concerned sectors. As it now stands, sex education remains a controversial subject in the Philippines. Nonetheless, it is a developing matter expected to evolve with continued conversations between governmental, faith, and non-governmental actors. Nine months was enough to ripen the young lady’s womb. A soft and delicate touch awakened her from daydreaming. She caresses the small fingers of her child as tears slide down her cheeks. Hundreds and thousands of thoughts run through her head. She was supposed to graduate with honors, be the family’s breadwinner, and assist her siblings in their studies. Her goal was to have a job, not just lucrative work, and a stable career with a solid foundation to help her in life. But now, she was just included in the recent statistics of teenage moms. Of all the endless possibilities, she worries most about the life she will be leading her child into.

SEX DISCUSSION BECOMES MORE CONTROVERSIAL AND BEING HIGHLIGHTED AS A NATIONAL CONCERN.

S P E C I A L

PHILIP

TALES OF

by Chrisye Louisse Pigao

nce upon a time, a woman was entrusted with an overwhelming obligation. Granted with only four possessions, Lady Justice is on board to implement what her name holds. First is a blindfold wrapped in her eyes, to let her maintain an unprejudiced insight. Next, cloaking her physique is a toga to represent the virtue and morals of those who enforce the law. Then, the double-edged sword that she has denotes command, honor, and clarity. Hence the name, it may also swing to the opposite side. Finally, her scales are her mighty weapons to discern a judgment by meticulously weighing the evidence bestowed upon her. However, in the present times, Lady Justice seems to be in shambles. Her howls and cries can be heard lamenting over her system’s failure. The once compelling scales of justice are now being defied and trampled by people who have the “authority”. Is the old saying “No one is above the law,” now nullified in the country? Let these tales answer it for you.

“THE JUSTICE SYSTEM AS A WHOLE IS DEADLY IN DANGER.” COLLAPSING PILLARS OF JUSTICE In the Philippines, the Criminal Justice System (CJS) has five parts: law enforcement, prosecution, court, correction, and community. This process is deemed slower and inefficient compared to other countries. And in every step, it is undeniable that fatal mistakes can occur. Starting from law enforcement, several cases have already been reported on how the police abuse their power. With prosecution, 75% are reportedly corrupt and unable to do their proper job in convicting. Furthermore, the majority of courts nationwide handle around 50 cases a day, hampering the tribunal’s swift litigation process. This congestion of cases is due to the following vacancy rate: 20% for trial court judges and 25% for public prosecutors. With that, cases now take

“forever” to be resolved. De La Salle University (DLSU) College of Law Founding Dean Jose Manuel ‘Chel’ Diokno claimed in a forum that “Maswerte na kayo kung 10 years ang paglilitis ng kaso niyo”. His personal record is a 29-year-old case. This sluggish process urges an excuse to execute shortcuts such as extrajudicial killings. On top of that, those who serve in the legal field are threatened with lethal doings such as violence and even killings. “The justice system as a whole is in deadly danger. The government’s executive branch, led by President Duterte, must take immediate steps to ensure that judges and lawyers are not attacked or threatened simply for doing their jobs,” Emerlynne Gil, the Regional Director of Amnesty International’s Deputy, stated.

“THE PUBLIC PEACE IS NEVER PREDICATED ON THE COST OF HUMAN LIFE.” WHO DO YOU CALL WHEN THE POLICE MURDERS? “Never has homicide or murder been a function of law enforcement. The public peace is never predicated on the cost of human life,” Judge Roldolfo Azucena quoted during the trial of Kian Loyd delos Santos’ murderers. The statement holds so much irony to what is about to be discussed. Going back to the year 2017, guns and ammo are chosen to be the primary arsenal on the then initiated “war on drugs” by President Rodrigo Duterte. And one of the unfortunate victims of this is none other than Kian Loyd delos Santos. This case gathered a lot of criticism due to police false report indicating that he was killed during an encounter. A CCTV footage later on revealed how the lad was forcefully dragged and killed on a dark alley. Witnesses also testified henceforth revealing the truth. Fast forward to 2020, another deplorable case is yet to be unveiled. Starting the implementation of lockdown due to COVID-19, strict rules are employed. However, it seemed as if the enforcers went overkill with executing the

F E A T U R E

PPINES’’

“THE SIN OF NUEZCA IS NOT THE SIN OF THE ENTIRE PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE.” THROUGH THE EYES OF THE AUTHORITIES Embodying the epitome of democracy, it is stated in the Philippine Constitution’s Preamble that the “rule of law” must prevail in the government rather than the “rule of man.” However, it is very much predictable for the people to be despondent, considering the recent happenings. Even if the situation seems to be in wrack and ruins, it won’t hurt to hope against hope. Our nation’s President is considered to be the chief legislator and law enforcer. Therefore, he is responsible to undertake measures against those who are guilty. This is also what Presidential Spokesperson Herminio ‘Harry’ Roque assured on one of his press conferences regarding the Nuezca case.

guidelines. Winston Ragos, a mentally ill army veteran was shot by a cop presuming that the aforementioned carried a gun in his sling bag. Despite the screams of bystanders, the policemen remained firm and even shot Ragos twice. Afterward, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) probed that the cops planted evidence on the crime scene. Nearing the end of the year 2020, just five days before Christmas, a horrendous video circulated on social media sites. A mother tightly hugs her son, as a man ruthlessly shot them, in front of her daughter. This escalated quickly and unreasonably, considering how it was over an argument about the noise of a boga. The mother and son are identified as Sonya and Frank Gregorio. While the convict is a former cop namely Jonel Nuezca. Outrage and demand for justice are poured by netizens, rights groups, and lawmakers upon this gruesome crime. A day after, Nuezca surrendered to a police station in Pangasinan. All of these three cases have one thing in common: footage of crime and its exposure to media. Just imagine the other crimes committed but have not been discovered due to lack of evidence.

and Romieleth Espillardo

INJUSTICE

DOES THE ONE IN POWER REALLY INFLUENCE THE LAW? Arts Sources: https://www.pngitem.com/middle/ ibxbiTJ_lady-justice-statue-pngtransparent-png/ Photo courtesy: https://www.philstar.com https://www.rappler.com https://www.cnnphilippines Police cartoon artwork by: Reymark Boquiron Page Layout by: Julius Dancalan

“Magkakaroon po ng katarungan dahil nakita naman po natin ang ebidensiya no’ng pangyayari. Hindi po ‘yan poprotektahan ng Presidente. Kinokondena po natin ‘yan,” he stated. Interior Secretary Eduardo Año also expressed his sentiments; he stated that they do not tolerate this grim act and truly denounce this happening. “While there are unfortunate incidents like this, the vast majority of our PNP personnel perform their sworn duties everyday with honor and integrity to protect and serve the people… The sin of Nuezca is not the sin of the entire Philippine National Police,” he reiterated.

Through these tales that have been told, it can be concluded that those in power do not influence the law. Cases that punished the rightful wrongdoers prove that the law is unwavering, whatever the circumstances are. In the end, the rule of law will still reign over everything else. May the scales of Lady Justice withhold its power in bringing back the equity that people deserve and obliterating impunity in this nation.

14 features

VOL 22 ISSUE 1 March 2020–Dec 2020 The Official Student Newspaper of Rizal Technological University

Perseverance Rover: Journey to the Unearthing of Mars By | Jamille Jane Dipol and Romieleth Espillardo

F F

our light-years away, equivalent to 40 trillion kilometers from Earth, is the estimated distance of the next habitable terrestrial exoplanet (Proxima Centauri B). This number is indeed overwhelming and humongous, yet scientists remained determined. They are the modern fighters of this universe, spending their entire life wandering the cosmos for the welfare of each creature. By the power of satellites and probes in their arsenal, they are surely going the extra mile to find footprints of life in a mysterious universe. What if the place that we have been seeking is just around the corner? Maybe, there is an impostor among the planets in our neighborhood. Its tactic is showing a grim facade to feign its habitability. To start the search, a crusader must voyage to the most feasible candidate, the planet Mars. Equipped with the latest technological wonders, a rover will attempt to uncover what lies beyond the Martian surface. And that is no other than Perseverance, also known as Percy. ORIGINS OF THE RED PLANET PURSUIT Dusted with a thick layer of oxidized iron and packed with an oozing liquid iron and sulfur as filling, Mars is closely comparable to a Bavarian-flavored doughnut. Do not be fooled though, it is not all sweet and tasty there. Its composition makes it highly rusty. Maybe that is why it was disregarded for a long time. Generally, when an object becomes rusty, it becomes invaluable. It is also a common misconception that rust can cause tetanus. Hence, assuming that it is harmful and poses health risks. This analogy can be applied to Mars. While its surface seems nasty, it is deemed entirely harmless. It may extremely sound astounding, but the planet Mars is indeed able to hold life. Even if it is 22 light minutes away from Earth, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) was still able to explore the Planet Mars as early as 1964. However, they could not directly examine its substance and contents. The first few spacecraft built for this mission are only flybys. Hence the name, they were only capable of soaring above the Red Planet. Like a moth captivated by a flame, photographing and analyzing Mars has already fulfilled its purpose.

As time progresses, NASA raised its game by producing pioneering crusaders. These vessels are no longer just flybys. An orbiter and lander duo is made to explore the Martian surface. Befitting their names aptly, Viking 1 and 2 made the by far most significant discovery with Mars. They were able to find biosignatures or put the footprints of life. Fast forward to this decade, a space ranger is designated to continue the legacy of the Viking duo. Percy is another fellow suiting its name perfectly. It came from Alexander Mather, the 13-year-old winner of NASA’s “Name the Rover” essay contest in 2019. “Perseverance. We as humans evolved as creatures who could learn to adapt to any situation, no matter how harsh. We are a species of explorers, and we will meet many setbacks on the way to Mars. However, we can persevere. We, not as a nation but as humans, will not give up. The human race will always persevere into the future,” the mission’s vision pierced from his excerpt essay.

features

VOL 22 ISSUE 1 March 2020–Dec 2020 The Official Newspaper of Rizal Technological University

THE QUANTUM LEAP After a 300-million mile nerve-racking adventure, consisting of seven months, the world rejoices as NASA’s Perseverance Rover victoriously landed on Red planet. Perseverance started its remarkable voyage on July 30, 2020, and takes its final descent on Mars on February 18, 2021, for at least one Mars year or about 687 Earth days mission – to seek signs of ancient life.

PERSEVERANCE ROVER’S ENTRY, DESCENT, AND LANDING

ONE SMALL STEP FOR MAN, ONE GIANT LEAP FOR MANKIND. However, during the end of the cruise phase, the team experienced a perilous situation as Perseverance Rover accelerated its speed for about 12,100 miles an hour – excessively fast to touchdown safely. The gigantic parachute was released to decelerate the pace for about 200 miles an hour to respond in do-or-die condition. But the planet’s air is just 1% thick compared to Earth’s breeze and too scrawny to support 1,025 kilograms of spacecraft. Therefore, the keen team deployed a rocket-powered sky crane to further decline its alarming speed. It is considered a brilliant idea as the rover’s speed slackened for roughly 17 miles an hour. After a wrenching situation, Perseverance finally take-off its historic landing. Back then, the previous alighting of spacecraft is solely hinged on parachutes and onboard retrorockets, but those tactics are unsustainable to work with robots as enormous as Perseverance. “Some of the greatest ideas seem crazy at the start, right?” Adam Nelessen, a developer of the sequence of events in the rover’s safety landing, stated. “People think it’s wild when you break from the norm, but you kind of has to do that to take it to the next level,” he added. BOUNDLESS EXPLORATION After mind-bending years in preparation, series of instrument and maintenance checkouts, Perseverance finally proceed to its expedition for an interplanetary mission: to look for habitability, seek bio-signatures, catch samples, and set preparation for human exploration.

Previous studies revealed that there is the presence of life on the planet Mars. Hence, it is not proven yet due to insufficient shreds of evidence. The voyage started in scrutinizing the presence of life by analyzing carbon’s existence since it is considered the fundamental building block of life. Mars 2020 Perseverance rover venture to study the Martian surface such as environment, bio-signatures, or clues that planet’s atmosphere has been influenced by life through the presence of microbial life.

SOME OF THE GREATEST IDEAS SEEM CRAZY AT THE START, RIGHT? Investments in Mars 2020 technologies and inventions prepare for NASA’s long-term goal – expanding and developing the future capabilities for the human space journey. In the year 2030, NASA is settling up for another historical out of this world expedition – to send humans and cultivate life on the Red planet. The rover’s adventure is just the beginning of deeper study towards the Martian superior characteristics, including the environment, and conveniently valuable for developing technologies that will aid the next generation of aspiring astronauts.

Page Layout By: Julius Dancalan

“The need for new technologies, there is continuing great need for new basic knowledge in the sciences if we wish to improve the human life on earth,” Ernst Stuhlinger, one of the top rocket scientists in NASA, discussed. Relatable to a story that Stuhlinger mentioned, a small village in Germany was once devastated by a plague. The count of the village met a strange man who chooses to invest in scientific studies rather than spending his money in a charity. He was fascinated by the strange man’s discoveries. Because of that, he started supporting the man. At the beginning of the study, people were criticizing the idea. However, in the end, the strange man was able to formulate a medicine to cure contagious diseases. “By retaining some of his spending money for research and discovery, contributed far more to the relief of human suffering than he could contributed by giving all he could possibly spare to his plague-ridden community,” Stuhlinger emphasized why it is much worthy to invest in research with the previous story as an example.

MARTIAN DAY: 24 HOURS, 39 MINUTES, AND 35 SECONDS

WATER: 5 MILLION KM3 of ice on the surface and polar ice caps

ATMOSPHERE: 95% CO2, 2.6% N2, 1.9% AR, 0.16% O2, AND 0.06% CO

SOIL: Volcanic Basalt Rock TEMPERATURE: -81 Degrees F to -220 Degrees F ROCKY SURFACE: canyons, volcanoes, and dry lake beds

GRAVITY: 3.721 M/s²

Fast Facts About Mars

G I M O

A N D

P I P A Y

P R E S E N T S

RTU

Bored Games 2020

Lockdown yarn!? Muling hihirit ang ka-iskwela niyong walang kasing kulit! GIMO Tagabantay nga pala ng Rizal Technological University Alam kong hirap ka nang tumambling at magbending sa flexible learning. Handa ka na ba sa sistemang ‘sir, di ka po marinig’ at ‘ma’am, naka-mute ka po?’ Ano na balita sa ligtas balik eskwela ng belabed RTU? Disconnected pa rin ba sa realidad? Oops, bago mag-umpisa ang new semester – let’s play and chill muna sa mga larong tiyak na makaka-relate!

1. Nakalimutan magmute habang discussion —6pts 2. Nakatulog tapos biglang tinawag sa recitation —7pts 3. Nag-leave sa meeting no’ng recitation —8pts 4. May tumatahol sa background —4pts 5. “Narininig po ba ako?” —4pts 6. Nakalimutan na may meeting —7pts 7. Na-late ng 30 minutes sa meeting —5pts 8. ‘Yes, Ma’am/Sir’ lang ang nasabi sa buong klase —2pts 9. Naiwan sa GMeet dahil nakatulog —9pts 10. Naubusan ng data during online class —3pts 11. Nag-make face sa camera habang naka-on cam —9pts 12. Kumakain habang naka-on ang microphone —8pts 13. Nag-explain nang mahaba pero naka-mute pala —5pts 14. Nagpanggap na may connection problem sa Meet —9pts 15. End call ang napindot imbis na unmute —4pts

GAME No. 1

ONLINE CLASS Meter INSTRUCTION: Kolektahin ang mga puntos mula sa 15 items base sa iyong Epic Moments mula sa online class. Matapos nito, alamin ang iyong Online Class Meter na magiging iyong deskripsyon bilang estudyante.

‘Dili pumapasok’ Student

1-15

Medyo matinong student

16-75

‘Most pasaway’ Student

Psst! Nakalimutan mo na ba ang itsura ng ating campus sa sobrang tagal nang quarantine? Tara na at mag-balik tanaw, pagmasdan ang mga litratong magpapabalik sa nakaraang ‘buhay estudyante’ noong face-to-face class.

BALIK-TANAW

75-90

‘Epic’ Student

gimo ‘n pipay 17

VOL 22 ISSUE 1 March 2020–Dec 2020 The Official Newspaper of Rizal Technological University

GAME No. 3

Hmmm ‘di tayo sure sa balita GIMO. Alamin natin iyan siszt sa end ng semester kung ano ang magiging pagbabago. Anyways, ako nga pala si Pipay – ang bungisngis na ka-tandem ni Gimo sa pag-ibsan ng lumbay. Ang sayang aming ihahatid ay mula sa Boni at Pasig hanggang sa bahay ninyo. Ano, arat na?

BINGO Nahulugan ng buko sa garden

Abangers Pumasok ng cutie sa nang 30 min. late Eng’g Bldg.

THIS OR THAT INSTRUCTION: Piliin kung alin ang iyong mas gusto sa pagitan ng dalawang hanay na nasa ibaba.

PROMENADE ROTC SISIG WITH MAYO MORNING CLASS WASH DAYS ONLINE CLASS ICED COFFEE SHAWARMA COLORED HAIR TEATONE PHYSICAL SPORTS FRONT ROW HANDWRITTEN NOTES ZOOM MEETING GOOGLE DOCS LAPTOP INTERNET DATA CREAM LOAF BASKETBALL

KIOSK CWTS SISIG WITHOUT MAYO EVENING CLASS UNIFORM DAYS FACE-TO-FACE CLASS HOT COFFEE SILOG BLACK HAIR INFINITEA ELECTRONIC GAMES BACK ROW SCREENSHOT NOTES GOOGLE MEET MICROSOFT WORD CELLPHONE INTERNET WIFI ENSAYMADA VOLLEYBALL

RTUians, maaari niyo ring i-download at i-share ang template ng mga laro sa pamamagitan ng pagscan ng aming QR code. Spread the fun!

Nagtiis ng amoy ng CR sa garden

Naiwanan ang bag sa bench

Naharang na ng guard sa pagpasok

Nagpraktis Hindi pa ng sayaw nag-cutting sa park class

PASIG

Tinatapos ang assignment sa garden

Nagsuot ng uniform sa washday

Inabutan ng LBM sa klase

Nangutang sa kaklase pambili ng libro

Nadulas sa hagdan ng Eng’g Bldg.

Naghintay ng bakante sa cafeteria

Kumain sa tagong sisigan

Nawalan na ng ID sa school

Dumiretso sa club after class

Loyal drinker sa water fountain

Umiyak na dahil sa minor subject

Abangers ng SHS student

Suki ng CR sa TED

Nayaya sa Bible Study

Nahatak ng klasmeyt sa Nawalan ng Talumpong Regi Form

Umiyak sa minor subject

Hiningal sa exit mountain ng RTU

Inabot ng 10pm sa school

Tinamaan ng bola sa Quadrangle

Never nag-cutting class

Avid drinker ng Iced Coffee

Abangers ng cute sa OB

Pumila ng two hours sa Registrar

BONI

Suki ng Cream Loaf sa Julie’s

Never pumasok sa Univ. Chapel

Nakakain na sa University Canteen

Loyal drinker ng water fountain

Nakumpiska ang ID dahil sa hikaw

Natulog sa may hallway

Pumila ng isang oras sa cashier

Nawalan na ng ID sa school

Na-scam ng naglalambing na pusa

Nakatikim Hindi Early Bird ng uno sa pumasok sa kapag may pinakaunang 1st week ng concert semester semester

Tumambay Sa Angel’s sa rainforest Burger park naglunch

Nasa phone Naligaw sa parati ang First Day notes of class

GAME No. 2

INSTRUCTION: Markahan ang bawat box ng Bingo card base sa iyong mga naranasan na sa RTU, hanggang sa makabuo ng straight line.

Photo Credits: Mark Joseph Garcia (1,3,5,6,8,9,15) , Lemmy Delos Reyes (2,4,13,14) , Charlie Mae Cruz (7,11,16) ; John Lloyd Borromeo (10,12)

literary hirap. Alam kong sapat ang inalay mong pawis upang guminhawa ang ating buhay. Huwag mong sabihing pinangpusta na naman ni itay. Kinupitan ka na naman ba ni ate at ni kuya? Nagtampo na naman si bunso dahil hindi maibigay ang kaniyang luho? May dumating na naman bang bisita at patuloy kang pinagsasamantalahan sa iyong kahinaan? Nay, pinagbibigyan mo pa rin ba sila? Hayaan mo ako’t pagsasabihan ko sila.

Umiiyak ang

ANAK ni Lance Francisco

a patuloy na pagkatuto mula sa pagiging binhi at mula sa katotohanang nasilayan sa tinahak na lupa, naaalala ko ang mga pamilyar na kataga mula sa isang nagmamahal na ina.

Bumubulong ito kapag nasasaksihan ko sa bawat araw ang bawat Pilipinong pinagkakaitan ng kapalaran na parang bang panghabangbuhay na ang kanilang kahirapan. At kung minsan, kay sakit ding mahalin ang isang ina.

“Anak, kumain ka lang. Di pa ako nagugutom. Busog pa si nanay.” —Inay, kung dati ay natutuwa akong kainin ang pagkain na sana’y isusubo mo nalang, ngunit ngayo’y nanlulumo na ang aking sarili habang merong ibang pamilyang kumakalam ang sikmura. May nagtatrabaho nang marangal ngunit kinakapos pa rin sa pera. Mayroong mga batang may tirahan at pamilya pero namamalimos pa rin sa kalsada.

“Nak, ubusin mo ‘yang pagkain mo. Di mo ba alam na maraming batang nagugutom sa labas?” —Nay, alam kong kailangan ko ‘tong maubos. Ngunit nakakawalang ganang mabatid na mas marami pa ring bata ang naghihikahos– na habang may hapag na sagana sa pribilehiyo ay mas maraming mga kamay ang laging nagsusumamo sa bawat espasyo ng eskinita; kanilang katawan ay gutom pa rin sa hustisya kahit hindi nararapat para sa kanila at ang sariling tinig ay uhaw pa rin sa paglaya at pag-asa.

“Pssssh, anak. ‘Di ba sinabi ko sa’yong huwag kang makikipag-away?” —Pero nay, paano natin mababago ang kamalian kung patuloy nating pinipili ang katahimikan? Paano tayo uunlad kung pinapabayaan natin ang ganitong katiwalian? Bakit kailangan ko laging magtago sa iyong palda tuwing darating ang mga sakim, mga ganid na walang awang binababoy ang ating lahi para sa kanilang pansariling kaligayahan? Hindi ito tungkol sa pagiging payapa. Tungkol ito sa binalewalang karapatan. Tungkol ito sa ating kalayaan sa bulok na sistema dahil hanggang ngayon wala pa ring konkretong solusyon ang naihahain sa hapag kahit na umiiyak na ang masa. Kahit manhid sa kapabayaan dahil sa may kapangyarihan. Hindi lang ito tungkol sa’yong sakripisyo kundi sa kanilang pangaalipusta, kundi sa pananamantala ng mga minsan mong minahal at ikaw na mismo ang sinasakal nila.

Inay, ikaw mismo ay kailangan din ng pagkalinga.

Tungkol ito sa mga pumanaw ng walang hustisya.

“Anak, mangungutang lang si nanay. Kinakapos tayo sa panahong ito at kailangan nating mapunan ang pangangailangan.”

Umiiyak ang anak dahil inaangkin ng iba ang iyong katawan na dapat sana’y ikaw lang ang nagmamay-ari nito.

—Nay, bakit ka mangungutang eh hindi naman tayo salat? Likas kang masipag at sanay sa

Sumisigaw ang iyong anak dahil mulat na ang bata sa pinagtatakpan mong sakit.

Umiiyak ang anak dahil ang karamihan sa taas ay paupo-upo na lang at hindi ito makatao.

Nay, tama na ang pagpapanggap Alam kong pagod ka na sa gabing masyado nang mahaba para bigyan mo pa ng pasensiya. At kung minsan ay napapagod din akong ipaintindi ‘to sa’yo. Maliwanag na hindi lang ito usapan ng matatanda dahil hindi lang sila ang nakakakilala sa mali. Hindi usapan ang edad sa kung sino ang may karapatan sa katotohanang dapat nating ikandili. Kung minsan pa’y sila ang makasarili. Kung minsan pa’y sila ‘yong mali. Nay, binilinan mo akong mag-aral nang mabuti upang makahanap ng magandang trabaho, di ba? Ngunit mas nararapat naman sigurong magaral ako para kamtin ang pagbabago. Kaya makikinig ako dahil patuloy akong matututo na tumindig at muling makikibaka upang ipaglaban ang isang makataong prinspiyo. Para sa kinabukasang hindi na mailap ang hustisya, wala nang kumakalam na sikmura, walang ninanakawan ng pag-asang mabuhay katulad ng iba. Nay, ang pangarap ko sayo’y kabibeng makukupkop ka nang may paglaya at hindi ng mga palad na sa kanilang kabaluktutan ay ikukulong ka. Kaya kahit masakit kang mahalin, hindi ako titigil sa pagsigaw. Ikaw, ang lagi kong pipiliin. Sa ganitong paraan kita palalayain.

literary 19

VOL 22 ISSUE 1 March 2020–Dec 2020 The Official Newspaper of Rizal Technological University

TANGIS ng Kinaligtaang INA ni Janjan Torrecampo

Napakatamis ng ating pag-uusap sa bandang baybayin Tanaw ang pangarap at kinabukasan ng ating lahi Sumusulyap sa nag-aabang at nalalapit na paghahari Ng ating pamilyang mayaman at bukod-tangi

Lumipas ang mga araw, linggo, buwan at taon ng kasiyahan Dumating ang panahong nagulantang ang tanan Tila katamlayan ang sa atin ay namamagitan Aking anak, bakit mo ako pinagsawaan? Bakit mo sinusubukang abandonahin ang kinagisnang wika? Ito ba’y iyong ikayayaman at dadagdag sa iyong pagkadakila? Bakit mo hinahayaang sakupin ka ng kulturang banyaga? Dahil ba sila ay iyong tinitingala? Hindi ko inakala ang lahat ng pangyayari Tiwala ko’y iyong kinalimutan at iwinaksi Maalala mo sanang sa panahon ng pang-aapi, ako’y saksi Magbalik-alaala sana ang lahat at itigil ang pagtataksil Tanda ko pa noong una mong sinabing “Pilipino ako!” Labis na pagmamalaki’t kagalakan ang isinisigaw ng puso mo Ngunit bakit tila mali ang mga sinabi ko? Nawa’y magising ka at patunayan ang lahat ng ito Hindi na ba sapat ang ating wika upang makipagsabayan? Wala na ba itong katumbas na pera at kinang? O baka naman sadyang ika’y naaasiwa Sa tagal ba naman, posible nga naman ang magsawa Kung iyan lang din naman ang nais mo Puwes! Mas mabuti pang ikaw ay magpakalayo! Tingnan natin kung hanggang saan ka aabuting nakatayo Matapang ka, hindi ba? Patunayan mo! Mamuhay ka ayon sa iyong kalooban Pakainin mo ang iyong mga anak ng nakalalasong produkto ng mga banyaga Ipagkait mo sa kanila ang sustansya ng aking pangaral Ito ang gusto mo hindi ba? Husayan mo! Tingnan lang natin kung saan ka dadalhin ng ambisyon mo Tiyak ako na ikaw ay mabibigo ‘Pagkat hindi mo iginalang ang ating mga ninuno Para saan pa ang aking pag-aaruga kung ikaw ay tatandang ganito? Sa kabila ng lahat, batid kong ika’y magmamakaawa at babalik Luluhod ka sa aking harapan at patawad ay paulit-ulit na hihilingin Mangangakong gagawin ang makakaya upang buhayin ang namatay Ibabandera ang kamalian, magsisilbing aral na hatid Kaya naman, nais ko ulit makita ang hangad sa iyong mga mata Ang pagnanasa ng pagbabago at malawakang protesta Paggising sa nahimlay mong diwa at kaluluwa Upang maibalik ang dati mong sigla.

SA KINAHINATNAN NG

SINTANG BAYAN SISIHIN? SINO ANG DAPAT

ni Romieleth Espillardo

ni Jan Michael Magsaysay

Nakikita mo ba? Ang mga basura na iyong itinapon Sa ilog at dagat Na ngayo’y nagsisilutangan? Hindi kaaya-aya, hindi ba? Iba’t iba ang kulay, parang mga palamuti sa tubig Ngunit habang dumadaloy pailalim Lumalabo, dumidilim ang tubig Naririnig mo ba? Ang mga panaghoy ng mga ibon Na nawawalan ng tirahan Sa bawat putol mo ng mga puno? Hindi ka pa rin ba nababahala? Napapaisip ka ba kung saan sila maninirahan Sa bawat ingay na hinihiyaw nang iyong pamutol? Hanggang s’an aabutin ang mga pagod na pakpak? Naaamoy mo ba? Ang mga isda at ibang laman-dagat Na nangamamatay Dahil nakakain ng mga plastic na ibinasura mo? Naaalala mo ‘yong milktea na ininom mo? Mabango, hindi ba? Naaamoy mo rin kaya ang mga patay na pawikan? Oo, bumara sa ilong niya ang straw na ginamit mo Nalalasahan mo ba? Ang mga paborito mong pagkain Na sinayang mo at itinapon na lamang? Ngayo’y nabubulok, nakasusulasok Naipon nang naipon ang mga pagkain Sa gabundok na mga basura Bigay na pagkain ng kalikasan? Ayon, sinayang mo at nasira na Nararamdaman mo ba? Ang sakit ng kalikasan? Nag-iinit na parang nilalagnat Ang dumi-dumi, sobra! Ang dating malinis, ngayo’y binaboy na Hindi mo pa rin ba nararamdaman? Na matagal nang sumisigaw sa tainga mo. “Tama na! Pagod na ako.”

Noong ako’y isa pa lamang paslit, Paghanga sa Inang Bayan ay hindi mawaglit. Taglay nitong kasaysayan at mga kwento, Lahat ay nakatatak na sa aking puso. Ngunit pagtungtong ko sa katandaan, Para bang nag-iba na ang aking nasisilayan. Hindi na yata ikaw ang Pilipinas na aking nakilala, Tila ba ikaw ay nagbago na. Pangamba ang aking nadarama, O aking bansa, napaano ka? Hindi mawari ang gagawin, Puno ng agam-agam, ikaw pa ba’y iibigin? Subalit sumagi sa aking isipan, Siguro ay mayroon ngang dahilan, Kung bakit sa Perlas ng Silanganan, Ang tulad ko ay isinilang. Umaapaw man ang pagaalinlangan, Isa ako sa magiging daan, Upang ang daloy ng pag-asa’y umagos nang tuluyan, Dito sa sintang bayan na aking kinabibilangan.

KUNG WALA KA NANG MARINIG ni Mandirigmang Ligaw Kung wala ka nang marinig na kinakapos na hininga dulot ng bangungot ng pandemya at di na gumising pagsapit ng umaga, kung wala ka nang marinig na sumisigaw sa kalsada – nais kunin ang inagaw na hustisya sa mundong binalot na ng maskara, kung wala ka nang marinig na mga taong lumalaban sa tiwaliat sa bandang huli ay may seryosong panalangin na huwag sana siyang barilin. Mga linyang, “maawa kayo sa amin, mga unipormeng may bahid ng lagim.” Kung wala ka nang marinig na pag-iyak, marahil huli na ang lahat sa disgrasyang hatid nitong tula.

20 features

VOL 22 ISSUE 1 March 2020–Dec 2020 The Official Student Newspaper of Rizal Technological University

Isang dekada

ng Paghahanap

ni Charlie Mae Cruz

Dumating na naman ang pagsapit ng dilim Lulubog ang araw at lalabas ang mga nakatagong lihim Ang bawat mamamahayag, buhay ay may taning Ngunit alingawngaw at pagsusumamo ay ‘di mo maririnig

Ang tanging naisip na paraan upang itago ang baho Ay mapaaga sila sa kanilang himlayan at matapos na ang kwento Sila na ang huhukom at tutubos ng buhay Na hindi naman sila ang nagbigay

Hindi sila binusalan para maitikom ang kanilang bibig Sila’y ibinaon sa ilalim ng lupa upang manahimik Dahil masyado silang maraming nalalaman Na hindi dapat madiskubre pa ng karamihan

Hustisya ay patuloy pa rin na hinahanap ilang dekada man ang dumaan Darating ang panahon na dapat kang kabahan Isang araw ay maririnig mo ang kanilang mga bulong at hagulgol Dapat kang mabahala dahil patuloy sila sa panggagambala.

Masalimuot na Paglisan ni Jamille Jane Dipol

Ako’y nangarap Nilisan ko ang aming munting tahanan Napadpad sa akademya upang makipagsapalaran Baon ko ang pangarap na maglingkod sa bayan. Abot tanaw ko na Akademyang pinapangarap ko mula pa noong una, na tutulong humubog sa aking pagkatao at bubuo sa mga pangarap ko. Akala ko ako’y magiging masaya Ito pala’y bubunuin ng hirap at pagdurusa. Magmula sa mga madudugong pagsasanay Hanggang sa pangungulila na nakalulumbay. Aking tiniis lahat ng balakid Pagkat alam kong ito’y parte ng buhay Batid ko na ako’y matapang At ito’y aking malalampasan. Ako’y labis na pinahirapan Inalipusta, binugbog at pinagtawanan Sakit ng mga pasa na nagmarka sa aking kalamnan Naliligo sa sarili kong pawis at dugo na umaagos sa aking katawan. ‘Di ko sukat akalain Sa hazing lang pala magwawakas ang lahat Kasabay ng pagluhod ko sa kanilang harapan Ay ang pagsuko ko sa propesyon na aking pinangarap. Ang iniisip kong masayang pagtatapos Ay naging isang madugo at masalimuot Salungat ito sa pinangarap ko Hindi ganitong klaseng pag-uwi ang pinangako ko. Inay, Itay Patawad pagka’t ‘di na ako makakauwi nang buhay ‘Di ko na kayo mayayakap at masasalubong ng matamis na ngiti Pasensya pagka’t ‘di ko kinaya ang kanilang pagmamalupit.

A Child’s

DAYDREAM

by Janjan Torrecampo

Adulthood seems to be a thrilling journey Traveling places while making money A picture that struck my eleven-year old brain Wanting to break free from these suffocating chains Little did I know, growing up is a tough stage One day, you’ll catch joy, sorrow or even rage A lifetime trip that somehow feels like a race Whoever comes first is deemed with exceptional blaze Yet with all the buzzwords and seasonal talks I am reminded to keep up and continue the walk I remain to be that eleven-year-old kid Whose love and aspirations were kept solid Perhaps, I may never understand the complexity of maturity Unless I shift my focus to the harsh reality But in spite of the overwhelming demands of growth I stand to be corrected for my will and oath And of all the piling duties and responsibilities Self-love stands on top of all priorities With life throwing pebbles and planting thorns I’ll never forget the inner child in me since I was born.

literary 21

VOL 22 ISSUE 1 March 2020–Dec 2020 The Official Newspaper of Rizal Technological University

COEXIST ENCE by Chrisye Louisse Pigao

The moment you let love hold you by the hand and take you to its zenith, that is when you let pain come with you. For how can you love the sound of his stifled laugh without the pang of sacrifice? Without the sharp edge of longing bore into your skin when miles fall between your pasty lips and when some morning felt like you are light-years away from each other? How can you love his chocolate brown eyes without the sting of seeing your beau under his murky grim skies? Pain is love’s closer relative than mirth – than sunshine and dancing boughs of shrub. Love can be felt in an angelic kind of blaze that ardently burns while reposing in a frigid river. Love is when you are willing to drown in the depth of desolation in order for your dear to be saved from the casualty. Love is the impulse feeling in your gut to embrace the hellish distress for the sake of the one. For you can only conclude that you love a person when it hurts you as though being placed near the sun, that you can feel the slow burn sensation in your flesh, and you still chose to stay. For love means walking into the scorching heart of hell to find him.

A LETTER TO MY

OLD PRODUCTIVE SELF by Rona Jane Germano

I’ve been missing you since God knows when Proof that I lost count of days when odds started to get even Despite my outmost denial, I just couldn’t keep up It’s been quite so long since the last time I knew I stood up But hey! Listen, homie. You being idle is valid Just think of this pace as a rest from all the coup you did It is alright to not be as thriving as you are before Things may be bad today, but life cannot be all-time sore You once stared at your old works with so much pity Fantasizing your diligence when life was still pretty These are the moments you think are not coming back anymore But little did you know, you’re yet to explore your strengths more Just promise yourself to never hurt you Never commit something your pity self wants you to do Brave on the fight, the real battle is yet to take on Hold on tight, throw your sticks and your stone Learn to take your pen from your old box and write once more Have courage to strike a brush on your canvas, even not as good as before Brave on the process, even if it means going back to square one Hold on to yourself, even when you show up undone

Artwork by Erica Mae Vidal

Isang Letra, Isang Numero

There’s a million yous with the same situation as you have People whose great passion is now a ‘mere fall out of love’ Remember your unproductive self is valid, you also need time to rest Never forget to give yourself a break once in a while, and try again your best

Pano’y nagmamadali Kung kaya’t baka may naiwan Bago umalis ay naligo’t nagbihis lang Ni hindi kumain ng umagahan

Habang siya’y nagtuturo Ng tila ba ibang lenguwahe Ako nama’y pili’t na umiintindi Sinusulat ang bawat detalye

Pagdating sa harapan ng silid Sumilip muna sa pinto Ako’y nakahinga nang maluwag Wala pa ang aming guro

Isinusulat bawat letra at numero Ang nasa isip ko Ay isang letra’t isang numerong Mas malapit sa pangarap ko

Pano’y tinanghali ng gising Dahil napuyat sa aralin May pagsusulit kasi kinabukasan Ako pa kaya’y papasukin?

Ako’y pumasok na At tumabi sa aking mga kaibigan Kung kami ba ay nakapag-aral Kami ay nagsitanungan

Akin nang nakikita Ang araw ng pagtatapos Iniisip ko pa lamang Emosyon ay umaagos

May dala ba akong papel? Panulat? Pambura? Ang aking mga takdang aralin Nabitbit ko ba?

Biglang tumahimik ang klase Nang ang ‘look-out’ ay sumenyas na Umupo na nang maayos ang lahat Dahil ang guro’y nariyan na

Isusuot ko na Ang inaasam na toga At sandali pa’y makukuha ko na Ang aking diploma

ni Mycah Tusi Ito na naman. Huli ako sa klase. Pang-ilang beses na ba? Di na mabilang sa dami.

RU T1

Sports

Sports Feature

UPHOLDING THE FIRE AMONG RTU ATHLETES DURING THE PANDEMIC

By | John Paul Torrecampo & Romieleth Espillardo

n just a blink of an eye, the fiery shouts instantly left the venue solemn. Wailing cheers echo on the walls as the cycle of sweats and huddles came to a sudden pause. With the emergence of COVID-19 cases, the government prohibited mass gatherings as well as sports activities. The vast space that athletes recognized as their playground was limited to their quarantine setting. Time used to be a record for them to beat, but they now lost its notion due to the unpredictable length of the pandemic.

FAR FROM THE FIELD

Before the global health crisis, athletes could conduct physical meetings and training, but the imposition of quarantine began to regulate outdoor activities strictly. In the case of RTUian athletes, the University provided food and shelter assistance until President Rodrigo Duterte declared a prolonged suspension of classes — leaving them with no choice but to go back to their homes. As the pandemic immensely spells trouble, getting back to shape while jotting down notes for online classes has become beyond challenging. For players, it is a struggle deemed critical to overcoming, for the love of sports. “Pandemic was really [a] change to our daily routine. Hindi kami bastabasta makakatakbo kasi nga mayroon tayong health protocol[s], pero kailangan namin humanap ng paraan

para magawa namin ang aming daily training routine. Dati twice a day ang training namin pero ngayon isang session na lang,” expressed Louie Echanes Santiago, the team captain of the RTU Athletics team. As for the RTU teams of Sepak Takraw, Swimming, and Athletics – their perspective training grounds is where they can freely explore and exert their fullest potential before executing them on the playing field. It provided them the wings to fly and conquer the games they play. But it all changed when the pandemic came. Most athletes are now forced to exercise their routines on their own miraculously and communicate with their team online. To what the RTU Sepak Takraw team captain, Miel Jay Manlaran, experienced – his regular training in throwing, hitting, or kicking the ball with their teammates now became an individual session. Mocking kicks without the ball is one of their drills that maintain muscle memory. In addition to that, they perform lower body exercises like squats or lunges to strengthen leg and thigh muscles. After school is the athletes’ favorite time of the day. To Jemuel Boholts, the serene and azure pool always awaits him. As the RTU Swimming Team Captain, he wholeheartedly embraces his responsibility in leading the training with his teammates. It is indeed exciting for them to practice strokes or time themselves to beat their previous swimming records.

However, the pandemic shattered the ideal setup for them. It turned into a completely different story. From practicing in swimming pools, online platforms are their only medium to conduct training. Using Zoom or Google Meet, Boholts gathers his teammates to discuss their progress in individual training. They mainly focus on staying fit through other cardiovascular exercises such as jogging and jumping jacks.

BOUNCE BACK FROM THE PANDEMIC’S TIME OUT

Despite overwhelming dilemmas, these team captains are still looking forward to resuming proper training at the soonest possible time. They understand that transitioning back to the “normal” will require extensive effort in due time. They emphasized a need to reassess themselves and crucially look after each other after a long pause of inactivity. Likely, Boholts of the swimming team expressed that he and his mates will push harder to surpass their past shape and body fit once the restrictions are lifted. In return, accomplishing their goal to win future competitions, they will join.

On the other hand, doing physical conditioning and basic skills are among the first things that the Sepak Takraw team will do after the pandemic. Team Captain Manlaran pledged to remind his teammates to focus on achieving their objectives in sports and academics. Meanwhile, Santiago of the Athletics team believes it won’t be difficult for the team to adjust once the restrictions are over. He utterly relies on the training program’s basics and puts his confidence that their coach will guide them towards a gradual yet effective progression. Known for their consecutive victories gained in national tournaments, the University’s pride athletes have faced and conquered inevitable obstacles in the game. The strength they gained from training and as they proceed into the unpredictable gameplay. They learned and recognized the face of hindrance behind the pandemic. Hence, they

managed to adapt to its unfortunate repercussions. Even if academic loads, poor internet connection, and restricted movements interfere – they still choose to face them head-on, counting on the discipline instilled to them by the sports they have always loved. Becoming determined than ever, high hopes for an immediate resume is what these exceptional student-athletes hold on to amidst a health crisis.

Sports 23

VOL 22 ISSUE 1 March 2020–Dec 2020 The Official Newspaper of Rizal Technological University

NON-CONTACT SPORTS APPROVED BY IATF RESOLUTION NO. 38 May 22, 2020

detonate the bomb. The former executed a merciless slaughter against their opponents and seized the 6-4 winning round score — finishing the tournament at 3-1. “Magkakalayo kami during the game pero nakapag-communicate naman kami through different platforms. Before the tournament nagkaroon kami ng practice, scrims, and mappings para mapaghandaan ‘yong mismong tournament so that alam ng bawat isa ‘yong role nila in the game. Worth it lahat ng effort kasi nanalo kami,” Team Stark captain Anthony Villamor shared their preparations before the game.

Team Stark and Xiomai 2020 crowned Online Clash Champions By | Ryan Emmanuel Reyes

ctober 17, 2020 — With overwhelming firepower to outrage their gaming skills, Team Stark and Xiomai 2020 outlasted their rivals to triumph in the University Week E-Sports Tournament: Online Clash, live-streamed via Rizal Technological University Supreme Student Council (RTU-SSC) Facebook page.

Team Stark showcased their maneuver tactics in fire shooting at Call of Duty: Mobile Arena, ambushing Team Kahit Ano with a 3-1 win-loss standing in the best of five championship matchup. Meanwhile, Team Xiomai 2020 left a funnel jawbreaker gaming strategy after they swept the Future ng CBET by a 3-0 win-loss standing in the Land of

Dawn — clutching the championship title in the best of five series in the Mobile Legends Tournament.

STARK ANNIHILATES TEAM KAHIT ANO IN COD: MOBILE ARENA

With unleashing ferociousness at the Game Four of the best of five championship matchups in Call of Duty: Mobile Arena, Team Stark dominated the game against Team Kahit Ano with their sharp-witted strategy. Enabling their bombardier to implant the bomb carefully and snatch a 2-0 lead at the first two rounds of the Search and Destroy battlefield. Escaping from the former’s dominance, Team Kahit Ano strategized cunning tactics to implant the bomb to trail their rival’s lead and established three winning rounds in the middle of the game. But Team Stark prevailed and managed to

XIOMAI 2020 TYRANNIZES THE LAND OF DAWN AGAINST FUTURE NG CBET

Team Xiomai 2020 first gained control over the map during game three of the Mobile Legends Tournament championship match. Their double tank set-up hindered the Future ng CBET from sustaining their core fighters in establishing economy to build up some items to strengthen up. Under Hilda and Khufra’s tank set-up, Team Xiomai 2020 detained the opponent from boosting their core champion. The squad distracted the Future ng CBET rival from the jungle creeps – further obstructing their chance to control the game. Maintaining their overpowering core champion, Team Xiomai 2020 hindered Future ng CBET’s revival and established a 22-12 championship score – polishing the series with a clean 3-0. “Nagkaroon kami ng obstacles with our internet connection at hindi rin kami magkakasama, pero sanay na kami na magkakalaro kaya sobrang tibay ng team work namin. Basta ang mindset namin [ay] focus lang sa game at mag-enjoy. Kung anuman ang mangyari ay walang sisihan,” Xiomai 2020 captain Aaron Ark Arcangel emphasized on team chemistry and mind set when overcoming obstacles.

WALKING

JOGGING

RUNNING

BIKING

GOLF

SWIMMING

TENNIS

BADMINTON

BOARD SKATING

IATF allows Non-contact Sports under GCQ By | Lovelyn Mangampo

Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Disease (IATF) released Resolution No. 38, approving the resumption of non-contact sporting activities in areas under General Community Quarantine (GCQ). In the IATF Resolution, outdoor non-contact sports activities (e.g., walking, jogging, running, biking, golf, swimming, tennis, badminton, equestrian, and skateboarding) are allowed under the condition of following the minimum public health standards such as wearing masks, maintaining social distancing protocols, and no sharing of such equipment in particular. The same protocol applies under the Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ) areas as well.

Additionally, mass gatherings, explicitly sporting events, are allowed — provided that it follows the 50% venue capacity limit. Moreover, IATF allowed studentathletes of the collegiate athletic association to resume training in areas under GCQ and MGCQ, as announced by the COVID-19 task force spokesperson Harry Roque in September 2020. Commission on Higher Education (CHED) released the guidelines for sports training, after meetings with universities, in October 2020. Under the guidelines, training is limited to body conditioning and nonbody contact drills, while scrimmages or actual games are still not allowed. On the other hand, the institute said to exclude studentathletes under 21 years of age due to the strict stay-at-home protocol for minors.

Artwork by Erica Mae Vidal

Esports takes a massive leap from sports’ traditional setup into the virtual platform.

he lockdowns brought postponements to sports competitions and urged sports individuals to stay at home without physical recreations. It opened a spotlight for Electronic sports or Esports to arise, competitive gaming that takes form as a video gaming platform played by professional teams and individuals. It already reached its popularity among viewers and established its industry. As the pandemic struck that led to events cancellation, real-life sports drew their attention towards virtual alternatives to modify similar participation and demands that the audience once experienced – eventually turning to the Esports community. “Racing in Australia but not actually in Australia,” captioned Lando Norris, Formula 1 (F1) racing driver, in his promotion tweet. Norris joined the Esports’

Lakers reaps Championship against Heat By Mariel Bastasa

ctober 11, 2020 — Los Angeles Lakers shrugged off their loss in their fifth game against Miami Heat and seamlessly sealed their place in game 6 of the 17th National Basketball Association (NBA) championship, with a remarkable defense

highlights from transitioning traditional car racing track into the virtual sphere, under Veloce Esports’ lead, in the Not the Australian Grand Prix (AUS GP) event. Witnessed via Youtube and Twitch livestream on March 15, 2020 – Norris and other F1 drivers merged with professional Esports racers and content creators to fuel the same adrenaline car racing scene. The event’s milestone crafted the world of Esports to fill in the absence of physical recreation during the pandemic. Veloce Esports maintained the motorsports action and recovered the fans’ devastation on the tournament’s cancelation last March 2020, near the beginning of the F1 season. By gaining 175,000 viewers, the successful on-screen broadcast dragged the car racing enthusiasts into the Esports arena as they watch and engage online while in quarantine. “This is a huge opportunity for Esports because for people who may have been watching the real sport and want to have sequence of 106-93. Eager to dominate the match, both teams fueled their offenses on the first half as they scored endto-end with far-fetched shots. Lakers transcended against Heat with their tenacious defense that spawned clamor in the crowd — ending the first quarter with an 8-point difference, 28-20. Under the Lakers’ lead, Rajon Rando scored 13 points with an already heated ground during his nine-minute stay inside while Anthony Davis’ defense set the

by Justine Rose Generato & Mary Belle Radam

something to watch that will give them that fix. This (Not Aus GP event) may be able to provide a bit of that,” stated Jamie MacLaurin, Veloce Esports founder, in an interview with BBC Sport. Bringing the roaring engine from their homes, real-life and online racers unleashed their speed under their console steering wheels. Behind the commentary narratives, real-life players managed to adjust to the virtual race tracks. They are more serious than the top gamers who loosen the race match’s intensity with a couple of jokes and remarks during their live streams. The virtual experience captivated the professional F1 racers, gaining satisfaction despite losing grasp on the podium. Overall, the online tournament that the Veloce Esports team wrenched under 48 hours concluded its success. Other real-life sports

such as tennis and biking also joined into the Esports transition as they launched their virtual tournaments, respectively. Pro-tennis players control their shots and aces over their console joysticks in the Mutua Madrid Open Virtual Pro video game edition on April 2020. In the same month, most amateur cyclists accepted the challenge of setting their pace in the Tour of Flanders lockdown edition – paddling off the ground into the 36km course of the BKool, a cycling simulator, virtual platform. “I’m certainly satisfied with my performance. It’s a bit peculiar to race from home, but I did my best,” stated first finisher Greg Van Avermaet on his slow yet steady race from his attic training room. As the digital era progresses, sports find their way to engage in modern technology. Aside from the setting, they have gradually ascended off from their

conventional foundations of physical ability and into the challenges of mental capability. It did not take as much time for individuals to adjust to the new normal and eventually took time to partake in the current prevailing situation of the high demands of Esports. Although physical sports games are already recognized in the Esports genre, the pandemic paved the way for physical and electronic sports to collaborate in a single tournament. After the break-out of AUS GP’s online car racing event, the rest of physical sports follow and continue to bring similar experiences among traditional sports fanatics. To how they gathered in packed stadiums before to watch a handful of athletes compete at the highest level, but only witnessed through the screen.

tone. Southlanders look at the push every opportunity; Davis leads as he throws a dunk with a foul. They left the ring with 64-36 points.

Although the Miami-based league advanced their attacks and poured the opponent with smooth shots, Lakers’ blocks and steals marked their supremacy on the court. They closed the third quarter with 87-58 counts. The Miami Heat knights once again fired their aggressive offense, widening a 16-point gap against their rival for the last quarter counts, 19-35. However, the L.A. federation firmly kept their post since the start of the game, leaving Heat behind despite their vigorous

offense. “It means a lot to represent this franchise. I told Jeanie (L.A. Lakers president) when I came here that I was gonna put this franchise back in the position where it belongs. For me to be a part of such a historical franchise is, it’s an unbelievable feeling not only for myself but for my teammates, for the organization, for the coaches, for the trainers, everybody that’s here,” LeBron expressed his honor as the finals’ MVP with a stats of 28 points, 14 rebounds, and 10 assists.