The Guardian Publication Volume 24 Issue 1

RTU to face F2F Classes

By | Lovelyn Mangampo

After two years of online classes, Rizal Technological University (RTU) announced its transition to in-person classes for all colleges for the second semester of the school year 2022-2023.

“Next year, second semester, all students will be given a chance to experience

RTU hones Topnotchers in ECT Board Exam

By | Joschka Yzel Ilarde

With another outstanding performance, Rizal Technological University (RTU) Electronics Engineering Department proved its excellence as two RTUians landed within the top 10 spots in the previous Electronics Technician (ECT) Licensure Examination, October 8, 2022.

Alumni John Gerald Diaz ranked second with a rating of 88.00 percent,

face-to-face classes. Ina-arrange na po ng ating Vice President for Academic Affairs, of course with the help of the deans, na maging okay po ang schedule natin next sem for our face-to-face classes,” RTU President Dr. Ma. Eugenia Yangco announced in her speech last 52nd University Week opening ceremony.

To welcome students and professors to their full onsite classes, the

University set ready-to-use facilities and accommodates accordingly to students’ readiness for the physical setting.

The Office of the Vice President (OVP coordinated with other concerned offices in crafting the proposed guidelines for the face-to-face setup. The Supreme Student Council (SSC) also conducted a survey to know the state of the student body, getting feedback and concerns from them.

SLC 2022 restores Student Service

By | Mary Belle Radam

August 4-6, 2022 — Student Leaders’ Congress (SLC) 2022 returned from a four-year pause, continuing to develop the potential of all Rizal Technological University (RTU) students as empowered leaders, held at the Tanay EPIC PARC Rainforest Camp, Tanay, Rizal.

“In the past Student Leaders’ Congress, laging officers lang [ang dumadalo]. So now, sabi namin ay they (ordinary RTU students) are already in the student government. They are already developing and serving the student body. Ba’t di natin sila bigyan ng oportunidad na makilahok?” former Supreme Student Council (SSC) President Jason Tolonghari

“It is safe to say that the majority of the students are prepared for the conduct of F2F (face-to-face) setup, as observed in the recent Online Survey,” SSC President Julius Macapinlac affirmed based on the survey conducted.

Last year, the University conducted its limited in-person classes for engineering, architecture, and education programs.

Left: John Gerald Diaz, Right: John Michael Villaruz

SHAPING POTENTIALS Aspired student leaders concludes their third day in SLC 2022.

OFFSCREEN University prepares transition to in-person set-up through limited F2F classes.

Kultura Rizalia TikTok Dance goes Viral | Page 2

RTU celebrates K-12 Pioneer Graduates | Page 3

Woman of Legacy: Leni Robredo’s Unfeigned Public Service | Page

02news

RTUians raises Graduation Grievances

By | Lovelyn Mangampo

In a last-minute social media rally, Rizal Technological University (RTU) students appealed to the University administration regarding the unresolved concerns and grievances related to the 51st commencement exercises, October 25, 2022.

With the hashtags #DoBetterRTU and #HeedGraduatingStudentCallsRTU, students requested for the University to hold accountable for various complaints regarding the delayed announcements, short notices, and inconvenience of graduates’ schedule for the ceremony which caused conflict in conforming to the set dates.

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Moreover, students also voiced their grievances on failing to recognize qualified candidates of Latin honors and giving awards to most students during the Virtual Recognition Day despite being on the registrar’s initial list of Latin honors.

Prior to the protest, the College of Arts and Sciences Student Council –Mandaluyong (CASSC-Mandaluyong) released a unity statement regarding the same issue. Meanwhile, there is no official statement from the University in response to the circulating requests to address the recent case and pushed through the ceremony held at the Tanghalang Pasigueño last October 24-27, 2022.

followed by John Michael Villaruz who placed third with 87.00 percent. Moreover, the University accumulated a passing rate average of 76.77 % with 99 first-time ECT takers.

“RTU is part of the reason I became an engineer. It molded me to become a good student and excel in many aspects and my professors who helped and became my inspiration to pursue my dream,” Diaz expressed his gratitude to the University that served as his home for more than four years.

He also mentioned that he experienced so many challenges, struggles, and sleepless nights before achieving the said spot. Meanwhile, Villaruz encountered hindrances but later managed to pursue his dream undergraduate program.

“Although I wasn’t qualified to enroll in Bachelor of Science in Electronics Engineering (BSECE), they still permitted me to enroll in a related course called ECET. I was eventually able to enroll in BSECE after completing the course. Here, I learned a lot of things that were extremely useful for the ECT and ECE board exams,” the latter proclaimed Electronics Engineer shared.

Kultura Rizalia TikTok Dance goes Viral

By | Joschka Yzel B. Ilarde

According to the ECE department, they have produced 10 topnotchers since 2014, and two of those ranked first. However, the licensure examination for Electronics Technicians has yet to have any incentives if they will top at the board, unlike the board exam for Electronics Engineering. Engr. Roy I. Gomez, ECE Department Head, stated that they are thankful because the University still acknowledged their achievements.

“Salamat po dahil [kahit] ‘yong technology program lamang ‘yong kanilang naipasa, naacknowledge at na-re-recognize pa rin ‘yong ginawa o achievement nila (the two and other topnotchers on the ECT licensure examination),” Engr. Gomez, said and added that doing this kind of recognition may also encourage other ECE students to take the exam.

Showcasing the Goldand-Blue talent, Rizal Technological University (RTU) Kultura Rizalia Dance Troupe danced their way to fame with 4.8 million views and almost 600,000 likes on social media, September 8.

Using the sound of ‘Because of You’ by Ne-Yo, Kultura Rizalia joined a TikTok dancing challenge and added a hint of folk dance which led the troupe to receive various recognitions from netizens.

The video itself garnered 2,260 comments, mostly consisting of compliments on how smooth and cool they danced. Meanwhile, 24,600 accounts added it to their favourites and 3,100 shared the video within a month.

Consequently, Pilipino Star Ngayon Digital noticed and

featured the group on their Facebook page with a caption entitled, ‘May nanalo na sa challenge’. They mentioned how Kultura Rizalia created a different rendition on the trend.

“We’re just enjoying the moment lang po. We saw that trend na puro modern dance kaya naisip ko lang po na why not put some twist kasi modern dance nga po. Kaya ginamit namin [ang] mga basic fundamentals ng folk dance,” in an interview, University Dance Troupe Adviser and Choreographer Allan Carlo Piol narrated how they came up with their trending video.

Moreover, Kultura Rizalia is one of RTU’s guild who help preserve and promote the Filipino culture. They combine a touch of culture and the arts into a variety of dance forms, including modern dance, contemporary dance, and folk dance, as opposed to simply performing a basic dance.

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welcomed outward delegates from the student leaders’ circle, allowing them to fill half of its attendees.

Distinguishing from the previous annual flagship events, the SLC 2022 highlighted the crucial roles and technical skills that ideal leaders uphold. During the three-day program, the SSC officers provided seminars and team building that emphasized bridging the gap between students and University admin, leadership in the digital age, and thinking like Rizal, which are relevant matters for aspiring student leaders.

Proving the theme “F U T U R E: Fearlessness Under Turbulence and Uncertainty by Resilient Entities,” late SSC Vice President Noel Gabriel Valida Abejar explained the event’s aim to reignite the passion among students in serving the RTU community — as there have been fewer students who seek the position of a student leader before. Moreover, the recent election reflected the success of the event, observing most of its participants applied as candidates.

“Before and during the pandemic, the number of students who are running for the elective position has been declining and there must be proper representation among students in times of change, a legacy we can leave behind to the next term as how we came up with the theme. With this, we hope that the next term of student leaders are fearless, selfless, and resilient students who would stand up for the students during times of uncertainty,” Abejar stated.

The SSC also encountered setbacks due to the COVID-19 threats, a similar case back in 2020 and 2021. But under the legal consultation of the Office of the President (OP) and Medical Dental Services Center (MDSC), pandemic protocols and safety measures were assured to make last year’s SLC possible.

“We did our best to comply with the standards as all eyes are on this activity. If all else fails, we are prepared to conduct the event on campus or endorse the concept to the next term if we are not approved. We are thankful that our adviser has also been persistent for this activity to push through,” Abejar on the preparation and backup option for the event.

RTU hones Topnotchers in ECT Board Exam

“

It molded me to become a good student and excel in many aspects and my professors who helped and became my inspiration to pursue my dream”

SLC 2022 restores Student Service

© Screenshot from TikTok video by Allan Carlo Piol

Meanwhile, pilot face-to-face classes have also been implemented for the first semester of the current academic year — where only selected subjects are allowed in

the mentioned classes.

“RTU plans to maintain basic health protocols to ensure that the contagiousness of COVID will not affect the students. Health declaration forms are also encouraged for faster contact tracing,” Macapinlac assured that the University will ensure the safety

RTU celebrates K-12 Pioneer Graduates

By | Lester Neil Rustia

Wearing blue caps and gowns, the first K-12 pioneers from Rizal Technological University (RTU) finally marched in the 51st Commencement Exercises held at Tanghalang Pasigueño, October 24-27, 2022.

Divided into batches for the three-day ceremony, the College of Education (CED), Institute of Human Kinetics (IHK), and College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) kicked off the first day of the commencement exercises. Followed by the College of Business, Entrepreneurship, and Accountancy (CBEA), and College of Graduates Studies on its second and third day while graduates from College of Engineering and Architecture (CEA) wrapped up the event on its fourth day.

Meanwhile, the graduation rites focused on resiliency through a series of speeches anchored on the theme, “Sustaining Quality Resilient Graduates:

of the students through the encouragement of face mask-wearing, providing of handwashing areas and disinfectants, and opening ventilation in classrooms.

Moreover, in ensuring that students are involved and guided in the implementation of F2F classes, RTU Guidance and

Counseling Services Center (GCSC) conducted a webinar to help students adjust to the recent onsite courses. Meanwhile, SSC released survey forms to assess the state of students in the full faceto-face classes, which occurred around third week of January.

MWF faces Criticism, Woes from PH Inflation-hit

By | Lester Neil Rustia

House Bill 6398 or the proposed Maharlika Wealth Fund (MWF) which seeks to create a sovereign wealth fund amounting to P200 billion has been met with criticisms from economists, claiming to be irrelevant as the country is still reeling from an alltime high 6.9 % inflation rate.

guarantees are included in the bill, in case of MWF’s losses, that means that taxpayers would have to cough up something to cover such losses.”

Striving Excellence in Education for A Better Future.”

Early in the event, University President Dr. Maria Eugenia Yangco applauded the labor and efforts of the graduates and reminded them to strive for more, “We just came from a pandemic but you still managed to graduate. We’re very proud of you. Continue to work hard, go beyond your limits and do not forget to look back once you are successful.”

Aiming to inspire the fresh graduates and fellow RTUians, the University invited veteran broadcast journalist, Lourd De Veyra, and RTU Alumnus Engr. Edward K. Kilakiga as guest speakers to share their life stories and highlight the importance of perseverance in graduates’ lives.

“Do not be afraid to fall. Hard work and failure are processes for us to achieve our goals – successfully [and] with satisfaction,” Kilakiga narrated his struggles as a college student and shared some tips on how he overcame it.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. recently declared the bill urgent and passed the House of Representatives. Originally, the bill mandated that the budget will be taken from taxpayers’ money specifically through Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) with total contributions of P125 billion, Social Security System (SSS) with P50 billion, and P25 billion from the annual budget.

After being met with controversies, the revised bill claimed that the purpose of MWF is to promote economic development by making strategic and profitable investments in key sectors. Moreover, the economic managers of Marcos Jr. emphasized the potential of the said fund as ‘direct and intergenerational benefits.’

On the other hand, David Michael San Juan – professor at De La Salle University and convener of Professionals for a Progressive Economy – countered in a position paper, “Even if sovereign

The staggering P250 billion wealth funds will receive annual contributions from Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) with 100% of annual dividends in the first and second years. Moreover, 100% of annual dividends will be obtained once BSP completed its P250 billion capital requirement, at least 10% of gross gaming revenue streams of Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), and other sources such as royalties and privatization of government assets.

“

The Philippines has had a history of funds mismanagement and scandals: PhilHealth scandal and SSS fund being used for a politically tainted stock purchase. So yes, it can also happen to MWF and people will have to suffer especially when the economy is still recovering from inflationary upscale and crisis,” concerned Enrico Villanueva, a senior lecturer of economics at the University of the Philippines Los Baños, with the personnel handling the fund.

The bill — which currently stands at 279 OKs and 6 NOs — was authored by Presidential cousin Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez and several other lawmakers including the speaker’s wife, Tingog Representative Yedda Romualdez, and Presidential son Senior Deputy Majority Leader Sandro Marcos.

PADAYON Mother of Mark Ferlan Padayao — CEA graduate, receives applause as she marches for his deceased son.

© Jason Tolonghari

SAFETY FIRST Guards ensure students wash their hands first before entering the school premise.

A TWIST TO THE TRUTH CHANGE OF NARRATIVES:

Growing up, we were taught about history through the subjects of HEKASI and Araling Panlipunan Every child must have the chance to be fascinated by the narratives of the past. After all, the act of learning one’s history plays a significant role in one’s perspective in life. However, it has been evident today that the presentation of history already became unclear and distorted.

In the modern age, everything is just a click away. The internet and social media have taken over the 21st century, due to accessible and easily disseminated information — where everyone and anyone can share anything and everything. In turn, it can even lead people to believe things that are not true.

History myths can now be accomplished as easily as posting on the newsfeed or sending a chain message to the Messenger group chat. Also, a lot of people are inclined to rely on their relatives’ opinions and experiences, rather than what can be read in books (e.g., during the Martial Law [ML] period). There are now many websites spreading disinformation too, some are even presented to be visually similar to legitimate sources, confusing netizens who are not keen enough in distinguishing what’s fake or not.

Due to social media being a place of freedom, anyone can speak out and pretend to be an expert in their chosen field. When it comes to news, people are more likely to believe a vlogger or influencer rather than a journalist. They wouldn’t want to trust the professionals since they are deemed to be “biased” in their eyes. It is indeed a saddening sight that they could not comprehend the irony of their thoughts.

Aside from the toxic effects of social media, the educational system of our country is also at fault. Its weakness can be found not only in the structure of lessons but also in the educational materials provided to students. Textbooks are generally leaning only on the positive side of the ML era; some are neutral at most. On

October 2022, there is even an instance wherein a DepEd module rebranded the ML period as the “Period of the New Society.”

This just shows how further the impact of historical distortion can be. The current state of our society’s view on this issue is not something to be proud of. It is a grave illness that may not be cured if no action is taken, sooner or later.

Distorting history is a direct threat to democracy and the Filipinos’ right to information. By reinterpreting history through spreading lies and misinformation, it dishonors the victims of Martial Law who lost their lives at the hands of a ruthless clan. In effect, it both discredits and villainizes historians, economists, and journalists who have expertise in the field and educates people with impartiality and facts. The upsurge of historical distortion has caused damage to the minds and upbringing of the Filipino people — hence, it must be confronted appropriately in hopes to counter its seemingly irreversible effects. By not doing so, it preys on the country to repeat its doomed past and revert to another era of dictatorship.

Moreover, in a politicallydriven discourse, historical distortion is often optimized to favor someone’s reputation. Case in point: the Marcoses. The fact that their family pleaded guilty to grave charges, the cruelty of its regime written in actual history textbooks, and other countries giving no honor in their names. They were still able to retain a grip of authority in the same country they robbed an immense wealth from, and now back in the palace they are treated as playgrounds. It is because they subject actions to continuous political propaganda by spreading lies and reinterpreting history to their advantage. The support they get from the people is an accumulated by-product of deceitful politics, and it appears to cease so long as lies and misinformation maintain their

favorable outcome.

One can argue that because of the rising population of political vloggers, more people were given the freedom to share their opinions online. We were able to see the “brighter” side of the Marcos Sr. regime where it was claimed that discipline exists, and people were wealthy and safe. They now feel no hesitation to open discussions on political views without the fear of being shamed. And, while it still exists, at least the given platforms helped them discover others with a similar take on things and makes it easier for them to make strong ties with these people.

This freedom helped them point out facts that were pushed aside because the other party only put the spotlight on the Marcoses’ malpractice. This puts Marcos’ “contributions” – the establishments and the infamous nutribun program – behind the shadows. In return, the Aquinos seemed to have gotten away with the SAF 44 and Hacienda Luisita massacres.

However, while it is important and must be celebrated, freedom must also be utilized responsibly. People who lived through Martial Law peacefully are

truly lucky, and they have every right to tell it to others – just not to erase the victims’ stories. We shouldn’t only base our opinions on our experience especially when numerous people have spoken up about their sufferings during the same event. Because the truth is both of these stories exist but the lives that were lost in the hands of the dictator must weigh more on the narrative.

In using our freedom of speech effectively, we should always speak facts. We should know when our opinion is sensible and when we should be factual in our takes. It’s only fair to point out the Aquinos’ on their crime and corruption because this is just as bad as Marcos’. One person’s wrong doesn’t cancel out the others. What must be canceled out is our black-andwhite thinking. Both of them, and everyone in between, must be held accountable for every malpractice they have committed.

In the rising digital age, the educational crisis noticeably occurs in our country. Most Filipinos can’t comprehend and distinguish fact from deception in what they read on social media. So, it’s easy to reinterpret information presented in favor

of one’s party instead of the truth — manifesting the occurrence of historical distortion. Starting with the primary and secondary level, teachers and school heads must take efforts in addressing the crisis in below-average reading capability and comprehension of the students.

Moreover, they must expose students to the practice of fact-checking — filtering the information based on credible sources and the risk of false information propagating among the mass. The role of a teacher is to shape the information mining of the students. Meanwhile, campus journalism also shares a similar responsibility as the school when disseminating accurate and factual information.

From what the College Editors Guild of the Philippines upholds, to write is already to choose. As part of campus journalism, neutrality is a misconception of the media. If we are biased, we always write in favor of the truth and speak against those who distort it with accurate narratives. So should the students and the rest of the country’s citizens, be pro-Filipino and base your judgment on what’s good for the masa — alongside relying on hard cold facts.

Mary Belle Radam marybelleradam@gmail.com

Men are trash.

AAn inside catchphrase that women exchange for laughs, on how ironic it is that most of them share common infuriating encounters with men. And of course, on the other side, these three letters heated the daddy issues and the “men did this and that” arguments from — you guessed it, men. Even social media like Facebook takes the phrase as hate speech, restricting anyone who types it on their posts (I’ll be having my third strike next time).

But is “men are trash” being blurted out of just casual hate? Behind the expression, it speaks for women who can’t articulate how many injustices they experience from men. The alleged vigor-like tone of it reflects the range of how they are sick and tired of the continuous objectification, misogyny, harassment, assault, and violence. To the point that women are not safe when going home alone at night, scared of rejecting men, and being told what to dress to avoid experiencing sexual violence (plot twist: they still ended up suffering from sexual violence even when fully clothed). These events had been systemic that remained tolerated and not

A Mere Hate Speech on Men?

taken down for such a long period.

Looking at the statistics, Social Weather Stations reported women as the most vulnerable to sexual harassment. In the Philippine setting, sexual harassment events occur at 58% on public streets, main roads, and alleys. Meanwhile, Plan International indicated 7 out of 10 young ladies experienced harassment online while 8 of them received sexual violence threats on social platforms. To top it off, women and children became more vulnerable to domestic violence during the first lockdown. Between March 15 and April 30 of 2020, data from the Philippine Commission on Women revealed 804 violencerelated cases — both against women and children as well as gender-based.

The phrase has created an impression among most men as a hate speech to them. But is it true though? When considering ‘Men are trash’ as hate speech — Dr. Piotr Godzisz, a criminology professor at Birmingham City University, emphasized the context. As knowledgeable in hate speech, he described the term as being used to cause harm or dehumanize whatever its target is, notably initiating hatred or

violence. As for the case, the ‘men are trash’ phrase was not seen to be utilized in a context that would fall under hate speech. It’s not even targeting a physical attack on men.

“It’s not just about what is being said, it’s about where it is being said and why,” Dr. Godzisz remarked to answer the latter question of the column.

He further explained that it is not encouraging hatred to declare “men are trash” in response to another person telling their story of sexual assault online or the statistics regarding male violence.

There’s another argument disputed against the “men are trash” phrase — not all men.

First of all, it’s setting aside men who’ve caused harm to women by crediting other men who are not perpetrators (Talk about the “I’m a nice guy” phenomenon). They need to be called out. Second, it doesn’t accurately refer to all men. ‘Men are trash’ is a form of a generic phrase, where the correlation is crucial despite an unspecified number of cases.

Take this analogy: There’s a box of cookies, and one is poisoned. Would you still get a handful of the cookies? Of course not. You don’t know which cookie is poisoned, so you assume it’s all of them. In that way, you would be careful and not risk a single

bite hoping it’s not the one with poison.

That’s the same thing with the current case, you can’t tell which men you bump into on the streets would harass or inflict harm on you. But with frequent reports of men’s hostile behavior against women, it’s a high chance that it could be any man. So generalizing is considered acceptable to remind us to be careful around them. Not only women do it but also men themselves, unconsciously. Why do you think they would say things like “Mag-iingat ka, may mga lalaki pa naman diyan”?

There’s a reason behind the “men are trash” expression around the internet. Instead of justifying the reverse sexism and calling feminism toxic or too much; get your head wrapped around why such a punchline existed in the first place. If you still object to the phrase, claiming you didn’t do such oppressive behavior or bringing misandry — which by the way would be wrong if intended to further invalidate the struggles women put up with men every day. If you still get offended or think it’s unfair to generalize men in the phrase (I’m looking at you, girlies with internalized misogyny). Then you are part of the problem.

True Beauty: Myths of Self-Love and Acceptance

GGrowing up as a teen, I would describe myself as someone nerdy and not conventionally attractive. Wearing huge pairs of eyeglasses and having the morena complexion that no one is raving about during the 2010s; it surely didn’t help that I was surrounded by people who are totally opposites of me. I acknowledge that it affected my confidence really bad, which is most probably the reason on why I was socially bullied during high school. I wasn’t completely ostracized, since I still have my tiny circle of friends. However, I do know for sure that I wasn’t fully accepted in that class.

It was a bitter memory that is hard for me to swallow.

For me, it is traumatic; all I can do is escape. So, that’s what I did: moved to a different high school and changed myself a bit. I no longer wear those thick nerdy glasses and shifted to wearing contact lenses. I started to be obsessed with whitening my complexion using beauty products. It was a great start

for me since then, people were more accepting of what I am. With this recollection of my past, I could still say that I was luckier than others who have experienced worse. In other countries where lookism is much more prevalent, the degree of bullying is insane, mostly leaning toward graphic violence. And with that, bullied students also resort to extreme lengths in the pretense of “improving themselves.” In South Korea, getting plastic surgery is common due to different factors. And of course, one of them is the pressure in society.

“Love yourself. Just accept who you are.”

You may have heard of these phrases or seen them somewhere on Instagram as “inspirational quotes.” It might make you think that maybe, you should just simply do that. Sorry to burst your bubble, but this self-love and acceptance movement is not that easy in this society that we are living in. You can’t blame people for

wanting to change and striving to be better, with the motivation of their surroundings.

It may be effortless in your case if you were privileged enough to be born with a silver spoon, conventionally attractive traits, or a high social status. Hence, this probably made you immune to being the subject of the harsh judgment and mocking of people. Invalidating their coping mechanism to these struggles is not your right. If that is where their trauma stemmed from, telling them to just love themselves is deliberately rubbing salt into the wounds.

This toxic interpretation of self-acceptance may sometimes lead to stagnation and having oneself give up on the aspect of improvement. Not only aesthetically, but also in terms of health. This is especially noticeable when it comes to one’s size and weight. You may be able to accept your body, but reality will soon hit you hard. The right approach would be to love the body you were given with the intent to take care of it and listen

to its needs.

When it comes to other aspects of physical appearance, I think that there is only a certain extent that one should aim to reach. Needless to say, this greatly differs per person. As for me, I would not want to go to the lengths of having plastic surgery as it is indeed another level of body modification. The significant gist is that prioritizing one’s health should be the main goal rather than merely looking attractive.

Honestly, I am still on this journey of holistic self-love. I can say that the drastic changes in my college environment helped me quite a lot. Your surroundings surely impact the way that you view yourself. Though it will take time, I would like to be in the standpoint of life wherein I would just do things for the sake of myself and not for others. And with that, I leave you one of my favorite quotes from Aaron Burr of Hamilton, as a gentle reminder in our daily lives – “I am the one thing in life I can control.”

It’s not just about what is being said, it’s about where it is being said and why.

The right approach would be to love the body you were given with the intent to take care of it and listen to its needs.

Magdalena

Artemis Romieleth Espillardo espillardo.r@gmail.com

Ligaya Paraiso

Lovelyn Mangampo lovelynmangampo1@gmail.com

Let me tell you the story of Ligaya Paraiso: in the well-known Lino Brocka film, Maynila sa Kuko ng Liwanag, she played the love interest of the main character, Julio. In a nutshell, Ligaya was a typical Maria Clara; soft-spoken with a desire for a better life. So, when a seemingly trusting lady offered her work and education in Manila, she didn’t think twice about leaving her hometown in pursuit of success. Unfortunately for her, her plans didn’t go the way she wanted when she was forced into commercial sex work and later on was sold to a rich abusive Chinese man. In the end, she decided to end this life-long misfortune in a tragic death.

If you think about it, although fictional, Ligaya’s story might resonate with other women who were also forced by poverty into selling their bodies, and into commercial sex work. These women were left with only one choice in life and with no choice but to just take it in. If this is happening to the majority of women in the sex work industry, should we consider this as real work?

If the title still isn’t enough — my answer is a big no to consider it literal sex work, there’s nothing that could convince me

Juris Maxim

Marjorie Tuno marjorietuno@gmail.com

TThey believed that one of the primacies of a democratic country is that all citizens can cast their votes — able to elect officials directly that will represent them. At odds with this, exercising the right to suffrage can also deteriorate democracy. Moreover, citizen participation dooms democracy in the same way.

I once uphold that the real essence of democracy is the people, as it is stated and I learned from one of the wellknown politicians that the government is by the people, of the people, and for the people.

As I dig more and understand the social injustices, I wonder if the government is really for the citizens. Is the government made to serve the interest of the people?

In countries where people are under the control and manipulated by the ones

On Why Sex Work Is NOT Work

that it is a real job that should be validated and, worse, legalized. Honestly, even just the idea of it scares me.

Mind you, I am not pushing this take in a misogynistic way. I aim to promote this take because I claim to be a feminist and my feminism does not tolerate the idea of a poor woman settling on being used by an old American man just because she needs money to feed her and her family the morning after. My feminism fights for the right of women to be autonomous of their bodies without being compromised for selling them.

Sure, every job is selling your body. Every job requires you to wear your body down from eight in the morning to five in the afternoon for very little money. Every job will have the possibility of giving you body aches from typing all day, lifting all day, walking all day, or training all day — but no other job puts your body at risk as sex work does.

No other job puts you at a higher risk of being sexually violated. No other job puts you at a higher risk of being trafficked. No other job puts you at a higher risk of being seen as a commodity, something that they could just easily devour as long as they put some money into it. No other job

belittles you as sex work does.

It honestly breaks my heart how many of these women have been put in unimaginable situations because they were out of choice. In the country, there were almost 800,000 women who were forced by poverty, unemployment, and poor socio-economic prospects into commercial sex work. In Davao city alone, there was an estimated number of 4,000 sex workers, of which 40 percent were minors.

In 2020, during the surge of the COVID-19 pandemic, parents were reported to be procuring their children to earn money. There was an estimated 26.4% increase in online sexual abuse and child exploitation. Some of these victims are of the ages 7 to 8 years old.

Legalizing sex work does not mean legalizing an onlyfans content creators and taking them out of shame for this work. It means legalizing procurers and giving them more opportunities to sneak in poor kids and helpless women in the business. Legalizing sex work does not mean celebrating these six-digit earners who joined onlyfans, or Pornhub, because they wanted it. It means opening more doors to sexual exploitation and human trafficking of penny-less women.

If it still is not clear enough, this whole movement is not for rich women who entered the industry of their own will. The fight against sex work is for the marginalized women who are being smothered of their liberation to decide on their career, their lives, and their body.

In the fight against the growing industry of sex work, the blame should be put heavily on those who run it. We should hold accountable the procurers, the commercial sex workhouse owners, and even the government who choose to turn a blind eye to this matter. We should all push to decriminalize it to help victims, and continuously call out to the government to eradicate the system.

Hopefully, the time will come when poverty does not keep us from having a choice in our lives. Realistically, it will take a very long time, but every little action is a huge contribution to this process. Ligaya’s name will forever be stuck with me. It will be a constant reminder to me of what feminism should be about. And it’s not as simple as women supporting women. Feminism is continuously fighting for the rights of marginalized women, women of color, and oppressed women against patriarchy and capitalism.

Democracy Being Not So Democratic

in power, allowing them to practice their right to vote, could mean bereaving their civic rights in as much as those officials in the position will take advantage and will buy the votes of the citizens. In the same way in the Philippines, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) received 1,111 messages and emails on their official channels while the COMELEC Law Department channeled 117 verified complaints on vote-buying in the last 2022 National Elections. Of which, 210 concerned citizens were asked to file their affidavit with evidence for a potential motu proprio case against the supposed persons involved in vote-buying and selling.

Moreover, it is said that “Democracy is more than holding elections.” To emphasize, the objective of this column is to deprive people of their rights,

hence it wants people to realize that choosing their leaders doesn’t stop their responsibility as a citizen. Hence, democracy doesn’t conclude with electing leaders, indeed it starts with taking part in the process –policy-making and calling out the government for inefficiency and lapses.

Furthermore, the increase in the number of people who participate in the democratic processes constitutes more democratization of the country. On the flip slide, skeptics have challenged that belief, because not all citizens have the ability to create informed political decisions. The main reason for that is due to the problem in terms of the participation gap, in a way that not everyone is better off in the engagement of policy-making, specifically the marginalized sectors that lack the resources and medium to comprehend their responsibility

in the democratic process.

If the case is like making the people the center of the government but they are being used as pieces of machinery for exploitation and abuses, it is better to cut off democracy and just stick to Plato’s idea, wherein the government should be entrusted to educated people only. The same with running an organization, decisions are crafted by people with experience, comprehension, and expertise in the field. Why not make the country governed by these kinds of people?

No doubt that democracy loses its essence if the people who ought to be prioritized and heard by those who are in power are being used and tricked. Still, I believe that democracy is still democratic and has advantages, but it will only happen if the people who governed the state will let the citizens do their role solely for the betterment of the nation.

Democracy doesn’t conclude with electing leaders, indeed it starts with taking part in the process...

In the fight against the growing industry of sex work, the blame should be put heavily on those who run it.

Juan Pablo

John Paul Torrecampo johnpaultorrecampo05@gmail.com

“You only have to say enough to avoid saying too much.”

NNobel laureate Elie Weisel emphasized the need to take sides. Otherwise, you are promoting neutrality, which only helps the oppressor and never the victim. His quoted speech has been mainly contextualized in the innumerable fights against human rights violations and social injustices. However, it also unravels the misconceptions and misapplications surrounding its impact. In matters of life and death, resorting to neutrality is deemed reasonable to a certain extent, but to what extent exactly?

As the internet provides people with an avenue to speak up on varying socio-political issues, it appears that declaring one’s leanings is deemed far more important than first immersing oneself in its context and depth. To pick a side, to bark or hush, and to either be insensitive or overly sensitive. The world feels like a constant two-lane quiz. Apparently, it equates to

Bark or Hush

no concern until everybody announces which of the choices they worship. In the end, you feel the pressure to either pick a side or merely shut your mouth.

For the record, this column wishes to clarify neutrality but finds it reasonable to not always necessarily take sides. Not. Always. Necessary. There’s a distinction between neutrality in the form of apathy and neutrality in the form of skepticism. The latter is being forwarded by the writer. One’s judgment must be well-thoughtof, lean on radicalism, and be morally inclined to his beliefs and culture. It is justifiable to hold one’s tongue for a while, in the lack of sufficient awareness and knowledge on matters being talked about. What is not justifiable is displaying disinterest and not allowing oneself to dig deep into it, thus echoing the silence that is not supposed to persist in one’s actions. Neutrality is a choice itself, and it is reasonable to the extent of tolerating individual preferences, so long as these

choices do not harm others’ well-being. For instance, you have the liberty to choose what flavor of ice cream you prefer, what TV series to binge-watch, or which of your pictures must be displayed on Facebook. It is worth noting though, that this does not automatically apply to socio-political problems. Politics. Law. Healthcare. Transportation. Education. Economy. Food. Poverty. Security and Order. These are issues affecting our daily lives, whether directly or indirectly. It is innate to human beings to contain biases and opinions about it. Hence, to remain neutral without attempting to comprehensively understand these issues is a cardinal sin.

On the flip side, in the age of technological advancements, socio-political problems are so polarized that picking a side tends to entail prejudice and hatred against the opposing side. You only have to say enough to avoid saying too much. It is partly attributed to people throwing aggressive and hateful speeches against those they find with

Legalizing Love

f a person were asked “what is love?”, there would be no shortage of answers — it can be a verb, a noun, an ideal, a neurological phenomenon, and many more. But love is not just that warm tingling sensation in the stomach area, nor is it just the happy thoughts that make us blush at the thought of it. Sure, infatuation can be somewhat of a form of love. But there is much more to love than what meets the eye. It is an act of the will — a committed action we take even when we are not feeling it. And that act of will paves the way for a person to form an exclusive relationship with another until it deepens, leading the couple to a vow of their union — and that is what we call “marriage.”

Marriage has been performed by different cultures and religions. It is already wellestablished as early as 2100 B.C. or even before that. The earliest

surviving written laws in the Mesopotamian code of UrNammu provided many specifics governing marriage from punishments for adultery, to the legal status of children born from slaves, to the legal handlings of properties to the children when the couple dies.

On the other hand, the Christian faith has a deeper perspective on marriage. This religion has raised marriage to the dignity of a sacrament. Whenever two baptized Christians commit to such an exclusive partnership before their God and the Church, vowing a lifelong fidelity and accepting the children that God will send them, then their marriage is considered sacred. But a majority of the Christian faith does not allow same-sex marriage.

According to research by Harvard University and Stanford University, approximately 90%

of the Philippine population is of the Christian faith. With the majority of the population being under conservative beliefs, and the younger population being filial and respecting the words of their elders, it is no wonder how the country still does not approve of same-sex marriage. Although it has been brought up countless times in the supreme court, it has been only repeatedly denied.

But just because the majority of the people hold strong faith and beliefs does not mean that it can be arbitrarily forced on others who do not have the same. Marriage is not only held in churches, nor can it only be officiated by a priest. There are civil weddings in the country that recognize the union of two people and consider it as a legal relationship that provides legal protection to the couple at the state level. It can be held at the municipal offices and, it can be officiated by judges and civil

dissimilar viewpoints, relating almost everything to politics. As much as I find it blissful, I attest that a life reduced to politics is a curtailed life. Although everything is political, not everything must be dealt with politically. The abovementioned sociopolitical problems are significant exemplifications. These problems persist because of politicizing the politics in it, resulting in its endurance.

Regardless of our preferences and political leanings, it matters that the sides we choose are anchored in impartiality, facts, and morality. To be more skeptical than cynical allows us to see the world in a common ground where these differences coincide and consequently, come up with a logical, moral, and ethical assessment. To reiterate, sociopolitical problems are so polarized that weighing them from the middle is an abomination. It is high time to illuminate the connotation of neutrality and its application to dissimilar circumstances. As much as being neutral is pardonable, remaining one is never.

officials. If our country has a civil wedding, it is possible to conduct a civil union of people of the same sex if the law allows it.

Efforts and cries of the LGBTQ+ community can be witnessed as they plead for the government to establish a legal foundation for property rights and children custody rights when an LGBTQ+ couple decides to adopt a child amidst their relationship. From a human rights perspective, broadening civil marriage to couples of the same sex demonstrates respect for the fundamental rights of equality and nondiscrimination.

Love has no boundaries. It is not shackled by race, age, gender, financial status, beliefs, and more. Why should it be shackled by constitutional law that is supposed to give us protection and rights as a person of the state, and determine the limits where a deed would be considered a crime? Why? Is loving another person a crime?

... Broadening civil marriage to couples of the same sex demonstrates respect for the fundamental rights of equality and nondiscrimination.

To remain neutral without attempting to comprehensively understand these [socio-political] issues is a cardinal sin.

Leni Robredo’s Unfeigned Public Service

By | Mark Anthony Aguilando & Ron Aries Grajo

Arenowned prejudice states that a leader should be a man — strong, bold, solid, and firm. One who is in command and one who persuades others to follow. As old as an epic, men are preferred for a leadership position as women ‘tend’ to be emotional while men retain objectivity. Setting directions while mapping out criticisms, a woman has risen to counterpart such prejudice. By building inspiring visions, she became an instrument of transformative change in the community. A woman of power, former Vice President (VP) Leni Robredo kept her aim on what matters most rather than the misinformation thrown upon her — and that is addressing what the marginalized Filipino struggled with. As she passed the office over to current VP Sara Duterte, her records and established programs, despite being short-budget, will remain to speak for themselves of her efficient governance to this day. But before she became the second-highest official, she began her vision as a civil servant from a classic novel she once read back then.

HUMBLE BEGINNINGS

Upon reading Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, it became clear to then-first-year high-schooler, Maria Leonor ‘Leni’ Gerona Robredo, to also see herself as a public servant once she became a lawyer. Fulfilling the call, she immediately began serving as a public lawyer after passing the Philippine Bar in 1997. Being a lawyer runs in Robredo’s blood as her late father Antonio Nicomedes Gerona, Sr. was also a lawyer and a jurist. Behind such a firm stand to protect the public’s rights, there lies a tender loving daughter born in Naga City of Camarines Sur. In the Investigative Documentaries, her mother, Salvacion Gerona, described young Robredo as a shy, papa’s girl, and a caring sister to her two siblings.

Despite the challenges of raising a child and working as a professor at Universidad de Sta. Isabel, Robredo finished her Baccalaureate degree in Law at Nueva Caceres in 1992 with an Undergraduate degree in Economics at the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman. Fast forward, the tragic death of her husband Jesse Robredo in 2012 was the beginning of her political awakening. Encouraged by the people of the Third District of Camarines Sur, Robredo battled her way against a giant political dynasty.

RISE TO POLITICS

Hindering the established dominance by Villafuerte’s political dynasty, Robredo ran and won the seat as Third District Representative of Camarines Sur. With just one term as a congresswoman, Robredo managed to pass seven laws. In addition, she launched programs that aimed to help the welfare of the community like Salud Mo, Kusog Ko (Senior Citizen Wellness Program), NegoAsenso Livelihood Program, and Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty – a feeding program that became the basis of the National Food Security Bill.

After her term as a congresswoman, Robredo decided to run for Vice President under the Liberal Party; but running in that position was a challenge as she faced large personages such as Marcos Jr. and Escudero. At that time, Robredo was lying under the shadow of her late husband’s name. People only knew Robredo as the wife of a man that died in an airplane crash. Although Robredo wanted to build her name and run independently, Jesse’s mission and sacrifices to serve the public inspired her to affiliate herself with the Liberal Party.

Surprisingly, the youth mostly backed

Robredo’s vice-presidential campaign. Despite the allegations of electoral fraud, with a great mission and perseverance, she was proclaimed as the 14th Vice President of the Republic of the Philippines edging Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. with 263,473 votes.

DOUBLE - EDGE SWORD VICE - PRESIDENCY

Constitutionally, Vice Presidents are commonly labeled as spare tires, waiting for the President to die, be incapacitated, or step down. They are often offered by the President to be part of the Cabinet Secretaries — but few of them refused, and among them was Robredo.

Eventually, Robredo became Housing Secretary during Duterte’s term but only for a short period, shifting her focus to humanitarian causes. Robredo managed to concentrate on work at the Office of the Vice President (OVP) as she made notable programs like Angat Buhay, a program intended to improve the standard of living for every Filipino family. The OVP under Robredo’s term also received an ‘unqualified opinion’ from the Commission on Audit (COA) for four consecutive years

(2018-2022). The title of unqualified opinion is given when an independent auditor is satisfied and assessed the reported financial statements to be clean. In times of uncertainty, Robredo was present in the battle against the surge of the COVID-19 pandemic, providing the frontliners with personal protective equipment (PPE). At the same time, she launched the Bayanihan E-Konsulta which provides free online medical assistance to the community. Despite her hard work and achievements, disinformation and fake news manage their way to ridicule Robredo with words such as ma-dumb, lutang, and bobo by her fellow Filipinos. One incident was when she was made fun of because of the spliced video manipulating her computation of a family’s monthly expenses on rice. The circulating out-of-context video perceived Robredo’s poor calculation, but the full version showed it to be accurate.

Regardless, the OVP led by Robredo was known to be one of the quickest respondents during calamities. In an address to Typhoon Ulysses, former President Duterte called Robredo dishonest and

incapable of truth after misunderstanding her tweet as an attack against him. Duterte’s words were so influential that they fuelled his supporters’ anger against Robredo. As one of the pillars of the opposition, Robredo has often been mistaken for having the intent of overtaking the government which resulted in various disinformation with the intention to harm her reputation.

According to fact-checking initiative group Tsek.ph, Robredo was the primary target of disinformation with 96% of these being negative. This greatly affected her bid for the presidency in the 2022 Election, where she faced her old rival.

PINK REVOLUTION

Fuelled by youth volunteers while battling disinformation, a new movement arose. Embarking a new army of volunteers called kakampinks, the major anti-poverty program, which has been running for almost six years. It has eased the lives of 622,000 Filipino families living in misery and poverty in 223 cities and municipalities. Alongside the program was the assistance of 372 groups and more than P520 million in funding from a variety of sources, primarily donations from the private sector. This was according to a

verified report from Robredo’s office last December 2021.

In difficult times, the Angat Buhay, a nongovernmental organization (NGO) retained the spirit of volunteerism and hope. From what initially started as a straightforward donation of the former Vice President’s office, evolving into Angat Pinas Inc., it is now a fullfledged union of volunteers who advocate transformative changes in the country. Despite losing to her political rival, current President Marcos Jr., in the recent National Election, Robredo insisted that she ultimately triumphed as her campaign helped to revive the spirit of volunteerism in the Philippines.

Getting through false accusations and disinformation, Leni Robredo fought not for personal interest but for the sake of all Filipinos. It was made evident from her will to serve the country in the best way possible, which later encouraged most Filipino youth to do the same. As she settled down from the political seat, Robredo continues to inspire people with her past accomplishments and approaches to addressing the country’s crisis. Her genuine compassion and public service became evident that efficient governance is a two-way process where government and people find common ground anchored on accountability and transparency.

Feeling the pressure drop tremendously, she braces her already scarred self to protect her children laying vulnerable behind. Her once lush verdure that blankets the fertile landscape is now blemished by the collaborative destruction of kaingin and deforestation. No matter what, she still takes the stance and shields those frail beings — some of them even playing a part in her gradual deterioration. Then comes the torrential rain accompanied by the howling winds from the unforgiving eastern waters. The Sierra Madre, the mother mountain range, stands resolutely upright — shattering the strong winds and absorbing the downpour that proved to be catastrophic to her children.

aegis of Sierra Madre luzon

By| Mycah Andrea Tusi & Lady Heart Bueza

Cradle of Life

Our mother mountain range has been protecting us since ancient times. The natural landscape is home to countless indigenous groups such as Agta and Dumagat tribes. Tracing the water against the flow of the stream up to where the waterways join as one, the primary source is revealed to be the Sierra Madre. Providing clean water for the surrounding communities, it is host to crucial watersheds and has nine waterfalls. Additionally, 12 major rivers are situated along the mountain range, namely: Cagayan, Pampanga, Ilagan, Angat, Agos, Umiray, Pinacanauan, Palanan, Abuan, Aguang, Kaliwa, and Marikina Rivers.

In the folktale of how the Sierra Madre mountain range came to be, the giant woman named Sierra protects her children from the frequent onslaught of storms from the furious King of winds — a promise she made to her husband to fulfill his dying wish. She accomplishes this by lying on the coastline with her back to the ocean. And to this day, she still keeps her vow. Despite sustained damage to her ecosystem and geological formation throughout the centuries, and the constant aftermath of violent storms due to climate change, the question of ‘when will the sole protector be protected?’ remains a puzzle.

Casiguran, Aurora: Sierra Madre Mountain Ranges - Journey to Casiguran (casiguran-aurora.blogspot.com)

© Dakilanglaagan

© juantambayan.me

The Sierra Madre is also a habitat for a variety of plants and wildlife that thrives in its dense forests and sturdy jungle woods — supplying food and shelter. With an area of 1,400,000 hectares, it spans over 540 km, from Cagayan in the north to Quezon province in the south. It has earned its nickname “Backbone of Luzon” which is mainly attributed to its length as it passes 10 provinces in a curve-shaped manner. It is a priceless stretch of biodiversity nestling ancient woodlands — owning up to 40% of the country’s forestry which is home to more than 3500 plant species, 58% of which are endemic. Moreover, it houses the largest protected area in the country, the Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park in Isabela, which is included in the list of the possible areas to become a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site. This is a habitat for an innumerable list of rare, endemic, and endangered species of flora and fauna such as the Narra, Kamagong, Philippine Eagle, Isabela Oriole, and Giant Monitor Lizard.

Development Drawback

Despite all the aid Sierra Madre provided to her children, the harsh reality continues to impact her. Brutally, greed and money drive her children to continuously take advantage of her richness — ignoring the damage it causes to the environment by craftily selecting spots to cut down trees and burn wood to evade the rangers. Furthermore, the large firms ran by conglomerates are entities responsible for transforming mountains into housing developments, roadways, quarrying, and mining resources. Even though these human activities are known to contribute to the intensification of typhoons as a result of climate change, it appears that its irreversible and apparent aftermath is set aside with an unsympathetic approach to the associated issues.

For instance, the highly-criticized construction of the Kaliwa Dam. The proposal became a buzzword across the nation, diverting opinions weighed upon its advantages and risks. As of writing, the

Preserving our Protector

project is put on hold. Although 1,400 hectares of forest cover are already lost due to resource exploitation annually, it is forewarned that 12,000 hectares of woodland alongside 172 different plant species will be further submerged once the dam resumes its operation.

Advocates that comprise ecologists and biologists logically disagree, proposing a safer approach in providing the solution to the national dilemma by exploring water technologies and instead, improving the current dams. Furthermore, its advancement is expected to cause regular land corrosion and extinction of endangered plants and animals as a flock of new, stranger, and harmful species of animals would crowd the site, creating an imbalance in the food chain. This imbalance would directly impact the population of fishes in the area and surrounding towns. Thus, the livelihood of people in nearby places is also at stake.

© philstarlife.com

Castilla

Undaunted, our protector is effectively doing her best to incapacitate the raging cyclones with sustained wind speed that can uproot century-old trees — easily lift and tear house roofs, and cause devastating storm surges. The continuously intensifying hurricanes generate a huge amount of rainfall, enough to cause massive flooding to drown bustlingcities. This would surely devastate her feeble children — sometimes even lose their lives. The abundant forest absorbs dumping rains and prevents flooding in its surrounding communities. The Sierra Madre is our very own Aegis that not only protects us and acts as a defensive shield but also shatters the incoming typhoons from the Pacific Ocean and weakens them.

“Since the Sierra Madre has a large surface area with many slopes and curves, it can help break the eye of the cyclone resulting in a slower wind speed,” Haribon Foundation on the importance of the mountain range with the constant weather disturbances in our country

“Save Sierra Madre Day” is observed annually on September 26 in accordance with the signed Proclamation No. 233 by Former President Benigno Aquino III, issued in August 2011. A day before the nationwide celebration, she managed to save her children again. The Sierra Madre faced the furious gale produced by Super Typhoon Karding that reached the maximum sustained winds of 185 kilometers per hour alone. The morning after the onslaught of the storm, residents in Luzon were rejoicing over the return of clear weather, and the hashtag “#SaveSierraMadre” was trending across social media platforms, sparking conversation and urging the people to protect the Sierra Madre.

“Because of the rise in sea levels, it is more important than ever for us to preserve the forests of the Sierra Madre and the rest of the country! #SaveSierraMadre today and every day,” the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines calls for Filipinos to realize the significance of Sierra Madre and tirelessly push for its conservation apart from its celebration day. However, Sierra Madre has been pillaged of its defensive assets over time. In the face of climate change, prevalent disasters are likely to impact communities. Hence, happenings upriver are also crucial to the survival of the people downstream.

To comprehensively grasp the significance of the Sierra Madre remains to be a puzzle for most Filipinos, more so for the Philippine government. With the remaining pockets of her resources, uncertainty becomes a frightening answer

to all questions. It will only be a matter of a decade, a couple of decades probably; that the real, unimaginable, and irreversible effects would be felt. Perhaps, that’s the time Filipinos will finally unravel the puzzle question. A time that can be managed and avoided with a united call to protect the mother mountain range.

It has been thousands of years since the Sierra Madre vowed to her spouse. And there she is, standing true to her word and honoring her commitment. But what if her children, whom she swore to protect, prove to be her undoing?

Guardian of Nueva

Defend Press Freedom!” activists fervently screamed in front of Mendiola Street. Behind the striking shouts and powerful posters, only the deafening gunshots could be heard out in the busy streets. As the press reports the bloody scene, a familiar notion possessed the community. The killings have been persistent within the past three decades, an unfortunate routine resulting in constant fear and cries for outrage.

Thirty-six years ago, the world witnessed the bloodless Filipino mass revolution that ended a dictator’s era. This momentous rally was fuelled by press subjugation and human rights violations. Since then, the press community has continuously faced recurring consequences. Journalists are often met with harm and threats for illuminating the truth and shedding awareness on varying socio-political issues. An enduring culture of impunity is tolerated with a dysfunctional justice system, jeopardizing the constitutionally-enshrined role of being the government’s watchdog. Now more than ever, it calls to be defended.

Press is the Enemy

Rightful compensation and a safe working environment are the two most-sought conditions by aspiring journalists. However, in a country that is infamous for being among the most dangerous places in the world to practice journalism, a bare minimum benefit underscores the plight of the press community. Journalism has long been a high-risk profession in the Philippines. The country ranked seventh in the 2022 Global Impunity Index

(GII), conducted by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). This is attributed to the killings of journalists that go largely unpunished. With a history of rigid censorship of information, the exposure of wrongdoing in the public service is a life-threatening oath for journalists and media workers alike.

According to the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP), there have been 197 journalists killed since 1986. Most of these journalists were killed in association with a commentary or reportage that displayed great skepticism toward the affairs of public officials. The Arroyo administration saw the height of this violence when 103 were slain. Brutally, justice is elusive in most of these cases. A wide-scale investigation is sparingly conducted, tolerating the culture of impunity.

Furthermore, attacks on journalists are partly influenced by the incumbent administration. As the Chief Executive, a President’s word is regarded as the policy itself. For instance, the public’s further distrust of the media was thoroughly triggered by the badmouthing of former President Rodrigo Duterte. Verified news reports that appeared to counter his preferred narrative were deftly dismissed with accusations of “bias media”, “bayaran”, and “presstitutes”. With the populist President speaking ill of the media, the public further villainized the already dangerous industry of journalism.

A Climate of Fear and Suppression

Considered the goriest attack against the Philippine press — the Maguindanao Massacre or Ampatuan Massacre — was the birth of the worst tragedy in the press community. Squeezed in between the power struggle of that time, 58 people did not make it home alive in 2009. Such a nightmare continues to be a symbol of tenacious strikes against those who seek to defend the truth.

By | John Paul Torrecampo & Sachi Santos

This year, freshly engraved in the Filipinos’ minds, are the outcries of the family left by the radio commentator Percival Mabasa — better known as Percy Lapid. A prominent critic of the newly elected Marcos administration, and the recently exited Duterteadministration, Ka Percy frequently laid out criticism directed to the higher authorities of the country. Two shots straight to the head. Percy’s death became a symbol of the ceaseless fear to express dissent towards the government.

Working wonders on exposing officials’ fraudulent acts, danger slowly crept into their shadows without a doubt. There is a similar glooming case of the assassination of a provincial columnist, Marlene Garcia-Esperat, in 2005. She started a retaliation against unlawful acts in her locality. Including the swindling fertilizer fund scam, which incriminated the involvement of former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. With every stroke of words in her column, her days were numbered with death threats. ‘Till one night, the journalist who braced against the tides of corruption faced death from a shot during her last supper.

The trend between these cases was that most of the journalists killed were not associated with big media networks and were merely serving their localities. Regardless, they comprise a big portion of the toll. Recently, even the trail of graphite that speaks a thousand emotions fell prey to the bullets of martyrdom. Benharl Capote Kahil, a cartoonist and an educator who used to portray his words through the depth of art, now only added fuel to the flames. Ignited by the burning desire to break free from the chains of jeopardy linked to the privilege is to divulge the secrecy behind closed doors. There appears to be a brewing storm between the empty promises and the liberty to speak. With how self-assured the government is with the progress of our justice, what lurks in the dark are the ones who could finish the line first.

Culture of Impunity

Seemingly embracing the lack of equity for the freedom of the press, year after year the country’s

standing retains its rank on the GII. The independent press calls out the national government, and in the next days ahead, there are deaths as the response by the grim reaper in motorbikes. Stemed from officials’ alleged corruption and lack of compassion, the situation resolved itself by cleaning out the roots of amnesty within.

Deeply rooted in the three branches of the government, the call to cancel the culture of impunity goes way back in our time. It does not merely apply to the instances of journalist killings but also reflects the countless cries against police brutality, especially during the vicious War on Drugs. It is an endless cycle of injustices between the powerless and the powerful. Hopes of eradicating this culture appear far from the reach of those who bravely fulfill their oaths in disclosing the government’s wrongdoings — what is more for ordinary citizens?

As conduits between the government and the people, journalists are essential to safeguarding the cornerstone of democracy. Relevant news and tireless coverage are fundamental in ensuring awareness and education of the nation. Moreover, as the fourth estate of democracy, a free press advances transparency and accountability. However, with the endless threats placing the press community at disadvantage, constant fear and cry for outrage still haunt the oath as defenders of the truth.

The Guardian Publication, along with other campus publications, takes part in screaming #DefendPressFreedom in the name of democracy. With hope and courage, we commemorate those who fell at the hands of violence and brutality.

The trend between these cases was that most of the journalists killed were not associated with big media networks and were merely serving their localities.

A Matter of

Time and Acceptance

By | Kyle Piolo Centeno & Allysa Maxine De Asis

Death harvests a variety of beliefs. Some people say that they know when they are going to die and have readily accepted it, while others still fearfully anticipate its occurrence. It has acquired a dissimilar yet associated perspective in terms of religion, culture, and norms, but there is one thing that is universally linked to death — grief. Death is inevitable; grieving is more likely what makes it difficult to handle, move forward from, or deal with. Death snaps quickly, but grief lingers for years and decades, even in the span of eternity. How long should it take for someone to accept the loss of loved ones? Or should it even have a time frame?

Healing is acceptance, and acceptance is a process. Grief has phases as people come to terms with their losses. It is not a single instance or a short time of pain. Moreover, it is not a certain level of sadness in response to a loss that is manifested by tears when consumed by it. Grieving is similar to a road with different stations and periods. It has a period of disbelief, resentment, isolation, and reconstruction before gradual acceptance and hope. While some struggle to carry their emotional luggage, some distract themselves through a variety of coping mechanisms. Either way, grief tirelessly cuddles them during their vulnerable hours.

Underneath Denial

Grief can drive people to the brink of madness; it occurs when it is not expected, wanted, or hoped for. People are not given enough time to cope with or process loss because of someone’s sudden death. Expected or

not, the death of someone may leave many bereaved families in a state of grief — often thought of as a reaction to death or the loss of loved ones. In her book “On Death and Dying,” Elizabeth Kbler Ross categorized grief into five stages: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Denying the effects of death gives people time to absorb the news and process it. In this stage, the loss of hope results in a state of numbness and disbelief, diverting facts and reality. While it can be considered a coping mechanism, anger is a masking facade. Phases of grief are not limited to sadness; they could also be marked by feelings of bitterness and resentment as well as outright rage and fury. People’s rage grows as they consider who will be their scapegoat. Oftentimes, justifying their vulnerability through cursing and impulsive acts. Therefore, lashing out is a quick escape from guilt to alleviate the intensity of the situation. But how much heat does it take for iron to bend?

Death transpires differently — the death of a person, a dream, and even a driving force or initiative. As death comes forth, half of their soul perishes along with it and attacks them from a blind spot that lasts for years or from an everlasting heartsickness. In a time when half of the world was asleep, it was the chance for their vulnerability to consume their facade; they found themselves wishing for the dead to wake up so that they might watch life return.

Sword and Shield

Nothing could ever be changed once it happened, especially involving death. Most of the time, when death is unexpected and sudden, verbatims fill

the mouths and minds of people. Here are some examples.

It could have been better if he was taken to another hospital — a bargain on whether the death of a person was caused by a medical entity or the decisions of the family.

If only I listened to what has been calling me — a bargain from a person after neglecting a passionrelated opportunity in exchange for practicality.

What if I took the road less traveled? — a bargain from someone who could have been himself but ended up being someone else.

Bargaining is the stage of grief when a person asks these kinds of questions to himself. Health writer Sanjana Gupta noted that it is when a person tries to mitigate the loss by negotiation. It is a defense against helplessness. In such a case, bargaining is a shield.

Depression, according to Gupta, is a varying occurrence depending on people. Some experience it earlier, some do not experience it at all. It is an intimidating sword that either pushes a person to fight or scares him away. As death is involved, depression is valid. The feelings of emptiness, numbness, and hopelessness are what characterize depression as a stage of grief.

If bargaining was a shield that protects a person by negotiating, depression is a sword that pierces and stabs the reality of loss. It can be two things: a person fights and triumphs against the depression and proceeds with acceptance, or gives up being intimidated by the sharpness of the sword and lets himself be stabbed deeper.. Getting through the stage would require a person to take on grief with both the sword and the shield —

battling it out with hope and courage, and never to yield.

Acceptance: The Terminus of Grief

There is no standard time for someone to accept and adjust to the loss; it does not follow any time frames or schedules. Grief is not a linear or sequential process; it is a conceptualized reaction to death or loss. People may feel angry, sad, withdrawal-like, guilty, shocked, or empty. But none of these are unusual. No matter how much trauma grief can cause, everyone should adapt to a new reality — changed by an inevitable ending. It can take a toll on physical, mental, and social health, but everyone should ponder self-criticism to avoid getting stuck in one phase. It is up to anyone who experiences it to allow undergoing the five stages of grief and begin to look for avenues to move forward and accept. One of them is sensing the right time to accept that your once-rich source of serotonin is now the reason why you are sad.

Commonly, a person’s life abruptly stops for a moment when he loses someone or something so dearly. It pauses even if the whole world continues to spin. Grief requires loss, but acceptance requires courage. Courage is when a person completely recognizes the loss, understands that it is lost, and finally accepts that it is already gone. As they say, “It is harder to keep on holding than letting go.” Therefore, a person is encouraged to master the acceptance formula: forgive himself, forget what he had to go through, and forsake the memories that drag him back to grieving. The broken ones are the starters when it comes to grief, but only the strongest ones reach the end.

By | John Paul Torrecampo

The hectic breath of the city

Warmly greeted my serenity

Roads exhaled profits in sequence

Luxurious trips in frequence

Adoring the morning struggle The inconvenience and the hassle

Spicing it up with an extra penny

The ride is affordable for many

Fare, fair, fear

Costliness equates to near Increase, decrease, release Analyzing the missing piece

Strikes are merely for show Rallyists are the real foes

Unbothered by the chaotic news

Excluding negativities and blues

Such an extra penny caused outrage?

A buzzword on the national stage! They wonder about severe endurance As sweats and tears drain my patience

I envy being like the announcers To possess their thoughts for the better Experience and expertise are toned Prior to being seated in a cozy throne

I badly wish to cry like them

To have tears welled up like gems

While they feast on devious change An extra penny goes beyond an outrage

Man in Red

Man in Red

By | Marjorie Tuno

He’s known for his fuming name, Clan was rooted in rust and scarlet, Tainted with dust and distrust. He’s the man in red.

Everything is in the shade of wine during his term.

The dollar rate is on the critical line. Inflation balloons to its red peak. Wages doom – left people, scrooge.

Justice is only for a silver-spoon-fed son, Not for the poor, not for the unfortunate. People are broke, hungry, and hopeless. No one’s on their side, even the man in red.

With a series of typhoons and surges, Lots of fatalities and casualties. The man in red is nowhere to be found He’s not in service, he’s feckless.

The man in red turns black and white. When he’s needed, he’s out of sight. When people howl, he hides. Oh, this nation was cheated.

The man in red races to the crown, He’s in for the gain and name. We should’ve done better, repainting the town again

Not with red, but with a shade of competence.

EXTRA PENNY

It was dark, dull, and blue, Everyone didn’t have a clue. For some, it was just a week, No one realized they were weak.

A break for students and offices; Postponed gatherings and meetings, Unwinding for people with vices. No one saw the incoming circus of feelings.

Borders open and Filipino hospitality, Everyone thought it was simple with no fatality, And so, the Philippines welcomed a virus, The changes that happened were nothing but monstrous.

‘Pandemic’ was truly not a new word, More so, something that changed the world. Doors were shut and everything stopped, People get frightened by a single cough.

No MRTs and jeepneys, no PUVs No one can go out, no one can see, But they can hear the silent roads, The silent roar of a new carnivore.

COVID-19 didn’t devour people, It sucked its teeth in hope, Hearts and minds in cripple, It made fear and uncertainty elope.

People missed being outside, Regardless, they needed to abide. Rules aren’t meant to be slanted, Realizing they’ve taken things for granted.

GRANTED for

GRANTED

By | Allysa Maxine De Asis

Two years didn’t pass as easily as they sound, Years of endurance over things of bound, Bound to happen and bound to pass, Filipinos’ resilience was tested to last.

Masks are everywhere, as well as face shields, All abided until there was a vaccine to wield. All missed the hugs, gatherings, most of the air, All knew they could do nothing but bear.

In doubt, the Philippines invested in vaccines, Society was divided, even intervened. Yet some wanted freedom and cure, From the depths of despair, even unsure. Vaccines have gone to unreachable places, Needles poked and prodded in paces Of one arm to another, regardless Of races, beliefs, and ages.

As months passed by, situations were lifted. Slight hint of freedom and life, they were gifted. It was a worthy exchange for getting vaccinated, Little by little, hardships ended. As Filipinos felt the gist of freedom, The taste of kwek-kwek and fish balls, The traffic and long queues in halls, They realized what they have taken for granted.

The laughter of colleagues and classmates, The long processes they always hate, The journey from home to school and back, The school campus spirit, and the jokes that crack.

As the Philippines’ efforts for vaccines near 100, What are the things you’ve taken for granted?

If this is the end of the pandemic, What do you think this ending depicts?

It was dull, dark, and blue, Everyone didn’t have a clue. The pandemic was a phase; A dark one that left us in the haze.

Surreal, yet it gave us a lesson Of not taking things for granted, And in need, we must hasten, Prevent a pandemic from being drafted.

May Katuturan nga ba ang Dagdag na Dalawang Taon?

Kumusta, mga kaibigan? Parang kailan lang nangangapa tayo. Panibagong leksyon at hamon, Hatid ng programang K-to-12 sa edukasyon.

Marami sa atin ang tumutol. Ngunit, ngayong nakapagtapos, Napagtanto na ayos naman pala, ‘tol. Dahil ang natutunan ay hindi kapos.

Nadagdagan ng mga asignatura, Na pinapahalagahan ang karunungan, Na gustong pag-aralan at paghusayan, Upang mahasa ang sarili kahit bata pa.

Mother Tongue, nagpaunlad sa wika. Isyung panlipunan, upang makibahagi sa pagresolba. Literatura, para mas maging maalam pa. Politika at kultura para magising sa umay na sistema.

Isa pa, pagkatapos ng apat na taon sa JHS, Alam natin na hindi pa tayo sigurado, At nalilito sa tatahaking kurso. Naging tulay ng pagninilay ang SHS.

By | Ryan Emmanuel M. Reyes

Pagninilay kung itutuloy ang pinangarap, O maghanap ng panibagong propesyon na itataguyod. Propesyon na magiging sangkap, Sa masaya at progresibong pagkayod.

Sabi nila, “dagdag gastos lamang ito.” Pero hindi nila alam, sulit ‘to. Maaaring hindi pa tayo handa, Ngunit kung hindi ngayon, kailan pa?

Nakapagtapos naman na ang mga nauna. Ang iilan ay may trabaho na. Naramdaman na nilang sila ay handa. Kahit no’ng una sila ay nagdududa.

YOUR YOUR TURN NOW

IT’S NOW IT’S

By | Mycah Andrea Tusi

Kwentong Ulan

By | Sachi Santos

Sa bawat patak, tila ba may pangungulila. At sa bawat paghakbang, hangad na ang kanyang pagtila. Galit ng langit ay siyang pilit iniiwasan, Dahil ayoko nang pagbagsakan pa ng langit at buwan.

Kung patuloy man ang pagtangis ng kalangitan, Kaming nasa ibaba ng pamayanan ay mapagkakaitan. Ang simpleng araw na dapat sana’y puno ng sigla, Mukhang maipagkakait na naman ng talang sinta.

Hindi naman dahil ayaw ko sa ulan, Isa pa nga ito sa mga panahon na aking hinihintay. Ngunit kung susubukan mong tumira sa aming tahanan, Mas gugustuhin mo pang magbabad na lang sa arawan.

Doon sa kanto, banda kila Aling Sisa. Pasok ka, at dumiretso sa may looban, ‘Yong pinagtagpi-tagping yero at kahoy, S’amin iyon, may libreng palangoy din galing sa estero.

It’s been two awfully long years Since the screens of our devices Became the kaleidoscopic window Of our learning — the medium of classes.

Those were awkward days when we worry About how we construct our sentences So a misunderstanding will not arise Whenever we type in our chat boxes.

But now, we’re slowly transitioning Back to the pre-pandemic setup. Although, this would also mean that Soon, we can’t decide on our daily getup.

Our expressively dyed hair would slowly Be advised to be blackened once more. And we can’t just mute ourselves During classes just like before.

However, now we would be able to talk To our fellow students face to face. We can choose where we sit, and with whom — But not all the time, that would be the case.

Reasons regarding internet connection problems Would once again change to the pretext of heavy traffic. Being late to one of your terror professors, Especially in exams, it would be really tragic.

But then again, what’s college when you never Experienced sprinting up the stairs to the fifth floor So as not to be late for your class after being in the Long line at the gate for the I.D. check once more.

You need to know how it feels, to hold it in While you’re looking, checking every floor — Oh, every nook and cranny, you will explore — And rejoice when you find an open bathroom door.

You will need to develop an inhuman speed To attend your next class on time. It’s on the fourth floor of a different building. They will lock the door if you’re late. Sublime! Have you ever gone on a hike for a class?

Now you have the chance for a hike up to ninth floor. Although you can queue in the long line For the miraculously fully-loaded elevators.

It’s quite the experience inside the campus. You’ll never know when’s your next parkour. We had our fill and it’s quite the memory. It’s your turn now. That’s for sure!

Naranasan mo na bang magtampisaw sa baha?

Kasama ang mabait na kaibigang magnanakaw ng handa. Kahit may sari-saring amoy tulad ng masangsang na isda, May kabataan pa ring animo’y atleta sa paglangoy sa baha.

Hagod sa trabaho, hakot naman sa bahay n’yo. Parang walang katapusang pagkayod sa araw na ito. Wala namang sahod ang paglulan dito, Nakasalalay nga lang ang pinaghirapang maaaring maglaho.

Ngayon naikwento ko na ang karanasan ko sa ulan, Hamon ko’y ibahagi mo pa rin ang saya sa kanyang pag-aya. Hindi naman sa wala akong pakundangan, Pero mas marami pa rin kaming nasa laylayan ng lipunan.

When the sun turns candescent, The city lights disappear. Cars honking and swift movements Partake in the city’s morning atmosphere.

That’s my cue to wipe the tables, Scrub every dirt in the windows, Revamp the amber lights on the walls, And flip the ‘open’ sign to ‘closed.’

As the clock strikes seven, My day is just about to end. Sighing, I begin to question

If I am deserving of this torment.

My peers visit coffee shops to study, Away from the comfort of their homes — While I savor any window of opportunity

To skim my notes before the owner roams.

Using my calloused fingers Partnered with blurry vision, I count the number of hours I’ll have to review yesterday’s lesson.

Inside the bustling lecture hall, There’s a sense of enervation And the resistance with the urge to fall

Yet I ignore them with no hesitation.

A ping on my phone jolts me awake, Notifying a message from my mother. “Make sure to eat well and concentrate.”

Oh, I wouldn’t trade this for another!

A beaming smile appears on my lips

As I’m reminded of numerous reasons

Why I persevere despite the hardships And why I live on regardless of the seasons.

My mother’s love and my aspirations

Ignite the blazing fire within me. There’s no flickering hope with a fiery passion; Everything will turn to euphoria, eventually.

Blood, sweat, and tears are the badges of honor

For working students fueled by determination. Undeniably, a symbol of resilience and valor For the unsung heroes of this generation.

18 shutterspeaks REVERT BACK: RTU Tales in the New Normal

1. Blue Lemmy Delos Reyes

6. Break Lemmy Delos Reyes

2. Ehersisyong Pangkundisyon Jovelyn Mirandilla

7. Muni - muni Jovelyn Mirandilla

3. Kinaadman Jovelyn Mirandilla

8. After Class Jelliann Pones

11. Wash with Caution

Jovelyn Mirandilla

14. Play to Learn

Lemmy Delos Reyes

4. Buhay Atleta Jovelyn Mirandilla

9. Monitoring System Jovelyn Mirandilla

12. Pag-eensayoJovelyn Mirandilla 15. Shade Lemmy Delos Reyes

5. Dayong Mananaliksik

Jovelyn Mirandilla

10. Always on Guard

Lemmy Delos Reyes

13. Eat up

Lemmy Delos Reyes

16. Unfinished 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.

Gimo Tutektales

5.0 (GiMO) 2022

PLAY NOW

Sa wakas, forda go go go na ulit sa F2F class. Excited na ba lahat? Or mixed feelings (parang si crush rin kasi adjustment na naman ang ganap? Sa dalawang taon pa namang naka on-screen, tila naging long-running franchise na ang mga kaganapan sa ating belabed rtu. Ba’t di natin basahin ang mga movie reviews ng

Starring: Gimo Tagabantay and Pipay

Genres: Action, Drama, Thriller, Comedy

MR. APATHETIC (2022)

Reviewed |

ESTUDYANTE 01

Simula nang naging department head ‘yong kontrabida, naging magulo na ‘yong takbo ng enrollment scene para sa mga future avocados kuno at pwera. Napaka-inconsiderate sa mga working students, binigyan pa ng dilemang mamili between acads and work.

Belabed YT University (2022)

Reviewed |

ESTUDYANTE 02

Hanggang orientation scene lang nagpakita si sidekick actress at pagkatapos, wala na. Pero infairness consistent ‘yong screentime niya... Sa mga vlog lectures niya nga lang sa YouTube, mas malabo pa nga sa salamin mong wala pang punas. Hindi naman na-inform ‘yong students sa pelikula na magkakaganito pala sa unang salta nila, major pa naman. When learners turn to subscribers, welcome to YouTube University: RTU Edition!

Tough Love, Harsh Ways (2022)

Reviewed |

ESTUDYANTE 03

Kilalang aktress sa kanyang past perfomance tas kakapirangot lang ‘yong linya sa pelikula. Bida pa naman siya tas wala man lang pa-monologue, inaasa lang ‘yong mala-MMK na script sa mga side characters. Sila na lang nagbuhat sa buong movie.

pawerpoint ang puhunan (2022)

Reviewed |

ESTUDYANTE 04

Walang panama ang 20/20 vision mo sa cinematography ni direk. Nasobrahan sa mga easter egg ng bawat eksena, kulang na lang ‘yong background na lang ang magkwento ng plot. Samahan pa ng neon lights para estitik na agad. Ang sakit sa mata ng setting ng pelikula, di na masusubaybay ‘yong istorya.

traitor by olivia rodrigo (2022)

Reviewed |

ESTUDYANTE 05

GRABE NAMAN ‘YONG PLOT TWIST, SAKIT SA PUSO MGA BEH ���� Relate ako sa mga bida kase students sila. Akala ko okay na dahil wala naman silang naging problema sa unang part ng movie. Binigay naman nila ang lahat-lahat pero ganoon lang pala iyon pagdating sa dulo, forda high five na grade lang pala ang ending. Napaisip talaga ako kung saan nagkulang, napapakanta na lang ako ng “You betrayed me...”

Dear, Charo-t (2022)

Reviewed |

ESTUDYANTE 06

Educational series daw ‘to pero ‘yong professor kala mong nasa MMK tuwing may lecture. Kulang na lang, ikwento ang talambuhay niya. E kung tinuro niya ’yong lesson na dapat kong malaman, e ‘di sana may natutunan pa ko ‘di ba?

MORE TO WATCH

– awts!) pa long-running mga Rizaltech?

Where Art Thou? (2022)

Reviewed |

ESTUDYANTE 07

As usual flop parin mga movies ng production team na to. Kahit anong trending at call out ng netizens sa di pag-aalaga sa kanilang aktor behind the scene. Di naman importante and welfare nila, basta nagagampanan nila ang kanilang role sa pelikula ng production na iyon. Di talaga sila open sa mga constructive criticisms ng mga audience. Wala bang pa-character development momints diyan?

I Can Wait Forever (2022)

Reviewed |

ESTUDYANTE 08

Awang-awa ako sa lead character ng movie. A studentathlete that is also working a part-time job. Despite his efforts, paulit-ulit na lang ‘yong scenario na hindi mabigay ng University ‘yong allowance nila. Hoping for justice on its sequel.

Pride Defenders (2022)

Reviewed |

ESTUDYANTE 09

Pagkakatanda ko, walang tigil ang TV series na ito sa pagpromote ng inclusivity at acceptance sa society, kaso teh, anyare? Andami ko pa rin naririnig na reklamo ng contestants diyan. As it turns out, di naman pala nag wo-walk the talk ang production. Wala pa ring freedom ang contestants na mag-express at maging komportable dahil sa haircut policy sa set, kaya hirap lahat e pati mga LGBTQIA+ members. Walang initiatives at empowerment sa LGBTQIA+ kahit ayon ‘yong main point ng show. Ano to, progressive lang for clout?

IN/THEY/SARA (2022)

Reviewed |

ESTUDYANTE 10

Sinech itey na production na sobrang inconsiderate? Charot, production nila ‘yon. Feel ko sila nga nag-invent ng word na ‘yon e. Ang chika, ang daming hosts ang nagrereklamo kasi grabe stress sa kanila! Tipong kapag ‘di naka-attend sa taping kahit valid naman ang reason, hindi pa rin nila kinoconsider. Grabe rin suffering ng hosts dahil sa kanila pero ‘yong host pa mismo sinisisi. Dagdag pa dyan na imbis na sagot nila lahat ng gamit sa production, AS IT SHOULD BE, ‘yong mismong hosts pa ang gumagastos sa wardrobe and everything. Eh hindi naman importante ‘yong mga pinapabili. Kakaloka!

Ms. Watchdog (2022)

Reviewed |

ESTUDYANTE 11

Kebs naman ang team, si Ms. Producer ay todo empower ng staffs to be critical in every scenario, because they have the right to do well — which is true. They make movements and platforms to make people aware of what is the truth and what needs to be discussed in masses. Sadly, other producing companies think they’re “anti-admin”, and even fellow staffs feel the same, too. Eyes and ears of the people also think they’re “terrorists,” due to misinformation. The truth must be well told: they gave honest critiques, and not to destroy them. Let their eyes be widened and informed well on that matter.

Fair or unfair? (2022)

Reviewed | ESTUDYANTE 12

Half a star rating kasi don’t think the movie’s campaign “Let All Students Vote,’’ for an inclusive student election is fair at all. Kasi there is an uneven number between the two groups. Kumbaga, kung boboto tayo between the movie’s first season na isa sa biggest blockbuster of all time at sa spin off nito na konti palang ang nakakanood, automatic doon tayo sa mas maraming viewers! You get what I mean?

HD

Paunawa: Ang bahaging ito ng pahayag ay base sa mga nakalap na opinyon mula sa mga mag-aaral ng iba’t ibang kolehiyo sa institusyon na ito. Walang parte ng akdang ito ang sumasalamin sa personal na pananaw ng manunulat at ng pahayagan.

22sports

RTU Taekwondo Women’s Team Secures Triumph

By | Nathalia Ibanez

October 2 – With four gold and four bronze medals, Rizal Technological University (RTU) Taekwondo Women’s Team unveiled stability in the 2022 Smart/MVP Sports Foundation National Interschool Taekwondo Championships held at the Ayala Malls, Manila Bay.

Dominating the event, the team ended the championship with four gold medalists, namely: Roselle Zapanta, Richelle Malicdem, Jennica Dreo, and Jessie Lou Chua. Moreover, Norberta Movido, Danica Bernabe, Jasmine Faith Regondola, and Kissara Lorenza earned the bronze medalist

titles.

“Worth it po lahat ng training. Sana sa susunod na mga laro ay masungkit ko ulit ang gold medal, lalo na kapag dumating ang SCUAA (State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association),” Malicdem on an overwhelming achievement.

Meanwhile, Zapanta shared the team’s key to success which includes courage and mindset in sports The two mentioned that they had been preparing for the Women’s Martial Arts Festival held last November 16–17, 2022, as well as for the upcoming State College and Universities Athletic Association (SCUAA) on April 10–15.

Blue Thunders clutches Swimming Championship Title

RTUians bag Awards in Pencak Silat 2022

By | Marjorie Tuno

Sher-i Kashmir Indoor Stadium — Rizal Technological University (RTU) Franchette

Anne Elman and Ian Christopher Calo joined the Philippine Pencak Silat representatives in snatching individual awards in the Sixth Senior Asian Pencak Silat Championship, October 14-16, 2022.

Representing the country for three consecutive years, Elman made her way to the silver medal in the Trio Artistic competition, falling short of the gold medal against Singapore. Meanwhile, Calo secured the bronze finish but was shrugged off by Singapore’s firepower in clutching the title.

“Being part of the national team takes a lot of preparation, dapat consistent kami sa mga galaw namin, focus sa laro, at sa galaw ng isa’t isa, one body, one soul,” Elman on her key to victory, who is currently gearing up alongside Calo for next year’s South East Asian (SEA) Games in Cambodia.

By | Patricia Mae David & Lady Heart Bueza

Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, Manila — Despite the lack of preparation, the RTU Swimming Team flaunted an unconquerable tenacity with bagged medals in the Open-Class Novice Swim Championship, September 24 – 25, 2022.

The Gold-and-Blue splashers took the pool with full power, rookies and veterans combined, nabbing a total of 16 golds, seven silvers, and six bronze medals.

Blue Swimmers dive Huge Splashes

Throughout 116 heats, the Boni-based Quadro Alvin Marticion, Benjie Manto Jr., Jenel Mendoza, and Basilio Bahian jumped off a good start in the 100 meters medley relay — notching the first heat at 53.63 seconds.

Despite the cloudy weather, the Blue Thunders concluded the tournament by claiming the gold medal in its last heat, 48.31 seconds, in the 100 meters freestyle relay. Preceding with the aftergame awarding ceremony, Aces Manto Jr. accumulated 88.5 points and fourth place as the Most Outstanding Swimmer (MOS) in the A division. Likewise, Janelio Juan obtained 29 points, securing his first place as the MOS in C Division.

“Na-enjoy naming lahat no’ng nag-play [kami],

binigay naman namin ang best,” rookie Swimmer Eric Gaspar expressed the team’s tough grind and maximum effort in splashing through triumph.

Lady Tankers unleash Formidable Strokes

Asserting their mastery in rippling on the water, the Lady Thunder duo heated the water with Mitzie Llagunas’ 20.10 record in the 25-meter breaststroke, and Rodelyn Marticion’s 1:23:30 clock in the 100-meter freestyle.

Adding a bronze medal to the crew’s collection, Mary Joy Juan reached the wall at a 37.20 record. Meanwhile, Llagunas pulled off a 14.90 score in the 25-meter freestyle, delivering a breakthrough win.

Rachel San Gabriel and Josie Addison of the Bonibased squad also took an indomitable leap through the fierce stream of the water.

Mandaluyong-based skin-divers competed to emerge on top in the 25-meter breast, back, and fly stroke events; 25, 50, and 100-meter freestyle match; as well as the 100-meter individual medley and freestyle relay.

“Mayroon lang po kaming isang linggong preparation at masasabi ko pong hindi po talaga siya sapat. Kaya hindi namin akalain na makakakuha pa kami ‘yong trophy,” Team Captain Juan said on the RTU team surpassing the competition.

© Sports Development and Wellness Center (SDWC)

© Sports Development and Wellness Center (SDWC)

HAILED AS CHAMPIONS RTU Blue Thunders’ swimmers (Alvin Marticion, Carl Malabas, Janello Juan, Benjie Manto, Basillio Bahian, Eljon Dumalagan, Jenel Rey Mendoza, Roldan Sueza, and Johnny Mendoza) with Coach Sherwin de la Paz in the 2022 Novice Bandwidth Swim Championship © Marjorie Tuno

Gold-and-Blue Troupe reigns Arnis Invitational Tournament Champion

By | Charise Joy Carlos

Baguio City National High School — After a three-year hiatus, Rizal Technological University (RTU) Arnis Team remained indestructible as Overall Champion in the Arnis Invitational Tournament, October 8–9.

Throughout the two-day match, the Bonibased squad knocked out 31 universities and clubs, along with their toughest opponent, Iloilo Cordillera Career Development College – Salaknib Martial Arts System in the final match.

University Rookie Shiela Mae A. Daria attained the Most Valuable Player (MVP) title upon her first Arnis Invitational Tournament, grasping two golds and one silver simultaneously. Moreover, Senior Arnisador Mae Rose Esmele clutched an individual award for Bronze full contact.

“Euphoria. It’s been many years since we’re not able to compete in any games due to the pandemic,” Esmele expressed delight on the RTU Arnis Team, who began to gear up for the upcoming State College and Universities Athletic Association (SCUAA).

Letran Knights defends 3-peat Championship in NCAA 98

Blue Eagles crushes

Fighting Maroons, resumes Redemption Tour

By | Sachi Santos

Smart Araneta Coliseum, Quezon City — With their fierce defense and unflinching determination, the Ateneo Blue Eagles pulverize the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons, 75-68, in front of the 21,814 crowds during the third game of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 85 men’s basketball finals, December 19, 2022.

The Blue-and-White dribblers heated the court early with a 9-0 run spearheaded by Rence Padrigao and finals MVP Ange Kouame’s scorching three-point shooting. Fighting Maroons responded with a thrilling offense against Blue Eagles Vince Gomez but Ateneo did not hold back and drilled three-pointers from Gomez, Bryan Andrade, and Chris Koon, 26-12.

former decides to attack and scores a two.

With 10 seconds remaining in the quarter, Diliman-based shooters exerted great effort to reduce the deficit to single digits, which Ateneo prevailed. With two seconds remaining on the clock, the Blue-and-White duo Geo Chiu’s rushing three and Padrigao’s two points gave the Blue Eagles a fifteen-point lead, 47-32.

A three-point exchange between both sides marked the third canto. Beginning the third quarter with a three-pointer from Blue Eagles Andrade, a layup set by Anton Quitevis reached the score at 52-32 — Ateneo’s highest lead in a quarter.

By | Lady Heart Bueza

Ynares Center, Antipolo — Colegio de San Juan de Letran Knights reigned over the court after claiming their third championship title in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 98 Men’s Basketball, against the College of Saint Benilde (CSB) Blazers, December 18, 2022.

Letran Knights halted the Green-and-White unit’s two-decade-long comeback towards championship in the final game 3 of the season. Despite Benilde’s ferocious 1-1 gameplay, the Knights conquered and seal the last match at 81-67.

CSB Blazers pointed right off the bat for the first canto, to answer the Knights’ gallops to score back. Letran takes on the first part of the game, gaining a 3-point upper hand, 21-24, against the Blazers.

Dauntlessly charging to the second canto, the Intramuros-based battalion established the largest margin of the series, a 21-point lead, with King Caralipio leading the Knights. Benilde rushes to

cover the gap, only lessening the lead by three, closing the first half at 51-33.

The Red-and-Blue troop extended their momentum, charging in the second half of the third game with a 16-point lead against the rival’s offense. The Taft-based team stayed afloat throughout the round only to face the persistent pursuit of the Knights Kurt Reyson and King Caralipio tandem for the layup, to end the quarter at 70-54.

Knights dominated the court with a consistent lead in the game’s last quarter. Blazers Will Gozum exited with a disqualifying foul for the last, barely, two minutes in the quarter — sparing room for Reyson in the final free throw of the game.

“

I’m proud of my players, from mga third stringers ko hanggang sa mga graduating players. Proud ako kahit anong mangyare, kung matalo o manalo, dahil nga alam naman natin na from the start hirap na hirap ‘yong team. Where we have a depleted line up, pero with my coaches — nasolve naman namin ‘yon kahit pa-paano,” Letran Knights Head Coach Bonnie Tan on his teams’ final performance.

At the buzzer, the Katipunan-based squad forwarded as Matt Daves thrashed the opponent by scoring another two points, carrying the first-quarter score to 30-14.

In the first fifteen seconds of the second quarter, Kouame immediately scored two points while Padrigao caught up with another floater, 34-17. Padrigao guards UP’s Carl Tamayo, but the

PATAFA

(November 19-20, 2022)

Fighting Maroons Jd Cagulangan’s two-point baskets against Ateneo defenders began a 6-0 run, sparing UP a chance to cut into the latter’s doubledigit advantage. After unloading 12 points and showcasing a rimrattling slam, the Diliman-based battalion trailed 8 points to the Katipunan-based crew, 60-52.

Beginning the fourth quarter by blocking Blue Eagles Koon’s shot, UP’s center Malick Diouf underlined the team’s hunger to advance against Ateneo. Due to the opponent’s successive fouls, however, Ateneo scored free throw points, and with 0.7 seconds remaining, they secured a 75-68 triumph.

WEEKLY RELAY FINALS

RTU Athletics Team’s transcending velocity

© Mae Rose Esmele, senior arnis player

St. Benilde Blazers defeats Letran Knights in NCAA Finals © Spin.ph

Ateneo Blue Eagles reigns over UP Fighting Maroons in UAAP Basketball Finals © Inquirer Sports

RTUians bag Awards in Pencak Silat 2022

Blue Thunders clutches

Swim Championship Title

Gold-and-Blue Troupe reigns Arnis Invitational Tournament Champion

RTUIANS UNLEASH GRIT IN U-WEEK

By | Mark Anthony Aguilando & Yna Villaflores

Students and faculty of Rizal Technological University (RTU) proved to be unassailable — as Supreme Student Council (SSC) and Administrative and Faculty (AdFa) Sports Tournament respectively progressed throughout the 53rd University Week while cultivating the value of solidarity.

Administration and Faculty (ADFA) Regular Basketball League played at the RTU Gymnasium, October 11.

Wellness Building — Men’s Black Team secured victory in the Administrative Faculty (ADFA) match last October 13, defeating the White Team in straight sets of 21-13, 21-15, 21-16, and 21-12, claiming conference supremacy. Meanwhile, Black Squad claimed dominance on the court, winning the Women’s Division with scores of 21-04, 21-08, 21-10, 21-19, and 21-13.

October 14 — Orange Team victoriously brought home the championship after winning against the White team in a clean sweep of 25-17, 26-24, 25-28 score, in the Admin Faculty (ADFA) Volleyball finals held at the Rizal Technological University Gymnasium.

RTU Quadrangle — Black Squad downcasted Yellow lineup with two-straight sets, 25-13 and 25-10, in the Admin Faculty (ADFA) Women’s Volleyball League during the University Week, October 11.

Call of Duty: Mobile

October 14 — Resilience from the College of Engineering and Architecture (CEA) rose to the championship in the Call of Duty: Mobile, with a neat and disciplined game during the E-RTUlympics facilitated by the Supreme Student Council (SSC).

Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Lycan Lock Fingers from the College of Business and Entrepreneurship Technology (CBEA) grasped their victory in the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang during the E-RTUlympics, October 14.

October 14 — With a strong foundation and progressions, College of Engineering and Architecture (CEA) Boni trashed College of Business, Entrepreneurship and Accountancy (CBEA) Pasig winning the game at 99-85 during the RTU Week-Lympics: S.T.A.R.S Fest Men’s Basketball Finals held at the RTU Gymnasium.

College of Business, Entrepreneurship, and Accountancy (CBEA) Pasig shattered College of Engineering and Architecture (CEA) Boni with set scores of 27-25, 27-25, 2025, and 25-21 during the Week-Lympics Volleyball Finals held at the University Gymnasium, October 14.

ADFA MEN’S and WOMEN’S BADMINTON

ADFA WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL

SSC BASKETBALL

SSC VOLLEYBALL