History in the making Throughout the years, The GUIDON has stayed true to its mission to serve as a record of history and a platform for fearless journalistic expression. It has been a witness and a key player during turbulent points in the country’s past, amplifying the voices of the marginalized, deepening discourse, and encouraging Ateneans to build a better society. It has formed generation after generation of campus journalists who create ripples of change not only as GUIDONeers, but as Filipino citizens as well. While working to live up to this legacy, the publication has also adapted to the changing media landscape. It has created new sections to expand its content and engage in national and campus issues in bold new ways. Through this expansion, The GUIDON has become a home to writers, designers, and managers who each use their specific skills to strengthen the publication internally while expanding its impact on Ateneo and beyond. There is still much room to improve, but the publication has grown immensely and continues to push boundaries. To commemorate The GUIDON’s 90th year, this folio documents the publication’s changing role throughout various points in its history. By highlighting the publication’s hand in nation-building and its milestones, the folio also hopes to inspire campus journalists to innovate their storytelling and to continually aim for journalistic excellence in service of the marginalized—as the Filipino people deserve no less.
90TH ANNIVERSARY FOLIO
EXECUTIVE EDITORS
SECTION EDITORS
WRITERS
Alithea C. Soriano
Tatiana L. Maligro
Adelene Ha
Editor-in-Chief
Looking Back Editor
Angel Martinez
Margarita C. Gonzalez
Danielle R. Garcia
Billie Asuncion
Associate Editor
A Voice of Truth Editor
Eala Julienne Nolasco
Jyra Zoe T. Ang
Andrea Mikaela Llanes
Frances C. Roberto
Managing Editor
Then and Now Editor
Franchesca Fajemolin
Jason Mariano
Patricia Villoria
Jasey C. Cruz
Design Executive Editor
The Campus Press Today Editor
Jean Mangaluz
Ann Gabrielle Domingo
Enrique Halili
Frans G. Regala
Jillian Lopez Zoe T. Andin
Keziah Maru Z. Pasion
Further with the Truth Editor
Louise L. Del Rosario Malaika Paculan
LAYOUT ARTIST
Patricia Yap
Jason Mariano
Raphael C. Dela Cruz Ria Tenido
FRONT COVER ART
Russell Louis Ku
Jason Mariano
Sean D. Carballo
REAR COVER ART
DESIGNERS
Alexis Wang
Aldo Santiago Carmela B. Masiglat Denev C. Ng Genesis Jacinth Tan Mikhaella Norlin Magat Neil R. Reyes Tiffany Cu
Looking Back For 90 years, The GUIDON has persevered to be truth-tellers during monumental points in Ateneo and Philippine history. This section studies how The GUIDON has evolved amid changing times while upholding its drive to demand and go further with the truth.
6 | Looking Back
Pioneering the search for truth: Manuel C. Colayco Written by Louise Margaret L. Del Rosario Archival photo from The GUIDON’s March 20, 1930 print issue
The GUIDON 90th Anniversary Folio | 7
From tabloids to interactive
Upon graduation, he worked
Leading the American forces
multimedia articles, The
as a part-time lecturer while
to liberate the UST internees
GUIDON has reached new
pursuing a degree in law at
from the Japanese, Colayco
heights of telling stories in
the University of Santo Tomas
was wounded after an enemy
and beyond Loyola since
(UST). He also edited the
hand grenade exploded in
its founding in 1929. As the
English section of illustrated
front of him. He died
publication celebrates its 90th
newspaper La Defensa and
seven days later on
year, it aims to understand
served as the first editor
February 10, 1945.
how its past has shaped the
of Catholic paper The
present by revisiting the
Philippines Commonwealh.
In 1982, Colayco Building, now the Manuel V.
story and advocacies of The GUIDON’s first Editor-in-
During World War II, he
Pangilinan-Center for
Chief: Manuel C. Colayco.
enlisted in the armed forces
Student Leadership (MVP),
to defend Bataan against the
was built in the Ateneo as a
Journalist and World War II
Japanese in 1942. He was
center for student activities
martyr, Colayco was born
one of the 66,000 Filipinos
and organizations. MVP now
on May 29, 1906 in Pasay
rounded up for the infamous
houses Colayco Pavilion in
City. He finished his primary
Death March where he
memory of The GUIDON’s
education at Ermita’s Mabini
endured physical abuse at the
first Editor-in-Chief for his
Elementary School and
Capas concentration camp.
martyrdom in World War II.
and college education at the
In captivity, Colayco
Long after his term in The
Ateneo Municipal de Manila.
contracted malaria,
GUIDON, Colayco remained
completed his secondary
prompting the Japanese to
committed to journalism
During his stay in Ateneo
release him. Upon recovery,
through his press work
Municipal, he served as The
he immediately reestablished
in World War II. Today,
GUIDON’s first Editor-in-
the Allied Intelligence
along with its inclusion of
Chief. He was also the editor
Bureau—a multinational
multimedia storytelling over
of the annual yearbook Aegis
intelligence agency during
the years, the publication
and captain of the Reserved
World War II—as its 7th
Colayco founded 90 years ago
Officers’ Training Corps’
Manila unit Chief and
continues his truth-telling
crack company.
published the underground
legacy in a post-truth era.
newspaper Freedom.
Raising the first flag
8 | Looking Back
The GUIDON’s content has adapted as the decades passed, as it now covers national issues such as the Marawi Siege and workers’ strikes, Ateneo culture, and investigative articles on pressing issues in the University. However, one characteristic has held true throughout the years: The GUIDONeers’ unfaltering commitment to embodying the
Ateneo sports news was discussed like the recovery of then-popular basketball player Pio Roa and the former Loyola Schools athletic director’s plans of toppling other schools’ records. News of prominent alumni and students from other Jesuit colleges were also included in the issue since these interested The GUIDON’s subscribers.
University events, The GUIDON
released its first issue on June
22, 1929 under the leadership
of its first Editor-in-Chief
Manuel Colayco and moderator
Reverend Frank O’ Hara, SJ.
Named after guidons or flags
raised to guide battalions,
the publication stated that
its purpose was to become “a
means of greater unity and
cooperation amongst Atenistas.”
and Filipino community.
showcased advertisements for tailoring services and cadet uniforms. According to an article by historian Alfred
news, The GUIDON shared the
task of the guidon-bearers
who traditionally served
as navigators.
Commonwealth and Cult of Masculinity, the University “was a proud home to the country’s top drill corps.” Thus, Atenean
Among the stories the
publication featured were the
lives of some Jesuit priests
such as the ordination of Luis
Mccoy entitled The Philippine
of truth in service of the Ateneo
Furthermore, the broadsheet
towards relevant and truthful
publication’s mission as bearers
spotlight on the front page.
Anacito, SJ. Aside from this,
to become more informed of
Through directing its readers
cadet activities gained a
Pacquing, SJ and Eduardo
Addressing students’ demand
Written by Franchesca Fajemolin
The GUIDON 90th Anniversary Folio | 9
10 | Looking Back THE GUIDON
Timeline Written by Sean Carballo and Adelene Ha Archival photos from The GUIDON’s print issues The GUIDON’s history has been shaped by a variety of forces—from the turbulent World War II era and the increasingly politicized landscape of the Marcos years, to the rise of social media platforms and fake news. In all these instances, The GUIDON has adapted either internally or through content reforms. The following timeline charts the publication’s legacy as it grapples with age-old themes of nation-building and truth-telling. Just as crucial as a retrospective guide, the timeline provides a route for understanding the role of a student publication as a witness of history and as an adaptive agent of change. Editor’s Note: The following information was sourced from previous The GUIDON anniversary folios, specifically the 80th and 85th folios.
1929 The GUIDON released its first issue as a bi-weekly four-page tabloid with Manuel C. Colayco as its Editor-in-Chief and Reverend Frank O’Hara, SJ as its moderator.
1940s
1930s
The publication responded to the devastation that tore down nearly all structures on campus during World War II (WWII) by introducing new staffs and changing its overall format.
Throughout the decade, The GUIDON’s stories were focused on campus events, Jesuit features, and alumni stories.
1942
October 1946
Due to WWII, The GUIDON temporarily suspended operations.
The GUIDON re-opened with Quonset huts used as buildings amid the campus wreckage.
The GUIDON 90th Anniversary Folio | 11
1947
1948
The GUIDON introduced the Literary and Military Staffs.
The GUIDON became a quarterly publication that released a newssheet and literary magazine up until the early 1950s.
1950s The GUIDON received accolades and recognition from both local and international awarding bodies for its excellent reportage.
1960s The GUIDON expanded to publishing about national and religious concerns.
1953 The GUIDON is awarded at the 29th Columbia Scholastic Press Association contest for its features and editorial writings, which were deemed by the association as being “far superior to anything read in this year’s entries.”
July 10, 1968 In an editorial titled A Filipino University, The GUIDON criticized the effectivity of Ateneo’s curriculum in helping its students find their Filipino identity.
November 27, 1968 The GUIDON published Down From The Hill, a controversial manifesto that condemned the power elite, the Church, and the University for perpetuating social injustice and inequality. Subsequently, the article called for a “radical restructuring of the present social, political, and economic order.”
12 | Looking Back
1970s The increasingly socio-political bent of The GUIDON’s pieces—such as criticisms of the Marcos regime—reflected a tumultuous era in the Philippines as publications were forced to shut down or operate under restrictions. FEBRUARY 1970 The GUIDON released a special issue on political ideologies, which discussed Filipino social democracy, national democracy, and the new nationalism—a human welfare-focused political ideology. APRIL 3, 1970 The GUIDON began to publish exclusively in the Filipino language.
July 8, 1971 The GUIDON renamed itself PANDAYAN, with the tagline, “Sumapi sa PANDAYAN. Ilunsad ang Pilipinisasyon!”
September 21, 1972 After the declaration of Martial Law, The GUIDON ceased all formal operations for a year and published in secret as the underground publication PANDAYAN.
August 31, 1973 The GUIDON resumed formal operations and reverted back to using the English language as its medium.
Nov-Dec 1980 1980s As the Ateneo shifted to a coeducational institution, The GUIDON published women writers and advocated for their rights.
Chao Chuatico is hailed the first female Editor-in-Chief of The GUIDON.
June 1986 C. Horatius Mosquera is named the first Research Editor.
The GUIDON 90th Anniversary Folio | 13
1990s
1993
The GUIDON created a new section that focused on investigative journalism entitled Inquiry, which was originally a collection of sociopolitical essays from the opinion column Crossfire.
Gifford T. Chu is named Inquiry’s first editor.
2000s
2001
The GUIDON strengthened its online efforts.
Alt+G, which stands for “Alternative GUIDON” is created as the offshoot online lifestyle magazine of The GUIDON. It featured Atenean lifestyle, people, events, subjects of human interest, and reviews.
2008 Alt+G is renamed to g Magazine.
2009 The GUIDON released its Special Ateneo Sesquicentennial Issue in celebration of the Ateneo de Manila University’s 150th anniversary.
2010s The GUIDON established more interactive, online initiatives through the introduction of Broadcast News staff.
2007 The publication introduced the Beyond Loyola Staff with Paterno R. Esmaquel II as Section Editor. The Operations Staff is renamed to Externals.
2012 The GUIDON rebranded its online magazine to Katipunan Magazine, a platform described as “the sound of the underground.” The GUIDON also introduced the Video Development Staff, which was later renamed to Video Production in 2015.
Nov-Dec 2018 To commemorate 50 years since the publication of Down From the Hill, The GUIDON released a special issue with the same layout as the original manifesto.
2002 The GUIDON introduced the Web and the Training & Development staffs.
2017 The GUIDON renamed the Digital Media and the Training & Development staffs to Digital Development and Human Resources, respectively, while Broadcast News was established as an ad hoc staff. Mike Del Castillo is named Digital Development’s first editor, and Briane dela Peña is named the first Broadcast News Manager.
14 | Looking Back
The GUIDON: Pages throughou history Written by Keziah Maru Z. Pasion and Frances C. Roberto THROUGHOUT ITS 90 years as a publication, The GUIDON’s story has perhaps always been one of transition. Chronicled in its countless stories are pieces of history that unfurl how the Ateneo and The GUIDON have gotten to where they stand today. ATOP THE HILL In its early years, The GUIDON reported solely about on-campus events: From the 30s to the late 60s, headlines consisted of motions tackled by the University debate club, the feats of various sports teams, and updates on Jesuit priests. Soon after, The GUIDON felt the need to expand its content and eventually transitioned into a publication that reckoned with the national situation. In 1968, Jose Luis A. Alcuaz, Gerardo J. Esguerra, Emmanuel A.F. Lacaba, Leonardo Q. Montemayor, and Alfredo N. Salanga published Down from the Hill, a revolutionary manifesto that slammed the Ateneo’s lackluster role amid a worsening political climate and criticized the American Jesuits’ political stronghold within the University.
ut
The GUIDON 90th Anniversary Folio | 15 Archival photos from The GUIDON’s print issues
In exposing Ateneo’s disinterest in
Whether by the manifesto’s doing or
the world outside itself, the manifesto
not, Ateneans then became increasingly
slowly but surely brought about
involved with socio-political concerns,
institutional change in the University.
among which were the looming
A year after its publication, Ateneo
dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos.
appointed its first Filipino President
Burgeoning student activism met the
Pacifico Oritz, SJ, and began offering
Marcos regime’s violence, censorship, and
Filipino Philosophy classes.
corruption with staunch resistance. All throughout, The GUIDON reported on these movements extensively as seen in its coverage of student protests against the State-employed violence in the Plaza Miranda bombing.
The following year, The GUIDON began
Today, the manifesto calls Ateneans to go
publishing issues written exclusively in
“down from the hill”—to step off and out
the Filipino language.
of their privilege and help shape society at large, both inside and outside the Ateneo, into a more just place.
16 | Looking Back WOMEN IN ATENEO
was published. In the same year, Carpio
Together with The GUIDON and Ateneo’s
also showed survey results in an article that
transition to fostering a more socially inclusive
discussed students’ “reluctant uncommitment”
community, the introduction of co-education
towards co-education.
is also an integral part of Atenean history. After Academic Council deliberations going
As the once all-boys institution slowly
as far back as 1968, Ateneo welcomed its
accepted having women on the campus, more
first batch of female students in 1973. It was
articles in The GUIDON were dedicated to
then thought that accepting deserving female
featuring women. However, The GUIDON also
students would alleviate the large drop-out
showed interest in working with women prior
rates. Response to the movement was mixed:
to co-education as seen in their collaborations
While the Academic Council voted for the
with the school papers of Maryknoll (now
implementation of co-education, the student
Miriam College) and St. Theresa’s College.
council passed a resolution against it. In 1980, women were given a bigger role in In a 1969 issue of The GUIDON, former
Ateneo’s campus journalism as Chao Chuatico
Associate Justice Antonio Carpio’s opinion
became the first female Editor-in-Chief of
piece Guess Who Are Coming—where he
The GUIDON.
voiced support for possible co-education—
The GUIDON 90th Anniversary Folio | 17
THE GUIDON’S ROLE As Ateneo’s official student publication, The GUIDON has played and continues to play a unique role in the documentation of university history. Contained in its issues are the micro details most standard historical accounts of the Ateneo forego: Every triumph of various college sports teams or the slow progress made with each debate over co-education. In some cases, The GUIDON also shaped history. By allowing the voices of Ateneans to be heard, the publication paved the way for revolutionary thought —of the kind present in the Down from the Hill manifesto—to flourish and be amplified. Through chronicling, and even sometimes influencing, history, The GUIDON persists in its fight for the truth. Still, The GUIDON faces the ever-present challenge of doing more, as new narratives and contexts demand even more innovative ways of storytelling.
18 | Looking Back FOLLOWING FERDINAND
“PANDAYAN.” Prior to the
Marcos’ declaration of
announcement of Martial
Martial Law on September
Law, PANDAYAN already
23, 1972, major news
published articles that were
outlets such as ABS-CBN
critical of the government and
and Channel 5 were shut
school administration. Some
down, and their employees
articles also narrated their
subsequently arrested.
battle for funding, which told
Collegiate publications such
of the consequences of taking
as The GUIDON—which
a more political tone. A 1972
renamed to PANDAYAN
headline in PANDAYAN
in 1971—was targeted next
entitled Publications fee
as school administrations
suspended; staff assails Dean’s
cut off their funding and
action chronicled the abrupt
suspended their operations.
decision of then Dean Jose
Despite the forced closure of
Cruz, SJ, to cut the
many campus publications
publication fee by
during Marcos’ term, student
Php 5, from Php 115
journalists continued to
to Php 110.
combat misinformation behind closed doors.
The GUIDON and PANDAYAN were
The GU underg
As the publication continues
forced to cease
in a post-truth era, it is
operations following
imperative to look back at
the declaration of Martial
a time where chronicling
Law. However, unbeknownst
history seemed
to the government and the
almost impossible.
University, Ateneo’s campus journalists continued
PANDAYAN AND
circulation under the
REBEL PANDAYAN
name Rebel PANDAYAN.
Just a few months after
Since they had to operate
The GUIDON renamed to
in secrecy, each issue of
PANDAYAN, it split into two
Rebel PANDAYAN had the
separate publications that
statement, “Please pass on
functioned independently
after reading” right below the
of each other. One took on
paper’s title.
The GUIDON’s name, while the other took on the name
Written by Adelene Ha an
Illustrations by Ca
The GUIDON 90th Anniversary Folio | 19 a bid to avoid content that Rebel PANDAYAN fiercely fought against Martial
could lead to their closure.
Law and the Marcos
It was only in 1983, after
administration, with pages
the assassination of former
that consisted mostly of
Senator Benigno Aquino
editorials critical of the
Jr., that the paper increased
Marcos regime. A headline
coverage of national issues
from its November 1972 issue
and returned to its old ways
read, Sa Ikauunlad ng Bayan,
of publishing articles of the
Pagbagsak ng Diktaturang
long-suppressed truth.
U.S.-Marcos ang Kailangan (For the people’s interest,
To commemorate the
Down with the US-Marcos
country’s plight during
Dictatorship!)
Martial Law, The GUIDON now publishes a Martial Law
UIDON ground
Since the publication
special every September.
was blatantly against
In 2017, The GUIDON,
the former dictator, its
Matanglawin, and Heights
members’ identities
Ateneo also published
were kept hidden as
clippings of articles from
they risked suspension,
the 1970s that exposed the
expulsion, and arrest.
Marcos regime’s atrocities. By
Rebel PANDAYAN also
incorporating protest slogans
released a statement
such as “Sumama sa pagkilos
clarifying that they were
(Join the movement)” and
nd Keziah Maru Z. Pasion
composed of new staffers
mimicking PANDAYAN’s
armela B. Masiglat
in order to protect former
underground circulation
PANDAYAN staffers.
method, readers were reminded of the media
THEN AND NOW
censorship during Martial
A year after they were both
Law and urged to join the
shut down in 1972, The
ongoing fight for
GUIDON and PANDAYAN
press freedom.
re-emerged as The GUIDON, a singular, unified
JOURNALISTS AS
publication. However, they
SOLDIERS
published articles that
Though Martial Law may
focused on stories within the
be in the past, the press is
Loyola Schools once more in
yet to be considered free as
20 | Looking Back
persecution against media workers still exists as evidenced by journalists who have lost their lives in their pursuit of the truth. For instance, the 2009 Maguindanao Massacre—which killed 32 media workers—is widely known as the world’s worst singleday attack on the press. Despite the 1987 constitution’s enshrinement of freedom of speech and press freedom in Article III Section 4, the government constantly finds ways to pressure journalists and manipulate the media towards their favor to this very day. In fact, as of December 2019, 15 journalists have been killed under President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration according to a report by the Freedom for Media, Freedom for All Network. The intimidation of the press does not stop there, as Rappler reporter Pia Ranada was banned from entering Malacañang. Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque justified the move by likening her to a disrespectful house guest for
The GUIDON 90th Anniversary Folio | 21
publishing work that criticized the administration. Duterte also publicly declared his intentions to block ABS-CBN’s franchise renewal. The president accused the network of swindle, alleging that they did not air his campaign ads during the 2016 elections despite his Php 2.8 million payment. ABS-CBN’s franchise expired in March this year. The media outlet has since been forced to cease on-air operations. As the government continues to suppress reporters who—similar to Rebel PANDAYAN—combat desperate efforts to quell the truth, Filipino journalists’ fight for press freedom is far from over. The GUIDON, in its 90th year, now continues Rebel PANDAYAN’s battle by amplifying the facts in an era of misinformation. Editor’s note: The following information was sourced from The GUIDON and PANDAYAN’s 1968-1972 issues.
A Voice of Truth To showcase how The GUIDON’s advocacy of demanding the truth strengthens the role of journalism in society, this section sheds light on how alumni continue to apply the publication’s core principles in their lives—whether or not they chose to pursue journalism.
Behind the headlines Written by Russell Louis Ku and Frans G. Regala Illustration by Carmela B. Masiglat
24 | A Voice of Truth THE PLIGHT of journalists
one to wonder how they
say that I’m an accidental
in contemporary times was
remain steadfast despite the
journalist. I wanted to be so
given the spotlight through
career’s demands and risks. In
many things, but journalism
TIME Magazine’s decision
line with this, The GUIDON
wasn’t on my radar until
to feature journalists as their
interviewed four alumni who
I joined The GUIDON in
2018 Person of the Year. It
continue to translate lessons
college,” Canoy explains.
placed focus on the stories of
from journalism in
journalists that reveal current
their personal and
In contrast to Canoy, CNN
threats to press freedom, such
professional endeavors.
Philippines news writer Briane Dela Peña
as the slaying of Washington Post journalist Jamal
FROM THE
(AB COM ‘18) recalls how
Khashoggi and the tax fraud
GROUND UP
he used his time in The
charges against Rappler’s
For many alumni, The
GUIDON as a platform for
Chief Executive Officer
GUIDON served as an
his longtime passion for
Maria Ressa.
entry point into journalism.
broadcast journalism. This
ABS-CBN news reporter Jeff
eventually culminated in the
Such events highlight the
Canoy (AB COM ‘07), who
creation of the Broadcast
perilous nature of work that
has been in the industry for
News staff.
journalists face today, which
13 years, shares that joining
may leave
the publication as a graphic
“[At] first I was hesitant to
design staffer sparked
join [The GUIDON] because I
his interest in the field.
told myself that I wanted an
“I’m not like...the
avenue that was leaning more
other journalists who
towards broadcasting, but
dreamt of being a
there was none…Eventually,
reporter when they
when I climbed through the
were young. I always
ranks...that’s when I thought of taking journalism to a new dimension through broadcasting.” Dela Peña says. Whether one joins the organization out of curiosity or with a dream to bring something new to the table, The GUIDON has become a catalyst
The GUIDON 90th Anniversary Folio | 25 for aspiring journalists to
Despite this, she believes that
Though information is
build their own passion for
her team enabled those at the
becoming increasingly
covering pressing issues.
heart of the story to find their
accessible online,
voice. “[S]ome time during
misinformation has also
FACING DEMANDING
the summer, a source from
become rampant. In March
TRIALS
Marawi forwarded me photos
2019, Facebook took down
Aside from building passion,
of a rally that the locals
200 pages and accounts
campus journalism helps
have held and they were
organized by the social media
shape a student journalist’s
holding up banners that were
manager of President Rodrigo
ability to report stories as
supportive of our headline
Duterte’s 2016 presidential
accurately as possible, even
which was that Marawi was
campaign Nic Gabunada. The
when faced with pressure
still a ghost town,” she adds.
fake accounts posed as real
and negative feedback.
Like Cabato, Canoy had
people while posting news
With this, membership in
also come face-to-face with
stories that favored certain
The GUIDON has allowed
military restrictions and close
political candidates. These
campus journalists to prepare
calls during his coverage at
campaigns are just one of the
for the greater demands of
the height of the Marawi
many sources of misleading
professional journalism and
siege—especially in one
information online, revealing
the unpredictable nature of
incident where a bullet grazed
how difficult it has become to
the career.
his head. However, this did
sort out truth from lies.
not stop him from narrating
Cabato says as much. “[I]t’s so
In a February 2019 report
the harsh realities of the
much harder to distinguish
entitled Philippine forces
Marawi siege in his reports.
the truth now because of
cleared this city of Islamist
He adds that although “no
social media...misinformation,
militants in 2017. It’s still a
story is worth dying for,” his
[and] the blurred lines when
ghost town, Manila reporter
team remains steadfast in the
government officials say
for The Washington Post
process of uncovering and
things that might be different
and former Beyond Loyola
communicating stories
from what’s written on
staffer Regine Cabato (AB
that matter.
paper,” she stresses.
progress of rehabilitation
TUNING OUT
She further explains that it is
efforts in Marawi after the
DISTORTIONS
“both the best and worst time
siege between the Philippine
Along with the challenges
to be a journalist.” But despite
military and Islamic State-
that journalists face in
the fearsome dangers of the
linked militants in 2017.
extracting difficult stories,
job, journalists have “never
“Our story got a lot of flak…
distinguishing noise and
been more necessary.”
government officials had a lot
sensationalism from reality
to say about the story,”
is crucial in a journalist’s
she recounts.
reportage of present realities.
COM ‘16) reported on the
26 | A Voice of Truth
Despite the growing challenges that journalists face, the role that they play remains the same: To get as close as possible to the heart of the story. WIDENING VIEWPOINTS In a time when misinformation can easily circulate within online platforms, the need for campus journalists to practice the mandates of journalism arises: Serving as the voice of the youth and inspiring aspiring journalists to do the same. As a message to campus journalists and aspiring professional journalists alike, CNN Philippines Chief Correspondent Pia Hontiveros (AB IS ‘89) says, “In general, campus journalism is always a good foundation for journalism in the future...However...don’t just write about campus issues, you [should] cover outside also. Because when you leave school, you’re not gonna be doing campus issues.” Like Hontiveros, Cabato adds that her time in The GUIDON made her realize the importance of “waking people up to the possibility that [there are specific issues] happening to other people.” Although stark differences in scope and speed exist between campus journalism and the field of professional journalism, the former serves as a training ground for aspiring journalists to widen their awareness of broader realities. Despite the growing challenges that journalists face, the role that they play remains the same: To get as close as possible to the heart of the story.
ealities
The GUIDON 90th Anniversary Folio | 27
A citizen’s duty Written by Adelene Ha and Angel Martinez Illustrations by Denev C. Ng DURING THE midterm elections
influence to perpetuate the cycle of
in May 2019, University of
disinformation and sensationalism
Massachusetts Amherst professor
online. Thus, we must be more
Jonathan Ong went live on ANC
critical in assessing the credibility
to discuss a study that he and his
of sources and seeking accurate
colleagues professors Ross Tapsell
information now more than ever.
and Nicole Curato conducted
These tasks are often relegated to
to track innovations made in
members of the press because of
digital disinformation. The results
how time-consuming they could be
pointed to parody accounts
for the average citizen. However, in
and social media influencers as
these trying times, it has become
culprits in the continuous spread
every citizen’s obligation to make
of misinformation, with ordinary
truth-telling part of their way of life.
citizens earning as much as Php 1,000 a day by “copy-pasting”
That said, The GUIDON interviewed
the campaign messages of
three alumni who exhaust all
politicians on social media.
means to fight for the truth despite working outside of journalism in
These results suggest that one need
hopes of inspiring all Filipinos to
not be in a position of power and
follow their lead.
28 | A Voice of Truth NEW HORIZONS
a campus journalist taught
Agta community’s protest
Despite not having pursued
him invaluable skills, such
march from Aurora to Ateneo
professional journalism, these
as being “critical about the
in December 2012—dubbed
alumni believe that their time
things that we do, [which] in
the Aurora Pacific Economic
in The GUIDON has helped
our day and age has so
Zone and Freeport March—as
develop skills essential to the
much value.”
the most memorable. “That was shared by so many
promulgation of truth. Joyce Raboca (AB PSY ‘13) confirms
Similarly, Philosophy
people, and that sort of
this and says that her time as
professor and Editor-in-Chief
reaffirmed my belief that we
a Features staffer influenced
for A.Y. 2012-2013 Luther
Ateneans, even though there
her career as a legal policy
Aquino (AB PH ‘13) believes
are serious problems in our
and communications
that these skills must be
University, know when it
specialist. “I realized that I
utilized to speak out against
matters the most, most of us
was the kind of person who’d
those who abuse power and
know where to stand. That’s
always want to advocate and
those who silence minorities.
something that gave me a lot
tell stories.”
“We have to choose between
of hope,” he says.
competing
Striving towards the truth has evolved into a civil duty.
Editor-in-Chief for A.Y.
versions of
2017-2018 Robbin Dagle (AB
the truth, we
COM ‘18) shares the same
have to make
sentiments, and adds that The
decisions as
GUIDON influenced him to
to what or
work in the academe. “It’s one
who or which
way of pursuing the truths...
people are
of these particular minorities
more truthful.
who are being overlooked by
It’s something that demands
Dagle shares coverage
religion by the church, whose
work...and diligence,”
highlights of his own,
lives are not being listened
he explains.
particularly The GUIDON’s Execution Day interactive,
to or ignored,” he asserts. He adds that the
BLAST FROM
released in April 2017, which
rigors of being
THE PAST
timelined the last day of a
Aquino looks back at his
prisoner sentenced to death
time in The GUIDON with
row. For this assignment,
fondness because of
Dagle, along with his team of
the social issues he
fellow co-writers and staffers
was able to shed
from Digital Development
a light on. Among
all paid a visit to the lethal
these, he considers his coverage of the
injection chamber at the New Bilibid Prison to tell
The GUIDON 90th Anniversary Folio | 29 The challenge of pursuing the truth is not posed solely to individuals—even institutions the story from its best angle.
tends to be very sensational,
like the Ateneo are called to
“How could you design
the way they go about it
do their part. Fortunately,
something or make people
in the Philippines. It’s just
Dagle believes that the
feel through the interactive
sometimes sad to read articles
University has already
article that this is the pain of
that aren’t well-researched.”
covered the first step of this process. “The school sees
going through the execution, or of being hopeless in the
Ordinary citizens can also
value in transparency and
justice system?...[Hindi] pwede
collect and disseminate
opening up and maintain[ing]
research lang, you should be
news of their own through
spaces for dialogue. I hope the
there,” Dagle explains.
a movement called citizen
community can go through
journalism. To Raboca, this
this in good faith and listen to
Similarly, through her
phenomenon is double-
each other more,” he says.
work as a Features staffer
edged in nature. While this
in 2011, Raboca uncovered
exercise does give ordinary
many facets of others’
Filipinos an avenue to share
stories: “Not just [the story
their truths in real time, it
of] one person, not just
may become a threat if used
[the story of] the client I
irresponsibly. “Today, since
would be representing, but
the readership is so wide,
investigating both sides of
people need to be educated
Journalists may be the
the story as much as I can,”
about what they’re writing
vanguards of truth, but
she says.
before they write it down,”
given the state of our current
Raboca stresses.
affairs, striving towards the truth has evolved into a
IN CONSTANT PURSUIT
“It’s not just because people
civil duty. This is definitely
Raboca suggests that all
need to know the truth or
not a task for those with
citizens can all do their part
what have you, but it could
faint hearts and weak wills.
in the pursuit of truths by
be a criminal act to write
However, one can do their
being more principled and
something completely false
part in stopping the spread of
critical in their work. This
and malicious,” she states.
misinformation and uplifting
could start with the media
In addition, Raboca believes
the voices of unheard sectors
they choose to consume and
that thorough research before
as long as they keep in mind
allow to shape their opinions.
posting about anything is
why they fight the good fight
“Now, a lot of articles I read,
the key to a more
in the first place.
especially [those] online, are
intelligent society.
really lazy,” she laments. “It
File photo by John Oranga
Then and Now History often tells us about the present. This section looks back on the publication’s culture and reportage—be it within the Loyola Schools or beyond—in hopes of informing The GUIDON’s current contexts and coverages.
32 | Then and Now
Pubroom cultur Written by Jillian Lopez and Malaika Paculan Illustrations by Mikhaella Norlin Magat As the primary space for editors and staffers alike, The GUIDON’s Publication Room or Pubroom, as it is now commonly called, has served as a haven for critical thought and discourse as well as a space for the publication’s members to bond. Throughout The GUIDON’s existence, the Pubroom has undergone many changes, including its relocation from the second floor of Gonzaga Hall to the Manuel V. Pangilinan Center for Student Leadership in 2005.
The GUIDON 90th Anniversary Folio | 33
re
Despite the publication’s changes throughout the decades, there are things within the Pubroom—and The GUIDON—that remain the same. The publication comes to life because of the various staffers that have come and gone over the years, making the organization into the body we know of today. As org-wide events and staff bondings go by, the Pubroom remains open to all in need of a place to meet, unwind, and befriend other members of the organization. After all the time that has passed, the Pubroom stands—fostering lasting relationships and years of relentless journalism.
34 | Then and Now
The search for an Atenean voice Written by Billie Asuncion and Eala Julienne Nolasco Illustrations by Tiffany Cu
The GUIDON 90th Anniversary Folio | 35 In its course as a publication,
CHRONICLING
The GUIDON has been shaped
HISTORY
by the various truths and
History in the making, as
contexts of not only Ateneo
recorded by The GUIDON’s
but the nation as well. As The
issues across the years,
GUIDON chronicles the Ateneo
reveals paradigm shifts in the
community’s various realities
publication’s stances. Editorial
and Philippine society’s different
stances transitioned from being
truths, we look back to the
concentrated within campus
stances the publication has
matters—such as debate,
asserted over the years in its
and sports competitions—to
editorial and opinion pieces.
issues of national and political importance. These topics then
Many of these editorials echoed
pushed The GUIDON to make
the growing calls for student
more urgent calls for social
activism, revealing how the
involvement, and to encourage
publication also plays a role
Ateneans to be more proactive
in emphasizing the Ateneo’s
citizens of their nation.
place in improving our national situation. Throughout the
As early as 1939, a call for
years, The GUIDON called for
national awareness was made by
the realization of an Atenean
members of the publication. In a
voice that speaks not only of
1963 editorial entitled Inevitable?
awareness, but also
GUIDON alumni from Batch
of involvement.
39 asserted: “You [Ateneans] cannot choose to ignore or remain indifferent to the call of public service.” In a 1968 October editorial A Self-Examination, The GUIDON writes that Ateneans’ failure to participate in national politics hindered the institution’s attempts at bringing Ateneo away from the “snobbish and aristocratic elements which this school has chosen to eliminate.”
36 | Then and Now
Aside from asserting stances on national matters during the period of silence that
The GUIDON called for the realization of an Atenean voice that speaks not only of awareness, but also of involvement.
Martial Law brought upon the country, The GUIDON’s editorials discussed matters within the Ateneo community such as coeducation; It’s the education that’s important (1972) was strongly for the inclusion of women, while A varied cross section: Some views on coeducation (1973) looked into the more mixed opinions of those who were still uncertain about such a momentous change. However, as the veil of silence was cleared with the lifting of Martial Law and the end of Marcos’ press censorship, The GUIDON’s commitment to the truth became stronger. Piercing through the period of silence, postMartial Law editorial columns expanded its horizons to discussions on climate change and the institutions involved (Some notes for a climate scientist, 2011), debt crises of foreign countries that parallel the Philippine’s situation (Issues not unlike ours, 2011), and women’s rights (Pass the RH bill, 2012).
The GUIDON 90th Anniversary Folio | 37 HISTORY ON REPEAT Despite The GUIDON’s conviction for social concern, it is still worth questioning whether the publication has been able to consistently make Ateneans aware of the voices of the marginalized and call for students to be agents of change in the nation. A 1993 editorial article aptly titled Politics in the Ateneo: Still kicking? questioned whether students were doing enough to remain involved in shaping history. Regardless of the number of articles on politics that The GUIDON had published, the participation of Ateneans in campaigning for national issues was beyond anyone’s control but the students themselves. “Is Ateneo politics dead? Ateneans differ in their answers. These
responsibility to call students to action
differences reveal that power indeed
amid apathy and indifference.
resides in certain groups in the college, and is being divided and protected
Whether the subject is about
behind the scenes,” the editorial
Sanggunian efforts (Within and beyond,
stated. “Whether the Atenean wishes
2018) or the survival of democracy
to transcend [their] present level of
in the aftermath of national elections
politicization in and out of the Ateneo
(Democracy beyond decision day, 2016),
is purely up to [themself].”
The GUIDON’s interpretation of politics in the Ateneo is a microcosm
Articles published recently still echo
of national politics that calls students
sentiments on the importance of
to be more proactive—not only in
being critical and aware in order to
campus politics, but also against
avoid repetition of history. Having
threats to the rights and liberties of
experienced low voter turn-out for
the Filipino people. As the political
student body council elections on the
situation in the country becomes more
university level and fears of fascism
turbulent and repressive, The GUIDON
and dictatorship at the national
will continue to facilitate discourse,
level, The GUIDON shoulders the
and hopefully, meaningful change.
loyola 38 | Then and Now
The changing spaces of Ateneo Written by Jillian Lopez Archival photos from The GUIDON’s print issues Over the years, Ateneo has witnessed various renovations and refurbishments that have proven the campus’ ability to stand the test of time. With newly erected buildings and numerous campus revamps for the sake of modernization, the Ateneo has become a home to several generations of students who find solace in its quiet backdrop. Even with its constantly evolving spaces, the Ateneo campus persists to be a certainty that all students, faculty, and alumni can return to regardless of how much may change.
a
The GUIDON 90th Anniversary Folio | 39
COLAYCO HALL (MANUEL V. PANGILINAN CENTER FOR STUDENT LEADERSHIP) Colayco Hall was known to many as a venue for student activities. Named after The GUIDON’s first Editor-in-Chief Manuel C. Colayco, the hall was well-loved by many Ateneans as it housed various student organizations. Colayco was torn down in 2005 to be replaced by the Manuel V. Pangilinan Center for Student Leadership, but the Colayco Pavilion—where organizations have the option to meet and hold their annual Tambay Weeks—serves as a call back to the well-loved Colayco building and the many org-active students it has seen flourish over the years.
File photo by Jeff Pascual
40 | Then and Now GONZAGA HALL Inaugurated in 1951 after the Jesuit Saint Aloysius Gonzaga, the three-story building houses a chapel and the college cafeteria where students and faculty could spend their breaks. Although Gonzaga Hall served as the primary location for the Confederation of Publications’ Pubroom and the Tanghalang Ateneo org room, it was later referred to as the Science Building because it also housed the Physics and Biology Departments before they were both relocated. Presently, Gonzaga Hall has become a constant space of Atenean life, hosting different Christmas programs for visitors and broadcasting live sports events for its students, all while serving delicious and affordable food.
File photo by Reena C. Pineda
File photo by
LOYOLA CENTER (BLUE EAGLE GYM) Established in 1949, the Loyola Center was the first building erected within Ateneo de Manila University’s Loyola Heights campus. During its earlier years, the gymnasium hosted collegiate competitions where students cheered for wellknown athletes such as Moro Lorenzo, Ning Ramos, and Chole Gaston. Now the Blue Eagle Gym, the venue serves as a place to train and condition many of Ateneo’s athletes as well as host the annual Cheer Rally for first-year students.
The GUIDON 90th Anniversary Folio | 41
File photo by Jeff Pascual
y Haziel dela Rosa File photo by Aldo Santiago
FIRST PACIFIC HALL
File photo by Jason Mariano
(NEW RIZAL LIBRARY) The addition of the First Pacific Hall, known to many as the New Rizal Library, has become one of the University’s most frequented areas for quiet research and study. Before its construction in 2009, the space was occupied by a large pond—fondly called Meron Pond—with bushes and flowers lining its perimeter.
File photo by Jason Mariano
This section details how The GUIDON’s milestones have improved the publication’s reach and capacity to deliver its stories. Throughout the years, the publication has adapted and improved to meet the needs and expectations of its audience.
44 | The Campus Press Today
A history of pioneers Written by Patricia Villoria and Ann Gabrielle Domingo Illustrtion by Mikhaella Norlin Magat As the years pass, publications must evolve to cater to the interest of its ever-changing audience and circumstances. This timeline, complemented by accounts from some of the publications’ pioneers, chronicles how The GUIDON has adapted its structure to widen its capabilities, further its reach, and provide more platforms for different kinds of people who can play their part in writing, designing, and maintaining the publication.
The GUIDON 90th Anniversary Folio | 45 1947 – The GUIDON established the Literary and Military staffs 1986 – The GUIDON created the Research staff 1993 – The Inquiry staff was established. 2001 – alt+g, The GUIDON’s online magazine, was created. The magazine was the publication’s first staff dedicated to chronicling Ateneo pop culture. 2002 – The Web and the Training & Development staffs were created 2007 – The Operations Staff became the Externals Staff
File photos by Aldo Santiago, Jason Mariano, and Mike Perfecto BEYOND LOYOLA The Beyond Loyola Staff branched out from the Inquiry staff in 2007 to discuss issues outside of the University. While the former was tasked to facilitate discourse on national and international concerns, the latter narrowed down its focus on the University’s internal issues. For the staff’s founder and A.Y. 2007-2008 Associate Editor Paterno Esmaquel II (AB COM ‘08), Ateneans needed to be more educated about issues beyond the hill. He explains that writing about stories beyond Ateneo contributed to training the publication’s writers to become professional journalists. At the same time, Esmaquel sees the publication’s coverage of global issues as a welcome development for the student population as well, one that upheld Ateneo’s values. “When we say Beyond Loyola, it’s not just in the Philippines, but we can also talk about the world, especially because Ateneo is trying to instill in its students a global outlook,” he says. To this day, the staff’s mission lives on as it continues to probe into matters outside of the Loyola Schools. Beyond Loyola has recently covered topics such as the construction of the Kaliwa Dam, the dubious allotment of funds for Marawi, and the trade relations between China and the Philippines. Although The GUIDON’s role is to cater to Ateneans, the presence of the Beyond Loyola staff reminds its readers of their Filipino identity. Part of that identity is the duty to learn, read, and participate in discourse on issues that affect the lives of their countrymen.
46 | The Campus Press Today 2010 – The Web Staff became the Web Design & Development Staff. 2012 – alt+g was renamed to Katipunan Magazine – The Multimedia Staff was created. It was tasked to produce video content for the publication’s online releases.
VANTAGE MAGAZINE The GUIDON’s online magazine began as a space where the publication could dedicate itself to immortalizing the Atenean culture and identity. Though it has gone through various iterations—rebranding from alt+g to Katipunan Magazine in 2012 and eventually shifting into Vantage Magazine in 2014—the online magazine has always been keen on framing its releases in a more lighthearted and relatable, yet relevant manner. Two former editors of The GUIDON’s online magazine believe that soft news, a style of journalism that tackles culture, lifestyle, and entertainment, plays an important role in shedding a different kind of light on national issues. Former Katipunan Magazine Editor and A.Y. 2013-2014 Editor-in-Chief Apa Agbayani (AB COM ’14) says as much, explaining that there is an abundance of art that has touched on the political: “There’s so much art out there that speaks to political realities; a lot of music, theater, films, and events. And I think that it’s important to lead people to these cultural cornerstones.” Elaborating further on soft news’ role in service journalism, A.Y. 2015-2016 Vantage Magazine Editor Santiago Arnaiz (BS LM ’16) asserts that if we limit our view of nationbuilding to uncovering hard truths, then we forget to celebrate the very culture we are trying to protect. As the online magazine continues to write about culture, Vantage Magazine has delved deep into topics like mental health, gender equality, and social activism. The staff continues to prove that soft news can tackle heavier issues while simultaneously celebrating what it means to be truly Atenean—and truly human.
File photo by Ralph Lim
File photo by Jeff Pascual
2014 – The Web Design & Development Staff became the Online Media Staff
The GUIDON 90th Anniversary Folio | 47
2015 DIGITAL DEVELOPMENT Over the years, the Digital Development staff has been at the forefront of The GUIDON’s explorations into the digital realm, whether it be through online interactives or maximizing the website’s impact through user-friendly designs. After several iterations of the Web Staff years prior, A.Y. 2014-2015 Design Executive Editor Jan-Daniel Belmonte (BFA ID ’15) paved the way for Digital Development’s relaunch in 2015, seeing the staff as an opportunity to further diversify The GUIDON’s stories. According to him, this move was built on three premises: Relevance to the student body, empowerment of the staffers, and the need to catch up with the evolution of other news outlets. The rise of online journalism in the digital age meant that they had to find ways to keep up with the breakneck speed and innovative quality of content released by other media outfits. The digital medium also allowed The GUIDON’s stories to expand its reach. A.Y. 2017-2018 Design Executive Editor Carlos Arcenas (BS CS ’18) says that using the web as a proper medium was the next step towards the publication’s goal to record Atenean history in the making. Now, The GUIDON’s audience has opened up not only to Ateneans, but also to readers from around the country.
48 | The Campus Press Today 2016 – The Training & Development Staff became the Human Resources Staff – The Online Media Staff became the Social Media Staff – The Multimedia Staff became the Video Production Staff
RESEARCH In a time when anyone can claim their own biases to be facts, A.Y. 2016-2017 Managing Editor Miguel Sevidal’s (BS ME ’17) core belief about research stands as relevant as ever: Numbers tell a story. When a piece is backed up by both quantitative and qualitative data, it becomes not only the narrative of one, but the story of many. According to Sevidal, writing with quantitative data from the staff’s consultative research arm allows articles to shed more light on the context and scale of the issues it tackles. Aside from that, numbers can also be the basis for managerial decisions. He asserts that data plays an integral role in maximizing the press cycle as it keeps writers and staffs on track while also charting statistics to better reflect on the publication’s past performance. This role in keeping the publication in check proves that journalism isn’t only found in words. Through their expertise in numbers and statistics, the Research staff proves that numbers have a place at the forefront and backend of The GUIDON.
The GUIDON 90th Anniversary Folio | 49 2017 BROADCAST NEWS Establishing the Broadcast News Staff was a risk that the publication took in 2017. The staff’s founder and A.Y. 2017-2018 Broadcast News Editor, Briane de la Peña (AB COM ’18) shares that there were apprehensions about the decision as broadcasting was foreign ground for student publications. However, he saw the staff as a way of challenging the limits of news and “[pushing] the boundaries of campus journalism.” Since its establishment, the staff’s video reports and coverages have allowed stakeholders to tell their own stories. Since today’s student body is an audience that spends most of their time on their phones, he adds that visual elements in storytelling must be considered in order to immerse the audience into narratives. “If I were the audience [of our live coverages], I would feel like I’m a part of it,” he adds. To de la Peña, news is not something that the people must chase. In fact, part of a journalist’s mandate is to ensure that the truth comes out in ways most accessible to their audience.
With the creation of each and every new staff, The GUIDON continues to adapt to the changing times in order to chronicle the truth in its most accurate and integral form. The boundless opportunities in different staffs bode well for future student journalists who will continue to shape and mold The GUIDON to better serve the Ateneo community and the nation.
journ alistic 50 | The Campus Press Today
Editors’ picks Written by Raphael de la Cruz, Ann Gabrielle Domingo, Patricia Villoria, and Patricia Yap From stories close to home or far from it and issues that start fires or tug at the heartstrings to new perspectives that turn tides or cement verdicts, The GUIDON does its best to fulfill its commitment to fair, balanced, and truthful journalism that sparks critical discourse among the publication’s readers. This list is a look-back on The GUIDON’s releases from the past four years to see how the timeless principles of honest journalism continue to persist in an age of fake news and disinformation—a time when watchdogs and gatekeepers of the
excel truth are needed the most.
c
th The Folio theGUIDON nuances of90 theirAnniversary diagnoses to help the| 51
viewers understand the kind of support that they need. Encouraging students to freely talk about this topic was a step towards lifting the stigma on FACING MENTAL HEALTH (2016) Directed by Quita Chuatico Produced by Roxie Y. Ramirez, Andre C. Orendain, and Rafa Abaya Shot by Rafa Abaya, Quita Chuatico, and Miguel S. Murga Graphics and Editing by Miguel S. Murga Facing Mental Health is a collaboration between Vantage Magazine and the Video Production
mental health conditions that hinder many others from voicing out their own struggles. Since it was released, the comments section of the video has become a space where others showed love, asked more questions, and shared their own stories in hopes of destigmatizing mental illnesses. Watch it here:
staff that aimed to shed light on mental health conditions in a country where these illnesses are viewed as taboo. The video is a reminder that anyone could be suffering from mental illnesses, and the students featured discuss
File photos by Gabriel J. Medina ACED - THE GUIDON (2017-PRESENT) Organized by the Externals Staff ACED - The GUIDON is a journalism workshop for public and private high school students. The project is spearheaded by the publication’s Externals Staff in partnership with the Ateneo Center for Educational Development. This one-day event aims to usher in a new generation of journalists by inspiring them to hone their skills early on. Past workshops have featured experts in the field of news writing, investigative journalism, and photojournalism, among others, to speak about their profession. This year, ACED - The GUIDON has rebranded to Point One, which signifies the participants’ first step into the world of journalism. Although it is now independently organized by The GUIDON and carries a different name, the project still stays true to its goal of instilling the spirit of truth-seeking in the hearts of the youth.
52 | The Campus Press Today
EXECUTION DAY (2017)
Written by JC A. Beltran, Ina M. Morales, and Janelle Paris
The effective storytelling
Photos by Ana Batiller, Patrick Ong, and Jeff Pascual
and immersive design of
Interactive by Ana Batiller and Mike del Castillo
the interactive pull on all the necessary emotions to
When President Rodrigo
swift and cruel consequences
promote the objective of the
Duterte was elected into his
of capital punishment.
interactive: To shed light on
position in 2016, one of his
Through the interactive,
the inhumanity of the death
first vows to the Filipino
readers are taken through the
penalty and initiate discourse
people was to bring back the
proceedings of a prisoner’s
on this polarizing issue.
death penalty ten years after
day of execution under the
Congress had put it to sleep
death penalty. The subject
back in 2006.
is daunting on its own, but it is pushed further with an
Execution Day is a
ominous clock that slowly
collaboration between the
counts down the hours as
Beyond Loyola, Digital
readers scroll through
Development, and Photos
the narrative.
staffs which detailed the
See it here:
The GUIDON 90th Anniversary Folio | 53
AFTER THE AFTERPARTY (2018) Article by Marianne M. Goh and Ria E. Roldan Illustration by Cody Jalandoni After the afterparty is a Features article that highlights the sexism, misogyny, and objectification in the local music industry. It shows how present society and culture has perpetuated sexual misconduct and directs its readers to the bigger picture of harassment within the tightly-knit community. Here, recurring cases of sexual harassment reveal the consequences of sexual prejudice left unaddressed in a country that is plagued by industries that lacks in female representation and thrives on the protection of harassers in power. The article asserts the need to challenge this unacceptable culture. Highlighting efforts within and beyond the Ateneo in normalizing conversations on sexual injustice was its step forward in ending the fear and undeserved guilt of the survivors.
Read it here:
54 | The Campus Press Today
In pursuit of the Written by Raphael C. Dela Cruz and Patricia Yap Campus publications
FULFILLING THE
Similarly, the De La Salle
are platforms that allow
BIGGER DUTY
University’s campus
students and staff alike to
Student-run publications
publication The LaSallian
witness history as it happens
are able to be at the front
helped amplify the voices
both within and beyond
lines of developing affairs
of some Peerless Products
a university. This identity
in their own locale. With
Manufacturing Corporation
comes with a number
their nuanced point of view,
(PEPMACO) employees and
of responsibilities that
they have the privilege and
UV Express drivers last July
contribute to their active
responsibility to convey
2019 with their coverage of
pursuit of the stories
the plight of their
the abuses at the hands of
that matter most to
own stakeholders.
PEPMACO and the negative impacts of the point-to-
their studentry. Ateneo Employees and
point system for UV
Their writers engage in
Workers Union (AEWU)
Express drivers.
government and politics to
President Sonnie Amata says
communicate these issues
campus publications serve
Even with controversial
in a way that best fits their
as the voice of stakeholders
issues such as the Aegis Juris
audience. Their stories, in
who do not have proper
incident in May 2018, the
the same vein, aim to widen
avenues to address the
University of Santo Tomas’
student views beyond the
public. “Naipaliwanag nila,
Varsitarian took great care
comforts of classrooms.
kasi hindi naman talaga namin
in opening the discussion on
Office of Student Activities
magagawang kausapin sila at
fraternities in the university,
Director Tats Quiblat speaks
ipaliwanag isa-isa sa kanila
spreading caution towards a
about these roles, saying
kung ano yung cause namin
recurring, yet taboo matter.
that campus publications
([Campus publications] are
should “Bring [the readers]
able to explain, because
Here, the role of campus
what they need to know, give
we can’t really talk to [the
journalists extends beyond
them a voice if they want to
students] and explain our
university concerns as they
speak, and then, develop their
cause to them one-by-one).”
delve deeper into the issues
critical thinking.”
that affect the everyday
The GUIDON 90th Anniversary Folio | 55
Truth
Illustration by Genesis Tan
Filipino. As such, the campus press is able
be brave in terms of their stories, in terms
to cover the stories of those who might
of their angles,” she said.
be overlooked by mainstream media. The editorial independence to talk about INDEPENDENT PLATFORMS
the issues they deem most important is
Campus publications such as The
something that is not taken for granted.
GUIDON, The LaSallian, The Varsitarian,
Each space on the broadsheet then
and many others have chosen to tackle
becomes an opportunity for another
coverages that shed light from their
perspective to be heard.
own vantage points. And at times, the stories that they tell may be daunting and
As they pursue the truth, campus
sensitive to cover.
publications become more than a medium to witness history. The efforts
For Sanggunian President for AY
of various campus journalists to lend an
2017-2018 Ia Marañon (AB DS ‘18),
ear makes them an avenue for democracy,
this courage is due to the editorial
empowerment, and action. More than
independence that many campus
a reporter or a watchdog, they become
publications have. “I think that’s why
makers of history within and beyond
campus publications have this capacity to
their universities’ walls as well.
File photo by Jeff Pascual
Further with the Truth The GUIDON continues to carry the responsibility to contribute to nation-building through its stories. This section focuses on the publication’s potential for growth, its role in the future of journalism, and how it must adapt to ever-changing times and realities.
58 | The Further Campus with the Press Truth Today
Opinion written by Raizza P. Bello
To journos: A call to ar
Illustrations by Genesis Jacinth Tan On the early evening of
fears over the security and
quick to share sentiments and
October 17, 2019, Ivan
ongoing work for peace and
ask questions about the case.
Almeda was shot from
respect towards diversity
behind by an unidentified
in the city. It has also raised
MCBP is only one of the
gunman while walking
the citizens’ participation in
community media platforms
within campus grounds. He
information dissemination
that follow the citizen
was a 20-year-old freshman
and consumption of
journalism model. Prompted
student who came from
community news.
by the armed conflict and the continuous issues in
Agusan del Sur to pursue his studies in the Mindanao State
Immediately after the
Marawi’s rehabilitation more
University Main Campus in
incident, the Marawi City
than two years since the
Marawi City, a popular tale
Bayan Patrol (MCBP), a
siege, these kinds of platforms
for the Christian students in
citizen patrol Facebook
provide urgent and focused
the university.
page, posted
information for the
about the
community—a
encounter. It
basic and
alluded to a love triangle or a fight during a sports game as potential motives for
valuable aid for those who are directly affected by circumstances of conflict.
the shooting. It also included photos and videos of Almeda
This set-up has also been
covered in blood, lying down
eased by the advancements
on a cement floor, seemingly
in social media and
lifeless while a few people
technology which
from the traumas brought
rushed to help and onlookers
strengthen a
about by the infamous
surrounded the scene. The
public sentiment
2017 Marawi siege, this
post easily made rounds
today: Anywhere,
occurrence has resurfaced
online and netizens were
anytime—just
For a community still distraught and recovering
Th p se h of
: rms
The GUIDON 90th Anniversary Folio | 59 with a gadget, an online account,
nuanced, sensitive, and humane
access to the internet, a photo or video
reporting of conflict.
with a caption, and a click—anyone can be a journalist.
That is only possible through doing the dirty work of listening to opposing
But this belief should be strongly
perspectives, making sense of peoples’
challenged and reshaped, especially
experiences and loads of data, and
in the coverage of conflict stories.
at the end, voicing the verified truth
As information and its flow are muddled by internal and external factors such as peoples’
for the service and benefit of the people. And that is difficult work only journalists will do.
grievances, access to media, and pervading ideologies,
Admittedly, the road is never easy.
citizen journalism becomes
The job of the journalists, especially
inadequate. Trained and
in communities affected by conflict,
ethical journalists are needed.
is an everyday risk. Many things
We must draw the line.
here is a need to... prioritize nuanced, ensitive, and humane reporting f conflict.
must be considered such as access to information and personal safety— a tricky spot of protecting one’s self while delivering stories of the unheard people. But may this call inspire understanding and development of journalistic practice so people like Ivan, who passed away eight days after being in a coma, won’t just be another celebrated post and an alarming story.
There is a need for accurate reporting of complex stories that empower the
Journos, let’s pick up our arms.
disempowered and lobby for genuine change—may it be in the form of
Raizza P. Bello (AB COM
bridging stakeholders in an issue,
‘16) was a Sports staffer
urging for accountability in housing
for The GUIDON from
the displaced, or influencing systems
2012 to 2015. She is
and policies that affect the public.
currently pursuing
There is a need to understand the
freelance journalism and
plight of the community, encourage
development work
representation in stories, and prioritize
in Mindanao.
60 | The Further Campus with the Press Truth Today If only a President, particularly President Marcos, understands and appreciates some fundamental truths… The first of these truths is that a man undergoes an inner change the moment he steps into the presidency and begins to enjoy his privileges and exercise his vast powers... The second is that because of this change, Presidents soon acquire an insatiable appetite for praises and favorable comments. The least critical observation on the vast discrepancy between promise and performance is considered asinine and ill-informed—The mildest stricture on the flatulence of leadership or on the ruthlessness of that leadership is classified as subversive and its authors become fair game and the intrusion into privacy… (I.P. Soliongco, “The Uses of Criticism,” Manila Chronicle, February 17, 1967)
Thoughts on press freedom This editorial article was published in The GUIDON in February 1984, two years before the People Power Revolution. Illustration by Carmela B. Masiglat
The GUIDON 90th Anniversary Folio | 61 Beyond Soliongco’s 1967
threatening to
sedition law more repressive
protest against the arbitrary
national security?
than the US Sedition Act of July 1978. A decade
nuances of national leadership, the principle of
In the Philippines,
later, having achieved their
sovereignty has been subject
freedom of the press—a
economic goals and calmed
to arguments which question
democratic principle where
errant Filipinos to cooperative
the validity of its possession
democracy can claim no
complacency, the Americans
(Renato Constantino,
base since democracy has
“gifted” the country with
Soliongco Today—a
no Asian referent—is barely
democratic principles of
Contemporary From the Past,
understood (I.P. Soliongco,
freedom of the press, speech,
1981). Martial Law vested
“An Image-oriented Society,”
and of assembly—though still
the military with power so
Manila Chronicle, 1968).
catering, in some degree, to
complete that the society
The standard of the West is
their colonial requirements.
in itself was faced with a
purely academic in Asia. As
structure of strict obedience
one of the great democratic
Thus, it becomes apparent
to authority, often at the
rights, press freedom in
that the denial to the right of
sacrifice of independent moral
the early American era had
expression dons a prevalent
judgment. This, coupled with
been appropriated by the
role in Philippine history.
the New Society’s stress upon
Americans for their exclusive
Freedom of the press has
national security, set the
use. Following the example
become a battle cry of a
stage for the determination
of their predecessors—the
generation hungry for the
of the forces of power, and
Spanish colonial lords of
fulfillment of its needs to
inevitably for the alteration of
300 years—the Americans
openly and without fear voice
the outlook of the “sovereign”
had for their first concern
its beliefs.
people, an, consequently,
the possible opposition
for the flow of journalistic
of a people who had just
Today, whenever a discussion
activity (Marcelo Soriano, The
undergone revolution,
on the freedom of the press
Quiet Revolt of the Philippine
established their own
is attempted, it is imperative
Press, 1981). “Subversive”
democratic government,
that a distinction be made
became a term often bandied
and written their own
on two levels of definition:
about but never quite defined
constitution (Agoncillo
The level of the principal per
by those who act upon it.
and Guerrero, History of
se and the level of concrete
the Filipino People, 1970).
reality. The major implication
The question then is one of
Consequently, having
of this, briefly, is that the
degree: To what extent is
curtailed the people’s right to
theory of press freedom is
subversion determined by
information, the Americans,
often illusory in nature and
the forces and power? What
through the almost all-
may have to be grounded
role does such a body play
American Philippine
in the context of immediate
in the judgment of what is
Commission, promulgated a
publisher interests, for these
62 | The Further Campus with the Press Truth Today are of primary concern
and Human Interaction,
The assassination of
and, ahead of some other
1977). These are essential
opposition leader Benigno
requirements, must be
in maintaining image and
Aquino on August 21, 1983,
catered and attended to.
peace within the regime.
has sparked incomparable
“People must be persuaded
protest from most of the
At this point, the role of
to obey laws” just as they
once-complacent hordes of
the government re-emerges
must be kept informed of
people that comprise the
as a factor upon which a
events and issues which may
whole range of Philippine
newspaper’s publication
be crucial to government
society. Collective indignation
depends to a great extent.
interests. Other devices
has inspired a new movement
Specifically, the government
used by governments which
in the assertion of one’s
functions as a controlling
closely relate to persuasion
rights, a phenomenon clearly
arm that releases funds
are punishment and
evident in the current boom
and issues licenses to the
reward—an ominous thought
of tabloids that sport such
publisher. Thus the latter’s
which constantly hovers in
banners as Malaya, Philippine
survival is intrinsically linked
the minds of recalcitrant
Free Press, The Guardian, and
to the former’s approval. The
journalists. Media allows for
La Solidaridad.
nationalization of major
the steady contact between
dailies upon the declaration
the governing and the
Already, the management
of martial law has created
governed. This relationship
of these tabloids claim that
a dependency relationship
of government to media
attempts to discredit them
between the Philippine press
is a critical one therefore,
are being made by the
and government which may
and examining the limits
government. For example,
have effectively axed
of freedom has become
a fake issue of Malaya was
the growth of the
necessary in order that
found circulating all over
nation’s journalism.
freedom may be preserved.
Manila—a watered-down
Media is a useful tool of governments since it is through media that the government may channel the exercise of its powers. Information and persuasion are devices essential to governments which media can best provide (Roberto Murphy, Mass Communication
Information is power and realizing this, it is the ploy of totalitarian governments to seize...paths the press may dare tread.
The GUIDON 90th Anniversary Folio | 63 version of the publication. The
her political beliefs and that
with the increase in political
opposition asserts that these
all those detained are charged
awareness brought about by
copies have their sources
with crimes against national
the Aquino assassination,
among forces close to the
security and public order as
that Filipinos are becoming
present administration (Sylvia
provided by law.”
boulder and questioning the
Mayuga, speech at Luneta
validity of such arrests
Grandstand Rally, November
Tirol’s articles illustrate the
27, 1983).
insufficiency of Col. Ermita’s
and detentions.
legal definition of subversion:
Information is power and
In addition, there have been
Carlos Benosa, wage-earner
realizing this, it is the ploy
many arrests of labor union
at a tin can factory, arrested
of totalitarian governments
members and journalists
on charges of subversion
to seize the functions of
for charges of subversion.
for possessing copies of
distributing information,
Thirty-nine workers/
labor publication Bawis;
controlling the media systems
unionists have been arrested
Alfredo Mansos, factory
and consequently effecting
and detained since August
worker, arrested on charges
boundaries to the paths the
1982on charges of being
of subversion for attending
press may dare tread. In the
“subversives” and “economic
a labor meeting; Charlie
effort to maintain popular
saboteurs” (Lorna Kalaw-
Palma, labor organizer of the
sovereignty, the right to
Tirol, “Detainees’ Families”
National Federation of Labor;
information must remain
Task Force for Detainees,”
Marie and Rene Marciano,
with the people. It is this
“Military Side of Detainee
husband and wife, both
prospect, and the bleak
Issue,” Panorama, 11/13/83).
suspected of connections
specter of the Philippines’
Col. Eduardo R. Ermita of the
with Marie’s boss, Eduardo
rapidly deteriorating
Office of Detainee Affairs for
Olaguer—all accused of that
conditions and diminished
Minister of National Defense
elusive term: subversion. The
state of press freedom, that
Juan Ponce Enrile explicitly
aforementioned examples
prompts the delving into
stated in the interview that
are all labor-related cases.
the concept of subversion
“no person has been detained
Much more common though
in the context of today’s
merely on the basis of his or
not mentioned in Tirol’s
journalism in the hope that
articles were the detention of
truth may be salvaged, and
journalists for the
a semblance of true freedom
same charges.
may be restored. There is an urgent need to scrutinize the
These and other cases
mechanisms that lubricate the
of political arrests and
Philippine press. The cardinal
detentions have been known
principle of democracy, after
to the public for quite some
all, is the people’s right
time. It is only now however,
to know.
Illustration by Denev C. Ng
64 | The Further Campus with the Press Truth Today Written by Zoe Andin, Jean Mangaluz, and Ria Tenido Illustrations by Denev C. Ng In anticipation of The GUIDON’s 100th anniversary in 2029, the 90th Anniversary Editorial Board has set the following goals. Rather than define specific points of action to be taken, these goals focus on ground-setting and may act as a jumping-off point for future members of the organization to adapt to their existing contexts.
PURSUING THE STORY: Diversifying multimedia content to complement regular print releases Launch annual multimedia exhibits, similar to the Information Design thesis exhibits, showcasing the best outputs of the publication throughout the school year. Produce more documentaries on local issues, especially those that do not receive mainstream media coverage, to instill broader awareness among Ateneans. Collaborate with the Communication Department to establish a partnership to use the facilities of the Eugenio Lopez Jr. Center for Multimedia Communication to shoot broadcasts and video productions.
The GUIDON’s th 100 Anniversa
The GUIDON 90th Anniversary Folio | 65
CHANGING TIDES: Further cementing an online presence Redesign and relaunch The GUIDON’s websites to better streamline all content and improve user experience. Continue to restructure the print issues of the publication in terms of layout and readability to compliment online content. Create a GUIDON App, which will allow the student body to access the publication’s content seamlessly on their smartphones.
GOING BEYOND: Establishing deeper relations with external stakeholders Conduct further research on the digital medium, its sustainability and accessibility among members of the Loyola Schools and beyond, and the integration with the print issues. Strengthen alumni relations through The GUIDON’s Alumni Association by expanding the group to 1,000 members and organizing regular gatherings with alumni members. Provide scholarship grants for aspiring journalists in the Loyola Schools with the help of alumni, other members of the Confederation of Publications, and the Office of Admission and Aid.
ary Goals
A continuing legacy The GUIDON caps off its 90th—and perhaps most eventful—year chock-full of growth and equipped with a new perspective that is both grounded in the publication’s rich history and motivated by its current thrust for innovative journalism. As we look towards The GUIDON’s 100th anniversary, we hope this folio may serve as a blueprint for the next generation of GUIDONeers who will continue to amplify and fight for the truth in the face of impunity— just like those who came before them.