The Junior Advocate Vol. VI Issue I

THEJUNIOR ADVOCATE

The Official Student Publication of FEU High School

GOING GLOBAL

Tamaraws venture Taiwan for first-ever int’l work immersion

Juancarlos Raphael Apalit

Grade 12 Tamaraw delegates took off from Morayta to Hungkuang University (HKU) to participate in FEU High School’s (FEU HS) International Work Immersion Program, a first for the school, last July 24-29 at Taichung, Taiwan.

The five-day work immersion kicked off with a welcoming ceremony spearheaded by HKU. Opening the celebration, HKU Dean of International Affairs Office Tiger Tien delivered his message and introduced the HKU faculty.

Following, FEU HS STEM Coordinator Bryan Cabueñas addressed a speech to HKU, wishing for more immersion projects in the future. He bestowed a ‘Sarimanok’ emblem upon Tien as a token of gratitude.

The Tamaraws then presented a ‘Lapay Bantigue’ dance performance. Shortly after, the students and faculty participated in games and leisure activities to cap off the welcoming ceremony.

The event introduced the students to different areas of science and technology: Plane Flying, 3D Modeling, Rapid Tooling, Virtual Reality and Metaverse simulations, and Chemistry, with additional Mandarin lessons.

Concluding the immersion, the Tamaraws took a trip to the Taiwan National Museum of Natural Science, oriented on Taiwan’s natural science history. Finally, they visited the National Museum of Fine Arts at the Taichung Theater.

The inaugural international work immersion program signaled the start of a series of FEU HS partnerships with universities abroad.

VOLUME VI, ISSUE 1 July-October 2023

© The Junior Advocate. All Rights Reserved.

Fil-Am student leaders connect with Tamaraws for cultural exchange

Raymond De Guzman

Filipino-American (Fil-Am) students from various institutions in the United States, through the Filipino Young Global Leaders Program (FYGLP) of The Philippine Living Heritage Initiative, visited FEU High School for a cultural exchange through leadership engagement with the FEU High School Tamaraws, July 3, at the FEU Campus Grounds. Tamaraw students and FYGLP cohorts participated in a Leaders’ Engagement and Achievement Determination (LEAD) Talk which discussed the similarities and differences of the student leaders’ experiences and insights at the Science Building (SB).

Following the talk, the students engaged in a Larong Pinoy session facilitated by the Physical Education Cluster. Concluding the Fil-Am students’ immersion, a Pinoy Food Trip and a campus tour were led by the Association of Young Entrepreneurs and Accountants and FEU Guides.

EDITORIAL

Adhiraya Dance Company and FEU HS Cheer Cadets took center stage to welcome the guests with intermission numbers at SB and Pavillion 2, respectively.

FYGLP, spearheaded by FEU HS Student Government and the Academic Services and Student Affairs Office, is a 15-day Philippine immersion led by the Philippine Living Heritage Initiative. Through the immersion, Fil-Am students explore and reconnect with their Filipino heritage throughout their Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao tours in collaboration with multiple schools and organizations nationwide.

Tamaraws land on Cebu for 3rd Youth Leaders’ Summit

Patrick Raphael Ulibas

FEU HS and NCR SibikaHub delegates conversed through the Arangkada: Youth Leaders’ Summit 2023 of YouthLed PH last September 28 to 29, 2023, at the IEC Convention Center, Cebu.

Morayta-based student leaders Aicelle Aivriel Avecilla, Patrick Raphael Ulibas, Sophia Nicole Baluyut, Irish Jane Oliveros, and Melquiades Acomular III, together with the Humanities and Social Sciences Coordinator and FEU High School Sibika Hub Project Lead Tyron Judes Casumpang, participated in the three-day national summit discussing youth participation on social issues.

The FEU High School representatives were also part of the premiere launch of the updated Philippine Youth Development Plan (PYDP) of 2023-2028 of the

National Youth Commission. This framework outlines practical strategies for planning and implementing youth development policies in the Philippines.

Kickstarting the first day, Atty. Rebekah Eubanks, Deputy Mission Director of the United States Agency for International Development, opened the program with her remarks. The welcoming speech of Myn Garcia, Deputy Country Representative of The Asia Foundation, followed her. Shortly after, Cebu City Mayor Hon. Michael Rama, delivered his welcoming remarks.

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Soaring Through Experiences. STEM Student Luigi Bermudez (right) immerses himself in the drone and unmanned aerial vehicle activity during FEU High School’s international work immersion program at from Hungkuang University, Taiwan.

Photo by Roxanne Jenibelle Lim The Home of the Brave

Snapshot of Success: In a captivating moment, Filipino-American students from United States universities radiate happiness, encapsulating the triumph and camaraderie they experienced during their cultural exchange at FEU High School.

Photo by Kim Ren Mar Repking

Graduates flip tassels in FEU HS 6th Commencement Exercises

Juancarlos Raphael Apalit

Senior Tamaraws gathered for their graduation in the 6th Commencement Exercises held last July 17, at the Plenary Hall of the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), Pasay City.

Science Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) students marched in the morning ceremony while Accountancy, Business, and Management (ABM), General Academic Strand (GAS), and Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) graduates followed in the afternoon. Kickstarting the ceremony were preliminaries such as the processional,

entrance of university mace and colors, and singing of the national anthem. STEM Student and Service Awardee Mark Vincent Durano led the invocation in the morning session. In contrast, GAS-Science Student Eulla Legarda led the afternoon session.

Executive Director Generoso Pamittan Jr. presented the candidates for graduation to the FEU President, Michael M. Alba. Pamittan Jr., with the Director for Academic Affairs, Stephen Jay Co, then honored the graduates with their awards and certificates.

Top STEM Student Chareeze Raiza Bayad and Class Valedictorian and HUMSS student Mika Jeanela Pagalaran spoke on behalf of the graduating class for the morning and afternoon sessions, respectively.

FEU alumni Karen Graciles-Remo and Jeffrey Mora graced the exercises as the commencement speakers. “Fellow Tamaraws, your family and our country expect a lot from you. Make them proud,” advised Mora in his speech.

Pamittan Jr. and FEU Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Maria

Recognition Rites ‘23 lauds Tamaraw achievers

Jasmine Blaize Ramos

Student achievers across different strands and grade levels attended the Recognition Rites ‘23 face-to-face for the first time since the pandemic on June 27 and 29 at the FEU Main Auditorium.

Junior High School, Grade 11 ABM, HUMSS, and STEM students attended the first day of the event. Former ABM Coordinator John Benz Samson, HUMSS Coordinator Tyron Judes Casumpang, STEM Coordinator Bryan Cabueñas, Academic Affairs Director Stephen Jay Co, and Executive Director Generoso

Pamittan Jr. opened the event with their processional march.

In his speech, Casumpang highlighted the importance of self-paced learning as a driving force to pursue knowledge. Meanwhile, Cabueñas reminded the students to reflect on past experiences that helped build who they are today.

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Mga bagong talagang pinuno, dumalo sa opisyal na pagluluklok

Kristine Zena Dela Cruz

Nagtipon ang mga bagong halal na pinuno ng bawat opisyal na organisasyon ng mga mag-aaral ng FEU High School (FEU HS) sa FEUture Center, Far Eastern University upang makibahagi sa kanilang seremonya ng pagpapasinaya, nakaraang Agosto 2.

Nagsimula ang okasyon sa panalangin ni Via Mae Regidor, ang tagapangulo ng FEU HS COMELEC. Sinundan naman ito ng pambungad na pagbati ni Angela Suzanne Roldan, ang Pinuno ng Student Activities Office. Naghatid ng mensahe ang pandangal na panauhing si Senador Risa Hontiveros hinggil sa kanilang tungkulin bilang mga pinuno sa pamamagitan ng isang video greeting.

Teresa Trinidad Tinio, then awarded the plaque of appreciation to the commencement speakers. Meanwhile, Alumni Relations Director Celmer Santos inducted the graduates into the FEU Alumni Association.

Concluding the conferral was the Pledge of Loyalty delivered by STEM Student Marc Nicolai Ducut for the morning session and ABM Student Trixie Guerra for the afternoon session, followed by the singing of the FEU Hymn.

FEU HS finally held its Commencement Exercise again at the PICC after three years of halt due to the pandemic.

Kasunod nito, pormal na kinilala ang mga pinuno ng bawat organisasyon kasabay ng kanilang panunumpa sa responsibilidad bilang mga lider-estudyante.

Matapos nito, naghatid ng mensahe ang panauhing tagapagsalita na si Michael Miatari kung saan kanyang binigyang diin ang kahalagahan bilang lider. Sunod naman niyang pinagtustusan ang mga tanong ng mga mag-aaral.

Bilang hudyat ng pagtatapos ng programa, pormal nang itinalaga ang mga tungkulin ng mga opisyales ng bawat organisasyon. Pagkatapos nito ay umarangkada naman si Daryl Albero, ang tagapayo ng FEU HS Student Government, para sa pangwakas na mensahe.

LEAD Training ‘23, matagumpay na idinaos

Jasmine Blaize Ramos

Dumalo ang mga kinatawan ng dalawampu’t dalawang organisasyon sa indinaos na Leader’s Effectiveness and Active Development (LEAD) Training sa Engineering Building Room 907 at Pavillion 2, noong ika-4 at ika-7 ng Agosto, ayon sa pagkakabanggit.

Pinangunahan ng Presidente ng FEUCSO na si Joshua Maigue, dating senador ng FEU High School Student Government (FEU HSSG) na si Aliyah Rosario, at Academic Services and Student Affairs Coordinator na si Paolo Carmelo Victoria, ang okasyon bilang mga panauhing-tagapagsalita sa unang araw ng pagsasanay. Bilang pag-bukas ng naturang aktibidad, sila ay nagpabaon ng mga payo at mahahalagang impormasyon ukol sa pagiging lider-estudyante.

Sa pagsasalita ni Maigue, kaniyang binigyang-diin ang pagsasabuhay ng mga pangunahing kaugalian ng pamantasan sa pagiging lider-estudyante, ang Fortitude, Excellence at Uprightness.

Pinagtuunang-pansin naman ni Aliyah Rosario ang tungkulin at responsibilidad ng bawat lider at ang konsepto

ng servant leadership, kung saan ang lider ay dapat nagsisilbi at kaniyang pagnilayan ang dahilan ng kanyang pagsisilbi upang maging epektibong lider.

Samantala, si Victoria ay nagbigay ng kaalaman tungkol sa mga proseso at papeles na kasama sa magiging tungkulin ng mga lider-estudyante.

Sa kabilang dako, pinamunuan ang pagtitipon ng mga kinatawan mula sa Cohort 6 ng FEU HSSG ang ikalawang araw ng LEAD Training. Nagsimula ito sa iba’t ibang aktibidad tulad ng zumba at Team Building. Winakasan ang pagsasanay sa pag-anunsyo ng mga nanalo sa palaro, pagsasagawa ng turnover ceremony para sa mga bagong kinatawan ng FEU HSSG, at isang sama-samang pista para sa mga dumalo.

Ang LEAD Training ay isang taunang pagsasanay para sa mga bagong opisyal ng bawat organisasyon sa FEU High School.

Moments of Gratitude. As the FEU High School graduation ceremony came to an end, one graduate adorned his mother with his graduation cap.

Photo by Ruf Serafin Rosero, Jr.

Achievement Honored. A Tamaraw student proudly receives her certificate of academic excellence alongside her mother during FEU High School’s Recognition Rites for SY 2022-2023.

Photo by Kim Ren Mar Repking

Tamaraw Ignite ‘23 fuels new academic year

Kristine Zena Dela Cruz

The three-day Tamaraw Ignite successfully lit up the opening of School Year 2023-2024 for FEU High School Tamaraws on August 22 to 24, at the FEU Main Auditorium.

Executive Director Generoso Pamittan Jr., Vice President for Admissions and Financial Assistance Michelle Acomular, and Director for Academic Development Teofilo Gonzales III delivered the opening remarks for each of the days of the event.

Adhiraya Dance Company entertained the crowd with their opening

number. Shortly after, the FEU HS Faculty and Staff were introduced along with the presentation of promotional videos prepared by different student-led organizations Tamaraw volunteers then headed to the stage to participate in the Talent Expo, allowing the audience to witness performances from the student community.

“The best part for me was the performance [segment], since this kept everyone hyped throughout the whole event,”

Grade 11 student Gale Velado shared. “It’s nice how it was executed perfectly on stage,” she added.

Following, Academic Services and Student Affairs Coordinator Mr. Paolo Carmelo Victoria delivered his final reminders, formally concluding the welcoming ceremony.

Tamaraw Ignite is an annual celebration held to serve as the student orientation and welcoming event for both freshmen and returning students.

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Reena Vivienne Pineda, Commissioner Representative of Luzon of the National Youth Commission, then headed the first public presentation of the updated PYDP ‘23 to ‘28.

The second day’s events focused on the conversations on the contributions of the youth to the PYDP. Lastly, the youth declaration on the localization of the updated PYDP and the closing message of Natalie Christine Jorge, Chief of the Party of the YouthLed PH, concluded the event.

The event concluded with a cultural night, honoring the performances of multiple national youth coalitions, namely Balagdiwa, Bagani, Coalition of NCR Youth Leaders, One South Luzon, Sirang, Hugyaw, Kasikas, Usad Ka-ZamPen, Dilaab, Lupad, Tambayayong Changemakers’ Coalition, and BARMM Youth Network.

The Youth Leaders’ Summit is an annual activity by YouthLed PH connecting all Filipino youth leaders to discuss relevant issues affecting the youth and collaborate on planning actions that ensure democratic governance. Arangkada 2023 is already the third installation of this annual event, succeeding last year’s Layag 2022.

OrgHunt ‘23 fosters Tamaraw camaraderie

Freshies and returning upperclassmen partook in the three-day Organization Hunt ‘23 (OrgHunt), kickstarting the new academic year last August 22-24, at the Science Building (SB) Walkway and FEU Grounds.

Student-led organizations and different concessionaries stood booths up down the SB Walkway and Freedom Park. Each booth prepared various activities

Jasmine Blaize Ramos

and gimmicks for students to participate in. Additionally, the organizations invited students to enlist their names in applications for organizations they want to join.

Moving forward, the closing event and awarding ceremony for OrgHunt ‘23, headed by Academic Services and Student Affairs Coordinator Paolo Carmelo Victoria, Student Activities Office Head Suzanne

Roldan, FEU HSSG Adviser Dar yl Albero, and FEU HSSG President Aicelle Avecilla, took place on September 15 at the Nursing Building Atrium.

Several organizations bagged awards across multiple categories such as Best Organization Tarpaulin for Tanglaw ng Teatro; Most Creative Trailer Video for FEU HS STEM Society, Tamaraw Broadcasting Network, FEU HS Junior

Peers Organization, and Adhiraya Dance Company; Most Enlistment Award and People’s Choice award for the Health Allied Association; Best Booth Activity for the Tamaraw Broadcasting Network; and Best Booth Design for the FEU HS Scholars’ Society. Adhiraya Dance Company and FEU Music Society gave their respective intermission numbers.

Recognition Rites ‘23 lauds Tamaraw achievers

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The Grade 12 achievers had their awarding on the second day of the rites. Samson and EdTech Coordinator Mr. Russell Tolentino opened the seniors’ ceremony. Co and Pamittan Jr. facilitated the awarding of medals certificates, with Pamittan Jr. joining Admissions and Financial Assistance Senior Director Michelle Acomular in giving commendations to the awardees, formally closing the ceremony.

The ceremony recognized FEU High School’s Academic Excellence, Merit, Leadership, Culture and Arts, Athlete, and School Service awardees for School Year 2022-2023.

FEU HSSG President Aicelle Avecilla emphasized the spirit of volunteerism in building an inclusive environment in her closing remarks,

The Organization Hunt is an annual event for Tamaraws to discover which organizations pique their interests. It also serves as an event for student-led organizations to recruit new members through their engaging booth activities.

Navigating New Horizons.

Navigating New Horizons. FEU High School students cheerfully gathered outside an org booth while scouting their desired organizations aligned to their interests during the Org Hunt 2023.

Photo by Roxanne Jenibelle Lim

Igniting Tamaraw Spirits. FEU High School Tamaraw Alliance for LGBTQIA+ Advocates delightfully welcomes the new academic year with a dance performance during the Tamaraw Ignite.

Photo by Marc Vince Tisbe

THEJUNIOR ADVOCATE

Patrick Raphael A. Ulibas EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Eliza Adrianne Cordero ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Ashley Karyll S. Almojuela MANAGING EDITOR

Raymond E. De Guzman, Jr. CIRCULATIONS EDITOR

Juancarlos Raphael M. Apalit NEWS & SCITECH EDITOR

Jolyn Audrey A. Madrilejos FEATURE EDITOR

Luigi Miguel M. Bermudez OPINION EDITOR

Adriane Jefferson C. Alilio SPORTS EDITOR

Christian Ryan L. Velasquez

LITERARY EDITOR

Marc Vince M. Tisbe

HEAD PHOTOJOURNALIST

Divine Lucille F. De Guzman

HEAD EDITORIAL CARTOONIST

Zeron Mikel Kiefer J. Angeles

HEAD LAYOUT ARTIST

Angela Kate C. Ambida NEWSCASTING HEAD

Kim Ren Mar S. Repking TECHNICAL HEAD

Mr. Lester Dave G. Pua

Ms. Gail Anne P. Lacambra SCHOOL PAPER ADVISERS

NEWS DEPARTMENT

Jasmine Blaize Ramos

Kristine Zena Dela Cruz

FEATURE DEPARTMENT

Abia Malka Udarbe Neferterie Deotoy

Jeremiah Sanchez

OPINION DEPARTMENT

Ziel Shirov Valenzuela

SPORTS DEPARTMENT

Christian Paul Go

Dianne Dayo

Dwyane Harry Cabrera

LITERARY DEPARTMENT

Joe Harold Gaza

Roleene Danielle Noo

Liz Angeli Macapagal

Karol Margarette Tuala

PHOTOJOURNALISM DEPT.

Roxanne Jenibelle Lim

Kim Ren Mar Repking

Dominic Untalan

Ruf Serafin Rosero, Jr.

EDITORIAL CARTOONING DEPARTMENT

Chelzea Rein Regala

Mari Kairua Cruz

Mei Zofia Limjoco

Marie Grace Diño

Christine Joyce Baniqued

LAYOUT DEPARTMENT

Learra Kate Espiritu

Alleah Marie Ranole

Sophia Maxine Sinang

Christine Jaica Pascual

Jericho Almadin

EDITORIAL

A puppet show

Puppets by force, not by choice.

It was said that puppetry is the early form of theater tracing its roots back to Ancient Greece in 5th century BCE wherein it serves for both secular and religious purposes. The Greeks used puppetry to entertain, and somehow portrayed the needs of society to transition into their idealized state. Historians point out that this serves as the earliest form of theater because of the puppets’ mimicry of humans and the involvement of a dramatic narrative.

In the modern world, puppetry evolved with elaborately designed puppets that do not only imitate humans, but also animals and fictional characters as well. They even had an entire show and film composed mainly of puppets whose voices are from real actors. Even in dayto-day activities of societies, particularly in schools, a puppet show is being played.

Campus journalism is the art of delivering school or university-related and non-university-related information to the members of a certain academic community confined within a common space, that is, a campus. Like journalism, campus journalists are writers of news, hard facts, information— truth. They are marketed as the ‘vanguards of truth’ within their respective schools. These scribes even join press conferences of various nature, to compete, to bring glory to their school, and most importantly to hone their craft—enabling them to become effective disseminators of truth in their second homes. They serve as watchdogs of their local polity, as the critiques of implemented school policies, of their fellow students, and of the overall activities related to school or to their life as students of the country.

However, as glorifying and noble as it seems for these young scribes, their status as one does not guarantee them their freedom to write about things they wish to write about. They may fall prey to puppeteers who wish to control the circulation of

information inside the confines of their schools.

Public Relations, on the other hand, refers to the practice of information management and dissemination in a way that it would influence the public’s perception of a certain brand, product, company, or in this case, the school. In the corporate world, public relations mostly aim to maintain a positive image to attract more customers thereby soothing the cash flow and ensuring them more profits. One cannot simply assume they mean well. They mean for their image to remain perpetually clean of all stains to make them presentable—to make them marketable. In the context of school, public relations play the part of promoting the school through various press releases that ultimately preach the positive and pleasing assets that are, but not limited to, students who won inter-school competitions, school’s participation in division, regional, national, or international events, locally-held school activities, etc.—some stunt that attempts to place their institution on a higher pedestal, making it stand out and attracting possible enrollees.

It has a target audience. It has a goal, a specific group of people, that it aims its materials to. Its conventions do not limit its way of getting to its audience. The cutthroat nature of this industry even justifies the means that teams go to just to create an elaborate plan that will enable them to connect with people. This profession usually involves bending the general facts of their product and services to persuade people to become their customers. They follow a niche, or a trend that would elevate them, make them unique, and let them stand out, to gain profit.

And so, it creates the possibility of a puppet show. Just like how public relations could overlap with journalism, only the truth sets a fine line of difference between the two.

While both eyes disseminate information, it is public relations that do so with an ulterior motive—a goal to influence

the perception of the public’s opinion to cater to their side. They weaponize information to garner favorable and profitable response from the public, all while journalism, just uses information as is, or sometimes evoke a rightful emotional response that guarantees the benefit for the masses. As mentioned earlier, other than merely informing possible stakeholders, they forward a narrative that only shows the bright side, which could also be a disadvantage knowing that there is no such thing as an absolute positive or a perfect school thereby posing as a viable threat to the craft of campus journalism. And it is in this manner that creates a scene for a puppet show. What should be a harmless act becomes a controlling entity that can alter the perception of an academic community. Thus, infesting its sacred halls of knowledge with infectious blindness and ultimate leniency towards things that are ‘positive’—mere information that selectively frames the good side without any reservations whatsoever of telling the reality. It is the same as covering the slums with barricades, like what the previous Aquino administration did during the Asian Development Bank’s annual meeting; like how fashion shows were held at Malacañang to honor a noble cause yet all they do is ‘flex’ their riches after bagging cash from every department that could ever exist to suffice their money-thirsty throats. It reeks of toxic positivity and performative promotion. And as much as a beneficial relationship is needed between the school and its stakeholders, one cannot simply live with sunshine and daisies. It would be a mere dream—away from reality like some unrealistic fantasy land that can and never will be manifested in this realm. What was seen as ideal, eventually degrades it.

With the dangers of public relations laid bare, where do we see campus journalism if schools do not support and protect the autonomy of independent school publications?

Campus journalism enables students to practice and develop critical thinking by transforming them into lookouts on their school’s politics. It guides them to develop the rightful stance in dealing with their local polity. Freedom is gifted to them by guaranteeing that their voice is amplified through the right platforms, forwarding their concerns, and resonating their cause along the school hallways. This sacred art, if fallen prey to a puppeteer, could be desecrated transforming these scribes into puppets that mimic only the clean image, reinforcing toxic positivity, and complacency—just some ingredients of budding political apathy that could be detrimental to how these future leaders view their social realities.

In a reechoing of an excerpt from the previous editorial, campus journalists are not mere trophies placed and left to dust on schools’ shelves, nor they should be ambassadors of marketing stunts that only promote the school’s projected ‘clean and reputable image’. The sacred act of campus journalism is a beacon of hope and a trailblazer for future critical-thinking student leaders. Campus journalism hones students to grow as watchdogs of their country and representatives of their varying genuine cause, not some domesticated and complacent patchwork of projections of ‘ideal’ image that does not have any substance nor goal but towards what is ‘good’ only.

Campus journalists are not puppets, nor should they be. Their relevance is huge enough to not be confined within theatrics, a doll with some strings attached to a puppeteer. They are the theater and the audience, resounding for a better future through the dissemination of truthful and objective narratives.

They are not puppets by force, rather they are the stories of our country— written alive.

Demodernization Program

Raymond De Guzman, Jr.

While crafting this article, the deadline for consolidating Public Utility Vehicles has just passed. Despite the holiday season typically being associated with joy, it has taken on an entirely different meaning for Filipino jeepney drivers and operators.

Mandated by former President Duterte in 2017 through the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) Department Order No. 2017-011, the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) aims to create a unified entity for drivers and operators by establishing cooperatives. The program aims to replace traditional jeepneys with China-made e-jeepneys that are far from the representation of Filipino culture. Since the start of 2023, I have been asking drivers about the modernization program whenever I ride a jeepney to FEU High School, often finding myself in the front seat like a passenger princess. While it feels rewarding for me to sit at the front of a jeepney, for the drivers, the rewarding feeling comes from their jeepney units. I remember one time when a driver answered me when I asked him about his thoughts about the program, I was caught off guard when he said the exact words: “Konti na lang

mapapagraduate ko na anak ko pero natatakot ako sa PUVMP” (My daughter will graduate soon, but I’m afraid of the PUVMP because our jeepney is our only source of income).

Although I’m not his daughter, his testimony struck me and left me wondering – who is the government truly serving? The masses? Or the ruling class?

Looking back at our history, jeepneys have played a crucial role in the lives of Filipinos since the aftermath of World War II. According to Ed Sarao, one of the pioneers of the jeepney manufacturing industry, they built 200 to 300 jeepneys annually during the “golden era” of Marcos Sr. in the 1970s.

According to a survey by Statistica Research Department, 42.6 thousand public utility jeepneys were operating in the Philippines as of October 2021. This indicates that for decades, the Filipino community has relied on jeepneys as their primary mode of transportation.

Thinking of it, the modernization program is not inherently bad; it holds potential for the development of the Philippines. However, how can drivers embark on the journey to modernization if the government has seemingly abandoned them?

Eroding Education, Destroying the Future

Ziel Shirov Valenzuela

Education, the so-called backbone of society, grants individuals a more comprehensive range of economic opportunities and greater social mobility, a privilege unavailable to those who lack it. With that in mind, the person to lead such an important facet must be one of sound mind, with an excellent educational background and outstanding leadership. Instead, the Philippines appointed Sara Duterte, crass, tactless, hotheaded, with no background at all in education, and who happens to be its 15th vice president. This set off alarm bells around the nation, with people cr ying out “political appointee” regarding why she was appointed Secretary of Education. With over a year passing, reflecting on just how justified these criticisms were essential. Has Sara’s appointment been as bad as her critics say, or has it been worse?

It is well-known that education in the Philippines is full of problems, ranging from the financial to the institutional. It is an extensive and complex collection of intertwined issues that many in the past have tried and failed to fix. The secretary has looked at this and concluded that more money ought to do the trick, a lot of money. Her bold proclamation of improving education, if given a lump sum of 100 billion pesos, was a childish way to view a complex problem. Instead of a financial problem, education in the country is wracked by rigidity and inflexibility, inefficiency, and byzantine practices. The Scandinavian model of education is an excellent example of how subverting rigid structures can significantly improve the standard of education across the board. The secretary seems too preoccupied with her other financial policies to look into this model, especially her controversial Confidential Intelligence Funds (CIFs).

When VP Sarah asked for and was granted 150 million pesos worth of CIFs, a special provision meant for surveillance and intelligence gathering, one should wonder if the world had gone crazy. Her justification for possessing such funds makes it look like the nation’s young learners were on the same level as drug lords and literal terrorists. It seemed as though bickering with her critics about the funds had taken more of her time than doing her job, which is unbecoming of someone in charge of such a critical department. Instead of fighting over her CIFs, she should have focused more on addressing the classroom shortages in the countr y that have gotten worse despite a 77 billion peso budget increase.

Even as DepEd has failed to keep up with the demand for more classrooms, the secretary has made great strides in incorrectly giving existing classrooms a makeover. Another of the secretaries’ genius policies was whitewashing classrooms with her order to

Drivers and operators are urged to consolidate their jeepney units for 300,000 pesos. Yet, the cost of a modern jeepney is approximately a million pesos. This not only strips them of autonomy over their units but also plunges them into years of debt. This unjust situation has fueled resistance among drivers and operators, with commuters also advocating against the jeepney phaseout.

As a commuter myself, I am also disappointed with how ill-prepared the program is because I am rooted in a realization that throughout my journey, there was once a jeepney that drove me to where and who I am right now, driving me to important exams, graduations, and even during emergencies. Jeepneys and their drivers have significantly shaped who I am as an academic achiever.

Unfortunately, the deadline has passed and the government is starting to replace the traditional jeepneys. It is not impossible that by the end of the year, there are no traditional jeepneys anymore. This makes me more eager to study and become a policy-maker in the future – to avoid ill-planned programs that provide a burden to the marginalized.

What about you? How is your fight for proper governance going?

remove all wall decorations, explaining it as a measure to improve students’ concentration by eliminating distractions. This goes against years of consensus that murals and art helped develop curiosity within young learners, allowing them to be interested in the world around them. Therefore, this move kills a student’s imagination and makes the class look more like a mental institution devoid of color than a place of learning. This move, along with her explanation, is a perfect show of her lack of understanding of the complexity of the education crisis, granting truth to critiques of her competence as the Head of DepEd.

Unfortunately for the Philippine people, the secretary seems ill content to simply destroy institutions, but the very people within them. For someone as fiscally irresponsible as her, she does seem more prudish when it comes to forking over money to the very teachers that serve as the backbone of education. Instead of immediate salary increases, she decided to run a study to see if it would do any good for education, quite ironic for someone who thought money alone would solve the crisis. This on top of her constant red-tagging of teachers’ groups such as the Association of Concerned Teachers (ACT) all plays out as some kind of sick joke directed at Filipinos. This sort of behavior is more fitting of a caricature drawn up as propaganda, but this time it’s very much real, reality truly is much stranger the fiction.

With all in mind, one finally paints a reasonably accurate picture of how education has recently been put through the wringer. Some may think that the secretary’s actions are a political issue. Still, they are incorrect, for the education crisis is a social issue that affects the majority. As the collective stakeholders in education, we must all implore our representatives in Congress to push for the best interest of the people and the proper management of our institutions. If we genuinely value the future, we must see through it that the secretary is replaced with someone qualified, loyal to their noble duty, and a capable leader. If we go down our current path, we will forsake the future generations that will inherit our legacy. American human rights activist Malcolm X put it best,

“Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.”

Hocus Pocus

Ashley Karyll Almojuela

Inclusivity does not end in talking the talk, you must also walk the walk. All these efforts for advocacy, change, and inclusion are failing on the exact thing it is advocating for. We cannot progress to an inclusive and diverse community if the so-called “inclusivity” is only a façade and inside is an empty shell of false promises and lost causes.

Performative inclusivity is heavily tied to tokenism. Tokenism refers to the practice of making a symbolic effort for underrepresented groups in society to keep appearances and avoid criticism. It is forced diversity meant to create a superficial appearance of inclusivity without truly achieving it. Such feigned efforts have been targeted for advertisements and publicity. Inclusivity has become a modern type of scam by political figures, businesses, and institutions. Allyship is far from riding through the pride month with mere rainbow logos and integrating the term “rainbow pride” on social media posts. If an advocacy does not entail practical actions for real change, then it is just another bait into making more profit and garnering media attention out of the fight for equality and representation of the LGBTQIA+ community.

One example of performative inclusivity is former Manila Mayor Isko Moreno’s inauguration of a rainbow-themed pedestrian lane in Roxas Boulevard in celebration of the passed anti-discrimination ordinance. This initiative garnered a lot of media attention and was lauded by the public. However, aside from this performative, and attention-seeking effort, Moreno has not made any practical action to make Manila a gender safe space. In true light, Moreno got attention for changing nothing for the LGBTQIA+ community. His political advocacy for gender inclusivity is a part of the PR playbook – a political gimik.

Months after, Moreno told his LGBTQIA+ supporters that they could book his son for sex, “Tikim lang, ‘wag kakainin.”

Here in FEU High School, a prime example of performative inclusivity are the all-gender restrooms. It may seem like something to applaud the administration for, but mere access is not equal to inclusion.

All-gender restrooms mean better access to facilities for the LGBTQIA+ community, especially gender non-conforming and trans students who would have rather found difficulty and discomfort in maneuvering sex-segregated restrooms. Consecutively, these bathrooms were supposed to be disabled-friendly, but the bathrooms show no sign of being inclusive towards disabled people. There is no sign of ramps nor grab rails, it is just like any standard cubicle.

Genuine inclusivity does not only seek to comfort and provide for people who are already out of the closet, but also those who are still hiding, confused, or insecure of their sexuality and gender identity. Although FEU High School has FEU HS TALA or the Tamaraw Alliance of LGBTQIA+

Advocates, a student-led organization that aims to promote the rights of LGBTQIA+ members in the university and create a space for raising awareness on issues with gender identity and sexual orientation, FEU High School still has a long way to go in creating an inclusive and empowering space for the LGBTQIA+ community despite surely taking beginner steps towards it. Although dress code policies have been modified and cross-dressing has been allowed by the school administration, the implementation of the dress code policies fail to be applied uniformly and consistently. Even students who are not cross-dressing experience being given slips by guards for disciplinary measures. However, the policy’s implementation is conflicting as not all students receive the same disciplinary measures and sometimes guards are laxer. Such experiences and confusion regarding school policies may discourage LBTQIA+ students from expressing their gender identities through clothes. The administration has also failed to develop anti-discrimination policies that will protect LGBTQIA+ members of the university. There are no policies in the student handbook explicitly including gender expression and discrimination against LGBTQIA+ members. According to Russell et al. (2021), “policies that specifically identify or enumerate protected groups, such as LGBTQ students create supportive contexts for all youth.” Furthermore, just like in other institutions, it is rare to see representation of diverse gender identities in school posters, advertisements, events, and educational materials. In the future, I also hope that FEU High School will provide more support for FEUHS TALA so that they amplify their voices in raising the concerns, needs, and issues faced by LGBTQIA+ Tamaraws so much more than they do now. As a recently accredited student-led organization, they still have a long fight ahead of them and it is no doubt that they play a crucial role in creating a safe space and support for LGBTQIA+ Tamaraws as well as accommodating gender inclusiveness in FEU High School.

Inclusivity should not be performative – less in addressing the problem, more in saving face. Genuine inclusivity means making students feel safe, secure, and confident in their sexual orientations. If an institution or an organization fails to make the people, they are advocating for to be confident in their gender expression, then they failed to create a safe and inclusive community after all.

Advocating for inclusivity and diversity has become a mere performance. It should not be. Institutions, businesses, and public figures committing performative inclusivity, and queer tokenism are clowns. A part of a big circus where inclusivity is their magic trick, and their collective hypocrisy is the butt of the joke. Abracadabra, guess who is profiting from this game of deception?

FEU High School has been shaping the minds of Senior High School students since its foundation in 2016. None of this would have been possible without the continuous hard work of its faculty members. From the pioneering faculty cadets who have been with the school since 2015 to the new novel teachers that are navigating FEU’s happy halls. It is undeniable that much like the Parthenon would not have been built without pillars, FEU High School would not be what it is now, without each teacher.

Ms. Carmela Magpile: Pillar of Hope

Ms. Carmela Magpile is one of the first few faculty that have profusely worked towards improvement and excellence for FEU High School and its students since its founding in 2016.

“I think what makes FEU different from other schools is it’s trying to be as progressive as it gonna be and as inclusive as it can be.” Ms. Carms said when asked what sets the school apart. To emphasize her point she said that FEU High School provides quality education with a good price tag. It has always aimed to produce quality learners with holistic improvements and passion. She truly believes that the management of the school invests in possible improvements that can be made to better the caliber of the campus; thereby producing better graduates.

She wishes for each and every person in FEU High School to remain open for changes and transitions. She finds a large value in self-perseverance. Acknowledging the difficulties one might face in their life, she said that “The important thing on that- moving- crossing of the bridge, crossing of the currents, alam mo- yung every transition na meron tayo is, lahat yan pwedeng masakit, pwedeng, it can make you paralyzed it can make you stagnant on what you want in life.” However, she said that the important thing is to keep going.

Sir Patch Quiming: Pillar of Inclusivity

Sir Emmanuel Rodica Quiming is an ABM faculty staff, he is also part of the remaining three of the original faculty cadets that have served FEU High School since 2015.To him, it is inclusivity that makes FEU HS stronger. The institution enables people to be who they are. Here, he was able to work with different employees that have differences from background to identity.

“FEU high school has an intimate - well, has a very intimate community.” He claims to have been enabled by the school to build relationships, he never expected to build. The relationships that Sir Patch built are connected, even with the faculty that have professional boundaries with one another. In his own words, “We are given the liberty to express ourselves in any manner we want, as it adheres to the core values.”

The relationship that he built with the people in the community is assistance, where people care. People acknowledge the things that you have done for the institution or even personal achievement. “As a community we are one, one FEU community.” He wants students to leave a message that FEU HS is not low-class. We are who we are, and we have an identity and for him it is inclusivity.

Ms. Kathrine Pillar of Novelty

Ms. Kathrine Ann for more than 10 years, FEU HS. She found her it, in the corners of the service through the Ms. Kat, an intellectual different people from campus. FEU HS is a different personalities, tioned: “Aside from you have your different attitudes, even gender those make one different, and yet you are welcome. school.” She mentioned that: “wherever life takes FEU core values with us. Fortitude, Excellence, should not be neglected. It must be applied pen. There is such importance in remembering better citizens, for the school, for homes, and Serving FEU for more ing 6 more years in who treats FEU as a Lingat. She described of mind just by looking grass, even though we found fortitude in FEU darkest times she was able to stand and still Her impressive positivity is something that teach. She likes to say, “kung nakakahawa ang wa ang smile.” Not only that, she found family one another, while shaping minds and building she is proud of in the community. “[‘Yung] camaraderie ang naramdaman ko rito yung… yung love ng sa iba na walang pakielamanan.”

Ms. Yolanda Pillar of

She emphasized the importance of having “Ilagay mo ang puso mo sa trabaho mo at nito ay magiging mahusay, maganda, at successful.” doesn’t apply to being a student, but being professional, is important to realize that the things in the makes.

Sir Wil Santinlo: Pillar of

The founding of FEU challenging triumph school’s most remarkable the success of FEU High senior high school curriculum. on his awe of the community’s Although he has FEU High School, he lishment apart is the students. He notes that and its people makes the experience extraordinary.

Kathrine Ann Tan: Novelty

Ann Tan has grazed through the campus years, as a student and as a teacher at her comfort, or her “home” as she calls the institution itself and continued the values of the Tamaraws.

intellectual woman, saw the comfort inthe from all walks of life that graze the FEU community of a variety of people with personalities, statuses, and expressions. She menthat you have your different beliefs, gender expression, gender identity all of welcome. You are included here in our takes us, we should always bring the Excellence, and Uprightness.” These core values in our lives, even when changes hapremembering that these values are here to create and for society.

“[The students] are coming from different backgrounds and different orientations so it’s fun to have a different mixture every year”, Sir Wil said in an interview. He only wishes for the community- students, coworkers, and the institution itself - to remain advocates of their own ideas. He looks forward to FEU High School’s future and how it will push forward with its ideals, in hopes that it will continue to address students’ concerns. And overall work toward the holistic betterment of everyone. In his own words, “I hope we could sustain what we started.”

Sir Benz Samson: Pillar of Humility

Sir John Benz de Guzman Samson is a graduate of BS Secondary Education at PUP Sta. Mesa and was amazed at the culture and environment of FEU HS. He mentioned that working in FEU High School made him ponder on how carefree he can be.

more or less 30 years and now continuFEU HS is commendable to a woman home, and she is Ms. Yolanda Salamat described FEU as home, where she feels peace looking at the greens from the trees and we are in the middle of the metro. She FEU High School, saying that in the fight.

that radiates through the classrooms she ang simangot, mas madaling makahafamily in the faculty. The way they care for building passion, altogether is something camaraderie dito, ibang klase, na talagng bawat tao sayo na unlike parang having passion in one’s work by saying, lahat ng output at magiging resulta successful.” This statement of hers professional, and being a person. It heart, reflect on the things the hand

Yolanda Lingat: Positivity Santinlo: Pride

FEU High School in 2016, certainly was a triumph that Sir Rowil Santinlo finds to be the remarkable feat. He found great splendor in High School in its start-up with the K-12 curriculum. He also did not fail to remark community’s diversity. worked in other institutions prior to notes that what really sets the estabthe multifariousness of the institution extraordinary.

He described FEU HS as an institution that can stand on its own. The cleanliness and the nature-friendly environment made him describe FEU as “the Oasis of the University Belt.” Not only that, as a school, FEU believes that it should be learning by doing, for the students to express themselves and let students express their curiosity.

The takeaway he wants the FEU community to learn from his experience is simply, “Let’s be brave”. He fought through the new thing he experienced in the organization, those fights were not just his fight but the other faculty members. As he said, “Tamaraws are brave, we do not tolerate abuse and corruption.” That is why the institution still stands on its own. The goal of the institution is not for the student just to learn the topics but apply them on a daily basis. FEU HS is an institution of innovation, students embody the core values.

Sir Pao Victoria: Pillar of Gratitude

It is not uncommon for people to suddenly have a change of heart. That was the case for STEM teacher, Sir Paolo Carmelo Victoria. After taking up nursing at FEU, instead of practicing as a nurse, he decided to teach and influence young minds as a teacher at FEU High School. An environment he described as inclusive while maintaining the minimum standards of presentability and decency in an educational institution. Another thing he said about the institution is “experiential learning.” Saying that not only does he teach, he learns with his experiences. He said that in his time teaching at FEU High School, he learned and will continue to learn to be a better teacher, person, and leader.

Although he admitted to once having thoughts of transferring to a different institution, in fears of his habits and overall life becoming stagnant, he chose to remain in FEU High School. He said in being offered a position as an academic coordinator, and having a responsibility to make choices that better the school, made him want to stay. He saw that we has doing work valuable to the school and as he stated “Palagi kong sinasabi sa mga estudyante ko na ‘hangga’t merong reason kung bakit ka nasa organization na yon, siyempre, you have to fulfill din kung ano yung reason na ‘yon.’”

And so the Parthenon of Manila was built, and FEU High School became a revered ground for building young minds. A home for those who seek knowledge, like how the Parthenon is to Athena, the goddess of wisdom. A temple of learning that will remain tall and proud so long as its pillars are strong. Pillars of positivity, hope, inclusivity, novelty, pride, humility, and gratitude, all keep the temple standing, and in doing so, will continue to shelter and nourish young and great minds. The individualities of these teachers make them a strong foundation for the sanctuary of wisdom that is FEU High School. However, just as a temple is not built with merely one pillar, but with several strong and resilient pillars working together to hold everything up, the Parthenon of Manila would not be what it is today without the collective effort of all its staff and faculty members. Together, they build the well-rounded minds that might one day create a Parthenon themselves.

Illustration by Jaica Pascual

Something has changed in the FEU HS community; it is now bigger as it fortifies its Junior High School department by adding Grades 9 and 10 to the Tamaraw community. By the start of the academic year ‘23 to ‘24, FEU HS welcomed a new set of tamaraws.

Going back, FEU HS started in 2016 with grade 11 for its first year. Adding grade 12 in its second year. It also opened its Junior High School Faculty during the pandemic in 2020 with grade 7, and for the students to continue their education in the following year, the grade 8 level was opened. To complete the department roster, FEU HS added Grades 9 and 10 to the family of Junior High School tamaraws.

As these newly welcomed tamaraws brave up their futures, selected students from the newly added grades 9 and 10 share their thoughts and experiences at FEU High School. Dive in and listen to their feedback about the rollercoaster experiences they feel within thy happy halls, and their expectations, awaited events, plus, their remarkable experiences at FEU High School.

Kian, a transferee grade 9 student experiencing the ups and downs in their journey being a student. Despite being new, they felt welcomed; they were invited to a training event in Pico De Loro, Batangas where they joined the Young Leaders for the Environment

Ghosts are souls or specters of dead people, usually believed to inhabit the netherworld and can return in some form to the world of the living. In the world that we live in right now, are we sure that all the “ghosts” we encounter are dead? We can say yes, which would explain the paranormal activities and haunted experiences that serve as a typical conversation starter, such as the usual things we see in horror movies. Objects moving unaided, hearing voices when no one is even around, and that cliché setting of dark clouds on a rainy day with roaring thunder. Despite being scary and very unpredictable, we can say that “modern ghosts” are seen and their presence are still felt everywhere — including our happy halls. Often jumping from one conversation to another and leaving without a proper explanation why, up until the very last message left without any reply. Some are

even seen walking around the streets, not dead but truly alive. As we live through the present day, we cannot help but adapt to daily changes, which include the never-ending evolution of technology and the changes we experience within our environment, such as temperature and climate. As we adapt to change, we cannot deny the fact that most conversations nowadays happen online, especially when the pandemic started in 2020. We became used to the online world and began making friends or building relationships virtually. The downside of this setup, though, is that when we build relationships, especially romantic relationships on social media platforms, many unpredictable things might happen, one of which is being “ghosted”.

According to the Urban Dictionary, ghosting is when people cut off all communication with their friends or the person, they are dating with zero warning or notice beforehand. People usually “ghost” others by avoiding phone calls,

(YLE). It is a milestone for them to participate in SAILS, a student activity held monthly organized by different organizations at FEU HS. They see their journey at FEU HS in building friendships and making meaningful memories by influencing one another. They are looking forward to this year’s PakiTAMgilas, FEU HS Intramurals.

As a student, Kian is also looking forward to passing all his classes and just feeling the moment of being in FEU high school.

On the other hand, Dex is excited about their journey at FEU High School. They mentioned that “personally it’s been a roller coaster of emotion for staying in FEU HS for 2 years”. They cannot forget their TAMIGNITE experience, and she is positive that the Junior High School Department is really involved in this year’s line of events. Dex also emphasized that the Junior High School level of FEU HS is growing in population, hence the importance of their department’s inclusion within the campus’ future endeavors.

A grade 10 transferee named Ysa describes FEU High School as enjoyable and an avenue of lifelong learning. For them, opportunities and new beginnings can be found at FEU HS. Like other schools, FEU HS is no stranger to awkward situations. But Ysa did not expect it would be like that, where fear and intimidation is a boundary to students. But they see

social media, and just purely avoiding people in public. The term “ghosting” originated in the early 2000s, typically referring to dating and romantic relationships. After a decade, it rose back to popularity due to the increasing usage of online dating apps or websites where it usually takes place. Ghosting is a thing nowadays, and what exception would the FEU High School community be? According to the collected interview answers of “ghosted” Grade 11 students, the ghoster’s internal issues and conflicts may have been the reason for the sudden ending of their relationship. “I don’t really know it yet since they are not the confrontational type pero, I think they have issues and conflicts with themselves that somehow involve me.” Other students were left clueless after what happened and up to this day, who knows if they still think about all the possible reasons why they ended that way? “I still can’t think of a reason why he did that to me, pwede naman niyang sabihin nalang sakin personally, but out of everything na pwedeng gawin, he still chose to ghost me.” When asked if there is something that has changed on their interactions after what happened, they highlighted the essence of time, the importance of finding one’s peace, and healing within themselves. For

it as a step to make a community of confidence and commutability. They are looking forward to their success, and they are expecting to move up on time, as a whole class. They view the future with an optimistic lens where expectations do not exist, as they believe they could change along their way to success.

FEU High School provide student-led organizations for the whole FEU HS community including the students from the Junior High School Department. The said organizations vary to what would feed their interest and what skills they would like to improve, preparing them further for the paths they want to take — driving not only their academics but also their advocacy and passion within. Student-lead organizations at FEU High School surely helps the students to be eager beavers and inspires them to achieve their highest dreams with the help of the tamaraw community.

The Junior High school department, becoming more fortified and diverse, is now on its way to excellence. By molding them to achieve their dreams and be part of the community to touch and influence people’s lives, it enables them to showcase in their crafts, passion, and skills in academics. Also taking in the values of FEU HS, being brave on every hurdle they will encounter in and outside our school.

upon healing they felt comfortable and free – not even an unexpected interaction would affect them once again or leave them on their knees.

On the other hand, the “ghosters” also had a few things to say when asked if they wanted to do the ghosting in the first place. A few said yes, and a few said they did not have a choice. “Yes, but at the same time feeling ko at that time wala rin akong choice.” When asked about the reason as to why they did it, the answers varied from just simply losing interest to being overwhelmed. “At first, I liked the way were talking, not until the moment I felt like she was going too fast and natakot ako to offend her if ever man I confronted her personally, kaya ayun I just chose to ghost her.”

As we walk through thy happy halls, we encounter various people who can be mere strangers, friends, or even people who ghosted us. There is no exact explanation for why a person would ghost someone, nor did the “ghosted” receive a reason. As scary as it seems, nothing else will make us shiver more than seeing those “ghosts” in person once again. The same person we met and shared memories with, became a stranger walking past us at the same place where the peals of laughter and memories were shared. Is it still your happy hall?

Jeremiah Sanchez

Jolyn Audrey Madrilejos

Hey, bestie! If you see this on your ‘For You Page’ this is maybe for you to take what resonates and leave what doesn’t or you may take nothing at all—!

After going on a rampage during the pandemic, the 12 astrological zodiac signs have never been well-acknowledged than ever before. These dozen constellations and their insignias became an integral part of pop culture and its tendencies to categorize people’s personalities based on predetermined patterns of behavior. From “red flags” to sign compatibility, entries about these are plastered all over the confines of social media.

Originating from its Greek roots, the term ‘zodiac’ emerged from the Greek term ‘zodiaklos kyklos’ meaning “circle of animals”. These signs are the pillars of the art of modern astrology, and surprisingly enough, are oftentimes a factor in the decision-making process of an individual. Whether it be about a major decision in life or even the minute details every day, astrology is there.

Millennials and Generation Zs (GenZs) are the overstimulated groups of the population when it comes to these discussions about the stars and their says about a person. Mostly brought by TikTok trends, it seems that the stars have much to tell about these young hooligans.

As a student, academic life can be tiring and laziness-inducing, which is why some students rely mostly on their peers and external factors to push them to accomplish a task or two. Hence, zodiac signs greatly influence them and their productivity. The preconceived beliefs over the signs they belong to cage them in a box that would determine the

Patrick Raphael Ulibas

future outcomes of their actions.

This whole star-studded craze has become unstoppable that even the heavens got the right tips for the zodiacs when it comes to studying for major exams or assessments.

The heavens have spoken, and the signs have given their signs, students may access their study tips below:

Aries (March 21 – April 19)

Arieses are known to be competitive. They are prepared and would make things happen if it means achieving their end goals. Due to this side, it is recommended to focus on the details as well because they tend to overlook minor details and hyper-fixate themselves on the bigger picture.

Taurus (April 20 – May 20)

Taurus enjoys relaxing or serene environments with soft sounds and smooth and sweet aromas so it’s important to have a quiet and comfortable study environment to engage well with the material they have. This would guarantee a high-scoring exam provided that Tauruses are well-rested before the day of examinations.

Gemini (May 21 – June 20)

Their spontaneity makes it hard for them to focus on studying. They get easily distracted. The hack for them to study, however, is to engage in fun activities that include the material they have to go through.

Cancer (June 21 – July 22)

Their high intuition and tendency to put their emotional stability first make it a recommendation for them to study alone, at peace, and while they are emotionally stable.

Leo (July 23 – August 22)

Leos are highly dramatic, they enjoy their fierce and spirited side, as well as the royalty their sign holds. With this nature, they tend to do well in group study sessions, however, they tend to be bossy sometimes and they overlook some minute details in the lessons they have to prep for.

Virgo (August 23 –September 22)

Virgos are perfectionists, and they have strategic methods to be so. This side of them makes it easier for them to skim through tons of pages in one sitting. They thrive well in an organized setting. The downside is that they can get overwhelmed easily by a single mishap in the process of reviewing whether it be overlooking a lesson when reviewing or missing details in their notes.

Libra (September 23 –October 22)

Libras, just like their sign, love symmetry. They want balance in their lives every day so, sometimes it could be overwhelming for them to confront even the most minute details that make something asymmetrical. They do not like procrastination, and they work well with a balanced schedule (P.S. This part

is not to scale for the whole population of Libras, also, P.P.S., pun intended).

Scorpio (October 23 –November 21)

Scorpios, just Leos, are highly spirited. They are courageous that’s why even when it comes to studying, they are brave enough to review at the last minute and even pull an all-nighter in doing so. When they do something, they will remain focused on it.

Sagittarius (November 22 –December 21)

Another one on the procrastinating signs list. Sagittariuses are adventurous. They like to obtain new experiences every day which is why it is hard for them to remain focused on the material for hours. They are spontaneous, and short breaks are their lifeline every time they review for a major assessment.

Capricorn (December 22 –January 19)

Just like its fellow earth sign Virgo, Capricorns are strategic. They are also patient, dedicated, and perseverant. They digest things step-by-step and follow instructions well. They love keeping things on track.

Aquarius (January 20 –February 18)

Aquariuses are innovative, creative, and revolutionary little quirks. They embrace their weirdness and are happy to do so. Contrary to Capricorns, they are also methodical, however, they thrive well in a disorganized or chaotic environment. They have unconventional methods to review material. They thrive well in reviewing a lesson when they use their imagination and creativity to their highest potential.

Pisces

(February 19 – March 20)

Pisces is the final sign of the zodiac. They are also creative and imaginative like Aquariuses, they are also highly empathetic and sometimes it’s hard to maintain balance with their physical and emotional sides. So, a structured study session or a checklist would be most beneficial for them when recalling their previous lessons.

In conclusion, the stars wish to tell you that: this is your sign to read and review regardless of the constellations you were born to. Kidding aside, the underlying theme of the study guide for the signs is to study in the most personal way possible. It encourages students to plan an effective strategy that targets their weaknesses and enhances their strengths in reviewing the material. This would ensure the efficiency of a student and it also guarantees that little to none were wasted upon reviewing.

Needless to say, the stars are just a guide for everyone to look up to whenever they become indecisive in life. It is just a mere reference. These clusters do not, in any way, compose an individual’s personality. Personal autonomy over a person’s life is still up to the person’s own decisions. Whatever happens, stars are just glimmering orbs in the wide night skies. They may have a message but it is not up to them if it is to be manifested or not. Regardless, individual freedom trumps what the stars have got to say.

Illustration by Jaica Pascual

What’s Popping?

Popular Psychology Myths and its Realities

Neferterie Deotoy

Opposites attract,’ ‘Vent to relieve your anger,’ and ‘I am a rightbrained person’—the familiarity of these phrases is undeniable as the populace often uses them. For years, some conceptions believed to be genuine stem from psychological findings or the science of the mind. Still, recent research studies have come to light to debunk these beliefs.

Popular Psychology, often called Pop Psychology, is a series of psychological beliefs garnered from theories relating to the scientific spectrum

of the human mind that are too shallow or simple in nature and do not contain the psychological value they appear to possess. But with all this gossip, what are some commonly believed psychological statements included in the scope of Pop Psychology?

Opposites attract: The myth of Yin and Yang.

First and foremost, many people believe that opposites do attract, like the literary tales of the scorching sun and the calming moon, and perhaps just like the north and south poles of a magnet that pull each other close.

However, professionals labeled this belief in psychology as a hoax. Dating back to the similarity-attraction theory established by Ellen Berscheid and Elaine Hatfield, where they hypothesized that having similar elements in their lifestyle, two people are drawn to each other. This was later expounded and tested through the study conducted by psychologists Matthew Montoya and Robert Horton, an association between similarities and a person’s level of attraction towards another has been found.

In the present, this belief has such a firm chokehold on people’s views about love. Rising in num-

Taylor Sheesh: Drag on Top

In the post-pandemic world, concerts, music festivals, and live shows have been some of the most exciting feats of finally stepping out of the house. But much like everything in this day and age where the economy is constantly rising and falling, they could come at a pretty high price.

Taylor Sheesh

One of these fantastic acts of light, music, and artists is a three-hour show appreciated by fans worldwide. Taylor Swift has been the talk of the town for several years, with ten albums released in her entire career. Hence, when she announced The Eras Stadium Tour, the talk and excitement surrounding it were unsurprising. However, a significant dilemma for most fans is its accessibility – both financially and geographically.

Then comes Taylor Sheesh. It is a witty act that both amuses and intrigues. The comedian/ drag queen puts on free shows in malls to make Swifties nationwide feel the artist’s presence without spending a dime. Her shows make everyone who witnesses her feel pure amusement and joy.

Since then, Taylor Sheesh has become a massive image

of drag and its beauty in the country. But with drag emerging in the Philippine setting, it has become quite a topic of conversation. There has been a debate as to what drag is, as although some enjoy seeing it, most view it as an argument of sexuality and its acceptance in the country.

The Art of Drag

Drag is controversial. People talk about it and argue its acceptability. A significant factor that plays into this controversy is homophobia, as the work of art has been primarily associated with queer people, more specifically, transgender women. However, drag was never limited to the LGBTQIA+ community. The first ever record of crossdressing was of straight male actors performing as women in Ancient Greek theatre. Nor was it ever controversial to people with open minds. Because drag is an expression, it is a vessel that people use to show who they are. Especially to queer people whose identities have been shut inside the closets for the longest time. It is the freedom of art and artists that makes drag entertaining. And it is that same expression that has become motivation

bers, novels, and fictional stories with the trope of opposites continue to prevail in the romance genre. Some people may find themselves pulled closer to someone else despite their natural differences. Albeit, it is not sufficient to determine how two polar opposites are entangled with one another, when reality explicitly depicts that similarity is the key to two people’s chemistry.

Venting releases anger and reduces stress.

Confronting your anger with a friend after a bad breakup or opening about your current familial situation to someone else is believed to lessen the burden and remove the anger bottling inside you.

However, based on past research, venting does not give one a sigh of relief. Instead, it reinforces your anger as you relive the cause of your intense emotional outbursts. According to researcher Ethan Kross, venting does not benefit the cognitive needs of a person, thus they do not make sense of their situation in the end. Furthermore, continuous venting to someone or similar individuals may gravely affect their emotional stability.

With that, channeling your attention to something else, engaging in productive actions, or taking a break from the stressor are the better options for anger management. Venting may appear as a short-term solution to grave problems, but in the long run, it may do more harm than good to someone who is having a strenuous life and those who are affected in their peripheral.

Creative breakthroughs occur in the blink of an eye. Have you ever been jolted from your bed in the middle of the night after a writing idea or an art inspiration suddenly popped into your mind? Unfortunately, the suddenness of the situation was not as it was. Despite multiple claims that creative juices suddenly work their way out of your unconsciousness, brain imaging studies TURN TO PAGE 11

and inspiration to so many young people, regardless of their gender, irrespective of their sexuality.

Despite this, drag is judged. People who cross-dress or perform in drag are still constantly subjected to prejudice and homophobia. In a country that preaches love and hospitality, it is ironic that drag is still complex for most to accept. This judgment arises from multiple levels of blatant discrimination against religion, as in several religious beliefs, the idea of a person not directly fitting into the stereotypes of their biological sex is unacceptable. And as people with open minds, what is best to do is support and remember.

Remember that drag is beautiful in all its nuances, meanings, sequins, and shiny body glitter. Despite other people’s perceptions, drag is an art that cannot fit into a museum, staying still as people give their verdict. The beauty of drag is that it is enormous and can never be framed, nor can it be stuffed into a closet.

Abia Malka Udarbe

Illustration by Jaica Pascual

Photo courtesy: Philippine Daily Inquirer

claim that the problem-solving areas of the brain have already been active even before an individual thought of a creative solution.

Based on findings, creativity only happens after a period; the mind processes it in its own unique way to carry the appropriate details needed to generate an end to a problem or an addition to the extensive answers to varying worldly questions left unasked and unanswered.

Despite the seemingly sudden appearance of an artistic thought, the brain has already worked its way on processing it dates back from a long-time ago, and all thar was needed was a slight push, a passing thought, or a brief external recommendation to finally connect the dots you needed to concretize it.

Brainstorming as a group generates quality ideas.

For students, being tasked with forming groups to generate concepts and opinions for their supposed

outputs is no longer a surprise. This move allows them to have more efficient time to develop better ideas. However, this is a myth, with studies revealing that individualized ideas are of far higher quality than those generated by a crowd.

An idea from the mind of a single person is concrete and clear, whereas once brought upon by a group, it tends to lack complexity or is considered cluttered due to multiple brains tr ying to squeeze in additional details to a single idea.

Hence, despite the deceiving appearance of a unifying idea, the lack of depth produced from it may be explained by the multi-faceted contributions of each member and the compound choices laid bare in front of them. Perhaps, it is a better choice for people to brainstorm as individuals, and later on collaborate to find the middle ground of their minds.

Left brained vs. Right brained.

Based on the beliefs of most people, the right brain of a highly creative person is more dominant than the left brain. In contrast, analytical people utilize their left brain more. However, research has again shown that everyone

uses both sides of their brains equally.

Furthermore, sections of the brain depend on their dominance based on a person’s lifestyle, as the brain adapts to the living conditions of that person. Still, only the var ying parts may do so and not the entirety of the brain itself.

That said, being inclined toward the arts or being avant-garde does not implicitly mean that the right brain is used more, the same way that an analyst skeptical of the natural world does not solely put their left brain into use.

Lie detector tests tell the truth.

Despite being famed for uncovering lies hidden under other people’s remarks, lie detector tests have been deceitful likewise. Most researchers estimate a 40% high error rate for these machines, which allows inquiries to end with innocent people guilty of their accusations.

With a 90% accuracy rate, Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI), on the other hand, is revealed by researchers from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylva-

nia as a far more effective approach in analyzing lies as it detects the decision-making process of the brain activated when someone creates a lie. Thus, in truth, lie detector tests do not necessarily read the minds of a person but rather detect their arousal as a physiological factor to generate the result. Hence, their users cannot trust lie detector tests due to the risk of falsified conclusions resulting from a malfunction in their system or a misinterpretation of one’s physiological foundation.

Psychologists are… mind readers?

Despite the absurdity of this belief, most people think that psychologists and similar professionals in the field of psychology have an inhuman ability to read the darkest realms of their minds. But even with no psychological findings to clear their names, it is evident that psychologists, psychiatrists, and therapists do not acquire such abilities.

Furthermore, the interpretation of human behavior and understanding the depths of someone’s mind is a sector of expertise of a psy chology professional, from

When School Bells Ring

Students’

rituals

after dismissal

As the final chime of the bell resonates around the extensive corridors, students pile up, awaiting their departure after arduous hours of sitting in a tight-spaced classroom and complying with their subject requirements for the given day. At the end of their classes, every student has a varying post-school agenda they anticipate doing or are unfortunately required to accomplish. Their varied routines reveal glimpses of their individuality, each possessing a defining characteristic.

With the different personas coming from other pathways, what are the unifying practices most students carry after their classes?

Game mode is on!

Starting the list, the eminence of online games and their varying genres featuring multiplayer, action, casual games, and the like has become a significant portion of one’s leisure or everyday activity. Based on a report by YCP Solidiance, a management consulting firm, there are over 43 million Filipino active players for varying games, and they are still rising in numbers.

Upon commencing their match, the resounding ‘First Blood!’ will undoubtedly transpire when an opponent or ally has been the first to bite the dust, signifying that the heat of the game has started inside the battlefield. For every teen player, what they await to apprehend after every game is their euphoric reign as victors after the dreading thought of being the fallen warriors.

Consequently, schools have grown more inclusive of the interests of their learners with the rise of various esports teams and organizations representing their respective learning institutions. What initially used to be their after-school

activity has paved their path to acquiring the opportunity to showcase their skills and bring glory to their alma mater.

Org, org, and… org?

School administrations have grown sensible of their students’ passions and career options. Through varying school organizations for learners, with distinctions ranging from academic-related clubs to gaming teams, all of which work as a pivotal part of every student’s journey.

Despite its helpful nature in nurturing individuals’ creativity and fascinations, when organization and schoolwork collide, the impact of their collision ends with students getting bombarded with mountainous amounts of academic and extracurricular requirements.

With their ticking clock and the dire need to accomplish their organizational tasks on top of existing academic loads, through their dismissal, they find the opportunity to create progress on their pending work with every ounce of strength they have left.

Rushing the creation, pushing for their submission.

Despite the droopy eyes, frigid hair, and exhausted countenance, indicating tiresome students, the existence of their requisites allows room for them to continue pondering on their deadlines.

With students swarming their way, laptops in one hand, and paperwork clutched in their arms, fighting their way out could be their only goal to acquire sufficient time to complete their academic requirements.

For those who are in the ultimate rush to submit their performance tasks, written works, and quarterly assessments, there is no more suitable time to accomplish their ac-

their verbal attitude to how their fingers tap their table or how their legs quiver in either irritation or fear, it is the job of a psychologist to scrutinize their client’s personality thoroughly.

With that being said, these individuals merely use their deductive reasoning to analyze a person’s behavior or their tendencies to have a specific mental disorder. But with most having these extraordinary studying abilities, they are often misunderstood as somehow clairvoyant, able to read the minds of those they encounter frequently.

Unthinkingly following the masses’ beliefs does not necessarily mean that you are on the right track, as the swarm of people may mislead you away from the reality you are looking for.

Wrapping it up, the psychology industry is a vast ocean of unresolved theories afloat, with false claims and beliefs lurking beneath its waters. Being inclined by even the most minor bits of this information may be helpful when deciding how one’s life should go. Being aware of misconceptions and unverified data and being able to divert your attention towards the accurate interpretations of findings is a life skill as well— supposedly says about having trouble sleeping at night, as it

tivities than once the school bell resonates the final ring.

Mall hopping and spontaneous shopping.

As absurd as it may seem, for others, as a way of coping, shopping does indeed aid in relaxing. According to a clinical psychologist, Scott Bea, PsyD, moderate shopping adds therapeutic and psychological value to a person.

Perhaps all a learner needs after a distressing school day is a short and worthwhile trip to the shopping center and walk by the variety of shops to buy from, or merely list down eye-catching products and services they offer, saving their money for another day. Adding items to their online shopping cart will seal the deal for their stress.

But it is also necessary to remember that excessive buying may harm them as well, allocating their budget and choosing their necessities apart from their desired items will allow them to dissolve their stress without compulsively buying.

After exhausting their bones to satiate their thirst for knowledge, for most, attaining amusement through escaping their tasks for a while and enjoying the merest pleasures they can find is the key to removing the fatigue they experience. In contrast, others find themselves working some more to finish their tasks.

Long story short, by leaving the fourclosed walls of one’s classroom and being exposed to various pursuits, a learner’s day does not end during dismissal; rather, it begins once they have vacated their study room’s premises.

Illustration by Alleah Ranole

SCITECH OPINION

The Fall of Monterrazas

Juancarlos Raphael Apalit

Climate change has become a pressing issue in recent years that sparks global discussions. We have seen a massive rise in green movements and international campaigns against climate change, causing the public to be easily swooned to whatever is marketed as “eco-friendly” and “sustainable.”

Whether true or not, this is precisely what green architecture is for deceptive cash-grabbing engineers such as Slater Young— nothing more of a ploy to allure possible investors and the public into supporting an environmental scam.

They use green architecture as an excuse to further demolish the country’s terrain. These self-righteous engineers don’t know that we can see through the irony. Green architecture pushes the tenets of urbanization by integrating supposed elements of nature, such as trees and bushes, in their projects. Green architecture is usually applauded because of its straightforward mission to protect and conserve nature. But the thing is, people on social media tend to believe everything they see on a surface level without realizing that they could be glorifying a signifi-

Who U: SIM Card Registration 101

Christianelle Cabello &

Juancarlos Raphael Apalit

Have you ever received calls from unknown numbers? How about texts saying that you’ve won the latest Apple device? Weirdly enough, these occurrences are a universal experience for every smartphone user. Even if these spam calls and texts are fraudulent, many people still get fooled into believing they won in a “pa-raffle ni Kuya Wil!”

Differentiating bots or scammers from actual people can take a lot of work. But don’t worry, because the country might have the solution to this problem— SIM Card Registration!

TURN TO PAGE 13

cant cause of the environment’s impending doom hidden under a blanket of false marketing and deception. Let’s tackle Slater Young’s supposed “sustainable” condominium project to put things into perspective.

On August 24, on YouTube, Slater Young debuted his venture entitled “The Rise at Monterazzas,” a developmental project at the Monterazzas de Cebu. In his vlog, he stated that he plans to build a condominium on the mountainside, taking inspiration from our own Banaue Rice Terraces. He believes this is the best way to “work with nature” despite the project’s harmful implications on the mountain’s integrity. The irony lies in his belief that working with nature and being as sustainable as possible equates to excavating more than half of the mountainside to cater to his ambitious condominium project. Not to mention that his site prospect,

the Monterazzas de Cebu, has long been hazardous. At a glance, it is easy to deduce that the project should never have been considered in the first place.

The Monterazzas are located only a few kilometers away from Guadalupe, a residential area at the mountain’s foot. If any complications arise from the project, the residents of Guadalupe will be the first ones to be struck by disaster. The residents have been facing these issues with Monterazza developments since 2008. Due to these developmental attempts, families have experienced mudslides and heavy flooding. If these issues have been happening for decades now, imagine the imminent threat that ‘The Rise at Monterazzas’ imposes on nearby civilians; it’s a disaster waiting to happen.

Moreover, Slater also discussed how the project takes inspiration from the Banaue Rice Terraces,

as mentioned earlier. He believes that taking inspiration from the rice terraces can be considered “working with nature,” just as the Ifugaos did. This narrative is a hypocritical take from an engineer who pushes for urbanization and creates a misconception of how and why the rice terraces were created. Returning to history, the Banaue Rice Terraces were built to combat erosion and heavy flooding— the opposite of the project’s expected outcome. Using the name of an actual architecture that leans toward the conservation of nature to promote adversity disguised as a “green project” is a vast buffoonery; it reeks of impertinence towards the Ifugao culture and community.

With projects like these, the movement and advocacy that green architecture pushes will be tarnished and looked at with disapproval. As we open our eyes to the reality of urbanization

New Normal Threat: Microplastic Air

Ashley Karyll Almojuela

The more we breathe, the more we lose.

As rapid urban growth becomes more persistent, we inhale plastic and smoke. The corruption of air quality is nothing new. It has been a long-standing problem in the country, not only in the metropolis but also in rural areas. The presence of microplastics in the air has alarmed scientists and warned people about the possibility of inhaling these microplastics and its likely consequences for human health. At the same time, threats of thick smog enveloping the Metro Manila atmosphere continue to jeopardize the future of air quality.

Microplastic Epidemic

The Philippines is the leading plastic polluter in the world. According to Earth.org, our country generates 2.7 million tons of plastic waste yearly and loses an estimated $890

million or ₱49 trillion to unrecycled plastic products. The World Bank attributes the growing plastic pollution crisis to the country’s growing middle class and increased consumer demand, which catapulted an economic boom. About this, the sachet economy serves as another catalyst for why the Philippines is drowning in plastic. Sachet economy refers to using small portions of products in single-use plastic packaging. This is particularly popular in developing countries like the Philippines’ sari-sari stores as it offers affordability accessibility and aligns with the presence of small retailers.

Moreover, the concept of “tingi” culture, which is buying and trading in small amounts, also feeds into this concept. It helps cater to both higher and lower-income segments in the population. It increases the purchasing power of consumers to buy smaller quantities at a lower cost. Despite “tingi” culture’s unfettered contribution to tons of plastic waste,

and deceptive marketing, let’s demand authentic green architecture—a demand for integrating sustainable practices such as solar panels and rainwater harvesting for water conservation and reuse. First, sustainability should not be merely “a choice” for large corporations to consider but a practice they should adopt and help make thrive. Seek accountability from these cash-grabbing and deceptive developmental corporations for continuously milking society by exploiting their genuine concern for the environment. Once these things are pushed forward, we only see the end of their eco-friendly and “green thumb” theatrics.

As for Slater Young’s condominium project, it is nothing short of a full circle moment— The Rise at The Monterrazas will ultimately lead to the Monterrazas’ downfall.

it is profoundly established in Filipino culture. It will be hard to eradicate, considering that most Filipino consumers have low disposable incomes. Thus, manufacturers are left unaccounted for plastic that piles up from these plastic wastes, which disproportionately causes environmental injustice to Filipinos.

As defined by the US National Ocean Service, microplastics are tiny particles of plastics less than five millimeters long or about the size of a sesame seed. They come from larger plastic pieces that have broken down and commercial product developments. Still, as an emerging field of study, more research about microplastics needs to be done. Researchers from Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology recently sampled ambient air from 17 Local Government Units (LGU) in Metro Manila. It simulated the height of the average person. Mandaluyong and Muntinlupa had the most significant microplastics present. At the same time, Malabon yielded the least amount of microplastics in the air. 88% of the total samples contained fibrous microplastics. Most of the microplastics came from polyester and clothing. Other types of microplastics were PET plastics, styrofoam, PVC material, and polypropylene. Moreover, the study estimated that an individual can inhale a microplastic particle when exposed to the air for 4 to 5 days. This risks street sweepers, street vendors, traffic enforcers, and commuters.

Photo courtesy: Monterazzas Prime Cebu FB Page

Illustrations by Learra Kate Espiritu

www.pinoy.com:

Out of Touch, Always Online

Eliza Adrianne Cordero

TW: Long article incoming. People with Bibliophobia DNI!

Have you ever tried touching grass? Throwing shade? Or at least spilling the tea? Maybe you’ve even given your hot take on some totally “serious” issue like replacing Filipino/a with “Filipinx” because it promotes gender neutrality and inclusivity? Despite having relatively slower internet speed, the Philippines has been reported multiple times since 2019 for being the heaviest internet user in the world.

GET TO KNOW THE CHRONICALLY ONLINE

First coined in the early 2010s as the Millennial’s ‘terminally online’ or ‘extremely online,’ the phrase resurfaced during the pandemic into what Generation Z (GenZ) now call ‘chronically online.’ Chronically online describes individuals who spend significant time online, dedicating their entire existence and personality to internet culture, slang, and memes. In the Philippines, most of the media GenZ consume no longer hail from their televisions but from the comforts of their mobile screens and social media platforms.

Statista’s September 2023 survey on the leading social media platforms used each month by internet users in the Philippines revealed how most Filipinos depend on social media for communication, socialization, and entertainment as Facebook ranks first with 95.7%, followed by Facebook Messenger (92.1%), TikTok (77.2 %), Instagram (71.9%), and X, formerly Twitter, at 56.7%.

Moreover, chronically online individuals often become so immersed in their niche internet culture that they become extremely out of touch with reality and are desensitized to issues in the offline world. This skewed perspective of life is the primary reason why fellow GenZs use the term ‘chronically online’ as an insult to peers who fit the description, usually followed by a comment of ‘touch some grass’ which means that chronically online people should go outside and reconnect

Netizens often overlook data breaches, but they happen every time and it is estimated that worldwide, an attack is made every 39 seconds.

One in five internet users is affected yearly (Stahie, 2020), and in the Philippines alone, a series of data breaches are rampant. The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) revealed that 83% of Filipino internet users have more than 10 hours of internet exposure daily. While many Filipinos consider themselves to be tech-savvy, many of them merely scroll and tap random links and websites without fearing the consequences. Just last year, the Philippines ranked second among countries with the highest reports of cyberattacks. We have our eyes glued to our cell phone screens, scrolling mindlessly through the internet —completely unaware and unsuspecting of the internet’s lurking terrors.

The ignorance and abundance of trust prompt Filipino internet users to not show hesitation in sharing their personal

with the real world. Ironically, the only way to recognize chronically online behavior is for you to be chronically online as well.

THE GIRLS THAT GET IT, GET IT

Some people have the strength to be self-aware of their intense habits. Unfortunately, many others do not. WikiHow lists three typical chronically online behaviors for you to identify the chronically online without needing to be one yourself.

One of the most frequent signs of chronically online behavior is when they give “chronically online takes,” where a person gives an overly extreme opinion or judgment ranging from politics to morality on situations most perceive as acceptable. Take, for example, the exchange between users @ elijahistrying, @marlonbata, and @jadedbyjared on Twitter:

@elijahistrying: non filipinos [Non-Filipinos] will never get the humor of saying a deep English word and then repeating it in a high tone to make fun of yourself

@marlonbata: Merong undertones of normalized smart shaming, though [There are undertones of normalized smart shaming, though]

@jadedbyjared: *high-pitched voice* UNDERTONES?!

Another tell-tale sign of chronic online behavior is when someone primarily speaks in meme language or slang in every conversation (e.g., side eye, gatekeep, mid, ick, IJBOL, bussin’, etc.). Like, it is so slay of you to reach this part of the article, bestie! Go read, girl! Pop off, literate kween!!! *ahem*

Lastly, one of the most telling chronic online behaviors is when they constantly call people out for being problematic—AKA— “Woke” culture. Woke finds its roots in US popular culture as it originated in bringing awareness and encouraging others to be awakened to African Americans’ plights during the Black Lives Matter movement. Sadly, like many things popularized online, dilution of its meaning and misuse is unavoidable. With their warped view of reality

information, ticking privacy policies and consent forms, and opening malicious links. This makes Filipino users vulnerable to cyberattacks— malicious activities that attempt to collect, degrade, disrupt, and destroy information systems and resources. Keep in mind that it does not stop there. Once a cyberattack takes place, a series of cyber chaos will only begin to unfold.

As a result of a cyberattack, a data breach happens. In definition, data breach is the unlawful and unauthorized procurement of personal and sensitive information that jeopardizes the security, confidentiality, and integrity of the information.

In a breach, these files are viewed, used, and shared without permission. This can either be caused by technical vulnerabilities or reckless user behavior such as risk taking, defiance to security policies, and oversharing information on social media.

These attacks are commonly carried out by cybercriminals— those who engage in malicious and illegal activity

and lack of real-life experiences beyond their digital bubble, many chronically online people self-righteously “preach” and “call out” people on- and offline despite being off-point. As a result, the term “snowflakes” emerged referring to chronically online people with an inflated sense of uniqueness, entitlement, and inability to deal with opposing opinions.

With all these in mind, is the Philippines being chronically online that bad?

DOWNSIDE OF THE ALWAYS ONLINE

In 2021 the Department of Health recorded at least 3.1 million Filipinos experiencing mental health issues. We Are Social and Hootsuite’s 2022 Digital Report also shared that the Philippines has by far the most significant percentage of internet users aged 16 to 64 years old watching vlogs each week at 60.4%, and has a more robust influencer culture, double the global average, with more than 51.4% of users following social media influencers. This strong influencer culture reinforces the desire of online dwellers to escape their current living conditions and problems by clinging to their attempt to have a positive online image.

Escapism is a mental diversion from unpleasant aspects of daily life, depression, or general sadness through imaginative or entertainment activities. It is closely related to the development of excessive gambling, internet use, and gaming. While online escapism attempts to distract the chronically online from their issues, this does not save them from further detaching and desensitizing them to the real world. Moreover, it exposes them to unrealistic expectations, affecting their confidence and self-esteem leading to depression, anxiety, stress, and burnout. Being chronically online also decreases their attention span as they consume media so fast all at the same time, it ultimately overstimulates them and leads to a loss of focus and desensitization. But remember that not all those who’ve fallen deep into the digital rabbit hole are already a lost cause.

using the computer or the internet to obtain information that they legally do not have access to. Usually, these cybercriminals attack with the objective of extortion, theft, exploitation, and espionage, motivated by financial gain.

One example of an attack motivatedby the said objectives is data source infiltration, which is commonly executed through Ransomware, Malware, hacking, and phishing. Keeping this in mind, breaches commonly involve financial information, personally identifiable information (PII), and protected health information (PHI).

Cyberattacks are executed to bring about harm to their targets. For individuals victimized by data breaches, their PII might be used in identity fraud, theft, or sold in black markets.

Victims of cybercrimes experience a significant amount of emotional and mental stress, financial loss, as well as a constant state of vulnerability and worry. For companies, organizations, and government agencies, a data breach is widescale as

TOUCHING GRASS

What seems to be a minor problem could riddle the country into a significant issue of entitled, desensitized individuals. Like all addictions and negative habits, it’s best to keep an eye out for the warning signs before it gets too late. But if, by chance, this digital illness has manifested already, there is still hope for you to recover.

Simple ways, such as taking breaks to control your screen time, can reduce the possibility of becoming chronically online. Resembling the Pomodoro technique, taking a 15-minute break for every 45 minutes of scrolling is a starter unless you want to do a “screen fast” and immediately take 24 hours off the internet. Removing the colors of your phone and enjoyable or addictive apps can also help make your phone less appealing, which would urge you to find non-internet-based activities to pour your time into. Also, in contrast to the detachment being chronically online, meditating and reconnecting to your senses and the world around you can also help in grounding you to what’s happening offline. When these activities are still of little help, talking and seeking professional help through counselors or support groups is an option to try. Aside from your surroundings, reconnecting and socializing with people face-to-face is another way to start your healing journey.

LOGGING OFF

As tempting as the apple that Adam and Eve bit, the internet is as irresistible to the human mind’s craving for stimulation. Avoiding the internet is nearly impossible; however, controlling and correctly utilizing it is feasible through ample discipline. And often, the best way to benefit the most from the internet is to log off, go outside, and live a life beyond slang and references. The endless feats of the digital realm may entice you, but it’s still best to remember that once you live online, it’s hard to let it go.

it might not only cost them PIIs but also trade secrets, business files, and customer data. This leads to financial loss due to expenses, namely legal fees and ransom payments. In addition, additional fees for compensation, recovery, and investment in cybersecurity are needed. Data breaches are costly, the reason targeted small businesses never recover from attacks. The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) has been targeted by the Medusa ransomware who demanded $300,000 as ransom for the compromised 734 gigabytes of files, which amounts to millions of PhilHealth members’ information. Following this attack, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) also reported a cyberattack on its Community-Based Monitoring System. In fact, five government agencies have experienced a data breach, just this year.

According to Maki Pulido, the DICT reported 3000 cyberattacks in the country from 2020 to 2022 where half of them were targeted against government data systems and networks.

Who U: SIM Card Registration 101

FROM PAGE 12

Last year, cybercrime rates in the country reached an alarming number. The PNP Anti-Cybercrime group garnered a staggering 2,318 reported SIM card-related cases. To combat the continuous rise in cybercrimes, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. signed Republic Act No. 11934, also known as the SIM Card Registration Act, on October 10, 2022. Through this act, users are now required to validate their identity before being able to use their SIM Cards and connect with other users. However, the process can be tedious. To validate that you’re an actual human being, you must go through a step-by-step process depending on the provider. Other than this, you must also be willing to share your personal information, such as your full name and address, with your provider and submit a valid government ID. Additionally, minors go through extra steps to validate their information with the help of a legal-aged parent or guardian. Despite this lengthy procedure, lapses surfaced as the citizens tried to register. For example, only some citizens in the Philippines have valid IDs. This only means they can only use their SIM Cards indefinitely once issued a government ID. Additionally, scammers can still fool the system somehow and get their SIM Cards activated.

In a test conducted by the National Bureau of Investigation, they tried tricking the system into verifying a PhilHealth ID containing an image of a monkey, and— well, you’ve guessed it— they successfully fooled the system into verifying a monkey-owned SIM Card. This only means that a scammer can use the fauna’s entirety to perform identity fraud and allow these animals to commit scams without being physically present. Talk about having a spirit animal!

Although the SIM Card Registration Act aims to prevent scammers and keep them at bay, it is up to the users’ digital literacy that will help protect them from these scams. Even if SIM Card Registration acts as a possible solution to prevent identity fraud and scams from occurring in the country, we must remember that it is still in its early stages, hence its lapses in correct verification. So, whenever a unicorn named Juan Dela Cruz bombards your notifications with text messages telling you that you’ve won an all-expense paid ticket to France, opt to block their number and report them to your service provider because it’s a scam! Always remember to be digitally literate— well, that is, until you receive that free plane ticket to France after sending out your personal information.

Beating the Hustle and Bustle with a Touch

Trying to commute in the Philippines, especially the busy streets of Manila, is like watching your phone slowly charge; it is slow, hassle, and dragging. This is what an average Filipino commuter experience every day.

Thankfully, due to the advancement of technology, commuting in the busy streets of the Philippines has undergone a significant transformation with the rise of revolutionary apps like Grab and Angkas. What was once a tedious task, commuting cannow be as simple as tapping on your smartphone – a trend known as “soft commuting.”

The soft commuting revolution began globally in 2010. “Soft commute,” a Generation Z (Gen Z) concept, refers to convenient transportation through online ride-hailing services. “Hard commute,” on the other hand, refers to the typical jeepney, taxi, tricycle, or train rides Filipinos are accustomed to.

Soft commuting has been seamlessly incorporated into our modern urban life. The concept gained traction globally in the early 2010s, thanks to the developers of Uber and Lyft, Travis Kalankick, John Zimmer, and Logan Green. However, it wasn’t until a few years later until it made its way to the Philippines, reshaping the Filipino travel experience.

In 2013, the soft commute trend reached the Philippines with the introduction of GrabTaxi,

an application that heeds the call of Filipino commuters who are sick and tired of going through all the hassle in catching a ride. This offered the nation a variety of laid-back transportation options, one of which is calling a cab at the comfort of their own homes by tapping a button.

With the idea to make taxi rides safer in Malaysia, Singaporean businessman Anthony Tan alongside Tan Hooi Ling, developed MyTeksi. This innovation allowed its users to schedule trips with ease, eliminating the need to endure long lines or negotiate with taxi drivers.

The efficiency of the application has attracted many users, which led to the expansion of its service to the majority of countries in Southeast Asia. By 2016, the company decided to rebrand to what most people know now as Grab.

In the present day, soft commuting apps have evolved beyond taxi services. Angeline Tham, founder of Angkas, stated that she was tired of commuting for hours due to the heavy traffic of Manila and that there must be a faster way of going from point A to point B. With this in mind, Tham utilized the massive number of motorbike riders in the Philippines. Her application, Angkas, now provides a swift solution to navigate the congested streets of Philippine cities, allowing commuters to reach their destinations with ease. Soft commuting’s success in the Philippines lies in its fusion of technology and user-centric design. These apps do not only improve safety precautions but also quicken the booking process, allowing users to exchange travel information with friends and family, and track their trips in real-time. Beyond improving transportation efficiency, soft commuting has become an economic force, generating employment opportunities for numerous drivers. The popularity of these apps has led to various enhancements including user rewards, cashless transactions, and the incorporation of additional services such as parcel and meal delivery.

For Filipino commuters, soft commuting has emerged as a savior, transforming a daily struggle into a seamless experience in a world where time is precious. With the rapid advancement of technology, stress-free travel is now just a tap away on a smartphone screen, revolutionizing how Filipinos navigate their busy cities.

Months prior to the PhilHealth incident, government agencies National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Special Action Force (SAF), and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) also experienced a large data breach, amounting to over 1.2 million employee information to be leaked. It included highly confidential information such as passport copies, birth certificates, fingerprint scans, and tax records.

It has been reported that the documents were not stored in a secure database, but instead, in a non-password-protected database which is highly open to attack from cybercriminals. Neglect and vulnerabilities in the system and database make data more susceptible to cyberattacks. Even in government agencies, cybercriminals still find a way to steal information. This poses great risks to small-scale individuals, especially internet users who do not have protection and enough digital literacy to avoid being scammed and attacked online.

DICT Assistant Secretary Jeffrey Dy attributed the persistent incidents of cyberattacks in the country to a lack of cybersecurity specialists. The Philippines needs at least 200,000 cybersecurity specialists but the country only have 300 experts in practice and

New Normal Threat: Microplastic Air

FROM PAGE 12

Microplastics entering our respiratory systems are not the only concern. These microplastics could also introduce pathogens and carcinogenic compounds to the body. When chronically exposed, these tiny particles could cause irritation and lesions in the respiratory system and even cancer. According to poison.org, microplastics affect cellular survival and metabolism in humans. However, the inhalation of microplastics is still poorly understood and needs further research. We have no escape but to put on our masks. However, this time, we must shield ourselves from the air corrupted by vehicle emissions and waste management problems, not just by microplastics.

Gasping for Clean Air

The traffic congestion problem in Metro Manila has been going on for years. The TomTom Traffic Index Report revealed that Manila ranked ninth as the most congested city in 2022. It is no surprise for Filipinos as the traffic congestion plying the roads of the metropolis is plain old. What is more unsurprising is the traffic worsening, the government lacking initiative to solve the problem diligently, and us reaping its effects: the air pollution, the health risks, and the stressful daily commutes. It is a usual day for Filipinos to inhale the smoke spell of Metro Manila’s traffic congestion. According to DENR, vehicle emissions contribute to eighty percent of dirty air. At the same time, the remaining percentage comes from factories, burning, and construction sites (Ranada, 2023).

In addition, during the height of Taal Volcano’s sulfur dioxide emission, what was thought to be vog blanketing the skies of Metro Manila was smog from the daily high traffic volumes on its roads. The culprit was vehicular pollution and thermal inversion, trapping smog and other particles near the ground (Cabalza, 2023). Vehicles emit carbon dioxide and other pollutants, which get trapped and concentrated the more extended the temperature inverts.

Aside from the high traffic volume, the metro’s waste problem also contributes significantly to the corruption of the air quality. Landfills emit gases such as methane, ammonia, and carbon dioxide.

Our nation’s problems are piling up on our lungs, layer after layer. Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and PM2.5 particulate matter (fine particles less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter) are the most common air pollutants in Metro Manila (IQAir, 2023). Nitrogen dioxide is responsible for the reddish-brown color of smog. Aside from vehicle emissions, nitrogen oxides can also come from trash burning. According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, nitrogen oxides may cause fluid build-up in the lungs at low levels. In contrast, at high concentrations, it can cause damage to the respiratory tract. According to WHO, PM2.5 particles are the most health-harmful pollutants as they can deeply penetrate the airways. Particulate matters include dust, debris, dirt, liquid particles, and smoke.

Pollutants from vehicles could cause damage to lung tissues, weaken lung capacity, cause asthma, and worsen existing respiratory conditions. As per WHO, exposure to air pollution increases the risks of respiratory infections, heart disease, and lung cancer. Consequently, exposure to high levels of smog could cause respiratory diseases such as asthma, coughing, bronchiolitis, neurological disorders, cancer, eye irritation, and breathing difficulties. Pregnant women may also experience low birth weight, abnormal lung development imp, poor immune system development of the infants, and increased premature births.

The Conundrum

It is as if we never moved on from the pandemic. Until now, we are still latched to our face masks. If not, we accumulate smog, microplastics, and pollutants in our lungs. It is a conundrum that the new normal is over. However, it seems as if our nation’s usual pollution problem has become a new normal too. We are suffocating on our masks, but the air quality will also suffocate us. The pandemic is over, but an air pollution epidemic has long been present: We have been inhaling smog and microplastics while gasping, choking for clean air.

only five specialists working in the government.

As for large-scale data breaches, such as what government agencies experience, Harvard Business Review lists eight ways for governments to improve their cybersecurity: (1) Address string authentication, (2) Identify the security limitations, (3) Optimize the use of multi-factor authentication in the mobile environment, (4) Exert their concentration on developing authentication policies without the preclusion of new technologies, (5) Reduce user friction while proving better security outcomes, (6) Recognize that old barriers no longer apply to strong authentication, (7) Adopt a “privacy by design” approach by minimizing the amount of personal data in government servers, (8) Use biometrics appropriately by using it as part of a multi-factor authentication system.

It is not recovery, but prevention that proves to be most effective in battling cyberattacks. The US Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency noted four ways in keeping ourselves cyber safe: (1) Enable multifactor authentication, (2) update your software, (3) think before you click, (4) Use strong passwords. Multifactor authentication will help prevent fraud and strengthen your cybersecurity by making it much more impenetrable to be bypassed. Updating your software will give you leverage with its security updates and a fix against possible loopholes in the code. Outdated software leaves you with risks, vulnerabilities, and more exposure to cyberattacks. In addition, cybercriminals are exploiters of flaws in a security system. Sequentially, phishing emails are the most common form of cyberattack. Being conscious of links, attachments, and emails that we

open is important as it increases our defense against cybercrime tricks. Lastly, for your accounts, avoid using common passwords and recycling passwords that you have used for previous accounts as this presents an opportunity for hackers. There is no perfect database especially when cybercriminals are always on the move and are constantly improving their tactics. Simultaneously, flaws are discovered and areas for improvement are being addressed. In this regard, databases will never be completely secure. And even if our database is imperfect, it is through our commitment to protect ourselves that compensate for the flawed state we are in. Threats may always be present, but systematic prevention can serve as our wall in protecting sensitive and confidential information from cybercriminals.

Kim Ren Mar Repking

The Winning Combination Champions on and off the court

Adriane Jefferson Alilio

As the spotlight shines brightly on the prowess of young athletes on the court and field, a different kind of dedication unfolds in the background, hidden from the public eye. In the realm of student-athletes, it is not just about the game; it’s about the game of balance in a world where academic excellence often takes a backseat to the game of life.

Student athletes, by definition, are students who, at the same time, participate in other activities such as sports that they either enjoy or excel in. These types of students often have big dreams and passion for the sport to the point where they would sacrifice everything just to get the chance to go pro one day just like their idols, but to what extent are these students willing to sacrifice for that dream? Should they just quit school and focus on the bigger picture of their dream or just learn to comply and live with it?

Being a student-athlete takes skill, grit, and determination.

You need to learn to balance your time and energy between staying in school and training for tournaments and games. Many do not survive taking this path because of the immense workload, others tough it out, and some, well, some are given consideration.

From the perspective of a normal student, it is unfair to see that others are given special treatment especially when it comes to giving out tasks and grades, grades that you also sacrificed and worked hard for but for them it’s just a matter of give and take, respect, and connections. Some athletes are given fewer burdens when it comes to their studies so that they may focus more of their time and energy on their athletic careers. Many schools and universities around the world still promote this kind of system even to this day because for them it’s a winwin situation. If these students or teams perform well in their field of sports, they thus present a good image amongst the public.

The bibliography and movie adaptation of Coach Carter (2005)

have proved that these types of situations happen as early as the high school level. They serve as their marketing project to entice more students to enroll in their institution which results in the growth of their institution and business because of this generations of student-athletes who prefer to only do the bare minimum or even less in academics have propagated and continue to do so.

This way of thinking should not be supported anymore for several important reasons, one of which is that it tolerates irresponsibility and the thought that they are above the system. It is true that there are distinct types of intelligence and that it is not only confined within the walls of the classroom but showing compliance with the school’s academic criteria shows that you persevered to accomplish tasks and had the effort to put in the work. These characteristics are also just some of the things that coaches and pros find in an athlete for it shows what type of person and athlete you are and

whether you are worth taking the risk in training and expending resources on. The average grade requirement of a student-athlete is around 2.00 GWA (Brecht and Burnett, 2019) in other words a C — the bare minimum of a passing grade.

If you tolerate students not even complying over simple grade maintenance, how would you expect grown professional adult athletes to even abide and live by the laws of the real world?

A good example of contradicting this negative approach towards studentathletes is the recent case of the exit of Ateneo’s Men’s Basketball Team Point Guard, Forthsky Padrigao. Ateneo De Manila University released a statement about his sudden exit because of failed Academic requirements saying “Forthsky Padrigao was unable to meet Ateneo de Manila University’s academic requirements in SY 2022-2023, and therefore he is not eligible

academics. We hope to see him back on the court once he fulfills his responsibilities as an Ateneo student.” A good example of not tolerating the value of academics in the life of a student-athlete. Another reason is that in reality, the chances of any of them going pro is one in a million even if you do have the talent, hard work, and connections. Going pro is a long shot for almost everyone. According to a statistical record of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) in 2022, a little over 7% of high school athletes (about 1 in 13) go on to play a varsity sport in college and less than 2% of high school athletes (1 in 57) go on to play at NCAA Division I schools and only those in that 2% are given the chance to take a shot to go pro with a little above 1% chance of acceptance. From there those that will not be given the chance must also depend on their academic background for their next step in life like everybody else. That is the reality that student-athletes must face.

Finding Equality & Support: A Challenging Journey

Envision the world of sports, where everything is provided, where they just prepare for their tournament not having to worry about anything else, where all genders are allowed to play without any judgement nor biases, and where they need not to arrange their luggage in search for a favorable condition. Sadly, that is just a dream, a dream that seems to be far-fetched from reality. Even though the games have accepted women in the field, the gap continues to grow larger leaving people of genders far behind. Finding themselves packing their hopes and dreams as they go home with denied access. Discrimination is very evident in the sports industry. Athletes are belittled, looked down upon, and taken for granted for their skill that brings entertainment, morale, and honor to our country. Though the same athletes dedicate their time, effort, and sacrifice to perfect their craft, it seems like male players are favored to get the cheer and applause from the crowd.

Support for different gender in sports has always been overshadowed by men, giving them fewer opportunities and chances to win a tourney.

But behind those cries underlies a bigger challenge faced by individuals, gender inequality and the funding gap that hinders growth. This leads to an exodus of talent going abroad looking for a better overall environment where they could thrive without any drama.

Sports coverage from a national perspective helps athletes to have a platform and fanbase that could support them. However, viewership of female sporting events is significantly low, compared to maledominated sports. A quote from Jennifer Bubel’s article,

“The most common reason people gave for not watching female sports was the lack of coverage.”

This circumstance discourages sports enthusiasts from consuming

Christian Paul Go

female sporting events, thus having less support, opportunities, and income over the years.

Consider LeBron James, the star forward of the Los Angeles Lakers who is expected to earn 117 million dollars by the end of this year, 2023, the top-paid NBA player. On the contrary, Erica Wheeler, a WNBA player, is projected to earn 242 thousand dollars at the end of the year. Although these paychecks are generally high compared to the general population, so is the gap between the two. These players are both in the professional scene already and are making a living out of playing. Imagine those budding athletes who are still making a name for themselves. Do they have the nutrition they need? Do they have an insurance plan

to cover them for possible injuries?

Athletes, teams, and sports organizations need intense preparations to compete in their optimum condition. But without money, acquiring equipment, coaches, and diets would be a tough row to hoe.

This is why financial support plays an important role in an athlete’s performance. Take for example Hidilyn Diaz, the Philippines’ first Olympic gold medalist. In

2020, she trained in a makeshift gym in Malaysia to prepare for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics (held in 2021), which led her to win the elusive gold medal for the Philippines.

SPORTS OPINION

Illustration by Mari Kairua Cruz

A score that speaks of

Dianne Dayo

In the beautiful sport of tennis, where love isn’t always synonymous with romance and zero isn’t just a number, the term “love” has found its way onto the scoreboard, representing a score of zero. The roots of this unusual usage, which dates back to the late 1800s, are unknown, although hypotheses exist, adding to the sport’s allure and intrigue.

Tennis scoring is a game within a game. Unlike most games, where scores progress logically, tennis introduces its own lingo: 15, 30, 40, and, peculiarly, love. The origins of this scoring system are as varied as the sport itself.

The French Connection: “L’oeuf” Theory

One popular theory holds that the term “love” in tennis comes from the French word “l’oeuf,” which means “egg,” and that the resemblance between a zero on the scoreboard and an egg led to the adoption of “love.” However, this theory has its critics, who

point to a lack of evidence for the French using “l’oeuf” to mean “zero.” Despite its egg-shaped attraction, this hypothesis may be fable rather than fact.

Playing for Love: The Sportsmanship Theory

A more widely accepted idea centers on the concept of playing for love—not for money or awards, but for the sheer delight and challenge of the game itself. Those who have 0 points are still playing for the “love of the game,” according to this concept, which corresponds with the long-standing history of sportsmanship and fair play, highlighting the intrinsic worth of playing tennis, win or lose.

The concept of playing for love, regardless of the outcome, has long origins in the sporting world, expressing a dedication to the game itself. This idea is echoed in the term “amateur,” which comes from the Latin word “amare,” which means “to love.”

The Scoring Quirk: 15, 30, 40... Love?

Tennis’ unusual point progression, from 15 to 30 to 40, adds to the sport’s fascination. Theories concerning its history range from the French clock system to the ancient game of “jeu de paume,” in which players moved 15 feet with each point earned until reaching 40 feet before the net, giving rise to the 15-3040 scoring technique we use today.

The Evolution of Love: From Cards to Courts Playing for love has been documented since the 1700s, with early references found in card games such as Whistle.

Error is not an option; it is a war of willpower

that a single game lasts for 11 hours and 5 minutes? Believe it or not, a game of sport had already lasted for 11 hours and 5 mins in the span of 3

The world's longest match in history was displayed from June 22 to er an 11 hours and 5 minutes with the span of 3 consecutive days that occur at the Wimbledon Championships in England. This match was performed by American player John Isner and French player Nicolas Mahut. The match, spanned three days, started on June 22, 2010, and lasted until June 24, 2010. The match was suspended because natural light was nowhere in the

The Tennis Time Machine

Beginning with wooden racquets and hand-sewn balls in 1877 and progressing to the present spectacle,

field. Throughout the match, the two exchanged strong strokes, holding serve for a phenomenal 168 games in a row and serving over 100 aces apiece. Eventually, the score was settled by Isner, claiming the win with a final score of 6-4, 3-6, 6-7, 7-6, 70-68.

The fifth set alone lasted for 8 hours and 11 minutes, beating the previous world record for the world’s longest tennis match by more than 3 hours. This match not only shattered the world record for the longest match in history but also put on display remarkable levels of passion, resolute

the phrase “love” emerges as a constant, weaving a time-traveling tale. Early Wimbledon championships, with players wearing “shoes without heels” and racquets resembling snowshoes, stand in stark contrast to today’s high-tech courts. The silver flower basket, previously considered the pinnacle, now competes on the same stage as multi-million-pound prize payouts. Nonetheless, in the midst of technological progress and astronomical rewards, the word “love” keeps its meaning, connecting centuries and representing the enduring spirit that makes tennis a timeless love affair. The tennis time machine carries us across fashion and equipment eras, presenting the invisible thread—the love of the game—that binds tennis history together, demonstrating that while the sport evolves, its heart remains constant.

The Deeper Triumph

Within the sphere of Philippine sports, a passionate discussion simmers beneath the surface, demanding our attention and reflection: To what extent is the desire of victory an ethical imperative that merits justification, and when does this goal break the fragile threshold into the area of abuse? As we explore the intricate interaction of passion, competition, and morality in the context of Philippine sports, the necessity for nuanced thought becomes critical in deciphering the complexities of this fundamental challenge.

“A strong connection exists between discipline, human success, and the principle of fair play in the dynamic arena of sports, where emotion collides with strategy and athleticism meets friendship. It serves as a great stage for athletes to prove their passion while pushing physical and mental barriers. However, the current rise of cases, including incidents of

unsportsmanlike behavior, doping scandals, on-field altercations, abuses of power, and instances of social media misconduct, prompts a critical evaluation of the complicated interplay between competitive intensity and the growing prospect of abuse. The evolving story inspires reflection on the intricate sides of sportsmanship and the compelling necessity to draw the line between the pursuit of a win and the preservation of the game’s integrity.”

The pursuit of triumph in the dynamic theater of sports often brings real-life events that call into question the fundamental concepts of sportsmanship. Consider a championship soccer match with big stakes and the focus fixed on the star players known for their abilities. This player makes a stunning dive in

the penalty box at a crucial time, looking for a gamechanging infraction. The referee, caught up in the excitement of the moment, gives a vital penalty kick, propelling the team to win while also raising eyebrows about the blurring boundary between strategic gameplay and fair play. This scenario powerfully captures the overarching theme: the rising occasions in which the desire to win supersedes the conventions that sportsmanship and fair play are supposed to follow. From controversial officiating decisions, as seen in the altercation involving Northport team manager Pido Jarencio who apologized for his actions after a heated moment in the NLEX Road Warriors-Batang Pier PBA Commissioner’s Cup game, to instances of unsportsmanlike behavior on the field, such as Adamson Soaring Falcons head coach Nash Racela’s accusations of unfair officiating in their UAAP Season 86 men’s basketball game against the Ateneo Blue Eagles, these incidents supply a picture

Will you carry me?

Christian Paul Go

Imagine carrying your wife upside down with her face facing downwards and her legs wrapped around your neck as you sprint towards the finish line for the best prize of all, an ice-cold beer.

As lovers put their relationship to the test, proving they are the best. Winning a competition that tries their bond is the perfect fit. In the Wife-Carrying Competition, couples are running their hearts out to be the first among the lovers around the world, passionately carrying their significant other on their backs as they try to win their partners’ weight in beer.

As funny as it sounds this event is even considered as a sport.

The Eukonkanto or wife-carrying contest is held annually in July at Sonkajarvi, Finland, and was popularized in 1992. The objective of the game is to cross the obstacle course that is composed of two dry tracks and a water track as fast as possible while carrying their wives on the back. Other countries have adopted this sport as well, with the likes of Australia, North America, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Asia.

The sport was derived from a local tale of Herkko Rosvo-Ronkainen or “Ronkainen the Robber”. It is believed that he trained his men to carry big sacks of loot as they robbed nearby villages and brought wives of men in the vicinity with them. It has developed into a sport which is known as the wife-carrying sport today.

determination, and extraordinary endurance as they pursued victory. The competitors also exhibited impressive stamina and a profound dedication to the sport of tennis, garnering the admiration of numerous fans and fellow athletes.

The world's longest tennis match is important as it highlights the extraordinary capabilities of athletes, their sportsmanship, and their determination. Given how long the game takes to win and how much willpower and emotion it takes, it might also be tough to beat this record.

of the steady deterioration of sportsmanship under continual pressure to win. The whole core of sports is at risk of morphing from a nurturing ground for togetherness to a breeding ground for frustration in this complicated dance between competition and ethics.

The University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers’ alleged violation of quarantine protocols amid a global pandemic adds another layer to the complex dance between competition and ethics, illustrating how the relentless drive for success can lead to compromising not only fair play on the field but also ethical considerations off the field, endangering the wellbeing of participants.

Participants are evaluated according to the rules and regulations to qualify for the tourney. The carrier must be 21 years of age and his wife must be 17 years of age to participate. Marriage recognized by the law is not mandatory in order to join. The partner must weigh a minimum weight of 49 kg. The players could also use helmets and a belt as their protective gear. And of course, we cannot forget the prize, the winning duo would receive the weight of his Today, the sport is getting more attention and gaining popularity throughout the world. Its rise gave birth to the World Wife-Carrying Championship. Recently, Tiasto Meittinen and Katja Kovanen were crowned as champions in the Wife-Carrying World Championship that was held July 1, 2023, at Finland. They have proved to be the fastest and the fiercest among the cou-

The disturbing rise in doping incidents is one conspicuous sign of the eroding sportsmanship in Philippine sports. Athletes that use performance-enhancing drugs threaten not just their personal well-being, but also throw a gloomy shade over the sport’s legitimacy.

Soon we might see this sport in the professional scene, a game that is played for fun might be taken seriously in the long run. A sport that connects people to possibly unite the world full of chaos. Who knows? We might see this in the SEA Games or perhaps the Olympics as well.

Having to carry your wife and the flag at the same time is indeed a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Dwyane Cabrera

(Will you marry me)

SPORTS OPINION

Dianne Dayo

Forged in Adversity: Gilas Pilipinas’ Historic Quest for Gold

Millions of eyes glued, hearts

racing – Filipinos unite in front of their screens, awaiting a historic slam dunk. Will this be the gamechanger that quenches our gold thirst, rewriting the story of the Philippines’ basketball saga?

Over more than sixty years, the Philippines has faced challenges in attaining triumph and securing a gold medal across successive generations. The furthest achievement reached by the Philippines has been a silver medal in the league.

In 2002, the Philippines experienced its most heartwrenching moment in the Asian Games. But just as they were on the verge of reaching the final, their opportunity slipped away when Olsen Racela failed to convert two crucial free throws. The host, South Korea, secured the win with a buzzer-beating three-pointer from Lee Sang-min.

Following the disheartening defeat in 2002, the Gilas Pilipinas experienced a significant setback, landing in the 5th to 8th position over the past few years. The crushing loss prevented them from securing the trophy, leaving the Philippines yearning for a taste of victory. After 21 long years Gilas Pilipinas finally saw a glimmer of hope with a new generation taking the reins. Even in the absence of key players such as Dwight Ramos, Kai Sotto, Jordan Clarkson, A.J

Edu, Rhenz Abando, and with the withdrawal of Roger Pogoy, along with the former head coach Chot Reyes stepping down, Tim Cone stepped in to take the lead and had to make quick adjustments. He brought in CJ Perez, Kevin Alas, Marcio Lassiter, Chris Ross, and Arvin Tolentino on short notice to help the team.

In a determined bid to break a dry spell, Gilas Pilipinas showcased dominance against Bahrain and Thailand, securing pivotal wins leading in the pool play to the Asian Games quarterfinals. Despite stumbling against Jordan, they redeemed themselves with a resounding victory over Qatar, entering the quarters for the first time since 2002. Facing a formidable Iran, they triumphed narrowly 77-76, setting the stage for a remarkable comeback against China, securing an exhilarating win and a shot at redemption in the finals against their earlier adversaries.

The Philippines’ Gilas Pilipinas displayed resilience and prowess, securing victories over Bahrain (87-53) and Thailand (87-72), setting the stage for the Asian Games quarterfinals. Despite a consistent winning streak, they inevitably faced Jordan and stumbled badly with a final score of 87-62. They continued to rally, overcoming Qatar 80-41 in the final game in the pool play, reaching the quarterfinals for the first time in nearly two decades.

From there they faced Iran a familiar foe. Gilas controlled the entirety of that game up until the last final minutes but despite Iran’s spirited comeback, tailing closely, the game concluded with a narrow victory for the Philippines at 84-83. Advancing to the semifinals, they aim to redeem the 1998 loss by triumphing over China. Gilas Pilipinas faces a setback in the first half, witnessing China’s tremendous strength. Fueled by determination, Gilas mounts a comeback, seizing the lead from China and overcoming a 20-point deficit. With Brownlee’s fourthquarter heroics, they secure a thrilling victory with a final score of 77-76 in favor of Gilas. The highly anticipated moment arrived when Filipinos eagerly awaited to witness their team’s journey to the finals, facing off against the squad that denied them entry to the quarterfinals.

their prowess by dominating and conquering the 19th Asian Games.

repeat itself, ignited a relentless fire in the 3rd quarter, punishing Jordan with a score of 51-41. In the dying moments of the game, Gilas fiercely guarded their hard-earned lead, ultimately sealing their victory with a final score of 70-60. The game was a testament to their resilience and determination, ensuring that every opportunity was seized, and history rewritten in their favor.

Justin Brownlee concluded a memorable tournament performance with 20 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals. Ange Kouame showcased his defensive skills, contributing 5 steals and 2 blocks along with 15 points and 11 rebounds.

go through a tedious process gathering requirements for a visa application just to attend a match in a foreign country?

We cannot blame her for siding with Japan, at the end of the day she is just seeking the best route for her career and the convenience it would bring. As she cannot receive that benefit from the Philippine passport and the local sports scene.

But months after the historic win, she appealed for monetary support that would cover her entire team’s expenses to vie for a spot in the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Imagine if other athletes were to be in her spot, do you think they would still push through the struggles and even spend money from their pocket that was supposed to be covered by a sponsor or an organization?

A high-caliber athlete in Wesley So, a chess grandmaster. Who switched citizenship, from being a Filipino to an American citizen due to his frustrations about the national sports scene being politicized, after he was denied of receiving his supposed one million peso incentive for topping the World Universiade Games.

Another world-class athlete is Yuka Saso, a Filipino-Japanese golfer who chose to represent Japan on the international stage in exchange for the prosperity of her career with the use of a Japanese passport; that has the power to enter 190 countries without needing a visa. An extreme advantage indeed, career-wise, and incentives as well. Who would want to

We also have Ljay Gonzales, the lead point guard of the FEU Men’s Basketball Team who has done his heroics on both wins of the Tamaraws against the Ateneo Blue Eagles and has received his flowers. However, it is not every day that he is being praised by the fans, just like any other athlete.

On the other side is Barbie Jamili, a 19-year-old supposedly rookie of the FEU Women’s Volleyball Team in the upcoming UAAP Season 86. Yet decided to transfer to a San Marcelinobased school after the first semester, in search of an environment where she thinks her career would further bloom and bigger opportunities may arise.

Situations like these put the athletes on a pedestal to choose what is better for them and their families. Their story reflects the challenges faced by sports people. These shortcomings in support, such as financial aspects, opportunities, exposure, and other issues could lead to athletes being lured to greener pastures offered by other teams, countries, and organizations. These scenarios are grounds for talent poaching, where other teams are luring high-caliber athletes to play on their side, more like a sports brain drain, an idea where you leave your

Every heartbeat echoed the weight of their earlier loss, but the Philippines unleashed a storm of resilience and unwavering spirit. The air crackled with tension as they entered a crucial showdown that would define their fate in the competition. The clash of destiny between the two teams began with a swift and intense momentum, as if their very lives depended on each play, resulting in a 17-12 score in the 1st quarter. Jordan, eager to shift the tide, managed to equalize the score at 31-31 by the end of the 1st half. Gilas, determined not to let history

current environment in search of a better one. We cannot really blame them for their decision to pick the best option for themselves. Who would not like to have a stable life amidst the uncertainty of our future?

The government, specifically the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), should extend its support to all athletes of gender, level, and social status without any biases or favoritism. Giving athletes a training ground where they could sharpen their skills and perfect their crafts would be of big help, exposing them to competitive tournaments that would help them mature as an athlete in their chosen sport. At the end of the day, it all boils down to the support that is being given as they have already proved to be as competitive and as equal as men. Athletes are people, not robots; discrimination have no place in an industry where sportsmanship is the foundation. Everyone should get the support and opportunity that they need

As Gilas team captain Japeth Aguilar plays his final game after 12 years of dedicated service, the once joyful atmosphere quickly transforms into a somber tone, leaving an historical impact on the team and the sport of basketball.

Cheers of triumph resound as fans and Filipinos celebrate Gilas Pilipinas securing their first gold medal in basketball in over 60 years. Anticipation runs high for Gilas Pilipinas to not only defend their title but also return with even greater strength in the upcoming Asian Games. On this occasion, Gilas Pilipinas, or the Philippines, will emerge as a formidable force in the realm of basketball, showcasing

The Deeper Triumph

A prominent example concerns a renowned cyclist whose exceptional performances on the track piqued the interest of the athletic community. Later investigations revealed a sophisticated doping campaign, undermining the fundamental basis of faith and fair competition.

Similarly, in boxing, an emerging star was accused of using illegal substances to obtain a competitive edge, tarnishing not just the athlete’s name but also weakening the sport’s legitimacy. These incidents reflect a troubling trend in which the drive of triumph jeopardizes ethical norms, highlighting the critical need for a renewed commitment to the core values that constitute the essence of sportsmanship in the Philippines. The desire for victory should never jeopardize an athlete’s health or tarnish the illustrious reputation of the events in which they compete, leading to a collective appeal for a restoration to the real spirit of fair play. As a firm advocate of sportsmanship, the growing prevalence of doping incidents in Philippine sports is deeply discouraging. A comprehensive approach for correction is required due to the compromise of athlete health and the deterioration of competition integrity. Recent incidents, such as [1] the suspension of a prominent athlete for testing positive for performanceenhancing substances and [2] the revelation of systematic doping practices within a national sports team, underscore the urgent need for action. To prevent the

This moment stands as a luminous passage in the chronicles of Philippine history, finally satisfying their thirst craving for a gilded triumph. The resonance is deep, echoing like a symphony of triumph, becoming a beacon of inspiration for young basketball prodigies yearning to trace the illustrious path paved by their victorious predecessors. Within the intricate threads of the Filipino cultural mosaic, basketball emerges as a vibrant thread, intricately interwoven into the very essence of the nation’s soul.

As a beloved sport that transcends generations and unites communities, the prospect of bringing home the gold in international competitions signifies more than a mere victory on the court. It symbolizes a monumental leap forward for the future of Philippine basketball, acting as a catalyst for inspiration, unity, and national pride. The collective aspirations and dreams of Filipino basketball enthusiasts materialize in the relentless pursuit of the coveted gold, propelling the sport to a stage where it transcends mere entertainment. Here, it transforms into a guiding light of hope and a wellspring of resilience for the entire nation.

use of performance-enhancing chemicals, strict anti-doping procedures, including regular testing and comprehensive education programs, are needed.

Transparent and accountable governance inside sports organizations, together with the development of an independent anti-doping authority, can strengthen testing processes’ credibility. These measures are essential to uphold the values of fair play, protect the health and well-being of athletes, and preserve the integrity of sports competitions in the Philippines.

As we consider these problems, it is critical to underline the importance of teaching principles to our athletes at the grassroots level. Character development must be prioritized alongside athletic abilities by sports organizations, coaches, and parents. Teaching resilience, respect, and fair play should be as important to an athlete’s education as learning game tactics.

Furthermore, the athletes hold responsibilities, as do sports administrators, regulating organizations, and sponsors. Stricter rule and regulation enforcement, along with thorough investigations into charges of violence, will send an important message that the sports community values integrity over short-term glory.

The line between winning at all costs and abuse in sports is undoubtedly narrow, but it must be respected. We must reiterate our dedication to fairness, respect, and sportsmanship. We can create the future of Philippine sports as fans, athletes, and advocates by demanding accountability and standing hard against any form of abuse that threatens to damage the essence of competition. Let us nurture a culture in which the tireless desire for victory stays flawless and untainted, creating a sports landscape that will serve as an everlasting source of inspiration for future generations.

Dwyane Cabrera

Photo courtesy: Inquirer Sports

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