VOLUME XLIX, NO. 2 September to December 2020
YOUTHS on the STREET FOR THE FIRST TIME since the onset of the pandemic, and albeit the constraints brought by our current situation, student journalists from progressive universities, colleges and youth groups remained steadfast and dauntless against the current administration’s tyranny as they lit up a virus effigy. CONTINUE READING ON P2 PHOTOS BY SCIENTIA AND ABS-CBN NEWS
ANGELENEAN MAGALING
WHAT’S INSIDE?
AUF sophomores hailed champions in Southeast Asia Region Adobe Creative Jam Hackathon 2020 THOMAS JEFFERSON OVIVIR
EDITORIAL OUR DEFENDER, THE MURDERER >> P4
As Angeleneans continuously persist for excellence in the middle of these constrained times, second-year students from the College of Computer Studies (CCS) snatched gold in the recently held Southeast Asia Region Adobe Creative Jam Hackathon 2020 with 81 team-participants from various universities. Multimedia Arts majors: Kian Francis Peralta, Dian Raisa Pangilinan, Erica Mae Cristobal and Christian Joseph Santiago took pride in representing the Philippines in the said competition which lasted for two weeks, including the single-day bootcamp that prepared the competitors in the series of eliminations that chopped the groups to five for the grand finale. This is while creating a self-curated mobile application using Adobe XD and documenting
the whole process with Premiere Rush and Adobe Spark. Peralta, one of the members of the winning team, mentioned how they played the game. “Since this is a collaborative effort, we made sure that there is a space for everyone. There is a voice for all; we were open to suggestions and criticisms of one another.” Adobe Education Creative Jam is a top-tier and world-renowned contest by the industry-leading company Adobe which promotes their motto of “Creativity for all” through the years. Using premium tools and softwares, they provide an avenue for students to explore their creativity and imagination for future careers and milestones.
FEATURES 9 FREE APPLICATIONS TO ASSIST VIRTUAL LEARNING >> P7 SMILING AS CHAMPIONS. Team AUF claims international gold.
The Pioneer AUF
PHOTO/ KIAN PERALTA
THE PIONEER BAGS MOST OUTSTANDING CAMPUS JOURNALIST, 3 GOLDS, 4 BRONZES AND A FOURTH PLACER
PCAP AWARDS CCJE IN SEARCH FOR THE OUTSTANDING CRIMINOLOGISTS AND CRIMINOLOGY STUDENTS
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IO EXCLUSIVES
AC’s face mask and PPE project employs 200 home-based tailors ALLEN DAVE TUBANGUI At least 200 home-based tailors are tapped by the city government to produce reusable face masks and personal protective equipment (PPEs) as a source of income amidst the challenges of the pandemic. Mayor Carmelo Lazatin Jr stated that people of marginalized sectors in the city such as solo parents, women’s groups, persons with disability and stay-at-home parents are target employees since the livelihood program aimed for financial assistance and sustainable livelihood, “In this time of pandemic, the livelihood of many Angeleños was affected. That is why we came up with a livelihood project that they can do even while they are at [sic] the comforts of their homes,” he added.
PHOTO/ ANGELES CITY INFORMATION OFFICE
A sewing machine at home is the only requirement to be qualified in the project— provided that it is of good condition and the surrounding is clean enough for work.
Personnel from the city’s Public Employment Services Office (PESO) are the ones who conducted the assessment. Economic Development Investment and Promotions Office head, Irish Bonus-Llego, specified that every sewer must make 250 pieces of reusable face masks per week and 20 sets of PPEs per month, which are compensated every 15 days for P4 per piece and P300 per set, respectively. All the necessary materials such as threads, bands and fabric are provided by PESO. Collection of the finished products are facilitated by the said office as well. Mayor Lazatin is also considering local designers to create patterns and designs for the livelihood project. Other jobs like eco-bag making, rice retailing, atchara-making, basket weaving and tinapa-making are also being prepared by the city government as an extension of its livelihood program.
PH bans travels despite Duque statement, gov’t to exempt OFWs SAMANTHA GUTIERREZ In spite of reports concerning the new COVID-19 strain, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III insisted that travel ban should be imposed only “if the new variant in that country is already at the level of community transmission.” Confirmed cases of the new COVID-19 strain started to rise over the holidays, forcing countries across the globe to impose strict travel bans on anyone from the UK. Consequently, President Rodrigo Duterte approved the imposition of the travel ban on individuals travelling from the UK and several other countries that reportedly have new COVID-19 variants. Duque confirmed the travel ban and stated that it would take effect on December 30 until January 15.
However, Duque’s statement originally opposing the
travel ban drew criticism from the people, as the virus mutation is reportedly 56 percent more transmissible, according to UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock. Immediately after, a traveler from the UK who arrived in the Philippines tested positive of COVID-19. Duque merely indicated that this confirmed case may not even be the new COVID-19 variant, and that the individual’s confirmed case is still up for checking. On top of this, Filipinos feared that the temporary travel ban that lasted only from December 24 to 31 is not enough to keep the new COVID-19 variant out of the country. This is further highlighted as individuals from Sweden, France and Spain reportedly acquired the new COVID-19 strain after travelling from the UK. Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) are exempted from said travel ban and are allowed to enter the country after undergoing the 14-day quarantine protocol.
“White sand” Manila Bay overcrowding gets Ermita police chief terminated ALLEN DAVE TUBANGUI Crowd during the opening of the artificial white sand beach in Manila Bay gets Ermita Police Station head, Lt. Col. Ariel Caramoan, dismissed from office due to failure of imposing COVID-19 health protocols. Nearly a thousand people are seen flocking the area without face shields and physical distancing during DENR’s Manila Bay Rehabilitation Program. Said bay opened temporarily to the public on September 19 to mark the International Coastal Clean-Up Day. DZBB Super Radyo reported that people are seen closely packed together in queues trying to get a peek of the “white sand” from the outside, especially on the foot bridge, amidst police presence. Joint Task Force (JTF) COVID Shield, government’s law enforcers of COVID-19 safety protocols, said that Caramoan should have implemented and laid out “strict security and health safety measures” on Manila Bay’s opening.
Orders of JTF COVID Shield “to monitor and
immediately take action on violations of the quarantine protocols that are going viral in the social media” is also not observed by Caramoan. Regular monitoring and planning prior to the event could have prevented violations of the General Community Quarantine (GCQ) protocols, JTF COVID Shield expressed. Head of the Philippine National Police (PNP), General Camilo Cascolan, ordered Caramoan’s relief from duty, but later added that the general public is also liable for the incident. “Let that be a lesson not only to the PNP but to all of us. Hindi lang po laban ng pulis itong COVID. Laban po ito ng lahat. Siguro mas maganda mas matuturuan din natin ang mga kababayan para gumawa ng tama,” the PNP Chief said. Caramoan is re-assigned to Manila Police headquarters, while Lt. Col. Alex Daniel assumed the former’s position. Manila Bay’s dolomite white sand has stirred controversy among environmental groups, experts, politicians and the general public deeming the project to be purely aesthetic, environmentally damaging, health threatening, overly funded and unnecessary in this time of pandemic— claims which DENR denied.
DepEd reckons class opening a ‘victory’ despite opposition TRISHA MAE CHU Undeterred by the health challenges being faced by the country in addition to the opposition of various teachers and youths groups, the Department of Education considered the School Opening Day National Program with the theme, “Handang Isip, Handa Bukas” a victorious day. DepEd simultaneously welcomed 24.7M enrollees for the School Year 2020-2021 on October 5 in spite of a global health concern. However, teachers and youths groups like the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT), Samahan ng Progresibong Kabataan and College Editors Guild of the Philippines disagreed to the said ‘celebration’ as they saw various problems concerning not only the health and safety of both students and teachers but also the negligence of millions of students who are left behind.
According to the Samahan ng Progresibong Kabataan, there is no victory at all but actually a defeat of common sense. This is about the high dropout rate, suicide incidents, connectivity/gadget issues, teachers contracting virus and insufficient funding that are overlooked by the department while celebrating the success of the class opening. On the other hand, Education Secretary Leonor Briones said in an interview that whatever is happening in the country, education must continue and COVID-19 will not be the cause to destroy the education and future of the children. In line with this, a new set-up of education system is introduced as they implemented various distance learning modalities or LDM as means of delivering instruction to the students. The said modalities include learning through online, TV or radio, modular or the combination of these modalities.
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PHOTO/ PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY
... from P1
Duterte-virus effigy, burned by rallyists alongside 48th Martial Law commemoration According to the rallyists, said art material is intended to symbolize President Rodrigo Duterte as the coronavirus. The burning took action during the 48th anniversary of Martial Law declaration at the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman’s grounds on September 21. Scribes from the youth sector who relentlessly assembled claimed that the protest rally is to show vulgar condemnation of historical revisionism from the evident De Facto Martial Law unveiled by Duterte’s manipulative schemes within his reign, and disagreement to the government’s COVID-19 response. A program is commenced in front of the Commission of Human Rights’ (CHR) central office in Quezon City at 3 PM of the same day. This is shortly followed by the aforementioned protest at UP Diliman by multiple sectors at 4 PM. —THOMAS JEFFERSON OVIVIR
IO EXCLUSIVES
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PHOTOS/ AUF CCJE and AUF BSS
Colleges commence virtual learning as part of “new normal” DOROTHY ANN RAE REYES
students, professors and other participants about their rights in accordance with republic acts in subject. Focusing on the Republic Act 11313: Safe Spaces Act or the Anti-Bastos Law, Ms. Charlene Agarito led the first half of the webinar. On the latter part of the webinar was the SOGIE Bill— Hon. Sarah Elago informed the participants about the context of the said bill.
In alignment with the new normal situation, several colleges in the university took the liberty to host webinars. One of many is the “Safe ka Rito: A SOGIE and Safe Spaces Webinar” which is organized by the College of Criminal Justice Education’s College Student Council (CSC) in cooperation with College of Arts and Science’s CSC. Said event aims to educate the
Another webinar is also organized by the AUF Biological Sciences Society. The first episode of the webinar is entitled
800k children in Central Luzon receive polio vaccination KAYE CASTRO Over 800,000 children have received polio vaccination in the second round of Sabayang Patak Kontra Polio campaign of the Department of Health (DOH) that commenced September 14 in Central Luzon. DOH, with support from the World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), launched the polio immunization campaign in 2019 during which a polio outbreak is reported in the Philippines. The campaign, however, is shortly put on hold because of the COVID-19 pandemic. During the resumption of the SPKP campaign, a total of 882,055 children ages 0-59 months are vaccinated with Monovalent Oral Poliovirus Type 2 (mOPV2), reported DOH-Central Luzon as of September 19. The number is equivalent to 65.48 percent of the 1.3 million total coverage of DOH-Central Luzon for this round of the campaign.
Sabayang Patak Kontra polio aims to combat the transmission of poliovirus through administering vaccines to children under 5 years old, regardless of immunization status. Poliomyelitis is a highly infectious and life-threatening disease. Without a known cure, vaccination is the best way to prevent polio. “Unlike COVID-19, we already have a vaccine against polio that is safe, effective and free at health centers. The COVID-19 pandemic reminds us of the importance of vaccines to prevent diseases,” said Oyunsaikhan Dendevnorov, UNICEF Philippines Representative. DOH assured that the polio response during the pandemic is following the minimum health standards with special precautions like meticulous planning with field teams to ensure the safety and quality of the campaign.
US immigration nabs former US Navy Director in Pampanga MA. CLARIZ ISABELLE MAGALANG Xavier Fernando Monroy, the former US Navy director, based in Busan, South Korea, is arrested on September 23 for longdue committed crimes at Barangay Cacutud, Angeles City. Monroy is issued a warrant and arrested by the Bureau of Immigration Fugitive Search Unit (FSU) in accordance with the official communication issued by the US Government.
ABS-CBN shows and movies set to return on free TV KAYE CASTRO After the recent denial of a new legislative franchise, ABSCBN returned to free TV through an agreement with Zoe Broadcasting Network, Inc. on October 10. Some of ABS-CBN’s entertainment shows and movies can now be seen on the newly rebranded Zoe TV: A2Z channel 11.
He has long been wanted due to his committed crimes of bribery, corruption, obstruction of justice and falsification of public documents. In the reports of the US Department of Justice, he provided the ROK shipping-based company on how to avoid official Navy procedures in exchange for “cash, personal travel expenses, meals and alcoholic beverages and the services of prostitutes.” Chief Bob Raquepo of the BI FSU stated that after accomplishing certain procedures and issuance of required documents for his deportation, he will be out of the Philippines.
Angeles University Foundations’ School of Medicine ensures competence in diversity as its indian medical students achieved a passing rate of a hundred percent last December 2020. Said examination which is also regarded as the Medical Council of India Screening Test was aced by top-notch students from the academe, namely: Dr. Lydia Jennifer Samuel, Dr. Virajsinh P. Rathod, Dr. Ronak Navinchandra Movdiya and Dr. Arbaaz Ashraf Diwan despite being first time takers. “We started our journey tough, but now, when I look back on those days, I actually feel the worth of every single quiz and exam. Partly because AUF taught me patience and hardwork,” uttered by Dr. Movdiya when asked how the institution helped him flourish and clinch this milestone. In addition, the FMGE is administered by the National Board of Examinations for Indian nationals who finished their medical degrees on foreign countries. National passing rate is 19.46% in 2020. — THOMAS JEFFERSON OVIVIR
Rheanna Tuazon, Editor in Chief, brought home Most Outstanding Campus Journalist as well as bronze in Most Outstanding Photojournalist and Opinion Writer. Samantha Gutierrez, Associate Editor, won Most Outstanding Investigative Journalist and bronze in Most Outstanding Editorial Writer.
“ABS-CBN and Zoe are committed to work together to provide entertainment, public service programs, and educational content to the public,” ABS-CBN said in a statement.
the
ABS-CBN has since focused on putting its news and entertainment programs online via its social media channels like Facebook and YouTube.
AUF Med achieves 100% in foreign graduate boards
In light of the recently concluded First Assumption Outstanding Campus Press Awards, The Pioneer claimed Most Outstanding Campus Journalist, three golds, four bronzes and one fourth place in said competition.
Kian Peralta, Editorial Cartoonist, also won fourth place in Most Outstanding Editorial Cartoonist.
ABS-CBN went off air in May following the National Telecommunications Commission’s cease-and-desist order after its franchise expired. The network filed for franchise renewal in July but was denied by the House Committee on Legislative Franchises— forcing the network to cut back many of its 11,000 workers.
The “Biosafety: Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic” is also concluded on October 23 with the guest speaker coming from Biorisk Management Office, RITM, Mr. Plebian Medina. The webinar revolved around the risks and hazards amidst the pandemic, and how the laboratories here in the Philippines deal with different viruses.
...Pioneer bags ...from p1
Zoe Broadcasting Network is a “Christian, family-oriented and wholesome television and radio broadcasting,” according to its website. Granted the legislative franchise for A2Z channel to operate as a free TV channel available on analog TV, Sky Cable channel 11 and Cignal TV channel 183, it is set to air several more of ABS-CBN’s shows, movies, and educational programs.
It’s Showtime, ASAP Natin ‘To and FPJ’s Probinsyano are among the list of ABS-CBN shows that has returned to free TV. However, the absence of the network’s news programs such as TV Patrol is noticeable and their free TV comeback remains to be seen.
“Urban Gardening,” with Biology professor, Ms. Emily Malong. Episode two of the webinar series focuses on the new normal education with Dr. Olga Tulabut as the guest speaker.
In the group categories, Pio also bagged Third Most Outstanding Campus Paper with the Best Editorial Page and Best Opinion Page. The awarding rites took place virtually at Assumption Regina’s Official Facebook Page.
CLTV 36’s choice for Most Outstanding Campus Journalist, where Tuazon takes part in, is also to be followed after said awarding.
PUBMAT/ AUF’S OFFICIAL PAGE
...PCAP awards CCJE ...from p1 Students and faculty members of the College of Criminal Justice Education (CCJE) are awarded in the annual nationwide event, “Search for the Outstanding Criminologists and Criminology Students,” on December 18. Professional Criminologists Association of the Philippines (PCAP) declared Syrel M. Reyes, Francheska D. Roque and Manuel Japeth Q. Zafra as Outstanding Criminology Students. Dr. Alfie P. Sarmiento is also awarded the titles of Excellent Service Award and Outstanding Educator; Dr. Rhem Rick N. Corpuz, the Outstanding Criminologist in the Academe;
and Alenea Salangad-Furio with PLTCOL Kenneth DG Vega are both named Outstanding Criminologists in the Government Service. PCAP Search for the Outstanding Criminologists and Criminology Students held its awarding ceremony for this year in an online broadcast. Recap of the award is available through streaming on Mindanao Daily News’ Facebook page. — SAMANTHA GUTIERREZ
VOLUME XLIX | NO. 2 | SEPTEMBER TO DECEMBER 2020
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ANORAMA
EDITORIAL STAFF 2020-2021
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MA. RHEANNA TUAZON Editor in Chief
SAMANTHA GUTIERREZ Associate Editor
ADRIAN POUL BLANDO Managing Editor
EDITORS COMMITTEE DOROTHY ANN RAE REYES News Editor
KEVIN VALEN ARCELO Literary Editor
TRISHA LINDO Sports Editor
ANN CLARISE MERCADO Features Editor
ALLEN DAVE TUBANGUI Circulations Manager
CHRISTIAN ANDREW TORRES DENZEL DIZON RALPH LAURENCE PERALTA Photojournalists
KIAN FRANCIS PERALTA Cartoonist
KAYE CASTRO Layout Artist
EDITORIAL
MA. CLARIZ ISABELLE MAGLALANG TRISHA MAE CHU THOMAS JEFFERSON OVIVIR News Correspondents
Our defender, the murderer
JOHN LESLIE LAYUG SAIRA BOGNOT CARL DAVE SANTOS GERINE GONZALES YANCY MORON
As deafening sounds of gunfire reverberated through the oncepeaceful municipality of Paniqui, Tarlac, the entire Philippines trembled in its wake. Days before Christmas, a video of Police Senior Master Sergeant Jonel Nuezca mercilessly killing two unarmed civilians in said province went viral. The unarmed civilians were later named as Sonya Gregorio and her son Frank, whom Nuezca tried to arrest and was reportedly drunk. Meanwhile, social media users took to Twitter and Facebook to ridicule Nuezca’s daughter, a minor, who was heard screaming “My father is a policeman!” prior the shooting. These words clearly reflected how Nuezca, without thought, killed Sonya and Frank in point-blank range, as his daughter, unflinching, watched.
Features Correspondents
ANGELO FERNANDEZ RAHUL MODY CHELSEA GALANG Literary Correspondents
JOHN VINCENT MIGUEL CHRISTLE BERNARDO Sports Correspondents
MS. CRISTINA REYES
Prior the incident, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief General Debold Sinas announced that gun muzzling is no longer necessary; cops are allowed to be in possession of their guns during periods of leisure. The gun muzzling tradition was effective until it was stopped in 2016, 2017, and 2018 by then-PNP chief Ronald dela Rosa and President Rodrigo Duterte. This decision was wholly supported by Tarlac police chief Police Colonel Renante Cabic, who stated that, “There are incidents which we know about when a crime happens when we least expect it.”
University Paper Adviser
| The Pioneer AUF | @thepioneerauf
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| aufthepioneer@gmail.com
Civilian authority is, at all times, supreme over the military. The Armed Forces of the Philippines is the protector of the people and the State. Its goal is to secure the sovereignty of the State and the integrity of the national territory.” Similar to the Philippine government, the supreme duty of the AFP is to serve and protect the Filipino people. However, who else should we cling to, when the very protector of our being has turned on us?
As this gun muzzling tradition turned to an alarming halt, Filipinos grew warier of the extrajudicial killings happening in the country. Human Rights Watch reported that the Duterte administration’s “war on drugs” conceals deaths caused by the PNP as “homicides under investigation.” With the failure to disclose official documents regarding these deaths, and the lack of justice served for the families of the victims, the Philippines has been branded as one of the most dangerous countries in the world according to the Global Peace Index. Reports that masked gunmen taking part in these extrajudicial killings are closely working with the police, with evidence-planting as a continual pattern, are no longer new to Filipinos. This is why anger turned to rage when
Sinas warned that citizens must not take photos or videos of crime incidents. Fresh memories of the case of Kian Delos Santos resurface, as the case initially declared Delos Santos as a drug runner, killed for contradicting the police. Police desperately tried to cover-up the murder by accusing him of being a drug runner, and that the incident was a case of self-defense—the police, who were grown, armed men, reasoned they felt the need to protect themselves from an unarmed minor. CCTV footage and witnesses claim otherwise; Delos Santos was seen begging for mercy, and was forced to fire a gun before he was shot by the police.
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Philippines has been branded as one of the most dangerous countries in the world according to the Global Peace Index.
“How many were not filmed?” was the outcry of Filipinos, citing that these victims could have ended up like the others, had the incident not been filmed—murdered in broad daylight, with packets of drugs forced upon their lifeless bodies, or accused of fighting and resisting the police. Another family would have been denied justice, a policeman would have gone away with murder, and another child would have been brought up believing power is to be spent on abusing the defenseless. My father is a policeman—he is the defender, the murderer.
VOX POPULI
To PH’s murderous system— there will never be silence
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MA. RHEANNA TUAZON
gonizingly, the state knows no humanity, compassion, nor uprightness; it jails guiltless people and no longer has respect for human rights. This administration stands as a bully and imposes double standard and impunity among many others. Statutory justice is transformed and weaponized into an inutile defense system for the rich and powerful. The Philippines is deeply flawed; its justice system— a crackled structure which murdered an innocent baby.
of the state’s heedlessness. When she was incarcerated last November, she found out that she was pregnant. Even with the justifiable grounds of fear for herself and unborn Baby River, her petition for temporary release due to the Pandemic was also denied last April. The court did not even give her the chance to nurture the baby during early post-natal stages; as well as to extract breast milk because the city jail did not exactly have the proper facilities. Far from her mother’s reach, Baby River was taken into the custody of her grandmother. However, she was hospitalized last September 24 and was declared dead on October 9 when her lungs gave out due to bacterial infection.
Authorities certainly do not have conscience. Even with infant blood already spilled, hearts of immediate people concerned are as frozen as bergs. A furlough was approved, granting Nasino a 3-day visit to her baby’s funeral rites; but Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) cannily impeded with the duration of temporary release and managed to cut it down to six hours due to “personnel shortage and fear of spreading Coronavirus inside the jail facility.” However, a battalion of 40 defense forces escorting a single handcuffed woman would not cut that claim. These guards were also terribly inhuman as they refused to even remove Nasino’s handcuffs— the poor woman could not even wipe her own tears. Cops even pilfered the casket of the baby and buried it immediately in Manila North
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This administration stands as a bully and imposes double standard and impunity among many others.
Reina Nasino, a political prisoner under Bagong Alyansa Makabayan whose charge is also under the trial of public opinion, lost her daughter, Baby River because
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Cemetery leaving the baby’s grandmother crying on the road. It is obvious that the wardens and Judge were only finding loopholes to keep Nasino from acquiring any humanitarian considerations. If anything, they are naturally hostile to the political prisoner. Moreso, the fact alone remains, that Baby River was killed by the government’s red-tagging system. The reason why the rich and mighty are untouched is because the system has a natural target-lock for activists. Instead of hearing the grievances of activists, such as Reina Nasino, the administration seeks to silence them all. With alleged “evidence-planting,” times are sure that no one, at least those who are critical of the government, is safe. Let the words etch down the minds of all: Baby River, an innocent baby, was killed by the state. She was killed by the state who jailed her mother with trumped-up charges— she was killed by the political fury of the government against activists and critics. Even with the judicial system specifically designed to give protection to the helpless, they turned to become animals and led to the murder of not one, but countless innocent people. Continued on next page...
ERSPECTIVES
...To PH’s murderous
from page 3
This de facto martial law regime has put many lives in jeopardy— but what is nauseating is that it only applies specifically to marginalized lives. While Nasino was denied of her reasonable furlough numerous times and had to fight to attend her baby’s funeral rites; then-president Gloria Arroyo was granted a holiday furlough and another one to her brother-inlaw’s wake, Bong Revilla was also allowed on several occasions to visit his father and son and was not even handcuffed, Jinggoy Estrada was also a guest of numerous granted furloughs to, aside from medical reasons, attend his son’s high school graduation, visit his mother-in-law, and to attend his
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ur photo albums present scarce moments of glee, and bare white spaces of where accomplished plans should have been. Dreams of travelling, graduating, and living in peace all came down the drain in one swift snap. The year 2020 sprung upon us unexpected eye-openers, making us grasp just how much we are lacking in preparedness, safety, understanding, and compassion. Earlier this year, COVID-19 became global. The pandemic rapidly spread across countries, including ours, what with every government’s and individual’s lack of initiative to restrict non-essential foreign travel and maintain discipline. Death tolls rose to thousands amidst the confusion with the differences between ECQ, MECQ, GCQ, and MGCQ, on top of the lack of self-discipline. People eyeballed the differences with these restrictions, often resorting to their own intuitions; local communities still struggle to impose regulations on wearing face masks and face shields almost a year into this dilemma; social distancing, and age limitations in public spaces are more askew than ever. Racism ensued right after. With Wuhan being the epicenter of the disease, some chose to pin this situation down on the Chinese people alone. Later on, China continued to mass produce protective equipment, open isolation areas, strictly impose travel bans, and close down face-to-face schools. China recovered while the rest of the world uselessly fought over tissue paper, rallied against COVID-19 protocols, and planned mass birthday gatherings. To them, COVID-19 is nothing but a conspiracy theory—an excuse to inflict hate and racism—and that face masks abridge our rights to “breathe.” Ever since the onslaught of the pandemic, the Philippines
father’s 80th birthday— all without handcuffs. When Nasino’s farewell was threatened to be cut short by the police when journalists tried to interview her, other politicians have been merrily popping open wine bottles. It is true that the law is extremely harsh to the marginalized and giving to the bourgeoisie; it is that fact which makes one sick to the core. Baby River’s death is on the Duterte administration; the murderous system could have done something to preclude this mishap but chose to be pugnacious. No apologies were heard, not even mealy-mouthed ones.
turned divided, particularly the students and their universities. #NoStudentLeftBehind initially demanded an academic freeze for at least a semester, providing enough time and room to adjust, and for others to find means to take online classes. However, the Department of Education, Commission on Higher Education, and all other universities did not see this request fit for all the institutions and pushed forward, compromising with forcing inadequate changes in learning materials instead. To this day, students continue to voice their pleas for meager week-long mental health breaks, which are consistently left unheard.
Nation-building and Among Us ADRIAN POUL BLANDO
never liked to play Among Us. I was always tired of being a crewmate. I do my tasks and suddenly, someone’s already killing me. I hate the thrill. I feel like my effort in doing the task is being wasted. Sometimes, the two impostors manage to kill eight crewmates; or impostors can deceive these crewmates telling them that their colleagues are the impostors. It was not until the boring evening when I tried to reinstall this game; this time, I got the chance to be the impostor. We were two impostors at that time and I never thought that being an impostor is fun. However, when we were about to win, I was voted by the players, making me lose the game. Since then, I never became an impostor. I have realized that in this game that votes really matter. In fact, even if you are a crewmate, once they thought that you are the
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The year 2020 sprung upon us unexpected eye-openers, making us grasp just how much we are lacking in preparedness, safety, understanding, and compassion.
What followed suit was the people’s frustration on the prioritization of the Manila Bay, which they deemed adequate had the government not employed a mere band-aid solution to a bigger problem. Just as all previous rehabilitation efforts were finally showing signs of development, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ progress took a step backward by dumping dolomite, which is often used in construction. “Dolomite contains high amount of heavy metals such as aluminum, lead and mercury, which would contribute to the pollution and acidity of Manila Bay,” Fernando Hicap, a member of the Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya), said. “Why is DENR leading a campaign
COGITO
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ducation serves as a ray of hope to people. It is what every street child dreams of achieving; and what motivates parents to face adversity come hell or high water just to support their child’s endeavors. However, what if this ray of hope serves as a hindrance to fulfill their dreams?
impostor and voted you, you will be kicked out from the game. It is always the decision of the majority. Right then, I picture that the 2022 election could be like the game of Among Us. Recently, Pulse Asia released the result of their survey last November about who people would vote for the 2022 election. Davao City Mayor Sara “Inday” Duterte, the daughter of the current president, topped the presidential bid against other aspiring presidents like the current Vice President Leni Robredo, Senator Manny Pacquiao, Manila City Mayor Isko Moreno. In addition, as the result was published in all the social media platforms, many people (greater than the 2,400 representative adults who took the survey), disagreed with the result, especially those people asking for good governance because they are already fed up with the “leadership” of a Duterte. Looking at the perspective of the game, the Filipinos are the crewmates and one or two of these aspiring candidates for presidency can be the impostor/s. Well, the solution for this is also in the game – determine who the impostor is and wisely vote. Determining who the impostor is easy. The actions of these government bodies in times of calamities and pandemic are evident. We can determine who does the tasks and who does not; who use the people’s tax wisely and who does not. They have
However, in due time, the justices denied, incarcerated innocents, and surged blood will be charged. The story of Baby River and her mother is the story of countless poor Filipino people. It is outrageous; and people should turn their rage into a plea for the government— let there be a time of reckoning, let the oppressors pay the price of their sins, let there be accountability. As long as there is no justice for Baby River and other tragedies, there will never be silence.
DE FACTO
2020 at a glance SAMANTHA GUTIERREZ that could increase and cause further harm to the bay?” By November, a typhoon considered worse than Ondoy struck the Philippines. Typhoon Ulysses submerged parts of the country, leaving tens of thousands homeless, particularly in low areas. National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council announced that the death toll hit 73, and a total of 3,052,049 individuals were affected by the typhoon. Finally, as the year struggled to come to a close, a new strain of COVID once again terrorized the entire globe—making this hellish experience come to a full circle. 2020 plagued us with unforgiving diseases, illnesses, disasters, and forced upon us the unfortunate changes we now label the “new normal.” We lost thousands of lives, and risk losing more at this snail-paced rate. May we spend the lackluster new year reflecting on where we all went wrong in a desperate attempt to prepare ourselves for whatever disappointment is to come next.
their own task and we should all be aware of that. With that, we can figure out who is just acting like an ally.
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Determine who the impostor is and decide who to vote.
Voting is the essential part of the game to know if the crewmate or the impostor will win. If you are worrying right now about the result, remember that there are only 2,400 crewmates who voted. Still, the vote of the majority is what matters here. You can take part to turn this result around by using your vote in the upcoming election. At the end of this game, it is what it is. When the majority speaks, that would determine the fate of this game. However, are you the voter who voted out your fellow crewmate or the impostor? At the end of the day, we are all crewmates here— we all want to win this game.
because there are no alternative sources of income. The AD HONOREM pandemic and its resulting lockdowns have left companies struggling to stay afloat while others shut down. Last October, the state statistics agency has recorded that 3.8 million Filipinos remain jobless, while studies by the Asian Development Bank showed that 84 percent of households in the Philippines said As the threat of the coronavirus pandemic remains, their income declined because of the COVID-19 pandemic. physical classes are still barred and the government has shifted to alternative learning modes, including internet-based learning. The government’s overall response to the pandemic has been DOROTHY REYES fraught with incompetence and terror. Rather than addressing the Recently, the Department of Education (DepEd) has received pandemic as public health issue, it has been met with a decidedly reports revealing their students hosting an online “Christmas sale” militaristic fashion. The authorities’ failure to keep up with the The lack of action towards the needs of the students from the of their lewd photos and videos (pornography) so they could buy preventive measures of neighboring countries exposed a plethora government compelled them gadgets and pay internet bills in support of their distance learning. of problems: the Department of Health inadequately addressing to sell sensual photos and This called for the involvement of law enforcement agencies. The the primary crisis of public health and safety; the Department videos online National Bureau of Investigation is currently investigating these reports. of Agriculture’s difficulty in transporting agriculture and food commodities from the farms or ports to the urban consumers due The transition from face-to-face learning to distance learning to our inefficient transport and road systems; economic decline; and Education is not a privilege to be bestowed by that DepEd implemented caused panic amongst its students. Majority DepEd’s unpreparedness for continued education to name a few. the government nor is it a luxury for the rich. It is a legal scrambled to get their hands-on gadgets which they will use for online right for everyone, yet it is far from being a reality for classes. However, students from low-income families cannot afford to Although obvious gaps in education have existed in the millions of Filipino people. The government must assume acquire a necessity. Because of this, many students are being left behind. past, the pandemic highlights a stark divide among students: accountability in addressing persistent education problems The lack of action towards the needs of the students from the government access to education for those who can afford it and for those as primary duty bearers of the right to education. They compelled them to sell sensual photos and videos online, making them who cannot. Further, limiting financial assistance to a selected must ensure that millions of people left behind have access prone to abuse and sexual exploitation just so they can support their studies. few rather than extending financial assistance to everyone to the education they are entitled to. It is a crucial issue in need contributed to the dilemma. The accessibility of and should be made a priority. Hindrances such as legal, Many of our fellow Filipinos engage in these kinds of activities education for all under any circumstance thus remains a dream. economic, social, and cultural barriers must be removed.
Education: Hindrance to dreams
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VOLUME XLIX | NO. 2 | SEPTEMBER TO DECEMBER 2020
6
ANORAMA
VICIT
Bobocops on Duty TRISHA LINDO
O
ne cannot count anymore the errors made by armed and blueuniformed clowns who are supposed to serve the people but only favor themselves. The Philippine National Police is not new in committing the best blunders caused by their incompetence and slipshod “leadership.” Such gold comedy is not made for good laugh or appraisal, it is one that makes us shake our heads in disappointment with a heavy sigh of “When will our country get better?” Although we believe that there are still officers who walk in honor, we cannot deny how those with corrupt minds outnumber the rest—continuously tainting the image of the institution and only making it harder and harder to be saved. These fools aren’t just making fun of themselves, what is worse is that they even fool the public—more pies are dumped at our faces. One pie thrown by these clowns recently is the mishandled Christine Dacera case that misled both the people and the media to think that it was a rape-slay without laying all the facts of their investigation.
U
nderneath the chill and burgeoning flames brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic are the forgotten faces of the unreported, set aside, and left to be jettisoned. Although watching the news throughout the tides of the past year has led me to a better understanding of the conditions being faced by many individuals, I have realized, however, as I scrolled across the white glare of my screen, the lack of conversation primarily about the conditions of sex workers in our country during the course of the pandemic. I ask myself, what actually happened to them? I try and search, but see the dust settle to unearth only little to no media attention about their “actual” situation in our country. Are they unimportant? Is the word “sex worker” too much of a term for the public that we just mute them out? I mean we know they exist. Many parts of the world do. To consider, other news from different parts of the globe seems to be more acquainted with these marginalized groups. Such as in India, for example, where protests have begun even all the way back in August in asking the government to support them since the pandemic has started. In addition, a quick scroll through a list of online news articles also show how these Indian sex workers are being viciously held back due to the current situation. Similarly,the same effects are being reported with that of Singapore all the way from Bangkok and, to be fair, all of this is just from Asia.
Such poverty in conversation in our country would only stir an even deeper wound among the victims of the pandemic. They are real people even if their job descriptions had been molded by the same government that considers their work to be illegal, but for some reason, poverty not to be. In fact, even before sex work had been made illegal, the government has already halted them from even forming as a group. This is evident even way back in since the 1980s when the first sex work organization was created. Namely, Women Hookers Organizing for their Rights and Empowerment (WHORE). However, such organization was short-lived as local governments and religious sectors participated in the early destruction of springing conversation for these people and their hope in being recognized.
“
Such poverty in conversation in our country would only stir an even deeper wound
In fact, even if conversations did exist, they are still infrequent and many times, conversations would always rely upon their stigmatization or even a malformation of their constitution to ask only what we want for them, when the real question should have always been: what do these individuals actually want for themselves? Specifically, individuals who either are strained into these circumstances where they enter into a mode for “survival sex” or those who are facing the possibility of losing their job that has truly given them good benefit and livelihood. Most importantly, during such a time in this current pandemic
CARPE DIEM
Optimistic Christmas
C
ANN CLARISE MERCADO
hristmas celebration was still a merry holiday regardless of the COVID-19 pandemic, a celebration with strict protocols all of us are currently experiencing— the “new normal” Filipino festivity. When “bermonths” appeared on the calendar, families started to light their homes with colorful lights. Vibrant parols were lit and hung on posts along the streets and high ways. Hoping for the end of this pandemic by December— just like seeking light in the middle of the dark— being resilient and optimist during these hard times. On the other hand, December came and was still under the ‘new normal’. On the 16th of the said month marked the start
Said case of the 23-year-old Philippine Airline (PAL) flight attendant found lifeless in a bathtub after a New Year’s Eve party at the City Garden Grand Hotel in Makati City triggered countless debates and theories online. The PNP fronted initial and sketchy evidences to the public that drew the people to focus on the rapeslay case angle. These evidences were the cuts and bruises on Dacera’s limbs, the semen found near on her genitalia, and the CCTV footages caught on CCTV showing the attendant enjoying the company of her two male friends hours before her death. What became a wake-up call for the public to fact-check and to dig deeper is when the autopsy report was exposed concluding that Christine Dacera’s death was naturally caused by aortic aneurysm and not of rape as the police asserted. The true sexual orientation confessed by the alleged and their persistent claim that they cannot bear to commit such inhumane act towards their friend, Christine, took a different swing. The public is now outraged by the lies fed by the PNP—another tactical lie similarly rooted to their badly written “nanlaban” fiction against drug suspects during Oplan Tokhang. How can the police cap off Dacera’s case in a snap of a finger when the recent case of a cop in Tarlac shooting an unarmed mother and son to death last December isn’t even solved yet? Maybe the PNP is trying to cleanse their image after that big blow on their dignity. However, they did not realize that they only put up more trash on their figure . They are not our heroes anymore; they are not saints deserving of praise for their lapses and constant failure.
Fixing such incompetence, dishonesty, and lack of integrity could have stopped victim-blaming and gender stereotyping. The alleged suspects who were actually victims of this rotten system as well, could have been spared from the public trial and humiliation if it weren’t for the PNP’s sickening manipulation at the very start. The damage has already been done . Justice isn’t really served, it is always denied. The real crime here is not rape, but voiding the thorough probe and due process of law.
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They are not our heroes anymore; they are not saints deserving of praise on their lapses and constant failure.
This downfall of our supposed protectors is only a clear reflection of how disordered and unstable our government is. The PNP has sworn to protect the people as the constitution entails , but the reality is that they’ve always been kissing the feet of their beloved president . Filipinos still deserve competent and decent leaders. Enough of the patronage politics based on political loyalty! Who can we trust when the police have little to no credibility left? Don’t ever bother to wonder, both the honor of the PNP and most of our government leaders died long time ago.
ERGO
Sex Workers: The Pandemic’s Most Forgotten Victims KEVIN VALEN ARCEO where we are so uncertain of how they are able to live day by day. This is more clear given the fact that sex workers would usually pop-up in media in an article that involves a sort of “rescue operation” model. However, it poses the question. Do all sex workers really want to be rescued? If we think more empathetically to certain subgroups of this marginalized group that were provided stability by the job, some may be asking themselves: then what happens to me? While sex work is a consensual process that involves an agreed transaction of sex for monetary payment, human trafficking, on the other hand, involves coercive threatening and abduction of individuals for the sale of sex. The issue here being that without local and national government aid and clarity, many individuals entering in this field of sex work only become more prone into being involuntarily victimized by human traffickers who choose to prey upon them. In addition, many public institutions also fail to fully realize the full-fledged experience of sex workers even up to this day as they cast them completely either as “low-morale” foes or completely as “oppressed” and “coerced” individuals. Many institutions are flawed to assume that all sex workers are “coerced” into these positions as this would only stereotype them and fundamentally erase their agency as an individual. And while it is true that some individuals are coerced and trafficked into such trades and truly require government rescue and aid from social welfare organizations, it is not completely true for all of them. The reality is that some sex workers do actually govern and support and desire their job. Whether it be due to the lack of time constraints and/or the amount of financial freedom that they receive which, in turn, allows them to better support their children, companions, and/or even themselves. Some even choosing this job either as a way of as a manner of protest, a philosophy, or even simply as a manner of sexual expression that may provide a different lens on the work that they do. This provides only a fundamental realization that some sex workers can receive positive consequences through this job. The truth of the matter is that many of these individuals simply desire that they may be protected in such a way that prevents them from being trafficked and abused. They are unable to state their realities anymore and simply disguise as “entertainment” across red-light districts among nightclubs and massage
of Simbang Gabi, the nine-day novena mass before Christmas day, this tradition never dies but there were huge differences by the scenario from the previous years. Under this ‘new normal,’ limited visitors were present. This is some of the evident that we are under the ‘new normal’ and even now experiencing changes. Far from busy and lively, the entire province of Pampanga was quiet, as the Governor of the province, Dennis Pineda, issued the Executive Order No. 32 that regulates the movement of each person in the province with strict compliance to health and safety protocols in this season with austere monitoring of the checkpoints. With these protocols, the entire Christmas day was a peaceful one with no vehicles and people bustling outside, no door-todoor visits, no traditional Christmas parties and, no get-togethers. Again, under the ‘new normal,’ some parties were done virtually and close family members celebrated Christmas while confined in their homes. Amidst the new normal, the spirit of Christmas never changed as Filipinos still hope for this pandemic to end soon. Let us not think of the vaccines alone as the solution, it goes further than
THE OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF ANGELES UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION
parlors where they are unable to say their point of view even if it may be necessary. As speaking only causes them to be relentlessly regulated to the extremes, aggressively moralized, or altogether wiped-out from policy formulation. Which to consider, only breeds the right ingredients for other individuals to maltreat and wrongly criminalize them. I would opine that these are the main exact reasons why sex work would be considered dangerous. It may not be the best job, but it is legitimate in its job risks. I am saying it is dangerous not because of them, but because of how society has treated them. Sex work did not have to be dangerous if only these individuals were properly provided a space to form actual organizations and groups. The lives of sex workers could have been much safer if initiatives were given to provide them with free training on the proper methods on how to prevent contracting sexually-transmitted diseases. They could have been better protected if they were provided a way to safely navigate if others are experiencing abuse from clients or third-party organizations. Public institutions should protect them in such a way that sex work does not end up becoming a ‘last resort” effort for other men and women. Appropriate programs should be provided to ensure that sex workers are not trafficked, and most importantly, sex work could have been less dangerous for these people if they have simply been recognized, listened, and supported by the government more eagerly as a sex worker. The idea that sex workers can be completely eradicated is an “out-of-touch” concept for a world where poverty is still existing and were growing ideologies are sprouting upwards in support of these types of jobs. Although fiery debates still exist, the truth of the matter is that these individuals are here to stay. They are here to stay at a time where their lives are hanging by a loose thread, fleeting in a mystery, fogged up completely by the pandemic, and with only traces of their lives being reported. It is a stunting point to realize that the more marginalized a community is, the more forgotten they end up becoming. In this pandemic, I can only dare to hope that these individuals are still holding on to their dear last breaths. As one simply begs to ask: who may have also been forgotten? Who may have also been made invisible and unreported?
that, such as the competency and consistency of the government in strengthening our health care system and providing an adequate and rapid testing and tracing; having a better quarantine, treatment, and monitoring facilities; investing in public health to combat this pandemic and to ensure the welfare of all; proper planning and preparing for the infrastructure; and the budget in purchasing vaccines for Filipinos.
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It is evident that we are still under the ‘new normal’ and still experiencing this global crisis.
Pinning our hopes on the government and laws of the country – whatever it takes – to secure the nation’s health with consideration to the rights and welfare of every Filipinos. Nonetheless, while patiently and hopefully waiting, let us follow rules, always wear masks and face shields and observe proper social distancing – change starts with a small step.
IECES
7
9 FREE APPLICATIONS TO ASSIST VIRTUAL LEARNING WRITTEN BY ANN CLARISE MERCADO
‘Tis the season for technology to run practically our entire lives. What with the new normal calling for the dire need to turn our lives virtual, applications such as Zoom, Google Meet, and Canvas flock our gadgets. The following platforms are must-have applications that are user-friendly and essential in accomplishing our daily tasks: CamScanner A compact mobile scanner—easy scan, easy share. Its optical character recognition feature allows you to extract texts for easier editing. Moreover, its auto-enhance feature makes the image quality in PDF forms appear sharp. In this era of online submissions and soft copies, this application lets you do more than just capture; anything within reach is possible— scanning, saving, archiving, uploading, and sharing made easy! Google Drive Google Drive is undoubtedly one of the known cloud storage services that everyone can utilize with the use of a Gmail account. Storage and organization of data may be done on your phone or laptop, and allows you to control and limit access to every file you share. Unlike other platforms, Google takes pride in its advanced security systems, including its famous two-step verification and activity tracking. Grammarly College sees to it that every student must know how to write—essays, research papers, thesis, you name it, we write it! What comes with this is the great deal of grammar-checking and proofreading that never seem to make sense, especially when you are closer to the deadline than possible. Worry no more, as this application allows you to automatically detect
and correct grammar, punctuation, spelling, style, enhancement, sentence structure and plagiarism—your writing, at its best! Focus To-Do: Pomodoro Timer & To Do List Procrastination takes up double the time of accomplishing tasks, but the well-known Pomodoro study technique helps with time management like no other. This application breaks down your tasks into manageable chunks to keep your mind sharp and fittingly occupied. It is an all-in-one Pomodoro timer and to-do list that categorizes sessions and sets task priorities. You can beat procrastination! Forest This self-discipline application restricts phone usage and helps you dedicate your time focusing on school-related tasks instead. Plant a seed, set a timer, and then get your work done. Staying off of your phone lets you grow one virtual tree, literally nurturing your forest while you stay productive! Merriam-Webster Dictionary This well-known dictionary can be downloaded in a snap, and all your words fit in one place! It features quick searches, describing word origin, pronunciations, and examples that use the words in sentences. Indeed, a quick way to expand your vocabulary! Notion Combines the features of a note-taking app, a task-management app, and a spreadsheet tool, among many others. All these work together to create a powerful application that provides a personal or team
workplace. It also offers several templates when writing your notes, to-do lists, and organizing your schedules in a creative way. You can show your artsy self and be productive at the same time! Photomath Calm your Math fears with Photomath—a free mobile application that can read, analyze and solve mathematical problems through your phone camera and in one quick snap. Photomath also lets you see a step-by-step procedure on problem solving; answering for you and teaching you at the same time. Shoo the math stress away! Quizlet Quizlet is a free online study-buddy that features flashcards and interactive games to help you in reviewing your notes. Quizlet is the best study companion for your upcoming exam; this application allows you to focus and learn, to self-test your knowledge, and to create your own study guide sets through games such as speller, learn, test, scatter, and space race. Learn better with a virtual study companion and ace that test! And the list goes on… Maximize and explore what your institutional email can access, as AUF allows access to other useful online applications such as Canva and MS Office. However, one should keep in mind that amidst the convenience provided by technology, we must stay sensible individuals. In the words of Eleanor Roosevelt: “with this freedom comes great responsibility.”
Homemade Quarantine Creations
Tips on Surviving Online Classes
FILIPINOS MADE VIRAL
By Leslie Layug
| BY ANN CLARISE MERCADO
help you focus and be more active in participating during your online class.
Months of lockdown did not bring Filipinos’ resiliency into a halt; these periods of confinement unleashed their creative minds in developing viral food trends. Despite the farrago of emotions, they did not just find joy, satisfaction and comfort in these foods, they also turned it into a source of extra income. Here are the top 5 quarantine food trends that we go loco with during the lockdown: Dalgona Coffee As months slowly ticked by, people increasingly missed having coffee in their beloved coffee shops, and settled with making their own alternative. Hand-whipping 4 simple ingredients, namely instant coffee powder, sugar, creamer, and warm water together make a butterscotch foam which looks similar to Dalgona. When spooned over milk and mixed, it makes a perfect Dalgona coffee, which originated from South Korea. Filipinos, however, experimented with Milo, juice, cake, and other variations possible, which presents a true Filipino color—we never lose when it comes to creativity. Ube Cheese Pandesal Pandesal is a signature Filipino bread and has always been a Filipino staple but we never got to partner it with anything but coffee and hot chocolate. While in quarantine, someone came up with the genius idea of mixing ube to the dough and adding cheese in, turning it into a total online craze! The vibrant purple bread and melted cheese, and the taste of rich sweet and salty combination captured the palate of not just the Filipinos but also those abroad. Other than the ube cheese pandesal, various other bread crazes went viral, such as the sourdough bread, banana bread, and cinnamon rolls. Baked Sushi Upon hearing the word “sushi,” an image of rolls of several ingredients wrapped in rice and seaweed instantly come across our minds, but during the quarantine period up until today, Filipinos have made another version of it—the Baked Sushi! Deconstructing the ingredients of sushi and layering it onto a pan—from the layer of fluffy Japanese rice, crab stick, salmon to its toppings of mayonnaise or cream cheese, once baked, will grant us another delicious way of eating it! DIY Samgyeopsal Korean samgyeopsal really captured the Filipino heart because of its unlimited servings of meat, side dishes, drinks, and incomparable barkada time. Missing this Korean feel pushed Filipinos to be creative, resulting in DIY samgyeopsal or samgyup sa bahay creations, and home delivery samgyeopsal. Fancy-fied and Upgraded Canned Goods and Instant Noodles Saving up money in such times and stretching out available resources is a must, giving birth to these five-star quarantine dishes. Transforming varieties of local canned goods into dishes like corned beef hash, sardines spaghetti, hotdog sisig, and sardine nuggets became a popular trend. Among these came the upgraded instant noodles, sparking everyone’s interest and utmost c r e a t i v i t y.
Have an organized schedule.
Online classes both serve as a convenience and a challenge; you can be time-flexible and timeconstrained at the same time. It is essential to know how to deal with distractions, such as Netflix, mobile games, vlogs, and social media. Keeping in mind the following steps would substantially change your self-discipline, dedication, and focus during online classes. Wake up early, take a shower, and eat breakfast. Similar to our habits before the pandemic, it is better to wake up an hour earlier than your class. This will give you time to prepare yourself before attending your first class. As we are always told, early birds catch the worm. Another thing is to make sure that you’ve taken a bath which makes you feel refreshed and recharged— this boosts your body to be more active and awake. On the other hand, breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and it helps your brain function better. Spot your perfect place to do online classes. Most of us took the liberty to attend classes in our beds, which only attracts us to go back to sleep. Look for a peaceful spot at home where you can focus solely on studying. Ensure that there will be no distractions, such as your family members, noises, and devices. A perfect spot for learning will
Aside from the given schedule on when to attend your online classes, it is essential to plan when to do your tasks and study. If your mind functions well at night, you must follow it. If you feel comfortable assembling your task and learning in the afternoon, plot your schedule in that time frame. You may allot an hour to study, a fiveminute break, and another hour to finish your tasks. Stay away from distractions. We disregard completing our modules and decide to continue watching our pending Netflix series, playing our favorite mobile games to rank up, or shooting a new Tiktok challenge. However, it is essential not to be distracted when completing our tasks and studying. Instead of treating these as distractions, use them as rewards for finishing all your daily tasks. Take a rest. Despite all the tips above, always remember to take a rest. It is essential to recharge when you feel tired and exhausted for it makes you think and seem more prepared to face and complete your tasks. Resting will make you think, recharge, and ready again to face the screen and complete your pending tasks. Everyone is struggling with distance learning. Some may even take this as an advantage, which is why it seems to be easy for others to complete their modules in a day or two. Whatever type of online student you are, you must know how to balance work and life. May these tips help you in taking your online classes.
Prank booking and the worries of online delivery riders— Carl Dave Santos With approximately one-third of the global population on lockdown, assistance that delivers groceries, medicines, food, and other essentials have significantly grown in-demand. In our current situation, where most establishments are closed, and it is seemingly difficult to get food and supplies from the market stores, these online delivery systems have proven to be useful and necessary. Despite the potential health risks they might acquire for being exposed during this pandemic, they are still up to do their jobs. In that sense, delivery crews deserve so much regard and
appreciation in their service that supply us all the necessities we need, straight to our homes. These services that endlessly cater to accommodate, bringing no further trouble to everyone, has made our quarantine lives a lot more manageable.
Continued on P8
VOLUME XLIX | NO. 2 | SEPTEMBER TO DECEMBER 2020
8
IECES
Great Flow of R a iver by Ann Clarise Mercado
“Ili-ili tulog anay, wala diri imo nanay. Kadto tienda bakal papay, ili-ili tulog anay…” is the warm first stanza of a Visayan lullaby that depicts the rooted connection between a mother and her child. However, there are forces and injustices that will inhumanely hamper this tie. Motherhood is not just about bearing a child, but it is a seed of new beginning for a parent who will witness the growth of her baby, on the dark edge of their existence it is their hope to hang on. Nine months of gestation is truly a bittersweet moment, what more for a motherbearing-child behind bars, in a congested place where water is scarce and nutritional food is limited. Confined in that situation worrying for the unborn child’s health, bouts of sadness and fear would creep in. A brave and bold Filipina, who grew in a poor community and witnessed the real facet of life in her country, a dyed-in-thewool youth leader who defends and upholds the rights and welfare of every Filipino was apprehended in November 2018 for purportedly possessing illegal firearms and explosives. After a month of arrest, it was in Camp Crame when she found out about the new life forming within her. Worries and fears for her unborn child hit the mother-tobe as she continued to endure those cruel and atrocious conditions. The battle does not end there; she continued fighting for their rights and appealed for freedom in the name of humanitarian and legal rights—her grapple from the privileges of every Filipino to the grievances of the youth and the welfare of the poor communities is now
extended to the her fight as a mother who will do everything for the chance to hug her deceased daughter for one last time. We sake of her firstborn, but her calls were further unheeded and delayed. cannot help but compare this scenario to high profile prisoners with far worse crimes, who were granted greater privileges. Despite all difficulties, in the first week of July, she gave birth This is by far one of the countless ardent stories of to a daughter with a low birth weight that beyond doubt mirrored her pregnancy’s tough times in that constricted place. Just after a few a Filipino mother and child I have heard in my 20 years days, the gleeful mother and her innocent daughter were compelled of existence. I have been asking myself, where is the icon to return to jail. Thorny times does not end there; the sought for the of a blindfolded lady carrying a sword and a balanced dismissal of her case and the proposal to stay for a month with her scale? Has she pulled out her blindfold for some time, infant to breastfeed her was rejected by the judge, until they were thrown away the sword and obscured the state of balance? separated last August and her baby was just barely six weeks old! The last words of a lamenting mother: “Pinagkaitan tayo na magkasama. Hindi ko nakita ang halakhak mo. Lalaya How heartbreaking for a mother to be separated from akong mas matatag. Hindi tayo dito nag-iisa. Panandalian her first born, for she will not be able to hear her child’s laughter ang pagdadalamhati natin. Babangon tayo.” Indeed, she and cries; she will not be able to witness her first words and steps; proclaimed that it is not yet the end game; this fight she will not be on her side when she needs her. Poor little thing will not be suppressed easily, not until justice is met. did not feel the warmth of her mother’s touches and hugs, the Life is uncertain just like the flow of water in a river, sweetness of her mother’s kisses, the lullabies, the stories, and will not experience everything she should have experienced as a there will be inevitable challenges but it will continue to child of a fighter mother. In October, she lost her fight; the three- stream until it reaches the ocean—the end of its flow. Baby month-old infant could no longer hold on and wait for her mother. River reached the ocean—the end of life—but the river also symbolizes a new beginning; Baby River serves as the flow This little angel’s last days on this pitiful earth became more of for her mother’s existence and an immense motivation for an eyesore towards the justice system. Her baby’s burial was filled with people to continue to fight in the name of justice. Do not tension as handful camouflaged armed officers surrounded a mourning worry little one, your mom is a vigorous woman, you make mother, who was dressed in full white, and handcuffed, denying her the her stronger; you can tulog anay [sleep now] Baby River.
Ni Ann Clarise Mercado
by John Leslie Layug There is an impostor among us. This phrase and the game in which it originated from has been part of our timeline over the past month—Among Us. Among Us is an online multiplayer social deduction game released in 2018, developed by the American game studio InnerSloth. It comes with a space-themed setting and lets users play with two roles. Most of the time, players get to be the crewmate while some land the role of impostor. This game is about winning by completing the tasks given and not getting killed by the impostors. On the other hand, impostors will win through lying their way out and killing all the crewmates. It sounds like a detective type of game that Filipinos enjoy. In 2020, the game’s influx of popularity is noticeable. A lot of online streamers started to stream their gameplays on their pages, piquing Filipino interest. For students who want to escape the stress of online class, this game brings people to another world where they get to play and communicate with fellow crewmates around the globe. Most of the time, individuals wish to play impostor to pretend and play with wit. During voting time, the exchange of sentiments between all players create rapport and help people engage in communication. For a while, we get to forget the stresses of real life. The thing that we Filipinos like in this game is getting to play the impostor. We get to fool others, and get out with lying for a short while. However, impostors are not new in real life. In fact, we surround ourselves with them, and it is inevitable. Unironically so, we play this game to try and put ourselves in their shoes. We live in a world of Among Us—sometimes we are the crewmates and most of the time, impostors of our own selves. In game or in real life, we cannot deny that we somehow portray the impostor role. It is not the case all the time but it seems more challenging when playing the role of an impostor. Better keep in mind to communicate well to prevent getting caught.
Sa lahat ng mga kape, siguradong hindi mo nanaisin na maging decaffeinated coffee. Bukod sa pagkawala ng 97% na caffeine nito ay ayaw mo rin namang maramdaman ang decafpiliin! Anong kape ka; isa bang matamis, mapait, mainit, malamig o matapang na kape? Pero hinay-hinay lang at baka sa sobrang tapang mo, pati maling tao iyo nang pinaglalaban. Black coffee Simple lang pero malakas ang dating! Walang halong gatas; kape lahat. Sila ay mga natural na minimalist. Tahimik pero ubod ng moody, sis. Pero kahit may pagkapait ang buhay, patuloy lang ang laban! Espresso Hindi sumusuko hanggang marating ang tutok, gaya ng crema sa ibabaw ng espresso. Dahil sa pagkabittersweet, hindi mo mabasa ang takbo ng isip, pero mahusay ang pamumuno, masipag, at goal-oriented. Bihira lang ang mga ‘yan, kaya ingatan! Caffé Latte Laging inuuna ang kanilang mahal sa buhay bago ang sarili. Sa nilalaman nitong 1/3 espresso at 2/3 steamed milk, talagang madadama mo ang kanilang strong and rich na pagmamahal. Walang jowa, dahil sa dami ng choices ay hindi makapili. Lakas! Cappuccino Parang caffé latte pero mas sweet. Kapag nalalagyan ng froth and foam mustache ay kinikilig at iniimagine ang mga eksena sa mga
koreanovela. Pero sila ay tapat at malikhain. Keep on dreaming! Frappuccino Matapang pero malambot ang puso. Kung gaano katapang ang lasa ay siyang kabilis malusaw ng crushed ice nito. Lagi ring nasa in. Gagawin ang lahat keysa maghinayang kinabukasan! Mocha Naniniwalang ang buhay ay hindi puro saya; may mga pagsubok din ito at dito sila natututo. Pero mas binibigyang pansin ang sweetness keysa sa bitterness ng buhay. Stay positive lang! Iced coffee Chill lang ngunit hindi hinahayaan ang iba na diktahan ang kanilang buhay. Umaraw man o umulan ay laging nandyan. Isang tunay na kaibigan, sa pag-aaral ay maaasahan! Instant coffee Kung bukas ang pasahan, siguradong bukas din sisimulan pero hindi markadong “late.” Sinasabing mas gumagana ng maayos ang utak kapag ilang oras nalang bago ang deadline. Pero kapag kasama mo sila, sasakit ang tiyan mo kakatawa. Good vibes lang! Ginigising tayo ng kape sa bangungot ng kahapon; ayos lang ang magkamali at madapa—ang importante ay babangon ulit, sasalubungin ang umagang kay ganda, at patuloy ulit sa laban ng buhay! Hindi ka nag-iisa, lagi mong kape-ling ang iyong pamilya at mga kaibigan!
...delivery riders from page 7... It is in no question that they do not earn much, and just the right sum to make ends meet. Yet they have remained steadfast in their service for the people—a mighty feat that bests them as front-liners that contributes to resolving the issue of this health emergency. With that being said, we have to protect them at all costs. Much like our medical front-liners, they need support and protection from their employers and customers. Besides the health risk, some of them get maligned or harshly criticized for the things that are often out of their control— delayed food, broken packages, and off-quality products. What is more alarming are the fraud activities such as fake, cancelled, and prank orders. Various events have happened like this before. It is, indeed, harmful and wrong, for more often
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than not, it is the delivery drivers who will shoulder the cost. A viral post with over 175, 000 Facebook engagement showed an unfortunate case of three riders with canceled orders of over 5,000 pesos worth of food to an account named “Jane Castro” who does not even live in the mentioned address. Fortunately so, the neighbors paid for the costs of the order. This calls for urgent matters that need to be addressed to protect our service providers. With this widespread phenomena, House Bill No. 6958 is only timely and relevant in bringing assurance that justice is served. This bill, once passed, will penalize people who commit pranks, fakes, and cancel delivery orders and services. Likewise, the bill prohibits the shaming and humiliation of the delivery riders.
ROGRESS
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DEV COMM NEWS FEATURE
Cough-based AI Algorithm detects COVID-19 patients SAMANTHA GUTIERREZ A research conducted by Laguarta, Hueto, and Subirana in their paper published in the IEEE Open Journal of Engineering in Medicine and Biology is only one of the several research and IT models that prove the possibility of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to diagnose COVID-19 patients with a mere cough recording. In a short span of a year, various researchers and specialists alike have gathered and engineered COVID-19 cough recording applications, and the results of these innovations have sparked great curiosity by many. Almost a year into the pandemic and there are still inadequate resources for people to freely get checked for COVID-19. With the lack of free testing, COVID-19 patients fail to acquire the proper medical support and fail to isolate themselves until the symptoms have already reached noticeable and more transmissible degrees. Laguarta, Hueto, and Subirana’s paper stated that a forced-cough recording taken on a cellphone may detect both symptomatic and asymptomatic cases with the help of AI. Said research collected cough audio recordings from 5,320 positive and negative COVID-19 subjects, and the way it works is through following a detailed process. Every cough recording
would be split into six-second clips, processed with the MFCC package, and passed through biomarker 1 (muscular degradation). ResNet50s are then trained to capture the acoustics on biomarkers 2 (vocal chords), 3 (sentiment), and 4 (lungs and respiratory tract), which would be collected using a Global Average Pooling 2D layer. This entire structure is designed according to the collected cough dataset of 5,320 individuals and would help in the binary classification of cases. Faith on the effectiveness of such algorithms depend heavily on past diagnoses generated by AI, such as using smartphones to detect Pertussis, pneumonia, asthma, and other diseases. The research declared the algorithm a success by presenting its 98.5% accuracy, proving to be 18% more effective than self-diagnosis. 100% of accuracy rate, on the other hand, was presented among asymptomatic subjects. Higher-level biomarkers may be added to improve the algorithm, and to sufficiently diagnose individuals. Once developed, such AI-assisted models may be able to alleviate the ever-increasing cases of COVID-19, particularly in places where free and large-scale testing is close to impossible due
UC Researchers unveil ancient water filtration system
to the lack of supplies, manpower, and finance. Asymptomatic individuals would be aware of their health conditions, lessening chances of unintentionally spreading viruses; screening would not be limited only to temperature checking at important checkpoints, which also prove to be inoperable for asymptomatic cases; and manpower and finance would no longer be considered barriers to getting tested and saving lives.
OPINION
has just been able to utilize such innovation until recently—but Ancient Mayan has already been using it more than 2,000 years ago. Although said ancient troops are not considered the technological Multidisciplinary team under the University of Cincinnati uncovers giant during its prime unlike China, Rome, or India, Ancient Maya is generations ahead when it comes evidence of a 2000-year old Ancient to water management, probably Water Filtration system once used since it is situated in a tropical by Mayan Civilization. Discovery environment. They treated sources of this filtration system took of water with utmost importance, place in the city of Tikal, in the often relying on porous limestone rainforests of northern Guatemala. which made potable water accessible during seasonal droughts. Researchers under UC, which include a team of anthropologists, Sources of import for both the geologists, and biologists, found quartz and zeolite are pinpointed identified crystalline quartz and from the steep ridges around the zeolite which are minerals utilized Bajo de Azucar. The place is 18 during water filtration. Such miles away from the abandoned city. discovered minerals have the ability to kill harmful microbes, heavy The researchers, at the moment, metals, nitrogen-rich compounds, are trying to determine how the and other toxins in the water under filtration. This might have Ancient Maya protected their precious reservoirs from erosions. safeguarded the Mayans against harmful cyanobacteria and toxins. PHOTO/ SMITHSONIAN MAGAZINE The best part of this discovery is that post-modern technology
There will be no development while class society exists
MA. RHEANNA TUAZON
P. arayatnesis: A call for healing YANCY MORON
Jomari Jalipa, Joaquim Gerardo Jurilla, and Jose Manuel Villasenor. Growing in the beat of the healing nature, the discovery of such species, as Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Central Luzon Executive Director Paquito Moreno, Jr. said, has proven that an excellent quality of biodiversity is evident in the mountain park. Moreno, having a firm initiative that MANP’s ecological significance should be preserved, remained positive on Suba’s research ensemble and the hope that they will bring good results after.
Even if the new plant species was divulged as a result of botanical expeditions in MANP in 2017, it was formally included in an international scientific journal Annales Botanici Fennice, and became a part of the dissertation of AUF College of Arts and Sciences Dean Dr. Marlon Suba in UST, along with colleagues Dr. Axel Arriola, Dr. Grecebio Jonathan Alejandro, Nicolas Raphael Arcangel,
PHOTO/ BIOONE
COVID-19 pandemic coerced us to contend in our homes for an indefinite period of time and much of the happenings outside became out of our reach because of the dangers of the virus. Inversely, the said outbreak and the established norm of staying home became a bounty for our nature to heal and thrive with the temporary inexistence of our busy society. This new reality also sheds an opportunity for extensive research and continuous preservation of wildlife conditions, Pyrostria arayatnesis is living proof that amid the pandemic’s and one of its marvels is the discovery of Pyrostria arayatnesis. paralyzing effects on our society, there comes a hope on the other Discovered by a joint research team from Angeles University facet of our planet—our nature’s continuous healing and growth. Even Foundation (AUF) and University of Santo Tomas (UST), the after this global crisis, the DENR Region 3 is in full hopes that people endemic plant species are said to be found in the lowland grounds should protect and conserve MANP, the newly-found species’ home, of Mount Arayat National Park (MANP) in Pampanga. Although from any disturbances as it is a vital biodiversity hotspot in a region. the said discovery is a breakthrough, the national park and even Mount Arayat itself is home to a bountiful array of wildlife species—86 species of birds, 49 species of trees and plants, 14 species of mammals, 11 species of reptiles and with two endemic plant species like the Flame Tree and Chamberlain’s Pitogo.
VOX POPULI Ma. Rheanna Tuazon
I
was en route to Angeles City in a Sapangbato-Angeles jeepney when a child beggar stepped inside the vehicle to ask for spare changes. I was not complacent with the idea of giving money, so I gave him a packed cheesecake alternatively. One thing that I noticed was the fact that the child was not wearing a face mask. I immediately grabbed my extra face mask and gave it to the kid. He seemed to be truly delighted and said something along the lines of, “Salamat ate, minsan lang ako magsuot ng ganito kasi bihira lang may nagbibigay.” That succinct narrative of mine during the brief jeepney ride led me to think about the living conditions of the prole and poor. If us, petty bourgeoisie people, those who are proletariats, barely endure, then how do the marginalized people live during this period of contagion? We are panic-stricken easily when lockdowns are issued, we get overwrought about our food storage, or the days we’d have to skip going to the office if work from home options are not available. With these things affecting us, can we imagine how these distress those who do not have a stable source of food and a roof on top of their heads? I, then, got to thinking deeper. Riding a public transportation such as the jeepney is also slightly dangerous as well— but as part of the working class, not all of us have the reserves to procure a private vehicle. In my 21 years of existence, I have never once imagined a senator riding a jeepney or a president travelling by MRT; although Chiz Escudero has once rented out a jeepney for Heart Evangelista and Salvador Panelo has also once tried public transportation, those are special cases. With this supposition bothering me, I envisioned how it would be if the distribution of wealth is not based on capitalism. Higher profits would not matter and people would not have to live by their labor. Margins of poverty would not have to exist and there will be no homeless. Although there would be no ostentatious lifestyle like those in BGC, imeldarific spendings, or brand new luxury cars roaming around; wouldn’t life be easier and safer if everyone lived fairly without a price? At such time when we won’t have any reasons to hold a peaceful protest anywhere in Mendiola, would be the only time when the Philippines could prosper. This is why, on a MarxistLeninist perspective, I will always say, dissolve the triangle.
VOLUME XLIX | NO. 2 | SEPTEMBER TO DECEMBER 2020
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ROSES AND OEMS
Arsenokoitai BY KEVIN VALEN ARCELO
Lost in Mixed Emotions
Provoke no corruption in me, no depravity that hounds without lease or payment, With a faust lip gummed over a year on some man’s mouth, I jest and arouse, The Bull in me, a quickened welcome, of a solon, tasting, feminine, Of that adolescent orange year, did I speckle at once this exhibition, And undressed this young fear like a flower’s womb, into flurry, And sweltered my kiss onto another man’s name, and God must divine me, My sweet horn, and umbra, my ursine breast, did this calor enrapture, That year, Venus did turn, to delight onto my citrus opening, and swelter out newborn, An inconceivable, new man foregone.
Bildungsroman
BY RAHUL MODY When “Let’s play catch” Becomes “I need cash”. The early memory fades Into bittersweet reality. The coming of age Embarks on a new journey Full of spirit and drive, Now you’re the captain.
New experiences Marked by emotion. Ups and downs On this roller coaster. Driven by expectation, Carried by determination, Belief from hope, Success from results. Dilemma of life, No more toys and food. The captain makes his own rules On this ship with no navigator.
BY SAMANTHA GUTIERREZ
At the young age of 13, Girl still basked in the comfort of her peculiar little bubble. Her naivety left her contentedly unaware of the fact that the slightest of touches could shake her entire world and leave her changed, forever.
From the experiences, Rise leaders and followers. For a hopeful future, For a new generation.
Few birthdays passed and the idea of a fairy tale life is all a fever dream to her—she is average in every possible aspect of the word, and started to play sidekick to some better girl, who wears glitter to cover up her insecurities.
The northern star Guides even the lost ship to shore. As boys become men And girls become women. To be unique among the common Seems impassable. Like Magellan around the world Follow your own belief.
Living the glamorous life of a twenty-year-old, in a world of subordinates and impostors, Girl could no longer care any less—bow ties and bright lights never made anyone shine brighter. Alas, she thought, nobody seems to hear farther than their own bubbles would let them.
Classes fail. Friendships end, Times pass. Test of courage.
Within the shrinking bubble that she cosseted herself in for years, Girl echoed her thoughts. The bubble is a tight space and the outside is unfamiliar territory, yet she finds herself tranced to trudge it. Without looking back, she walked away.
Growing up
BY ISABELLE MAGLALANG Waking up early in the morning I often hear clatters from the kitchen, My neighbor’s bathroom singing My packed lunch, chicken. Suddenly everything stopped Early morning turned into late nights Kitchen clatters turned microwave timer Neighbors became vacation houses Barely at my prime But already foreseeing The events that seemed blurry Pushing but can hardly discern But when the rain finally stops And only tiny droplets remain Knowing that they too will fade Realizing we can no longer delay
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New interests stir, New friendships form. On this journey of age You’re the captain. To stand your ground, To decide your fate. The coming of age. The first flap to flight.
Wrinkles and Callouses BY ANGELO FERNANDEZ
Hey there, I wanted to ask you Have you ever thought Of how strong you are? Look where you came from And how far you have come There was a time You never would’ve thought To be able to go so far But you’re here now, Aren’t you? Do you remember your first step Into this new world of uncertainty? All trembling, shaking That was all it took A single brave step You were scared You were vulnerable The challenges were too much Even for you Yet you persisted I know my dear The years haven’t been kind Life tried to break you And Fate seemed to fail And there you thrived
Time has passed since then And here you are Covered all over In wrinkles and callouses But still here, fighting
ROSES AND OEMS
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Pictures, stars BY YANCY MORON
They said a picture conveys thousands of thoughts. Well, I think I made many, just like stars you would cease to count. I would flick my finger and hold on a scene where our skin would stick together, bare and exposed, feeling the wet strands of your hair while you take a shot in a fog-stained mirror, still leaning on my body after we bond in extreme delectation. I also saw a scene where I would snuggle my head into the sides of your neck, hugging you from behind while humming a familiar tune that will surely annoy you, but I chose to because that would remind you of my unrestrained
love. Another shot is where I am gazing atop the sunset sky, while you freely fly away with your dream. Basking myself in the magnificent sparkle of the afterglow, my heart is of full hopes that someday, that same sky will bring you back to me. As I finished going through the pictures, I realized that even if these pictures bore stars of thoughts hanging through my unilluminated sky, they are not true. They will live in my mind believing that everything is a spectacular galaxy to wander around.
The Next Winter BY YANCY MORON
It was the usual sunny day. It was the same, scorching ray of the sun that startled me every time I peeked through my stained window glass. Still with my hands cold, I stared out on the road in front of our house. I knew that this is just the usual spot where I occasionally stare and nothing could hold dearly to it. But that thought is only true until the day that I have mentioned. Yes, that stressful day. That is the day where the other days would just be an absolute mess. On that usual spot where I am staring right now, I saw how I was run off by some guys as I was crossing the streets. Even if the cursing weather of winter has subsided from that day, I still feel the coldness it gave through not just on my body, but also on my heart.
imagined. Closing my phone and staring at that same spot yet again, I also noticed that the ambiance which I am currently into is quite similar to my experience– the road where I was hit and run was analogous to the hatred which I have planted on those people that I once hurt. Just like how same it is as compared to that horrifying day, the hatred and spite they hold against me might also seem unchanging even up until now. I understand that feeling in the same manner that I understood the road being still for years.
I felt the pain that lingered after that incident, so did the pain that I inflicted on them.
However, the difference lies in the weather. The coldness of the winter is not forever, and that the scorching sun which I hated before gave me a chance to see that I am still capable of changing. I hated changes before, with the same feeling of hating the sun for a long time now, but with this change, I am fully certain that I am off to forgiveness.
“Blacks are savages. They do not conform to our standards.” I now understand the feeling of regret that I should be feeling right now because of my remarks. I did not realize the impact of my remarks before, so did their actions which have caused my misfortunes. “Respect my opinion. This is none of your businesses. I can be angry for all I want.” I also learned to conceal my emotions whenever I pass judgment, that if I let my heart drive my mouth into saying something that would damage my reputation, I wish I could have said it. I wish I could have used my mind instead.
I am ready to see the next winter with a different heart and mind.
“This will not affect me, because this is my opinion and my whole being is not reflective of what I just said. I will continue to be a nice person that I know I am.” I now strive to scavenge for a change, so did the change that drove people to pillage me on that very street which I am still staring at. But, I am still hoping that this change will bring me to people who I have hurt in my opinion; that I am still capable of regaining their trust and somewhat see the reason why they heavily ostracized me and let me pass on this unbearable curse. I learned to accept the fact that my opinion will drive the world crazy. I have always wanted to be popular, but realizing how stupid and crappy my way of getting there was, I think I got a lot more, even with ugly scratches and broken arms with it. A year has just passed since my crazy and shameless remarks just circulated like wildfire on social media, but I can tell that the road which I was run off, albeit silent and vibrant because of the sunrays, still tells the same horror as a repercussion of these people’s anger and hatred towards me. To cut my nostalgic reminiscence, I scrolled through my phone and clicked the Mail. I still looked over that same message which was sent to me a week ago: “Greetings from Howard University, It is with the deepest regret that you are not qualified to take any degree programs at our University. Although you have qualified based on your academic credentials and entrance exams result, the University has found out several racist remarks from your social media account, which is clearly not inline with the vision of our university, which is, Education for All. I hope you nothing but the best for your university hunt and we are happy that you chose to apply at Howard University. Best regards.” I do not view this message recurrently because I am sad about not getting into that university, but because it serves as a wake-up call that reminds me my actions were in no way acceptable to people, and the consequences can become more unbearable than I might have
VOLUME XLIX | NO. 2 | SEPTEMBER TO DECEMBER 2020
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ROMOTIONAL
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RESS BOX
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SPORTS EDITORIAL
T
he world paused in this pandemic. People experienced closing down businesses, losing jobs, and dealing with health crises among many others. This unexpected scenario puts everything at risk. One of the sectors that felt the effect of this pandemic is the sports sector. People don’t even recognize that sportsmen are experiencing a crisis because the world never cares for sports unless there are national and international competitions where someone can benefit from it. Some of them actually get their income from sports— but not until the pandemic. In the whole duration of the pandemic, they were left behind. No plans were made for them. Now, inch-by-inch, they are bouncing back. They are now starting to regain their lost job and lost glory – but with difficulty. They play even when there is a pandemic. However, this habit sacrifices their health.
Care as one!
concern—there is the concern for income, especially for professional athletes. To cope with this, the bubble season pushed through. But the point stands: should they bite the risk to earn, especially when there are safer, more wellthought options? And one option worthwhile to delve in is budget allocation. Last August, the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman William “Butch” Ramirez expressed his hopes in the proposed Bayanihan 2—it should cover funds that will provide allowances for national athletes and coaches. Eventually, in the next month, the said Bill was signed into a law by the president, and the P180 million-peso budget has allocations for the athletes.
Job vs. Health Risk Thousands of Filipinos continue to lose hope as they become jobless amidst this global crisis that we are facing. People including our professional athletes were forced to risk their mental and physical health for income. Meanwhile, Philippine Basketball Association kicked off its All-Filipino conference at Angeles City with the implementation of health protocols and guidelines to ensure the safety of every player and staff inside the bubble. These professional athletes were forced to play just to earn money and survive this pandemic. Recently, Philippine Inquirer published a news story about a COVID-positive player from one of the teams of the said conference. With this, we can say that the health protocols and security systems that were implemented were not concrete enough to ensure the safety of every person inside the bubble. The government should take action in this crisis, they should lend a hand to our athletes who are also a pride of our country. With enough service and compassion from the government, athletes won’t force themselves to play just to earn money for their needs. Athletes including these professional basketball players were risking their well-being including their mental health as they battle in this pandemic. The government shall take action in this situation, we had suffered enough and we can’t afford to lose innocent lives anymore. With the sense of normalcy brought by this situation, we are risking our people and the future of our nation. Budget Allocation for Athletes In addition to the taxing demands of playing amidst a global pandemic—physical health, after all, is the athlete’s primary
I think it is okay to continue professional sports as long as protocols are followed. Some sports like shooting or any individual sports may take a step forward. I don’t advise group sports, for one on one contact is highly expected. However, NBA is still able to hold games. And that’s why I say no. I don’t think it is okay, basically it is pandemic. Remember when some NBA players were infected by the virus? That’s the main thing that will happen when professional sports are followed.
poorer funded athletes and sports sector in general. And this could affect their gameplay. And a rusty gameplay in turn, could affect the Filipino sports lovers’ morale. Another driving factor that allowed the bubble season to be pursued lies on the positive spectrum— to give hope to the sports-loving nation, that amidst a pandemic, sports will not die. But this sense of normalcy, with the recent news that prove the ineffectiveness of the make-shift area for basketball, only gives false hope. The already dimming light of sports was distorted behind plastic sheets. While a bubble exhibits iridescence, this PBA season is nothing of the sort. One could even ascertain that the postponement of the series would be the better choice—why? Because it will build excitement, craving, longing. This kind of thinking would pay off once the true normal season returns. Fans will be hyped more than ever, like they were sun-ridden for years then finally, they taste the warmth of the Filipino athlete’s spirit, burning brighter than it ever did before.
However, this is an assurance for national athletes, those who play while bearing the country’s flags. Is there hope for professional athletes from franchised teams that will not involve actual game-time? If the government could not be relied on for funding, sourcing could come from the association itself, or from the respective companies of the existing basketball teams. Or is there actually a need to give allowance to these players? After all, the income of a PBA player is peaked at P420,000 a month. And that doesn’t include the additional incentives they receive for playing well, plus the endorsements they are signed to. But then again, like all earners, athletes would need income to sustain their needs, and another option would be to find a different source for their finances. Again, the higher risk can be alleviated with a choice, that is, not the bubble season. False Hope, Forced Normalcy
The country, however, overall still remains as one with the
No, we’ve all made sacrifices to lessen our interactions. Especially those who need face to face interactions to pursue other professions. Professional sports is not an exception. As much as possible, professional sports should be discontinued for the moment until the pandemic has been resolved. It is better to be fair and just, than to be leisurely complacent. -Anthony James Balitayo, BS Nursing 1
-Krizia Petalio, BSED English and CLT 5
I don’t think it is the best time to continue such activities as it can endanger the lives of the players, spectators, and etcetera. Just like what happened in the PBA Games last season, the games were postponed due to a player testing positive. In addition, these postponements and tests are not budget friendly. It’s not financially rational to spend more money while putting the lives of everyone involved on the line.
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The government shall take action in this situation, we had suffered enough and we can’t afford to lose innocent lives anymore.
Equal care and priority for our Filipino athletes—that’s how we want to blow all the arguments in one bubble. It’s a paradigm shift where the Philippine government must start moving with and not slacking to. Does our support stretch only during during prestigious events like SEA Games? Should we just remember their names only when they’ve given enough honor for the country? Is entertainment more essential than their health? Whatever season of high and low our sports field is facing, we must not stop raising our tiny flags for them. How can we “win as one” if we are not fighting the battle as united as we should? How can we hope to “heal as one” if the real infection is not really the COVID virus but the nonchalance of those who are seated in position? We must care as one!
No. We must minimize any kind of interaction because we have to be safe in this time of pandemic. We have to make sure that we are healthy. And in order for us to achieve this, one must workout, eat healthy to improve our immune system, and most importantly, just simply stay at home. -Paolo Susi, BS Management and Entrepreneurship 2
-Sheela Anjali Mayani, BS Criminology 2
SPORTS BUFF BEAT
“Do you think it’s okay to continue professional sports during this pandemic and why?”
Yes, but with strict protocols and guidelines. Many people enjoy watching sports. It can be their coping mechanism during these challenging times. Also, professional sports can be of help to the economy. However, as a more contagious variant of the virus is discovered, the players’ and officials’ health should be a top priority. Strict health protocols like vaccination should be implemented.” -Mikaella Mae Silva, BS IT 2
Personally, I think it is best if only noncontact sports are resumed during this pandemic. Noncontact sports like badminton, tennis, table tennis, golf, and etcetera are safer than sports such as basketball and volleyball which require contact and close proximity as it may increase the risk of acquiring the virus. -Kathleen Anne Aguilar, BS Physical Therapy 1
We all know that professional players receive payment for their performances in every game, where for some players, it served as their source of income. However, we could not allow those events to continue because it could not avoid the contact between players that could lead to the spread of the Coronavirus. Inn this battle, we do not see our enemy, so we need to follow health and safety protocols to protect ourselves; do not sacrifice our health for the things that could be postponed [professional sports]. -Raymart Luat, BS Architecture 1
No, I don’t think professional sports should be continued. This is because professional sports would evidently require trainings that could only be held in conducive locations such as vast fields or indoor arenas. The utilization of masks or face shields will not suffice to avoid the possible spread of the virus during the training periods nor the actual competition. Not only this, but professional sports will require a vast amount of funding for the safety of their players either through vaccination or disinfection area. This in return, might splice the funding that must focused towards healthcare during pandemic.” -J’zar Frau Montuya, BS Psychology 3
VOLUME XLIX | NO. 2 | SEPTEMBER TO DECEMBER 2020
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RESS BOX
BEST OF BOTH WORLDS
STUDENT-ATHLETE TITLE IN GLORY
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CHRISTLE ANN BERNARDO
onny Q. Capio Jr. along with the AUF Great Danes volleyball team capped the coveted gold in the city meet championship last summer, and although that seems far away, the now college sophomore and former NZAAM gold medalist is still in full gears to face the hallmarks of both worlds: sports and academics.
Aside from an early ignited passion for volleyball at 12, Sonny topped his class in elementary and continued to make the cream of the crop in his junior high school days. Eventually, his glorious silver medal from the city meet in senior high school was coupled with a meritorious valedictory address. He, once again, made it to the top— he earned medals, being the two words of ‘student-athlete’. Standing at five-foot-11, and definitely passing the makings of an open hitter, Sonny is now taking the course Bachelor of Science in Accountancy in his homestead, Angeles University Foundation. The road he took as he bore the title of student-athlete was never easy, in fact, at first, he was not considering to join the Great Danes so he could comfortably maintain his academic scholarship. But a simple tap on the shoulder or a nudge of encouragement was enough to light his flame anew for volleyball. “You are your only limit,” he said, and he took this to heart. “I saw myself going back to the thing that I really wanted to do - to play volleyball.”
Although he admits he wasn’t the most skilled Great Dane, he is def initely
one who believes that hard work pays off. “During our tryout, there were a lot of players who are better compared to my skills... I just did my part and reminded myself that trying isn’t that dreadful. It’s true that hard work pays off and I am thankful that I tried,” he stated. Sonny also realizes that volleyball is a team sport, and so he values his team just as much as he cherishes the sport. Sharing victories is a euphoric feeling, when it was them who were with him during the long and hard days of training. But he is also thankful for the tidbits of advice he received, and most importantly, the trust they shared as one spirited team. “… Thank you for molding me into the best form that I can as an athlete… My journey in AUF will not be exciting without you.”—he added. With the pandemic halting sporting activities and trainings, Sonny still hopes to get back on the court soon, to come home to his best-loved sport. And for aspiring athletes out there, heed some words from the champ, “There may be people that have more talent than you, but there’s no excuse for anyone to work harder than you do. We have our own pace and finish line in life.” The young boy who played volleyball with his friends during PE time is now a college varsity player and a continuous achiever. At present, Sonny Capio Jr. is 19, and still has the best of both worlds.
FEMALE POWER ON THE LEAD
A WOMAN WITH A FIERY HEART FOR VOLLEYBALL JOHN VINCENT MIGUEL
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onsistent academic achiever and outside hitter Janellee Pamintuan of Angeles University Foundation Women’s Volleyball Team is a woman who has a beast inside that always strives for the best.
Growing up, Janellee manifests a fiery heart in the competitive world of volleyball wherein she snatched various individual recognitions and awards. Janellee kicked off her career when she joined in the fifth grade when she was listed as under trainee. Despite being included in the trainee list, Janellee proved that she deserves a spot in the team by attending training consistently and it paid off when she gained a spot after a year. Sixth-grade Janellee made an appearance on one of the most awaited volleyball competition - Central Luzon Regional Athletic Association (CLRAA) wherein she represented Angeles city and bagged a silver medal with a ticket to Palarong Pambansa. Being one of the people that represented Angeles city in the Palarong Pambansa 2012, Janellee was offered different doors to walk-in including Coach Benjie of Angeles University Foundation offer. She started her student-athlete journey at AUF back in 2013 wherein she was trained and included in the list of the players who competed in different regional and national competitions such as Milo Little Olympics and Shakey’s V-league. As she continues to grow a strong and fiery heart in the field of volleyball, Janelle was selected to be the team-captain from 2015-2019 and aside from being a hardworking student-athlete, she received different academic achievements such as Bronze Academic Achievement (20182019) and The Junior High School Medal of Excellence for Sports.
“My determination to play and to pursue my dream profession
at the same time despite countless failures and discouragements” she answered when I asked her what inspires her. Truly, Janellee deserves recognition because of her mindset and perseverance on striving for what’s best. Janellee displayed her loyalty to the school and her passion for volleyball up until today. She is one of the people behind the victory of AUF Women’s Volleyball Team in the recently held Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA) 2020 where they clinched a gold medal for the university.
Indeed, Janellee is a real woman who has a strong mind and a blazing heart for volleyball. She serves as an inspiration to the youth who are also striving in different platforms such as arts, music or even sports like her.
Truly, Janelle is a pride of the university who is bound for a victorious life in the near future.
THE OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF ANGELES UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION
RESS BOX
15
A Forward moving forwards
GOLDEN HEART BEHIND GOLD MEDALS
F
TRISHA LINDO & ADRIAN BLANDO
or some, dribbling the ball is just a hobby, but for others, it is the game of their own season. Basketball is really a life for others because they are getting their life motivation inside the 4-corner court. Every point counts and every point sparks hope for them. Playing this game is no longer a pastime for Angeles University Foundation Men’s Basketball Forward Damian Jules Anunciacion, as he took the lead to become magaling in this field. Annunciacion is a 2nd year Marketing Management student, who dribbles this field since elementary. He started to practice mastering his 3-point shots when he was still in Grade 6 – just few blocks away from his home – where that time, he never knew that basketball would be his crown and glory. After resting for a year, he bounced back in the field as he really wanted his attention on basketball. In his Junior High School years, Angeles University Foundation – Integrated School (AUFIS) served as his warm-up court, while University of Santo Tomas (UST) served as his harvest court when he committed playing for the school in his Senior High School years. Easy as it sounds, but for Annunciacion, but try out is as hard as his foot work exercises. He needed to surpass almost 1,500 aspiring varsity applicants in UST to play in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) games. Perseverance and self-trust washis technique and these led him to become the official player of the said university for UAAP seasons 79 and 80. This rare opportunity made him stronger, and now he is going back to his home court— not just as his warm-up court, but as his skill’s daily bread— the home of the great danes: AUF. As a player, Annunciaon considered himself full of attitude who is very submissive to his coaches and a good team mate to his co-players. He always has the positive outlook, just like with his look-up PBA player Japeth Aguilar, to be persistent and humble in all of your season always. To him, there should be equal opportunity to all aspiring players no matter what school you come from. In fact, he mentioned that AUF can ride the hype of UAAP schools and can win against them. His rejections before made him realized this idea. Now, he is continuously doing his passion as an AUF varsity player. His own gym bag is full of motivations and experiences in this field.
With all the
action put up by
Anunciacion inside court, what is more stirring is his bigger heart for a bigger game he plays off-court. Aside from being a passionate basketball player, he is also an enthusiastic on being a Youtube vlogger and the snippets of his everyday-life can be watched on his own channel Daemlife & Vlogss that recently started around March of this year. Staying true to himself and his ideals, and the way he always wear his heart on his sleeves are the things loved by the people about him. He used Youtube in reaching out to more people and to mirror the real Daemian Anunciacion—a man of substance who strives not just of success but of value as well. If you would scroll on his channel, the content of it is a flipping switch of either quick motivational talks where he is happy to spill some tips and how-tos of playing basketball, or his #KAWANGGAWA segment focusing on simple charity works. As he paces the floors of the arena, he also roams around the streets of Angeles City every now and then to look for homeless people who he can share his blessings with, even recalling how the heartfelt tears and simple “thank you” of the needy become the most fulfilling moments for him. He may be sitting at the normal setup pauses the athletes like him, but he motion—not on the court time. More hustle and daily calendar whereas he online to earn extra found love for another cycling is his leisure time When asked if he a career in basketball responded by saying to settle for a related job someday. “I’m still young and a lot can happen in a span of a year. I want to be more and do more,” he said.
benches now as the new routinely trainings of AUF still finds a way to be in but on real grounds this bustle is clouding his does live-selling of clothes income, while his new sports which is outdoor from his oh-so-busy life. would still pursue after college, he that he wishes
A footnote he left for those who aspires to be a basketball player was importance of not paying too much attention to those people who says that “you can’t” and “you aren’t capable.” One must turn that scorn into a driving force to be at their highest version of who they are.
VOLUME XLIX | NO. 2 | SEPTEMBER TO DECEMBER 2020
Sports thePIONEER
Great Danes pounces on virtual training TRISHA LINDO AUF’s varsity team takes a pause from usual face-to-face workout sessions at Sports and Cultural Complex (SCC) and places its paws instead on web-based training through Zoom and Google Meet platforms last August out of the restrictive call of COVID-19 pandemic. The new setup of the training is scheduled in the morning and only consumes less than two hours of the players’ time as compared to their 4-hour frame during school days, making them more capable to juggle online class. Most of the tasked drills are basic—composed of body-strengthening and resistance workouts that focus on the movements and forms. Short conferences are also held right after the training to get quick updates. Such a new approach adapted by the university coaches is done for the safety of the players and to keep them conditioned amid the situation. 3rd year Open Spiker, Jolina Torres, spilled how she and other varsity players like her take initiation on training even off-cam.
“I’m trying my best to stay active. On the first month of lockdown,
my body craves for the hardcore exercises that we used to experience at the SCC grounds. I felt how my body became heavy because of inactivity, that’s why I decided to do self-training just so I wouldn’t lose my energy in playing despite being locked at home,” she admitted. “It might be a long time before I’ll find myself on the actual court again, but when I do, I’d like to come back stronger as though the outbreak didn’t freeze my normal routine,” Torres added. As of now, there are no foreseen events on the agenda board as the coaches would like to shift their focus first on moving into this kind of new transition.
Philippine athletes gunning for tickets to Tokyo Olympics 2021
SPORTS FEATURE
Isa, dalawa, tatlo! Reminiscing the Laro ng Lahi
JOHN VINCENT MIGUEL Amidst the pandemic, Tokyo Olympics 2021 will be ideally pushed through on 2021 according to the President of the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee. The Philippines is hoping to send at least 15 delegates to the said world-class event. Persistent training and determination were seen with these professional athletes who are eyeing tickets for Tokyo Olympics 2021. Delegates from various sports such as rowing, canoekayak, archery, fencing, athletics, golf, karate, judo, triathlon, boxing, weightlifting, skateboarding, and gymnastics have the chance to prove that the Philippines can compete in world-class competition. These hopeful delegates are given time to prepare and train before the Olympic qualifiers that will be held in 2021. Meanwhile, world-class gymnast Carlos Yulo, pole vaulter Ej Obiena, and boxer Eumir Marcial proved themselves and claimed tickets for Tokyo Olympics 2021. Their performances from previous competitions such as World Artistic Gymnastics Championships, Pole vaulting athletics meet in Italy, and 2021 Asia and Oceania Olympic boxing qualifiers in Jordan gave them the chance to compete in the most awaited Tokyo Olympics 2021. Moreover, South East Asian Games gold medalist and no. 14 women’s skateboarder in the world Margielyn Didal has the chance to introduce the Philippines to the Olympics if she will maintain her spot in the top 20. Moreover, Rio Olympics silver medalist Hidilyn Diaz, cyclists Ariana Dormitorio and Daniel Caluag, and track athletes Kyla Richardson and Willie Morrison have chances of making it to the Tokyo Olympics 2021. Furthermore, the training and preparation of these athletes are doubled due to the inconvenience brought by the pandemic. The country’s sports federations are communicating with the chef de mission to the Summer Games Mariano Araneta for the preparation of training guidelines for the delegates that will be sent to the Inter-Agency Task Force for Emerging Infectious Diseases.
CHRISTLE ANN BERNARDO It would be apt to say, it seems only yesterday when we were all but carefree children. Drenched in sweat while basking in the hot sun, shouting “Taya!” and laughing uncontrollably— free from worry, fears, and bursting with spirit. However, to say it seems only yesterday would be false, or incorrect, so to speak. Yesterday, after all, feels so far away. Streets are now lifeless, barren from the cries and squeals of happiness from children playing Langit Lupa or Tumbang Preso— what is left to remind us of our childhood, of the games we tirelessly and repeatedly reveled in? For the time being, we can cure our nostalgia by delving in the Laro ng Lahi we very much enjoyed in the past, and by re-connecting them to our lives. Laro ng Lahi or the traditional games of the Philippines are one of the reasons Filipinos enjoy or relished their youth. Some of these include the following: Langit Lupa Probably the most known Laro ng Lahi, Langit Lupa is played by a group where the Taya chases the other players, but only when they are in the ground or Lupa. When the ones being chased climb a platform or pavement that is considered Langit, they are exempt from being tagged. Taguan Taguan is essentially Hide-and-Seek. The Taya will count with eyes closed and gives the other players time to hide. After the countdown, the seeking part of the game begins. There are many variations to Taguan. It could be the Taguan of slippers or other items, or a rushed hide-and-seek where the Taya has to find the ones in hiding before they could “Bang” or tag them. Maro Another Laro ng Lahi, Maro or Agawan Base is played by two teams who, as the name suggests, are stealing bases from each other. It starts by the players deciding their ‘base’, and proceeds with the two sides attempting to reach the base of their opponents without getting tagged. When they are tagged, they become the ‘prisoners’ of their foes, but they can still be saved by their allies. Piko
PHOTO/ USA TODAY
Piko, also termed Hopscotch, requires chalks, crayons, or stones that can be used to draw on the ground, and a ‘puck’ or
another stone which serves as each of the players’ “tanda” or an indicator of where they stopped or missed. The traditional Piko utilizes a set of 10 boxes that are connected and numbered, and corresponds to a certain jump or move. The objective is to reach the tenth box without errors in jumping, then going back again to the starting point. Luksong Baka This game has many variations, including Luksong Baboy, or Luksong Tinik. However, all of them involve jumping over something that is gradually increasing in height. Luksong Tinik is done by successfully skipping over the stacked hands (fingers outstretched and connected from thumb to pinky, with the palm facing sideways) of the players. Luksong Baka or Luksong Baboy on the other hand, uses the bodies of the players themselves as the barrier they need to jump over. They begin in a very low, crouched position, and as the level increases, the crouched player is also slowly gaining height by gradually standing. Patintero This is played by two opposing groups, taking turns to reach the finish line without being tagged. But this differs from Maro or Agawan Base, as the defending team is actually positioned in parallel ‘stations’ and are running sideways with arms outstretched to prevent the playing team to pass through. Sipa Unlike the previously mentioned Laro ng Lahi, this is an individual game. The winner is the one who can produce the most kicks to the tansan consistently. The tansan is attached with straw, and serves as the substitute for the rattan ball usually used in Sepak Takraw, where the traditional game is based. The pandemic indeed, somehow made us forget, or rather, gave us no time to reminisce the happiest moments of our lives. But with simple reminders of our very own Laro ng Lahi and how they are played, curbing our nostalgia and the longing for that childhood spirit is within reach. When all of this is over, and hopefully, that would be soon, the streets will be filled with carefree children again, and we will be reminded of hope; the euphoric moments we reveled in would truly seem like they were only yesterday.
