Golden Hours: Rizalian Inner Heroes

Talinong Rizal! The Scribe Triumphs at DSSPC & RSSPC

Rhannie-ng for Gold: Takbo Patungong

It was 37 years – yes, 37 years ago when millions roamed the highways and streets of a peaceful march against the prevailing rule of Martial Law over the decadent Filipino freedom. There are stories of people involved when they linked arms valiantly while faced with camouflage uniforms and guns hanging on the bodies of many soldiers; when citizens and politicians rejoiced as the democracy they desired was given to them by surrendering hands; and when the event now dubbed as the EDSA People Power Revolution, cemented itself as the epitaph of Filipino ideologies.

The previous paragraph may be coming from orature, but there is no doubt that the EDSA Revolution steered the Philippines into an era of rights, expression, and democratic rule. Without such a cataclysmic occasion, we would be standing on top of the ashes of those who yearned for the Philippine eagle to soar again. The hypothetical that comes with winning such a sweet prize as democracy is thoughtprovoking and fear-striking –anxiety-inducing even.

Yet here we are. Under the rule of President Ferdinand “BBM” Marcos Jr. and his partner Vice President Sara

Duterte, we have seen the issues, once taken in stride, now bombarded by drastic changes. From the quick draw-up of bylaws, seeking to turn many heads in surprise, hypotheses on what future lies ahead for the Philippine democracy in anticipation for better or worse.

What changed? While we can stay thankful for the statement of DepEd that history will remain the same in textbooks, modules, and curriculum, we must be scratching our heads in response rather than taking it for granted. Unlike the words uttered by the DepEd Secretary, Sara Duterte, many still try to repaint what had become significant historical events and remembrances into “good reputation points.” Whether it’d be the plans to rename the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) to remove the mention of the democratic figure’s name or rumors of changing the EDSA People Power Revolution, these attempts symbolize a plethora of clashing ideologies – a far cry from the administration’s goal of unity.

These tries have been a great source of alarm for many in several fields of the profession – whether it would be historians and archivists; or teachers and students. In a progressive society that feeds on the past to create something better and improve, history is more than a record of what could have been something long-forgotten. It is written memory, factual remembrance, and

something meant not to be repeated.

History revisionism, though in nature, remains neutral. It is toxic when used with malicious intent. Acts are capable of rewriting and staging something. People’s perception changes. What would happen if we were to – say – that someone committed a heinous act and wash handed himself into a saintly figure or to preserve his reputation? Then, we will be the dupes in the game, regardless of our perception. Yet, it has done much good to the surprise of many.

The use of history revisionism term is perceived quickly as detestable, evil, and even an abomination by others, yet we do not concede that history per se is the work of countless revisions, changes, and adaptations by clashing sources and accounts. History is generally reexamined, reiterated, and corrected. Through this, historians have been able to apply other sources against what could be a distorted take on an event - especially now that fake news, misinformation, and disinformation are prevalent.

Despite being on the cusp of rewriting history while being blindsided, our people are one of the causes. Perception-changing waves of information, trolls, and fanatics ran rampant in social media – painting one side as incompetent while their choice is a person worthy of one’s vote.

Propaganda became the

weapon of power, while citizens remained oblivious to the warfare. In the past, many organizations were labeled as terrorists and wicked when they tried to mock the government. Then, what is next for us, who yearn for the memorial of Philippine democracy’s glorious return, when those in power look to debase those memories?

The thing about history revisionism in the Philippines is that it is nearly synonymous with rising cases of misinformation. As citizens and students, we can dispel the negative revisions of history through factcheckers, both in reputable media outlets and dutiful individuals across digital platforms. Filipino folks may view most situations by cross-referencing. We can eliminate stray information and focus on what is similar and truthful. These are only some tactics we can use against the armada of negative history revisionism - misinformation.

Frankly, people are still swayed to one side before even being given a chance to see or heard the other through words, staged images and videos, rumors, and strategies, or even the keenest and most skeptical person is left to pick up the pieces of what the truth could be.

Even so, must we be the victims of the corrupt powers at play or the unsung heroes of this information warfare?

Be Hue 2023: School of Pride

From the very youth of schools, equal rights for LGBTQIA+ are now arising.

Asliah Gubat ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Jose Rizal University is one of the university schools that celebrated Pride month and is deemed diverse in support of LGBTQIA+ individuals. Recently, JRU conducted an exclusive Pride event, Be Hue: JRU Pride 2023, last June 30 at the JRU Quadrangle. The event offered different activities and lectures, and entertainment. It has a morning lecture about SOGIESC awareness, a student discussion in the afternoon about the social discrimination among LGBTQ+ individuals, different performances, and an on-the-spot contest for the Rizalians to enjoy until the very last part of the event. Using the JRU Pride event as a significant example, the progress made by the community is a testament to their undying dedication to resilience, establishing safe space in schools for the queer students that may or may not have been out of their

After years of fighting for the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community in the country, significant shifts in societal views have now kept a continuous mark point for fighting for their equal rights. Various campaigns and events have been navigated rapidly into changing the world, wherein it is crucial to acknowledge and understand the experiences and challenges of the LGBTQIA+ community. Meanwhile, the objectives of the celebration, Pride Month, hardly addressed its importance to different social aspects, for instance, education. For schools, participation in this kind of celebration might go against the school’s standards and regulations. But in the modern days, Pride events might make slow progress for the schools. Universities are now joining the protest and recognizing the celebration of diversity for the LGBTQIA+ community.

gender and sexual identity due to the uprising discrimination of the LGBTQ+ members inside campuses.

Students endure mistreatment in schools. Because of discriminatory regulations, it disabled them from fully participating in some school activities. Therefore, marginalizing them from the extent of experience of education. Furthermore, efforts to address discrimination against the LGBTQIA+ community in schools have met with opposition - religious teachings and strict regulations. In that fact, these resist queer students from expressing their identity in schools (dress codes for trans and non-gender-conforming students.) It can be difficult for students to treat schools as hostile environments. It may affect the personal development of students.

To ensure inclusivity for schools, administrators must work with LGBTQIA+ advocates and authorities to create a safe relationship for LGBTQIA+ youth to learn. Laws that enact safety against bullying and discrimination should be enlightened again in schools and promote respect for equal human rights.

Meanwhile, an essential step toward fostering a more inclusive society is to create a law that will uphold equality in society, especially for LGBTQIA+ members who have been marginalized. Recently, the revision of the Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Gender Expression, or Sex Characteristics (SOGIESC) bill was approved. It seeks to prohibit all forms of discrimination based on SOGIESC. Advocacy organizations, administration leaders, and allies must

have legal laws to support their roles, and discriminatory laws, promote awareness, and drive societal change. Thus, the success of the SOGIESC bill will not only prove the commitment to defending the fundamental rights of the LGBTQIA+ community and its objectives but to safeguard all forms of discrimination against them.

To end up with, the impact of embracing diversity in schools as an ongoing commitment is one of the leaps for the LGBTQIA+ community to be heard and seen by promoting acceptance and equality to the youth. Through education to amplify the goals of the Pride protest, it will create a call to action for better solidarity and support for LGBTQIA+ rights, recognizing their stands that further build a stronger and more inclusive educatioal institution for future generations.

History Subject on Kindergarten

The unsung literatures can be heard through a powerful instructors’ voice

When is the right time to teach history? I recall the statement of my history teacher in Grade 5 that history is our identity. Every inch of the past is what made us today. It is the past that reshapes the future of people. History is the leeway to redeem the experiences of the old generations, and we have learned it through recorded artifacts, literary texts, and stories told.

OPINION WRITER

History serves as a conduit through which the experiences of the past generations.

Through reading, it uncovers the rich tapestry of human existence, gaining insights into the culture, race, identity, and values that shape its nation.

The education sector of the Philippines has embarked on a journey to revamp the curriculum, particularly for students in the K-3 grades. By merging Social Studies, Arts, and

Physical Education, the Department of Education (DepEd) aims to provide young learners with a dynamic and engaging learning experience. A good objective indeed, but can these young children grasp these kinds of learning? Essentially, discussing these events would muster the youth in a way that they understand the values of one’s nation. The merging of Social Studies, Arts, and Physical Education subjects into the curriculum of K to 3 is a visionary move by DepEd. This approach acknowledges that children thrive

when actively engaged in their learning through different learning methods. Educators capture the attention and interest of young learners, ensuring that historical events resonate deeply within their minds. Along with artistic expression, physical activities, and social interactions, children may become active participants in their historical education, surpassing the passive consumption of information. This proposition of DepEd ventured the teachers to teach in a spiral progression starting from Philippine

history to world history advancement; instead of overwhelming students with an avalanche of informationthis approach breaks down historical events into manageable portions and allows students to grasp the significance of historical moments and their enduring impact on society. As children grow and become more independent, they often rely on basic historical notions to navigate the world around them. This inclination highlights the need for a well-crafted

curriculum that ensures the accuracy of historical teachings. Interactivity can also contribute to it, as children love to see images that can cater to their imaginations with the help of new technology and methods in teaching. A polished curriculum provides students with reliable and verified information, ensuring they will develop a solid foundation of historical

knowledge. By imparting accurate historical narratives, young learners can equip with the tools to critically analyze and interpret the past, paving the way for a more informed citizen. The revised syllabus not only focuses on national history but also encourages students to explore significant events on a global scale. It will deepen the perspectives of young learners to gain

a sense of interconnectedness and cultural understanding. This exposure to different cultures and societies fosters empathy, tolerance, and respect for diversity. A global perspective is indispensable, enabling students to navigate an ever-changing landscape with sensitivity and appreciation for other nations and their histories. It does not matter what age you

MRS. Universe. Wait, WHAT?

Being a Miss Universe, you must dedicate yourself to inspiring, touching the lives of many, and serving the world. You cannot serve two masters at the same time. Miss Universe or Missus Universe - which is proper? Should there be a separate pageant for this title, or can we consider moms and married women to be crowned as Miss Universe?

Women continue to strive for betterment and persevere amid stereotypes

need to know history; it is all about how you treasure and preserve it.

It is indeed that there are beautiful Mothers, Mommies, Moms, and Mums out there. For 70 years have passed, Miss Universe contestants must be aged 18 to 28 years old, have never been married, not have a marriage or annulled, nor have given birth to or parented a child (Cawis, 2023). These circumstances limit mothers and wives from joining grand pageants like this. Yet, a newly implemented rule will make a historic change on the 72nd Miss Universe in 2023 - the annual competition will accept married women and mothers.

To evolve with the changing times and to best represent and support women globally, inclusion plays a significant role in the Miss Universe missions. Paula Shugart, president of the Miss Universe organization, confirmed that in the 2023 pageant, they now allow moms and wives to participate in the competition. It frenzied the pageant world and the single mothers, pregnant, married, and divorced women to compete.

In 2004, Victoria Neville said that the organization does not allow mothers

or wives to participate because the title holder travels consistently and does not condone a mother leaving their child. She further asserted that the Miss Universe is a job for a single person, not for someone who has kids or a husband, but there are various ways to simultaneously uphold a woman’s responsibilities to both the universe and her children or husband. Women continue to strive for betterment and persevere amid stereotypes that are only to be discriminated against by an organization that empowers women.

For decades, these participants have had to attest that they have never been married or pregnant. Suzanne Cherrin, a professor at the University of Delaware, said it is a clever marketing strategy. Cherrin asserted that part of the allure of a beauty pageant is the impression that the beauty queen is available. Ergo, if the Miss Universe is married, that would be less attractive. These ideals of modern womanhood are particularly troubling because it is contradictory. The universe wants its miss to be sexy but pure, someone that represents women but fails to

include those who are not single, married, or pregnant in the selection.

Would they be capable of spearheading the journey toward creating and providing a safe space for women and making an impact in personal, professional, and philanthropic aspects? Are we to forget that women are now occupying leadership positions where in the past, only men can, and the thought of it would make a crowd laugh? Women have proven so much. Moreover, the Miss Universe pageant is a thorough assessment of determining who is capable of upholding the duties of Miss Universe, and if a woman who is pregnant, married, or divorced is capable of taking on that role, then why should a rule hinder that?

There are a lot of women who married young or had kids in their early 20s who are capable of fulfilling the duties more difficult may be, as being the Miss Universe - an impression that leads to a debate. However, women have not been provided yet the opportunity to fulfill that because of a rule, so nobody knows. If this

new rule could tell the world that mothers and wives can handle the job, then why not? Miss Universe is a serious job that can be demanding and exhausting, but it does not mean mothers and wives are not qualified. Just like in any other industry, women are capable of having demanding leadership positions with or without a family; this should not be a factor that determines their capacity. As a platform showcases the significance of women in society and the world, they should not be the ones to say what a woman can and can not do.

The new rule advocates an inclusive and impactful change for future contestants and the women watching at home. Witnessing someone like themselves participate in one of the biggest and most prestigious international pageants, endorsing world peace, and changing other people’s lives is incredible. Albeit this change was a long time coming, this is a triumph that the universe must celebrate. stronger and more inclusive educatioal institution for future generations.

Joshua Rieson Sorreda MANAGING EDITOR

Alumni Thanksgiving Mass

By Jhon Marc Austria

The Jose Rizal University Alumni Association (JRUAA) conducted its homecoming event to end the week-long celebration of the university’s 104th founding anniversary last February 19 at the JRU Quadrangle.

The event started with a thanksgiving mass at the JRU chapel and was presided by Father Stephen from Malta.

JRU Chorale concluded the program with a song.

JRU unwraps its 104th Founding Anniversary

By Adrienne Riel Cruz & Angelique Tomilloso

Husay

Rizal’s spirit lit up as the colors of blue and gold packed at the quadrangle for the long-awaited return of the face-to-face university week last February 13 in honor of Jose Rizal University’s 104th founding anniversary.

Dr. Vicente K. Fabella, the University President, embarked on the weeklong celebration filled with youthful festivities. He

led the flag-raising ceremony, the floral offering at the statue of the late Don Vicente Fabella, the founder of Jose Rizal University.

Along with the opening ceremony was the Library Exhibit themed, “Husay Rizal: Finding Your Inner Hero. Transformation and Sustainability of Technology Driven Rizalian Education,” which officially began with the

AnimaCSS InnovationsBootcamp: with AI

By Dave Justine Desilos

The AnimaCSS Club, with the IT Congress, conducted a HyFlex event last May 3, uncovered endless possibilities and traversed the vanguard of innovation in JRU Auditorium entitled “Transversing New Possibilities with Artificial Intelligence, Animation, and Networking.”

The Principal, Mr. Rommel C. Navarro, commenced the said event and was followed by the first guest speaker, Mr. Dean Esturco, the CEO of the Philippine Vtubing company, KoMETA. After his discussion, there was an intermission from Juvy Lyn Bison from C12A.

In the afternoon session, Ryan Daez from A12A coordinated a game before introducing Mr.

Don Erick J. Bonus, the second speaker from the JRU College Division. He, later on, talked about the emerging trends of ICT.

Mr. Aris M. Palumbarit, the third speaker from JRU College Division, presented and tackled the elements of a good network design.

cutting of ribbons by the Vice President of Administrative Affairs of Jose Rizal University, Norma Montalvo.

The program highlighted the technological intellect and artistry of Rizalians through their works: the SmartHome, BumbleBee Bot Education Series, Galleria Historia, SumoBot, and more.

University Week - Opening Jose Rizal University FB Page

AnimaCSS Bootcamp JRU SHS Anima-CSS CLUB FB Page

The

Thanksgiving Mass JRU FB Page Live Screenshot

ABM Club Explores Stock Market

By Grazielle Ann Leal

LastApril 18, the Accountancy, Bussiness, and Management (ABM) Club executed a webinar entitled ESCALATE: Exploring the World of Local Stock Market at the JRU Auditorium.

Students from the ABM strand cohered in the said event to know the fundamentals of investing and to understand the business operation, circulation of money, and investment industry.

Mr. Nilo Barcelona, a JRU SHS faculty, is the resource speaker. He highlighted students’ understanding of the methodical approach and risk in the stock market.

“Every individual has a different risk appetite and outcome of the risks,” according to Mr. Barcelona. He also emphasized that while his approach may be suited for him, it cannot be tantamount to saying it will be effective for everyone.

ESCALATE: Exploring the World of Local Stock Market ABM Club JRU SHS FB Page

Young Heroes Save the Day!

University Week - Elementary Day

Jose Rizal University FB Page

On February 13th, the Jose Rizal University Elementary School Division (ESD) kicked off its program celebrating the university’s 104th Founding Anniversary with its theme, Young Heroes in Action.

Mr. Roland Dalloran Jr., a JRU ESD faculty, started the program. “To live by our theme, Animong Rizal, Husay Rizal, Find

your Inner Heroes,” his speech helped motivate and encourage young Rizalians to find the inner heroes within themselves.

Young Rizalians wore famous superhero characters and packed on the JRU quadrangle to showcase their Talentong Rizal - dancing skills. The presentation stressed the value of perseverance, commitment, and efforts toward achieving success.

Elementary students unraveled

By Mary Grace Feudo, Paul Rainier Go, & Charly Bartolome

their superhero costumes such as Darna and Captain Barbel, Philippine superheroes for Kinder; PJ Mask and Powerpuff Girls for Grade 1; Justice League for Grade 2; Anime such as One Piece and My Hero Academia for Grade 3; Marvel Heroes in Grade 4; Voltes V for Grade 5; and Encantadia characters in Grade 6.

Eventually, for the evening presentation, the ESD presented their stage play, Lampara, a story inspired by our

national hero, Jose Rizal. Little Jose, Pepe, was accidentally visited by new-found friends from the future, Laura, Maria, Pablo, and Ramon. Their friendship with Pepe taught them nationalism and patriotism relevant to their future circumstances.

Afterward, teachers danced to the viral TikTok song “See Tình” by Hoang Thuy Linh. In the afternoon, students with their parents, and teachers played Palarong Pinoy.

JHS Day, ‘Pluma’ to Inspire

By Princess Janneah Matta, Maria Paemma Medina, & Sabrina-Aiko Santos

It is a day of fun and overload activities on the 104th Founding Anniversary of Jose Rizal University - Junior High School Day last February 16 at the JRU Quadrangle with the theme “Talentong Rizal: Employees and Students Collab Day.”

The JHS students showcased their Talentong Rizal for the morning presentation through dancing TikTok crazes, followed by their band performances in the song competition.

Eventually, there was a collaboration between the employees and students presented in the afternoon. They were singing, dancing, and modeling.

the Junior High School, said that the JHS evening presentation is a night and play dedicated to a great alumnus who brought life and color to the stage that had passed away, Jeremy Jay Villegas.

Ms. Martin added, “Alam nating lahat na ang isang presentation ay nagsisimula sa isang direktor’s note.” She then stated all his creations over the past years, such as Lion King, Isang Siglo, and lastly, before the beginning of the pandemic, Once on This Island.

“Isang malaking kawalan ng paglisan sa mundong ito, siya ang dahilan kung bakit walang magaganap na direktor’s note, ngayong oras na ito. Sa aming direk Jay, maraming-maraming salamat sa lahat ng alaala, sa mga masasayang alaala na buklod sa mga Rizaliano noon at ngayon. Kaya gabing ito ay alay namin para sayo.”

The JHS Division prepared a stage play for the evening presentation entitled “Pluma: Tanglaw at Pag-asa.” Mrs. Grace Marie B. Martin, The Principal of University Week - JHS Day Jose Rizal University FB Page

‘ALPAS’ Breaks Free in its Official Screening

Savor the last! The Rizalian-made film Alpas, concluding the SHS day, took its official screening at the main quadrangle and Official JRU Facebook page last February 17 during the university’s week in its 104th-anniversary celebration.

A catalyst for self-development and friendship, Alpas embarked on the journey of a driven screenwriter that gets herself caught between the pages of her creation.

Alpas is a story of an aspiring screenwriter, Lily, who gets transported into her masterpiece, not realizing her purpose is to see the bigger picture. Struggling with her collective insecurities and

doubts about her peers, she finds herself in a bind with her inner self and a past full of regrets. As she enters a familiar realm, she will traverse never-ending events as time seems indefinite. The light looks far as she battles her dilemmas as breaking free becomes her biggest enemy.

The film’s creators and contributors came from the different strands of SHS students, in which their efforts were acknowledged by its launching, encompassing the school’s quadrangle and its online premiere with thousands of viewers.

Viewers can still watch ‘Alpas’ on JRU’s official Facebook page.

By Eryza Mhae Dris

ALPAS ALPAS FB Page

Employee Day ‘23, Palarong Pinoy

By Mishael Defeo

Pinangunahan ng

University

Week Committee ang ikalawang araw ng

selebrasyon ng ika-104

Founding Aniversary ng

Jose Rizal University (JRU) – Employee Day kung saan nagtagisan ang mga kawani ng institusyon sa iba’t ibang larangan bilang bahagi ng isang linggong selebrasyon na ginanap sa JRU Main Quadrangle, Peb. 14.

Nakilahok ang mga

empleyado ng administrasyon – mula sa mga guro, faculty members, mga kawani sa iba’t ibang sangay ng institusyon hanggang sa non-teaching personnel kung saan layon nito ang isulong ang pagkakaisa, kooperasyon at kasiyahan sa labas ng kanilang mga opisina.

JRU Sports Fest: Larong Pinoy

Nagsimula ang selebrasyon

sa pagpapakilala sa apat na pangkat na magtatagisan ng galing at talino sa iba’t ibang laro ng lahi. Kinilala ang mga pangkat na Team Maroon, Tatag Rizal; Team Yellow, Taos-Pusong Rizal; Team Blue, Talentong Rizal at Team Green, Talinong Rizal.

Nakipagtagisan ng galing at talino ang apat na pangkat sa walong larong lahi with the twist kabilang na rito ang Hulahoop: Suot-Lusot, Jump-Jack n’ Poy, Luksong Lubid, Touch Ball, PatimBola, PassBall, FunMinton, Hahaball-Haball at Cheering

Sinundan ito ng panimulang programa kung saan nagbigay ng pambungad na pahayag si Dr. Vicente K. Fabella, University President. Pinangunahan naman ni Athletics Director Efren Supan ang sportsmanship pledge at si Vice President for Information Systems Edna Cia-Cruz para naman sa pormal na pagbubukas ng sports fest.

Pinangunahan naman ni Vice President for Administrative

Affairs Norma Montalvo ang pormal na pagsasara ng sports fest sa pamamagitan ng awarding ceremony kung saan sinelyuhan ng Team Yellow, Taos-Pusong Rizal ang ikatlong pwesto sa 730 puntos, ikalawang pwesto naman ang naiuwi ng Team Red, Tatag Rizal at Team Green, Talinong Rizal na may parehong 750 puntos at namayagpag naman ang Team Blue, Talentong Rizal matapos nilang humataw at ibulsa ang korona sa 830 puntos. Samantala, wagi naman sa cheering competition ang Team Green, Talinong Rizal.

JRU Rizalian Sing-A-Long

Matapos na subukin ang pisikal na kakayanan ng mga kawani ng JRU sa nakapapagod na sportsfest, sinundan naman ito ng Rizalian Sing-A-Long kung saan sinubok ang kanilang kakayanan sa kantahan.

Nagmistulang “game show” ang bahaging ito ng selebrasyon na pinangunahan ng mga Rizalian

Ambassador sapagkat naging tema nito ang pagbibigay ng katumbas na lyrics ng kanta sa Filipino o Ingles upang maitama ang kanta, pagpunan sa mga nawawalang lyrics ng kanta, at iba pa.

JRU Let’s Play Bingo

Sa huling bahagi ng selebrasyon, nabigyang pagkakataon ang university staffers na makapaglaro ng bingo at manalo ng iba’t ibang papremyo.

Sa kabuuan, naging matagumpay ang pagdiriwang sa selebrasyon ng employee day kung saan naisaalang-alang ang mga layunin at naisulong ang mga adhikain ng programa. Dagdag pa rito, ang selebrasyon na ito ay idinaraos upang bigyang halaga ang mga tao sa likod ng pagbibigay ng kalidad na edukasyon para sa mga estudyanteng Rizaliano.

University Week - Employee Day

Captured by Ramona Christine Matibag

Research Congress Conquers AI Landscape

By Mary Grace Feudo & Asliah Gubat

The Researchers’ Club (TRC) conducted a two-day event held on April 19 and 20 at the JRU Auditorium and via Zoom to acknowledge and present Rizalians research papers with its theme Reimagining Student Research in an Evolving AI Landscape: Toward a Critical, Agile and Resilient Post-Pandemic Learning.

The first speaker came from the Philippine Normal University (PNU), Dr. Arlyne C. Marasigan, who shared her experiences during the long years of her research journey. She also expressed that the difference in the standards of education helped her to cultivate more studies, much as helping to attain certain SDGs.

Dr. Reynold C. Padagas, a Rizalian faculty in the College of Nursing, is the second speaker. He tackled the importance of research and such pedagogies that students should consider while learning research structures.

Mr. Bonjovi Hajan, the TRC adviser, moderated a panel discussion with his fellow researchers to test students’ knowledge about their research papers and its crucial stand in the post-pandemic as AI is rampant.

The panelists were the Quantitative and Qualitative Research teachers: Mr. Reyneth Renan P. Matta, Ms. Cristina R. Pastores, Mr. Mark Anthony

Ms. Kristine

The Students Panel was presented by Mr. Mark Anthony Reyes and moderated by Eddy James III Ante, the club president of TRC, with Alyssa Jane Gaspe from ABM, Asliah Gubat from AAD, Mary Ruby Bisnar from HUMSS, Carl Gian Tamayo from Sports, Eana Sanchez from STEM, and Princess Joyce Nicol from TVL.

The winners for the best papers quantitative category were the following: First Place is from E12P, “Factors Affecting the Readiness of The Senior High School Students for Face-ToFace Learning;” Second Place is “The Roles of Technological Devices in Development of Mental Health Issues Among Students in Jose Rizal University,” from H11A; and the Third Place tied to three which are “Perceived Effects of Sleeping Habits on Senior High School Students’ Mental and Emotional Well-Being,” from H11C, “Assessment Of Academic Procrastination In Hy-Flex Learning Among Grade 11 Humanities And Social Sciences Senior High School Students,” from H11A, and “Students’ Assessment Of The Initial Implementation Of Hyflex Learning At Jose Rizal University,” from H11A.

On the other hand, the winners for the best papers qualitative research category were the following: First Place is “From Full Online to Hyflex Learning: Exploring Students’ Experiences With Academic Transition,” from

E11G; Second Place is “Experiences Of ABM Students

In Hyflex Learning At José Rizal University,” from M11D; and the Third Place is “Perceptions, Knowledge, and Practices on Online Safety and Security among Selected Senior High School Students,” from E11D.

The winners for the Best Poster were the following: First Place is “Preferred Graphic Design Software and Applications among Arts and Design Students,” from D11A; Second Place tied with three winners, “Students’ Assessment of The Initial Implementation of Hyflex Learning at Jose Rizal University,” from H11A, “The Generational Trauma Experienced by The Selected Grade 11 Students of Jose Rizal University,” from D11A, and “The Impact of Reading Books among Humanities and Social Sciences Learners of Jose Rizal University,” from H11B; and the Third Place was awarded to “Perceived Effects of Sleeping Habits on Senior High School Students’ Mental and Emotional Well-Being,” from H11C.

The winners for the best presenters Quantitative Research category were the following: First Place is “Students’ Assessment of The Initial Implementation of Hyflex Learning at Jose Rizal University,“ from H11A; Second Place is “Perceived Effects of Sleeping Habits on Senior High School Students’ Mental and Emotional Well-Being,” from H11C; and the Third Place is “Perceived Effects of Sleeping Habits on Senior High School

Students’ Mental and Emotional Well-Being,” from H11C.

The winners for the Best Presenters - Qualitative Research category were the following: First Place is “The Effects of Beauty Standards on Society’s Youth in The Philippines,” from E11E; Second Place is “Experiences of ABM Students in Hyflex Learning at José Rizal University,” from M11D; and the Third Place is “The Pros and Cons of A Hyflex Class Schedule of Grade 11 Students at Jose Rizal University,” from M11B.

The judges for quantitative research were Mr. Manuel J. Logatoc, a faculty of National University Dasmariñas, and Mr. Luis P. Olivar from the College of Tourism and the Hospitality ManagementUniversity of Makati: while the judges for the qualitative research were Ms. Airah Murielle D. Antonio, a faculty of JRU SHS, and Ms. Ruth I. Gutierrez, a Rizalian faculty in the College of Nursing.

Mr. Rommel C. Navarro encouraged students that research can innovate minds and create positive impacts in the future.

“To be an advocate of research, you must embrace the love for literature,” words from Dr. Auxencia Limjap, Research Director of the JRU community, delivered an inspirational message about the challenges brought by research and how to overcome and grow about it.

D. Reyes,

Gracia B. Fadera, and Ms. Marjorie V. Soriano.

At the newlyopened Centennial Auditorium last June 8, SHS Rizalian awardees, parents, and faculty gathered for the annual Recognition Day to award the students’ hard work and dedication to academics and extracurricular activities.

The onsite return of Recognition Day also included awarding over 100 students with their parents and guardians. The Centennial Auditorium was filled with rejoicing Rizalians, proud mentors, and family.

Notable special awards included; ABM Club taking home the Academic Club of the Year; Researcher’s Club and ABM Club bagging Best Non-Academic Activity and Best Track Activity with the Research Congress 2023 and ABM Week 2023, respectively; HARAYA 2023 of FNB and TG Club awarded Project Collaboration of the Year; Dianne Abbygail Ecleo of TG Club as the Club President of the Year.

Journalists of the Year were Genesis Sam Cuevas, Mishael Defeo, Princess Janneah Matta, and Sophia Sargado,

By Genesis Sam Cuevas

while Carlitos Pagaran and Raphael Jourvy Gavino were Leadership Awardees.

Awards for the Research Congress 2023 were the following: E12P with Best Quantitative Research Paper; E11G and H11D with Best Qualitative Research Paper; D11A with Best Quantitative Research Poster and E11D with Best Qualitative Research Poster; H11A as Best Quantitative

Recognition Day 2023 JRU SHS The Scribe FB Page Research Presenters and E11E as Best Qualitative Research Presenters.

Mr. Francis Isaac Estrada, a JRU SHS STEM alumnus of Batch 2018 and the Top 6 in the March 2023 in the Medical Technologist Licensure Examination results by the Professional Regulation Commisssion (PRC), gave an inspirational message to the students. He recounts his senior high school and college

Full-Onsite Recognition Day ‘23 Search is over, BIDA RIZZ-alian Role Model

experiences to remind them that regardless of awards and medals, they must strive to achieve their dreams.

Dr. Miguel Carpio, the Vice President for Academic Affairs, gave the opening remarks for the event, congratulating the awardees, parents, and teachers for their dedication and Husay Rizal.

Bida RIZZ-alian Role Model 2023, handled by the Senior High School Rizalian Valors Club (RVC) in search of the epitome of a true influential Rizalian, conducted May 5 via JRU Rizalian Valors FB Page.

The Bida RIZZ-alian Role Model 2023 winners were Raphael Jourvy Gavino, H12A, and Victoria Alaine Bertiz, M12P; First Runner-Up was Jethro Emerson Selorio, D12A, and Angela Dela Paz, H12A; the Second Runner-Up was Danielle Villanueva, M12P; and Third Runner-Up was Raymunda Penonia, D12B.

By Princess Janneah Matta

The following won the Special Awards: Darling of the Crowd was Kirsten Montenegro, H11C; Most Responsible was Victoria Alaine Bertiz, M12P; Most Courteous and Considerate was Danielle Villanueva, M12P; and the Best Speakers were Raphael Jourvy Gavino and Angela Dela Paz both from H12A.

Jethro Emerson Selorio was awarded best in talent as he performed an original song entitled Beacons of Tomorrow - “We’ll soon look back, so cut up some slack. We’ll save the world, we’re a masterpiece burning brighter than the sun’s greatness glory, and we’ve become beacons of tomorrow.”

BIDA RIZZ-alian Winners JRU Rizalian Valor FB Page

Heroes Camaraderie on College Day

By Joshua Rieson Sorreda, Genesis Sam Cuevas, & Grazielle Ann Leal

Students from the College Division returned to the JRU Quadrangle to celebrate University Week, College Day, in JRU’s 104th founding anniversary last February 18.

The morning presentation segment, Rizaliano: Magiting Na Bayani sa Makabagong Siglo, consisted of different performances from college students: 1st-year Accounting, Nursing, and Legal Management students created a colorful interpretative acting dance, focusing on a student’s journey of growth and self-discovery; Business Administration, Engineering, and Nursing students exhibited their techniques and form in arnis; an outstanding militant rifle performance from cadets of the ROTC unit led by the JRC 1941 rifle team; and Psychology, Hospitality Management, and Tourism students took the onlookers for a musical journey about pursuing their dreams.

Next, the afternoon presentation took the college students on a trip down memory lane through the segment, Palarong Pinoy, where they played games, including the traditional street game, patintero, and Chinese garter – which revived the audience’s spirits and encouraged camaraderie.

The evening presentation was led by Teatro Rizal’s most anticipated performance in honor of National Arts Month – a stage play, “Love is?” An adaptation of Jan De Hartog’s “The Fourposter.”

Love is the story of Carl and Marco, two immigrants from the Netherlands, played by Leo Mansilungan and Valentin Gidoc. They unraveled the mysteries of love through the struggles and purity between Michael and Agnes, played by K. Martinez and Allen Amoguis, who lived in the old house they rented from 1890 to 1920.

Uproar! Debate Survivors

By Angelique Tomilloso

To establish a space for critical thinking and logical reasoning, the Callidus Loquentium collaboration with Rizalian Valors Club held two seminars themed “Wisdom: The Power of Reasoning” and “Talk to Me, Confidence is Key” and a debate competition last May 9 at the Jose Rizal University Auditorium.

“The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing,” Mr. Dwight Esteves, the first resource speaker, quoted Socrates to introduce the power of argumentation. He emphasized the specific guidelines in debates to prepare the contestants and a few tips for delivering their arguments in the competition.

The debate competition, Listen Up! Time to Turn the Tables was the debate contest in collaboration with the RVC. It consisted of participants from various teams; Alagad ni Miss M V2.0, Sangguniang Kabataan, AAAAA!, and Teamba. There were three sets of designated questions from Arts, Politics, and Philosophy.

Sanggunian Kabataan won the debate, thus the final event of Callidus Loquentium officers for the school year 2022-2023.

Firstly the competition began as the first set, “Which is more meaningful? Minimalist Art or Maximalist Art,” was given. Team AAAAA! for Minimalist Art, while Sanggunian Kabataan for Maximalist Art. The Board of Judges declared that team AAAAA! was eliminated for

the third set while Sanggunian Kabataan was up for the final round.

Then the second set came next, “Is the Death penalty reasonable for the most heinous crime?” with Teamba for the proposition and Alagad ni Miss M V2.0 as the opposing side. Judges requested Teamba to cite sources for their arguments — neither of the teams announced elimination.

Lastly, the third set proceeded with the topic, “Does free will exist, or is every action predetermined?” Through a tossed coin, Sangguniang Kabataan stood with the existence of the free will, while the Alagad ni Miss M V2.0 supported the idea that every action is predetermined.

Seminar & Debate Competition Poster Callidus Loquentium

University Week - College Day JRU Fun Shots FB Page

HARAYA 2023, PH Festivals

By Genesis Sam Cuevas

Acollaboration between the Food and Beverages (FNB) and Tour Guiding (TG) club sparked the return of the annual event

HARAYA 2023, with the theme “Skills, Passions, and Abilities – Embracing Diversity in the Philippine Festivals,” which was held at the JRU Quadrangle last May 5 to foster competition and showcase the Philippines’ rich culture and hard work of the FNB and TG students.

HARAYA 2023 consisted of six segments: The Waiter’s Relay Competition, Table Skirting Competition, Mocktail Competition, Commentary Spiel Competition, Flight Attendant Spiel Competition, and Cultural Dance Competition.

The winners for the said competitions were the following: Sean Domingo and Karl Cedric for the Waiter’s Relay Segment Grade 11 level and Mark Angelo Dionisio and John Cedric Quinto for the Grade 12. Kate Erika Conejos won the Commentary Spiel Competition,

while Shane Maneja, Pia Ocampo, Jan Rainier Dagdag, and Kurt Laurence Cruz for the Table Skirting Competition. Khate Jimenez and Marsha Viado champed the Grade 11 Mocktail segment, Clive Neri and Joaquin Ocampo for the Grade 12 level, and Kean Andre Carlos won the Flight Attendant Spiel Competition. Group 3, Maskara Festival, bagged the Best in Costume Award for Cultural Dance, and Group 2, Ati-Atihan and Pahiyas Festival won the Best in Choreography and the Champion in Cultural Dance. Kazaam Ybrahim Inez and Princess Joyce Nicol were crowned Mr. and Ms. Haraya 2023.

The members of the board of judges were Ms. Diana Rose Mayonte, Mr. Leo Benjamin Jerusalem, Ms. Leori Ramonette Ignacio, and Mrs. Ma. Elyn Facunla-Padayao.

Mr. Romel C. Navarro, principal of the JRU SHS Division, led the opening remarks, and Ms. Allyson Kane Baguio, president of the FNB Club, gave the closing remarks.

Rizalians Immersion @ NCMH

By Christian Jiro Flores

Toequip Rizalians with profound knowledge, critical awareness, and handy experiences through a work immersion Grade 12 students from the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) strands participated in a five-day tour at National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) Mandaluyong City from April 27 until May 4.

Rizalians explored and wandered some of the 33 pavilions inside the hospital. It is truly an eye-opener for all aspiring students that mentally challenged people are not what society labels them to be; they need help, guidance, and love.

During the tour, the words “Kalidad” and “Karapatan” were emphasized to apprise students

that NCMH upholds the quality care that mentally ill people deserve based on the Mental Health Law and the Universal Health Care Act.

Furthermore, a statue of Sisa, a well-known character from Jose Rizal’s famous Novel, Noli Me Tangere, a mentally challenged mother because of her traumatic past, is built in front of the Bridge of Hope inside

the hospital to signal a light of hope that people who suffer from mental sickness still have chances to recover from such diseases.

The tour also highlights the everyday battles that patients encounter and the real-life situations of healthcare workers, nurses, and doctors.

Mental health is one of the

issues in the world that not all know more about - it stresses the significance of spreading awareness, sensitivity, and knowledge.

NCMH is considered a specialized hospital with its mission to push through the mental wellness, cure, and rehabilitation of mentally challenged people.

HARAYA 2023

JRU SHS Food and Beverage Club FB Page

Rizalian Immersion at NCMH Rizalian Immersion Documentation

Student Activity Trade-Off: JPN & PH Class Collab

By Eryza Mhae Dris

“ This is the first step of the friendship between Jose Rizal University Senior High School and Yamagata Higashi Senior High School. I am looking forward to the next program.” - Mr. Sugai Hidehiko, Principal, Yamgata Higashi Senior High School.

Jose Rizal University Senior High School (JRU-SHS) conducted a collaborative learning activity between Arts and Design Rizalians and the Yamagata Higashi Senior High School Students as part of the Student Learning Network (SLN) project to learn and share photography skills and culture last March 9 via Zoom meeting.

This Japan - Philippine collaborative learning class

involved Arts and Design students of JRU SHS, D12A, and Yamagata Higashi Senior High School Students with its Project Coordinator, Mrs. Carissa M. Enteria, Chair of Languages and Social Sciences Department, and the two faculty-in-charge, Mrs. Ramona Christine Gonzales-Matibag, a JRU faculty, and Ms. Krezta Rae Palces, a YHSHS faculty.

Mrs. Matibag formally started her discussion and called two students to do the Art Broadcast - students will present artwork from the Philippines and Japan and give its background and significance. After her photography discussion, she tasked students to do their online collaborative work to present their outputs to the class.

SATO: Student Learning Network Documentation

To recognize this Husay Rizal experience, Mrs. Enteria called Mr. Romel C. Navarro, Principal of JRU SHS, to award the certificates to the partnered school. Ms. Palces also called Mr. Sugai Hidehiko, the Principal of YHSHS, to do the same. Both principals gave their congratulatory and future collaboration messages and thanked everyone who participated in the successful project.

Due to the pandemic, online learning is a trend and later became the mode of learning in the field of education globally. It brought up creative learning strategies that help and sustain teacher-student learning. Distance learning, hybrid and hyflex learning, and remote learning hindered not the

progressive learning of students even in challenging times.

The BasicEd’s Student Activity Trade-Off commits to helping students enrich their learning experiences by exchanging student concepts and perspectives of global issues with another school to promote global understanding, a necessary 21st-century skill. This project aims to forge a partnership with schools with common interests, promote mutual understanding between or among students from different cultural backgrounds, and enrich student learning experiences through collaboration.

PeliKULAYan! World Theater Week 2023

By Mishael Defeo & Paul Rainier Go

Jose Rizal University

Senior High Student Council (JRU SHSC) celebrated World Theater Week 2023 through activities showcasing Filipino theater heritage and culture. The JRU SHS, in partnership with Dulaang Rizaliano and Harmoniya Club, organized the event dubbed as TeatRizal: Pagdiriwang sa Sining ng Teatro.

It aimed to deliver the diversity of each country’s heritage, history, and theatrical

traditions to every Rizalian through performing arts. It also sought to promote peace and harmony among different cultures and communities.

The film showing, called PeliKULAYan 2023, screened two unique and life-changing Filipino films from 2017 and 2018: Pan de Salawal and Bar Boys. Afterward, students were tasked to create artwork expressing their experiences and learnings.

The event ran from March 23 to March 24, 2023. All activities were free and open to all JRU students, faculty, staff, and alumni.

Shout Out Fest: Pelikulove for PH Cinema

By Princess Dawn De Guzman

To recognize the art of Philippine independent films, Pelikulove, in partnership with the Jose Rizal University Senior High Student Council, organized a hybrid of film and theater screening in celebration of its Shout Out Festival on March 13 and 15 at the university auditorium which was also streamed live via Zoom.

The program began with a sneak peek of filmmaking and writing lessons by two renowned Filipino film artists and mentors, Rody Vera and Ricky Lee. Afterward, the film showing began, presenting eight indie films written and directed by local Filipino filmmakers. The said films were the following: How to Make an Effective Campaign Ad, Hypertext, No Trespassing, Cooking with Love, Libro for Ransom, Ang Ilaw sa Labas ng Tahanan, When A Manananggal Loves a Man, and Quarantine 5.

By the end of the session, a post-show talkback was conducted with several filmmakers and writers answering the questions prepared by the students.

Also, audiences from both streaming platforms had a chance to have full access to the aforementioned online lessons through a raffle.

During its early days, Pelikulove was originally a promotional page managed by independent artists for its film Lakbay2Love Eventually, they decided to expand as a company promoting arts education and training students in the Philippines through various courses and videos published online.

TeatRizal: Pagdiriwang sa Sining ng Teatro Poster Official JRU Senior Highschool Student Council

Pelikulove FB Page

Talinong Rizal! The Scribe Triumphs at DSSPC & RSPC

By Joshua Rieson Sorreda & Genesis Sam Cuevas

Representatives from The Scribe with The Scroll, the official publications of Jose Rizal University for Senior High School and Junior High School, proceeded on the long-awaited District Secondary Schools Press Conference, held last March 18 at the Bonifacio Javier National High School (BJNHS) to compete along with the Mandaluyong schools in the field of campus journalism.

Before the competition, the student journalists had lecture sessions on respective topics and categories of writing with Mrs. Cristina C. Abanador, Mr. Joemar L. Furigay, Mr. Rex A. San Diego, and Mr. Manuel Zacarias, four known in-

structors of journalism.

In the morning, the contest took off News Writing, Pagsulat ng Balita, Sports Writing, Pagsulat ng Balitang Sports, Photojournalism, Pagkuha ng Larawang Pampahayagan, Copyreading and Headline Writing, and Pagwawasto at Pag-uulo ng Balita categories, while in the afternoon session, Editorial Writing, Pagsulat ng Pangulong Tudling, Column Writing, Feature Writing, Pagsulat ng Lathalain, Science Writing, Pagsulat ng Agham, Editorial Cartooning, and Paglalarawang Tudling.

Afterward, at the awarding ceremony held on March 31 at BJNHS, The Scribe and The Scroll staff bagged multiple awards in various categories: Princess Janneah Matta (E11B) 2nd Placer in Pagsulat ng Editoryal;

Sophia Sargado (D12A) 3rd Placer in Photojournalism, Charly Bartolome (E11B) 7th Placer in Feature Writing, and Mikko Abanto of The Scroll homed 5th Placer in the Copyreading and Headline Writing category.

As Mishael Defeo (M12P) triumphantly got 1st Place in Pagsulat ng Balitang Pampalakasan, he had elated in the contest to represent the Division of Mandaluyong in the recently concluded Regional Schools Press Conference last June 16 at Rizal High School and also ranked 2nd over 16 divisions in National Capital Region.

JRU also bagged 6th Place in the Top 7 Performing Schools in Filipino. Honorable mentions included Zyrkyx Depante in the Editorial Cartooning category and Mary Grace Feudo in the

Copyreading and Headline Writing categories.

In preparation for the competitions, the JRU student journalists underwent a rigorous 5-day writing workshop prepared by Mrs. Ramona Christine Gonzales-Matibag, The Scribe adviser, and Ms. Marissa Rongcales, The Scroll adviser, in support of their respective English Departments Chairs, Mrs. Carissa Enteria, and Mrs. Rovelyn Arcilla. The following also supported the event by sharing their expertise; Ms. Airah Murielle Antonio, Ms. Michenela Grace Estada, Mr. Louie Bosque, a senior high school student, Roberta Deanne Martin, and Ms. Gail Kathleen Pilapil, a senior high school alumna.

A drop of hope and a miracle of life; a blood donation is a gift from man to man.

Last March 16, 2023, the Senior High School Student Council, STEM Club, the Philippine Red Cross, JRU Nursing Society, and the JRU Criminal Justice Society students administered the annual Blood Donation Drive at the JRU auditorium.

Before the donation drive, an orientation headed by Dr. Hosanna Omega P. Mateo, the University Physician, was initiated to equip the students and volunteers with the must-do precautionary measures before, during, and after the outreach program.

To be a blood donor, one has to condition

oneself to meet the qualifications. Dr. Mateo emphasized that the preparation is the most crucial part of blood donation. A donor’s blood should be safe and healthy enough before the bloodletting making sure its efficacy to the receivers.

In a conversation with Aurelio Cabarrubias, a parent volunteer who appears to be a consistent blood donor, he stated that donating blood has been an advocacy for him as it helps maintain his strength, especially even at age 59.

Similarly, Alberto Fabian Jr., an employee of JRU, who is also a consistent blood donor, volunteered with the purpose of replenishing his blood

other hand, figuring out her blood type, Janelle Amandy, an SHS student, was tempted to participate in the blood donation drive. As a first-time donor, she shared her experiences, emphasizing that

and helping others in need. When asked about how he prepared for the donation, he shared, “Matulog nang maaga, huwag uminom ng alak, at kumain nang maayos.”

On the

bloodletting was not as painful as it seemed. She also shared that aside from knowing her blood type, she wanted its benefits and to save lives.

Around the corner of the auditorium was Ms. Roan Santos. She is a senior staff member and a medical technician of the Red Cross volunteer who aided the blood donation drive. After bloodletting, the blood bags are not distributed immediately to the hospitals; they undergo component processing to examine all the content within the blood, Ms. Santos explained.

Aside from saving lives, there are also benefits that donors can enjoy

when they donate blood. Ms. Santos mentioned that it helps lower the likelihood of experiencing heart attacks and helps regenerate red blood cells. As she arranged the blood bags, she also narrated her experiences as a Red Cross staff member for seven years. She added that it is not only JRU but many schools that coordinated with their organization to execute a blood donation drive.

Ultimately, saving a life does not cost much. Being pierced by a needle for estimated ten to fifteen minutes can make you a hero.

The Blood Donation Drive was open for all: employees, students, parents, and even guests supported the endeavor.

BY: ADRIENNE RIEL CRUZ

“Wala na ang magic ko ngayon.”

Hindi maipagkakailang markado at naging matunog na ang pangalan ni Efren “Bata” Reyes o mas kilala sa tanyag na “The Magician” sa makulay na mundo ng billiards. Sa humigit kumulang ika-limampung taong pagsargo sa mga pool balls simula pagkabata hanggang sa pagtanda, mula sa local hanggang sa international scenes pinatunayan ni Reyes ang kanyang kahusayan gamit ang kanyang mga asintado at matatalinong taktika na nakapagbigay na ng maraming karangalan sa kanya maging sa Pilipinas. Sa kabila nito, nakalulungkot mang pakinggan ngunit hindi na rin nakapagtataka kung maisipan ng isa sa mga billiard’s greatest of all time players na magretiro na at tuluyan nang lisanin ang industriya ng billiards.

Sa nagdaang 32nd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games nitong Mayo, bigong selyuhan ng legendary cue artist Reyes ang anumang medalya sa dalawang men’s carom event – one-cushion and three-cushion na naging dahilan nang pagkaputol sa six-time bronze streak niya sa carom event ng SEA Games.

“... Wala na ‘yong magic ko ngayon. Kaya ‘yong mga dating tira ko, wala na ‘di na gagana. Mahirap din. Pabagobago na tira ko. Hindi na pagaling, pawala na,” ito naman ang mga naging payahag ng legendary player hinggil

sa kanyang performance sa 30th SEA Games noong 2019.

Patunay ang katatapos lamang na 32nd SEA Games performance at ang kanyang naging pahayag sa panayam noong 2019 na unti-unti nang naglalaho ang kanyang galing sa pag-asinta at hamon na rin para sa kanya na panatilihin ang antas ng kanyang kahusayan kumpara sa mga naging laban niya noon dahil na rin sa iba’t ibang rason - edad, passion, o magagaling na kalaban.

Sa lahat ng uri ng palakasan mahalagang isaalang-alang ang edad ng mga atleta tuwing nakikipagbakbakan. Ayon kay Allan Sand sa kanyang Billiard Gods Production, “There will be some loss of physical capability over the years affecting your pool skills and shooting accuracy. Longer shots may be more difficult to consistently make, sharper cuts are harder to see. That can be offset by applying the tricks and traps learned over the years.” Hindi na lingid sa kaalaman ng mga tao na nangangailangan ang billiards ng matinding pokus, istamina, at matatalinong taktika upang masiguro ang pagkapanalo subalit habang tumatanda ang isang atleta bumababa ang kakayanan nitong panatilihin ang

kanyang pisikal at mental na katayuan kumpara sa mga nagdaan niyang taon sa paglalaro. Sa edad na 68-anyos, patuloy pa rin ang pakikipagbakbakan ni Reyes sa billiard landscape. Maaring isa ang edad sa mga dahilan kung bakit bumababa ang success rate ng legendary cue athlete.

Dagdag pa rito, sa murang edad nang pagkamulat sa mundo ng billiards at sa humigit kumulang limang dekadang paghawak sa cue at pagsargo, masasabing naging buhay na ni Reyes ang pag-asinta sa pool balls na naging dahilan din sa pagkahubog ng kanyang pagkatao. Sa tagal nang pakikipagdurugan niya sa billiard table marami na siyang naiuwing titulo mula sa iba’t ibang billiards professional tournaments na nagbigay ng karangalan sa kanya at sa bansa. Dahil dito, sa tingin ng marami wala ng

dapat patunayan si Reyes dahil naiukit na niya ang pangalan sa mundo ng billiards.

Sa hinaba-haba ng paglalakbay ng pambato ng Pilipinas sa larangan ng billiards, sapat na ang mga karangalan at dangal na kanyang ibinigay na nakapagpa-ingay sa kanyang pangalan at sa Pilipinas sa mundo ng palakasan, maaring ito na rin ang hudyat upang makapagpahinga at lasapin ang rurok ng kanyang tagumpay. Bagama’t naging buhay na ni Reyes ang apat na kanto ng billiard table, mayroon pa rin siyang buhay sa labas nito – pamilya, kaibigan at mga personal na hilig. Ang paglalaan ng oras sa kanyang pamilya at kaibigan, paglinang sa iba pa niyang hilig, at pagpapahinga ay sapat na dahilan upang lisanin ang billiards.

Sa kabilang banda, umaapila naman ang iba na bakit pipigilan si Reyes na gawin ang bagay na naging parte na

ng kanyang pagkatao. Dagdag pa rito, sinasabing dapat pa niyang ipagpatuloy ang pagsabak sa professional scene sapagkat hindi naman hadlang ang kanyang edad sa pakikipagbakbakan sa loob ng pool table. Dagdag pa rito, hindi pa rin dapat na pigilan ang atleta na magdesisyon para sa kanyang sarili. Bukod pa rito, mahalaga pa rin na isaalang-alang ang kalagayan ng atleta sa lahat ng aspeto at igalang ang kanyang personal na desisyon.

Walang alinlangan na naging bahagi na ang legendary cue artist na si Efren “Bata” Reyes sa kasaysayan ng billiards. Sa pinamalas niyang dedikasyon, talino at masiyahing personalidad, mananaliti itong nakaukit sa mundo ng bilyaran.

Kung siya man ay darating sa punto nang paglisan sa anumang dahilan, nakakalungkot mang pakinggan ngunit dapat na igalang ang kaniyang magiging desisyon at patuloy siyang suportahan sa mga susunod na yugto ng kanyang buhay. Sa huli, magsisilbi siyang inspirasyon at patuloy na titingalain sa mundo ng palakasan. Maaaring maglaho ang hiwaga sa mga kamay ni Reyes ngunit hinding-hindi mawawala ang inukit niyang pangalan sa kasaysayan ng bilyar at sa mundo ng palakasan.

Blazers & Altas reign supreme in NCAA Volleyball Finals

By Jhon Marc Austria

C ollege of Saint Benilde and the University of Perpetual Help System

Altas protected their title in the tournament after the nail-biting games in the Finals held at FilOil Eco Oil in San Juan from April 11 to 14.

The Lady Blazers’ unblemished record and not losing a full game since season 95 with a 29-game winning streak. In the Finals, the Lady Blazers didn’t lose a single set against the Lady Pirates, sweeping the Finals (2-0).

The Lyceum Philippines

University settled as the silver medalist this season, besting out the eliminations’ second placer University of Perpetual Help System Daltas after the stepladder format (3-1).

Lady Blazer, Jade Gentapa, was hailed as the Finals MVP as she emerged from the two games in the Finals.

Coach Jerry Yee, College of Saint Benilde, was awarded the Coach of the Year for boasting the Lady Blazers’ back-to-back championships.

Meanwhile, in the Men’s Division of the NCAA Volleyball, The

Altas bested out the San Beda Red Spikers in a three-game thriller series.

The Red Spikers snapped the 32-game winning streak that the Altas had since Season 94 after pulling a reverse sweep on game 2 of their Finals series (3-2).

The Altas came on top as they sealed their three straight championships, the second feat for the team, a replication of their season 86 to 89 run where they achieved the same feat.

The San Beda Red Spikers were fixed as the silver medalist after the eliminations; second placer

Arellano University via another stepladder format (3-1).

Louie Ramirez bolstered his team on reaching the 3-peat by bagging the MVP in the eliminations and Finals MVP.

Coach Sammy Acaylar of UPHSD was hailed as the Coach of the Year in the men’s division.

The season for the NCAA volleyball tournament concluded as successful with thousands watching and anticipating the games this season 98; a motivation for the next season that there will be more actions to come.

Rhannie-ng for Gold: Takbo Patungong Tagumpay

By Mishael Defeo

T akbo. Hingal. Takbo.

Nakakapagod mang pakinggan, ngunit ito na ang naging buhay ng humigit kumulang isang dekadang pagiging atleta ng pambato ng Senior High School Jose Rizal University (SHS JRU) sa larangan ng takbuhan na si Rhannie “Rhan” Pilaspilas, 17, grade 11 student ng H11D kung saan pinatunayan niyang nananalaytay na sa kanyang katawan ang pagiging atleta.

Sa edad na walo, nagsimulang mag-alab ang pagmamahal ni Rhannie sa athletics nang mamulat siya sa pamilyang aktibo sa isports lalong lalo na sa track and field. Nagkaroon ng malaking parte ang kanyang mga magulang sa pagkahilig niya sa takbuhan sapagkat dati na rin silang mga atleta na lumalaban sa nasabing isports.

Mula sa mga fun run, marathon, at maliliit na kompetisyong nasasalihan na may kinalaman sa pagtakbo; kasabay ang impluwensya ng mga magulang at oportunidad na nagbubukas para sa kanya, mas lumalim pa ang pagkahumaling ni Rhan sa track and field kung saan nadala niya ang disiplinang ito noong magsimula siyang lumaban sa elementarya hanggang sa pagtungtong niya ng sekondarya.

Sa isang dekada niyang pagpapaikot-ikot sa oval at walang kapagurang pagtakbo, nakapag-uwi na siya ng mga karangalan na nagpaingay sa kanyang pangalan. Kung dati ay kumukubra lamang siya ng tanso at pilak, ngayon nakapag-uuwi na siya ng ginto sa iba’t ibang track and field events.

Sa nagdaang Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA) 2022, umarangkada si Pilaspilas matapos niyang selyuhan ang tatlong ginto sa 800m, 5000m, at 3000m steeplechase at isang tanso sa 1500m na takbuhan.

Naging matunog din ang pangalang Rhannie sa NCR Palaro 2023 kung saan kumamada siyang muli ng tatlong ginto sa 800m, 1500m at 3000m steeplechase na takbuhan kung saan siya ang magiging kinatawan ng Mandaluyong sa Palarong Pambansa 2023. Higit sa mga medalyang ito ang karangalang ibinigay niya sa institusyon at sa kanyang pamilya.

Ayon sa batang atleta, hindi naging madali ang kanyang dinanas sa paghubog ng kanyang kakayanan, subalit, naging malaking parte ng kanyang inspirasyon ang pamilya, mga kaibigan, ang mga coaches at ang JRU na unang naniwala sa kanyang talento.

“Disiplina sa sarili, isapuso ang training, ‘wag magpapabaya sa katawan, at matulog nang maaga,” pahayag ni Rhan, kung saan mapatutunayang siya ay isang inspirasyon hindi lang sa kapwa niya mga atleta kundi pati na rin sa kapwa niya estudyante.

Sa likod ng mga medalya at karangalan, batid ni Rhannie ang hirap na kanyang dinanas upang makamit ang tagumpay. Ngunit sa hinaba-haba ng kanyang paglalakbay bitbit niya ang mga aral at disiplinang hatid sa kanya ng isports na ito.

Sa huli, sa bawat tagaktak ng pawis sa pagtakbo, kaakibat nito ang pagpupursigi, hirap, at hingal na inabot niya makamtan lamang ang inaasam-asam na medalya. At habang suot ang jersey at sapatos, bitbit ang pangrap at baon ang determinasyon, patuloy na tatakbuhin ni Rhan ang mahaba pang kalsada patungo sa kanyang tagumpay at mga pangarap.

JRU streaks back @ NCAA Track & Field

By Jhon Marc Austria

T rack and field events were back in NCAA with its new Season 98 at PhilSports Complex in Pasig City.

Jose Rizal University Track and Field Team streak championship for two consecutive seasons and reigns supreme in the track and field which happened on April 19 to 20.

The athletes unleashed their inner heroes despite the grueling heat in the field of PhilSports Complex.

Rizalians Dhem AJ Monton (800 meters; 1500 meters) and Fredrick (200 meters) secured the gold medals for JRU. While Ramirez, Grandelle Orillano, Mark Allen Aboc, and Gabriel Dulay, Mandaluyong-based squad, gave off a dominant win in the 4x400

meter relay for the gold medals. JRU dragged home medals from Ramirez (silver, 800 meters), Orillano (silver, 400 m hurdles), Aboc (bronze, 400 m hurdles), Rico Jay Patanao (silver, 1500 meters), Dominic Woodard (bronze, discus throw), Brixter Luquing (silver, javelin throw), and Lyndon Millanes (bronze, triple jump).

JRU bested the other nine NCAA teams after having 685 points

at the end of the overall events. Mapua University finished second with 661.5 points, while the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA finished third overall.

JRU clinched its seventh senior championship. It is also their sixth time as the defending champion since their first championship in the 2010 NCAA games.

32nd SEA Games: Back in Field!

By Christian Jiro Flores

The 32nd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games is back with its host, Phnom Penh, Cambodia, and joined by 11 Southeast Asian countries who strived to bring home medals, pride, and triumph from May 5 to 12, 2023.

Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia successively collected 355 medals, 313 medals, and 276 medals. The Philippines, which came in 5th overall rank, acquired 260 medals - 58 gold, 86 silver, and 116 bronze medals.

The names of the following athletes served as firecrackers to highlight the Philippines’ achievements and bring gold medals; Carlos Yulo in gymnastics, Kaila Napolis in jiu-jitsu, Nesty Petecio in boxing, SIBOL in esports, Jason Balabal in wrestling.

There are 846 athletes to conquer their places in different sports. They displayed their expertise and drove the victory they have worked hard on.

Strength does not only come also at the expense of leadership, effective leader does not power and control. Giving motivation, and movement currency. This maneuver encouraged by Rizalians through relevant values. One of its graduated former President of the Senior (SHSC), Raphael Jourvy Gavino, his leadership and advocacy

He shared his motivators—compassion, realities, and guiding life mentioned that the discrimination and fellow LGBTQIA+ members, farmers, and the repression moves him to drive his advocacy, my heart na [that] you need this, you need to do things stated.

His determination did not dwindle experienced start of his that he went dilemma pressure

come in numbers. It is leadership, and to be an not merely manifest in Giving assistance, support, movement to others are its to good leadership is through the transfer of graduated students, the Senior High School Council Gavino, willfully possesses advocacy for Philippine society.

motivators—compassion, harsh principles. He further discrimination faced by women members, the exploitation of repression of academic freedom advocacy, “It stems from need to speak up about things about this issues,” he

determination to empower others dwindle despite having challenges since the his position. He admitted went through an internal dilemma of self-doubt and felt pressure in the highest seat

on the student council. To combat these struggles, he elaborated on three ways he did himself:selfaffirmation, self-assessment, and external assessment. These ways enabled him to assure, reflect, and move into action carrying a sense of commitment and passion again.

Committing to an organization and being a student requires planning and time management; that’s the routine of Mr. Garvino as he emphasized the importance of carrying a planner with him everywhere he goes. He assures of plotting his commitments and academic responsibilities and other specific tasks he needs to do. He also added that he asks his fellow officers and friends to remind him if he has forgotten a task to do.

Leadership is not all about commanding others — it goes on to give inspiration and influence individuals to do good and be good. As such, Mr. Garvino reminds students who struggle to voice and speak up. He also elaborated on numerous ways an individual can break out of their shell through the comfort of their skills. “Always use your talents, your gifts to serve other people.”

The accomplishment of triumphing against all odds has fueled humanity to revel in all seasons. Rizalian spirit never fails to find its inner hero through groundbreaking feats. Through a myriad of engaging events and creative affairs, we have paraded and curated memories every day. Say, how to make it more fun to celebrate these achievements than the Rizalian way?

The JRU quad is home to numerous festivities - the Buwan ng Wika, UN celebration, English Week, STEM Week, Business Fair, ABM Week, TechvocAD Week, this year’s celebration of the University’s 104th Anniversary, and many more, all were crafted with Rizalians’ pride and creativity. It has become the stage for students and faculty to exhibit their talents and excellency.

Of course, the grounds would only be complete with the students’ strolls and practices that are typical daily views. Some bask everything in their surroundings during their break time and observe the groups - who either play badminton, practice physical-ed activities or prepare for an upcoming performance. You will see students talking, playing, and connecting through interactions despite the varying characteristics they may have.

The revelry of the Rizalian spirit in breaking through achievements is a nod. With the latest NCR Palaro 2023 Champion of the JRU Track and Field representative, Rhannie Pilaspilas, Mishael Defeo of The Scribe won 2nd Place in Sports Writing Filipino at the Regional Schools Press Conference, the achievements we go through every day, especially the victories left unsaid, these create inner heroes in triumph. Big or small, every feat of strength deserves to be recognized and honored. Husay Rizal!

Find Your Inner Hero — the tagline that JRU presents and its students exceed. With all the recognized achievements, it does not merely stop at discovering one’s capability but utilizing it to do good for self and others, all that has made them the heroes of the now and the ever after.

Artist: Zyrkyx Depante

Artist: Maegan Maltu

Artist: Sophia Perlado

Artist: Zyrkyx Depante

Artist: Zyrkyx Depante

Artist: Zyrkyx Depante

Artist: Zyrkyx Depante

Artist: Sophia Sargado

Artist: Julius Evaristo

Artist: Sophia Sargado

Artist: Maegan Maltu

Artist: Maegan Maltu

Artist: Julius Evaristo

Artist: Sophia Perlado

Artist: Maegan Maltu

Artist: Maegan Maltu

Artist: Sophia Sargado

Artist: Julius Evaristo

Artist: Maegan Maltu