See the Light, Meet the Sea! Rizalian's Sailing Adventure

Kamakailan, tila ang bawat hakbang ng pamahalaan upang umusad ay ang pagbabalik sa mga nakagawiang sistema ng pamumuhay tulad na lamang ng muling pagbabago ng Kagawaran ng Edukasyon ng petsa ng pagbabalik-aral sa bansa. Sa panahong inaasam ng bayan ang pag-abante, makakamit ba ito sa pamamagitan ng pag-atras?

Malaki ang naging epekto ng pandemiya, COVID-19, sa bansa lalo na sa kalagayan ng edukasyon. Ayon sa Department of Health o DOH, ang nasabing sakit ay nagbibigay ng malaking badya sa mga kalusugan ng matatanda at kabataan dulot ng kanilang mahinang resistensya kung kaya’t napilitan ang DepEd na iudlot ang mga school years sa mga nagdaang taon.

Ngayong humupa ang banta ng COVID-19 at pumalit ang badya ng tinding init ng panahon, muling isinulong ng mga nasa katungkulan ang pagbabalik ng DepEd calendar. Sa bisa nito, sa halip na Agosto ay Hulyo na ang magiging buwan ng pagsisimula ng klase sa buong bansa.

Matinding init, pagtaas ng kaso ng heat stroke at pagsuspindi ng klase; iyan ay ilan lamang sa mga naranasang kalagayan ng mga batang mag-aaral sa bansa noong mga nakaraang buwan at karamihan ay isinisisi ito sa alanganin at pabago-bagong panahon ng pagsisimula ng klase. Dahil Agosto nagsimula ang pasukan, tumapat ang mga araw ng klase sa mga petsa kung saan nakararanas ng matinding init ang

bansa. Ito ay ang mga buwan ng Marso, Abril at Mayo na ayon sa talataguhit ng Climates to Travel.

Ayon sa DOH, ang naranasang tinding init ay nakapagdudulot ng malaking panganib hindi lamang sa mga bata, kung hindi para sa lahat. Ayon sa kanila, may naitalang 34 kaso ng heat-related illnesses sa bansa at anim dito ay nauwi sa pagkamatay. Walang pinipiling edad ang masamang bunga ng matinding init kaya’t labis na makatutulong ang pagbabalik ng dating DepEd calendar upang ito ay malimitahan sapagkat sa ganitong panahon ay bakasyon na lamang ng mga mag-aaral. Dahil dito, malaya ang lahat upang magsagawa ng hakbang upang kaharapin ang init na dala ng panahon.

Namamawis din ang lagay ng bentilasyon sa pasilidad ng mga paaralan dahil ayon sa Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT), umabot sa 46% ng mga guro ang nag-ulat na isa hanggang dalawang bentilador lamang ang mayroon sa kanilang mga silid na tila hindi sapat upang paunlakan ang bilang ng mga mag-aaral lalo na sa panahon ng tag-init at mismong si ACT Party-list Rep. France Castro na mismo ang naguudyok at humihiling ng atensyon mula sa Kagawaran nang sa gayon ay ibalik na ang dating DepEd school calendar.

Sa kabilang dako, ang kasalukuyang kalendaryo ay nagdudulot din ng benepisyo para sa kalagayan ng edukasyon ng bansa sapagkat ito ay naka-ayon at sumasabay sa Global Education Standards na ayon sa PrimarySource.

org ay mahalagang sangkap sa pagpapaunlad ng kasanayan ng mga mag-aaral sa pagsabay sa mga pandaigdigang programa at pamantayan sa edukasyon. Kung iisipin, isa ang global standards sa mga dahilan kung bakit lantad sa mundo na naghihingalo at napagiiwanan ang bansa sa usapang edukasyon. Makikita ito sa mga mabababang marka at ranggo ng Pilipinas sa ilang mga students assessment organization tulad sa ulat na inilabas ng Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) nakaraang Disyembre 2023, na ang mga magaaral sa bansa ay nasa pinakalaylayan noong 2018 at pang-77 sa 81 na bansa nitong 2022. Subalit, hindi ito sapat na dahilan upang ilagay sa kapahamakan ang mga kalusugan at lagay ng mga magaaral sa Pilipinas.

Tulad ng mainit na klima, panahon na ring magsagawa ng mga hakbang ang Kagawaran sa ikabubuti ng mga batang kanilang pinamamahalaan at isa ang pagbabalik ng dating kalendaryo sa mga ito. Sapagkat hindi na sapat ang payong upang labanan ang mga krisis na nararanasan ng edukasyon sa bansa. Mas makabubuti kung ito ay sabayan ng mga desisyong kanilang isinasabatas na susi sa pagyabong ng edukasyon.

Buhol-buhol na Pangangasiwa?

Pretzel Eve C. Dela Cruz NEWS WRITER

Ang tunay na pag-unlad ay hindi nakapipinsala sa kalikasan; bagkus, ito ay nag-uudyok sa atin na pangalagaan ang ating likas na yaman.

lNakaramdam ng isang malaking insulto ang mga netizen matapos kumalat ang post ng isang social media influencer na tila ipino-promote ang isang resort na itinayo sa Chocolate Hills, isang sikat na tourist spot sa Bohol. Ang Captain’s Peak Garden & Resort ay naging bukas sa publiko ilang buwan bago pa ang nasabing kumalat na social media post. Isang malaking palaisipan pa rin para sa mga mamamayan kung paano ito nakalagpas sa mga awtoridad at kung bakit kinakailangan pang punahin ng mga netizen ang itinayong resort sa protected area bago ito gawan ng aksyon? Kung iisipin nang mabuti, isa ito sa mga kapabayaan ng mga nasa opisyal at pangasiwaan at ang kawalan ng sistematikong pamamalakad.

resort na hindi pa sila nagagawaran ng Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC)

dineklara ang Chocolate Hills sa Bohol bilang isang protected area ni dating Pangulong Fidel V. Ramos sa ilalim ng Proclamation No. 1037 noong 1997. Maliwanag sa proklamasyong ito na higit na ipinagbabawal ang pagsira sa itinuturing na Natural Monument. Ang pagtatatag ng establisyimento sa paligid ay parurusahan ng batas. Higit pa rito, malaki ang pananagutan ng Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) at Local Government Unit (LGU) ng Bohol sapagkat sila ang dapat na nangangasiwa sa lugar. Dumagdag pa rito ang pag-amin din ng tagapangasiwa ng naturang

Dave Justin Desilos OPINION EDITOR

Divorce is not the problem, people are.

Tila ang bansa ay nahaharap sa isang hamon ng pagbabalanse sa pagitan ng pag-unlad ng turismo at pag-iingat ng mga likas nitong yaman. Ayon sa opisyal na datos, sa pagtaas ng turismo sa bansa mula 2022 hanggang 2023, nakikita ng gobyerno ang malaking potensyal upang ang sektor ay lumago. Nakababahala na ang pagtatayo ng resort na ito ay maghahatid ng mga seryosong alalahanin sa mga posibleng paraan para sa pag-iwas sa mga batas at pagpapalabas sa gusali, negosyo at environmental permit o mga lisensya sa pagkukunwari na ito ay para sa pag-unlad ng ekonomiya ng turismo. Ang magiging kabayaran nito ay ang makaligtaan ang mga potensyal na kahihinatnan lalo na ang mga limit upang protektahan ang mga magagandang tanawin sa

ating bansa na bumabakas sa ating pamumuhay at kultura.

Kung tutuusin, maiiwasang malagay sa ganitong sitwasyon ang ating bansa kung ang mga hinihirang na opisyal sa bawat kagawaran ay dalubhasa sa mga sektor kung saan sila inilalagay. Tila’y naging “fill in the blanks” na lamang ang pagtatalaga ng kawani sa bawat sangay na nagresulta sa kakulangan ng pagiging sistematiko at magulong pamumuno sa bansa. Kung tunay na may pakialam ang bawat taong nakaupo sa posisyon ngayon, matutukoy nila ang linya ng hangganan sa pagpapa-unlad ng ating bansa kung ito ay makaaapekto sa ating kalikasan na parte na rin ng ating kultura.

Humapo na ang isyu ukol dito at sinuspinde na rin ang iilang mga opisyal sa Bohol ngunit ito ay mananatili pa ring palatandaan para sa mga nasa posisyon, lalo na

sa ating mga Pilipino, kung gaano kalaking papel ang ginagampanan ng pagpapahalaga sa ating mga likas na yaman sa pagpapa-unlad ng ating bansa at may linyang hindi dapat nilalagpasan upang ito ay maprotektahan.

Nawa’y maging aral ito para sa mga may kapangyarihan upang paigtingin ang pangangasiwa sa ating mga likas na yaman na siyang bumubuhay sa ating bansa at ito ay pangalagaan. Gayundin sa paghikayat sa mga Pilipino na gamitin ang kanilang boses sa demokrasiya lalo na kung mayroong kapalpakan sa sistema ng bansa. Hahayaan na lang ba natin na ang mga ganitong pangyayari ay maganap sa hinaharap habang may busal ang ating mga bibig?

‘Til

death do you part?

Marriage, according to the Family Code of the Philippines, is “a special contract of permanent union between a man and a woman”. It exemplifies the legality of one’s relationship and its preparedness to surmount the undeniable highs and lows of married life. Although the knots may be strongly tied, they are still vulnerable to imperfect tangles, leading them to detachment, enabling the relationship to undertake legal nullifications and divorce. However, the Philippines still has numerous steps to entirely legalize the Absolute Divorce Act—one factor would be the uphill battle between the church and the state.

On Wednesday, May 22, House Bill 9349, an Act Reinstituting Absolute Divorce as an Alternative Mode for the Dissolution of Marriage, reached the final reading with 131 affirmative votes, 109 negative votes, and 20 abstentions. Still, despite the light it sheds on people who deem divorce as hope and escape from abusive marriage, there are people or even government leaders who object

to divorce, as they proclaim that the bill would be a contradiction to the religion the Philippines has the most. One sample would be the Leyte Representative, Richard Gomez, who opposed the bill because he believes in the sanctity of marriage and that divorce would open a lot of doors to people with unserious intentions to escape with ease.

In light of religion, couples have gone through vows and ceremonies, instilling the responsibilities may come with the matrimony and

the faith they must revere to keep the relationship stable. One can argue that they must be aware of its profound sentimentality, but one must also apprehend that the sacredness of marriage ends once unjustifiable sins were practiced. Is a cruel and violent relationship more sacrilege than an absolute divorce since God forbids a marriage vested with false righteousness? Do you not realize that hindering battered and manipulated spouses from their freedom are more inhumane than a meticulous and proper process of separation?

On the other hand, through the lens of the state, considering that Philippines is a Christian country, the 1987 Consitution declares that the separation of church and state must be indestructible. Hence, the discussion of divorce exploiting religion is not valid in the first place, as it is considered unconstitutional versus faith. Although, the Philippines and its people have confusion between rationalism and belief, it does not necessarily imply that it is the right thing to base one’s stand on certain issues, especially... divorce.

Remarks: Promoted

Duztin Andrei Guevara OPINION WRITER

Para saan pa ang daan-daang mandirigma kung walang bitbit na sandata?

Galon-galong luha, maladagat na pawis at libo-libong lagnat ang aking sinalo’t isinakripisyo para lamang makaasenso sa baitang na aking inaasam. Kaya’t isang malaking sampal sa akin nang malaman ang balita patungkol sa mass promotion

llang mga pinuno at kawani ng institusyon ang nagmumungkahi sa mass promotion; isang polisiyang ipinapasa ang mga mag-aaral sa kasunod na baitang sa kabila ng hindi pagkamit ng pasadong

grado. Sa pagsulong ng polisiya na ito, ano pa ang magiging halaga ng mga numerong sumisimbolo ng kanilang pagsisikap kung nakatatak na sa kanilang mga isipan ang garantisadong pagtungtong sa susunod na grade-level?

Alam ng lahat ang epekto ng krisis sa edukasyon na lubos na nararanasan ng bansa na lalong pinayabong ng pandemiya. Ayon sa artikulo ng Medium, ang mga hamon sa edukasyon ng bansa kabilang ang kakulangan ng educational materials, pasilidad at marami pang iba, ang siyang naglilimita sa mga batang Pilipino na umani ng sapat na kakayahang kanilang magagamit sa paghahanap ng disenteng trabaho. Samakatuwid, kung ito ay dadagdagan pa ng mga negatibong dulot ng mass promotion, lalong mapagkakaitan ang mga magaaral ng kalidad ng edukasyon na siyang susi sa kanilang magandang kinabukasan.

Malaki rin ang pagkakataong abusuhin ng mga mag-aaral ang pamamalakad na ito, dahil para saan pa ang pagpupursigi kung garantisado naman silang makaaabante sa susunod na baitang. Ayon nga sa State of the Philippine Education Report 2023, 78% ng mga mag-aaral ng bansa ang bigong

Filipinos have always been inclined toward romantic relationships, centering on idealistic situations, and turning a blind eye to the empirical side of the romance they hold on to. Unfortunately, it is not the same with all people. It is time to recognize that marriage is not always linear, or even a sweet emblem of a perfect relationship, and not meant not to make life worse, poorer, and cause sickness ‘til death.

makapasa sa pinakamababang antas ng kasanayan sa mga asignaturang nakapaloob sa PISA o Program for International Students Assessment na siyang nagsusukat sa mga kakayahan ng mga mag-aaral sa mga subject na Matematika, Agham, at Pagbabasa.

Ilan lamang ito sa mga patunay na walang matibay na pundasyon ang mass promotion upang ito’y ipatupad sa mga pampublikong paaralan sa bansa, isang lugar kung saan pumaparoon ang mga batang Pilipinong nag-aasam na mapunan ang kaalaman. Ngunit sa kabila ng lahat, may ilang mga benepisyo ang mungkahing ito na hindi nararapat na ipagwalang-bahala.

Isa ang mass promotion sa mga positibong balita para sa mga mag-aaral na nahihirapan na sa kanilang edukasyon. Maraming mga indibidwal ang bigong makapasok sa kanilang mga klase buhat ng kahirapan na nakakaapekto sa kanilang pag-aaral. Base sa taunang ulat ng Philippine Statistics Authority, 18.6% ng mga batang mag-aaral ang hindi pumapasok sa kanilang mga klase at malaking bahagi ng porsyentong ito ang nagmula sa mga taong nasa laylayan. Makatutulong ang mass promotion para sa kanila, at sa kanila lamang dahil hindi lahat

ay nararapat na mabigyan ng tulong mula sa isang polisiya.

Siguro naman ay sapat na ang nabanggit na bilang na upang umaksyon ang mga may kapangyarihan na tuldukan ang labis na paghihirap ng mga taong kanilang itinuturing na “pag-asa ng bayan”. Ang simpleng paglalaan ng mas malaking budget para sa Kagawaran ng Edukasyon ay magiging malaking tulong na sa milyong mga batang Pilipino na nag-aaral hindi lamang para sa kanilang sariling kapakanan, kundi para na rin sa kanilang pamilya at sa bayan.

Isa na rin itong paalala para sa mga nagsusulong ng mass promotion na malaki ang magiging kabayaran ng pagsasabatas nito. Dahil sa kabila ng ginhawang maiaalay ng mass promotion sa mga batang Pilipino, lumalabag naman ito sa layunin ng edukasyon; ang pagkalooban ng oportunidad ang kahit sino na makaani ng kaalaman at kakayahan na kanilang magagamit upang mapayabong ang kanilang potensyal at maging matagumpay sa kanilang hinaharap.

Maria Paemma E. Medina EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

If no one is bothered by the huge genocide currently happening, then be that one to care.

Due to the war between Israel and Palestine, many of us tried to find ways to help them despite the distance. We once again utilized the power of social media to raise awareness and to catch the action of those people who can make a difference. We have found a way to lend a hand in small ways but created a huge impact when done in numbers, a right boycotting.

Boycotting is an act of refusing to purchase products from a certain brand and/or company

- Cambridge Dictionary. This is a form of protest to show that the consumers do not agree with their policies or actions. This has been more prevalent with the ongoing war in Gaza, many known and loved companies have been facing backlash and their sales have decreased significantly. Artists in the industry are also not safe as people started boycotting them since they are not utilizing their platform/s to speak and remain neutral about the matter.

McDonald’s and Starbucks have been the center of attention for these boycotting activities as it was proven that they supported the Israelis by giving them $100,000

To Boycott is to Stand!

worth of food and necessities. This clearly shows their support for the oppressors while Palestinians are starving and being abused by them. As the truth about these brands comes to light, more and more people have researched and stumbled upon countless companies that did the same thing. It has gotten to a point where people made a list of brands to avoid.

Despite these brands denying that they support the oppressors, people are not fazed and the effects on their sales can be seen until today. It is noticeable that they are releasing more discounts and promos in hopes of gaining back the consumers that they lost. According to the Business Standard, during November and December, Starbucks’ shares dropped 8.96%, which is almost $11 billion in market value. Starbucks even had to lower their yearly target profit due to the huge difference. While McDonald’s also failed to reach its quarterly sale which is a first in four years.

A way for supporters to efficiently boycott is by finding alternative brands, with Starbucks and McDonald’s being your usual cafe and fast-food chain, this is not much of a challenge. This has encouraged buying local products and promoting local businesses which support a country’s economy. Another is, of course, avoiding any product made by them to ensure that none of your pennies ever go into their pockets. Some boycotters also encouraged their circle to do the same to further increase this protest’s effectiveness.

Even though it seems that there are many supporters of this cause, there is a movement that does the exact opposite. That is to buycott, where consumers deliberately purchase more products from the

company or brand as a way to taunt those who partake in boycotting. A lot of people even argue that boycotting is not effective, that is just how consumerism works. People will inevitably buy products that they know and love. Even if a group of people in a certain area avoidscertain products, these companies can just change demographics and welcome a new community of people. There may be a drop in sales, but it will never be enough to completely change the policies or shut down a certain brand and company. There may be short-term effects, but the collective effort of the public cannot be consistent for that long.

Some people even deem boycotting as a luxury as not everyone is fortunate enough to avoid affordable brands that fit their budget. Some people who even share the same advocacies cannot help but buy what they need as their needs come first. It can be a privilege as not everyone has the choice to have another option, they have to make do with what they have. As said by Ollie Ander, “I’ve never boycotted anything because I’ve never had the option.”

This whole issue of boycotting or not, fuels judgment as people are quick to think differently about other people. Just because someone does not boycott, be it your friend, classmate, or teacher, your perspective of them will be affected seeing as how they should be educated about these matters. It is like the same issue that comes with elections and supporting political parties. Some situations have gotten to the point where they unfriend or block people off their lives because of their choices.

There are also problems of inconsistency and even

oversimplifying the issue. Can you really avoid all these staple brands for a lifetime? Would this simple act put a stop to the issue? Would it even have an effect you hope for in the long run? That seems idealistic! Instead of affecting the actual companies, we might end up hurting the livelihoods of the people who work for them and risk getting them laid off.

We must remember that not all people who purchase the products from the said companies are buycotters; some may even do it unintentionally. It is the malice that is intertwined with the action that counts as a buycott. If you are aware of the current situation and actively go against it to aggravate other people, you may either be sadistic or an attention seeker.

The war is ongoing as we speak. We are slowly losing our focus because of this debate. There is so much left to do and a lot of help is still needed by our fellow men. Keep talking about this issue as someone is always bound to listen. Provoke, makes other people uncomfortable. If no one is bothered by the huge genocide currently happening, then be that one to care. Utilize your platforms as your post will be seen and your voice will be heard.

A little act will always come a long way and even if your money barely makes a dent in the sales of a multimillion-dollar company. Would you want your hard-earned money to proceed into their pockets? At the end of the day, you have the freedom to choose, I just hope that Palestine will have that back too.

“From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free!” - Anonymous.

Rianna Angela M. Cuasay FEATURE WRITER

The only creature that would choose the man is the bear itself.

In the latest viral debate taking over Tiktok, users worldwide are coming together to express their opinions and experiences on the hypothetical question: “Would you rather be stuck in the woods with a man or a bear?”. Many are choosing the bear, claiming that a man would pose much more of a threat than a wild animal, evoking a mixture of controversy that would either divide or unify the masses. Consequently, this sparked a muchneeded conversation on the topic of gender-based violence, particularly that of violence against Women.

As of June 2024, the topic “Man Vs. Bear” is widely acknowledged all across the platform of TikTok, with online users and content creators utilizing the hashtag: “#ManVsBear” and obtaining a staggering amount of 18.7k posts worldwide.

This conversation possesses merit, yet the importance of such a topic ends up glossed over; the cruciality of this conversation shouldn’t be overlooked. The paradox lies in the men in our lives. The special people, who we cherish possess the capacity for a more sinister rage that no bear is capable of doing so. If a bear were to maul a person in broad daylight, the public outcry that it would cause would be immediate and proclaimed. “Protect yourselves and your children, for a bloodthirsty bear is on the loose”, they would warn. However, the violence faced by women at the hands of men happens every day, often without a whisper of outrage.

As hypothetical as the question

Man Vs. Bear

Someone once asked me, “Would you rather be stuck in the woods with a man or a bear?”

I said, “Bear.”

“Why?” they asked.

stands the underlying origins of how this ongoing debate came to be is nothing short of substantive. Such topic of conversation began after a Tiktok account that goes by the username “Screenshothq”, which boasts over 529.9k followers on the platform, posted a video wherein eight women were asked whether they would prefer to be stuck in a forest with a man or a bear. Remarkably, seven out of eight chose the bear rather than a man. One of the women explained her choice of going with the bear by saying, “Definitely a bear. Some men are scary out there”. The video instantly went viral, amassing 2.4 million likes, with 80.7k comments as of print. Thousands of online users offered their insights on the hypothetical question but also recounted their experiences at the hands of men. One poignant comment stated, “I would choose the bear because people would believe me if I said a bear attacked me.”

Although there is no unanimous opinion on the topic, the responses frequently speak on the topic of gender-based violence that women often face, most notably violence against women and children. Statistics presented by the United Nations prove that an estimated 736 million women, an estimated one out of three, have been subjected to physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence, non-partner sexual violence, or both, at least once in their lives on a global scale.

While the shadow of gender-based violence is widely acknowledged, some groups of women are particularly vulnerable, thus emphasizing Violence against women and children. People of diverse SOGIE, also known as the

LGBTQIA+ community, specifically Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, and Intersex women are no strangers to this ongoing concern. Indigenous women, immigrants, and refugees alike are also included among the vulnerable populations that are subjected to this abuse. These many identities that overlap often make them more vulnerable, resulting in a whirlwind of fragility that affects the numerous facets of society as a whole.

Coinciding with these statistics, the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence shows statistics that most victims of rape, abuse, stalking, and murder are women. Intimate partner abuse is an imminent problem that can cause various results on the victims, such as physical harm, unwavering terror, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), dependency on victim services, and the acquisition of sexually transmitted diseases. Four out of five women become victims of sexual assault, physical abuse, or persistent stalking that goes beyond the concept of privacy.

One out of seven women have experienced the dread of an intimate partner stalking them, carrying the burden of apprehension for not only their own lives, but also the lives of their loved ones. These acts of violence leave every victim defenseless; each year, one in fifteen children experiences this horror and 90% of them are subjected to such abuse and turn into witnesses of such grave acts.

In some cases, the perpetrators of these atrocious acts are not held accountable, for there is a generalized opinion that these circumstances occur not because of those people who committed such

heinous deeds, but rather because of the women. Some people would even blame the victims, stating that they were taken advantage of because of what they wore or how they provoked the men. On the part of the victims, these are nothing short of victim blaming all while their abuser continues to live freely.

Despite the discernable and transparent evidence, a lot of men voiced their opposition to the topic, claiming that “it’s not all men”. Infuriated by the hypothetical question, a lot of them called out the question to be deemed as a misandrist, claiming that the topic of “Man Vs. Bear” serves as a free excuse to hate men. These claims attempt to justify the prejudice against men, even reaching a point wherein some men choose to take the opportunity to mock and belittle women. However, the societal divide caused by these clashing responses is an unintentional proof of the theory that some men genuinely don’t understand, or intentionally choose not to.

In essence, this controversial topic of discussion did more than just stir public opinion; this ignited a necessary and widely-scoped societal introspection genderbased violence against women and children, highlighting the pervasive issues that women face that unfortunately tend to be overlooked by the vast majority. By opening up this conversation, numerous online platforms provided a space for survivors to share their stories to foster a sense of empowerment, consequently giving more women the courage to speak out.

The deep-seated misogynistic disposition that fuels such violent acts showcases the need to be challenged to eradicate the violence against women and children that has yet to be resolved. There is no right or wrong in the hypothetical question of whether we would choose to be alone in a forest with a man or a bear. In the end, the only creature that would choose the man is the bear itself.

Night of a Thousand Stars: Takipsilim Debut

In the grand tradition of University Week evening presentations, the senior high school division studentproduced Takipsilim inspired, relived, and rocked the stage, rekindling the heart of Rizalian theater as part of the 105th-year celebration of the JRU.

The stage play debuted during the senior high school day on February 15 at 6:00 p.m. in the revival of the classic theater performance following the student-made film Alpas last year.

Takipsilim revolves around the life of Ligaya, a SHS student, as she faces the struggles of parental guidance over passion in her career trajectory.

The story addresses the essence of friendship against all odds as Ligaya embarks on a journey to navigate the ups and downs of her high school life with the help of Leo, his childhood best friend, alongside her schoolmates.

“Takipsilim is a compelling theatrical production that explores themes of change, friendship, and growth,” SHS Principal Romel Navarro said.

He also underscored the importance of soundtracks in the overall development of the depth of every scene.

“These soundtracks are meticulously crafted by our music production team, imbuing each with a unique narrative that complements the actors’ lines and actions on stage,” he emphasized.

In an interview, Takipsilim production manager and director, Alyssa Buenaobra, shared that the theme resonated with her experiences working with the Arts and Design

By Marcus Dwein Ferrer

sections in preparation for the evening presentation, resulting in a healthy and positive relationship between them.

The production team and cast comprised of students from various strands and grade levels who collectively exerted effort in producing the play.

Fused with original compositions, a clear grasp of the storyline, and a stage massed by a thousand stars, Takipsilim left its audience in laughter, tears, and awe under the moonlit quadrangle.

‘Sayaw ng Pag-asa’ kicks off SHS Day

By Mary Grace Feudo

Last February 15,

“Sayaw ng Pag-asa: Mga Kwento ng Bagong Kabayanihan,” marked the start of Senior High School Day, unveiling various dance presentations paging heroes from within.

The morning presentation began with an opening number from Indayog sa Ritmo, with the SHS athletes kicking off the event with a stage production number. Meanwhile, students from H12B, Luz Heroica, prepared a special performance with Ms. Kristine De Guzman, their adviser.

The spotlight then turned to the contestants, introduced alongside their VTRs, each vying for the title of best choreography.

Six teams competed in the event: SUNDALOY, BAILE-DEALMA, SERAPHINE, PAHAM, KAULAYAW, and UMUAM, each delivering performances that

left the judges and audience in awe.

In the culmination of the competition, the winners emerged: BAILE-DE-ALMA claimed the championship, with SUN-DALOY securing the first runner-up position, KAULAYAW as the second runner-up, and UMUAM as the third runner-up.

Special awards were given to SUN-DALOY for Best in Costume, KAULAYAW for Best in Discipline and Best in Music, SERAPHINE for Best in Choreography, and BAILE-DE-ALMA for Best in Props.

Despite not securing high placements, PAHAM, the fourth runner-up, and SERAPHINE, the fifth runner-up, showcased commendable performances, adding to the vibrant atmosphere of the event.

The morning presentation celebrated talent, creativity, and the spirit of heroism within the SHS Division.

Talentong Rizal at Got Talent Stage

By Sophia Charlize Perez

The search began for the first-ever Rizalian Stars as this year’s University Week afternoon presentation embraced the modern heroes’ greatness who are exhibiting “Talentong Rizal” during the “Rizalians Got Talent” of the senior high school division. Last February 15, 10 groups of students from different grade levels and strands conquered the stage and showcased their talents - in dancing, singing, and live band.

The sensational interpretative dance group, The TRIO, was the first Rizalian Stars. The champion’s group consisted of Tatiana Adrias, Ion Belardo, and Althea Miranda from D11B.

The 1st Runner-up was the band D’Fount with Gian Elle and Gabriel Per of D11B, Czareena Legaspi of A11A, and Jervy Rosario of C11A. The 2nd runner-up was the band Kimchi Fried Rice, composed of Shan

Avengoza, Clioel Jamon, and Samuel Lee of E11C. And finally, the dancer Mcjhaezie Martinez of D12A bagged 3rd Runner-up.

The judges of the event were Mr. John Paulo Dagongdong, a professional performer, Mr. JRU of 2014, and a Social Media Coordinator of MCO; Mr. AJ Sison, social media content producer at the Manila Bulletin Publishing Corporation and actor in multiple musicals and films; and Mr. Nigel Blue Aboy, with a special serenade as he shared his musical abilities as the lead vocalist and guitarist of the band “Better Days.”

The Rizalians Got Talent attributes its success to its bold participants: Lamuel Banzuela, TRB Only, Kristina Topia, The Real, No Regretz, and Parokya Ni Arveen. Roars from the crowd filled the campus, all thanks to the hosts, Sean Amaya of H11C and Sophia Charlize Perez of H11A.

Scribers, namayagpag sa Battle of the Bylines

Ni Romulo Josef Agana

Pinatunayan ng mga campus journalist ng José Rizal UniversitySenior High School Division ng pahayagang ‘The Scribe’ ang kanilang Talino’t Talentong Rizaliano sa larangan ng peryodismo.

Inuwi ng paaralan ang apat na gintong medalya, dalawang tansong medalya at kaisaisang pribadong paaralan na napabilang sa over-all ranking ng Paaralang may Pinakamataas na Puntos, sa ginanap na Battle of the Bylines: Division Schools Press Conference na may temang “The Role of Campus Journalism in Fostering DepEd MATATAG: Addressing Literacy, Chartering a New Path.”

Pinaunlakan ang kompetisyon sa Bonifacio Javier National High School na nangyari sa apat na magkakaibang-araw; Pebrero 15 para sa Opening Ceremony; Pebrero 17 para sa Elimination Round; Pebrero 24 para sa Final Round; at Pebrero 29 para sa Closing at Awarding Ceremony.

Dinaluhan ang kompetisyon ng mahigit isang libong mamamahayag sa elementarya at sekondarya ng Schools Division Office ng Mandaluyong City.

Tumuntong ang apat na magaaral sa Unang pwesto ng Secondary Individual Category na sina; Romulo Josef Agana ng H11A sa Pagsulat ng Balita; Duztin Andrei Guevara ng H11B sa Pagsulat ng Editoryal; Jomira Feonna Moreno ng H11A sa Pagsulat ng Lathalain;

at Lance Lester Givanim ng D12A sa Editorial Cartooning.

Ginawaran naman sa Ikatlong pwesto sa Secondary Individual Category sina: Irvin Argel ng H11C sa Pagsulat ng Pang-agham at Teknolohiya; at Duztin Andrei Guevara sa Pagsulat ng Opinyon.

Dagdag pa rito, ang Ika-apat na Gantimpalang naiuwi sa Secondary Individual Category nina; Jennifer Caramoan ng H11B sa Pagsulat ng Lathalain; at Marcus Dwein Ferrer ng H11C sa Copyreading at Headline Writing, habang nagtapos sa Ika-limang puwesto sina; Pretzel Dela Cruz ng E11M sa Pagwawasto at Pag-uulo ng Balita; at Marcus Dwein Ferrer sa Sports Writing.

Napabilang din ang paaralan sa Over-All Category ng School with Highest Points; Ikatlong Gantimpala para sa Individual Categories, English at Filipino Combined Secondary Level; Ika-apat na Gantimpala para sa Filipino Individual at Group Category Combined; at Ikalimang Gantimpala sa Individual at Group Categories Combined, English at Filipino Combined.

Samantala, mapalad din na nakapasok sa Top 10 ang anim na mag-aaral sa Secondary Individual Category na sina; Sabrina Aiko-Mari Santos ng H12B at Romulo Josef Agana sa Pagwawasto at Pag-uulo ng Balita; Pretzel Dela Cruz at Marzel Jaimelyn Sabile ng D12B sa Pagsulat ng Balitang Isports; Irvin Argel sa Pagsulat ng Lathalain; Mary Grace Feudo ng H12A at Maria Paemma Medina ng H12B sa Copyreading at Headline Writing

Rizalian as one for NAT

Grade 12 students of JRU exhibited their academic aptitude during the National Achievement Test (NAT) held on March 21 and 22; this serves to certify the student’s comprehensive grasp of their past learnings.

Grade 12 students from various strands, with over 390 exam takers took the NAT.

To uphold the integrity of the NAT, experienced proctors from Arellano University-Plaridel Campus

(AUPC) were sent over. Their presence guaranteed fair judgment within the educational community, ensuring a functional testing environment.

The conduct of the NAT reflects not only on the

By Mary Grace Feudo

personal achievements of the students but also on the efficacy of JRU in providing quality education.

DSPC 2024 The Scribe FB Page

Husay Rizal Fest Starts With A BENG, Ends With A Bang!

José

Rizal University hosted the Husay Rizal Fest: YearEnd Party held on May 8, at the JRU Quadrangle.

The festivities started with powerful performances from student performers

from Fumi, JRU SHEROSE, Jem Macatuno, Gello Marquez, Jeremy G, Anji Salvacion, BGYO, Nameless Kids, Maki, and Angela Ken.

Fumi and Maki performed unreleased songs BENG and Dilaw for the first time on stage.

Husay Rizal Fest, lighting up JRU’s Year-End Party, was made possible with support from sponsors, including Pocari Sweat, Splash Corporation, Angel’s Pizza, and Cornetto kept everyone refreshed throughout the event.

By Czaryna Avila

The event showcased food carts and booths, adding vibrancy to the atmosphere. Another highlight was the drag queen’s performance which left the audience in awe, followed by a seamless transition into the DJ’s electrifying set.

Talinong Rizal! Leelin isang International

Math Wizard

I pinamalas ni Joms Joseph Leelin, isang mag-aaral mula sa CSS strand ang katangian ng Talinong Rizaliano matapos maiuwi ang samu’t saring parangal sa ibat ibang larangan ng matematika sa loob at labas ng bansa.

Tunay na may angking Talino si Leelin nang muli siyang parangalan kamakailan lang ng gold medal sa Philippine International Mathematical Olympiad (PHIMO), isang pambansang kompetisyon na ginanap noong ika-24 ng Abril. Hindi pa natuldukan doon ang pagsali niya sa iba’t ibang kompetisyon sa larangan na siya namang nilahukan din ng ilang bansa sa Asya.

Una na siyang sumabak noong nakaraang taon sa Thailand International Mathematical Olympiad (TIMO) noong ika-

22 ng Oktubre 2023, kung saan natanggap niya ang parangal na silver award.

Sinundan pa ito ng isa pang kompetisyon na sinalihan niya noong ika-3 ng Disyembre, ang Guangdong-Hong KongMacao Greater Bay Area Mathematical Olympiad na nasungkit naman niya ang 2nd Prize Award.

Samantalang silver award naman ang nakuha niya sa huling patimpalak na Hong Kong

International Mathematical Olympiad (HKIMO) nito lamang ika-26 ng Mayo.

Bertwal na isinagawa ang mga nabanggit na kompetisyon, habang harap harapan ginanap ang naunang dalawang pagtanggap ng parangal dito sa ating bansa.

Inaasahan pang mabibigyan ng pagkilala ang natatanging galing ni Leelin sa gaganaping awarding sa ika-14 ng Hulyo para sa dalawang pang natirang patimpalak.

Husay Rizal Fest 2024 JRU & RSF FB Page

Ni Jennifer Caramoan

2024 MOTLI National Awards Captured by Ivee Nocon

In Veins: Bloodletting Drive ‘24

By Maria Paemma Medina

“For every blood donation, we can save up to 3-4 lives.”

Last March 22, Rizalians showcased their Taos-Pusong Rizal by participating in the annual Bloodletting Drive held at José Rizal University’s old auditorium from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with the Philippine Red CrossRizal Chapter, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Senior High School Division, and the non-teaching staff.

Publications were seen on the Official JRU Facebook page last March 12. JRU Alumni, staff, students, and parents of students were all invited and welcomed. Due to this, we

successfully garnered over 121 people who showed interest in donating blood. However, due to the qualifications and requirements, 75 people successfully donated.

The Philippine Red Cross - Rizal Chapter includes the following: Rizal, Mandaluyong, Makati, San Juan, Pasig-Pateros, Taguig, Paranaque, and Las Pinas. Through various donations, they can supply over 50% of the demand for blood nationwide.

This act of kindness is continuously encouraged, “Volunteering to donate human blood is a true humanitarian gift. A small act of service can be a big help that will give them a

chance to live,” said PRC. They also sent their warmest regards to JRU for taking a step in helping people. They hope that this event inspires other people as we continue this tradition.

Mrs. Carissa Enteria, the Community Development Office Coordinator and one of the donors, was happy about the success of this event. She sends her regards to all the people who donated and participated.

“Together let us continue saving lives!” said Mrs. Enteria, leaving a statement to all Rizalians tapping into our Taos-Pusong spirit.

Persuade to First Aid: Empower HER Safety

The JRU Girl Scout Cadets organized an “Empower HER Safety” First Aid seminar last April 29 in the presence of their members, teachers, and officers of various senior high school clubs.

The guest speaker, Aaron Baliga, a licensed trainer of Red Cross Philippines and a teacher of the Science Department for the Junior High School Division, delivered a talk focusing on first aid.

The discussion covered first aid as the first line of immediate

emergency response, debunking common misconceptions, ethics, and laws behind emergency medical aid, and demonstrating correct first-aid techniques in given situations.

The organizers gave awards to the attending club members for their participation, especially

By

recognizing notable and active clubs. They honored The Sports Club as The Most Energetic Club, The STEM Club as the Most Active, and Callidus Loquentium as the Most Outstanding Club.

The event concluded with the Girl Scouts rites and a call for donations to charity.

Blood Donation Drive

Rizalian Student Focus FB Page

Empower HER Safety: Cadet First-Aid Training for Leaders GSP JRU Cadet FB Page

Sophia Charlize Perez

Obra maestra, sining na nagniningning

Bilang bahagi ng malawakang pagsasanay para sa lahat ng club trainee, naglunsad ang MAKAMIT Club ng dalawang araw na outreach program na pinamagatang “MAKAMIT: MasterpiecesShine Bright,” noong Abril 3 at 8 sa mga silid ng B20 at B21.

Isang interaktibong museo ng sining ang isinagawang outreach program na bukas para sa lahat ng mga mag-aaral at guro ng dibisyon ng senior high school. Binubuo ito ng walong istasyong maaring bisitahin ng lahat, na pinamamahalaan ng bawat club officers at club trainees, upang gabayan ang mga manonood tungkol sa daloy ng programa.

Sa unang istasyon, tinawag itong “Tiny Mona Lisa,” kung saan ang mga mag-aaral ay binigyan ng pagkakataon na gayahin ang sikat na sining ni Leonardo Da Vinci, ang Mona Lisa, sa kanilang sariling imahinasyon at istilo. Binigyang pagkilala ang kanilang mga gawa at inilagay ito sa gilid

para makita ng lahat ng mga estudyante ang kanilang sariling likha at mga gawa ng kanilang mga kaklase.

Pagdako naman sa ikalawang istasyon na “Who’s That Character?” na unang nagsimula bilang scavenger hunt game sa unang araw at pagkatapos ay naging character guessing game, mas nakakuha ito ng atensyon sa mga mag-aaral. Sa unang araw, inilagay ng club ang mga karakter sa papel at itinago ang mga ito sa karamihan ng iba pang mga istasyon.

Inilagay ng club ang mga pangalan ng mga karakter sa kahon at hinayaang sumulong ang mga creative juices ng mga mag-aaral. Mas naging malikhain ang mga utak ng mga mag-aaral na gamitin ang kanilang mga kasanayan at imahinasyon upang lumikha ng mga karakter base sa kanilang memorya.

Samantala, ang pangatlong istasyon ay tinawag na “My Little Monsters,” kung saan ang mga mag-aaral ay umukit ng kani-kanilang piraso ng sining sa pamamagitan ng air-dry clay. Ang istasyon ay nagbigay

kasiyahan sa mga mag-aaral sa pamamagitan ng maliliit na piraso ng luad.

Tinatawag naman na “Creatures of Life” ang ikaapat na istayon na sa simula ay binalak na gumamit ng mga tuyong dahon mula sa paligid ng campus at gawin itong mga magagandang mosaic, ngunit dahil ang mga dahon ay bihirang dumikit, hinahayaan nilang magpinta ang mga mag-aaral ayon sa kanilang kagustuhan, habang akma pa rin sa tema.

Sa sumunod na istasyon, tinawag itong “Memories on Cotton” na humikayat sa mga mag-aaral na bisitahin ang karamihan ng mga istasyon dahil madalas itong puno at kadalasang siksikan. Binigyang pagkakataon ng club ang mga mag-aaral na ipakita ang kanilang pagiging malikhain bilang disenyo ng mga kamiseta sa susunod na programa ng club trainees.

Tila isang minutong hamon sa pagguhit, ang ikaanim na istasyon ay tinawag na “Pick a Place - Inked with Love” kung saan naging isang hobbit hole

upang gunitain ang kanilang mga sandali sa JRU sa pamamagitan ng paglikha ng mga mataimtim na piraso ng kanilang mga paboritong lugar sa unibersidad at paglalagay ng mga ito sa pisara.

Sinundan ito ng ikapitong bahagi ng museo na tinawag na “A Story Unfolds.” Ibinahagi ng mga mag-aaral na lumahok dito ang kanilang iba’t ibang kwento sa kakaiba at kawili-wiling paraan.

Natapos ang bawat istasyon sa huling bahagi na tinatawag na “Wall of Freedom,” na isa pang hit para sa mga mag-aaral. Ito ay isang freedom wall na sakop ng isang buong pader kung saan ang mga estudyante ay nanatili sa tabi nito habang sila ay gumuhit at nagsusulat ng lahat ng kanilang makakaya.

Matagumpay na nailunsad ang programa nang maipamalas ng club ang kanilang nais na mapalago ang pagiging malikhain at pagiging kakaiba ng mga magaaral.

Ni Marzel Sabile

Innovate to Elevate: Business Expo 2024

From April 23-30, a collaboration event by the ABM Club and the Entrepreneurship and Immersion subjects, Business Expo 2024, was successfully run to enhance and practice reallife business management skills of students from both Grade 11 and Grade 12 who are taking Entrepreneurship and Immersion classes.

The event opened with speeches and a ribbon-cutting ceremony by Mrs. Theresa Bonus, Chair of the Academics - Specialized Department; Mr. Edmundo Abad, Chair of the Mathematics, Science, Technology, and Research Department; Ms. Gilnella Astilla, Discipline Coordinator; and Mr. Nilo Barcelona and Mr. Mark Anthony

Reyes, faculty members. Their support set the tone for a productive and engaging week.

Throughout the Expo, students showcased their talents and hard work. M12D and E11D were awarded the Best in Claygo Award for keeping their spaces tidy and ensuring their customers did the same. The Best in Promotional Outfit awards went to M12C and E11H. These groups impressed the audience with their themed costumes that matched their booth concepts.

E11B and M12B claimed the Best in Booth award as their booths stood out for their creativity and effort. The Best in Product category was awarded to M11C and M12D.

ABM Business Expo 2024 ABM Club JRU SHS FB Page

By Paul Rainier Joshua Go

Sexual Rights: Equal protection for everyone

Gabriela Women’s Party Consultant and former Kabataan Party List Rep. Sarah Elago openly TED-Talked about it in EMPOWERED: Breaking Barriers, Fostering Inequality, and took last-long documentation of the humanheartening discussion at the GCL Auditorium last May 9.

“It’s not a matter of special treatment, but a matter of equal protection for everyone,” was an inspiring opening statement from Hon. Elago, with their advocacy in the background of Sexual and Reproductive Health for S.E.A. - Engaging Environment in Providing Sexuality Education.

In the TED Talk, Hon. Elago discussed the Overview of the Rights, Responsibility, and Role to Help Address Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR), wherein she showed the

starting point of it and how men and women, youth, and most importantly, adolescents benefit from it.

“It [abortion] should be decriminalized and made accessible to the many. Wala dapat namamatay nang dahil sa unsafe abortion at lalong lalo na ngayon sa Pilipinas,” she emphasiized.

In the afternoon session, the spotlight turned to Hon. Raoul Manuel, under the Kabataan Party List, who dips into the landscape of Philippine education. He highlighted the need for quality, nationally driven, scientific, and massoriented education.

The Senior High School Council Adviser, Dwight Esteves, presented a certificate of appreciation to Hon. Elago and Hon. Manuel.

By Elize Caranza & Claudette Revil

Time Wise! Mastering Your Time and Productivity

April 6 dawned with anticipation and enthusiasm as the Senior High School Student Council (SHSC) conducted a webinar, Breaking Free from Procrastination: Mastering Your Time and Productivity.

The webinar equipped students with the necessary skill sets and knowledge to beat procrastination and use time management and productivity optimization.

Considering students’ hectic schedules in terms of balancing academic responsibilities, establishing appropriate time management skills, and productivity.

As per the preparations, the webinar had two resource speakers, Ms. Reyna Rose Yalong from the Guidance and Testing Office and Mr. Redel Joseph

By Rianna Angela Cuasay

C. Mateo, a Senior High School faculty.

Ms. Yalong shared her knowledge and insight on developing essential time management skills while juggling academic obligations and hectic schedules. Furthermore, she proposed the prevalence of procrastination in a day-today agenda, elaborating on its major contributors while providing practical strategies for overcoming procrastination through self-discipline.

Mr. Mateo then discussed emotions and rationalizations underlying students’ inclination for procrastination in their academic pursuits while outlining strategies for time management to ensure accessibility and ease of implementation.

After the insightful talks, several participants had the opportunity to voice some of their questions to the speakers.

PH & USA: Rizalian and American Learning Network

JoséRizal University (JRU) with Campo School District RE-6 from Colorado, United States of America, held the Student Learning Network (SLN) at JRU Speech Laboratory via Zoom last March 21 (5:30 p.m. MST) and 22 (7:30 a.m. PST).

Selected Grade 11 representatives from both schools had the opportunity to converse and learn with their international pair buddy. They shared their experiences, learned more about each other’s school routines and activities, and exchanged cultural differences.

The SLN aims to improve student’s learning experience and social skills. It encourages them to exchange opinions, broaden their understanding of global issues, and promote international relations and global perception.

Ms. Jurelle Kyle Salandanan, a JRU faculty, Mrs. Ma Cecilia Mangabat of Campo School

By Maria Paemma Medina

District RE-6, and Ms. Airah Murielle Antonio, the JRU Languages and Social Sciences Department Chair, supervised and facilitated the activity.

Mr. Romel Navarro, JRU SHS Principal, Mr. Stan Elmore, President of the Board of Education, Ms. Nikki Johnson, Superintendent, and Mrs. Kim Jenkins, Principal of Campo School District RE-6, also graced the event with their presence and congratulated everyone for a successful exchange of cultural and academic learning.

Skillful Artwork of Sculpture with Ma Hui

By Sabrina Aiko-Mari Santos

Talentong Rizal struck once again as students from the Arts and Design and HG strands unleashed their creativity through a sculpting workshop hosted by a Chinese sculptor, Ma Hui, with the title Clay Creations: Sculpting the Foundations of Artistry, held last March 19 at the Centennial Building Learning Commons.

Ma Hui, a Chinese sculptor and a student from the JRU Graduate School Division taking Master of Arts in Education inaugurated the program as he shared his knowledge and experiences as a sculptor in China.

He discussed the process of sculpting while showcasing some of his masterpieces, sparking the interest of involved students. As the discussion ended, the

faculty provided art materials to the students, giving them a chance to extract their creative juices as they learned the artistry of sculpting.

JRU Vice President of Academic Affairs, Mr. Miguel Carpio, realized why Ma Hui chose to graduate with a Master of Arts in Education as he stated how important Ma Hui was to the students in

improving their artistic skills. He also stated that he is looking forward to more workshops revolving around the arts and creativity in the future.

After the program, Ma Hui received a certificate to show JRU’s appreciation for his effort in introducing the art of sculpting to students.

Student Learning Network Official JRU Senior High Student Council FB Page

Clay Creations: Sculpting the Foundations of Artistry The Scribe FB Page

Voice of Youth: Revival of Leaders General Election

The2024 election commencement last June 3 via Zoom revealed the expected identity of the upcoming student leaders of the senior high school division’s organizations for the academic year 2024–2025.

To continue the tradition, the Senior High Student Council (SHSC) had a same-day Miting de Avance and election with limited invitations to registered voters authorizing them to ordain next year’s council. The candidates split into two-party lists of Kabataan para sa Adhikaing Bayan: Organisasyong Garantisado (KABOG) and PANLIWANAG, headed by their respective presidential candidates.

The KABOG partylist consisted of Kristina Isabel Topia, Jhon Toshi Silvio, Amina Salazar, Francis Andrei De Castro, Rianne Jewel

Derrada, and Zyra Natividad. The PANLIWANAG partylist consisted of Akira Yuri Gonzaga, Sophia Charlize Perez, Euresse Faye Gabatino, Nicholas Frank Pilapil, Jian Christoff Sacramento, Tiffanie Jaila Loong, Ashley Koreen Salgado, and Marc Aldred Duarte.

The program flowed through an individual question-and-answer session, a cross-examination per position, a discussion of the party list platform, an open forum for the voters, and a message from each candidate.

With 152 votes, the vote results established Duarte as PRO-Internal, Salgado as Auditor, Loong as Treasurer, Natividad as Assistant Treasurer, Sacramento as Board of Committee Chairman, Pilapil as Secretary, De Castro as Assistant Secretary, Salazar as Vice President External, Perez as Vice President Internal, and Gonzaga as President.

Inaugurated in the election convention, the candidates that lost to their running positions, namely, Derrada, Silvio, and Topia, defaulted to become the committee directors, and Gabatino, having the highest votes from the losing candidates, was automatically appointed to the PRO-External.

The outgoing officers of the SHSC proposed that the organization set their election, appointment, and internal voting in motion on the stated date, aside from the HG club having to reschedule theirs the following day.

Along with the SHSC, the Science, Technology, and Mathematics (STEM) Club also initiated their miting de avance. The ABM CLUB, AnimaCSS Cybercrew, Mapansin, Sports Club, Researchers’ Club, Girl Scout of the Philippines, Harmoniya, Indayog sa Ritmo, Tour Guiding Club, Food and Beverages Club, and the Rizalian Valors conducted an audition process. The HG Club,

By Princess Janneah Matta

Callidus Loquentium, Dulaang Rizaliano, Makamit, and We Care and CLAYGO set their officers through an internal vote.

HG Week 2024 Sparks Change To Empower, Engage, And Evolve

The Humanities and Social Sciences and General Academics (HG) Club empowered students with “Empower, Engage, Evolve: A Conclave of Powerful Minds,” a two-day celebration of HG Week held on May 13th to 14th at the JRU Centennial Auditorium.

It is a collab activity that aims to showcase the talents and skills of HG students through the Rizalian Valors Club, Callidus Loquentium, and CLAYGO Club.

Pressing societal issues including environmental conservation, mental health, and gender equality were tackled in the Impromptu Speech Contest. The champion was Czaryna V. Avila (H11C), 1st Place was Sophia Charlize Perez (H11A), 2nd Place was Dizzo Zachary Espregante (H11C), 3rd Place was Yuri Mae Galang (H11A), and the 4th Place was Ethan Dreiz Baltazar (E11G).

A seminar was conducted, Mastering the Art of Public Speaking: From Nervous to Confidence, with its resource speaker, Ms. Michenela Grace Estrada, a SHS faculty member.

She emphasized the importance of effective communication and shared tips to overcome anxiety and build confidence in public speaking.

Mr. Jomual Bryan Fernandez, a registered psychometrician and a SHS faculty member, led an insightful session on cultivating a growth mindset.

He discussed strategies for developing resilience and dedication, drawing from psychological research and personal stories to show the benefits of facing challenges with a positive attitude.

A screening of “Gomburza” by Pepe Diokno stirred the emotions of anger and pride in

the film viewing.

Students showcased their debating skills on various social topics. The winning debate groups were Mhiemaropa (H11C): Sean Martin A. Amaya, Irvin D.C. Argel, Czaryna V. Avila, Michaela Grace C. Bumanlag, Marcus Dwein S. Ferrer, and Gherylin P. Moises; Kompadre (E11C and E11L): Gurman Singh, Jemuel Salvador, Mark Mungcal, Zion Esber, Oliver John Ortega, Jr., and Cris Zechariah C. Enon; and PPG (H11D): Errah Cheska D. Bernardo, Iyah Mariel C. Camacho, Rianne Karylle C. Cristobal, Clark M. Fallan, Mariam R. Orjaliza, and Jian Christoff A. Sacramento. For the solo debate participants, the champion was Yuri Mae Galang (H11A) and the 1st place winner was Dizzo Zachary R. Espregante (H11C).

By

Miting de Avance & Election Senior High School Council

Elize Miel Caranza

First Election Convention, New Student COMELEC

By Paul Rainier Joshua Go

OnJune 3, the JRUSenior High Student Council (JRU-SHSC) spearheaded the first election convention to create a Commission on Elections (COMELEC) for the Senior High School Division, unifying academic and non-academic press relations officers and student organizations.

Princess Janneah Matta, JRUSHSC President, presided over the convention, attended by 65 participants.

The session talked about the procedures of the election of academic and nonacademic clubs, followed by a presentation and approval of the Revised Proposal Joint Resolution. Radjah Herman, Press Relations Officer-Internal, proposed the resolution to create a consultative body under the SHSC to enhance coordination among student organizations.

The meeting also included reminders for club accomplishment reports and grade submissions by club officers. The discussion was held on the unique structure of the publication executive committee, including a representative on behalf of the publication to attend the COMELEC meetings in the future.

The JRU-SHSC is making major progress toward a more organized and representative student governance structure that mirrors participatory democracy and representation.

Haraya 2024: An Asian Culture Fest

By Princess Janneah Matta

Asiancultural hues painted the main quadrangle on May 27, with a collab activity of Food and Beverage and the Tour Guiding Club, Haraya 2024: Skills, Creativity, and Perseverance Where Food Meets Culture and Tourism Takes Flight.

The simultaneous competitions showcased the talents and skills of the TechVoc students. It began with the Cultural Cuisine Clash showcasing the culinary expertise from the Food and Beverage strand, as each group prepared Indian, Filipino, Chinese, Japanese, South Korean, and Thai dishes.

The judges awarded the Philippines Group third place, consisting of Johncris Buelvo, Daniel Labis, and Zuri Catapang. South Korea placed second with Trish Jasmine Fortea, Emmanuel Azucena, and Justine Campit. And, China Group of Khate

Jimenez, Joven Balleta, and Lebron Ian Buan won first place.

Dress Up Your Table: A Table Skirting and Setting Showdown demonstrated formal Americanstyle table settings under a time crunch. Third placers were Maverick Brent Gavelino, Andrei Brian Manalaysay, Beau Geste II Barbaza, Neil James Batayola, Yvette Dominica Buenaflor, and Levi Coballes. Second placers - Trish Jasmine Fortea, Daniel Labis, Zuri Catapang, Mark Sison, Reign Allen Tan, and Dubhe Alkaid Telic. And First place went to Karl Cedric Dee, Karl Cedric, Emmanuel Azucena, Justine Rain Campit, Eloirah Chiara Libarios, Angelo Mejia, and Robert Angelo Remoto.

Visiting South Korea, China, India, and Japan through the Tour Guiding students’ representation performance in the Flight Attendant Showmanship. The winner was South Korea - Jasmin Sancho,

The six participants from the Grade 12 Tour Guiding students journeyed the audience without traveling as they prepared a commentary tour with various facts, trivia, and history in their tour guide attire and commentary speech. Monica Farrah Salamera represented Japan and won first place, Ma. Janea Teresa T. Llanes with Thailand won second place, and Abisha Venice Ocampo with China won third place.

Culture comes to light through art, with the group performance opened to both collaborated strands in the Culture Dance Competition. Six groups presented their respective countries: South Korea, Thailand, India, Japan, China, and the Philippines. Thailand won the first place, Japan won second place, and the Philippines won third place.

HARAYA 2024 The Scribe FB Page

Kate Andrich Ceriola, and Eiliah Heaven Cruz.

Traverse the Mathematical Realm

By Irvin Argel

The Mathematics, Science, Technology, and Research Department and the STEM Club commenced MATH Day 2024.

The Math Day with the theme “Playing with Math” was held at JRU Centennial Auditorium last March 19.

STEM Club prepared activities such as Shutters that MATHters as it highlights real-life mathematical concepts by capturing scenes from the concluded field trip; Jan Elisha Santos of E11B placed third, and Kristina Topia and Sophia Charlize Perez, both from H11A, placed second and first.

The club also thrilled teachers on Rampanalo, which was

exclusive to senior high school teachers, as they solved puzzles that entailed lots of critical thinking and analysis; faculty member Marc Arveen San Jose was the winner of the said activity.

Additionally, they presented a fun and enjoyable game called Math Craze; each group needed to finish Tower of Hanoi, Math Tower Cup, Tangram, Rubiks Cube, Equation Explorer, and Dots My Math as soon as possible.

Team E placed third with its members: Allen Vallejo, Samantha Castillo, Alsec Auman, A.C. Escote, Paul Bradley Balen, and Amber Razon. Team A placed second with its members: John Michael Ramoso, Charlyn

Joy Rodriguez, Krysha Fayme Sophia Tanaleon, Cristine Jaze Panganiban, Trikson James Rombaoa, and James Lee Evan Gutano. Finally, Team B placed first with its members: Sheena Angela Salve Felomino, Sheen Clouie Casicas, Quezel Romana, Athazalea Louise Santos, Ryle Steven Villanueva, and Joaquin Patrick Pado.

Finally, speakers from CASIO PH made their way to JRU as they conducted a seminar, teaching students how to use their new calculators, and brought discounts for students who wanted to avail of the model.

“As the president trainee, it gives me joy because we executed the event in as short as one week. The pressure was intense, yes, but

with the teamwork and guidance of the executive committee and our adviser, Ma’am Ivee Noccon, we can cross the borders and difficulties of planning, handling, and executing the event.” Ethan Dreiz Baltazar, STEM Club President Trainee, said.

The Vice President of Internal Trainee, Eleonor Lebria, added that the club had exciting developments. The commitment of the trainees to establish a meaningful and productive club suggests a proactive approach toward organizing more activities for the next school year that will foster Rizalian passion and skill development.

MATH Day 2024

JRU STEM Club FB Page

REBOOT, ARC Nexus Research and Technology Camp

By Czaryna Avila

The collab activity of AnimaCSS, The Researchers’ Club, and Callidus Loquentium, ARC Nexus 2024, with the theme “Empowering Social Awareness, Inclusive and Secure Innovations: Unveiling Sustainable Research in the Digital Age,” highlighted research and innovative projects of the JRU senior high school students.

Last May 7, AnimaCSS conducted a boot camp with seminars and workshops with its resource speakers Lara Eunice Q. Magcanta and Lester Neo L. Cobilla. They shared the fundamentals of Arduino, an open-source electronics platform.

On the second day, May 8, students presented their qualitative and quantitative papers and posters at the 2024 Research Congress hosted by the Researchers Club.

The following were the Qualitative Poster category winners; 1st Place was Group 1 (E11G) - Artificial Intelligence Dependency: The Effects on the Learning and Skill Development of Senior High School Students at José Rizal University comprised of Ana Lorraine Estacio, Eve Joshell Austria, Rose Lhiane Cayabyab, Victor Jazz Condicion, Jilliane Cyrryl Hernandez, Iuryjane Pranada, and Julian Miguel Saba; 2nd Place was Group 11 (H12B) and bagged the first spots for their poster

and paper, they also won the first place in Research Presenter with Paolo Andrei Cruz, Iona Isha Jae A. Cruz, Riniel Ziejay A. De Lumen, and Kennett Gavin R. Dolomandin with their paper, Navigating Press Freedom: An Exploration of José Rizal University’s Student Journalists’ Experiences in Disseminating Information; and the poster, Factors Of Increased Teenage Aggression In Jru-Shs Students: A Phenomenological Analysis of Group 2 (E11G) secured the 3rd Place with Ethan Dreiz Baltazar, Ladydianah Ekong, Mary Mae Lynz Estopace, Sophia Gaile Millares, and Angel Kaye Pramo.

Group 5 - Section D12A clinched the second spot in the Qualitative Paper category with their paper Perception Of Arts and Design Students On Art Generated By Artificial Intelligence of D12A, Aaliyah Marie Casuncad, Alyssa Gabrielle Buenaobra, Gerald Macxine De Guzman, Aaliyah Isabel Dela Cruz, Isaiah Domingo, Keen Eldriege Encomienda, Simon Theodore Fabros, and Angelina Ashley Felicidario. The third spot was Group 7 - STI, with its members Mark Anthony Alvarez, Antoaneth Aquino, Lucky Dumagan, John Paul Moreno, Nathan Relente, and Jasper Suarez with their paper, A Case Review of the Cause of Fire in Barangay Addition Hills.

Group 3 - Section H11C was the second place in the Presenter category with their paper

titled Tiktok: Impluwensiya Sa Paghasa Ng Bokabularyong Filipino, written by Irvin Argel, Czaryna Avila, Michaela Grace Bumanlag, Marcus Dwein Ferrer, and Angel Ann Quemuel. The third place was The Perspective of Girls in JHS in Terms of Time Management authored by Group 10 - JHS members Alexandria Aguilar, Janeshia Begino, Lovelyn Dela Cruz, Rhianna Juanson, Lovely Marciales, and Via Paraon.

In the Quantitative Poster category, the paper, The Perceived Effects Of Social Anxiety To Senior High School Stem Learners’ Mental Health from Group 3 E12D, comprised of Ashley Joy B. Pornillosa, Alexandra Ysabelle Nuque, James Adriel Ocampo, Jamilah Anne Onaro, Zhanaya Marie Orbita, Sophia Pereyra, and Noreen Perlado. Group 1Section E11B comprises Larion Christian Dhon, Xyrus Dane Abing, Ma. Samantha Balili, Sean Kirby Baptista, Athena Nichole Guan, Angelica Claire Rapirap, and Erich Dana Teves secured second place in the poster category with their paper, Ang Kasalukuyang Antas at Ugnayan ng Learner-Centered Approach at Learning Engagement ng mga Mag-aaral ng Grade 11 STEM sa José Rizal University earned them this recognition. The third place was by Group 7 H11C for their work, Quantifying DecisionMaking Perceptions On Career Engagement Among Grade 11 Humanities, Social Sciences, And

General Academics Students At Jose Rizal University. This group includes Marcus Dwein Ferrer, Irvin Argel, Czaryna Avila, Johan Fallan, Carrie Ancelin Figueroa, Charnest Khaye Garcia, Kyle Christian Geronimo, and Lara Faith Malaga.

The first place in the Quantitative paper and presenter category, Group 5 E12G entitled The Effects of Fermentation Intervals to the pH and Sugar Levels of Cider Vinegar Made from Muntingia calabura Linn (Aratiles) by Zheind Venice Orolfo, Mariam Isabelle Bual, John Zel Custodio, Bernard Ken Eledia, Jhon Ford Meñoza, Rafael Ben Ociones, Sophia Julia Paña, Felix Jorge Sagadraca, and Aidan Tuaño. The paper titled The use of AI among selected JHS bagged the second place and the third rank in the presenter category from Group 9 JHS by Mackenzhi C. Buenaflor, Florence C. Cruz, Zed C. Escarpe, Jc A. Espinola, Daniella Q. Mangabat, Matt Angelo F. Masinsin, and Holly Wendy M. Tividad. The Group 1 E11B with Larion, Christian Dhon, Abing, Xyrus Dane, Balili, Ma. Samantha, Baptista, Sean Kirby, Guan, Athena Nichole, Rapirap, Angelica Claire, and Teves, Erich Dana secured second in the quantitative presenter category with their paper, Ang Kasalukuyang Antas at Ugnayan ng Learner-Centered Approach at Learning Engagement ng mga Mag-aaral ng Grade 11 STEM sa José Rizal University.

ARC Nexus 2024 JRU Researchers’ Club FB Page

A Flame of Love to Brgy. Vergara

Fire Victims

The Tour Guiding (TG) Club swiftly launched its outreach program “Street’s Sunshine” on February 27 to help affected residents affected by the fire outbreak two days prior in Barangay Vergara, Mandaluyong City.

According to the data of Philstar, the fire blazed on February 25 at around 11:13 p.m., resulting in two deaths and 459 homeless in one night.

The TG Club officers used their collected profits from their handmade satin flowers sold during the senior high school division’s university week Sweet Treats booth to purchase ingredients and prepare the food to hand out to those staying at the current temporary shelter.

The officers communicated through an informant of one of the residents about the required needs; it arrived at the shelter during lunch hours.

By Princess Janneah Matta

Bridging Worlds, Teaching Technology

AnimaCSSand the SOCI club had a collaboration outreach program, TechTeach Discovery Day: Bridging the Digital Divide, from March 23 to April 20 in Building H, room H211.

The program joined with the senior high school faculty and selected grade 10 students from Barangay Addition Hills.

It aimed to help junior high school students explore technology and utilize different tools that will be helpful in school and the workplace.

By Maria Paemma Medina

Guest speakers received invitations to provide an in-depth explanation of each topic. AnimaCSS’s adviser, Mr. John Conrad L. Pabellano, talked about digital design using a popular software called Canva, while Mr. Roberto Layague, a junior high school faculty talked about Microsoft Office.

The speakers received certificates of appreciation through an awarding ceremony. Mr. Wilson Mones, Department Chair of Physical Education and Health and Community Coordinator in Senior High School, gave his closing remarks, and the event officially concluded.

TG Club Outreach JRU SHS Tour Guiding Club FB Page

Techteach Discovery Day: Bridging the Digital Divide JRU SHS Anima-CSS Club FB Page

ABM Club Outreach: A Wardrobe of Hope

By Noreen Perlado

Afire ravaged Sunday Street in Poblacion, Mandaluyong City, last Wednesday, March 13.

A fire close to midnight burned around 50 houses.

Two casualties were reported.

In a heartwarming display of solidarity and compassion, the ABM Club extended a helping hand to Barangay Poblacion. Rizalians donated the remaining SHS students’ preloved clothes from ABM Week ‘23: Business for a Cause to help the victims.

The ABM club and Mr. Nilo J. Barcelona, ABM club adviser, seized this opportunity to assist Barangay Poblacion in their time of need last March 15.

Green Thumbs Plant at Mandaluyong High School

By Princess Janneah Matta

The José Rizal University STEM club partnered with Mandaluyong High School Supreme Secondary Learner Government to initiate a project, Urban Planting Around the City.

The green stewards planted at Mandaluyong High School (MHS) last April 27 to increase the growth of plants in Metro Manila.

The respective STEM volunteers and faculty members started with the opening remarks led by their club adviser, Ms. Ivee Meanne Nocon, and MHS Principal, Mr. Pompio Floro Jr., both emphasized the idea that each plant can make a difference.

STEM Club President, Justine Bueno and Vice President Internal Sabrina Shaiyenne Martin, followed by MHS Tree Planting

Coordinator Christia Olympia A. Lumpas started the seminar. This outreach was the next step in the STEM club’s urban planting series to aid the continuously growing heat index in the Philippines.

All donated greenery, soil, and pots were from the club’s “Nourish a Plant Project and Future with Plants.”

The event ended with the materials left in Ms. Lumpas’ care as she ensured them that their school would tend the plants themselves.

Year-End Plant Care: Green Stewards

By Paul Rainier Joshua Go

OnMay 24, the ABM Club, STEM Club, and GSP Cadets gathered for the Year-End Plant Care event at the gardens beside rooms B13 and B14 to ensure the gardens remain well-maintained and safe as the school year comes to an end.

The clubs aimed to highlight Sustainable Development Goal

#15, which focuses on life on land. The ABM and STEM Club are both UNESCO-accredited, while GSP is known for its commitment to serving the community. Through this event, they underscored the importance of protecting our environment and caring for nature.

Beyond maintaining the gardens, the clubs also sought to raise awareness among students about the significance of environmental stewardship.

Taos-Pusong Book Donation

By Claudette Revil

LastApril 4, Rizalian Valors Club and CLAYGO Club paved the way by organizing an outreach program where they donated books to Quezon City High School (QCHS).

Shereenne Ali of the Rizalian Valors Club stated that their club did not hold an event at QCHS, as they just dropped off donated books.

Ms. Mylove Abanador, Ms. Jemivie Mabazza, and Mr. Eusebio Basas, the club advisers of Rizalian Valors and CLAYGO, got to talk with the QCHS Principal Josephine Maningas and the head librarian after dropping off the books.

Finally, to remember the day of gratuity, they took pictures for documentation and made their return to JRU.

Book Donation Drive We Care and Claygo FB Page

The resort at Captain’s Peak in the heart of Bohol’s famous Chocolate Hills has lately been one of the rallying points in an environmental debate. With its swimming pools and slides set up amidst the famous peaks, it did more than cause a blemish on nature; it also brought about legal issues. By January 2024, with the resort still operating sans an Environmental Compliance Certificate, the Local Government had issued an Order for its Temporary Closure. However, complexities brought about by land ownership under Republic Act 7586, the NIPAS Act, has moved this environmental debacle to much greater uncertainty regarding protecting natural areas like the Chocolate Hills.

The issue is now a small part of the bigger, more comprehensive crisis; with its unrivaled biodiversity, the Philippines faces devastation that remains unresolved. The Chocolate Hills are a testament to 150 million years of Bohol’s geological history, having been declared a UNESCO Global Geopark only last year. Such unique features, shaped by tectonic turbulence and housing varied ecosystems, are now at risk.

Similar threats loom over the Masungi Georeserve near landscapes, forms a crucial watershed area for reducing business interests opposed to those of the Dumaliang Global Witness report, Philippines is one of the most Online disinformation campaigns further jeopardize countering falsehoods.

And amidst all these challenges stands a beacon of hope, the awardees for Young ASEAN Storytellers 2022, indubitably her use of social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. flowers, and more with netizens, making learning a beauty and importance of our natural heritage

near Manila. This protected site, featuring ancient karst reducing disaster risks. Yet, the reserve is threatened by Dumaliang family, which manages it. Indeed, according to the most dangerous countries for environmental defenders. jeopardize efforts by distracting conservation energy from

hope, Celine Murillo. This nature heroine, also one of indubitably advocates Philippine biodiversity through Instagram. Her viral videos share native trees, birds, very interesting visual experience. She detailed the heritage through her story.

The work of Celine, hence, goes much beyond education. She worked most with indigenous peoples and organized biodiversity workshops that put people in touch with nature. She has this rather complex approach, intermingling photography, filmmaking, and poetry, which brings to the fore both scientific and cultural significance related to biodiversity. Her work in coastal communities calls for action on mangrove conservation—an essential system guardian of coastlines, biodiversity, and climate.

This, however, had been an international recognition of the impact of her work; Celine’s passion for environmental education and community involvement fuels a new wave of eco-warriors. Through short, soothing, and thus very educational videos, she features Philippine biodiversity closer to the greater audience. She showcases our natural beauty and instills pride and a sense of responsibility among Filipinos to protect and sustainably manage unique ecosystems.

Environmental defenders face great challenges, and Celine Murillo’s digital advocacy can be a strong instrument of change. Her work reminds us that taking care of our natural heritage is not simply a duty but a collective responsibility. As we balance development and conservation, voices like Celine’s become our lighthouse toward a greener, more tender, and compassionate world. The struggle for Philippine biodiversity is extremely dangerous, but with its champions like Celine, nature’s echoes never allow the hope to die.

The unparalleled rain that fell over the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Oman this month was driven partly by the climate crisis triggering deadly floods and chaos, which pointed directly at humans’ neglectful act of burning fossil fuels, according to a scientific analysis published on Thursday.

Almost 24 hours between April 14 and 15, the UAE experienced its heaviest recorded rainfall in over 75 years. According to Georgina Rannard, a climate reporter from BBC News, the analysis said that the ornate desert of Dubai, accustomed to months without precipitation, experienced the equivalent of more than a year and a half’s worth of rain during that time.

A team of 21 scientists and researchers under the World Weather Attribution initiative, discovered that climate change was making extreme rainfall events in the two countries between 10% to 40% more intense than they would have been without global warming, which typically falls during El Niño years.

Global warming was the only remaining reason they could identify to explain the heavier rainfall. Using scientific models, the team needed help to precisely determine how much more likely climate change had made the floods.

The analysis noted that changing circulation patterns driven by global warming are also increasing rainfall intensity, which explains that the atmosphere in a 1.2-degree warmer world can now hold 8.4% more moisture, making extreme rain events more intense.

Extreme weather triggered flooding in several parts of the UAE, which claimed the lives of four people. In Oman, it killed

at least 19 others, including 10 children, when the torrent swept away their school bus.

The floods also brought widespread disruption across Dubai, causing more than 1,000 canceled flights in and out of Dubai’s airport—the second-busiest airport in the world—and following days of delays.

Three identified Filipina working in Dubai died in their car, trapped by waters gushing down the streets. People had to abandon their vehicles on flooded roads.

The city’s luxurious malls sprung leaks as rainwater seeped through ceilings, and elevators stopped functioning in skyscrapers. Residents were forced to climb stairs up dozens of floors, while some motorists slept in their cars due to blocked roads.

Sonia Seneviratne, a professor at the Institute for Atmospheric and Climate Science in Zurich, said, “The UAE and Oman floods have shown that even dry regions can be strongly affected by precipitation events, a threat that is increasing due to global warming caused by fossil fuel burning.”

“The heavy rain across the two countries came from two separate, powerful storm systems,” said Mansour Almazroui from the King Abdulaziz University’s Center of Excellence for Climate Change Research in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. “Record ocean temperatures played a role in supercharging the storms,” he added.

“The Indian Ocean is getting warmer. And the high pressure in the Indian Ocean is surely contributing to the rainfall,” he told reporters. The Arabian Peninsula, on which the UAE and Oman sit, occasionally

experiences intense bouts of rain in April and May from what’s known as mesoscale convective systems - several thunderstorms that together act as a single weather system.

Friederike Otto, Senior Lecturer in Climate Science at the Grantham Institute in London, said, “Studies note that these storms are increasing in frequency. While we can’t stop El Niño, we can stop climate change,” Otto said. “The solution is to stop burning fossil fuels, to stop deforestation responsible for at least 12% of global carbon pollution,” she said.

In CNN’s previous report, the country was widely criticized for electing ADNOC’s CEO, Sultan Al-Jaber, to chair the UNbacked international climate talks in Dubai last year because of his plans for a major oil and gas production expansion.

The International Energy Agency has said the world must end new fossil fuel projects to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, a global science-based goal at the center of the 2015 Paris Agreement. The talks had some success, with almost every nation agreeing that the world should transition away from fossil fuels.

However, many fossil fuel-rich countries are still extracting huge volumes of planetheating coal, oil, and gas, and some are even planning to explore more oil and build new infrastructure.

Nearly half a year after the climate talks, “countries are still opening new oil and gas fields,” Otto said. “If the world keeps burning fossil fuels, rainfall in many regions of the world will get heavier and heavier, resulting in deadlier and more destructive floods.”

Kamakailan lamang, pumutok ang balitang nakadiskubre ang mga arkeologo ng bihirang kaso ng kakaibang klase ng pagkabuo sa parte ng katawan ng isang tao. Natagpuan sa sementeryo ng Mississippi State Lunatic Asylum sa Amerika ang labi ng isang matandang babaeng may daang taon nang nakalibing doon ang buong buo pang apdo nito, na siyang maliit at malambot na organong matatagpuan sa loob ng katawan, kung mailalarawan. Datapwa’t normal sa isang bangkay na nagiging buto na lamang sa paglipas ng panahon, ang nasabing bahagi ng katawan ay hindi pa naaagnas. Ayon sa mga eksperto, isa lamang ito sa mga maituturing na hindi pangkaraniwang kaso ng pagkakaroon ng “porcelain gallbladder” o “calcified gallbladder” na itinuturing dahil sa proseso nito, kung saan ang calcium sa loob ng tissue ay nagsisimulang mamuo sa partikular na bahagi ng organo, dahilan upang ito ay tuluyang tumigas.

Marahil ang porselana ay maituturing na isa sa mga matitibay na materyales na kadalasan ay ginagawa pang kasangkapan, ang hindi kalimitang pangyayaring pagkabuo ng apdo sa ganitong paraan ay hindi inaasam ninuman. Sapagkat nagsisilbi itong manipestasyon ng hindi magandang kalusugan sa isang indibidwal, lalo pa’t palagian itong nakokonekta sa mga malalang sakit na maaaring makuha ng katawan. Ang gallstones at cancer ay ilan lamang sa mga karamdamang maaaring maging resulta ng pagkakaroon ng nasabing hindi normal na kondisyon.

Ayon sa pag-aaral na isinagawa ng StatPearls, ang hindi kalimitang kaso ng porcelain gallbladder ay pinaniniwalaang maaaring makapagdulot ng partikular na uri ng cancer sa apdo. Bagama’t, sa ulat ng mga kasalukuyang pananaliksik na pinatutunayang ang panganib ay hindi na ganoon kalala, ang maliit na tyansa ng malignancy o kanser ay posible

pa ring maganap, higit lalo’t kadalasang natatagpuan ang ganitong bihirang kondisyon sa mga matatandang babae, na maaari lamang matuklasan sa pamamagitan ng pagsasailalim sa plain x-ray sapagkat asymptomatic o walang nararamdamang sintomas ang karamihan sa mga pasyenteng mayroon nito. Madalas din itong naiuugnay sa sakit na gallstones, kung saan nagiging matigas at maaari nang maihalintulad sa bato ang ispesipikong parteng ito.

Ang hindi inaasahang pagkapreserba ng apdo mula sa naturang bangkay ang nagbigay daan upang masusi pang pag-aralan ang mga detalye patungkol sa kondisyon ng porcelain gallbladder.

Inilalahad sa mga kasalukuyang pag-aaral na ang bihirang kaso ng porcelain gallbladder na sanhi ng palagiang pamamaga ng organo ay maaaring magdulot ng partikular na sakit na tinatawag na “cholecystitis.” Bagama’t ani ng mga eksperto, ang dahilan ng pagkabuo ng hindi pangkaraniwang bahagi ng katawan ay hindi pa matukoy, malinaw na ang organo ay tumitigas dahil nagiging calcium ito na isang uri ng mineral.

Minsan ka na bang nakarinig ng terminong “Wi-Fi Calling”? Ito ang tinatawag na alternatibong pamamaraan ng pakikipagugnayan ng mga tao sa mundo ng makabagong teknolohiya. Magagamit ang Wi-Fi Calling sa pagtawag, pagpapadala ng mensahe o maging sa pagtanggap ng mga text messages kung sakaling walang load at signal, o kung nasa lugar na walang cellular tower.

Pinatatag ng technical networking, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers at WiFi Alliance, ang pamamahala sa Wi-Fi Calling dahil gumagamit ito ng Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). Gumagana ito sa pamamagitan ng pagkonekta ng isang carrier na nagbibigay ng koneksyon sa internet upang magkaroon ng linya ang telepono. Maihahalintulad ito sa mga aplikasyon gaya ng WhatsApp, Skype at Facebook Messenger na gumagamit din ng teknolohiyang VoIP upang makipag-ugnayan sa pamamagitan ng pagtawag o pagpapadala ng mensahe. At dahil din sa teknolohiyang ito, mas nagkakaroon ng maayos at magandang daloy ang usapan sa pagitan ng dalawang tao o higit pa.

Katulad din ng cellular data, mayroong kabagalan ang Wi-Fi Calling kung ang gumagamit ay nasa lugar na maraming taong kasakop ng Wi-Fi Hotspot. Maaaring maranasan ang paputol-putol o kahinaan sa pagsagap ng Wi-Fi lalo na sa mga pampublikong lugar gaya ng shopping mall, airport, stadium, o mga pampublikong transportasyon tulad ng tren at bus. Gayunpaman, sinasabi ng Forbes na ang teknolohiyang ito ay nagsisilbing back-up kung sakaling maputol ang cellular connection sa smartphone, ngunit pinagtibay ng Wi-Fi Alliance ang datos na hindi lahat ng lugar ay mayroong mahinang connectivity sapagkat mayroong tinatayang 52,000 public Wi-Fi Hotspot sa bansa at inaasahan na aabot sa mahigit kumulang na 150,000 sa taong 2025.

Paano ito gumagana?

Ang Wi-Fi Calling ay hindi na kinakailangang mag-install ng iba’t ibang aplikasyon upang gumana dahil sadya na itong nakakabit sa mga smartphones. Dapat siguraduhin na ang kagamitan ay suportado ang Wi-Fi Calling upang magamit ito nang libre at walang kailangang bayaran lingguhan man o buwanan. Tignan ang settings ng telepono kung ito ay nakabukas o hindi. Tiyakin din na nakabukas ang Wi-Fi ng smartphone at nasa lugar kung saan mayroong malakas na Wi-Fi Hotspot upang magamit ang Wi-Fi Calling. Mas mainam na gamitin ito kung ang user ay nasa loob ng bahay upang matiyak na malaki at malawak ang sakop ng Wi-Fi connection.

Pakinabang sa Paggamit ng Wi-Fi Calling

1. Pinabuting Koneksyon

Tinutulungan ng Wi-Fi Calling na mapanatili ang pagkonekta sa mga lugar na mayroong mahinang cellular coverage ngunit may malakas na Wi-Fi coverage. Hinahayaan nito ang mga user na magamit ang teknolohiya sa paggawa at pagtanggap ng mga tawag o mensahe na hindi alintana ang konseksyon saan mang lugar.

2. Pagtitipid

Hindi gaya ng cellular data na kailangang magbayad sa tuwing gagamitin, ang Wi-Fi Calling ay libre dahil suportado ito ng Wi-Fi connection sa smartphones. Mas naging mainam ito sapagkat maaaring magamit ang teknolohiya ng walang pinoproblemang bayarin kahit pa kaunti ang load sa sim card. Kung sakaling magsasagawa ng international calls, hindi ito nagmumulta ng anumang charges at maaaring gamitin ano man ang Wi-Fi network.

3. Mas Para maaaring pagkaantala pinababang nakakamit hand-off cellular

Ilan naman magawa paggamit maayos magandang internet mataas maayos ang kagamitan para at higit mga opsyon ito ay mobile Ang maaaring sa Wi-Fi Ginagawa ang user mabuting ng makabagong kahit

Mas produktibo

sa kompanya, ang mga empleyado ay maaaring magsagawa ng negosyo na may kaunting pagkaantala kapag may mga drop na tawag. Ang pinababang pagkawala ng produktibidad ay nakakamit din sa pamamagitan ng seamless na hand-off ng tawag sa pagitan ng Wi-Fi at mga cellular na koneksyon.

naman sa mga kasanayan na dapat magawa upang mas maging epektibo ang paggamit ng Wi-Fi Calling ay makapili ng maayos na router upang makapagbigay ng magandang Wi-Fi standards, alamin ang internet speed na mayroong lima o mas mataas na Mbps nang magkaroon ng maayos na pakikipag-usap, i-update kagamitan upang mag-optimize sa mas mahusay na konseksyon higit sa lahat ay i-double check ang opsyon sa pagtawag sa Wi-Fi na ay maayos na pinagana sa mga mobile device.

mga cellular na tawag ay maaaring palitan ng mga tawag Wi-Fi bilang alternatibo. Ginagawa nitong mas mainam pakikipag-ugnayan ng sa mas mahusay at mabuting proseso sa takbo makabagong teknolohiya saan man sa mundo.

WRITTEN BY RANMARK CALUPAS

Hideous.

Spooky.

Uncommon.

For the last 150 years, scientists have assumed that lampreys lack a jaw because they are missing a structure known as the neural crest. This group of stem cells is unique to vertebrates and develops into a wide array of structures in the womb or the egg. These structures include both jaws and the sympathetic nervous system, which controls our involuntary fight-or-flight response that kicks in in dangerous or stressful situations.

Lampreys belong to an ancient vertebrate lineage known as Agnatha, or jawless fish. Previous research suggests that lampreys and their relatives represent the most primitive group of vertebrates still in existence, having evolved an estimated 360 million years ago. These living fossils can show us how some of our distant ancestors likely evolved. They are the stuff of nightmares, complete with long, slimy bodies, circular mouths filled with teeth, and parasitic tendencies. But they are also vertebrates, which means they have backbones and share a common ancestor with humans - and new research reveals that we have more in common with these slippery bloodsuckers than scientists previously concluded.

A new study published on Wednesday, April 17, in the Journal Nature, reveals that lampreys have sympathetic nerve cells after all - suggesting that the vertebrate flight-or-flight response is more ancient than scientists expected.

“One of the things I love about science is that you often make discoveries by accident,” Marianne Bronner, a developmental biologist at Caltech and co-author of the study, told Live Science. Instead, the work started as a search for similar cells that were precursors to the more complex neural crest seen in jawed vertebrates. They thought they might find similar cells in lampreys because they are the closest thing we have to ancient

jawless vertebrates that first emerged ago.

“Studies like this help teach evolutionary time,” Jeremiah Smith, at the University of Kentucky research, told Live Science.

Lampreys were previously assumed solely on pheromones given off still sometimes use these pheromones movements in the lab. The discovery a fight-or-flight response places system about 50 million years

But when the researchers started they noticed the immature fish neurons running in a chain down string of nerve cells is characteristic system - a system lampreys weren’t

When the scientists looked closer, structures were indeed nerves is a cousin of DNA that helps other functions. The team also precursor enzyme for noradrenaline, that helps control the fight-or-flight

“Now it looks like the only thing jaw,” Bronner said.

Bronner thinks past researchers nerve cells in lampreys for several the fish have a long developmental a young lamprey hatch, it can spend developing in a larval stage before maturing into an adult. The sympathetic neurons may be too small to notice

emerged around 500 million years

teach us how we were built over Smith, a computational biologist Kentucky who was not involved in the

assumed to react to danger by relying off by other lampreys. Ecologists pheromones to control the critters’ discovery that these jawless fish have places the evolutionary origin of this earlier than scientists expected.

started dissecting lamprey larvae, fish had structures that looked like down the length of their bodies. This characteristic of a sympathetic nervous weren’t supposed to have. closer, they confirmed that these nerves using RNA sequencing. RNA cells make proteins and serves also found that the cells produce a noradrenaline, a key chemical messenger fight-or-flight response.

thing that lampreys don’t have is a

researchers missed the sympathetic several reasons. One has developmental cycle; after spend years before The

until late in this developmental phase, and most prior research was done on newly hatched lampreys. The new work uncovered the cells in older larvae.

Another issue is that jawless fish are far less studied in evolutionary biology than “model organisms” like fruit flies and zebrafish, which also serve as a model for biological systems found in humans. Such species are excellent for lab work, especially as scientists know their genomes well. But Bronner sees huge scientific benefits in studying creatures like lampreys, too.

“Sometimes you have to go outside of your comfort zone and work on these weird animals,” Bronner said - nightmare fuel. So the next time your adrenaline spikes when you’re watching a horror movie, or you’ve heard a twig snap in the woods, consider thanking a lamprey.

remarkable feats and unwavering resilience by the JRU community. Together, they have navigated the tides of challenges, emerging stronger and more united.

This year, Rizalians beamed with their excellence in different fields, cornering almost all the medals in both local and international Math Olympiads, collegiate and national athletic meets, and local journalism competitions that defined their Talino and Talentong Rizal. Beyond personal triumphs, they also demonstrated their Tatag and Taos-Pusong Rizal by engaging in charitable programs, organizing donation drives, and participating in outreach activities, showcasing their deep sense of community and compassion.

Their sense of community has never been a message in a bottle thrown out into the sea. In recent times, the calmness of the sea has turned into chaos. These waters they hold dear have become battlegrounds for the assertion of dominance. However, their resilience is unwavering, as they deeply hold on to their truth—never shall invaders trample their sacred shore. Considering the sake of the people, they must also protect the site of their nation—the waters included.

One cannot fathom the course of waves. Such as the ups and downs of our lives, surfaces the highs and lows of the tide. As we surf the green room, matching the pace of the surge, we find ourselves shifted into a different realm. A different explanation for why the seas are depicted as a place of tranquility. Reaching every surfer’s ultimate goal— to enter the green room—unlocks the most important life lesson. Don’t just ride the wave; rule the sea.

Here’s to the summer surfers, the Rizalians, who, amid every challenge, have remained brave and daring against all odds. As they move forward, may they carry the resilience at the heart of hope, dreams, and the unbreakable spirit that defines José Rizal University.

See you all again at the horizon where the sky meets the sea, Rizalians.

Congratulations on an aqua-amazing school year!

TheUniversity Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP) and the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) are the two oldest and most popular collegiate leagues in the country. Oftentimes, these two leagues have been on the topic of “Which collegiate league is better?”

The NCAA is the oldest collegiate league among the two, it was founded in 1924 by Dr. Regino R. Ylanan, the head of physical education at the University of the Philippines. Its original members were the University of the Philippines, the University of Santo Tomas, the University of Manila, De La Salle University, the National University, and the Far Eastern University (Institute of Accounts).

Of all the original members of the NCAA, none of the universities named are currently affiliated with the league because of transferring and the formation of the UAAP. The first original member to drop from the league was NU, followed by UP and UST.

In 1936, Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle University, San Beda University, Colegio de San Juan de Letrán, Mapua University, and José Rizal University settled as members of the NCAA.

FEU joined the first three universities that withdrew from the NCAA to form the UAAP in 1938. The collegiate league eventually became the rival of the NCAA.

The early years of the NCAA were affected by the fact that the membership and policies at that time weren’t as effective as it is today and it eventually led to transfers and the formation of their rival collegiate league. The 1950s was the start of what might be permanent for the NCAA, they reached greater heights producing legends and talents in the basketball scene, at that time basketball was the most anticipated sport from the NCAA, and rivalries at this time were created; where Ateneo-San Beda and Ateneo-La Salle stand offs begun here. Meanwhile, the UAAP in the 1950s was starting to form expansions, their membership holds great value, and the qualifications for the UAAP membership were a lot stricter than NCAA. In the time when the University of the East, Adamson University, Manila Central University, and the University of Manila, were granted a two-year probationary period

before being granted a membership, only the UE and MCU were granted a membership but Adamson and UM were denied membership. Adamson was granted a membership after reapplying in the 1970s

The expansion of both leagues continued from the 1980s to the 1990s until Ateneo and La Salle eventually transferred to UAAP. La Salle was the last university to join the UAAP. The transfer made the NCAA an only four-member school league, the NCAA focused on expansion in the 1980s and 1990s, during these times the league also implemented the probationary period before granting a school membership. Up until the 2010s, the NCAA had to invite universities and schools to see if they were fit to join the oldest collegiate league in the country. Meanwhile, the UAAP had its glorious days during the early 2005 and 2010 as they settled on becoming an eight-member collegiate league. The NCAA settled also in 2011, as a 10-member collegiate league.

Which is the better league, UAAP or NCAA?

UAAP is undoubtedly the most popular collegiate league in the country because it holds the ‘Big 4’ that every student wants to get in, UP, UST, Ateneo, and La Salle, these four schools not only prove that they are one of the greatest in collegiate sports, but also the best in academics where they uphold and measure one’s ability before getting admitted to their university. NCAA universities also uphold the true value of education, although not often seen in the rankings, Mapua University, and San Beda University are famous for their work and outputs in every board exam.

When it comes to sports, we have to say that the UAAP was able to give names to their players, decorated names such as Benjie Paras, Alyssa Valdez, Ara Galang, Terrence Romeo, Paul Lee, and other players who have already paved the way for the future generations may it be international and national competitions we will always hear that a player is once or a current UAAP standout. On the other hand, the NCAA also has had standouts in international and national competitions, names such as Philip Cezar, Freddie Webb, Shola Alvarez, Scottie Thompson, and Gretchel Soltones. Another factor why UAAP has a lot of standouts in the

collegiate leagues is that they were once NCAA homegrown names such as Alyssa Solomon, and Joshua Retamar of the Perpetual Altas.

In terms of every university’s achievements in the UAAP, we shouldn’t skip that. It’s a testament that all universities have sports that they truly excel in where La Salle and NU dominate the volleyball scene, UE on fencing, Adamson on softball, UP on football, Ateneo in swimming, etc. While in the NCAA, Benilde and Perpetual run the volleyball court, JRU dominates the athletics, San Beda dominates the waters on swimming, etc. We might not know it because not all sports in the UAAP are broadcasted and can be easily accessed in the past years compared to its 2010 era where they partnered with ABS-CBN in their broadcasting they have now partnered up with Cignal by creating a Varsity Channel but due to this a lot of sports need a subscription to be viewed, unlike in the NCAA, broadcasting, and accessibility to free viewing has been improving with its recent partnership with GMA Sports. Back to the sports that a university excels in it is both in UAAP and NCAA that we see that they rose in this specific sports because they have such a high value in this program.

The two leagues have created their version of what a “collegiate sports league” is for them, and that is what sets them apart, at the end of this, it’s only a matter of preference on which and what league is better because the parameters in sports scene may be only one in different disciplines but it’s always how the viewers and fans see the vantage point of what the league want to address the sports and the league itself.

Beyond the Scoreboards: Calls for camaraderie

The UAAP and NCAA which is a better league stand have been going a lot for years but it’s in the hallmarks of the past that these leagues have shared experiences of developments for the sports scene in the country. These two collegiate leagues have been a piece of the Philippine sports scene as we know it today, they produced a lot of talents and they unleashed

their athleticism for the glory and pride of the country. Rather than talking about which, who, and what is a better league, the Philippine sports community should talk about how they can improve both leagues in producing athletes for the country and what are the ways to solve the underlining situations that our collegiate and Filipino athletes have been experiencing for the past years.

This is a call for camaraderie between officials, players, and the members of the league that at the end of the game, when the clock ticks to 00:00, when one reaches the final score, and when the whistle blows off, the person on the other side of the court is a friend and always not an enemy. The UAAP and NCAA proved their place in their own right as they still stand as the faces of collegiate sporting leagues. At the end of the day, both leagues want one outcome, to have a better future for the Philippine sports scene.

As UAAP turns 87 years old and NCAA turns into its centennial year, may next year mark bigger and better for these collegiate leagues for our athletes to display their masterful skills in their greatest sports, all for the glory and pride of their schools, the league, and ultimately the country.

Atletang Rizaliano,‘Di Papatalo!

Isinulat nina Romulo Josef Agana at Pretzel Eve Dela

N

angibabaw ang Talentong Rizaliano ng JRU Junior Track and Field Team sa National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) Season 99 noong Hunyo 6-8, sa PhilSports Arena, Pasig City, matapos magwagi bilang Over-All 1st Runner-Up.

Sa kanilang tagumpay, nakapagtala sila ng medal tally na tatlong ginto, walong pilak at anim na tanso.

Wagi si Randy Degolacion bilang Record Breaker of the

Year at nag-uwi ng dalawang ginto mula sa 2000m Steeplechase at 1500m, isang tanso mula sa 800m, na may bagong rekord na 1:55.36 at 3000m, at isang pilak mula sa 4x400m relay.

Nagpakita rin ng galing si Rhannie Pilaspilas sa kanyang mga laban, nang makamit nya ang tatlong pilak mula sa 800m, 1500m, at 3000m, at isa pang pilak mula sa 4x400m relay

Nag-uwi naman si John Rick Pangilinan ng dalawang pilak mula sa 100m Hurdles at 400m Hurdles, at dalawang

tanso mula sa 4x100m relay.

Habang nagkamit si Al Vincent Mateo ng pilak sa 400m Hurdles at tanso sa 4x100m relay

Kumopo naman si Kyrt Dave Coyoca ng pilak sa 4x400m relay, at tanso sa 400m at 4x100m relay

Tumirada si Junard Labador ng pilak sa Javelin Throw, habang nagwagi naman si Jesson Daniel ng tanso sa Shot Put

Kasama si Benjie Torre sa koponan ng 4x400m relay na

nagkamit ng pilak.

Umariba rin sa huli si Chris-Nhel Gaco ng ginto sa Triple Jump, pilak sa Long Jump, at tanso sa 4x100m relay.

Pinangunahan ng tagumpay ng koponan sina Head Coach Elma Muros-Posadas at Assistant Coach Manuel Aurelio.

Sa pangkalahatan, ang University of Perpetual Help System ang naging kampeon na may 804.5 puntos,habang ang José Rizal University ay 1st Runner-Up na may 657.25 puntos at 2nd Runner-Up naman ang Arellano University na may 503.5 puntos.

Nagkampeon din ang JRU Senior Track & Field Team sa Seniors’ Division, patunay ng kahusayan

Junior Athletics Team, Kampeon

Sa Mandaluyong Meet Track & Field

Pinarangalan bilang Overall Champion ang JRU Junior Track and Field Team sa kategoryang secondary boys matapos ang kahanga-hangang paghakot ng 16 ginto, siyam na pilak at isang tanso na mga medalya sa naganap na Mandaluyong Meet noong Enero 27 at 28 sa PhilSports Arena, Pasig City.

Kapansin-pansin ang pagpapakitang-gilas ni Randy Degolacion na kinilala bilang Most Valuable Player matapos kumopo ng limang gintong medalya nang dinomina niya ang 3000m steeplechase,

1500m at 800m, hanggang sa pag-angkla ng mga matagumpay na relay team sa parehong 4x100m at 4x400m.

Sumama kay Degolacion sa hanay ng mga gold medalist ang mga namumukod-tanging atleta tulad nina John Greg Tuba, na nanalo sa Triple Jump, Long Jump at High Jump, at Kyrt Dave Alyn Coyoca sa sprinting ng inangkin niya ang ginto sa 100m, 200m, at 400m events na nagambag sa pagkawagi.

Nasubok din ang tibay ng iilang atleta sa pagkarera sa mahahabang distansya tulad nina Herald Patanao kung saan nakakuha siya ng mga pilak na

medalya sa 5000m at 3000m events, kasama ang isang tanso sa 1500m, at si Benjie Torre na binulong ang mahusay na pagganap ng pangkat nang makaani ng ginto sa 5000m, kabilang ang pilak sa 800m at 1500m na karera.

Namayagpag ang koponan hindi lamang sa track, kundi kasama ang mga atleta na nagpasikat din sa mga field event na sina Jay Mark Dato na ipinamalas ang kanyang lakas matapos makatamo ng gintong medalya sa Shot Put at Discus Throw, at pilak para sa Javelin Throw, habang ang liksi ni John Rick Pangilinan ang nakakuha sa kanya ng ginto sa 110m hurdles,

4x400m at 4x100m, at pilak sa 400m hurdles at High Jump

Ipinakita rin ni Al Vincent Mateo ang kanyang bilis nang makatamo ng mga pilak na medalya sa 100m at 400m na karera, gayundin ng ginto sa 400m hurdles.

Natamo ng koponan ang kanilang tagumpay sa tulong ng kanilang mga dedikadong Head Coach na si Elma Muros-Posadas at Assistant Coach na si Manuel Aurelio na gumanap ng makabuluhang tungkulin sa paggabay at paghubog sa mga atleta upang maging kampeon.

Isinulat ni Pretzel Eve C. Dela Cruz

NCAA Volleyball ‘99: The Opening

By Jhon Marc Austria

The Fil-Oil Eco Oil Center in San Juan City, home of the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) once again welcomed the season 99 volleyball tournament last Sunday, April 7, hosted by Josè Rizal University (JRU).

Juniors and officials gathered including ACES Athletics, Events, and Sports Management President, Dr. Adrian Ian Paolo Laurel.

Paolo Laurel reminded the student athletes’

community of the season that they are their university’s pride and honor. “If there’s anyone who can succeed, who can set a good example, it is the student-athletes.”

University of Perpetual Help System Altas’ Men’s Volleyball Team Captain, Louie Ramirez led the Oath of Sportsmanship.

NCAA Season 99 Chairman, Paul Supan, officially started the season.

JRU Lady Bombers clashed against the hungry UPHSD Lady Altas, the first clash of the season.

The Lady Bombers’ comeback was unsuccessful as the Lady Altas ended the match in three straight sets (14-25, 14-25, 21-25).

Under the new team captain, May Ruiz, they wish to rebuild their identity as the ‘newly formed’ Lady Bombers.

“‘Yung team namin parang wala pa masyadong experience pero

mine-make sure naman namin na every training, every practice binibigay namin lahat… And sana lang mapakita namin lahat ng pinaghirapan sa mismong season.” Ruiz in an interview with GMA News.

The College of Saint Benilde Lady Blazers and the University of Perpetual Help System Altas seek to protect their championship and extend their existing dominance over the taraflex.

Adrian

Yulo Brothers @ Asian Gymnastics Championship ‘24

By Jhon Marc Austria

Philippines’ Golden

Boy, Carlos Yulo, and his gymnast prodigy brother, Karl Eldrew Yulo, propelled the country in the recently concluded 17th Junior and 11th Senior Men’s Artistic Gymnastics AGU Asian Champions 2024 from May 16 to 19, in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

Carlos started his stint with a dominant win over the Individual All-Around.

His second gold showed his masterful skills in his apparatus, Floor Exercise, with a score of 14.933.

Meanwhile, John Ivan Cruz finished 4th in the Floor Exercise with a score of 13.966 landing him in 4th place.

Carlos finished 6th place in the Still Rings finals with a score of 13.533, while in Horizontal Bars, he scored 13.433 landing him in 4th place.

He finished his stint with gold medal finishes in the Vault and Parallel Bars, edging his competitors with a score of 14.883 and 15.133.

Juancho Miguel Besana finished in 4th place with a score of 14.150 in the finals. The Vault apparatus was the most competitive apparatus of all, with the players outlasting each other with just a small margin of points.

From his 2023 performance in Singapore, Carlos showed his mastery over the Floor Exercise, Vault, and Parallel Bars, giving him 3 gold medals, a silver in Individual

All-Around, and a bronze in Horizontal Bars.

At the stretch of the Senior tournament, Carlos bagged the men’s all-around gold with 85.298.

Kazakhstan’s Milad scored 84.632 with a silver medal finish, followed by Uzbekistan’s Abdulla Azimov with a bronze medal finish with 82.431.

His performance is one of the indicators following his anticipated stint at the Paris Olympics this year.

The Philippine Senior’s team consisted of Carlos Edriel Yulo, Juancho Miguel Besana, John Ivan Cruz, Justin Ace De Leon, and Jhon Romeo Santillan finished 6th overall w ith a total score of 236.128.

In the Juniors competition, Karl Eldrew bagged his first gold medal finish in the Vault apparatus with an outstanding score of 14.433. He was a silver medalist in the same apparatus.

China led the medal tally with 6 golds, 7 silvers, and 2 bronze followed by the Philippines with 5 golds from the Yulo brothers finishing second in the tally, and Kazakhstan finished 3rd overall with 3 golds, 4 silvers, and 2 bronze.

The performance showed the peak of Carlos Yulo and this will set a momentum in the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics.

Husay Rizal, umariba sa Regional Meet

Isinulat ni Romulo Josef Agana

Pinatunayan ng JRU Junior Track & Field team ang kanilang pambihirang galing at determinasyon sa National Capital Region Regional Athletic Meet na ginanap mula Abril 22 hanggang 26, sa Caloocan Sports Complex sa Bagumbong, Caloocan City.

Sa kabila ng matinding kompetisyon, kumopo ang mga atletang Rizaliano ng kabuuang siyam na medalya: tatlong ginto, isang pilak at limang tanso, na nagpakita ng kanilang husay at dedikasyon sa larangan ng atletika.

Nanguna si Randy Degolacion sa pag-ani ng parangal, kinilala siya bilang Most Valuable Player of the Year sa Athletics para sa Secondary Boys.

Nakamit niya ang tatlong gintong medalya sa 1500m, 800m,

at 3000m steeplechase, at nag-ambag pa ng isang tansong medalya sa 4x400m relay

Hindi rin nagpahuli si Benjie Torre, na nagwagi ng dalawang tansong medalya sa 5000m at 800m, at isa pang tanso sa 4x400m relay.

Bukod dito, nagtapos siya sa ikalimang pwesto sa 1500m na relay.

Nagpakitang-gilas sa hurdles si John Rick Pangilinan na nakapag-uwi ng pilak na medalya sa 110m hurdles, at nagtapos ng ikalima sa 400m hurdles

Dumagdag din ng tansong medalya para sa 400m hurdles si Al Vincent Mateo at kasama rin sa bronze-winning 4x400m relay team.

Umambag naman sina Kyrt Dave Coyoca at Jay Mark Dato ng mahalagang puntos sa koponan, na parehong nagkamit ng tansong medalya sa kanilang

mga kategorya, sa 4x400m relay at discus throw, ayon sa pagkakasunod.

Pinangunahan nina Head Coach Elma Muros-Posadas at Assistant Coach Manuel Aurelio, ang JRU Junior Track & Field team na nagpakita ng kahanga-hangang dedikasyon at pagsasanay, na nagresulta sa kanilang matagumpay na kampanya sa

regional meet

Naging patunay ng kanilang husay at kakayahan ang pagsali sa NCR Regional Atheltic Meet na nagsilbing inspirasyon para sa mga susunod pang mga kompetisyon.

Lady Blazers Ablaze at Finals

The De La Salle College of Saint Benilde, Lady Blazers, and University of Perpetual Help System, Altas, seized the elusive volleyball crowns for the third and fourth times, respectively as they dominated the NCAA Finals on Sundays, May 19 and 26, on FilOil EcoOil Center in San Juan City.

In the NCAA women’s volleyball, the De La Salle College of Saint Benilde had its leap from elimination rounds and went straight to the semifinal and took over to the Finals.

The Lady Blazers waited for their opponent in the Finals, the Colegio de San Juan de Letrán Lady Knights. The Lady Knights entered the championship round for the first time in over a decade.

In Game 1, the Lady Blazers worked on sweeping the match, 25-21, 25-15, 25-14.

Gayle Pascual put up 14 points in the attacking department and one block. Michele Gamit, Jade Gentapa, and Zam Nolasco chipped in 23 points, with eight, seven, and eight points respectively.

In Game 2, the Lady Blazers replicated their match against the Lady Knights and once again dominated and swept the Lady Knights, 25-18, 25-17, 25-18.

Pascual once again led the Blazers with 15 points and 7 excellent receptions.

Meanwhile, other Blazers’ star players, Wielyn Estoque, Gamit, and Gentapa contributed 11, eight, and eight points respectively to make the Game 2 sweep happen.

By Jhon Marc Austria

Lady Blazers’ Pascual was hailed as the Finals MVP for her extensive output during the finals series.

Cloanne Sophia Mondoñedo of the Lady Blazers also took home the elusive MVP and Best Setter titles.

The Lady Blazers’ coach, Jerry Yee also took home the Coach of the Year title.

The Lady Blazers took the women’s volleyball crown for the third time with no loss in their record. To this date, the Lady Blazers were on a 33-game winning streak in the NCAA women’s volleyball tournament.

Meanwhile, the Colegio de San Juan de Letrán settled for a silver medal finish and the Lyceum of the Philippines University took home the bronze medal.

Heavy Bombers Seized First 3x3 Seniors Title

By Jhon Marc Austria

Jos é Rizal University

Heavy Bombers

captured its first gold medal in the NCAA Season 99 3x3 basketball tournament on Saturday from May 24 to 25 held in JRU Gymnasium, Mandaluyong City.

Heavy Bombers’ Karl Bench De Jesus, Joshua Guiab, Jonathan Medina, and Vince Sarmiento were tapped as part of the university’s 3x3 basketball team.

Bombers pooled in Pool A with Arellano University Chiefs, De La Salle College of Saint Benilde Blazers, Colegio de San Juan de Letrán Knights, and Lyceum of the Philippines Pirates.

Bombers’ first match vs Lyceum of the Philippines University Pirates.

It was hard for both teams. 4-minute marked the first team reached a double score, a free throw from Miranda making the lead 10 - 7.

The Pirates made baskets and got by the Heavy Bombers 10 - 11. Heavy Bombers emerged victorious in the final seconds and took home their first win 18 - 16.

On their second match with Letran Knights. Knights have a huge leap from the Bombers with a 5-point lead in the middle of the game, 11 - 6.

Bombers were on track in the last 3 minuteswith strong baskets from Guiab and Medina. The game ended 14 - 17, in favor of JRU taking their second win.

On the third match with the Benilde Blazers, both teams prowess on defense and offense.

Blazers made a three-point lead last two minutes, 15 - 12 but the Heavy Bombers were able

to patched up the lead with Jonathan Medinas’ fastbreak points that made them 15 - 16.

The Bombers maintained the lead and snatched the third win, 16 - 18.

Heavy Bombers dominated the Arellano University Chiefs in their last game.

The team made no hiccups as they scored 16 - 11.

In the last stretch, the Heavy Bombers trampled the Chiefs as they made no basket ending the game at 19 - 11.

JRU ranked 1 and will face the second-seeded team in Poll B edging an unbeatable team on momentum.

Semifinals embarked Heavy Bombers against San Beda University Red Lions.

Bombers led the game in the first two minutes with 4 - 0 but the Red Lions shot a two-point basket patching the lead by two, 4 - 2.

Into the last two minutes, the Bombers led 18 - 10 and ended with a score of 21 - 12.

The Heavy Bombers secured their first-ever finals appearance in the series.

The first-seeded team in Pool B, San Sebastian CollegeRecoletos Stags.

It was neck on the neck between the teams to secure the hoop.

In the mid-game, the Bombers’ key player, Medina secured a three-point lead, 9 - 6, but Stags’ Reggz Gabat banked two points to catch up 10 - 9.

Medina created buzz between Reggz on the two-point line and made a gap of 15 - 11.

Stags immediately tied the basket, 15 - 15.

At the end of the 2-minute mark, the Stags banged themselves with a two-point

shot from Gapat, 17 - 20.

With only a shot left and a hefty time, Joshua Guiab made two on the free throw line tying the game, 20 - 20.

With 40 seconds left, Bombers decided to make it to Sarmiento to shoot, but he missed his first and secured a point to win on the second free throw.

The JRU carried the gold medal in the 3x3 basketball

tournament Senior’s division, the San Sebastian College –Recoletos bagged the silver medal finish, and the De La Salle College of Saint Benilde for the bronze medal.

Jonathan Medina was hailed as the MVP.

It’s the comeback of the 3x3 basketball tournament on NCAA.

Altas, Still King of Men’s Volleyball

By Jhon Marc Austria

University of Perpetual Help System Altas branded as the ‘Kings of NCAA Men’s Volleyball’ as they sealed off the eliminations with a slate 9-0, to clinch an outright seat in the Finals.

While waiting for finals, Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals emerged victorious in the stepladder semifinals and arranged a clash with the Altas in the Finals.

This is the first time the Generals have been through in the championship round since season 91.

Behind the General’s rally is their dedication to honor their late teammate, Mark Justin Cabacang, who passed away late last year due to an accident.

With Cabacang serving as their inspiration, the Generals pulled off, only losing a game against Perpetual Altas in the eliminations.

Altas catapulted them to taking

Game 1 in four sets, 24-26, 25-20, 27-25, 25-19.

Altas’ Setter JC Enarciso stepped up as “Player of the Game’’ with 27 excellent sets, 3 aces, 2 attacks, and 2 blocks in Game 1.

In Game 2, the Altas started the first two sets, as they banked on Ramirez’ and Marapoc’s attacks.

Altas secured the win via sweep, 25-14, 25-22, 29-27.

Marapoc led the Altas in Game 2 with 18 points on attacks and 14 excellent receptions, Ramirez scored 14 points, and Tabuga made his presence felt with 13 points and six excellent digs on record.

Jefferson Marapoc hailed as the Finals’ MVP for his great contributions in both games.

Louie Ramirez took home the MVP and the 2nd Best Outside Spiker titles.

KC Andrade also took home the 2nd Best Middle Blocker and Perpetual Altas’ Coach, Sammy Acaylar was the Coach of the Year.

Tagisan ng Talentong Rizal

sa Intramurals 2024

Nagpakitang gilas ang mga mag-aaral ng Senior High School nang kanilang ipamalas ang kanilang Talentong Rizal sa SHS Intramurals 2024, noong ika-27 ng Abril sa JRU Gymnasium .

Pinangunahan nina G. Wilson Mones, Chair ng Physical Education & Health (PEH) at Sports, Bb. Renalyn G. De Guzman at Bb. Kristine De Guzman, pawang mga guro sa PEH, katuwang ng Sports Club at Intramurals Committee ang buong daloy ng programa.

Binubuo ng apat na grupo ang laro: Team Talino, Team Taos Puso, Team Talento, Team Tatag, kung saan sila ay nagtagisan ng kanilang galing at determinasyon sa bawat bahagi ng laro.

Matindi ang labanan ng bawat manlalaro sa pag-uumpisa pa lamang ng laro sa pangunguna ng Pick Pack Boom na sinundan ng Over Under, Walis Bola, Animal Sounds, Dodgeball, at Skipping Rope, na nagtapos sa huling laro na Buzzer Beater.

Hinirang na kampeonato ang Team Talento nang sila ay umani ng pinakamataas na puntos sa bawat laro, at nag-uwi ng ilan pang parangal:

Best Entrance Award, Best Banner Award, Most Disciplined Award, at Mr. OA award.

Sinundan naman ito ng Team Talino bilang first-runner up na pinagkalooban ng Best Yell Award; Team Taos-Puso bilang second-runner up na may parangal na Best Dressed Award, Pabebe Award, at Best Muse; at Team Tatag bilang third-runner up, kaakibat ang Mr. Nonchalant Award.

Samantala, ang bawat koponan ay binigyan ng Salamat Award at Best Leader Award nang kanilang matagumpay na natapos ang bawat laro.

Isinulat ni Marzel Jaimelyn Sabile

Ruiz- A Promising Junior Chess Wizard

Wayne Diaz Ruiz, one of the members of Jos é Rizal University’s Juniors Chess Team, showed off his formidable and masterful chess skills along Metro Manila and Laguna, his hometown.

Ruiz made a mark on his debut in the NCAA ‘99 Chess tournament and ushered the team, Mandaluyong - Based Players to higher ranks.

He joined Mayor Marcy & Congresswoman Maan Teodoro FIDE Rated Youth Chess Championships Under 16 Category last January 6-7.

He placed 4th overall after winning four over one, 4 points. In the 1st Interschool Chess Tournament 2024 “Chess

for a Cause” organized by Chiang Kai Shek College Main Campus on February 3, Ruiz won 2nd place.

Ruiz holds an Arena Fide Master (AFM) and ended the tournament in 4th place - winning four matches, and five points overall.

He also joined Lipa City Chess Nursery’s 8th Anniversary Youth Rapid Chess Tournament last March 16.

With over 100 participants, Ruiz placed 7th.

He earned 9th place in the 2nd Calamba City Monthly Chess Tournament - April Edition April 21.

On his second tournament in his hometown, He placed 6th overall in the 3rd Open-Laguna Chess King & Queen

2024 Open Chess Tournament last April 28. For the last tournament in Laguna, Ruiz played in the Laguna Inter-Town Chess Team Championship held at Laguna Sports Complex on May 18-19.

Ruiz topped the Board 1 and finished 2nd with his team, Team Sta. Rosa, in the Juniors division.

He also finished with his team as the 8th placer in the Open division.

He concluded the midyear, 2024 National Age Group Chess Championships - U18 Boys Elimination on June 1-5, held in Dumaguete Convention Center in Negros Occidental; ended the eliminations as 7th overall after eight rounds and scored 5.5 points.

“Most memorable tournament

By Jhon Marc Austria

na nasalihan ko is yung … National Age Group Chess ChampionshipEliminations kasi malakas yung field (ng chess players) at madami sumali na galing sa iba’t ibang lugar mapa-Luzon, Visayas, at Mindanao.”

“(I am) not that satisfied since bad start ako nung tournament and maybe the thing I learned is to be calm in a time (of) panic situation.”answering the question about his stints and what is the most important lesson that he could bring up to his next games.

In an interview with Ruiz, he promises a better version of himself and the team for the upcoming NCAA season, “Expect a better version ko last season and better version ng team.”

Light Bombers makes a redemption @ NCAA 3x3 tournament.

By Jhon Marc Austria

The JRU Light Bombers clinched its best performance after placing 4th in the NCAA 3x3 basketball tournament in the Junior’s division on Saturday from May 24 to 25, in Josè Rizal University, Mandaluyong City.

The Light Bombers’ rosterFranchesko Juan Capistrano, Lee Marin, Martin Pineda, and Bien Pinzon tapped as the key players.

Bombers were selected into Pool A with the University of Perpetual Help System Junior Altas, Arellano University Braves, Mapua Red Robins, and Lyceum of the Philippines University Pirates.

Light Bombers as underdogs, slipped through the semifinals and needed to finish as the first or second-seeded team at the end of the elimination.

They faced the Junior Altas in their first match.

Martin Pineda made multiple shots for JRU to lead, 3 - 1.

In the mid-game, both teams were on tight score until the 7-minute mark, 6-6.

Marin and Pineda made two-point arcs - the 5-minute mark the score was 16 - 13 in favor of the Bombers.

Bien Pinzon, a Bomber, made a two-point shot at the 2-minute mark, 21 - 19.

With a win on their hands, the homecourt is on the momentum going into their next match against the Junior Pirates.

It turned out a low-scoring game as both teams found it hard to shoot a basket.

At the mid-game, Pineda unleashed a shot from the

2-point arc making a 5-point interval from the Pirates, 10 - 5.

At the 3-minute mark, they lead more than double, 18 - 8.

Pirates headed by scoring six consecutive points, 18 - 14.

Last seconds of the game, a foul was called on the Pirates. Capistrano did a free throw, 19 - 14.

The Light Bombers take their second win, 19 - 14.

It was against the Light Bombers and the Arellano Braves - the third match.

Bombers ahead with the help of Pineda’s consecutive shots from the paint, free throw line, and 2-point arc, securing a 4-point lead, 11 - 7.

Marin and Sarmiento joined Pineda in a shooting party and led the effort from Braves, 19 - 10.

Bombers dominance again the half-court ended 21 - 11.

They again secured a slot in the semifinals and will have a last match against the Red Robins - both were undefeated.

The first minutes were tight as exchanges of baskets from the Light Bombers and Red Robins tied the scores 4 - 4 before the 8-minute mark.

Marin set the fire out with a 2-point shot response, 6 - 10, but it was quickly responded with a 2-point shot from the Red Robins and lead back to 6, 6 - 12.

Pineda and Marin set the scoreboard, 10 - 13, cutting the lead back to 3. Capistrano and Pinzon helped the team cut the lead to 1 with their baskets, 14 - 15.

The Red Robins made the lead back to four with back-to-back baskets, 14 - 18.

Robin’s Bagro steered a 20-point mark while the Light Bombers struggled to escape from the fiery 17-point edge.

Pineda came in to rescue with back-to-back shots from the arc, just in time for the team to stop the fiery Red Robins, 21 - 20.

The JRU Light Bombers were the only undefeated team in Pool A, while the UPHSD Junior Altas edged Mapua Red Robins with a point margin to secure the second seed in Pool A. They faced the second-seeded team in Pool B, the La Salle Green Hills Greenies.

The Greenies maintained their 3-point lead at the 8-minute mark, 6 - 9.

In the mid-game, the Bombers made their first lead courtesy of Pineda’s shot, 13 - 12.

Pinzon and Capistrano scored the last two points of the team.

The Greenies were able to make out of the time and the foul called out in favor of them to shoot a basket, enough to take the win, 18 - 21.

The Light Bombers had the shot to secure third place in the ‘Battle for Bronze’ match, they faced the San Beda Red Cubs.

The Red Cubs topped Pool B and lost to Junior Altas, Pool A’s second seed.

Cubs made two consecutive baskets but Lee Marin shot a basket from the arc, making the score, 3 - 11.

Martin Pineda backed the Light

Bombers on track with his back-to-back shoots from the 2-point arc, another back-to-back shots cutting the lead to 5, 11 - 16.

Marin and Pineda in the last 2 minutes, were able to shoot a basket from the arc, making the score 15 - 17.

Marin tied the score 17 - 17 with 35.18 seconds left on the clock.

Red Cubs’ Medroso shot a basket from the corner, giving them the lead, 17 - 18.

With only 10.14 seconds, Vailoces was awarded a two free throw shot and made it two for two, finalizing the score 17 - 20, in favor of the Red Cubs.

This is the best performance of the Light Bombers since the debut of NCAA 3x3 basketball, proving the redemption they wanted back from the last basketball tournament.

The UPHSD Junior Altas captured the gold medal, the LSGH Greenies took home the silver medal, and The San Beda Red Cubs took the bronze medal.

Junior Altas’ Icee Callangan was hailed as the MVP in the junior division.

Alas Pilipinas, the face of Philippine volleyball

By Jhon Marc Austria

The Aces of the Aces.

The Philippine women’s and men’s national volleyball teams had a rise and fall in achievements; from their peak in the 1990s and early 2000s, but in 2010 they were overshadowed - a lot of setbacks occurred, and planning on making the Philippine volleyball big again failed due to its internal problems (Andersson, L. 2017). These are just some of the challenges the Philippine national volleyball team has to face but all of this comes in full circle now as the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) finally recreated the team that once could have been a part that would have been, the aces, the ‘Alas Pilipinas.’

ALAS? Is the Philippine volleyball team done to make the aces of the aces?

The Start: Redefining Philippine Volleyball in the 2010s

The start of Philippine volleyball in the 2010s is the rise in popularity of collegiate leagues like the UAAP and the NCAA. In this year, volleyball professional leagues were not yet formed and through these, Philippine volleyball can be recognized. The rise of players such as Abby Maraño, Ara Galang, Alyssa Valdez, the Santiago sisters, Jia Morado, Kim Fajardo, Marck Espejo, and Peter Torres paved the way for Philippine volleyball to be a noise. The arenas and coliseums in these times were filled with fans but at the exact rise of collegiate volleyball one gap has to be answered, “What will happen to these star players after they graduate?”

Amihan: The 2015 Philippine national volleyball team Going Pro or Pre-collegiate?

In 2015, the Philippine national volleyball team, which consisted of 18 volleyball players both men’s and women’s, represented the country in the 2015 SEA Games. This remarkable stint marked the comeback of the country in the biennial meet, after the 10-year absence.

Valdez, Santiago, Espejo, and Torres spearheaded the women’s and men’s national volleyball teams respectively. Their stint came to an end in the pool eliminations after not making it through the knockout stage. But this stint made something remarkable for the coming years, with the Philippines being able to compete in international competitions after a long absence.

During the early 2000s up until the 2010s, Shakey’s V-League was created, its function was to usher the Philippine collegiate teams and clubs to join forces and compete in the different tournaments and legs the league has created. However, it wasn’t an official professional league, although a lot of graduated college players were able to join the clubs and compete in the tournaments created by the League.

The creation of the League was able to strengthen the Philippine volleyball landscape as it catapulted itself in making the sport more visible in the country. It was also able to improve the competitiveness of the sports as every year fans anticipate who will emerge victorious in the tournaments. In 2016, a year after the SEA

Games 2015, a lot of UAAP and NCAA star players graduated at the collegiate level and this paved the way for the creation of more volleyball clubs. At this time, Premier Volleyball League (PVL) and Philippine Super Liga are the prominent leagues that at the heights enabled the PNVF to create a vision, to send the strongest players for the 2017 SEA Games and 2018 Asian Games. Among the players sent are volleyball stars Alyssa Valdez, Jaja Santiago, Jia Morado, Aby Maraño, and others. The team has a lot of dreams to make a reality, that is to send a medal home. In the 2017 SEA Games, they fell short as they finished 4th overall. In the 2018 Asian Games, the team came back to the quadrennial event after 36 years, they finished 8th. In the men’s team, spearheaded by Marck Espejo and Bryan Bagunas, they finished the games as 5th overall. The PNVF wasn’t able to send the men’s team to the 2018 Asian Games.

These stints for the Philippine volleyball team are ‘baby steps’ for reviving the once-strong volleyball program in the country. Even with no professional league at the time, the competitiveness made everyone’s expectations for the Philippine volleyball reach new heights and this enabled the national team to be able to perform at the level of other countries.

Going Pro: Catapulting the Philippine volleyball in newer heights

In 2019, the SEA Games headed back to Manila as its host, and this time it was the time where the volleyball community felt like “This is our time!” They did, the men’s national team bagged its best finish since 1977 when they took home the silver medal finish. The team was spearheaded by Marck Espejo and Bryan Bagunas, and other new guns at that time. While the women’s national team finished 4th, although last, the women’s team never gave up on their matches as they didn’t let the teams break their mindsets.

A year later, in the 2020 PVL, the only standing volleyball league in the Philippines had gone pro, at the height of the pandemic, it had gone inside a bubble for the first-ever pro tournament.

The marking of PVL as a pro league made it clear that there are not only collegiate leagues

The Comeback: UAAP and NCAA volleyball tournament in the tapestry of Philippine volleyball

After a two-season break because of the pandemic, the UAAP and NCAA volleyball tournaments once again opened as new names, new rosters, and new stars are about to rise. During this time, many names from UAAP and NCAA that had already graduated turned pro, and new names were about to pop. Dynasties and rivalries came out on the tournaments for the past seasons, the fans saw the rise of Bea Belen, Angel Canino, Alyssa Solomon, Eya Laure, Thea Gagate, Fifi Sharma, Jennifer Nierva, and such. In the men’s league, a lot of players named themselves the strongest of the strong, Josh Ybanez, Noel Kampton, Sherwin Umandal, and Joshua Retamar. A lot of players have come through not only one per team because since the pandemic the level of competitiveness has elevated. Until now, a lot of players still are making their names at the collegiate level such as Casey Dongallo, Angge Poyos, Bernadette Pepito, Niña Ytang, and others.

On top of all of this, the fans and the PNVF see another chance for new guns of the UAAP and NCAA volleyball players to represent the country but are they ready?

Naming Alas: Making the Aces of the Aces

When the discussions of bringing the juniors as the representatives of the country began, there were mixed reactions and thoughts from the community because this had happened before. Whether they agree or not with the coach, they should be trusted because they have the knowledge that will make the team work more.

Back in 2023, the National University (NU) represented the country in the 2023 Asian Women’s Volleyball Championships, this was the first time an all-collegiate team would represent the country, and they finished 13th overall. NU represented the country in that year because they were selected by the PNVF. This was again the start of

Philippine volleyball making the collegiate players represent the players. Now that they saw the previews of what could happen, the PNVF paused the collegiate players representing the country and continued back with their system.

This year, the PNVF decided to shoot their shots again and see if this will work, with the recent conclusion of UAAP and NCAA and also the PVL, the PNVF has only a week left to call for players and to prepare.

The Alas called players in mixed, for women’s it was spearheaded by Jia Morado, Sisi Rondina, and a few pro-players in the roster and the rest are collegiate players such as Angel Canino, Bea Belen, Alyssa Solomon, and others. Belen and Solomon didn’t accept the offer as they wanted to rest after the conclusion of UAAP, other players such as Poyos and Dongallo were also called but they were injured in their time in their respective leagues.

The men’s team was led by Marck Espejo, Kim Malabunga, Bryan Bagunas, and other senior players. Other young guns were called such as Noel Kampton, Josh Ybañez, and Sherwin Umandal. Bryan Bagunas failed to join the Men’s Alas as he had committed to his team in Taiwan.

A lot of fans from the volleyball community didn’t expect the lineup for men’s and women’s as they thought it needed more, the names such as Valdez, Galang, Reyes, Galanza, Intal, and such weren’t tapped in. The lineup was something out of the ordinary because a few senior players were tapped in and a lot from the lineup up were young players and were still on the collegiate level but what was there for the Filipinos to stop? Now that the Philippine volleyball community has come a long way since 2010, a lot is expected from the Alas’ now that they made a promising lineup.

What’s Next for the Alas’

The Alas Pilipinas are set to compete in the next international tournaments such as the 2024 Asian Volleyball Challenge Cup and the FIVB World 2024 FIVB Challenger Cup. The anticipation and support for the men’s and women’s volleyball teams so

far has been high and the volleyball community shows how important it is for the teams in the tournaments they will join this year.

Jia Morado was named as the captain of the women’s national team while Marck Espejo will banner the men’s national team as the team captain.

In the meantime, the historic creation of Alas and the results from their upcoming stints in this year’s tournaments are what’s next, it’s a stepping-stone for them to be one step closer to their dreams, to bring pride and excellence to the country.

In a deck of cards, the ace always comes out on top, and this is what the current moniker is manifesting for the team Philippines, to be on top.

To come out on top isn’t always easy, you need to have a story to tell, and that is the ingredient that makes the Alas Pilipinas be on top, their stories of hardships, from underdogs to eventual champions.

The Alas Pilipinas did what it took to be what they are today, that is because of their hardships, from an overshadowed sporting event to arenas filled with thousands of fans, the Alas truly embodied the “Laban, Puso” mantra in Philippine sports as they always put their hearts in their every fight.

May the Alas Pilipinas serve as an inspiration for the upcoming volleyball generations to keep and to make what they fought for, for it to stay because the revival of Philippine volleyball wasn’t easy, it was evident because, under that tapestry that the current and past generations of Philippine volleyball has woven, it took time, year after year, defeats after defeats, it wasn’t always the victory that they took home. But at last, it was Alas Pilipinas they created, that would define the current landscape of Philippine volleyball.

Written by: John Mark Austria & Romulo Josef Agana

The Olympics is the highest and most prestigious sporting event that ever existed, in the words of many. They say that the ultimate goal of every athlete is to reach and compete in the quadrennial sporting event, for them it’s a once-ina-lifetime opportunity to prove themselves worthy of being the best in their respective sport. For Filipinos, reaching the Olympics is their chance to stand out and make the country proud by bringing home pride, triumph, and ultimately the glorious medals.

The 2024 Olympics will be taking place in Paris, France where a c entury ago in 1924, the Olympics was held there. This year’s Olympics will be historic as it’s also a century since the Philippines officially joined their 1st Summer Games.

The country has a lot to prove after its greatest performance ever in the past 2020 Tokyo Olympics where the country bagged its first gold medal in the Summer Games courtesy of Hidilyn Diaz, the country also snatched two silver medals and one bronze medal.

With only two months away from the most anticipated 2024 Summer Games, Filipinos are counting on our Filipino representatives to see another come-from-behind story in the Olympics.

To know more about our Filipino athletes who will wave and raise our flag in the Paris Olympics, let’s get to know their story on their journey to Paris 2024. These are the 15-strong Filipinos who will grace the Olympic stage this year in Europe:

Ernest John “EJ” Obiena - Pole Vault

EJ Obiena is one of the country’s best bets for a podium finish this Paris Olympics. He qualified for the Olympics on June 3, 2023, after a silver medal finish in BAUHAUS-Galan in Stockholm,

Sweden. His masterful performance in the qualifications was just behind Armand Duplantis, the 2020 Tokyo Olympics champion.

This is Obiena’s second time at the Summer Games.

Obiena is currently ranked no. 2 rallying behind Armand Duplantis. He currently holds the Asian record in the pole vault, with a 6.06-meter finish in the Bergen Jump Challenge in Norway. EJ Obiena has been competing in multiple international competitions as part of his preparations ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Carlos Yulo - Gymnastics

Caloy once again proved that he wasn’t a one-trick pony as he again qualified for the Summer Games, his 2020 Tokyo Olympics performance was one of the talk because at that time he held a lot of pressure after winning the World Championships. He qualified for the Paris Olympics on October 1, 2023, in Antwerp, Belgium at the World Gymnastics Championship, he finished third in the floor exercise, enough to qualify him in the individual all-around in the 2024 Olympics as per the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) rules.

Yulo is still yet to win his first Olympic medal, he is already a two-time world champion and nine-time SEA Games champion. Recently, he ruled the World Championships in Tashkent, Uzbekistan where he bagged six gold medals.

After his masterful performance last year and this year, he again won the hearts of many and he’s a favorite to have a podium finish in the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Aleah Finnegan - Gymnastics

The young prodigy, Aleah Finnegan was already a hallmark of Philippine gymnastics at her young age. Originally, she was part of the United States women’s national gymnastics team from 2019 to 2021, this was because she’s both of Filipino and American descent. Finnegan made headlines as she was the first Filipina gymnast to qualify for the Olympics

since 1964. She qualified for the 2024 Olympics through overall rankings in the World Artistic Gymnastics in Antwerp, Belgium. She was part of the 14 highest-ranked gymnasts at the end of qualifications which enabled her to book a ticket to Paris.

This is Finnegan’s first Olympic berth following her recent move to the Philippines, proving her willingness to represent the country to the highest level of competitiveness.

Since her debut in 2021 for the country, Finnegan won the hearts of the Filipino gymnast community when she waved the flag for the women’s in gymnastics, in the 2022 SEA Games she bagged two gold and silver medals. Her masterful skills in the balance beam and vault made her a standout for a Filipina gymnast.

Levi-Jung RuivivarGymnastics

Another young prodigy is Ruivivar, of Filipino-American descent, at the age of 18, Ruivivar was able to quickly qualify at the senior gymnastics level. In her junior years, she represented the United States in various competitions, displaying her skills in the U.S. Gymnastics Championships. In September 2023, she transferred to represent the country for a while.

Her first stint is to represent the country in the FIG World Cup series in 2024, in the Cairo and Cottbus leg she wasn’t able to qualify but in Baku, she placed eighth in the uneven bars apparatus and made a silver medal finish in Doha. She concluded the series with an accumulation of 62 points on the uneven bars apparatus, at the end she earned the right to be on the 2024 Olympics as this was enough because the maximum points of 60 are needed.

Ruivivar made the impossible possible as she made a comeback on the last two legs of the FIG World Cup series. This is Ruivivar’s debut at the Olympics before she comes back to the United States to compete in the NCAA in the West to represent Stanford.

Emma MalabuyoGymnastics

Emma is another Filipino-American descent, she was previously a member of the U.S. national gymnastics team and an NCAA gymnast for UCLA.

Her bid in the 2024 Olympics was recently done at Tashkent, Uzbekistan where she bagged a bronze medal finish in the individual all-around in Women’s Artistic Asian Gymnastics Championships AGU 2024. She qualified for the Paris Olympics through her medal-winning performance.

This is Malabuyo’s first Olympic berth, but she was an alternate member of the U.S. gymnastics team.

A breakthrough for the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines

The recent transfers of Filipino-American gymnasts in the country showed improvements as the country’s performance in recent international competitions grew a lot from the past years. With the country not eyeing eyes only on Carlos Yulo, will this be an opportunity for the country to fill the gaps that the country has been looking for in the past years? Will this be a continual process for GAP to improve the gymnastics program in the Philippines?

In line with this, the country will send its yet biggest number of gymnastics athletes to the Olympics since its debut in 1924, a true breakthrough.

John Ceniza - Weightlifting

Ceniza is one of the rising weightlifting stars in the country, the Cebuano weightlifter qualified for the 2024 Olympics through the International Weightlifting Federation’s Olympic Qualification Ranking (OQR) where he finished sixth after a 300 kg total lift in the IWF World Cup men’s 61 kg category in Phuket, Thailand on April 2, 2024.

He moved up a notch in the OQR after a 298 kg lift in the IWF Grand Prix in Doha, Qatar.

Ceniza made the headlines as the first weightlifter who tried

to lift the country into the Olympics. As the sole Filipino weightlifter who qualified for the 2024 Olympics, Ceniza has a lot of weight on his hands to keep up with the competitiveness in his category.

This is Ceniza’s first Olympic berth following his historic stint as the Filipino weightlifter finally making a comeback in the Olympics. Ceniza currently holds all the National Records for the 55 kg and 61 kg category.

Elreen Ann AndoWeightlifting

Ando, one of the most promising weightlifters in recent years, made statements for herself as she wants to redeem herself from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. She booked her ticket to Paris through the International Weightlifting Federation’s OQR. Ando had to adjust her category from 54 kg to 59 kg as it became apparent that the IWF and Olympic Committee had changed lower categories for better competitions.

In the IWF World Cup in Phuket, Thailand on April 3, 2024, she secured her spot as she lifted a total of 228 kg, enough to stay inside the top 10 qualifications. Ando was faced with tough results as her countryman, first Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz, fell short of clinching a spot for the 2024 Paris Olympics. The two Filipina weightlifters have lifted enough to stay in the top 10 qualifications but new rules that only one athlete per country should qualify where Ando edged Diaz for a place in Paris 2024.

This is Elreens’s second Olympic berth, she wants to surpass her previous performances in international competitions such as SEA Games, Asian Games, World Cup, and Grand Prix to make a podium finish.

Vanessa Sarno - Weightlifting

Sarno, the reigning SEA games champion, just like the two weightlifters Sarno qualified via International Weightlifting Federation’s OQR. The pride of Bohol cemented her masterful performance this year after defending her SEA Games medals in the IWF World Cup in Phuket, Thailand on April 7, 2024.

Sarno shattered her records in

the World Cup, with a total lift of 245 kg in the 71 kg category, her lift was enough to secure her 5th spot in the qualifications. With this qualification, the Philippines will be sending its largest contingent of Filipino and Filipina weightlifters since the 1988 Olympics.

Tough wins, tough loss

The Samahang Weightlifting ng Pilipinas had the best and worst of worlds after the wins and losses ahead of Paris 2024, with three weightlifters being sent to Paris, it will be the biggest since 1988 and all athletes had the chance to make a podium based on their qualification rankings and previous international performances.

However, the loss of Hidilyn Diaz, the hallmark of the country’s weightlifting community, sent shocking news to everyone that the stiffness of the competition made her unable to qualify. Another weightlifter was snatched of their place, Rosegie Ramos she was also able to lift enough to stay in qualifications but her place was taken because of the ‘time and date of the event’ rule where her competitor and her having the same lifts but her competitor achieved the record first.

Joanie Delgaco - Rowing

Delgaco made history as the first Filipina rower to ever qualify in the Olympics, her stints in the SEA Games made her a multi-awarded Filipina rower proving that her skills will eventually get into something bigger and better and that this her journey to the Olympics.

She was able to sail to her first Olympic berth through the World Rowing Asian and Oceanian Qualification Regatta, where she clocked in 7:49.39, finishing fourth overall enough to be one of the five to be sent to Paris.

Delgaco was the fourth rower to qualify in the Olympics, it was only Cris Nievarez in the recent 2020 Tokyo Olympics who sailed the Philippine flag in the Olympics, now a Filipina will be finally able to do it.

Samantha CatantanFencing

Samantha made history after making her sport, fencing, to come back to the Olympics after three decades. Samantha was a UAAP fencing star during her collegiate career, she has now represented the country since 2019 in international competitions. She was unable to make it to the

last Tokyo Olympics where she lost in the OQT in the semifinals but now she has conquered the strip with her foil in Asia and Oceania OQT in the United Arab Emirates, where she still competed while her knees are injured. Samnthas’s swift skills made her win in OQT striking a ticket straight to the Paris Olympics.

This will be Samantha’s first Olympic berth where it is anticipated that she will face off against her former teammate Maxine Esteban, of Filipino-Ivorian descent, who will represent the Ivory Coast.

Eumir Marcial - Boxing

Eumir Marcial is the first Filipino boxer to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympics, aiming for gold. On October 4, 2023, at the 19th Asian Games, he secured his Olympic berth by defeating Ahmad Ghousoon of Syria in the men’s 80kg semifinal.

Marcial, a bronze medalist in Tokyo 2020, overcame doubts about competing in Paris after his 75kg weight class was scrapped. Encouraged by his family, he moved up in weight and paused his pro boxing career to compete in the Asiad.

Marcial aims to win Philippine boxing’s first Asiad gold since 2010 against Tanglatihan Tuohetaerbieke of China. He might face former foe Oleksandr Khyzhniak again in Paris and may fight in Europe before heading to the Olympics. Marcial is the ninth Filipino athlete to qualify for Paris 2024.

Aira Villegas - Boxing

Aira Villegas secured her spot in the Paris 2024 Olympics after overcoming her opponents in the 1st Boxing World Olympic Qualification Tournament at The Maria Piantanida Sports Palace in Busto Arsizio, Italy.

Villegas shrugged off a penalty point against Bulgaria’s Zlatislava Chukanova in the second round, winning a unanimous 5-0 decision in the women’s flyweight (50 kg). The 28-year-old southpaw dominated the opening round, earning straight 10s across the board, despite being consistently reprimanded for an illegal hold.

In the third round, Villegas faced a tough challenge from Chukanova, who landed more punches and even knocked her down. Despite this, Villegas managed to secure a top-four finish and her Olympic debut

by winning the round, 29-27, 29-27, 28-28, 28-28, and 28-28.

According to Paris 2024 Boxing Unit rules, when three or more judges have even scores, they must pick a winner, and Villegas won the tiebreak.

After qualifying on March 12 this year, Filipino boxer Aira Villegas makes her debut at Paris 2024. She will represent the country in the women’s freestyle 50-kilogram competition. She was the fifth Filipino athlete to score a ticket to the much-awaited games.

Villegas is now set for her maiden Olympic appearance, aiming for redemption and showcasing her talent on the world stage.

Nesthy Petecio is set for another shot at Olympic gold at the Paris 2024 Olympics after securing her spot through the 1st Boxing World Olympic Qualification Tournament at The Maria Piantanida Sports Palace in Busto Arsizio, Italy.

Petecio, a silver medalist in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and the first Filipino female boxer to medal in the Olympics relied on her experience to outsmart Turkey’s Ezra Yildiz with a 4-1 split decision in the women’s featherweight (57 kg). Impressing all five judges with her solid work in the first round, Petecio faced a more active Yildiz in the second round but still secured favor with her precise shots.

Adopting a defensive strategy in the third round, Petecio allowed Yildiz to win that frame but ultimately emerged victorious. With scores of 29-28, 2928, 29-28, 29-28, and 28-29, Petecio clinched a top-two finish, booking a return trip to the Olympics.

Aiming to complete her unfinished business after falling short of gold in Tokyo, Petecio will represent the Philippines in the women’s featherweight competition. Her qualification for Paris 2024 marks another opportunity for the 2019 World Champion to achieve Olympic gold.

Nesthy Petecio - Boxing

Carlo Paalam overcame a shoulder injury to secure his spot in the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Carlo Paalam - Boxing

The Filipino boxer, who settled for a silver medal in Tokyo 2020, qualified for Paris after defeating India’s Sachin Siwach via unanimous decision in the men’s 57kg event at the 2nd Olympic Boxing Qualification Tournament in Bangkok, Thailand.

Paalam had been dealing with a shoulder injury, which forced him to withdraw from the World Qualification Tournament in Busto Arsizio, Italy, in March. He sustained the injury after being slammed onto the canvas in the third round of his split decision win against Mexico’s Andrey Bonilla.

Despite these setbacks, Paalam secured his Olympic berth on June 1, 2024, and is set for redemption in Paris. He aims to avenge his gold medal defeat in Tokyo 2020, taking things one step at a time with his experience on his side. Paalam is another Filipino boxer earning a ticket to the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Hergie

Bacyadan - Boxing

From the Wushu Sanda to Vovinam, Hergie punches her first Olympic ticket in the boxing ring.

Hergie Bacyadan secured her spot in the Paris 2024 Olympics with a unanimous quarterfinal win over Maryelis Yriza of Venezuela in the Women’s 75kg at the 2nd World Boxing Olympic Qualification Tournament in Bangkok, Thailand. She is the fifth Filipino boxer to compete in Paris.

After a previous failed qualification attempt, Bacyadan focused on improving her footwork, speed, and timing. The 29-year-old middleweight from Kalinga, and a former Vovinam world champion, has been refining her skills with help from her coaches. Recognized for her power and strength, she aims to perform well in Paris.

Bacyadan joined a training camp in Spain and competed at the World Qualification Tournament 1 in Italy, where she narrowly lost to Brazilian Olympian Viviane Pereira due to allergies. Her semifinal appearance in Bangkok secured her Olympic berth, joining Eumir Marcial, Nesthy Petecio, and Aira Villegas in Paris.

Unfinished stints

The list of Filipino hopefuls who are still waiting to be qualified for the Olympics as the Philippine Olympic Committee hopes to surpass the 21-strong Filipino delegates sent to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

With less than 50 days before the Olympics, POC President, Bambol Tolentino, said that there could be 25 Filipino athletes who will go through Paris with different qualifications. Tolentino listed sports such as golf, judo, cycling, and athletics.

Premiered track stars such as Robin Brown, Eric Cray, Lauren Hoffman, and Kristina Knot are currently in the run to raise the number of Filipino athletes in the country.

The 2024 Paris Olympics will officially start on July 26August 11, 2024.

Nagsimula ang lahat sa patak ng tinta, dumaloy sa papel gamit ang pluma at nagsulat ng mga parirala. Ginamit ang talas ng isip at dila at isinatitik hanggang sa makabuo ng mga makabuluhang salita. Ngunit hanggang saan aabot ang mga napakawalang kataga?

Sumabak muli sa kompetisyon ang mga talentadong manunulat ng José Rizal University, The Scribe na nagwagi sa taunang Division School Press Conference upang katawanin ang dibisyon ng Mandaluyong sa Regional School Press Conference (RSPC) kung saan nagtagisan ang mga mahuhusay na student journalist na galing sa 16 na dibisyon sa lalawigan ng National Capital Region, na may temang “The Role of Campus Journalism in Fostering DepEd MATATAG: Addressing Literacy, Chartering a New Path.”

Sa bawat kategoryang kanilang sinalihan tulad ng kay Romulo Josef Agana sa Pagsulat ng Balita; Duztin Andrei Guevara sa Pagsulat ng Editoryal; Jomira Feonna Moreno sa Pagsulat ng Lathalain; Lance Lester Givanim sa Editorial Cartooning; Irvin Argel sa Pagsulat ng Pang-agham at Teknolohiya; Marcus Dwein Ferrer sa Copyreading at Headline Writing; Pretzel Dela Cruz sa Pagwawasto at Pag-uulo ng Balita, pinamalas nilang lahat ang pagpupursigi para magbigay karangalan sa kanilang paaralan at pati sa buong Mandaluyong.

Hindi naging madali para sa mga kalahok ang paglalakbay na kanilang tinahak sa kompetisyon na ito dahil sa matinding pag-eensayo na ginanap sa Mandaluyong Elementary School kasama ang mga mahuhusay na mga tagapagturo at ang mga School Paper Advisers bago maganap ang RSPC para mapaghandaan ito. Bitbit ang pangalan at karangalan ng kani-kaniyang eskuwelahan, hindi nagpahuli ang mga estudyanteng kinatawan ang JRU sa pagpapakita ng talino at talento. Ilang linggong pagsasanay para lamang sa pagasang makamit ang matamis na pagkapanalo.

Hanggang sa dumating ang araw na pinaka hihintay, ika-29 ng Abril nagtuos at sinimulan ang kompetisyon para sa RSPC na naganap sa Philippine School for the Deaf sa lungsod ng Pasay. Nangyari na rin ang matinding laban na kasing-init ng tirik ng araw at kasabay ng pagpatak ng pawis ang tinta sa mga pluma ng mga manunulat dahil isa lamang ang nararapat na magwagi ng unang gantimpala sa bawat kategorya upang makalipad patungong Cebu para naman sa panibagong labanan, ang National School Press Conference.

Mabilis na lumipas ang mga araw at sa ika-10 ng Mayo sa Cuneta Astrodome na matatagpuan sa lalawigan ng Pasay nakatakda na ipahayag ang nagwagi sa mga kategorya ng diyornalismo. Hindi man pinalad ang ibang pambato ng JRU sa RSPC, tumindig naman si Duztin Andrei Guevara at inuwi ang ikalawang gantimpala sa kategoryang Pagsulat ng Editoryal. Sa kaniyang paghakbang patungo sa plataporma para tanggapin ang medalya, dala-dala niya ang ngiting tagumpay, kasama ang karangalan ng paaralan at Mandaluyong.

Gaya ng ibang bagay sa mundo, hindi laging panalo ang mararanasan. May panahon na ang tinta ng iyong pluma ay paubos na o kaya naman ay pakupas na ang papel na iyong sinusulatan ngunit hindi ibig sabihin na tutuldukan na lamang ang lahat. Nararapat lamang na ipagpatuloy ang mga kabanata ng buhay at ilaban ang karangalan bilang isang mahusay na manunulat.

“It’s tough feeling left out, uninvited and unseen by social circles, or being sidelined”

Imagine a normal day after classes, relaxing after an arduous day at school. You mindlessly scroll through your Facebook or Instagram account, reacting and sharing posts. But then you see a post that stops you in your tracks. It’s a story of your classmates hanging out together with their friends.

What about during classes, when you overhear your classmates talking about their vacation plans, and one friend talks about how they should go to this resort, and another talks about the drinks and food the group should buy? And there’s you sitting there, uninvited.

Have you ever experienced this? Have you ever felt this way before, feeling left out? To barely have any friends at all or to have a group you’re emotionally close to? Have you ever thought about if you’ve messed up before, or if you’ve turned down a chance to hang out with a group of people that have now become a circle of friends?

Having this lonely feeling could make someone incredibly self-aware, and it makes some change their real self to their ideal self just to fit in, paying attention to societal standards. Some try to avoid this self-awareness by distracting themselves with watching T.V., getting drunk on alcohol and smoking, or even having more thoughts about suicide.

If you’re ever feeling this way, you’re not alone. Thousands of people around the world share this experience. And while it’s tempting to bum yourself out, it’s never too late to think about what you’re going through and what you could do.

Take a step back and take a deep breath. Take a moment to think about your situation. You may have to look in the mirror and think about your role. Some thought about changing their behavior because they noticed they didn’t appear friendly or inviting to their classmates. Some even realized they might not have been reaching out to their old friends in a while.

Vent about it. If you keep the thoughts in your head, you will eventually tire yourself out more. Instead, channel these feelings through a medium. It’s great if you have someone to talk to like a family member, but you can also write about it, draw, and more.

Put down your phone. Bonsaksen (2023) says that people who spend more time on social media to maintain relationships are associated with higher levels of loneliness. When anxious or jealous, feelings start appearing, so take a break from social media.

Join extracurricular activities, clubs, or organizations. There are lots of opportunities to have friends with extracurricular activities. You can find people with similar interests as you!

And finally, take the initiative. In this digital age, it doesn’t have to be a hangout. You could invite people with common interests, like online game sessions, or plan study groups. Take control of your social life and create new opportunities for connection.

In the end, we will all be excluded one way or the other, but know that with the right initiatives and looking in the right direction, you can find friends you’ll never regret meeting.

Ang buhay ay puno ng kuryosidad. Binubuo ito ng mga balakid na katanungan at pilit kinekwestyon– Bakit?

“Paano mo malalaman kung hindi mo susubukan?” Ito ang aking pinanghahawakan anim na taon ang nakalipas. Minsan kong inibig maging isang guro, doktor, abogado at piloto, ngunit sa pagtakbo ng panahon ay unti-unti kong nakikita kung saan ba dapat ako patungo habang hawak ang isang lapis na walang tasa. Pinasok ko ang isang kwarto habang bitbit ang pluma at nilisan ko ito na dala-dala pa rin ang panulat.

Labing tatlong taong gulang ako nang magkaroon ng kuryosidad sa isang gawain na hindi pangkaraniwan sa aking mga nakikita. Namulat ako sa mundo ng pagiging isang dyorno. Mayroong nagsasalita na maganda ang tinig, mga nakapustura habang diretso ang tingin sa kodak at ang nakapukaw ng aking atensyon ay ang hindi mabilang na mga batang nagsusulat ng isang artikulo. Kitang-kita ko kung paano nila inilalathala ang mga naiisip gamit ang lapis at kita ko rin ang pawang pagbura sa mga salitang hindi angkop sa nais. At dito ko sinimulan tasahan ang aking panulat na bitbit.

Sa bawat pagkiskis ng matulis na dulo ng lapis sa isang papel ay siya namang pagpatak ng aking pawis. Mistulang kabado dala ang pagkapa sa kung paano bubuo ng isang artikulo. Gaya ng nakararami, sangkaterba rin ang nagamit kong papel, napudpod na mga lapis at pambura ngunit ako ay nagpatuloy at muling nagtasa ng panibago. Dito nag-umpisa ang tatlong pudpod at tatlong tasa ko bilang isang ganap na dyornong mag-aaral. Nauna akong ipangkat sa mga nagsusulat ng balita. Kailangang nag-uumpisa sa pandiwa ang bawat taludtod sa isang artikulo at tanda ko ang hilig kong gamitin na mga salita– “Pinangunahan”, “Naghain”, at “Nagdaos”. Sa napakaraming pandiwa na mayroon, gaya ng napakaraming propesyon, bakit ko ba pinipilit na piliin kung ano ang una kong maisip? Maaari naman akong gumamit ng ibang salita, ngunit “dyorno” pa rin ang nakabara sa aking isipan.

Habang kumukupas ang talim na hawak ay sinusubok ang lawak ng imahinasyon at galing sa pagsasalaysay sa larangan ng lathalain. Bakit hindi ako nanatili sa mundo ng pagsulat ng balita? Muli kong tinasahan ang napudpod na pluma. Sa paglipas ng isang taon ay pinasok ko ang mabulaklak na mundo at napagtanto na dito ako nababagay. Ang kategoryang ito ang nagsilbing susi upang maipamalas ang galing sa dibisyon na lebel isang taon pa ang nakalipas. Ni walang nag-akala na sa nagdaan na dalawang taon ay nanatiling may tasa at tulis ang ginamit na panulat.

Muli kong hinarap ang ihip ng hamon at sumubok ng panibago— pinasok ang mundo ng agham. Bakit hindi ako nanatili sa pagsulat ng lathalain? Ito ang mitsa ng pangatlong pagtasa. Mas hinubog ang kakayahan na hindi lamang palawakin ang bokabularyo sa paglalathala, bagkus ay maging ang depinisyon at istruktura sa pagsusulat ng pang-agham at panteknolohiya habang gamit pa rin ang nakasanayang pluma. Ito naman ang panimula ng kaniyang kuwento papunta sa rehiyonal na lebel.

Walang kasiguraduhan kung ilang pagpudpod pa ng panulat ang aking mararanasan. Gaya ng walang katiyakan kung hanggang kailan ko magagamit ang plumang nakasanayan. Sa nagdaang anim na taon ay hinugis na ako sa paligid na puno ng kuryosidad. At sa pagpapatuloy sa hangarin ng isang dyornong mag-aaral, hindi ko na bibitawan ang panulat kahit pa pumasok ako sa tunay na mundo ng tagapagpahayag. Mapudpod man o manatiling matalim, iisa lang ang misyon ng isang katulad ko at ito ang makapaghatid ng impormasyon saan mang sulok ng mundo. Pinasok ko ang isang kwarto nang bitbit ang pluma at lilisanin ko ito na dala pa rin ang panulat.

Ngiting pumukaw sa mga tala at kagandahang bigay ni bathala na tila ba nagbibigay liwanag sa dilim. Sa dinami-daming nag-aagawan sa koronang makinang, isang binibini ang nanatiling tumindig at nauwi ang koronang inaasam ng karamihan.

Umukit ng kasaysayan si Chelsea Manalo mula sa Bulacan bilang kauna-unahang FilipinoBlack American na nanalo sa Miss Universe Philippines (MUPH), noong Mayo 22. Sa kabila ng maraming balakid, kabilang na ang kakulangan sa pera at ang pagmamaliit na itinatapon sa kanya ng mga eksperto sa larangan ng pageantry, hindi matinag na pagsusumikap ni Manalo ang nagdala sa kanyang pagkapanalo. Katatawanin niya ngayon ang Pilipinas sa ika77 na Miss Universe pageant sa Mexico ngayong taon, na umaasang maiuuwi ang ikalimang korona ng Miss Universe para sa bansa.

Hindi naging madali ang daan para masungkit ni Manalo ang korona. Halos mapilitang siyang umatras sa kompetisyon dahil sa pinansyal na problema. “We have to face it, Tito Boy, medyo matagal ‘yung competition this time, inabot siya ng four months. So ako, I came here as an independent [candidate], wala akong resources,” inamin niya sa isang panayam kay Boy Abunda sa GMA-7’s “Fast Talk.” Walang stylist at kakaunti ang mga resources, kaya’t umasa si Chelsea sa kabutihang-loob ng mga lokal na designer at sa suporta ng kanyang pamilya. Nagpabalik-balik siya mula Bulacan, pinangangasiwaan ang kanyang sariling transportasyon, damit, at makeup sa tulong ng mga kaibigan at tagasuporta.

Bago pa man ang itinakdang araw ng koronasyon, hindi kinikilala ng mga batikang analyst sa pageant si Chelsea bilang pangunahing kandidato. Ang mga website tulad ng Missossology at Pageanthology 101 ay inilagay siya sa ikasampung pwesto sa kanilang mga prediksyon. Sa kabila nito, ang determinasyon ni Manalo at pagtangan sa kanyang pagpaprayoridad ang nagdala sa kanya pasulong. “Just really embrace yourself, know who you are, because you can really go far when it comes to beauty pageants,” payo ni Chelsea sa mga nagnanais maging beauty queen. Ang kanyang pagsusumikap at paniniwala sa sarili ang naging susi sa kanyang tagumpay.

Ang tagumpay ni Chelsea ay hindi lamang personal na tagumpay kundi inspirasyon din sa iba. Lumaki siya na nakararanas ng pang-aapi sa kapwa dahil sa kulay ng kanyang balat at tipo ng buhok. Gayunpaman, tinulungan siya ng kanyang pamilya at mga kaibigan na maunawaan at tanggapin ang kanyang sariling pagka-espesyal. “They made me realize that I am beautiful in my own extraordinary way,” pagbabahagi sa kanyang “HER STORY” na bidyo. Ngayon, nais ni Chelsea na makipagtulungan sa mga organisasyong nakatuon sa pagpapalakas ng kabataan at edukasyon para sa mga katutubo.

Buong suporta naman ang kanyang ina at amain, na laging nasa kanyang tabi sa buong kompetisyon. Ang kanyang ina, si Contessa, ay may malaking papel sa pagpapalakas ng kanyang kumpiyansa sa sarili. “My mother, actually, was [the one] who inspired me to be myself. She told me to always believe in myself,” sabi ni Chelsea sa kanyang preliminary interview. Ang matibay na support system na ito ang tumulong sa kanya na manatiling nakatutok at determinado sa kanyang mga layunin.

Sa kabila ng lahat, kinoronahan si Manalo bilang bagong MUPH at tinalo ang 52 na iba pang kandidata. Ang kanyang pagkapanalo ay lalo pang kahanga-hanga dahil hindi siya itinuring na paborito. Ang kanyang kagandahan, tikas, at pagtutok sa kanyang mga pagpapahalaga ang nagwagi sa puso ng mga hurado at mga tagahanga. “My secret was to just give it my all, perform well, and stick to my core,” sabi niya. Ang pagiging totoo at sinseridad ni Manalo ang nagpaangat sa kanya bilang natatanging kalahok.

Bilang bagong MUPH 2024, si Manalo ay nakatakdang kumatawan sa bansa sa Miss Universe pageant sa Mexico. Sa kanyang kuwento ng pagsusumikap at pagtitiyaga, nais niyang magbigay inspirasyon sa iba at magdala ng karangalan sa Pilipinas sa pandaigdigang entablado. Plano ni Manalo na gamitin ang kanyang plataporma upang itaguyod ang mga adbokasiya na malapit sa kanyang puso, kabilang na ang pagpapalakas ng kabataan at edukasyon para sa mga katutubo. Umaasa siya ang kanyang paglalakbay ay magbibigay inspirasyon sa iba na abutin ang kanilang mga pangarap sa kabila ng mga pagsubok.

Isang ilaw ng inspirasyon ang pagkapanalo ni Chelsea na nagpapakita na kahit saan ka man nanggaling o ano man ang iyong mga hamon sa buhay, sa determinasyon at suporta, lahat ay posible. Habang siya ay naghahanda para sa Miss Universe pageant, ang buong bansa ay nakasuporta sa kanya, nagdarasal at umaasang muling magwagi sa pandaigdigang entablado. Si Manalo ay hindi lamang isang beauty queen; siya ay simbolo ng lakas, pagtitiyaga, at hindi matinag na katangian ng mga Pilipino.