Editor’s Note

boundaries. No borders. No barriers

If there’s something that could evoke an image of a worldwide society, it would be BORDERLESS. We are living in the 21st century—a time for embracing and empowering ourselves, breaking chains that keep us motionless.

We may find living in the present era to be like incessantly trying to break boundaries, borders, or barriers in most facets of our existence. It makes us feel eminently frustrated, especially with our academics, extracurricular activities, or work settings. I know some of you would probably agree and others would disagree, but these borders and barriers make us doubt ourselves, losing our confidence to aim for greater things.

But as I moved forward, I realized that knowing no boundaries, borders, or barriers meant not submitting yourself to what the world expects you to become, forcing yourself to fit in the box the universe created. We should not accept limitations; instead, we should unshackle ourselves, unlock doors, and walk through them. Behind those doors are opportunities and chances waiting for us to become extraordinary.

It is an arduous path to be borderless, and it doesn’t guarantee certain exceptional sequels. However, this battle will certainly bring out the best version of you and will anchor you to hope for your full potential, which will become a motivation for future generations to develop themselves fully.

Do not settle for less when you can do more. Do not let fear hinder your progress. Unleash yourselves from boundaries, borders, or barriers, and let’s bravely rise to the occasion.

With this year’s theme, BORDERLESS, the Seagull brings you diverse stories and features that entail the quest for breaking boundaries, borders, or barriers to be able to become great and exceptional. Imprinted in these pages are narratives of the inspiring struggles of people just like Ms. Myrene C. Jandic, a DH in Hong Kong, who set aside her dreams for a while and worked abroad to provide for the needs of her son, but now she continues to pursue her education here at JBLFMU while still working abroad. Flipping over the pages is a story of resiliency among the Aeta Community in Sitio Serum Guimaras, who thrive to cope with modernization while still giving significance to their culture.

Happy reading Lacsonians!

ERICA F. OPINION Editor-In-Chief

About The Cover

The traditional barriers of society are becoming increasingly splintered; blurred and permeable, and there’s no mending. We are in the new millennium of high-powered technology, which massively accelerates connectivity. We are in the era of autonomy and fluidity—the customary vocabulary that dispatches societal norms and cages. We are in a borderless ecosystem, and thriving therein are vast possibilities and opportunities. In this borderless world, everything is within our reach. The cover of this year’s magazine issue depicts the breaking of long-standing and predetermined borders and entering into a sphere of new knowledge, capabilities, and potentials that promise to be more engaging, empowering, and tolerant. We invite you to flip and immerse in the pages of these borderless narratives.