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THESPECTRUM
Dagway VOL. 60 NO. 3
Features Read on why people are drawn into getting tattoos.
Reminisce the fun that was being a 90’s kid. Read on page 3
Read on page 2
Know the local art scene in Bacolod through House of Frida.
SEPTEMBER 2015
Photo Essay Usual night for graveyard-shift workers. Read on page 4
Events Relive the highlights of this year’s Lasallian Week. See page 8.
Read on page 6
CONTEMPORARY EXPRESSIONISM. With swift bodily movement accompanied by perfectly rehearsed routines, dancers from Garcia-Sanchez School of Dance during their performance on the first day of the event.
A Portrait of the Millennial By Lyle John L. Balana | Photo taken by Jhon Aldrin M. Casinas
Photo by Nicci Bernelle D. Aguilar
Make it BIG on a Thursday Night By Daryl Dane G. Montehermoso Photo courtesy of Roberto Juan Lacson
Millennials. The requisite image that represents the whole, if sentiment allows, splits into two – the negative presenting a smug, self-absorbed individual, lording over past generations the innovations that allow him to supersede. While the positive emphasizes the openminded, liberal do-gooder, overstepping discriminations steeped in territory and cultural egocentrism to deliver the purest quality of human concern. Though each definition could not claim dominance over the other, the interest centers on which archetype would leave its mark, and in turn, the only influence that really matters in the run of human civilization. But being a millennial is not limited to embracing the polarity that taxes every zeitgeist. There are plenty of sides to every contested term, and all of them could give insight as to what makes for a truly quintessential paragon of the discussed age. The term “millennial” was ascribed to the authors William Strauss and Neil Howe at around 1987 to describe the generation whose earliest
birthdate was 1982 and the latest was 2004, with the central theme tied down to the thenmythic year of 2000, seen as a milestone in the field of human progress. Some definitions have moved the genesis of the generation to 1978, while others have preferred the relative lateness of 1985. Also known as Generation Y and Generation We, the millennials were expected to utilize the political, social, economic, and ideological infrastructure that the previous Generation X, also known as the Baby Boomers, to their fullest capacity. Politically, millenials have been shown to be increasingly apathetic and bored with current politics, no doubt aided by the metacognition of the futility of government by years of experience and recursion made personal and available by improved information dissemination. According to the PRRI’s millennial report survey, the millennial generation has become less active in politics and more concerned with participation that required minimal effort, like online activities: signing an online petition (37 percent) or “liking” an issue on Facebook
(28 percent). Activities that involve more resources or effort: donating money to a political campaign or cause (12 percent), contributing to an online discussion or blog advocating for a political position (14 percent), or attending a political rally or demonstration (14 percent) are clearly unsavory from the millennial standpoint. Socially, the millennials are taking full advantage of social media, a communications network generated by the Internet as the commercial byproduct of public access. The trappings lain out by 1979’s UseNet has been fully realized in the form of Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Reddit, Youtube, and Pinterest – titans of trite reference when a summary of internet social media is requested. And these very devices are the ones that exert the greatest amount of influence as to how people receive their news nowadays – according to the American Press Institude, fully 88 percent of those surveyed get news from Facebook at least occasionally, 83 percent from YouTube, and 50 percent from Instagram. Sizable minorities
of Millennials also report getting news from Pinterest (36 percent), Twitter (33 percent), Reddit (23 percent), and Tumblr (21 percent). And while these numbers are smaller, they represent quite large percentages of those who use these social media platforms at all. For all that, the omnipresence of Facebook stands out. Fully 57 percent of Millennials who get news from Facebook do so at least once a day (including 44 percent who say at least several times a day). That is roughly double the number using YouTube (29 percent) or Instagram (26 percent) on a daily basis to get news and information, the next most popular social networks for doing so. Economically, millennials are mistrustful of the digital economy despite being a generation who had lived out their whole lives living out the Internet Age. The digital identity specialist Intercede, holding a survey of 16-35 year olds in the UK and US with a sample size of 2000, asked about the impact of an increasingly digitallyconnected world. Nearly 70 MILLENNIALS/6
Amongst a familiar place in Bacolod known for the clubs and the bars on a Thursday night you would see a crowd of people teary-eyed from their laughter while they watch this group who are seemingly goofing around. It’s not your typical comedy bar filled with comedians who would make fun of your flaws or check you out in front of a crowd and whatnot, but it’s the Bacolod Improv Group (BIG) bringing you in the art of Improv Acts with their twist of comedy put into it. Something new you should check out at the Art District, Mandalagan. The talented group is composed of six members: Elian Jason Quilisadio, Joseph Motus, Kurt Soberano, Eloise Gonzales, Eero Martinez, and John Arceo. “From being his (John Arceo) students we have formed a family,” Elian Quilisadio says, from his experience from the Negros Summer Workshops where he met his fellow Improv players all of them filled with their deep love for the art of
acting formed a deeper bond to entertain and to perform for Bacolodnons. The group used to go by the name Kinengkoy or known formally as Kinengkoy Express, but later on transitioned into Bacolod Improv Group or BIG on December 25, 2014 and led them to keep on performing consecutively on every other Thursday night. Other times, you could catch the group performing incomplete unless you watch more often and catch the whole gang do their thing which would make a total difference to your Thursdays with BIG experience. “We usually have 9-10 games per show. We could even reach 11 if the audience wants more,” Elian Quilisadio proudly says and states that their show would usually start 8:30 in the evening and would end around 10:30. What makes the whole thing even more fun is the fact that the audience gets to participate with their acts, which I won’t share what exactly it could be leave it as a IMPROV/6
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Dagway
THESPECTRUM
AUGUST TO SEPTEMBER 2015
TATTOOS AND BEYOND By Hezron G. Pios | Illustrated by Jowan Dave G. Guides
A searing fire, an array of patterns, or some animal features; famous icons, cliche quotes, then other minimaslistic marks. You select depending on what makes you, you. You choose whatever embodies your identity, beliefs, values, experiences, and sometimes the meaning to your life challenges through an art pierced through your skin— tattoos. Tattoos come in many shapes and sizes. However, to what extent does this act lead to? To exude? To revolt? To remind? To the utmost of freedom of expression? To identify? Or rather, to immerse oneself in the pool of vanity? According to Wikipedia, a tattoo is a form of body modification, made by inserting indelible ink into the dermis layer of the skin to change the pigment. The main purpose of tattooing cannot be constricted into a
single phrase only because it has disparate meanings and histories tied to it. Such that it conveys status and position, this compares to that of a rising sun or an empire emblem. Soldiers get tattoos to remind them of courage, while captured criminals are inked with it to bear the brunt of their crime. Besides, tattoos are also used to hide skin discoloration and to be an identification mark in some tribes across the globe. Malena Harbers, beauty editor at Instyle.co.uk, inquired David Beckham regarding his opinion on his tattoos which he gladly replied, “Every one of my tattoos means something whether it has to do with my family or friends or a life experience. My only advice would be to not get one done when you’re drunk and to make sure it’s meaningful to you because eventually your body changes and it might not
look as cool as it did ten years before! I’m sure I’ll get more at some point.” But the more people fascinate the beauty of modern tattoos, the lesser have become of the traditional tattoo artists in number specifically in the Kalinga (headhunters), Cordillera Region, Philippines. The population of Kalinga tattoo artists or also referred to as the “mambabatok” have drastically decreased into one, leaving the 97 year-old Apo Whang-Od as the last living traditional artist of her generation from the Butbut tribe of Buscalan, wherein she uses charcoal and a thorn from pomelo fruit in crafting tattoos. Whang-Od is unmarried albeit she claims that, “I used to have 14 suitors when I was young. But my parents never allowed me to interact with them.” This can imply that Apo had been one
A Munificent Heritage By Krimlyn L. Lumawag
of the most beautiful women in her tribe. Apo also has her entire body covered with tribal patterns, some symbolize the lost love that she had endured decades ago, while others depict beauty and elegance. Being unable to establish her own family, Whang-Od decided to intently pour out her time and focus into tattooing. But since aging has tagged along, Whang-Od teaches and collaborates with her 19 year-old grandniece Grace Palicas, whose been promised as the heir of their tradition. As of today, social netizens are wired and buzzing for Apo Whang-Od to be a recipient of the National Artist award—the highest award given to any artist who has contributed a huge amount of his/her talent to the Philippine art and culture. Apo has expanded her influence
in tattooing as both local and international tourists are wanting to be tattooed by her. Moreover, Facts. randomhistory.com added that, “Receiving a tattoo has been described as similar to getting stung by a bee or getting a sunburn. While the amount of pain experienced while receiving a tattoo depends on the individual, typically the most painful areas are over the bone such as the ankle, collarbone, chest, ribs, and spine.” Meanwhile, “43% of people think a tattoo with a personal meaning is the most important factor, 31% claim tattoos make them feel sexy and 29% say their tattoos keep them rebellious-looking,” according to Staticbrain.com. May it be an act of revolution, fashion or passion, tattoos display to us that there certain things in life meant to last, not forever
but of a lifetime. Tattoos give us the sense of permance through the thick and thin tints of ink marking our feet to our skull, from our left and right fingers to the center of our chest. Imagine if there’d be no tattoos in the world, there’ll also be no stories worth sharing, no pain worth remembering, and no lessons worth marking on our skin. To end this, here’s a quote from Margo DeMello, Bodies of Inscription: “A genuine tattoo... tells a story. I like stories and tattoos, no matter how well done, and if they don’t tell a story that involves you emotionally, then they’re just there for decoration, then they’re not a valid tattoo. There has to be some emotional appeal or they’re not, to my way of thinking, a real tattoo. It tells people what you are and what you believe in, so there’s no mistakes.”
ECOBOX
Bird of Paradise By Krimlyn L. Lumawag | Photo taken from the internet
Claddings and textures, when pertaining to folk collections, serve as mediums to spectacles of cultures. They are native exhibits which integrate engineering to social sciences, as structures of these define the people, ethnic materials and lifestyle present in a certain community. Moreover, it is an artist’s remake of travelling, wherein a person need not travel to procure learning. The JGM Textile Arts Center, located at the second floor of Museo Negerense de La Salle, preserves such noble purpose. The center was named after Jose Garcia Montellibano, the father of the donor Mara Montellibano. With over 1, 500 pieces of international textile collection coming from 72 countries all over the world, the structure became the very first International Folk Collection in Asia. The area of the room is equivalent to two combined normalsized classrooms, with glass cases of both humungous and petite sizes surrounding the area. Drawers, which inside are laminated sheets of stuff names, are situated beside the cases and shelves to assist the visitors in getting
themselves familiar with the clothing, jewelries dolls, and other miscellaneous items. A mural painting with various shades of bright colors lie on the left side of the center’s entrance. At one glance, you can easily interpret that the artist’s subject were the indigenous people of the Philippines. But there is more of the painting that meets the eye. Local artist Leah Samson included the different materials in weaving like the Abacca and Finya (leaves) in her masterpiece, showing images of Aeta working on their native items like clothing and baskets. She showed the early Filipinos’ simplicity of life, through indebting themselves to nature. Other crafts are made of pliable materials, a majority of which are located in the Basketry section of the center. Through the process of weaving, materials that can easily bend, fold or twist easily are processed to produce baskets. “It is hard to say just how old the craft is because natural materials like wood, grass, and animal remains decay gradually. So as to say, without proper preservation, much of the history of basket making has long been lost and is simply speculated upon,” Marjelyn Gruspe, one of
the student tour guides of the Museo said. Crafts in the basketry are highlighted by the guides for most of the items are personally handpicked by the donor. “Take note, every collection in the section comes from the different parts of the world,” Gruspe said. Some baskets may hold resemblance to that of the Filipinos, but are made peculiar through authentic materials coming from the country they are made from. With the aging of the crafts and the structure itself, Museo continues to preserve the durability of their items through giving out of assertive reminders during tour guiding activities. “Among all the sections of Museo Negrense de La Salle, the JGM Textile Arts Center may be the most colorful, creative and numerous in collections,” Gruspe said. As you leave the premises of the center, you will realize that the different corners of the world have just met before your eyes; their raiment, auld yet quaint crafts, and their love of culture wrapped in one room –the JGM Textile Arts Center.
For the Queen Consort of the United Kingdom’s commemoration, the scientific name of this plant was brought into being. The Stelitzia reginae or Bird of Paradise –native to the Cape Provinces, this plant is compared to that of brightly colored birds in flight roaming the land borders of South Africa. With its bluishgreen color paired with red midrib similar to the banana leaves, the crane flower has become one of the most beautiful exotic plants. Its foliage, which is attached to a stalk, grows best during the Summer season, and may do so as well, even when placed to seaside gardens, as its fibrous leaf textures make it easier to adapt in salt
breeze. Lengthy flowers surface from both green and pink boat-shaped bracts in Spring with brilliant orange colored petals and blue arrow-shaped tongue termed as spathe. The specie was naturalized from Belize, Mexico, Madeira Islands, and Juan Fernandez Islands off the coast of Chile, and has been attracting Sunbirds since then for the purpose of pollination. The plant was first introduced to Europe in 1773 as an ornamental plant, grown at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. This enticing entrance paved way to its discovery to the Americas and Australia, most of which after, where situated in Florida and
Official Student Media Corps of the University of St. La Salle * USLS Student Activity Center, La Salle Ave., Bacolod City, Negros Occidental 6100 * Volume 60 Number 3
California, due to their ideal warm climate feature. Bird of Paradise are associated with liberty, magnificence, and good perspective, as it is commonly used in landscapes or mass plantings, and are a perfect fit to surround the pool garden area, for its leaves, which are nine inches long and less than three inches wide, do not shed. But with its beauty come a long requirement of time for maturity. From seed, a Bird of Paradise may consume about three to five years to achieve full growth. The good news is that this plant is relatively pest-free. Though occasional insects or leaf borers may attack, they will not affect the overall survival of the plant. Given its satisfactory features as a whole, the plant is considered as one of the collector’s plants for nice specimens of such are rarely to be found. The availability of this plant in modern growing practices come with a high price. But before you set off in planting one, remember, its seeds are toxic. Abdominal pain and vomiting in children and even dogs can happen if consumed. Goodluck on your first attempt in growing the brightly colored flower.
Dagway
AUGUST TO SEPTEMBER 2015
Musikang Pilipino, Buhay pa ba? By Meryll D. Marfil | Photo by Jowan Dave G. Guides
Di makatulog sa gabi sa kaiisip, sa diwa ko ikaw ang aking panaginip o bakit ba ikaw ang siyang tanging laman ng isip ko? Isang napakagandang awitin ng isang pusong puno ng damdamin. Tumatak sa bawat Pilipinong umiibig maging bata man o matanda. Napakayaman ng musikang Pilipino simula noon, maaring hanggang ngayon parin naman, Subalit sa pag daan ng makabagong henerasyon, unti-unti na ring nagbabago ang natural na himig nating mga Pilipino. Kaalinsabay ng paglipas ng panahon, ang pag kupas rin ng mga kantang tunay na atin at tunog atin. Kung ikukumpara noon ang bawat kantang maririnig sa mga radyo ay madadama, ang nais iparating ng isang awitin, ang hapdi ng mga sinugatang puso, sakit ng pag iwan ng iyong minahal, kirot na tumatagos hanggang sa kaibuturan ng puso, at ang saya na bumangon at mag mahal muli. Masusing pinag-iisipan ang bawat musika at liriko upang makabuo ng isang obra maestrang dekalidad at kailan may hindi kukupas. Gayunpaman kagaya ng ibang bagay ay mabilisan na itong nalilimutan ng makabagong kabataan. Kung iyong bibigyan ng oras at panahon na muling pakinggan ang mga naunang kanta, mahihinuha mu ang malaking kaibahan ng mga tugtog noon kumpara ngayon. Magandang isipin na nakakasabay tayo kahit papano sa mga uso, kaya nga lang ba’t ganoon? puro “beat” nalang ang
maririnig mo? O ‘di naman kaya panay paulit-ulit na liriko na di mo man lang malaman kung ano ang nais iparating ng mga tugtog na yaon, ikumpara mo naman sa mga awitin noon na nag bibigay tatak sa ating isipan ang bawat kahulugan hindi kagaya ngayon na mabilisan na sisikat ang isang kanta ngunit madali rin namang malimutan kagaya nalamang ng pusong bato at gayuma ganun nalamang ba talaga ang kalakaran sa industriya ng musika ngayon? Nakikisabay din tayo sa kung ano man ang sumisikat sa ibang bansa. Nakakabahala ang mga nangyayari kung ating iisipin, mabuti nalamang ay naramdaman ng mga taong may pagmamahal sa pag likha ng tunay na musikang Pilipino ang pangangailangan ng mga paraan upang muling buhayin ang mga musikang tayo ang lumikha. Bilang suporta sa Organisasyon ng mga Pilipinong Mang-aawit (OPM), ipinagutos ni Pangulong Aquino sa National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) na
siguraduhing nasusunod pa rin ng mga istasyon ng radyo partikular ng mga FMs ang Executive Order na nag-uutos sa pagpapatugtog ng hindi bababa sa apat na orihinal na kantang Pinoy sa bawat oras ng mga music programs. Ayon sa Malacañang, mistulang nakakalimutan na ng mga istasyon ng radyo ang matagal nang EO at mas napapahalagahan ang mga musikang galing sa ibang bansa. Sa isang hakbang na ito ay unti-unti din naman nating naramdaman kahit papano ang muling pag bangon ng mga kantang pinoy. Mabuti na lamang ay nagsilitawan itong mga samo’t saring patimpalak sa pag likha ng mga musikang Pilipino kagaya na lamang ng Philippine Popular Music (PhilPop) kung saan parehong mga beterano at baguhan pa lamang na kompositor at mang awit ay binigyan ng oportunidad na muling mapakinggan ang kanilang sariling kanta, himig, at musika. Ito ay isa sa mga premiyera klaseng kompetisyon
ditto sa bansa.Isang halimbawa din and PPop Lovesongs o Himig Handog PPop Lovesongs; Mga Kwento ng Pusong Pilipino kung saan puro mga kantang kwento ng pag-ibig ng mga Pilipino kung paano mag mahal at masaktan. Pinapangunahan ang organisasyong ito ng ABS-CBN. Makikitang may kaunting pagbabago rin naman sa takbo ng karera ng ating sariling musika sa pag daan ng mga taon. Kailangan lang pagyamanin pa ang ano mang nasimulan na upang patuloy ang pag sibol, pag-unlad, at paglaki ng musikang Pilipino, dahil kung pagsasawalang bahala lang natin ito ay walang patutunguhan ang bawat himig ng mga Pilipino. Lingid sa ating kaalaman kung gaano tayo naapektuhan ng bawat musikang ating naririnig, sa kadahilanang isinasalaysay ng mga himig na ito ang bawat kwento ng ating puso, kabiguan, kasayahan, at ang hapdi. May mga kanta naman talagang kahit hindi naman tayo nalulumbay sa panahong ito’y umalingawngaw ay nagiging emosyonal tayo, lalo na kapag ito’y Tagalog na awitin pa sapagkat mas lubos natin itong naiintindihan. Nakakatuwang isipin na untiunti naring dumarami ang mga pilipinong kompositor na nais ibahagi sa atin ang naiibang himig ng musika, subalit sapag pasok ng mga makabagong porma ng mga awit, huwag nman sana nating kalimutan ang mga awitin na minsa’y nag pakilig, nagpasaya, at nag paluha sating mga mata.
Pagsilang sa Bagong Paniniwala By Ma. Lore Prado
Pagtunog ng alas tres kaluluwa’y naglalabasan, pagwalis habang may sabong na nagaganap; pagsapit ng gabi ipinagbabawal ang pagputol ng kuko, ito’y magdudulot ng masamang pangyayari. Ilan lamang ito sa mga pinapaniwalaan ng mga Pilipino. Namulat tayo sa tradisyon na itinuro ni Inang bayan, ang pamahiin o paniniwala na nakasanayan na simula pa noong unang panahon. “Wala namang mawawala”, ito ang basihan ng karamihan, bakit di subukan at iyong alamin kung ito ba’y totoo o hindi. Puno ng kababalaghan, mga misteryong sinasagutan ng imahinasyon at eksprensya hango sa pngyayari, ito ang tinatawag na buhay. Katangian ng mga kababayang Pilipino ang magpalaganap ng kwento at hakahaka. Karaniwan natin madinig sa mga matatanda, kanilang payo at babala sa mga huling butil. Kakayahan ng isip ang nagtutulak upang maniwala at nasa kamay ng desisyon kung susundin ito. Mula noon hanggang sa kasalukuyang panahon, hindi pa rin mabubura sa kulturang Pilipino ang mga matatandang paniniwala, ito’y nakatatak na sa pagiging Pilipino. Sumibol ang iba’t ibang paniniwala tungkol sa sari’t saring likha na ating nakikita, nararanasan o nararamdaman sa panahon ng pagsilang sa wikang Pilipino. Maaring gawa ng isip o di kaya’y nagkataon lamang. Nasa dugo nating mga Pinoy ang ipalaganap an gating nakasanayan. Naimpluwensyahan natin ang mga ibang tao lalo na ang mga
nakakabata sa ating edad. Sa tanda ng kulturang kinalakihan hindi na matuntun kung saan nagsimula ang pinapaniwalaan na mga pamahiin. Simula sa duyan na iyong tinutulugan, magkaisip bilang bata, lumaki sa bayang puno ng kasayahan hanggang ngayon sa araw na ito, walang pagkakataon na hindi ka nakarinig ng taong nagsabi ng ganitong ideya “Walang mawawala kung susubukan” Opinyon sa buhay na nagging kaisipan ng iba sa pagtingin ng mga pangyayari. Maraming klasipikasyon ang pamahiin, ito’y naayon sa okasyon, nakasanayan, at sa araw araw na layunin. Pinapaniwalaan ng karamihan, naging tanyag hanggang sa kasalukuyan na henerasyon. Bilog, sumisimbolo ng pera kaya magsuot ng damit na maraming bilog tuwing bagong taon upang maging sagana ang taong darating. Karamihan sa kababayang Pilipino ay sumusunod kung anu ang uso, ang iba ay nakasanayan na sa kulturang kinamulatan. Ipinagbabawal ng mga lolo’t lola ang pagwawalis tuwing gabi dahil sa kadahilanang tinataboy nito ang swerte. Sa larangan ng kalusugan, pagtalon tuwing bagong taon upang tumangkad at lumaki. Pampatagal ng buhay, pagkain ng pancit o kahit anong pagkain na mahaba upang madugtungan ang buhay. Kaligtasan, tinuturing na ang araw ng Biyernes ay malas at delikado kaya kailangan ng lubusang pag iingat sa mga mangyayaring aksidente. Humiling pagnakakita ng tala dahil ang iyong hiniling ay magkakatotoo sa tamang oras.
Pagsapit ng 11:11 ng umaga at nagkataon na nakitang eksaktong ibig sabihin may nag iisip sayo. Totoo man o hindi pinipili pa rin ng masa na paniwalaan ang mga kathang isip na eksplinasyon sa mga pangyayari sa buhay. Sa pagkakataon ngayon marami na ang naisip na dahilan upang huwag paniwalaan ang mga pamahiin. Kaisipan noon kuntra sa siyentipikong pag iisip ngayon. Lohika ang unang lumalabas na dahilan. Siyentipiko ng tamang pag iisip o mag kilala sa salitang lohika. Halimbawa ilagay ang libro o kwadernong iyong pinag aralan sa ilalim ng iyong unan na hinihigaan, konklusyon: papasok sa iyong ulo ang iyong mga pinag.aralan. Hindi nakikitaan ng koneksyon sa resultang sinabi ang pamahiin na ito. Gamit ang tamang pag iisip nag aral siya ng mabuti bago matulog kaya pumasok sa utak ang pinag aralan. Sadyang mayroong malawak na imahinasyon na nagdudulot ng maling rason sa isang bagay o pangyayari Ang isip ng tao. Konsepto ng katotohanan. Nabubulag sa maling paraan, hindi wasto ang katotohanan na ating kinalakihan sa mundong ito kung puro na lang pamahiin ang ating nagiging sandigan sa pagharap sa kinabukasan. Nasisira ang totoong eksplanasyon tungo sa tamang daan dahil mas pinapaniwalaan ang pamahiin. Pagkawala ng kalayaan sa kagustuhan. Nagiging alila tayo ng takot dulot ng mga paniniwala,hindi na nagagawa ang naiisip na gawain dahil inuuna natin ang pag alala na baka may masamang mangyari ayon sa pamahiin. Kinukulong
tayo ng ating mga paniniwala. Bawal kumain ng itlog kapag may pagsusulit dahil baka itlog din ang makuha mo na iskor. Nilalamon ang iyong kagustuhan, kahit sa pagkain nawawala na ang iyong kalayaan. Nagkataon na alas tres ang iyong lakad at dahil sa hakahaka hindi mo na lang itinuloy. Ang sariling desisyon ay unti unting nabubura dahil ang seguridad ay inaasa na lang sa pamahiin. Swerte o malas,salitang puno ng kahulugan pero walang koneksyon sa buhay. Gawa ng pagpili na ginusto ang mga pangyayari na nagaganap. Maaaring magdulot ng masama kung mali ang pinili. Pagkakataon at pag unawa sa sitwasyon ang wasto. Huwag laging umasa sa sinabi ng iba dahil may karapatan tayong mamili. Naaayon sa Diyos lahat ng pangyayari,ito’y plano na hindi nalalaman ng tao. Buong tiwala nagsasabi na nakasalalay ang buhay sa swerte. Walang swerte sa pananampalataya. Isa sa mga nagpapataas ng paniniwala natin tungkol sa swerte at malas ang pagtangkilik natin sa pamahiin. Sumakatuwid patuloy parin ang buhay, iba’t iba man ang ating pagtingin sa mga bagay bagay. May epekto sa lahat ng pinipili, maaaring hindi naaayon sa kagustuhan at inaasam. Marami man ang maling epekto ng pamahiin hindi na mabubura na bahagi ito upang mabuo ang kulturang Pilipino at ang kasaysayan na naging sangkap upang makompleto ang pagiging isang lahi ng mga Pinoy.
THESPECTRUM
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Masaya Maging Batang 90’s, Pramis! By Jisson C. Yalong | Illustrated by Jowan Dave G. Guides
Sa paglago ng teknolohiya at pagiging haytek ng ating bansa sa pagdaan ng panahon, sa mga flush-less nating mga kubeta hanggang sa mga teleponong may sariling utak, may isang henerasyon na nakaranas kung paano lumaki at patuloy na gumanda si teknolohiya, ang mga batang 90’s. Magkasabay silang bumukadkad at yumabong. Nagmistulang kababata sila at nasaksihan din ng mga batang 90’s kung pano binago ni teknolohiya ang buong mundo. Noon, bungang araw at pawis ang tinatamasa nila araw-araw. Nagbababad sa init ng isang masiglang umaga hanggang sa pagsapit ng tanghali, kung saan tinatawag na sila ng kani-kanilang mga nanay upang umidlip muna upang sila umano’y “tumangkad” at maging “matipuno tulad ni tarzan”. Pag dating ng dapithapon ay nagsisiunahan sila sa mga kani-kanilang telebisyon upang manood ng mga patronado nilang palabas tulad ng Dragon Ball Z, Zenki at syempre, ang mga kaibigan natin na sina Jason, Kimberly, Billy, Trinny at si Tommy, ang mga magigiting at makukulay na Power Rangers. Kapag bentekwatro oras o di kaya TV Patro Negros na ang pinapalabas, laruan naman ang mag-duduty para sa kani-kanilang kasiyahan Pagdating ng gabi ay nalilipat na kay nanay at tatay ang remote sapagkat oras na sa pagsubaybay sa mga tinatankilik nating soap operas, pero bago nun, Magandang Gabi Bayan muna kasama si Kabayan Noli De Castro. Eto na, sina Juday at Wowie sa Esperanza, Claudine Barreto at Rico Yan sa Mula sa Puso, at siyempre ang orihinal na Pangako Sayo kasama sina Echo (Jericho Rosales) at Kristine Hermosa. Pagkatapos ng mga palabas, tatayo na si nanay sa sofa sabay sabing “matulog na tayo, gabi na” kahit alas otso ng gabi pa lang. Umaga nanaman. Oras na upang gumising at sumuong sa paaralan kahit na madilim pa. (‘yung ibang mga eskwelahan ay napakaagang nagsisimula noon) kasama ang iba na nagsisiksikan sa mga jeep o di kaya sa mga school service na naglilibot sa mga subdivision. Pagdating sa silid-aralan ay agad na pupunta sa mga barkada para maglaro bago magsimula ang first period. Teks-teks muna kasi ang tagal pa naman n mam, o di kaya ander’s kingdom (habulan) para sa mga batang makakati ang paa, pero pag naglelektyur na ay papagalitan naman dahil ambabaho na kahit kakasimula pa lang ng araw.
Official Student Media Corps of the University of St. La Salle * USLS Student Activity Center, La Salle Ave., Bacolod City, Negros Occidental 6100 * August to September 2015
Ang mga guro noon ay nagtatatag ng isang diktatoryal na pamamaraan sa loob ng klasrum. Hindi pa kasi pinapagalitan ng nakakataas ang mga gawainghitler nila, halimbawa, kapag may gagawin kang kabulastugan sa harap ng titser mo, dapat nagaabang kana sa isa sa mga dito; yeso, eraser at mga testpapers. Aray! Pagsapit ng recess ay nagsisidagsaan na sa kantina upang mamili ng mga kakainin, sari-sari ang mga gimik ng tindera/tindero noon. Tulad ng mga oatmeal at noodles-on-a-cup na swak talaga sa badyet ng mga bata. May mga iba’t ibang junk foods din na nabibili doon, tulad ng mga immortal na mga alltime paborito ng mga bata tulad ng Piatos, Chippy at Pillows. At minsan, pag may ekstrang gatong ang mga bulsa ay makabibili din ng soft drinks w/ice na nakalagay sa isang maliit na plastic na supot. Lunch time na at sama-sama na ang barkada upang kumain ng mga mabibigat na pagkain para sa maghapong pakikinig sa guro. Mayroong mga kumakain sa klasrum kasama ang mga nakabaong tanghalian at mga naka-container na mga inumin. Yung iba naman ay nagsisitakbuhan sa mga malalapit na karinderya upang bumili ng makakain, at makalibre ng isang mangkok na sabaw para masarap at swabe ang kainan. Oras na ng pinakapaboritong parte ng bawat batang mag-aaral sa araw ng klase, ang uwiam, at oras na din upang pumunta sa paraiso ng bawat bata noon, ang mini-divisoria na nakatirik sa labas ng paaralan. Mga mumurahing laruan, action figures man o kaya mga plastik na manika. Mga trading card games na usong-uso noon, mga sari-saring gimik tulad ng pa-swerteng pilian ng numero sa loob ng maliit na kahon, na kapag napanalunan mo ay may makukuha kang colored na 45-days na sisiw. Pagdating sa bahay ay magugulat lang sina nanay at tatay sa dala-dala mong manok. Malaki na talaga ang ipinagbago ni teknolohiya. Tumubo na sya at naging kaayaaya. Hindi na ganoon kadalas ang ating pagdurusa sa lahat ng bagay dahil nandyan palagi ang mga matulungin niyang kamay upang gumabay at magbigay saklolo kapag matigas talagang lunukin ang ating mga gawain. Marami nang tao ang nasisiyahan at nagagalak sa kanyang pagsibol bilang ang tagapag-guhit ng kapalaran ng buong mundo. Kasama niyang lumaki ang henerasyong 90’s na hawakhawak kung ano ang magiging mukha ng ating bukas.
Vantage Point
“While You’re Asleep” Photographs that represent people who have only begun their shift at are their respective workplaces in middle of the night, while most of the working class are already snoozing off; giving due recognition to occupations requiring a person to stay up late in order to make a living. Individuals like 24-hour convenient store employees, security guards, trisikad drivers and market vendors. This also includes photographs that will reflect the nightlife of the city. Photo by Ma. Giullana G. Arriola
Photo by Ma. Henna A. Pilla
Photo by Ma. Giullana G. Arriola
Photo by Ma. Henna A. Pilla
Photo by Ma. Giullana G. Arriola
Photo by Ma. Henna A. Pilla
Photo by Nichol Francis T. Anduyan
Photo by Nichol Francis T. Anduyan
Photo by Ma. Henna A. Pilla
Photo by Nicci Bernelle D. Aguilar
Photo by Nichol Francis T. Anduyan
Photo by Ma. Giullana G. Arriola
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Dagway
THESPECTRUM
AUGUST TO SEPTEMBER 2015
Bacolod Walks
MOVIE REVIEW
Italia restaurant Review
The Kings of Summer By Hezron G. Pios and Monica Louise Trinidad M. Cueto
By Daryl Dane G. Montehermoso | Photos courtesy of Chomin Q. Aberasturi
Originally located near Riverside Medical Center, Cucina Italia has been serving Italian cuisine to Bacolodnons for more than a decade. Its interior and food is perfect; from anything casual to special occasions like dates and hangouts with loved ones. Their food is, if we are going to speak of the most concrete definition, the bomb. The alltime customer favorites are the Carbonara and the Suprema pizza. I wouldn’t say that the food is perfect but I find the meals cooked in the Italian flavors you would expect. They serve a wide array of mouth-watering, hungerinducing dishes to keep you happy from appetizers to entrees to the main course to desserts. The biggest surprise is that their dishes have quite a generous serving. Italia, like every great Italian restaurant, also has a wine cellar. The cellar holds numerous wines and liquors, perfect before eating, while eating, or after eating; one good drink would be grappa, a traditional afterdinner drink for special occasions (wink wink).
Although the place seemingly screams “fancy, once you’ve tried their food and service it can actually appear more as “comfy”. The thing is, the place can shift from barkada hangout to fancy dinner date to Sunday family dinner bonding real quick. To add to its overall standard as a restaurant, the customer service is something not to be underappreciated, the employees give warm welcomes and aren’t snobs at all. From time to time, you can even meet one of the owners who check on their patrons for feedback. For art enthusisasts, Italia also has a collection of paintings to keep you busy, and entertained. The only downside is that their new place is quite farther away from the places you would normally go from meals; but hey, anything for good food, right? What’s a walk in the park for that bite of cheesy pizza with marinara sauce? Check out Italia for yourself at the Ground Floor of Paseo Verde Blgd., Mandalagan, Bacolod City.
Frida Comes a-Knocking By John Dale G. Gugudan | Photo by Ma. Giullana G. Arriola
“It is not just an art space, it is a brand.” Says Eloise “Elwah” Gonzales as she recounts the adventures of putting up a gallery that aims to introduce a whole new scene in Bacolod. Everything started out with Marianne Magalona calling Elwah for her creative input and to coordinate “Courtyard Sessions,” an event of art and music at the University Courtyard. At that time, the place was swarmed by artists and non-artists alike; filled with scribbles; scented with acrylic while the music floats to give ambience. With such event comes hundreds of homeless artworks, this instance shifted the spotlight to an empty space in the venue. The space was borrowed to be filled with contemporary artistry. As the walls become more attached to the hanging artworks, the girls did too and with their new friend, Intel Japitana, they decided to tackle something the three of them had no idea of doing. “Initially, House of Frida was meant to be a production house for every kind of media. And we were shocked how this idea of a gallery slowly became more concrete over time.” Elwah recalls how their original idea of producing diverse content evolved into MILLENNIALS from page 1
percent of millennials believe the risk to their online safety will increase -- with 31 percent believing this increase will be dramatic. More worrying is that 54 percent feel the failure of companies and governments to adequately protect identities and data will result in public distrust of their goods and services. A further 44 percent
this somehow narrower idea of focusing in the field of art. And although this maybe a case of unplanned compromise for House of Frida, it has opened possibilities for artists to relate to the different demographics of the city. Another quality the gallery possesses is the catchy and refreshing name. Paying homage to the contemporary artist of weird self-portraits and brave use of symbols, Frida Kahlo. However, the process of arriving to this name was as quirky and random as these girls are. “We were brainstorming for the name of our production house at Art District. We threw ideas into the table and even thought of naming it “Tanglad,”
“Lemongrass” or “Brownsugar.” This went on and after different ideas of randomness, we arrived at the word unibrow. Intel and I were familiar to the artist Frida Kahlo, and how she exemplified our qualities considering that we were all women when we started. And from there, hence the gallery’s name.” She laughingly cites remembering how that particular event of spontaneity lead to brand that they are now. With their goal of creating a new art scene in the city, the gallery has become the home to many first solo exhibits of artists from all over the nation. It has presented these new and upcoming artists of potential to the growing artsy public of Bacolod. Little by little, the
gallery exhibits has changed the extent of the city’s experience with art. It is more present and very much thriving in every time a person stops to stare at a piece of art. “It is starting to get out of its norm. Because before art in Bacolod was mainly on paper and two dimensional. But now, we are slowly moving forward into realizing that art is a lifestyle and could be presented in countless of ways. And that artists can come from anywhere.” She adds with pride for the Bacolodnon’s bravery to rise above the usual and burning hope for the yet-to-be-discovered artists anywhere in the country and bring them to the city. The gallery continues to grow having turned a year older last September; having relocated to a wider space to marvel over the masterpieces; and having recently recruited Daryl Feril, the only man in the posse. It grips to the hope of bringing more art to cultivate the thriving culture of Bacolod. Indeed the House of Frida opens its doors to everybody who is willing to delve into the waters of the unusual and the land of the misfits. It is an experience Bacolodnon’s need to have.
believe there will be an eventual decline in data sharing and 36 percent predicted demands for action. Smaller but still significant percentages of the research group say there is even potential for a decline in economic or political stability. The same hyperawareness that invoked political apathy has now set millennials against the one thing that had made their
generation distinct, as much as a native sets his spear against the shadows of a jungle. As with all individuals, the composite, median form of the millennial is as complex and as nuanced as any other person, with the stereotypes barely figuring into the subsets of what truly matters to the individual entrenched in what he knows of reality. Information and
resignation seems to be the common theme for those that have the ‘net in their grasp, and it will remain for Father Time to judge whether the successors that they raise will exacerbate these traits further, as the years move away from the pivotal addition of two one-thousand years, each thought to hold a special quality all its own.
Meet Joe Toy. Angst-bottled, hormone-driven and impressively ambitious, just like any other 17 year-old boy trapped in his spectrum of day dreams. And just like the typical confused teenager, adults’ opinions don’t matter. After the death of his mother, Joe and his dad never saw things eye to eye. For Joe, for as long as he is living with his father, he is forced in confinement, hidden from the endless possibilities of this world. For his father, the world is a cruel place, better stick to what is safe and feasible. For Joe, being a man is the only important thing compared to everything. For his father, his son is completely and utterly clueless. After a series of arguments with his father and one fake theft report to the police, Joe finally declares freedom once and for all by doing the most cliché stint of every coming-of-age film – running away. Together with his best friend Patrick Keenan (who’s weirded out by his own parents) and a strange kid named Biaggio (who tagged along because he has too much free time), the boys found home in a clearing in the woods, building their own abode and decisively placing an end to their boyish responsibilities by becoming men of the woods. As the three self-proclaimed men found themselves living like kings in their own little kingdom, inevitable conflicts arise, too. To name one is the arrival of Kelly, whom Joe is infatuated with since the beginning of the film, the testament of friendship caught in a love triangle between Joe, Kelly and Patrick, and the dramatic search for Joe initiated by his father. Nick Robinson’s prowess as Joe Toy shone bright in the 95-minute American independent coming-of-age comedy-drama film entitled The Kings of Summer that premiered at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival, which was the first feature film directed by Jordan Vogt-Roberts (describing it as fantastic is an understatement). Despite its premiere in an American film festival, it was released as well on May 31, 2013 by CBS Films. It also starred former IMPROV from page 1
surprise. A group who started small now has achieved a whole lot more than they have expected and yet they still perform with humble hearts and can tickle people’s funny bones for hours. The Bacolod Improv Group’s goal was basically nothing but to entertain. “We just want to have fun and keep doing it,” admits Elian Quilisadio. Recently, their love for improvs have taken them as far as the Manila Improv
Official Student Media Corps of the University of St. La Salle * USLS Student Activity Center, La Salle Ave., Bacolod City, Negros Occidental 6100 * Volume 60 Number 3
Hannah Montana star Moises Arias (Biaggio), Gabriel Basso (Patrick Keenan), Erin Moriarty (Kelly) and playing Joe’s father is Parks and Recreation star Nick Offerman who, in a twist of fate, will make Joe realize things beyond his own comprehension, thus, leading him to decipher what it really means to be a man, to be a friend, the difference between love and infatuation, and why it’s always best to enjoy your youth and not be in a hurry to grow up. Impressive cinematography matched with creative rhythm, indie music and dynamic characters made The Kings of Summer both a delight and a gust of fresh air for the independent film genre. Albeit its target audience is evidently for teenagers and young adult viewers, perhaps adults may relate as well to the content of the film, reminiscing through the stage of teenage angst, tight and faltering friendships, raging hormones, the romantic feelings of having your first love and first heartbreak and struggling with the question of who you are. Plot-wise, the synopsis is outstandingly realistic and relatable, coupled with the soundtracks that brought forth the vibrancy of the rebellious teenage spirit. It is set against the typical, recycled tale of “a teenage kid gets tired of his normal life in school and at home, thus, he finally decides to give up on society and be a hooligan to the world, instead, what the film’s scriptwriter/director did was to twist what the viewers might think and say the dreaded words ha, not too cliché; so instead they made the protagonist and his valiant friends build a house, not right next to their neighborhood or any famous convenience store, but somewhere beyond the woods— something different but still pretty much rebellious. A flaw perhaps occurs in the film; a flaw in the climax. The unnecessary highlighted scene when Biaggio gets bitten by a poisonous reptile. In North America, you are more likely to be strike by lightning than get bitten by a poisonous reptile. That part diminished the realism in the script, but did not rip off excessively the entire story. All in all, The Kings of Summer, released two years ago, is a special treat for those seeking “movies worth my watch,” or a feel-good storyline. Adults will be nostalgic at how stupid they were as rebellious teens and teenagers will find themselves in the characters – weird, confused, angsty or just downright indifferent. The Kings of Summer is your go-to film to recur the challenging elements of growing up. Fest where they were able to meet new people from all over the world who loves the same thing and even gave them the chance to explore and play more Improv games that they haven’t tried. The group also performs on certain events when called for or if they are invited which provides the funds to support the group. For now, BIG’s hoping they could attend international Improv events and do what they love the most – acting.
Dagway
AUGUST TO SEPTEMBER 2015
THESPECTRUM
BOOK REVIEW
TV SERIES REVIEW
She’s Come Undone
The Big Bang Theory
By Starlene Joy B. Portillo
By Katherine E. Co
A budding girl can only take so much gloom before she withers away into numbness. In Wally Lamb’s 1992 breakthrough novel, we journey with protagonist Dolores Price— vocal, witty, broken. She gives a detailed account of the ups, but mostly downs in her life from age 4 to 40, rooting back to the day her family received their first television set from her father’s boss, Mrs. Masicotte. This would later result to the family’s gradual detachment as her father begins an affair with his boss, leaving a heartbroken Dolores to look after her fragile mother at her austere grandmother’s house. She tries to find solace in Jack Speight, who eventually takes advantage of her vulnerability. Life spiraling away from control, she falls prey to the pull of excess food and television as a coping mechanism. By the start of college, Dolores becomes obese and reclusive. She attempts to drown herself and ends up in a mental institution for seven years. Will she ever rise above the ruins caused by the tirade of misfortunes in her life? She’s Come Undone has been declared a finalist for the 1992 Los Angeles Book Awards’ Art Seidenbaum Prize for first fiction and named a notable book of the year by publications including The New York Times Book Review and People. Renowned talk show host Oprah Winfrey had personally called Lamb on the phone to thank him for writing such a great book. Five years later, Winfrey called him again to inform him that the book is a selection in Oprah’s Book Club—a segment on The Oprah Winfrey Show which started in 1996, drawing attention to books read and handpicked by the host herself. Henceforth, Lamb’s fame continued to skyrocket internationally, resulting in three other New York Times
bestsellers: I Know This Much is True (1998), The Hour I First Believed (2008), and Wishin’ and Hopin’ (2009). Due to Lamb’s ability of writing a woman’s point of view realistically, the distinctions She’s Come Undone has earned emancipate little surprise. Although, the book has earned mixed reviews as some people hated the book for being “too depressing”, with Dolores stumbling across one tragedy to another. (What they fail to see is the rawness of the plot and how others who have gone through patches as rough as Dolores had could relate to the feeling of desperation.) Despite the heaviness of her situations, the character inserts her fair share of humor and sarcasm, making it a memorable read. The dramatic coming-ofage novel tackles sensitive topics such as family issues, mental illnesses, abortion and rape. Additionally, teenage struggles like obesity, TV addiction, depression and suicide are also reflected in the character of Dolores. Readers are kept perched at the edges of their seats as they walk with Dolores on her winding path to rebirth. In the end, it teaches the audience that the obstacles life hurls toward us will never be enough of an excuse to sow contempt. It is in the midst of trials that we must open our heart and learn to love once more.
*Photos in reviews were all taken from the internet.
“Math, science, history, unraveling the mysteries that all started with the Big Bang –“ BANG! The Big Bang Theory - a bunch of socially-awkward egoistic scientists who are helplessly stuck with each other while learning more about life, science, and love in hopes of catalyzing a Nobel Prize-worthy breakthrough, world-dominating fame and a lifelong relationship. Sounds a bit too nerdy? I say, turn on your laptops and give Season 1 a chance, probably by watching it online or on Jack TV or by downloading the series (if you’re now so sure to offer a precious space in your hard drive memory) and watch your harsh expectations disproved and destroyed by death rays, lightsabers and psychic powers. Here are some of the most important aspects of the series that make it awesome and truly like no other. 1. Unique humor. The main characters primarily involve themselves in intellectual, theoretical and rhetorical conversations, scientific and logical arguments and ironically even in stupid fights. The humor is more on being downright honest about your deepest (even embarrassing) thoughts (yes, I’m extremely honest about that), intelligent, childish and realistic. The humor also bends on the lack of common sense among the scientists, because they might be either just too ‘theoretical’ or too egotistic or they simply think too much. 2. Sincere and true-tolife characters. These leading badass nerd characters don’t lie – namely: Sheldon Cooper and Leonard Hofstadter, physicists who live in the same apartment (in a ‘heterosexual way’); Penny, a waitress in the Cheesecake Factory
who now lives just across the aforementioned physicists’ apartment and is also the contrasting character among the scientists (being too practical, social and carefree); aerospace engineer Howard Wolowitz and astrophysicist Raj Koothrappali, Sheldon and Leonard’s ‘friends’ and co-workers. These characters constitute the diversity of culture (coming from different places, familial backgrounds and religious tradition), personality, lifestyle, and perspective, altogether creating a fantastic mix of entertainment. The most intriguing character, Sheldon, creates a very unique impact because he does not conform primarily to the norms, beliefs and values of other people but rather he magnifies his life experience by following what logic, intellect and reason has fed him, which, in the process, has affected his emotional connections with other human beings. In addition to this, platonic as he is dominantly portrayed, he has a soft heart for the things he truly cares about (Star Wars, physics, Leonard Nimoy, Soft Kitty, and his spot on the sofa). 3. A well-written script. Created by Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady, the whole sitcom is a witty and realistic portrayal of the beautiful, unique complexities that reside in the minds of the
characters as well as the ineffable roles and identities of the characters themselves. All the weird but logical conversations and arguments that revolve among the characters’ varying types of needs, wants, and do’s and don’ts create a hilarious work of comedy. 4. Relates well with introverts and those with ‘fandoms’. If you’re an introvert and you either feel shy or uncomfortable sharing out loud your thoughts and feelings, the guys of the Big Bang Theory will say them for you in a fascinatingly awkward manner because they absolutely suck at socializing (Raj can’t even speak directly to a woman besides his mom). But although they don’t know what to say to other people and what other people want, they definitely know what they want, which makes a difference. And yes, adults as they are, they can never forget the legendary words of the mighty Spock nor a single episode of Star Wars. We’re not alone! 5. Imparts the importance of science and its development in the modern times. As they continue calculating, thinking, rethinking, experimenting and contributing to the development of science, especially physics, they also relay the need for scientific knowledge in everyday life - to predict and ultimately avoid mistakes and wasting time, and in the future of humanity
ALBUM REVIEW
Blurryface by Twenty One Pilots By Daryl Dane G. Montehermoso
Dancey-semi-angsty-wellmade-beats-with-a-touch-ofindie. That’s how Blurryface could be described. Twenty One Pilots’ fourth studio album was released May 17, 2015 under the record label Fueled By Ramen. They took the indie scene over by storm and won the hearts of those who appreciate sweet tunes and lyrics with substance that comes off as solid and direct. Admitted by their lead singer and songwriter, Tyler Joseph, the band’s style is basically ‘man vs. himself’ and the whole album is his insecurities making him write down all his feelings in the tracks. Seriously, if you would have listened to singles like The Judge, Tear In My Heart, and Ride (probably and album favorite and a new jam) you would know how
it feels whenever you hear the electrifying music. Car Radio, another track in the album, would probably remind you of a lot of those poetry readings which can involve a lot of feelings by the way it’s performed (perfect when it’s that time of the month). It feels like rap was taken to a whole new hopeless romantic level. The whole album is mixed up with the intense emotions of confusion, handling fear, and being torn between conforming to the society’s norms and doing our own thing with all the creative freedom you’re supposed to be having. Though, their kind of music isn’t the type to hit the mainstream quickly, there will be a point that their lyrics would take its rightful place in the ears of every kid going through the
stages of insecurities and selfesteem issues. The album felt like those striking one-words or terms which perfectly describe how you feel except that they’re in this much more wonderful form called music. For an indie pop band, the rap is particularly amazing. It’s not the usual hiphop music that you normally hear but this band exists in a genre where they can pull an electronic hip beat on you then shift to rapping within a snap. Not to mention, again, the fact that lyrics are poetically mindblowing. You would sense a lot of familiar vibes from the band and couldn’t help but slightly hear a hint of The Nieghbourhood, Foster The People, and a little bit of Panic! At The Disco in the tracks. Coincidentally (or not),
learning that their record is under the same label as popular bands such as Paramore, Fall Out Boy, and of course, Panic! At The Disco, made it easy to answer why their vibe felt so familiar. For some reason, they can be an upbeat indie band and they can also capture the essence of certain bands but that doesn’t mean that they’re coming close to the style of the bands aforementioned. Twenty One Pilots has the tendency to be darker and heavier to absorb but once you get through that thick outer shell, you begin to appreciate them so I’m giving the album twothumbs up. The album is plainly real and lyrical and is surely a reason as to why you wouldn’t easily get sick of Twenty One Pilots anytime soon.
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and the world. In a similar way, the role of education in creating a better life is strongly implied in the characters’ lifestyles. 6. These mindboggling things called relationships. Socially awkward, emotionallyimpaired (referring to Sheldon), intellect and logicdependent (Sheldon, still) and hormone-raging (the rest), these guys are way low in the relational scale in terms of socializing and getting into the same wavelengths with normal people, especially women. The audience here is given the chance to think and analyze the possible reasons behind their poor understanding of relationships and the complex impulses of the human mind. The characters, fortunately, have gradually learned to involve themselves in relationships (in the later part of the series), overcoming their individual shares of weaknesses (maybe except Sheldon whose selfreliance seems to be an integral part of his personality). Watching this naturally entertaining series that stands out from the rest might just be the next cool thing you’re about to do and the thing you’ll be thankful for 8 seasons hereafter.
Dagway
U-week 2015
THESPECTRUM
Words by Andrea Nicole C. Farol | Photos taken by Jhon Aldrin M. Casinas, Nicci Bernelle P. Aguilar, Nichol Francis T. Anduyan, Ma. Giullana G. Arriola
This year’s Lasallian Week , themed “Tesselate: We Come as One”, opened last September 14 at the University Coliseum offering a multitude of activities to both Lasallians and non-Lasallians. Popular picks, especially for the kids, included Mass Communication’s Roman, Coachella-themed Mannequin Show, Mystery Room and other thrill-inducing booths. For Music Monday, College of Education (CED) dominated the U-Splash 2015 held at the University Football Field while Jeryn Nitz Gabrielle Castillo of the USLS Integrated School was hailed the 2015 Golden Voice. Dance Tuesday saw the victory of Information Technology Society in the U-League Championship after defeating the University Faculty and Staff team. Once again, CED came out as the champion in the
Ignition: Dance Battle. Wild Game Wednesday was jampacked with bingos from the two biggest colleges, College of Engineering and Technology (CET) and College of Business and Accountancy (CBA). Meanwhile, College of Nursing won the Bet on Your Teacher. CBA outshined the other colleges during the men’s football during Chill Day Thursday and people jammed to Hale in the Coliseum parking lot. Once again, CBA came first in the Lasallian Challenge: Saan Aabot ang 100 pesos Mo? and the university held the La Salle Gives Back. The U-week culminated with an Animo Show with CET hailed as the champion.