The Squire Publication Vol. 1 No. 3 December 2017 by The Squire Publication

Table of Contents Publishers: Subscribing students of Xavier University Ateneo de Cagayan Senior High School

Editorial Board Maria Franchesca Louise P. Fajemolin Editor-in-Chief Tatiana L. Maligro Associate Editor-in-Chief Razil J. Gullem Managing Editor Sean Phillipp C. Valencia Design Editor Franz Emmanuel M. Sarmiento News Editor (English) Gillian Marie A. Sun Features Editor (English) Amanda Marie B. Hora Features Editor (Filipino) Tristan Ace C. Binayao Sports Editor Andrea Felice J. Abesamis Literary Editor Gabrielle Jeanz A. Acabo Photography Editor Cyra Patricia C. Barros Freehand Editor Mari Justin P. Akut Office and Circulations Manager Yalany Angela C. Soliva Human Resource Manager Giselle Jeanz A. Acabo Online Accounts Manager Glayzell Altrinna R. Bulang Communications Manager John Alexis J. Diaz Computer Systems Manager Lynyrd T. Peras Finance Manager Staff Writers Rogemar Jaraula (Trainee) Earl Joy B. Lopina Jan Erika A. Merida Alessandro Kennz O. Nioda Larisa Anne O. Pacamo Jham White Perral (Trainee) Maria Alessandra R. Talja Princess Reyen Tan (Trainee) Maria Victoria T. Te Jarrah Zaballero (Trainee) Photojournalists Marielle Louise S. Abao Caryll M. Apostol Murielle Desiree V. Cocjin Cyra Andrea Etor Hailey Monique Larot (Trainee) Ellric Joseph Maglangit Tara Sanchez (Trainee) Freehand Artists Rachel Ann Alvarez (Trainee) Steffany Kate Balace Audrey Louisse Castañares Quint Nix Israel de la Torre (Trainee) Faye Karingal (Trainee) Daniel Lumantas (Trainee) Bea Ellaine Esperanza C. Mateo Kim Lian Andre Nale Therese Marie P. Po Christalle Beatriz N. Seno Layout Artists Luigi Daniel D. Balino Eric Noel B. Jabagat (Trainee) Moderator Mr. Jay Rhen S. Galagnara Circulation: 1,500 copies /squirepub /thesquirepublication

Editorial

Column

Going beyond Experience

TechVoc Progress

XUFD Highlights

Aeromarathon 2017

Tracing the Pulse of

Literary

Sa mga kasama ko dito sa Paaralan...

Cover story Healing Marawi’s Wounds

Skwidbols

Lampoon

Flip upside down

Freedom Wall in CRs

EKSHS buys rants

Experience Entertainment

Poker’s Legality

All-in-one Adventure Park

Improper Elevator Usage

PT Depression

About the Cover

hile the rest of the country enjoys the cool weather and the Holiday season, a displaced few still wonder how they’re supposed to regain hope and strength after such a horrific experience. The vicious siege that took place had unfurled so unexpectedly that Marawi and its citizens could hardly do anything to elude the imminent danger, resulting in the demise and suffering of many. The war has passed, time has elapsed, and help still continues to pour out from all over the nation. However, will this erase the fear that soaked through many Filipinos, or will the traumatic encounter forever embed an ugly scar in the minds and hearts of the victims? Written by Maria Victoria Te & Jarrah Zaballero Designed by Sean Phillipp C. Valencia

ED ITO R IAL

Kapag Ginawang Seryoso ang Biro

ala yatang hindi nakakakilala ngayon kay Mocha Uson. Mula sa mga social media sites katulad ng Facebook at Twitter, kumakaripas ang mga usap-usapan tungkol sa kaniya. Siya ay isang blogger at radio reporter at masugid na tagasuporta ni Pangulong Rodrigo Roa Duterte. Taliwas sa inaasahan sa kanya mula sa kanyang trabaho, naging mas kilala siya sa mga kumakalat na “fake news”. Kamakailan lamang siya nagkaroon ng programa sa radyo kung saan ginagamit niya ang kanyang estilo sa kanyang Facebook blog. Tila isa sa mga tinutusta niyang paksa ay si Bise Presidente Leni Robredo. Humaharurot ang kaliwa’t kanan niyang insulto, pagmumura at paggawa ng iba’t ibang istorya. Ginawa niya ito sa ere kung saan libu-libong tao ang nakakarinig. Bilang bunga, dinagsa ng batikos ang Kapisanan ng mga Broadkaster sa Pilipinas (KBP) at ang mismong istasyon ng radyo at kagaya ng inaasahan, suspendido ang programa ni Uson. Ngunit kung titignan sa ibang anggulo, responsibilidad din ng mainstream media na epektibong ipaalam sa mga mamamayan kung alin ang totoo at alin ang hindi totoong balita. Upang masugpo ang ganitong gawi, nangangailangan ng tamang pagkilatis sa ganitong isyu. Hindi maipagkakailang ginagawang seryoso ng mga mamahayag ang lahat ng fake news mula kay Uson na umaabot na sa puntong kasali na ang sana ay biro lamang. Para sa kanila, isa itong paraan upang seryosohin ng mamamayan ang ganitong isyu. Ngunit kung paulit-ulit na lamang ang mga seryosong talakayan ngunit wala namang nakalap na totoong sagot sa isyu at puro haka-haka lang din lamang ang napapala ng mamamayan pati sa mainstream media, sino ba naman ang magkakaroon

pa ng interes na makialam sa ganitong bagay? Kaya imbes na magkaroon ng seryosong mga talakayan na tila walang patutunguhan, malaki rin ang ginagampanan ng mga mamahayag na gumagamit nga “satirical news” o epektibong pangungutya. Sa pamamagitan nito, mas nabibigyan ng buhay ang mga isyu, napapalawak ang talakayan, binibigyan ng anggulo ang mamamayan sa kanilang papanigan at nahihiwalay ang isyung nangangailangan ng seryosong talakayan mula sa mga isyung mayroong halong biro. Dagdag pa nito, mas tumataas ang partisipasyon ng mga kabataan sa ganitong mga isyu. Tayo ay namumuhay na sa isang modernisadong mundo at tayong mga Pilipino ay nakikisabay na rin sa mabilisang pag-unlad. Kung gayon, bawat segundo ay mahalaga. Kung dadagdagan pa ng mga balitang bunga lamang ng biruan, hindi na yata mahalagang ipaabot pa sa punto na seryosohin at patagalin ang mga ito. Para tayong nagbibihis para dumalo sa kasalan na hindi agad makapagdesisyon kung anong kulay ng suot ang susuotin kahit mayroon namang motif. Sa pangkalahatan, mahalagang magkaroon ng sapat na kaalaman sa pagtukoy ng mga fake news. Mahalaga ring makita ng mga mamamayan sa mainstream media na ginagawa nila ang kanilang trabaho— pagtatalakay sa mga importanteng isyu. Sila ang may mataas na kredibilidad at layunin nilang mapanatili ang ganito nilang tunguhin. Kung kaya nating ihiwalay ang mga basurang mapapakinabangan pa mula sa hindi na, bakit hindi natin ito gayahin sa pagtukoy sa mga balitang kailangan pang bigyan ng mas malaking oras sa talakayan mula sa mga balitang kahit bata ay alam nang biro lamang. Tandaan, nagiging mitsa ng kaguluhan kapag siniseryoso na ang biro. S

Illustrated by Quint Nix Israel de la Torre

VOL. 1 NO. 3 DECEMBER 2017

OPIN IO N

O PIN IO N

Like Loose Threads

The Old and the Wise

by Maria Victoria T. Te

team fogs up your glasses as you take a sip from your 26th cup of coffee tonight. Or should you say today? You can no longer tell. You’ve been so fixated on studying all the pictures, diagrams, and paragraphs of size nine gibberish on your textbook that you’ve lost all sense of time. You feel your eyes start to burn like your midnight candle, so you decide to grant yourself a well-deserved break. You get up and do a little stretch before you pull your phone out of your pocket and sink into your bed. Ah yes, what better way to relieve eye strain than by staring at a bright 5-inch display in a dark nook of your room. As you mindlessly scroll past tweets, you spot one quack that catches your attention. What’s this? Somebody just insulted your strand! Uh-oh, she just unleashed the inner keyboard warrior in you. You furiously hack away at your screen as you weave the perfect comeback against this ignoramus, but you don’t stop there. You tap on the dog-filter-laden profile picture of the obvious dummy account to block her, but before you could, your jaw drops at the stretch of this person’s stupidity. It’s appalling how some people feel like they’re elevated from others just because they picked the “most challenging” among the different strands. No one has the right to categorize people of a certain strand as greater or lesser. No one has the right to discredit the struggles other students go through because he thinks he’s got it

worse. Each strand is difficult in their own respects, but they’re nothing a bit of hard work can’t overcome. Furthermore, it seems that many look down upon those who aren’t in the academic track. They go on to say that those in art are aimlessly spending money because there’s no lucrative career in it; that those in sports are just jocks who aren’t competent enough for “real” education; and that those in the technical-vocational track can only become ordinary lower middle-class laymen. This sense of elitism is toxic. It doesn’t only put a certain group down, it gives the other a bad name. I guess some stereotypes that have long been around play a big role in this strand feud we’re witnessing. There’s this notion that to be successful, you must become a doctor— lest you want to spend the rest of your future years as old, dumb, and broke. As such, many parents force a career in medicine down their children’s throats, completely disregarding their children’s abilities and inclinations. People forget that work in medicine—or in any STEM field for that matter—aren’t the only jobs that are needed to sustain the nation. We need our businessmen, our lawyers, our artists, our educators, and innumerable other experts to pioneer positive change in the world. Like threads, the people in each strand should stitch the portrait of a brighter future together, instead of hanging loose and fraying at the hem until it all dissolves.S

by Sean Phillipp C. Valencia

Most Valuable Procrastinator Social Media Influenza

t seems to be instilled in our society that older people tend to disregard the opinions of those younger, thinking that they know better or that they are only doing what is right. When a child fails to follow a certain instruction, parents or adults usually do one thing: scold him or her. When something bad occurs in a community, it’s usually the younger ones who get the blame because they’re still “immature”, or “selfish”. The year 2018 is fast approaching, yet we are still stuck in an era where people don’t listen especially if they believe they are in a higher position. In an Ateneo school, one would expect that there would be mutual respect granted for everyone in the community. However, controversy stirred after a faculty member approached some Senior High School students, and scolded and cursed them for the noise they were making. Now, this outburst of emotion could be understood in a sense that it’s not actually causing harm, but the worst part came when the teacher allegedly threatened to shoot the students. To make matters worse, faculty members informed of the incident simply said, “Ingon ana na man gyud na siya. Wa ta’y mabuhat”. Do we answer to apathy and just let this pass? There should at least be a discussion

Captured by Giselle Jeanz A. Acabo

with the said person in order to try and resolve the issue. When students, even with excellent class standing, perform similar acts, they would answer to the Prefect of Students. Although there are times where a teacher’s argument is valid, it doesn’t give him or her the license to humiliate, scream at, scold- or even threatenanyone. I understand that they caused a disturbance within the campus, and that there is a real passion to let students learn, but one should at least have the decency to properly reprimand them, or solve the problem more peacefully. Let’s not forget that teachers are in a position where a lot of people listen and look up to them. Persons with that influence can greatly affect the perspective of others on certain issues or situations. They are also coformators. Therefore, whatever they do can either make or break the students. Carrying this responsibility, teachers play a big part in achieving the school’s vision, along with the other members of the University. I believe that we already know what it means to embody the values taught by the institution. Fellow students, teachers, and the rest of the community, let us create proper dialogue with one another as we aim to break this cycle of superiority.S

VOL. 1 NO. 3 DECEMBER 2017

by Andrea Felice J. Abesamis & Mari Justin P. Akut by Earl Joy B. Lopina & Jham White G. Perral

espite being already on its second year, the Technical Vocational and Livelihood (TVL) track still gets discriminated upon. Though there had been improvements compared to the discrimination faced in the previous year such as inclusion to activities held in the main campus and proper representation in the student government, this maltreatment still occurs among the TVL students.

ooking beyond expectation, 33 Grade 12 students of St. Isidore High School finished their Work Immersion in Xavier University from November 6-24. The two-week program has been an experience worth reliving for the St. Isidore students and the host University as well, proving the University’s character of social engagement and care for others. How did this benefit both the students and Xavier Ateneo?

A Test of Preparation Undeniably, XU had little time to prepare for the work immersion program of the St. Isidore students since it was just the maiden year of the Grade 12 Work Immersion. According to Assistant Principal for Formation Keith Aldous Margarito G. Paasa, though it was the first time that the University hosted the immersion program for Senior High students of a sister school, XU never failed to serve the people and share to those in need. “As a school, we did our best. We tried to collaborate with Manresa in terms of accommodation […] and also we tried to engage our tertiary offices as to who can accommodate the students,” Paasa states. The learners of Zamboanguita, Bukidnon, coming from various SHS strands, were assigned to numerous offices and works in the main campus as part of their requirement in accomplishing the internship program. Though they had to adjust in the urban setup of Cagayan de Oro, they were able to experience an actual work immersion program where they learned various work processes in their designated areas.

“They are considered small fishes, and then they have transferred to a very big ocean. […] So they adjusted, and they learned a lot of things, and I received feedback that they are really really happy with their stay here,” says Paasa. Fulfilling Cura Personalis In their stay inside the University, the faculties from various departments especially from the XUSHS community - exemplified the values of magis and generosity in helping the students from St. Isidore. As they were accommodated in Manresa, XU also assisted the students financially. Paasa mentions that the University was able to raise a total of PHP 24,069.01 from various strands and offices in XUSHS, as well as the School of Education interns and faculty members. “Though it’s only one peso, the moment that everyone is helping, everyone is contributing, we were able to help them financially, especially in their accommodation in Manresa,” Paasa emphasizes. He further indicates that the University has not only succeeded in helping the St. Isidore students financially, but also in adding excellence to their experiences. In doing such, the University learned a lot from the work immersion and it serves as the basis of XUSHS for the Grade 12 Work Immersion program as well. “It was really a testament to the mission and vision of the school. And we were able to verify that through our accommodation of the St. Isidore High School [students]. Indeed, we really are men and women for others,” adds Paasa.

Addition to XUSHS History With the conclusion of the St. Isidore work immersion, evaluation activities will be expected, hoping to find answers as to whether XUSHS would still engage in such arrangements. Paasa highlights the need for intensive planning and the willingness to serve others as key factors on improving the internship programs for the proceeding years. “Though we were not ready for it […] but we have the resources. So, bakit natin ipagkakait sa kanila if we have it?” Paasa points out. *** The first work immersion done by St. Isidore students has already carved a mark on XUSHS history, gaining experience from this endeavor to further improve the University’s services and programs. Paasa explains that as a Jesuit institution, Xavier University aims to maintain social engagement and strives to reach out to the Jesuit Mission Areas by providing education and opportunity to the less fortunate residents. Producing good results in the work immersion program indeed justifies that XU exemplifies the values of being persons for others through service and efforts. And despite crossing untested waters, XUSHS continues its quest for excellence in holistic education, especially in social engagement. Together, the two institutions are creating a milestone in lasting partnership, molding students to be excellent and to go beyond experience.S

Captured by Jay Rhen S. Galagnara & Designed by Sean Phillipp C. Valencia

Clearing up the TVL name One TVL student shares that it is not by the fellow students they feel discrimination from but by the Department of Education (DepEd) itself. According to Miles Gochuico (TVL-12), he feels as if DepEd did not realize that some students enter TVL because they wanted to experience practical education. “It seems as though to them, if you enroll to TVL that means you (only) want to work as a mechanic or electrician, etcetera.” he explains. For Franchette Cortejos (TVL-12), she feels that the discrimination is more apparent from the other schools stereotyping the track. “I honestly feel like we are being looked down [...] because of the stereotypes like ‘people who chose TVL are stupid’”, she expresses. College of Engineering — TVL ready? Recently, some TVL students were informed by other colleges that they could not admit TVL students to their respective Engineering programs for Academic Year (AY) 2018-2019. Gochuico discovered this after receiving an email from Silliman University stating that such admission policy is still under deliberation. This caused a stir among the TVL students as they were dismayed to find out their plans to take up

Engineering would be crushed. “[This] made me question why we are not allowed to enter in Engineering courses when we are taught in technical drafting, which is a big help in engineering,” John Diaz (TVL-12) opines. XU College of Engineering (COE) faculty member Gunnar Marc Shane Cabaraban clarifies that the University will be accepting Engineering students from various strands and tracks, referencing a memorandum released by the University President. He then emphasizes the likeliness for TVL students to proceed to Engineering programs. “They have the skills,” he affirms. This does not guarantee, however, that it will be the same case in other colleges and universities, as this is subject to their own admission policies. The ALGCIT Program For the upcoming AY, the TVL Track will be establishing a new program — the Andrew L. Gotianun Sr. Center for Integrated Technologies (ALGCIT). Spearheaded by the new ALGCIT Assistant Principal for Administration, Dr. Libby Josephine Abesamis, this program aims to one day become the TechVoc center of choice in the Philippines. The birth of the program is mainly attributed to the help of the Andrew L. Gotianun Foundation. The foundation’s namesake, the late Andrew L. Gotianun Sr. ran the Filinvest Development Corporation, which owns most of the Filinvest Land, Inc. Abesamis shares that the reason behind the Gotianun family’s decision to partner with XU for this program was to make a significant contribution to the TechVoc field in Mindanao, since other institutions have enough support and funding. “They were looking for Jesuit schools where they can also extend their help.” Abesamis says. The program will offer

a three-year course to competent but financially disadvantaged youths. It features two new buildings at Manresa for its campus: a dormitory complex for the ALGCIT scholars and a building fashioned to fit with the needs of the program. It also provides free books, uniforms, school materials, and board and lodging to its scholars. These scholars will still be part of the XUSHS community, however they will follow different schedules and have different professors. One major change is the formation and leadership trainings on Saturdays. With the program in motion, TVL students who are not under the program will still undergo two years of SHS, similar to the prior AYs. Another highlight of this program is the opportunity to engage in on the job training (OJT) when reaching the third year, as compared to the Work Immersion engaged by students from the other tracks. “Mas intensive ang ilang [program], because they really have to go through On the Job Trainings (OJT) [...] in preparation for their employability after.” She mentions that ALGCIT’s aim is for the students to get jobs after the three-year program. “After their Senior High School, they’ll get a chance to be employed, and they will be really worldclass na mga technicians.” For A.Y. 2018-2019, ALGCIT is planning to accept an estimate of 160 TVL scholars. *** Like any other track, TVL still has its issues to face despite being on its second year of implementation in Senior High School. Slowly, they are clearing this up one at a time for the better and for future TVL students to follow their footsteps.S

VOL. 1 NO. 3 DECEMBER 2017

XUFD Captured by Ellric Joseph Maglangit, Marielle Louise S. Abao & Caryll M. Apostol

VOL. 1 NO. 3 DECEMBER 2017

F E AT U R E

LITERARY

ni Rogemar Jaraula

by Maria Franchesca Louise P. Fajemolin & Maria Alessandra Talja

issent ensued in hushed tones among some of the students as the Senior High School Student Government of Xavier University (XU-SHSG) had announced the first XUSHS Aeromarathon, an event requiring every student’s participation through an online announcement. This included a PHP100 fee payment for one’s registration. Earlier, the Parents-Teachers Confederated (PTC) had distributed authorized letters inviting students to join the activity. The catch, however, was when its response form provided readers only one option: to join the XUSHS Aeromarathon for a Cause. A day after the social media announcement and a day before the Aeromarathon, it was clarified that students were free to choose whether to jive along to Zumba choreography scheduled at 6PM at the XU Field on a Saturday. However, at a short-notice, the activity was then cancelled and left many students with the question, “Where is my 100 Pesos?” Survival of the Fittest The mechanics for the Aeromarathon are very simple. The participants take on two hours of dancing to test their physical endurance, or take it as a chance to enjoy a workout with friends and/or family. The activity begins with everyone dancing to routines in a similar format as Zumba dance. Throughout the event, judges would roam around and select the most energetic dancers under male or female categories among three divisions: students, parents, and faculty and staff (including alumni). At the end of the activity, a total of 18 winners will be awarded with medals and cash prizes.

Counting the Cost Each participant’s payment of PHP100 was directed to raising funds for the sports equipment and needs to form an XUSHS Brebeuf Club. Funds for the sports organization were initially to be taken from the University’s allocated budget, however the expenses were inadequate, considering other sports activities that also needed funding. “The sports budget is not enough to address all sports-related concerns,” stated Allan Alcober, PTC Sports Committee and Aeromarathon Chairman. A portion of the raised funds will also be given to the SHS Physical Education (PE) Department for SHS’ own sports equipment. As of October 20, a total of PHP40,000 has been raised and will remain under the PTC until a final date of rescheduling will be released. For the activity proper, expenses included the following: judges’ honorariums, security and medical teams, communication expenses, light and sound system, and food for the committee, judges and instructors. Currently, stage decorations, tarpaulins, 18 medals and 2,500 race bibs have been prepared and are being stored until the event proper. Uninsured Damage As one of the people responsible for realizing the Aeromarathon, PE Department Coordinator Jessica Esparrago speculated it was due to the lack of proper communication and information dissemination within the PTC that the Aeromarathon was cancelled. She added that the PTC had meant well, but since the activity was planned in less than one month, it was not unlikely for it to turn tables. On the other hand, Alcober explained, “The PTC BOD (Parents-Teachers Confederated Board of Directors) as the lead presenter, Designed by Sean Phillipp C. Valencia

through its Vice President and Sports Committee, decided to cancel due [to] some issues beyond our control.” Alcober further noted that the Aeromarathon will only be on temporary hold until a definite date will be agreed upon in their next meeting. Nevertheless, the damage had been done. Several students who opted to stay in the city instead of resting in their hometowns were disappointed come the rescheduled Aeromarathon. The stage and other equipment had been set up at the field, yet it had to be disassembled back to the Physical Plant Office with the PTC still paying for the costs. Esparrago, who had also been assigned to contact the judges and Zumba instructors had to relay the change of plans. “Ulaw sa ako nga part, kay dili basta-basta ang akong gipang invite nga judges,” she remarks. She elaborates on its severity as she had to cancel arrangements with professionals who were in close ties with their department due to the past tertiary Aeromarathons they had been invited in. *** Organizing events brings with it an array of challenges and responsibilities. Trials will barrage the path to a perfect success, but this will only be the first step to strengthening its foundation. The Aeromarathon was created to bring the SHS community closer, not farther apart. Miscommunication and a lack of finality contributes to the widening of this gap. This causes students to become even more reluctant to join these kinds of events where timely, careful preparations and information dissemination pose as the best remedy. However, as a budding institution, we have an advantage. We have room to grow and cultivate potentials. In time, we can turn challenges of the past into opportunities for tomorrow. S

akakahindik. Nakakapagod. Nakakasakit. Ito ang katotohanang sumasalampak nitong pamantasan. Sa katunayan, ito ang isa sa mga pinakamalaking problemang kinakaharap ng paaralan. Sa bawat pagtatapos ng araw, nakakahindik pagmasdan ang gabundok na basurang aming nakukuha sa bawat silid. Masakit isiping tayo, na mga Atenista, na dapat sana ay ang mga tagapagtaguyod ng kabutihan ay siya pang tagapasimuno ng kasamaan. Ang Senaryo Simula pa lamang ng araw ay abala na ang mga mag-aaral sa kanilang mga gawain. Sa pagsusulat ng mga leksiyon, pag-uulat, at minsan pa ay paggawa ng mga Performance Tasks ibinubuhos ng mga magaaral ang halos walong oras sa loob ng silid. Kasabay ng walang habas na gawaing ito sa araw-araw, wala ring habas ang nalilikhang basura. 4:30 ng hapon. Uwian na. Matapos ang mahabang araw ay sa wakas makakawala na ang mga mag-aaral mula sa pagkakaalipin ng kapaguran. Sa bawat minutong lumalagpas, unti-unting nalalagas ang bilang ng mga mag-aaral na natitira sa loob ng silid-aralan. Sampung minutong lumipas ay wala nang natira kung hindi ang nakakabinging katahimikan sa loob ng silid. Tsaka na kami pumapasok sa loob. Kadalasan, kami ay nagugulat sa aming napagmamasdan, aakalain mong dinaanan talaga ng isang delubyo ang buong silid. Kalat dito, dumi roon. Ganito ang aming nadadatnan sa tuwing kami ay magsisimula na sa aming tungkulin. Resulta ng maghapong pag-aaral ay ang nagsisiksikang mga basura sa loob ng basurahan. Dahil punuan na, yung iba ay nakakalat na lamang kahit saan. Dagdag pa rito ang mga upuang nagkarambola, pisarang napuno ng sulat at mga aklat na pinabayaan na lamang. Sinisimbolo nito ang isa na namang mabigat

na trabaho para sa amin. Gayunpaman, kayodtuko naming nililinis ang bawat silild ng bawat palapag. Mabusising tina-trabaho para kinabukasan, malinis na at kaaya-aya sa inyong paningin.w Aming Pinagdadaanan Kasabay ng pagsikat ng araw ang siya ring pagsisimula ng aming trabaho. Maagang-maaga naming pinapasok ang paaralan araw-araw. Kagaya ninyong mga mag-aaral, kami rin ay abala sa aming mga gawain. Gabundok na problema ang palaging sumasalubong sa amin. Simbolo nito ang sandamakmak na namang trabaho sa buong araw. Dulot nito ay kapaguran at kasakitan na ng aming katawan hindi pa man dumadating ang katanghalian. Halos magkandakuba na kami sa paglilinis nitong napakalawak na institusyon. Hindi naman magaang umidlip kahit ilang sandali man lang para makapagpahinga. Ganito namin mailalarawan ang aming sitwasyon arawaraw. Sabi Naman ng Muntaklat Sa pamamagitan ng gabay-panuntunan na ipinahayag ng departamento ng Senior High School, kayo bilang mga mag-aaral ng paaralang ito ay obligadong sumunod sa mga panuntunan na inimplementa ng paaralan kagaya na lamang ng pagpapatupad ng kalinisan sa buong Unibersidad. Nakasaad sa seksyon IX ng code of discipline mula sa handbook na ang Pamantasan ng Xavier University ay tapat sa kuro-kuro sa pagpapanatili ng kalinisan at kalusugan ng kapaligiran alinsunod sa Republic Act no. 9003 o ang Solid Waste Management Act of 2003. Sinabi rin sa naturang panukala na ang lahat ng mga mag-aaral ay obligadong linisin ang kanilang mga kalat at ilagay ito sa dapat na kinalalagyan. Mariing ipinagbabawal ang pagtatapon ng mga basura sa koridor, klasrum, at iba pang opisina. Masakit isipin na ang patakarang ito ay dapat sana simple lamang at madaling sundin, ngunit bakit sa pananaw ng

mga mag-aaral ay napakakomplikado at mahirap gawin ito? Lahat tayo ang gumagagamit sa institusyong ito kaya responsibilidad nating panitilihin ang kalinisan dito. Aming Hiling Kami ang mga naturingang mga tagapaglinis. Oo, kami nga. Kami ang dapat nagliligpit ng mga kalat, naglilinis ng mga silid, nag-oorganisa ng mga bagay at iba pa. ito naman talaga ang aming trabaho. Ito ang aming mga tungkulin na dapat naming sundin at pangatawanan. Tanging hiling lang namin ay dinggin ninyo ang aming mga hinaing. Sana ay huwag masyadong magkalat at maggulo nang sagayon ay kahit iilang minuto man lang ay mapadali namin ang aming trabaho. Hindi namin hangad na kayo ang gumawa ng aming trabaho, bagkus nais lang naming ipahatid na kayo ay may tungkulin ring dapat gampanan sa pagpapanatili ng kalinisan at kaayusan dahil hindi lang naman kayo ang gumagamit ng mga klasrum kung hindi pati na rin ang mga kuya at ate ninyong nasa kolehiyo. Simple lang naman ang aming hiling. Ito ay ang pagtulungan nating mapanatili ang kalinisan at kaayusan ng ating paaralan. Huwag nating hayaang lamunin tayo ng basura. Tayo ay nasa isang Heswitong paaralan, isang katolikong institusyon at dapat nating isapuso palagi ang matandang katagang, “Cleanliness is next to Godliness.” Patunayan natin na tayo ay mga karapatdapat tawaging mga Atenista sa ating mga gawain. Tayo, mga Atenista ang dapat magpasimuno sa pagpapalawak ng kabutihan. Tayo ang dapat maging halimbawa para sa lahat. Nawa’y naintindihan ninyo ang aming mga panawagan. Hanggang dito na lamang at maraming salamat sa inyong oras. Sa inyo’y gumagalang, Dyan Etor

VOL. 1 NO. 3 DECEMBER 2017

COV E R STO RY

Marawi 's HEALING

WOUNDS by Maria Victoria T. Te & Jarrah Francine C. Zaballero

t has been approximately seven months since the Marawi siege broke out between the military and a local terrorist group identified as the Maute Group. This encounter instilled fear throughout the nation, particularly in Mindanao. There’s no denying the fact that this attack had affected many, as people were held hostage, structures were critically destroyed, and according to Inquirer News, a total of 152 soldiers and policemen were killed in their effort of putting a stop to the Mautes. Residents fled from their hometown in hopes of finding safety in the midst of chaos, despite knowing that there were members of the Maute blocking the roads. The Department of National Defense (DND) reports that the Philippine Government has spent over 6 Billion PHP for the Marawi crisis. The question is, is this enough to heal Marawi and its people of the traumatic experience they encountered with the terrorist attack? Can positivity fill the hearts of the Mindanaoans once again, or will negativity be permanent because of this unexpected and violent exposure?

Caught in the Storm “Pag-gawas namo gikan sa amo school, nakadungog na dayun mi sa bombs and guns. Twenty or thirty minutes after, gisunog amo school. Una ang Marawi City Jail then sunod amo school, (Dansalan College),” stated Malikhat Nayrah Macarampat, a Marawi resident, and currently a Grade 11 Accountancy, Business, and Management (ABM) student of Xavier University Senior High School (XUSHS). Macarampat recounted that when the Maute Group started their attack, she and the many other students, faculty, and staff were stranded in their campus. At that time, the Maute Group were already roaming the streets of Marawi, and many were near the college. The students were prohibited from leaving the campus without a parent or guardian accompanying them for safety precautions. However, due to the established road blocks, no one could reach their school anymore—not even their fetchers. Macarampat, along with her classmates, were forced to meet their families at a nearby checkpoint. While running to the checkpoint, she recalled that the site had already become a ghost town, but that the thundering sounds of bombs and gunfire could still be heard clearly, only intensifying the fear she was already experiencing. With only a few clothes in their possession, Macarampat’s family was able to evacuate the city safely. Macarampat concluded that despite the terrifying experience, they were not traumatized by the turn of events. In fact, she is excited to finally return to Marawi considering that the last time she was there was on May 24, a day after the siege erupted. Fortunate as Macarampat may have been, the same cannot be said for everyone else. Many properties and lives were lost in the crisis, and until today, traces of the siege can still be seen in the streets of the otherwise beautiful and peaceful city of Marawi. Rising from the Rubble When the clock struck 5PM, children looked up to the sky in awe as bombs came firing down the war zone four kilometers away. However, the adults stood at the side, fighting back tears as pain and fear washed over them. They knew that everything was slowly being taken away from them with every bullet and every airstrike, leaving a wreck not only of their homes, but also of their souls. This was just one of the heartbreaking scenes that XU Social Development (SD)

Office Advocacy Head Nestor Banuag Jr had witnessed in one of his visits to Marawi during the siege. Local government units (LGUs), non-government organizations (NGOs), and international organizations have been collectively working on restoring Marawi City back to its former glory, and XU has also been active in helping out with its Tabang Marawi program spearheaded by the SD Office. The SD Office was not alone in their efforts, as Tabang Marawi also received assistance ranging from cash and in-kind donations from all over the country, to students offering help in their fields of expertise such as the College of Engineering designing communal kitchens, and the Sustainable Sanitation Center of the School of Medicine helping with the setup of urinals and toilets. When Banuag’s team first visited Marawi, they were barred from entering the city without securing a pass from the military due to the ongoing exchange of fire. To their fortune, they were allowed to access Bito Buadi Itowa, the first barangay visible after passing Marawi’s welcome arch. The evacuees in Bito Buadi Itowa were able to receive the goods that were prepared for them, but Banuag realized that those were not enough to accommodate all of the internally displaced persons (IDPs). From the initial rounds of support that helped 500 families in Bito Buadi Itowa, the Tabang Marawi team now prepares 1,400 care packages every Sunday that also cover several neighboring barangays. Though the program initially meant to only provide relief packages to the displaced individuals, Banuag didn’t want to settle for band-aid patches; he wanted sustainability. Tabang Marawi then expanded to working on long-term solutions for the affected, such as providing psychosocial assistance and introducing people to Agroenterprise. When Banuag noticed the fertile farmlands and the cool weather in Marawi, he realized the potential the location had. As such, Tabang Marawi then provided locals with the materials, technology, and knowledge needed for them to kick-start trading once again. Banuag pointed out that the progress of Tabang Marawi cannot be credited to him or XU alone. Without the help of donors and volunteers, and the participation of the Maranao people, the program would not reach this level of success today.

Captured by Caryll M. Apostol

Coming Together as One Aside from donating food, money, and other basic needs, Banuag said that there are many other ways that people can contribute to rebuilding Marawi. One of them is engaging in or even initiating forums discussing the Marawi incident, exchanging ideas that may spread awareness to others and help eliminate biases against the Muslim community and Mindanao. He added that with the presence of the social media, the youth should make Marawi talks trend on online platforms as well. “Kasi long-term siya (the effects of forums). Life-changing. Kung musulod na siya sa inyong mga huna-huna, (you become) aware, conscious, sociallyoriented. Aha man na padulong? In your being, in your treatment, in your behavior,” said Banuag. Volunteering in relief operations is another way for people to lend a hand. From things as simple as packing goods, to going as far as actually going to Marawi to distribute packages, generous souls can choose to spare a fraction of their time if they cannot give materially. Lastly, Banuag encouraged everyone to promote the culture of peace and solidarity among one another. *** Despite the Marawi crisis being a dark time for the Filipino people, we do not have to stay in this darkness. If we all tapped into the kindness in our hearts, and allowed ourselves to become beacons of light, then we can help our fallen brothers and sisters, and keep things like these from happening again.S

Sources: w w w . r a p p l e r. c o m /n a t i o n / 1 8 8 7 3 3 government-spent-6-billion-marawi-crisis www.newsinfo.inquirer.net/933947/mautesuffering-heavy-casualties-marawi-siegewont-last-long-afp

VOL. 1 NO. 3 DECEMBER 2017

seizing the moment

taga-asa ka oy?

basura ft. feelings

no pake

BALIMBING

by daniel lumantas

BEERBRAND

NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION

saddest xufd

by BEA MATEO

by kate balace

by BEA MATEO

magis sa org trip

by daniel lumantas

by kate balace

plastic balloons daw

by BEA MATEO

by THERESE PO

TORPE

POKER DREAM TEAM

by RACHEL ALVAREZ

squidding around by bea seno

by kim nale

beyond redemption

by kim nale

Fill out the boxes and tweet a picture of your answers to @squirepub and @squireskwidbols with the hashtag #skwidbols and get a chance to win a prize!

KONEK DA DATS FOR A SURPRISE!

by kim nale by AUDREY CASTAÑARES

khey 2 twelb

by RACHEL ALVAREZ

Digitalized by Kate Balace, Cyra Barros & Audrey Castañares

VOL. 1 NO. 3 DECEMBER 2017

LA M P OON

alihog ko ibalik!” A student yells as the elevator suddenly closes and goes up to higher floors, carrying with it a mesh of students and teachers all waiting to hurry to their desired destination. The number of people in the elevator dwindles until there is all but one student left, and as she exits from the lift, she gives the buttons of the elevator one last look before deciding to turn it off. The student thinks she can get away with it – leaving the elevator at a certain floor, turned off – but someone stern comes around the corner and sees the entire spectacle. And believe me; he is not at all impressed.

It’s Going Down and Up Again: The Elevator Usage Policy by Pia Pabida

Attention from the Office The beginning of second semester has been met with mixed emotions and opinions as a memo from the Office of the Patrol of Students (PS) has been passed to the Principal with regards to the imposition of a new policy – improper elevator decorum and usage. The proposed policy reminds every University individual of their right to elevator access; however certain ethics must be followed. Since the first semester, incidents of improper behavior – which include but are not limited to vandalism, turning off the elevator “for fun”, playing with the elevator bell, inability to return the elevator to the ground floor and revoking an individual their right to the elevator – within elevator premises have been met with such ire that the PS Office was pushed to mediate the situation. “This issue has been going on since the beginning of the school year,” PS Office Head Rood Enas expresses. “They (students and teachers) should be aware of the kind of behavior to be followed when using the elevator. It’s common sense!” So What? Penalties of the proposed policy include a verbal warning – community service, should the attention of the offender has been called for the third time – and the ID confiscation. However, there is an added twist to this: teachers can also get penalized for this rule too. “Although the priority for the use of the elevator are persons with disabilities (PWDs) and teachers, it doesn’t mean that students are asked to get out whenever the teacher uses the elevator

too,” Enas states. Order in the halls are said to be disrupted when a crowd of students leaves the elevator after a teacher or two reprimands them for misuse of it. “The elevator is a public, inclusive facility. And if there’s room for more, it’s reasonable to let another get in and use it as well.” Reminders are also proposed to be placed inside the elevators, to remind everyone using it about the proper elevator decorum and usage. Alongside are a list of violations and penalties to be placed inside the elevator next to the blue Araneos are Moving markers. Crowd sourcing Mixed responses are heard when the PS Office laid out the violations and penalties for the elevator usage policy. “This is highly unfair for us teachers,” English Teacher Lita Raityur opines. “Students should think that they’re not the only ones in a hurry – we’re also in a hurry! Imagine having a class in the Aggies Building then your next class is at the StC Building; it’s tiring going from one building to another and they (the students) think it’s funny to just turn off the elevator and be an inconvenience to others who are also using it.” Social Sciences Teacher Phil Awsopi thinks otherwise. “There’s a point in extending the policy to us teachers. Remember, students are also in a hurry to get to class. After all, we’re also the ones grading their attendances so who are we to blame if they can’t use the elevator to get to class on time as well?” “I think it’s a good thing that this policy is going to be implemented soon,” Kal Kyuloos (ROOTS-12) says. Relief seems to be evident among the students upon hearing about the elevator policy implementation, as opposed to the previous proposed policies made by the PS Office. The policy extends its coverage to the entire Eksyu population instead of the limited few given the privilege of elevator access. “Dili nami kailangan mag-worry about the elevator to arrive para dili mi ma late,” Kyuloos further expresses. *** The SHS admin, along with the Eksyu admin, are still in talks for the set implementation of this policy. However, the PS Office is definitely positive this will resolve the elevator issue once and for all. S

The Great

Depression

by Artene Yu & Raining

t was an outrageous Activity Day for the Eksyu Senior High School (EKSHS) community as students dressed in black and tattered outfits flooded the Eksyu Maine Lanne on November 15 with their banners on hand, stating, “We say NO to ONLY ONE PT.” Start of the Protest The idea of having the protest began when EKSHS Principal Roel Yow announced the change of Performance Tasks (PTs) in every subject during the Morning Assembly on November 6, causing negative reactions among the SHS students. “There will only be one Performance Task per subject for the second semester,” Yow proclaimed. ‘On Crowsaydeers’ felt like a funeral march and students piled out of the Gymnasium dejectedly. Clearly, the administration thought it would benefit both the learners and faculty members of Eksyu. However, it wasn’t good news for the students at all. “Performance Tasks allow us to apply what we have learned in class and use it to achieve the activities given to us,” Grade 12 Habitat and Social Species (HABSS) strand student Streys Sey Acoe exclaims. “How are we supposed to unleash our potentials now?” Acoe questioned. Acoe narrates that after the announcement during the Morning Assembly, many students started to plot against the decision of Principal Yow and the administration. A lot of the learners posted their reactions online, worrying that they might not be able to show their incredible talents in various subjects.

Illustrated by Bea Ellaine Esperanza C. Mateo

Cases of disappointments In the previous semester, the EKSHS administration allowed multiple Performance Tasks and Mini-Tasks (MTs) per subject. However, their approach on this matter was changed due to numerous complaints from anonymous sources. In Yow’s defense, the members of the administration are still trying to verify the sources of the objections, but until then, they will continue with the new rule of having only one PT per subject. In relation to the matter regarding the great PT depression, two MTs will be given in replacement of the Performance Tasks for the Midterms, still having a total average of 50 percent of the students’ grade deliberation. A major PT shall then be given for the Finals with the same weighted average, Yow explains. Even so, Acoe mentions that most students think that the drastic shift has limited the ability of the students’ true potential, making them question if they are still performing with excellence as what proper Arteneans should do. “We are protesting not because we hate them [administration], but we’re doing this for our sake and to improve our potential,” Acoe states. Grade 11 General Academic Geniuses (GAG) student Sevens Elevens Jr. remarks that as an honor student, he prefers to have multiple PTs which will prepare him for his college endeavors and career pursuits in the future. “The PTs are supposed to be there to test us. […] Pero murag dili na mapakita sa students ilahang talents tungod ani,” Elevens says. Illustrated by Cyra Patricia C. Barros

Proposed Resolution After the protest, the Eksyu students made a petition with all their signatures, voicing out their desire for conciliation with the members of the administration office. In the document, they stated that they wanted to have a re-deliberation with the faculty to address their concerns on the PT issue. Also included on the files were individual pledges from the students, proving that they will refrain from further protesting if the problem will be resolved within the semester. Upon receiving the forms, Principal Yow assured the students that the administration will take their request into consideration. The faculty is scheduled to have a resolution meeting with the students in regards to the PT issues on the last week of December. Grade level moderators will be announcing the 10 chosen student representatives per strand who will be joining the meeting. *** As they strive to excel holistically, Eksyu students believe that having the one PT rule will not help them grow as true Arteneans in nature. Disapproving the changes in their academic systems, it is clear that the students’ message upon protesting wasn’t mere rebellion, but an effort in making things right again.S

VOL. 1 NO. 3 DECEMBER 2017

LA M P OON

Poker’s Legality: What Stays in Eksyu Stays in Eksyu

efore the start of Eksyu Festival Days (EKFD), the Eksyu Senior High School (EKSHS) administration announced the legalization of playing poker inside the campus after a series of qualitative researches. Since the day the principal took the chance to preach the new Good News, followed by large billboards posted along the Anti-Cosmar Highway, it has been the talk of the universe, with the dominant hashtag #PokerWins. How this decision was made sparked praise and debate across the community, from lunch conversations to Twitter threads. From six feet under EKSHS students usually have free time in their classes, so it is undeniable that students would do anything just to pass the time. Statistics also showed 37.14159 percent of them would sleep on the floor. Binge watching and going to the Magis Complex were also options. But for All-in Basta Manalo (ABM) student Paul Haus, the teacher’s table is where the gambling magic happens. “Ngano man lugar magtingaay ra ta? Poker can remedy that. Poker is life jud, bai,” Haus opined. He also recalled small underground tournaments in, ironically, the conference rooms in the Library Annex, building some sort of craze among a minority of students from different sections and strands. Pursuant to the building’s policies, the players and spectators would have to tone down the victory or defeat and go elsewhere to let it all out. “Fun times, fun times,” the

by Lu Gee & Da Wan En Onli Jhemerlyn ABM student would remark. Da O. Gun, a STraight flush, Easy Money (STEM) student, also expressed how he finds poker as something that can help him. “Since I always win a lot of money, I can buy more food and have money for my voice lessons at Grace™,” Gun proclaimed. The other side of the coin Grabe Ang Sayang (GAS) student Peel Dy reckoned that the idea the school has formulated is beyond absurdity. “Mura pu’g naay pulos ang poker sa ato, noh? Ka-over ba oy,” Dy voiced out. Peet Os, an Eksyu instructor, complained about the long line of students in the Magis Complex due to high demand of paper bills getting changed to coins from the cashier. “Dili nako maka bento box kay muabot na sa ShekMall™ ang linya sa pasukli. Gina pa una nalang nako sila kay urgent lagi daw. Juice colored,” Os commented. EKSHS’ current situation had also reached the shores of the regional office of the Department of Education (DepEd). Vey Ghas, the Regional Director, spoke of dismay on the school itself, as it lets this kind of culture be tolerated when they think it should not. “Akala ko mga responsable ang mga ‘to,” Ghas said. As for whether to deprive the institution of their permit to educate Grade 11 and 12 students now and in the years to come, she responded, “We’ll have to deliberate muna the present events before reaching a verdict.”

Progress that ensued According to the administration’s research released to the EKSHS community last December 5½, 2017, findings showed that playing poker improves the students’ mind and guts, especially for the ABM students. Having the highest percentage of participation in the game by 68.99 percent, either player or spectator, being able to think of the next move to win might help them deal with business risks in the future as potential entrepreneurs. With this, the officials had decided to start encouraging the students in the SBM building by June 2018 through the slogan, “Invest your future in poker!” Promotions aside, the student handbook shall once again be revised, along with other school documents in relation to conduct in order to safeguard the practice of poker for the upcoming years. To popularize the game even further, the administration had also approved of it as an addition to the Intramurals next AY to increase the number of players and supporters. *** While many now seem motivated to go to school to play poker, it is undeniable that it also plagued the community for the past weeks for students have become less willing to commit to their academics and organizations. As of press time, the EKSHS administration is still firm with their decision of legalizing poker. It has also recently announced that free poker cards will be offered to the students when classes resume on January 2018.S

ksyu takes “education” to a whole new level as it opens Kyah, an all-in-one adventure park, come the early months of 2018. This infrastructure was proposed by the Eksyu Recreation Department for the students to experience the mysteries of recreational activities. It surpasses the expectation and fantasies of a “dream school”, thus, ranking Eksyu as one of the premier schools in the country. The Rationale Kyah is based on the curriculum prepared and mandated by the Firstclass Education Commission wherein recreational activities are required in the subject load of the Grade 12 Senior High School (SHS) students. Aside from its unique whirlwind kind of experience, Kyah offers a wide range of benefits. With recreational activities as its main focus, rest assured that in a short span of time, students will be able to adopt a healthy lifestyle and even acquire a muscular physique, from rock-hard rectus abdominis muscles to toned legs and thighs. “Why go out of the campus when you can just bring the fun and excitement within our premises?” shares Eksyu Recreational Department Chair Agay Nars. With this project, the safety of the students are ensured since activities are bounded within the campus, noting that most of the SHS students are still minors. The adventure park will take place all around the campus so as to

Captured by Hailey Monique Larot

Eksyu to Open “Kyah”, the first ever all-in-one Adventure Park in main campus by Reklamora & FutureIska

mimic the original outdoor venues and facilities, thus providing a more realitylike experience. Scope of Activities The Eksyu all-in-one adventure park will feature various thrilling and exciting recreational activities available to all Eksyu SHS (EKSHS) students even though it was primarily built to cater the subject load requirement of Grade 12 students. These recreational activities include wall climbing on the Engineering Building, mountaineering, trekking, and camping in the Eksyu trashtain, hiking through the Eksyu forest, and kayaking, snorkeling, and swimming in the Eksyu field-lake. The Engineering Building will be open to students who would like to try and experience wall climbing during their free time. It will operate 24/7 for students’ convenience. Since the amount of trash in the University is continually increasing, the PPO decided to gather all of these and form a high mountain of trash. This mountain will be the first of its kind and will be available for students who would want to try mountaineering, trekking, camping, and mushroom hunting. It can still be recalled when the admin decided to transform the Eksyu field into a forest and lake. This will provide the perfect avenue for kayaking, snorkeling, and swimming. Breeze from the trashtain also makes the place a relaxing spot for the students. Captured by Ellric Joseph Maglangit

From A Student’s Perspective “Amazing gyud diri sa Eksyu,” opines one of the EKSHS students, “The recreational activities they offer truly proves how ready they are for the new curriculum.” Indeed, Eksyu proves that they are Senior High school ready with not just well-trained educators but also with their well-equipped facilities. Future Plans Since Eksyu will be the first ever university in the Philippines to open an all-in-one adventure park, it was decided that the entire year of 2018 will be considered as the trial or experimental period. With this, further improvements could then be made so as to become the leading university in Asia. Successful or not, Kyah will be a permanent landmark at the Eksyu downtown campus. *** With Kyah nearing to its opening date, all EKSHS students are already passing out invitations to their friends to come and entrust their education to Eksyu. These students are the living proof of how Eksyu transforms every student to become a person of character and pride. Truly, Eksyu doesn’t only exhibit excellence but also the vibe of a “home”. Come home and be part of the team.S

VOL. 1 NO. 3 DECEMBER 2017 LA M P OON

Experience Entertainment: Studio Arteneo Goes Live!

by Kayle Minaw, lalalanddd618_, Zammer, & Angela

ith all the mishaps, short comings, and real-life bloopers that go on in our midst, it’s no surprise that onlookers stop to take a second look. Sticking one’s nose in others’ business has always been a dominant personality trait the Eksyu Potentials or Eksyu Senior High School (EKSHS) students are known for, diligently following the core value: So Many [Chekkas], [Not] So Much [Time]. From overhearing supposedlyprivate conversations through the bathroom walls to seeing women share their significant other through time-determined shifts, a new form of entertainment is on its way as the Potentials pilot its very first teleserye channel – Studio Arteneo! The Beginning of History Studio Arteneo, spearheaded by the Assistant Principal for Dramas and Witchcraft Airwreck Sardinas and the PAVIVA Film Club (PFC), aims to showcase the death-defying stories of

the Arteneans and reflect these on the big screen. The channel’s main goal is to raise awareness and instill values Eksyu practices, such as conserving chalk, preserving friendship, healing the larynx of college professors, and valuing livelihood through planting rice at the soccer field. The senseless sentiments of every Artenean takes one step forward with this new media platform which will change the course of Eksyu’s entertainment and advocacy sector. Kemy Kardaschund, PFC President, said the project was the product of a twohour meeting between all pioneering Drama and Llama organizations. “We wanted to bring something new and fresh, especially since the new generation likes to give more attention to stories that draw attention,” she shares. The team was inspired to bring Studio Arteneo to life after seeing the students’ intense interest for postmodern American series. “Kung gaenjoy na sila ug fictional stories, they will really enjoy this real-like world we

will bring them.” The set content for each show of the channel is said to be inspired by true to life events. Scriptwriter Regina Jorje says her team observed common experiences the Potentials go through. “Within and beyond the four walls of the school, something big goes on in every Artenean’s life,” she shares. “Whether it be exciting or exhausting, it’s relevant and we did our best to create something from it.” Many Reasons Why Creating a whole new fictional universe is not easy, but this entertainment breakthrough does not need the minds of Rowling nor Tolkien to bring forth a new addition to mass media because according to the PFC, the most fascinating stories already happen in real life. “I love stories gyod nga I can relate to. It makes me feel less alone, like I’m not the only person going through this.” Kardaschund shares. “It makes the character more real and human. It’s more personal and sincere.

Kanang murag pwede nimo ma put imong self sa shoes of the character[s].” However, the channel will not focus on pure drama and hair-tangling messiness. Every teleserye series to be shown on Studio Arteneo reflects certain values that is meant to be instilled in every viewer’s heart. “We didn’t want to show anything too shallow,” Supervising Director Kylie Jenerator says. “We want our viewers to watch our shows and take something from it. Whether it be valuing culture, practicing, respecting, or loving your friends. This isn’t just pa-char.” Jenerator emphasizes the need for quality content in mainstream media, the kind of shows that empower critical thinking instead of dumbing the viewers down. Behind the Curtains Finance Manager, Liza Nahuwasan, revealed the channel’s initial budget of PHP 2 Million which is set to cover the first season of every set production. Half of the amount was covered by both the Office of Student Liabilities and donations from outside sponsors.

The other half was raised through the formerly held Dance in the Dark party, which was attended by almost 3,000 Potentials who willingly paid the entrance fee of PHP 100. “The party was probably Eksyu’s most successful fundraiser yet,” Nahuwasan claims. “Apart from the money we collected, we brought all the post-event trash to the junk shop. It valued almost 200,000 pesos.” The total amount will go to everything needed for the channel to succeed. From the sets, each actor’s professional fee, lights, sounds, and everything in between Bretman Bato, Studio Arteneo’s Production Manager, emphasized the student body’s role in bringing this project to life. Many of the people working videography were taken from the Grade 11 classes. “Considering their expertise in film making as they practically majored it in the first semester, we thought, why not just utilize the talent we already have?” Bato’s inspiration for this motive stemmed from the amazing trailers and video-form Putoromance Tasks

that surfaced the web from the underclassmen. He believes that such raw skill can be honed into something more, and there could be no better platform than Studio Arteneo. *** There is no better place to catch student-artistes at their purest form. You no longer have to press your ear against the wall to feel raw passion pulsing through a person’s veins. Studio Arteneo perfectly satisfies the Potentials’ need for quality entertainment, action and emotion on the big screen. With 10 shows that will run from 5PM to 12MN, this is an entertainment revolution you wouldn’t want to miss. Catch Studio Arteneo every weekday on Channel 69, with free telecasts from the MEOW Canteen as they go live on the 21st of December 2017! S

VOL. 1 NO. 3 DECEMBER 2017

LA M P OON

EKSHS Buys Rants to Escape Crisis

W Freedom Walls to be Installed in CRs University-wide

tudents are surprised to find whiteboards about 36”x24” decorating various comfort rooms around the University as the second semester opens. Its purpose should come to no surprise though, as it was about time the Poppin’ Pillies office (PPO) took countermeasures against vandalism in Comfort Rooms (CRs). About Time PPO Head Mang Limpyota reveals that they have long been searching for suggestions on preventing vandalism in the CRs. “I think it’s already been five years,” he shares. Before the project colloquially coined Project Taratitat students (especially girls) tend to write down hate speeches in the cubicles. “I think four years ago, I was repainting the cubicles for the millionth time when I read a message someone wrote for a guy who cheated on her.” This made Limpyota theorize that vandalism in public CRs is caused by emotional distresses among students, and that the action is their way of coping with the aforementioned distress. It was until the Association of Freedom of Speech (ARFS) passed a project proposal for the PPO to install whiteboards in every bathroom that Limpyota came up with the idea. “It was brilliant. That way, leakers (those who take leaks in the CR) can vent out their frustration without adding up to our work.” Furthermore, Limpyota shares that ARFS has donated PHP 5M for the whiteboards. “Naluoy man gud sila

by Kaye Pap

kay aware sila na ga cost cutting ang Eksyu.” University Chieftain Brandon Nope expresses his support towards the project, especially since the University need not pay a single centavo in the implementation of the project. “Dili pa ta ana? Lahi na na entity ang nag bayad,” he says. Vox Manibus Milito Project Taratitat has earned various reactions and sentiments for everyone in the University. Students, especially males, find the new additions to the CRs entertaining. “It’s fun to write down a thought you’re having while taking a leak,” male Buzzness Alliance Management (BAM) student Bro Kaf shares, “You also get to read midleak thoughts of other guys, so I feel a stronger connection with other guys around campus.” On the other hand, it has received some negative response from the opposite gender. According to Chi Smosa, a Grade 12 Humming Sciences (HUMS) student, “Whiteboard Wars” have been occurring in girls’ CRs ever since the installation of the whiteboards. She recalls a heated exchange of whiteboard messages between two girls in her grade who- according to the whiteboard messages- were fighting over one guy. “Grabe jud siya, beshie. Gapamalikas pa jud sila and all. It was like watching Twitter beef pero dili sa Twitter,” Smosa shares. Both students also share that they often notice the messages suspiciously smudged in a shape of a human person,

as if someone was leaning on the whiteboard. “I always had the feeling na naay ga buhat og fishy things sa CR,” Kaf says, “Gaka confirm ra jod akong doubts (because of the humanlike smudges).” Now what Limpyota admits that Project Tarititat still has a lot of room for improvement, especially since it has only made its debut this semester. “We’re still in our pioneering year,” he reasons. With ARFS reportedly about to donate PHP 5M more to Project Tarititat (out of pity, given Eksyu’s cost-cutting measures), Limpyota reveals that they plan expanding the project to a Comfort Room’s most basic unit: the cubicle. “This will be most helpful to girls who would like to remain anonymous, and it will also accommodate boys who are taking a dump,” Limpyota reasons. However, Limpyota admits that his office has not yet formulated countermeasures against cursing and Whiteboard Wars. “But the superior donors (ARFS) would like to uphold the freedom of speech, so I don’t think a countermeasure is needed,” he adds. *** Despite its rather abrupt implementation, Limpyota is proud to call Project Tarititat a success. With vandalism reduced by 50% in its first week of implementation, all concerned remain optimistic that it will eventually eradicate vandalism by the end of AY 2017-2018.S

ith the rising number of SHS (Senior High School) students harmoniously ranting on Twitter, buying their tweets for stocks seems like a very financially interesting option. It might be our ticket out of this financial crisis,” Dr. Roel Yow stated in a hushed whisper. With this statement, Eksyu Senior High School (EKSHS) is now rumoured to be on the verge of bankruptcy and is considering to buy the rants of SHS students in the form of tweets as stocks in attempt to regain Eksyu’s former financial glory. Unauthorized Eavesdropping Eksyu’s financial crisis becomes one of the most highly rumored topic in EKSHS. Reports of this rumour was started by a STEM-12 student, Linog Tanog. Tanog admitted that he recorded a secret meeting of the Eksyu Administration. “Abe man gud nako nga unsa ang chikka kay nag whisperwhisper man sila, mao na curious ko,” Tanog proclaimed. “I thought it was pretty interesting, so I secretly recorded it.” Tanog confirmed and presented his recording to a group of friends, where the news spread like wildfire. This gave birth to the rumor. Tanog, however, fully admits that his actions may have consequences, and he may be expelled for doing such. Nevertheless, the recording revealed legitimate truth of what transpired in the meeting. “Wala nay kwarta ang Eksyu, nahurot na!” said Treasurer Sendang. “Ngano man ta naka abot ani nga situation?” replied AP for Administration Yolando. The said

Captured by Cyra Andrea Etor

by Paris & France Z. dialogue was one of the distinct parts that can be heard in the voice recording. According to the Eksyu Administration, there are specific reasons as to why Eksyu is now broke and is in need of desperate actions to escape from the financial crisis and to avoid the option of cost-cutting. The Ingredients to the Crisis The first factor of the financial crisis is the overly-budgeted projects of the school. This includes rooftop pools for each building in the campus, limousines as transportation for the use of Eksyu teachers and staffs, establishment of Eksyu Mall inside the campus, grand glass staircases in all Eksyu buildings, and construction of an artificial lake (surface area of 8521 square miles) for aesthetic purposes all allowed Eksyu to exhaust its allocated budgets. These are only some of the projects that this prestigious school runs. More of them occur over time. To add salt to the wound, Eksyu had already prepared the facilities for the anticipated number of enrolees. This budget was supposedly calculated by the Finance Department, which would be reflected in the tuition. However, the number of SHS enrollees who applied for this Academic Year was significantly lower than what the Finance expected. Only 1,000 students enrolled whereas the school expected about 3,000. An estimation of 5,000,000 pesos has been considered as extra expenses for the facilities. “Dili ni nato pwede nga ebali-wala. Dako kayo nga kwarta ang na adto lang sa wala,” commented Yolando. Furthermore, the recently

established Eksyu Sports Centre (ESC) has made a gaping hole in Eksyu’s wallet. This centre was established for the purpose of a permanent training facility for Eksyu students and outsiders alike and it can be located at Pueblo de Oro. However, there is no denying that the construction of ESC has been very pricey with its 5-hectare gymnasium, semi-Olympic swimming pool, oval track, basketball court, and four badminton courts. Edmond Soysoy even states that the University went out to purchase imported materials for the ESC which just elaborates the expenses that Eksyu had to undergo to complete this structure. *** To mitigate this financial crisis, Eksyu decides to purchase tweets as stocks. This way, the University can minimize or make up for the extra cost. “All these SHS students and faculty are generating so much attention and impact on Twitter, we might as well just make a profit out of it.” Yow said. EksyuSHS related tweets are said to have risen by 33% since the start of this academic year, and the school administration cannot help but grasp on this growing number and turn it into a solution to their problem. The decision seemed to be taxing on the administration. Their Project Billboards didn’t seem to make good returns, even when implemented directly in front of another school. Although EKSHS tweets are downright distressing to read, the impact it creates and its worth might just be the way out to stop Eksyu’s bankruptcy. S

Captured by Murielle Desiree V. Cocjin