TRINITY OBSERVER
SPECIAL EDITION SEPTEMBER - NOVEMBER Vol 53, ISSUE NO.1
TUA grants
academic Ease p.(6)
TUA enrollment dips p.(10)
The silent scream p.(16) The distance between us (p.22)
EDITORIAL The New Normal doesn't feel Normal (p. 32)
THE OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF TRINITY UNIVERSITY OF ASIA
CONTENTS
06
NEWS
TUA grants academic ease SNA conducts infodemic webinar TUA hosts online career talk TUA enforces academic break TUA enrollment dips TUA shifts to flexible learning, launches TLC
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LITERARY
Just a dream EPOCH Zealous What time favors
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16
FEATURES The silent scream
Friends amidst pandemic Online learning woes The distance between us When it’s all over Seven ways to cope with online classes Love in the middle of pandemic
26
COMICS
28
OPINIONS Unrequited
The Polemic Teach to learn Children
32
EDITORIAL The New Normal doesn’t feel normal
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News News
TUA grants academic ease
BY: Jean Andrei Senen
Following the consecutive typhoons which wreaked havoc Metro Manila and other parts of Luzon and the growing clamor of the students in social media for academic break, Trinity University of Asia (TUA) imposed a one-week academic ease from November 17 to 21, 2020. In a memo dated Nov. 16, 2020, Dr. Wilfred U. Tiu, TUA president, said all synchronous classes shall be suspended, and no new asynchronous tasks will be uploaded in the TUA Learning Cloud, but professors will be allowed to upload new asynchronous materials starting November 18. Faculty members were also encouraged to hold consultation meetings with their students to check their situations and solicit feedback in a completely voluntary manner. Supertyphoon Rolly and Typhoon Ulysses lambasted Southern and Central Luzon on the first two weeks of November, flooding Marikina-Cainta-Montalban area where many Trinitian students reside, as well as Cagayan and Isabela Provinces, which submerged thousands of homes and cut power and internet connections. Prior to the declaration of academic ease, the TUA University Student Council (USC) released a statement of solidarity as many Trinitian students joined the bandwagon in social media and used the hashtags #TUAAcademicBreakforStallions and #AcademicBreakNowTUA. Francis Imperial, the current TUA USC governor said he found it overwhelming to see how students united to campaign for the academic ease, and that it was his first time seeing Trinitians work together in such a limited way. “The council would want to seek the trust of the students, to prove that we are there to support them,” said Imperial. He also added that seeing the students come together was a breath of fresh air for the council. The governor also encouraged the Trinitian students to work together with the council, and that no matter how “little” the students’ voices may be, it can create a big impact and bring out change, and no matter how small the comfort received, students must also fight for those who need it. He reiterated that the USC will always work for and by the Trinitian community. Despite TUA and other higher education institutions granting academic breaks, several students and cause-oriented groups are urging for a nationwide academic break and academic ease on social media, some even pushing to end the semester early.
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Volume 53 | Issue 1 | Sep-Nov 2020
SNA conducts Infodemic Webinar BY: Raya de Leoz
Due to the continuous spread of misinformation regarding preventions for COVID-19, the Student Nurses Association (SNA), the local student council of St. Luke’s College of Nursing (SLCN), conducted a fact checking webinar for its 38th Beltran Lecture Series last October 10, 2020 via Zoom. “False information spreads faster than true information,” claimed by Dr. Robert Bautista, one of the speakers of the lecture series and an alumnus of the college. Dr. Bautista led the discussion on the common misleading information being spread through different social media platforms often showcased through memes. Oftentimes, certain statements are misinterpreted due to the lack of eloquence and miscommunication. To limit these occurrences, he gave the following steps: reporting medically incorrect posts, correcting misinformation, and disseminating facts on social media. He emphasized the importance of correcting the disinformation and why it is a must for nursing students, and any of those in the professional healthcare system, to promote and educate factual information. In this way, according to him, they are able to aid our front liners as they battle this pandemic unwaveringly. Johann Bolinao, another guest speaker from Batch Magis, gave his own encounters with disinformation that heavily supported Dr. Bautista’s lecture, and agreed that preventive measures need to be taken.
Photo Via: SLCN-SNA
Other guests include: Dr. Gisela Luna from Batch Tagsibol, and Joseph Regondola from Batch Sobreviviente, all of whom were thrilled and nostalgic at the gathering of several medical professionals scattered all around the globe in order to celebrate SLCN’s 113th Founding Anniversary.
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TUA hosts online career talk BY: Charles Worren E. Laureta
To help incoming freshmen college students decide on what program to take amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the Marketing and Communications Office (MCO) of Trinity University of Asia (TUA) initiated an online career talk aired in official social media accounts of the university every Saturday until April 2021. Dubbed As TrinityTalk: Online Panel Discussion – Career Series, the talk aims to familiarize the prospect students to the different courses and programs offered by TUA and to provide answers to target audiences’ uncertainties and present opportunities for personal growth and development. “Every year, we go out and visit schools, and do a career orientations or school presentations normally for Grade 12 students to help them decide what are the best courses for them. We help them also to build their future by choosing the right course in college”, said Ms. Jinky Gamit, Manager of MCO. She added that because of the pandemic, they were unable to physically visit schools, which prompted their office to hold online orientation instead. Every week, a collegiate program from any of the six colleges of TUA is featured and field ex-perts are invited as panel members to give light to the perceived challenges and opportunities the program can offer. Senior High School students from at least fifteen institutions in and outside Metro Manila are also invited to watch and ask questions to the panelists. TrinityTalk is aired live via Zoom and is simultaneously broadcasted via Facebook and You-Tube channels of the University.
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Volume 53 | Issue 1 | Sep-Nov 2020
TUA enforces academic break BY: DJ Anthony A. Andaya - SLCN Hiraya
In anticipation of internet connectivity issues brought by the damage in fiber optics at the seabed of the Philippines, Trinity University of Asia suspended its online classes from Sept. 25 to 30, 2020 while telecommunication giants PLDT and Smart are conducting major repairs. In a memo released on Sept. 24 by the Office of the University President, the said suspension of online classes will also serve as academic break for all faculty members and students. Preliminary and Midterm Examinations were also rescheduled to a later date. It could be remembered that prior to the suspension, students from all over the country turned to social media to call for academic break, citing the growing stress that the new normal of learning is bringing. Renzyl Josol, a student from the St. Luke’s College of Nursing, who is subscribed to PLDT, has expressed her experience with difficulties and struggles in working with an un-stable internet connection. “I’m so thankful to TUA, for considering the voice of their students for approving academic break after examinations, sobrang laking tulong sa mental health ng mga student,” Josol said. She acknowledged that the university and her college professors are making efforts to provide a conducive learning environment and competent teaching style amidst the trying times of pandemic. “In all, I can clearly feel and see TUA’s efforts to help and consider students in these struggling times of pandemic,” she added.
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TUA enrollment dips BY: Jean Andrei Senen Enrollment at the collegiate level decreased by 13% this semester, coinciding with the Trinity University of Asia’s decision to shift to online and flexible learning. The College of Engineering and Information Sciences (CEIS) experienced the biggest decrease in number of students, with around 39% less than their previous enrollment figures, according to the comparative report from the registrar’s office. Other colleges that experienced a decrease in students this academic year would be the College of Arts, Sciences, and Education (CASE) by 18.9% enrollees, the College of Hospitality and Tourism Management (CHTM) by 32.11% of students, the College of Business Management and Accountancy (CBMA), dipping down by an estimate of 47.3%, and lastly the Graduate School, decreasing by an estimate of 13.8% in enrollees. Despite this, some colleges experienced an influx in enrollees. The St. Luke’s College of Nursing (SLCN) saw an increase in their enrollment by 34%, the College of Allied Health Sciences (CAHS) by 4.5%, and the College of Medical Technology (CMT), 7.21% Prof. Myra Ramos, the University Registrar, said the decline of enrollees this year was no real surprise, given the unemployment rate the country is facing due to the quarantine protocols brought by the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, as of July, the pandemic has caused 10.0% of Filipinos to be unemployed. This percentage has been record-breaking number for unemploy-ment in the country, directly revealing the larger impact the pandemic has brought. In July of this year, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) reported that over a hundred thousand Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) were sent back to the Philippines because of the pandemic. Ms. Ramos also said that the implementation of flexible learning is not the reason for the dip in enrollment but the pandemic itself, which caused halt in the operation of many businesses, leaving some families redirecting their expenses to more crucial needs.
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Volume 53 | Issue 1 | Sep-Nov 2020
TUAshiftstoflexiblelearning,launchesTLC BY: Jean Andrei Senen
In response to Commission on Higher Education’s (CHED) directive for higher educational institutions to opt for flexible learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Trinity University of Asia (TUA) introduced the TUA Learning Cloud (TLC), a cloud-based learning management system which is being used by the faculty and students starting First Semester of School Year 2020-2021. “TLC was organized and developed out of TUA management’s desire to provide continuing education to its existing students, and as well as to those who wish to enroll in our university,” said Dr. Gisela DA. Luna, Vice-President for Academic Affairs of TUA. She also said that the phrase “no student left behind” was one of the main motivations behind the development of the system; hoping that through the help of the TLC system, no student will truly be left behind. Dr. Luna also mentioned that the decision to introduce TLC was based from a survey the deans sent to students and faculty of their respective colleges where they were asked of their perception, views, and experience with online learning, and the possible limitations they might encounter if online classes were to push through. The TLC, according to her, is meant to be a vehicle for the teaching and learning process to happen--a virtual campus and classroom where learning and teaching process happens between a teacher and their students. She further encourages an open communication between the two parties. The learning management system allows the faculty to upload lessons and modules, as well as quizzes, assignments, and internet links in each of the courses they teach. This can be accessed by students who are officially enrolled in that course by logging in using their TUA-provided email addresses. The students have the option to choose their preferred learning option, in coordination with the faculty in-charge. The options are video-based synchronous e-learning where the faculty conducts class with the students through Google Meet, video-based asynchronous e-learning where the faculty video-records their lecture and upload it in YouTube, text-based synchronous e-learning through the use of discussion boards or group chats, and text-based asynchronous e-learning through sending of Powerpoint presentations with notes and document files. Soft and hard copy modular learning are also available upon request.
Students can also track their progress as the system automatically computes grades of the learners which can be visited anytime. TLC may be accessed using mobile phones, tablets, laptops, and desktop computers. Prior to the opening of the new school year, the eLearning Resource Team (ERT), a committee incharge of developing the system, conducted a weeklong training with the faculty and several orientations to the students of different colleges of TUA. Several problems were encountered during the first month of the implementation of the system. According to Dr. Luna, the most common problem encountered both by the faculty and the students is connectivity issues. Some students and faculty do not have stable internet connection thus they experience lag during the synchronous video-based classes. To solve the issue, TUA distributed pocket WiFi with renewable internet allocation monthly charged to the miscellaneous fees of all students. Other issues commonly encountered were forgotten TLC passwords and the use of personal email addresses outside TUA organization, which is blocked by the system as part of its security measures. Users of TLC have mixed opinion on the implementation of the learning management system. “Nakatulong yung TLC kasi nandun na lahat ng mga lessons,” said Patricia Alferos, a second year BS Hotel and Restaurant Management student. Yana Padolina, a junior BA Communication student, on the other hand, commented that TLC has the potential to be an effective online class platform but the developers need to improve its accessibility and navigation when using mobile phones. She suggested that students and professors may still need more time to get used to it. “So far, most of our subject requirements and lessons are still easier to access and submit via email and other Google services and apps,” she added. A faculty who requested anonymity also said that the preparation and uploading of modules, as well as exploring the TLC added burden to teachers instead of less workload to cope with the stresses brought by the pandemic. The TUA management is planning to continue the use of TLC when face-to-face classes resume after the pandemic.
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MASK
MASK
WEAR A
W WEAR A
A MASK
WEA WEAR A MASK
MASK WEAR A MASK
WEA A MASK WEAR A MASK
WEAR A
AR A MASK
JUST A
DREAM
By: Princess Angel Grace D. Najera
I
saw you waving at me as you were crossing the road. Your eyes, and your smile, I would never forget how you smiled at me. You were glowing like a radiant flower. You caught me in daze with the sound of your laugh. I can see that you were really happy. You pulled my hand as you started running. We ran toward the the ice cream truck you ordered a double dutch and I ordered chocolate. Its like we have all the time in the world, we did not care about anything. You told me your favorite book, how your world changes when you read. You were smiling all the time. Just walking in an unfamiliar place, holding my hand not once did I see you frown. It’s like you know where we were and where we are going. And as the sun was about to set in front of us, you stopped walking and faced me. Slowly, your smile faded and you looked at the sun. I got scared I felt I did something wrong. As I was about to ask if you are okay, you looked at me, leaning asking for a kiss. As I was about to kiss you, I woke up. It was just all a dream. A dream I would gladly dream again. Every night, for months I would try to dream about you. I would try to continue my dream, Hoping to remember your face and how the way you smile. Today I saw you. I remembered your smile, I remembered your eyes, I remember your lips, the lips I’m longing to kiss. I saw you with my friend. Both of you were smiling so widely. You looked so beautiful. A beauty I haven’t seen before. You were laughing with him and he was carassing your hair. It wasn’t a dream, I was sure. Because in my dreams I was him and you were mine.
EPOCH EPOCH EPOCH By: Lianne Gwyn Prado
Sign of the times, Wailing, the anguish of the marginalized Seeking aid from the proletariat
Societal diseases Seen everywhere You can even talk to them. Yet, entirely hidden by on top, look around, who often cry for help. Poor Juan Dela Cruz makes the majority of the populace.
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Created equal as such, Hey, there is a wide gap From top to the bottom Because of educated but full of corruption Why this is the fact The world we use to appreciate Slowly its value depreciates.
ZEALOUS
Volume 53 | Issue 1 | Sep-Nov 2020
By: B
T
he memories have almost been erased completely. There isn’t a shadow left apart from the clothes you lent me. I plan to give them back eventually.
When couples on a film kiss, I remember ours. The memory is neither bitter nor sweet. On gray days, it makes me homesick. I still have the notebook you gave me for Valentine’s Day. The pictures you took are still taped haphazardly—two of your favorite pictures of me, and one of a silhouette of leaves. I wish I had complimented you more on your craft. This was your way of saving us. When it didn’t, I filled it in with more of me than I did with you when ‘us’ was still present tense. I haven’t touched this in months, like how I haven’t touched you in months. These are proofs you once existed, where ‘exception’ meant you and I. It hasn’t been too long. In my dreams, you always come and go. I’ve grown weary since. What pieces of me did I leave behind with you?
I seek you in sunrise, And when midnight comes I’ll be looking at the stars, But I’ll be gazing at you.” Yet the days blend together And the clocks are snoozed ‘Til the last minutes of the day; Time favors no tomorrows
It was late, late in the evening, The lovers did not meet; The clocks were silent As the screens were turned off.
WHAT TIME
“I’ll be missing you In every gloomy day In the space between black and white, I’ll be missing us.
Another stroll down the hallway, Maybe this will do To remember what has been lost, To have courage to live anew ‘O stare, stare at the screen They fill the void as you weep; “Love your strange friends, With your strange heart”.
By: Rana de Leoz
With loneliness as my company, We play a song, To fill each other without grape And maybe the night can be young again.
The chatter over coffee, The slow mornings in the cafeteria, And behind every door, opens To people you’ve been hoping to see
FAVORS
As I stayed home one evening, There was no one on the street, No lovers before dawn
Look into the screens Of the ones you think you know See the laughs and sorrows And wonder what you’ve missed.
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THE
SILENT
SCREAM
:The ongoing battle against stigma on Mental Health By: Charles Worren E. Laureta
O
It has been more than two years since the Philippine Mental Health Act was signed into law by President Duterte. However, issues and stigma regarding mental health still persist in the Philippines today.
ne of the reasons for the passage of the Philippine Mental Health Act was to provide the Filipino masses with affordable and mental health services for Filipinos. According to research done by Tanaka —people with mental health problems in the country faced stigma due to the culture of Filipinos.
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Filipinos do not place much importance on mental health and have the tendency to be overly optimistic, as a result of this falsified optimism Filipinos are less likely to look for help. This is worrisome, a research in 2019 that showed that 1 in 5 Filipinos suffer from mental health issues.
“The Philippines have thousands of deaths to suicide because there are still Filipinos who think that being depressed is just an act and not a big deal,” said Yobhel Tolentino a Broadcasting student from TUA. Even with all the enacted laws, issues and stigma on mental health are still prevalent in our society”
Mental health illnesses are the third most common form of morbidity for Filipinos” according to the Philippine Statistics Office (PSA). Between 17 to 20 percent of Filipino adults experience psychiatric disorders, while 10 to 15 percent of Filipino children, aged 5 to 15, suffer from mental health problems. To add to this, a 2010 national census that found out that 1.4 million people with identified disabilities showed that mental disability accounts for 14 percent of all disabilities. In the same NSO study, 88 cases of mental health problems were reported for every 100,000 Filipinos. To compound the problem, the funds allocated for mental health is insufficient with it being only 5% of the Department of Health’s (DOH) budget. The DOH set aside P615.5 million for the provision of drugs for mental illnesses for 2020. If we divide this equally to the current population of 108 million Filipinos this would amount to P5.69 per Filipino. Mia (not her real name) who chose not to dis-close her full identity, said she seeks advice from her friends rather than a psychologist. She also shared that the Phillippines have a high number of deaths to suicide access to mental health care providers is expensive and a lot of Filipinos can-not afford to seek help due to financial problems. Several policymakers out their concern for and ar-gued that this mental health budget,” Health Under-secretary Services Team.
have already voiced this lack of budget is “very low for the said Myrna Cabotaje, of the Public Health
It is heartbreaking to see that a person die every 40 sec-onds due to suicide which translates to 800,000 deaths each year with 2,449 of these death being Filipinos, according to the World Health Organization (WHO.) Even with an increasing number of mental health care facilities - both public and private - in the country, these facilities are scant and poor-ly linked. The majority, however, are still with-in the National Capital Region, making acces-sibility a challenge for those in far-away places.
Volume 53 | Issue 1 | Sep-Nov 2020 “Access to mental health facilities is uneven,” the WHO-AIMS (World Health Organizations, Assessment Instrument for Mental Health System) said. DOH also reminded the public on August 24, 2020, to also take care of their mental health following concerns about the rise in the number of suicides. On August 31, 2020, the Department of Education (DepEd) assured to strengthen mental health literacy as COVID-19 pandemic persists. Even with all these hurdles, several NGOs that advocate for mental health like MentalHealthPH have worked in tandem with communities to continue providing care and increasing awareness of the importance of mental health even in the midst of a pandemic. The following free crisis hotlines are available nationwide: National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) Crisis Hotline at 1553 (Luzon-wide landline tollfree), 0917-899-8727 Philippine Red Cross Hotline at 1158 In-Touch Crisis Line at 8-893-7603, 0917-8001123 or 0922-8938944 NCMH also provides a list of free mental health resources at ncmh-is.com/directory/
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Pictu
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Volume 53 | Issue 1 | Sep-Nov 2020
ure
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FRIENDS AMIDST
PANDEMIC By: Ronelle Alodia Ubina
H
ow many friends do you have and how often do you speak to one other? Do you hang out often and give presents during birth- The COVID-19 pandemic has mostly days? How long have you been friends? negatively affected everyone. We are Are these the basis of a true friendship? to understand that people all over the world, especially in the Philippines, Quality over quantity; a simple yet are troubled by household income, renowned phrase when discoursed in education, and for the most part: menfriendships. The quality of friendship tal health. Students are proclaimed to contains affection, loyalty, love, re- be the future of this country, yet are the spect, and trust. These may arise by most attacked by the pandemic. This is means of joyous occasions or through in view of the fact that being able to sorrowful affairs; either way, it’ll al- have access to the materials for online ways be the end and not the means of schooling is simply not enough for evstarting the friendship that will carry eryone to get through the day. Next to weight during the peak of a relation- ourselves and family’s encouragement, ship However, something has made the much-needed solace and assistance us connect with the whole world that expected from our friends are, in retainted countless angles in our lives. ality, the ones we pin our hopes on, the ones who alleviate our doubts, fill our insufficiencies, and are the hands that lead everyone during impotent
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circumstances. These gestures are not done out of pity or obligation— these are acts of love and concern. as yourself: this is a way of protecting your overall being and paving your way to be more gentle with your mental health, even though it may mean shunning others away. It is time to broaden our eyes and consider focusing on a better path where we are reckoning to extend a helping hand to our family and those we see as true friends. Relying on the number of people surrounding you is not the best way to overcome this pandemic, but the quality they carry changes everything, and it will aid everybody in overcoming whatever we are facing, and whatever comes next.
Volume 53 | Issue 1 | Sep-Nov 2020
ONLINE LEARNING WOES By: Alexandra B. Calanoc
W
hat does it feel like to go back to school - to meet and greet your friends and teachers, eat your favorite snacks after class, cram with your classmates for submissions due tomorrow? These nostalgic memories were some of the moments that are encountered in school. It is frustrating to start an academic year through screens and monitors - it is so unusual and foreign. The COVID-19 outbreak was a tragic condition that has drastically affected economic resources and activities, especially in the academic state. As per the memorandum, the President has approved the recommendation of DepEd to push through with online classes. Thus, they will implement the decision to open the push through with distance learning on October 5 as per Republic Act No. 11480.
The question here is: have they prepared enough for the new normal? A student is more reliable when they are exposed to a learning ground and have a high chance of integrating their mental and social skills. On the other hand, the online class unexpectedly became in demand in today’s situation. Some students, as well as teachers, were incapable of having reliable internet access, especially to the increasing unemployment - they were having a rough time preparing for the endeavor that is online classes. Aside from this, if the learning environment of a student is not well maintained, it may cause a distraction that may hinder a student’s focus because of inappropriate learning ground. According to data, the classroom environment is one of the most important factors affecting student learning. Dorman et al. expounds that students learn better when they view the learning environment as positive and supportive. This is in conjunction with the studies from Bucholz & Sheffler
where they found out that a positive environment is one in which students feel a sense of belonging , trust others, feel encouraged to tackle challenges, take risks, and ask questions. Overall, the sudden change in the learning method made numerous concerns and fears towards the online classes. It greatly affected the myriad of students’ and educators’ mental stability on adapting the new normal. Thankfully, educators still push themselves to teach and accommodate the shifting needs of learners in the new and virtual environment. The students should also do their part and help out educators in navigating the virtual environment. No one knows when this pandemic will end, but the unity, compassion, being sensitive and considerate to each other in this crisis will help with adjusting to the new normal. It will be hard but together we can overcome this.
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THE DISTANCE “May we find the comfort we deserve. May they come from the right places.”
Everyone expected and hoped that all will be better after a few
months, but here we are: almost at our 7th month of quarantine and still counting. Mixed emotions and conflicts took place in several relationships between couples and friends. There are also those that formed new relationships, as well as ones that failed. These are anonymous responses from couples and individuals about how they handle long distance relationships, disconnectedness, and how they cope with falling outs and break-ups. “LDR won’t work when you don’t have a strong foundation, we have trust and faithfulness sa isa’t isa. Even though hindi ganto yung love language ko, medjo nag adjust ako because I want this relationship to work.” “Mahirap po siya ihandle considering iba love language niya, pero wala naman po nakukuha na maganda sa madaling paraan so niwwork siya. Parati ko pinapakita yung effort and lagi nagttry, kasi wala perfect love, yung perfect yung both nagttry and committed po.” “Just make sure na di mawawalan ng communication, like kahit goodmorning kamustahan ganon.” However, long distance relationship with friends are somehow a new thing because they are used to talking with them physically, but just like LDR couples, they also need a good foundation for communication. Here are some of their responses: “Nahahandle ko yung LDR with friends kasi we trust each other, na even though we can’t have daily communication, alam nating andiyan lang tayo para sa isa’t isa, one call/chat away lang tayo.” “Hmmm nawawalan ako pake at times.” “There was a time nung like una palang ng quarantine eme…Muntikan na kami magstop pero nag usap kami na wag muna mag usap for days para makapag isip isip pero hindi kami officially nag stop ha, like yung communication lang inistop kase he was going through something den at that time. Tapos ayun nag socmed detox muna sya. Tas after non nagusap na kame. Then ok na, after non mas naging open kami and mas nagbuild up yung trust namin sa isat isa. Kase di kami sanay na hindi magkasama pero kinaya naman. As of now strong naman. Parang self realizations lang siguro, na parang sinasabi ko lang sa sarili ko na sayang yung mga memories if ever na masisira man yung relationship ganon. And nahanap ko na yung parang partner sa lahat e, like yung taong kahit ano sabihin mo di ka ijujudge ganon. So bat pa sasayangin diba?” As we all know, there are just some relationships that won’t work. This is written for those who’ve had failed relationships during quarantine, for the one’s that have let it slide away without much thought, and for those who are still holding on, even though it has long ended. May we find the comfort we deserve. May they come from the right places.
BETWEEN US BETWEEN US 22 |
By: Reem Guada Y. Lee
WHEN IT’S ALL
Volume 53 | Issue 1 | Sep-Nov 2020
With too many uncertainties ahead of us, I know we’re bothered by too many questions: Do we get to celebrate the holidays the way we used to? It’s hard to imagine the Christmas season without the holiday sales, the same children from the neighborhood caroling every single night, and the parties with the exchange gifts and of course, pamasko. Can we finally reunite with our friends after the year ends? It would be nice to hang out again at a friend’s house after a hectic week in school. Will we finally be able to go outside without the fear of contracting a virus? As disappointing as it is, the best that we can do now is to do our part and hope that this ends soon, and envision what awaits us.
Do you remember towards the end of 2019, when we were collectively asking the next year to be good to us? Sadly, 2020 wasn’t listening. We had our own plans and expectations before it all started. Sadly, it was on pause for our safety. Even as someone who loves staying at home on free days with a good book to keep me busy or a series to binge-watch alone, it still feels too much to be stuck at home for half a year and counting, doing almost everything virtually.
There were these hilarious memes on social media about how, once everything is over, we would look like Rapunzel when she first set foot outside. Sounds silly, but I think we would relate to her more than we think. What would be your Rapunzel story? Would it be chasing a dream that had to stop because of the pandemic? A simple coffee date to catch up with friends? Perhaps, a comfortable vacation with the family? After all these months being quarantined, there’s a lot of things in my mind right now. I’d go outside and meet as many of my friends as I could, visit my relatives and maybe celebrate the end of such an unfortunate event. It would be nice to continue my plans with friends, even if it’s a year late. A vacation with the family sounds fun, too. Going back to university and studying with actual people instead of blurry videos with choppy sounds because of unstable internet connection, would be perfect. Those would definitely not fit in a day, so going out without worry and fear of being close to other people would be such a luxury for us.
OVER
By: Mayzelle Riz Vejano
The pandemic has taught us so many things. We’ve been told that meeting different people outside gives us a lot of new things to learn. Well, by not being able to meet different people outside, I’ve had many realizations too, including the fact that at the end of the day, we need other people to continue with our lives. Due to fear, we came to a point when we wanted to cut every connection to the outside world and to stay away from everyone else. However, realizing that we can’t stay isolated forever, we have to find a way to carry on with our lives. It’s frustrating, but what was once reality, feels like a fantasy now—a dream that we all wish to be true. We all hope for the day when we can go back to how it used to be or to be somewhere better. Given the vagueness of the future, one thing is for certain: this is going to end, and when it does, it’s going to be like seeing light for the first time.
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Seven ways to cope with ONLINE CLASSES By: Elinjane Vinson
I
t is hard to believe but we have already been in quarantine for more than 200 days. Fortunately, most of us have managed to stay safe inside our cozy homes to avoid contamination of the virus — however, classes must go on. The new mode of learning is new to most students and educators from different parts of the Philippines. Most of them have complained about internet connection problems, lack of gadgets, as well as eye strains caused by longtime use of screens. Most of all, the new studying environment makes it almost impossible to catch up with lessons. Sometimes, you just want to take a step back. Sometimes you need it. Here are seven helpful ways for you to cope with the new mode of learning: Take deep breaths When in a stressful situation, take three to five deep breaths. This is a relaxation technique that can help improve your focus, concentration, and mood. It can also help by reducing stress hormones activity which helps in getting rid of the tension in your body.
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Give yourself a “me” time Create a To-Do List
Practicing solitude allows you to rewire and process your surroundings. This may help in discovering who you are and what you want. (Sherrie Bourg Carter from Psychology Today, 2012).
A to-Do list may help to form a more organized workload. It can help in reminding you of the assignments and tasks you need to finish at a particular time. Crossing out every completed task is also satisfying to Pray or Meditate do because it makes you feel accomplished and productive for the day. Praying or meditating helps in giving peace of mind and happiness. Reach out to your friends and loved This allows you to reflect on your thoughts and rethink your acones tions. It will also bring you closer Do not be afraid to reach out to your to God and strengthen your faith. loved ones to talk about your day. Have fun chatting or playing. Remember that you are not alone. You can also reach out to your friends to offer emotional support if you find this a good way to de-stress from academic responsibilities.
Practice gratitude
Gratitude is the feeling of being thankful and appreciative even with the little things. It helps in lessening the occurrence of toxic emotions, improves mental strength and self-esteem by accepting things for what Find a way to express yourself they are. You can start practicing Self-expression through arts is an alter- gratitude by listing the small things native way to get rid of the stress and that you are grateful for in a journal. pressure if you are not in the mood for communicating with others. Painting, Online classes are stressful, but you drawing, writing, and dancing and need to take a step back to work more playing—the possibilities are endless! comfortably at your own pace. Take care Do not be afraid to do what you love. of yourself, physically, mentally, and spiritually, and life will take its course.
Volume 53 | Issue 1 | Sep-Nov 2020
LOVE IN THE MIDDLE OF
PANDEMIC R
By: Princess Angel Grace D. Najera
emember when going out with the person you love was normal? Dining out after a long rewarding day; while holding their hand and being close to them in public, giving you butterflies in the stomach. At first, we all thought the suspension will last only a week or a month,. Little did we know, six months later, we are still stuck at the same place. This quarantine took a toll in our lives, dredging up social issues and personal problems. We are also forced to examine our relationships with other people. In fact, some of us have found it hard to emotionally invest. You see, this lockdown served as a test for couples. At some point, it even led to a lot of them breaking up. Before the pandemic slowly creeped into our life (which could have been averted if our authorities had any semblance of a plan), we had the option to dine out, watch a movie in the cinema or just chill at home. Now that our situation is getting harder each day, seeing our partner feels like an impossible task. You are lucky if your partner lives just a few blocks away, that way, it’s easier for the both of you. But if your partner lives miles away, not being able to see them becomes depressing. Day by day, you are longing for their touch, wishing that everything goes back to normal and wondering: what if the pandemic did not happen? Where would the two of you be? At first, everything seems all right. We try to convince ourselves that everything will go back to normal. But week after week of lockdown extensions, our longing grows even more, along with desperation and desperation comes with frustration. Love is not supposed to be easy, as one may think. It gives you butterflies in the stomach, but love is not only about the butterflies. Love is also facing the storm together and holding their hand until the end.
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C OMIC
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Volume 53 | Issue 1 | Sep-Nov 2020
CS
Nadine Nicolas
Andrei Libutan
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OPIN UNREQUITED Andy Legwis It’s hard to love someone that doesn’t love you back. To the uninitiated, Nursing is a place of opportunity – and I know a lot of Filipinos can attest to this statement. On a practical standpoint, having that mentality makes sense; obtaining a degree for Nursing (or any medical profession, really) to the average Filipino is pretty much an assurance that you’ll be secure; you’ll have a blossoming career, enough money to pay your debts, and essentially be set for life. This stereotype, together with the constant high demand for healthcare workers, has been the driving force that urged so many Filipinos to take up Nursing. Now, I’m going to go out on a limb and guess that when you heard the words money and career, you immediately thought of working abroad. Did I guess right? I can’t really blame you. The medical landscape in the Philippines has never been the kindest to its workers. It demands so much, and yet it gives so little, especially in compensation. According to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the average Registered Nurse working in the Philippines earns around Php 8,000 – 13,500 a month, depending on the hospital. For comparison, nurses in the US earn on average around $71,000 every year (that’s a whopping Php 3.5 million pesos annually, converted). Our nurses here can essentially work 24/7 and not even touch a fraction of that amount. Let that sink in. It is a typical idea that service-oriented jobs are akin to vocations, and that when you enter the field, you should know what you are getting yourself into – ginusto mo yan, they would say. We Filipinos describe our healthcare workers as martyrs and call them modern-day heroes, yet under the same breath, Filipinos call them out when they decide to fly out in search of greener pastures, attributing it to a lack of loyalty and patriotism. Like a sunflower unknowingly planted in a desert, it is so difficult to flourish in an environment that cares little about your needs. The cries of our healthcare workers for help have become ambient noise drowned out in a system that wants to have none of it. Can we truly blame them then if they choose to offer their skills elsewhere in search of better, more humane opportunities?
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One day, this will be me. No matter how much I reassur self, the fear just keeps on growing. The fear that one da very country I choose to love will not love me back.
There is no shame in saying it: money is a necessity to ever Why shouldn’t it be the same case for our healthcare wor We tend to forget that they are also normal people like us; they have mouths to feed, basic needs to fulfill, and dr that they wish to reach. Especially now, with the mann which the COVID pandemic is being handled, they have reason to jump ships and save themselves - but they re here. They continue to fight the good fight, and for what
It is because they know, they understand, and they choo answer the plight of the sick.
Understand that the heart of a healthcare worker is not overnight; it was borne from countless sleepless nights, thousands upon thousands of pages that were read, and tears of weariness and doubt. It was strengthened by the dreds of hours spent caring for strangers that they don’t know. It was built through the skills that they honed, experiences that they created. They spent literal years bu an understanding of how our health care sector truly is what they can do to help. Healthcare workers stay not be they have to, but because they understand. It was never an choice – but they made the choice, nonetheless.
Monetary compensation is just one of so many issues – s burnout, employee saturation; there are so many layers t problem, and it is deeply rooted in the system. The recent for help by our healthcare workers is an important wakeu – enough is enough. Right now, they risk their lives in the lines to fulfill the oaths that they took – to care for the even at the expense of their own health. Even when the demic ends, they will continue to keep fighting for the b of other people that no one gets to hear.
I know that one day, I will be given the same choices, the oath to uphold, and the same responsibility to carry – know that I will choose to love. Maybe then, the Philippines will love me back.
ON
Volume 53 | Issue 1 | Sep-Nov 2020
THE POLEMIC Russel Loreto
re myay, the
With the advent of social media came another
ose to
form of being involved with social issues - hashtag activism. The hashtag was first conceived by Chris Messina in 2007 and was pitched and added to Twitter. The hashtag then took the internet by storm when it was added to social media networking sites like Facebook, Instagram, and even YouTube.
Let’s also not forget to mention various celebrities and corporations that use any movement’s hashtag for lipservice. In this day and age, it is commonplace that some people and corporations want to appear trendy and, engaged with social issues to make it seem like they care about these issues but do nothing to actually contribute or partake in any progressive activities for social good.
t built from d from e hunt even using ilding s, and ecause n easy
Today, hashtags serve as what the initial creators intended it to do; to connect people with the same interests and categorize posts by topics. However, in this ever-shifting paradigm of the social media landscape, hashtags has become an avenue for people to partake in so-called “social media activism” or “hashtag activism,” examples include the successful movements of #BlackLivesMatter, #MeToo, #HijaAko, and many others.
Now, let’s say we abandon the hashtag and leave it in the cupboard to rot. What happens next? Same thing over again in just a different form; this is possible since with the rate of how innovations are made in technology; driven by human interest and investment capital from corporations. Even worse, we might remove the tool that allowed people to connect and express their thoughts and opinions to a large audience. But removing hashtags also helps alleviate the caveats of social media and hashtags by removing the network of disinformation and echo chambers that deepen the divide between groups of people.
ryone. rkers? all of reams ner by every emain t?
stress, to this t cries up call e front e sick, e panbattles
e same and I
With the rise of hashtag activism, the use of hashtags has been undeniably effective with spreading the message, deepening the discourse, educating people, and giving the public the platform they barely once had, which is good. But, as people became more involved with social issues that they are passionate about, it has also fueled the polarization of differing views in social media. Like with the case of “AltRights vs. Antifa” and “DDS vs. Dilawans,” among many others utilize these same tools to spread hate and disinformation. These groups aren’t doing anything to deepen the discourse and try to understand each other. Instead, they fuel the fire for hatred and even incite violence against each other.
This precarious position makes the hashtag a double-edged sword. Like every tool out there, we can use it for social good or to use it for nefarious purposes. We also need to remember that social media activism and hashtag activism is just a stepping stone to initiate social good. Words are just lipservice without action; real and progressive change is slow and requires you to commit, participate, contribute, and act.
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O P I N I O N
TEACH
TO LEARN
Joe Asher P. Fuentes
To
teach is to learn as we progress.
In the past quarter-and-half this year, we faced a lot of challenges; from the eruption of Taal Volcano, the surge of typhoons, and the biggest challenge crisis yet: the coronavirus. The sudden increase in cases of coronavirus led many people to transition to the new normal, including the education system in the country. As we face the global pandemic and the rapid increase of COVID patients, the teaching profession continues to thrive for the education among the students. With the opening of classes last August for the academic year 2020-2021, we saw the great shift from face-to-face classes transitioned to online classes. Schools and institutions should have some form of distance learning in place. It is essential to have a policy that considers all aspects of teaching and learning, including the well-being of all stakeholders based on the context of the school and the profiles of its members. A primary school will have different concerns compared to a tertiary institution, whether it is about screen time, level of learner’s independence, or the specificity of instructions that should be sent to complement the homework. The challenges and barriers of learning rose after a month of observing the resumption of classes. Most of the prominent issues that arose centered mainly on the poor internet connectivity, lack of technical knowledge on digital learning, as well as the lack of resources like cellphones and laptops that are utilized primarily for the new normal of learning systems. All of us are struggling right now. The transition of traditional classroom teaching to online virtual classroom meetings has had a huge impact on the learning process of
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O
th e c d sa A e at th a o
the students. Students are expected to learn new lessons and topics within the day through a screen, staying for as much as 5 hours staring at a screen listening to lectures, all the while being bombarded by modules and paper works that also have to be submitted on time. However, we are not the only ones suffering from the forced migration of our normal lives to online classes due to COVID-19. Teachers also are struggling because they are the pillars of the education system that continues to pursue its learning goals amid the health crisis our country is facing now. We have to take a look at the amount of pressure placed on teachers to make the paradigm shift. We need to acknowledge that there are teachers in our midst who are also struggling in the context of distance learning, that some of them do not have the most stable internet connection or data at home, that their educational background is not necessarily equipped to handle virtual classes, that their gadgets can be outdated, and that the lack of seminars and workshops for them to teach virtually translates heavily to their performance We are faced with an adaptive challenge, right here, right now. We need more time to finalize the structure of the education system and more workshops for the teachers and educators. But the good news is, the teachers are at the front lines of the education system and we can turn all the important life lessons that this or any other global crisis has taught us into daily teachable moments as we progress to the betterment of our situation. Teachers need our support as they are facing a lot of pressure on how to continue our academic journey in
tr no rat Th ni
Th mo tio Ca sa sh (ot inj to me in
I’m an tio vid to of ce th rel sh
O P I N I O N
his time of crisis. We should learn how to understand each other as well. We struggle with what needs to be accomplished but the weight of this endeavour somehow diminishes when we see our peers going through the ame. But, you are not alone in this academic journey. And with that, as we celebrate World Teachers’ Month this October, let’s see to it to appreciate our teachers and give our gratitude to them as hey play a vital role in our society to keep it balanced, as well as their role in shaping the minds of the youth and in the life-long learning process.
Volume 53 | Issue 1 | Sep-Nov 2020 The world is faced with an adaptive change and shift to our lives today and teachers serve as the “frontliners” of the education system. In this wor ld, we will have trials and tribulations, but take heart, for these will be overcome. The unfortunate truth is that we need to ‘reconfigure’ ourselves to build greater resiliency and be better prepared for what is ahead of us. Remember that others are also going through the same page we are in right now. All of us are coping and adapting to this new normal we are entering today. We’ll get through this together. Soon.
CHILDREN
At least once in their lives, everyone’s had a crush on an older person, one way or another. Whether it be someone you knew or someone you didn’t know, it’s normal to have a certain attraction. On rare occasions, individuals gain an ata c t ion to those younger than them. It’s othing strange, in hindsight. But when does this nartive start to cross lines from strange to concerning? he EJ Laurel and Bugoy Carino issue sigficantly borderlines on the latter. How so?
he issue started around 2017, wherein there were rumors of UST Volleyball player EJ Laurel having a relaonship with then fifteen-year-old child actor, Bugoy arino. What’s more concerning is that the player was id to also be pregnant around this time, which is why he was pulled out of the UAAP season during that time ther sources have stated that it was actually a shoulder jury, and she just needed time to recover.) Fast forward o September of 2020, Bugoy posts a picture on a social media account of him, EJ, and their daughter, celebratg his birthday, thus confirming the rumors from 2017.
m citing this case specifically not because I have nything against the two, but because this was a relaonship that was publicized by two well-known indiduals. Not to mention, this situation opened doors o debates on social media, whether or not this sort f relationship is good or not. To be frank, it is conerning. Concerning because this was a relationship hat started when one of the party members of said lationship was fifteen-years-old. It was a relationhip that started with a legal adult dating a minor.
Jean Senen
In the Philippines, a relationship between an adult and a minor is legal. The age of consent here is twelve-years old. In the abse nce of laws, we were taught to turn to ethics as our guide for our actions. While legally, there is no consequences to these sorts of actions, is it really okay to let a fully-developed adult develop a relationship with a child, who still has years ahead of developing to do? Going back to the EJ-Bugoy issue on social media, several have argued that this relationship was wrong, and that despite him being happy about being in this relationship, they point out that EJ has been grooming Bugoy into this kind of relationship ever since he was fifteen, and now that he is of legal age, only then did they confirm and come out to be in a relationship, with a child no less. Others have argued that since he is of legal age now, and they both seem to be in a happy relationship, people should leave them alone. I think one of the bigger reasons why people didn’t make such a fuss about this particular incident is because the older person here is a woman. In these sorts of situations, most of the time, a man would be older—and the usual reaction to that would be an outcry on social media. In a society such as ours today, w ith the advancement of technology and how it’s so easy for children to access these sorts of things, we should have a stronger need to keep them safe. Growing up is tough and frustrating. You tend to cling on to people who you think understand you, and find comfort in their presence. As older people, it is our responsibility to make sure children are safe. You set boundaries. No matter what angle you look at it, forming an intimate relationship with someone incredibly younger than you is not okay. Whatever happens to that child you’re with, you take responsibility. You take responsibility for what you cause to children. It’s unspoken, but apparently, it needs to be said, over and over again. Children are to be protected. Teenagers are children. Just because something is legal, does not mean, in any way, it is the ethical or right thing to do.
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EDITO
The new normal
oesn’t feel normal
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ORIAL
Volume 53 | Issue 1 | Sep-Nov 2020
“Never forget that moving forward does not mean forgetting what we deserve; we had our lives snatched away from us, and we deserve to get it back.”
Midnight
of March 15th, 2020 signaled the
beginning of quarantine in NCR - and no one saw what was coming next.
Like a horror narrative torn literally out of a dystopian novel, the Philippines – together with the entire world – was plunged into a battle against an invisible enemy that was COVID-19, and al-most immediately our normal lives were turned topsy-turvy against our will. We truly are living in something that was thought to be only in fic-tion. But in fiction, conflicts are solved easily. Not in this reality. “New Normal” is a phrase that is the antithesis of itself. Fearing for one’s life is not normal, los-ing your job because of a recession is not nor-mal, and worrying if you can feed your family 3 square meals a day is not normal. If anything, these are all massive red flags that have laid this "normal” is a deliberate red herring distracting us from realizing the actual gravity of the situation: we are playing house in a burning room. None of this is remotely normal, and none of this should be normalized. The pandemic did not trigger all these social issues, however; it only exacerbated it so much that we began to only notice it now. In a situation where we have no choice but to remain at home, we are literally at the mercy of the virus, and more importantly, the people who are tasked to handle the situa-tion. They are to be our stalwart protectors, our hope to return everything back to normal. Recent events beg to differ, however. Being at home, we have a front-seat view of the entire fiasco that is the COVID-19, and truth be told,it is very disqui-eting to have to witness all of these misplaced pri-orities during a pandemic. We watch as our leaders spend hundreds of millions of pesos for beautifica-tion efforts of beach fronts when there are students and educators forced to deal with the financial and mental difficulties of learning and teaching.
They have chosen to prioritize their personal vendetta on news entities that opposed them, all the while disregarding the would-be repercussions to their citizens’livelihoods, particularly at a crucial time like this. Our healthcare workers – the very sector that is literally keeping our country alive – are forced to work in harsh conditions with limited resources, while more budget is provided for the military and the police. So many lives have been needlessly compromised, yet we feel so far away from the goal - ridding our country of the virus. If accountability is the measure of a leader’s height, the lack thereof in our country is a deadly disappointment that can and will cost lives. So many times have we seen individuals in power commit blunders that have made our citizens suffer during the pandemic but remain in position for being in the favor of the right people. We have somewhat lost any semblance of liability; leaders placed in power should always have a degree of accountability with the responsibility that they handed with. We have witnessed local government units do well with what they have at their disposal; we have seen how things will be if we were prioritized and treated better as a nation. We know that it is possible, so why are we stuck in this situation? Short-sighted planning, ineffective management, and a series of piss-poor decisions – this is what we are endorsed to accept as the “norm.” We know we can do better. More than 200 days into this ordeal, the new normal does not feel normal – and it shouldn’t. It is an abnormality that we must continuously keep a close eye on. None of this is sustainable, and the longer we remain trapped in this norm, the faster our fellow Filipinos will get swallowed by this sinkhole. However, this does not mean that we will stagnate; we will move forward, as we have no choice but to do so, but we will remain vigilant. Never forget that moving forward does not mean forgetting what we deserve; we had our lives snatched away from us, and we deserve to get it back.
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Volume 53 | Issue 1 | Sep-Nov 2020
contact us :
IN THIS ISSUE Editorial Board Andy Nathaniel M. Legwis Jr. Editor-in-Chief Russel Anthony P. Loreto Associate Editor Joe Asher P. Fuentes Managing Editor Jean Andrei G. Senen News Editor Raya Isabella C. De Leoz Head Writer
Staff Members Mayzelle Riz Vejano Princess Angel Grace Najera Don Jose Anthony A. Andaya Alexandra Calanoc Lianne Gwyn Prado Amber Gabrielle Abia Reem Guada Lee Loren Hannah Coronel Svetlana Samson Elinjane Vinson Jamilla Marie San Andres Myles Tan Astrid Sophia Doña Ronelle Alodia Ubina Charles Laureta Caitleen Limcaoco Gabriel Cabrera Kim Lanoba Michael Parocha Sophia Sulit Jasmine Joyce Salenga Julia Ysabel Espiritu
Mary Ann R. Guazil Ma. Kristina Angela R. Rumbaoa Bernadine Ambry B. Nicolas Michaella Yukuo Dizon Joseph Michael Montero Gino Gabriel Tuason Edward Quarto Ysabel Bautista Jessa Mae G. Gabasa Anne Pauleen Causay Danilla C Villadegracia Joana Lei Bautista Jopearl Mae Dela Torre Hannah Lolor Jonel Sayon Patricio, Earl John Andrei Libutan Kate Gullem Julia Andrea Ravela Jasmine Cruz Hanna Faye M. Uy Klarize Rustia
Rana Sophia C. De Leoz Documentation Head TO WRITE.
Jasmine Joy M. Badua Head lllustrator Malachi Diwa T. Castro Graphics Head
TO STRUGGLE.
TO SERVE.
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