Variants: Our different stories during the pandemic by Trinity Observer

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Variants: Our different stories during the pandemic

About the Cover Stories written by different people, illustrations by different artists all come together under a single concept. The written works represented by the all-mighty pen, and a preview of the artworks, as both of them go together. The blue and green layers stacked together look like cut-outs from children’s storybooks, as this zine intends to tell the story of various individuals.

The art is heavily inspired by the cover of D. Todd Deeken’s ‘Paper Father’, Todd’s first novel and a story that features a father in a dystopian future, looking for his family. As in the book, ironically enough, we too seem to be going through some dystopia-esque times, but perhaps rays of hope through literature will shine through these trying times.

Table of Contents When COVID said Hi Loren Hannah Coronel July 2020 Pen Name: Sky Enthusiast Pandemic Lianne Gwyn Prado Curveball Sophia Viviane Datu Soliloquy - Reminiscing the F2F Pen name: Eli of the stars A Short Pandemic Love Story Pen name: coffeelau_ Haiku series: Watch Out Sophia Viviane B. Datu Coronavirus Disease Lianne Gwyn Prado Be careful what you wish for Molly Delany F. Delizo Haiku 1 & 2 Alexsandra Joy Juarez Let go Pen name: Eli of the Stars Unsent Letter # 1 Pen name: Eli of the Stars A Fangirl’s memoir of the pandemic Alyssa Anne Castillo About my closet Jean Andrei G. Senen My life if COVID did not happen Alexandra Abrantes Paper Trail Zoe Natividad cinder casket Russel Loreto the 4th anniversary Jean Andrei G. Senen Plans. plans. plans : A conversation with myself Pen name: Eli of the Stars Kapitan Jasper Liquigan

Variants: Our different stories during the pandemic

LOREN HANNAH CORONEL

W hen COVID said Hi According to numerology predictions, 2020 is a year of building, making plans, and creating foundations that will eventually make everything run like clockwise. Family said it would be the year I finally venture out and explore life outside of my comfort zone. My high school friends said it would be the most memorable year for our batch. It sure was. It was definitely memorable, but instead of building, making plans, and creating foundations, life took a staggering halt. COVID-19 said hi. From there, time seemingly stopped. How could we possibly plan for the future when the whole world was fighting such a deadly virus? I didn’t believe it at first. A pandemic in the 21st century? Is that even possible? Apparently yes, and our generation can attest to it first-hand. What if COVID did not happen? What would I be doing now? Looking back at the nearly two years that passed, so many adjustments had to happen. I could have been in the Philippines by June of 2020, a day right after my high school graduation. I could have had my debut at the Philippines as well. My OFW parent could have taken their much-deserved vacation while also dropping off their eldest daughter (a.k.a me) and assisting in her adjustment to the Manila life. I could have experienced the exciting university life with welcoming parties and face-to-face gruesome accounting lectures. Life could have been what I planned it to be.

Variants: Our different stories during the pandemic Instead, I was stuck abroad for another year, enrolled in online classes

from the Philippines which sucked the life out of me 24/7, and fell into a depressing routine of classes-eat-sleep-repeat and not knowing when all will get back to normal. I had to immediately adapt and accept the situation at hand. COVID is real. Fortunately, it was not able to infect and spread in the country me and my family resided in. Compared to many countries in the world, we were safer. Even being declared as a “COVID Safe” country up to this date. Kudos to the government of the Republic of Palau for handling this pandemic so well. (P.S. Their oceans are majestic, definitely a place to visit for avid snorkeling lovers and divers. Check out @ visitpalau on Instagram to learn more >.<) Life was, in fact, as normal as can be. The only struggle really was this online class setup, which I still pretty much despise. Mental health surely had its downfall, but honestly, things could have been worse. This is not your typical pandemic life experience. While the world had to deal with face masks, and the Philippines with its questionable face shields, I was still able to go out and roam around, hang out with friends, had my high school graduation face-to-face and was still lucky enough to have a party on my 18th birthday. Yup, sana all. If there was one thing this pandemic has taught me, it is to be grateful. Ultimately it made me realize how important family is. I had so much plans for my life that were not accomplished and were delayed, but they were replaced by memories with loved ones that I will forever cherish. Reminiscing, I am still thankful. I am thankful because despite everything happening in the world, my family and I were kept safe. Currently, I already arrived in the Philippines a few months ago. Vaccines are on the rollout. Flights are gradually opening. Limited face-to-face classes are being conducted. Things will get better. Perhaps the universe has a better plan for me, for all of us in fact. COVID may have halted or changed our course of action, but life truly does go on. Let us continuously pray for the safety of everyone, especially those exposed daily. This too shall end. About the Author: Loren Hannah M. Coronel is a 2nd year BS Accountancy student and currently a news writer of Trinity Observer and a media team staff of CBMA Local Council. She loves drinking coffee, eating anything with matcha, and ranting on Twitter 24/7.

Variants: Our different stories during the pandemic

July 2020 SKY ENTHUSIAST

Idle Oblivious of the ticking clock Seems like there’s nowhere to go

Wonders if when would I wander again

Those long night walks, Laughters and trips with pals, Family tours and reunions Oh how I miss

On a broad daylight, Here I am wishing, hoping and praying To take a photo without my smile getting concealed, To walk around without any threats, To travel without restrictions, All these thoughts I have while idling

Variants: Our different stories during the pandemic

Pandemic LIANNE GWYN PRADO

Pandemic...

Why has the world suffer?

And all humanity is affected, Economics collapsed

Education drifts down People die.

Gone are the joys and merriment The herald and seraphs Blessings and love of mankind,

But left is the wrath of virus abound

About the Author: Lianne Prado is a 3rd year BS Medical Technology student and currently the Head Writer of Trinity Observer. She loves to bake, to travel, to read, and to watch series.

Variants: Our different stories during the pandemic

Curveball S O P H I A V I V I A N E DAT U

As I go to bed Notions starts to fill my head Astonished of where I am today Is this what they call as “passion” Or is it just my escape

Looking back at time Oh, that was years of contests Trainings, seminars, workshops, nonstop conferences Phew, campus journalism... Half of my secondary levels were just all about it Indeed a white-knuckle ride, And absolutely worthwhile

I thought it would end there But fingers were crossed, I hoped it wouldn’t

During Freshie days, I was just interested My college life has just begun Heard about the university publication Yet I was intimidated “I would focus on academics” This thought run a million folds in my mind

Then the pandemic came College publication was established There I was As spontaneous as I am

Variants: Our different stories during the pandemic

Affiliated myself and explored a new section– Traversed from Sports to Feature It isn’t bad to have a get-away with studies, right?

A year later As I was scrolling through my emails An announcement piqued my curiosity A message that lingered in my mind for days An application for the university publication

Hence the last day came I found myself sending my curriculum vitae, Attached with some works I made Ensuingly, a news was spilled by my professor “Congratulations! You are part of Trinity Observer!”

I must say, Maybe journalism made its way again At this point of time Maybe people would wonder I could have chosen Journalism as my degree Well, the pandemic revealed to me There’s a fine line between a passion and hobby Journalism is the latter

Hence this JOURN-ey might take me elsewhere Regardless of where, and even in pandemic My impetuous self would make the most out of it True beyond any doubt About the Author: Sophia Viviane B. Datu is a 3rd year BS Medical Technology student and currently the News Editor of Trinity Observer. She loves frozen yogurt so much even though she is sensitive to anything cold. Sunny days, flowers, and food always brighten her mood.

Variants: Our different stories during the pandemic

Photo by: Joe Asher Fuentes

Photo by: Miranda

Variants: Our different stories during the pandemic

Soliloquy - Reminiscing the F2F E LI O F TH E STARS

I miss the old normal setting of classes. Being at home doing school stuff messes up my leisure time. There are so many things to be focused on here in my house, especially since I love doing lots of hobbies, and I don’t like academics to be a major part of it. Physical classes really helped me concentrate on my school stuff because places for fun and work are separated, but it will be long enough to wait for the pandemic to be lessened enough for schools to open their gates and classrooms again. I just have to live and accept life now.

About the Author: Elinjane Vinson is a 2nd Year Nursing student and currently a Feature Editor and illustrator of Trinity Observer. She loves playing online games with friends and chilling on her imaginary beach with music.

Variants: Our different stories during the pandemic

A Short Pandemic Love Story COFFEELAU_

They had a thing during COVID.

Those long car rides and sweet

It was short.

quiet nights,

It was sweet.

Virused memories.

Unexpected. COVID happened, His presence,

And while the world came into a

God, how sad to reminisce.

halt, they

The way he held her hand,

happened.

The way they almost kissed. It almost did not happen. She was bound to leave. He was, well, bound to fall in love With her.

She looks back from time to time and wonder why it ended abruptly. Why he had to be the virus that infected her heart so quickly.

His smile was as deadly His gaze infecting her unmasked heart.

It was short.

Her laugh contagious.

It was sweet.

Their love story spontaneous.

Unexpected. It was painful.

If COVID had not happened, Perhaps they would have parted ways long time ago.

Variants: Our different stories during the pandemic

HAIKU SERIES: Watch out S O P H I A D AT U

Haiku 1 People are dying Money were kept on pockets Only them survives Haiku 2 Boss said, “No funds left” Borrowed billions promptly, yet Country’s still at stake Haiku 3 Look out for robbers Masked as prime, veiled as noble Thieves even a cent

Variants: Our different stories during the pandemic

Coronavirus Disease LIANNE GWYN PRADO You came unexpectedly, In a way where no one is ready, In an instant you shake the world, When the news spread it all. March 2020 Alpha variant exist Till it ends in same year of August, Another variant, shakes the humanity From September 2020 to February of the next year, Delta was its named Oh, such a horrific disease For vaccine undergoes to several studies That’s why the Lambda variant turned next, It was started to March 2021 to August. Vaccination was encouraged People of specific ages, Undergo with this method To end up the said disease. When it is slowly dropping down its case, Lo! another variant strikes It levels up to where everybody feels its wrath Life put at stake There’s a feeling of uncertainty If tomorrow we are still alive. Omicron the new variant It circulates worldwide, It devastates the heart of everyone For the foe we are facing is unseen The only thing we can depend Is the prayer we ask to Him.

Variants: Our different stories during the pandemic

Be careful of what you wish for M O L LY D E L A N Y F. D E L I Z O

Alive or not? – that is now the frequent question to the family of the covid-19 patients. Before, it happened. I prayed for the day of the end of chaos in my surroundings and a day full of silence. I was cruel to curse the world. I resented it so hard. I never thought this would strike me so hard. It’s like my wish came true. Oh! How unfortunate! – this is what I always hear after the virus affected us. I resented the world so much; I can’t believe that it will came back to me. I complained a lot, it shows me equality. There’s no rich nor poor in the midst of Covid-19. It’s like the world is telling me to grow up. I have taken a lot of advantage in this world but what did I return to it? Resentment, just because sometimes things don’t go my way. Oh, I’ve sinned. Please forgive this impudent human. – This is the only thing I can pray for as of today.

About the Author: Molly Delany Delizo is a 1st-year BS Nursing student and is currently a staff writer for the Trinity Observer. She loves to read novels, manhwa, manga, and watch tiktok, and during her free time, she loves to stan Enhypen.

Variants: Our different stories during the pandemic

Haiku 1 Days and days outside In the new enforced silence I wish we could touch

Haiku 2 Studying from home I wish I could think outside I am going nuts

ALEXSANDRA JOY JUAREZ

About the Author: Alexsandra Juarez is a 3rd year BS Medical Technology student and currently a Writer and Social Media Manager of Trinity Observer. Her favorite comfort food is burger and one thing she cannot live without is a silky bed sheet.

Variants: Our different stories during the pandemic

Let go

E L I O F T H E S TA R S

There’s nothing I can do I just wished that you saw me, too Selfish and insensitive Things they would describe you I can’t see you that way Maybe ‘cause I shut the door Expectations? Hope? Immediately flew far away Pure intentions are nothing on the eyes that don’t see on the ears that don’t hear on the heart that doesn’t feel Whatever I do, whatever I say Even when the storms fall, or when the sun shines, Even when it’s obvious, or hidden on the signs, My melody can’t shine on a heart that’s not mine Only one thing that I can do To accept and cope with the pain Of seeing you smile and be happy On someone that you dear great Only one thing that I can do To accept things as they are Give up and let go Only actions that I can do to prove that I loved you so About the Author: Molly Delany Delizo is a 1st-year BS Nursing student and is currently a staff writer for the Trinity Observer. She loves to read novels, manhwa, manga, and watch tiktok, and during her free time, she loves to stan Enhypen.

Variants: Our different stories during the pandemic

E L I O F T H E S TA R S

Unsent Letter #1 (inspired by Taylor Swift - All Too Well) We pretend to forget, but we remember it all too well. We have questions to ask, but we are scared to take the risk. Thoughts accumulate, then bother, again, let them go. This cycle continues unless I reach the resolve of not seeing you anymore. Doubts and regrets echo through the mind. The longer it goes, the more comfortable they seem. Maybe, I’ll stay with the questions in my mind. Maybe, I’m the one who’s scared, protecting myself from another uncertainty. You who happened, has been happening, and will happen. How long will it echo through the chambers of my mind? How long will it take for me to admit that even now, the feeling’s the same? How long will it take for my pretending to be true? “Just between us, did the love affair maim you all too well?” Or was it just me all along? Have we ever become honest about how we felt, Or do we mask it with familiarity?

Variants: Our different stories during the pandemic

My memoir of the pandemic A LY S S A A N N E C A S T I L L O

Chapter 1: Alpha I still remember when I didn’t expect it would be my classmates’ last meeting and my way back to my SHS years. It was March 9, 2020. We were just having fun, taking photos on my teacher’s phone, chit-chat with friends, and many more. In fact, we were just waiting to graduate and have our graduation practices and our last activity, which was our camping. Camping is required for all graduating students in my previous school. But it was made impossible to happen due to the COVID 19. Even our once-in-a-lifetime graduation rites were not held, and we did not even have a proper farewell in which SHS Batch 2020 missed the most out of their SHS life. But in the end, this pandemic was an unexpected one, but I guess we all turned out to be better people. March 2020 - August 2020, if I am not mistaken, between those months, I started trying to write social series on Twitter, one-shot stories, and other stuff. The 1st variant made me realize and do things I really wanted to do during vacation, and I’m glad I could do those things. Other than that, I also had more time to fangirl over BTS, which is I have missed a lot since 2013. BTS really made my pandemic life at ease. In addition, I also had time to watch K-dramas on my piled-up list, and lastly, I was able to spend more time with my family and friends.

Variants: Our different stories during the pandemic

Chapter 2: Delta This delta variant of the Covid 19, which we often call Season 2, was devastating. Hearing the news about the increased number of cases and deaths per day. Made me think that “What if we know that this will happen beforehand?” But I think that’s impossible since we all did not expect that this would happen and such. And I know that people around us do not want what’s happening right now. September 2020 - February 2021 was indeed a draining month. The majority were in their online classes, doing the things I like, eating what I want, sleeping no matter how long I want, and then repeating. This cycle takes on day by day since that’s the only thing we could do, and other than that, we were not allowed to go outside since it’s lockdown season 2. Regardless of how redundant the cycle is, I’m glad I could still meet friends virtually, not just my schoolmates. But I also got to build friendships thru different social platforms due to having multiple stan accounts. I met strangers, and as time went by, we became friends. And I think that even if this pandemic is going on, we can still find solace. Chapter 3: Lambda We all knew that after the previous variations of the pandemic that we are facing right now, we also learned how poor the COVID response of our government is. We had a

Variants: Our different stories during the pandemic

renewal of this series with a 3rd season. Long story short, this season was nothing new. And made come to think of many what-ifs such as, “What if COVID didn’t happen?” “What if I was able to enjoy my first years in college.” “What if COVID is the reason why many people parted ways?” “What

dents

COVID

the

stopped

reason

their

why

stu-

education?”

Thinking those made this year a really melancholic one, and I’m sure we all did feel the same way. Despite that, we should be grateful for the little things. During March 2021 - August 2021, we all knew that majority of us had the same cycle to do every single day since that’s the only thing we could do right now. And in that months, I’m glad that BTS was there to help me and reminisce how happy a person could be despite the times of crisis we’re in now. And also, this is a time to find ourselves and love ourselves even more. Chapter 4: Omicron After

Season

we’re

now

finally

season

Days turned into weeks, weeks into months, and months into years. We all still do the same cycle of our usual pandemic life. With that, we can see how this 4th season changed our lives since we all knew that the COVID cases were gradually decreasing, which made everyone feel hope and joy again. As the spirit of Christmas is coming on our way. The majority of us knew how Christmas changed when the pandemic started. All the things we used to do

Variants: Our different stories during the pandemic

are not the same anymore. Right now, we’re still adjusting from it since Season 2 or Delta variant was our first Christmas that was not the same as the ones we used to spend during the pre-pandemic life. But still, we did receive many blessings that we may cherish with our own family. September 2021 - December 2021 are the months where we usually have plans what we should do for Christmas, where to spend Christmas, and many more. However, a lot changed due to the pandemic. However, we were still glad since, after a year of lockdowns and quarantine, we can now finally spend it with some of our family while following the COVID safety protocols. Amidst that, we can finally finish it again with our families and relatives. And also got to spend my time with the on-stage concert of BTS in LA virtually and meet new co-ARMY from different sides of the world since all we need to do is enjoy. Beyond that, we don’t need permission to dance.

About the Author: Alyssa Anne C. Castillo is a 2nd year BS Nursing Student and currently a Staff Writer in Trinity Observer and Literary Head at SLCN Gazette. She likes K-POP, reading, writing social seryes and alternative universe, watching k-drama, playing volleyball and badminton and she likes to travel.

Variants: Our different stories during the pandemic

About My Closet JEAN ANDREI G. SENEN

I have a closet. It’s been with me ever since I was young, and I continue to use it. Throughout the years, I’ve been mustering the courage to clean this closet. I’ve learned to organize the things I still need, and I’ve learned to slowly let go and throw away the things that no longer do me any good. I like to think that I’ve been doing well in maintaining this closet so far, and the newer things I’ve collected overtime made me feel a sense of accomplishment. Daresay, I even felt proud of myself. As the new year was going to roll in, I started making space for new trinkets that I told myself I deserved. But now, my closet is back to its former state of disarray. All the things I’ve previously thrown out have made their way back into my possessions, leaving all the new shiny items rusty and filthy. Suddenly, all the things I’ve supposedly gotten over now have once again made themselves relevant towards my life, and now they sit in my closet, on the very top. Day by day, I add more and more to my closet, filling it up with what could only be classified as garbage at this point. A friend the other day made the attempt to get me to clean my closet, but I couldn’t bear the thought of even letting them see my closet, so I declined.

Variants: Our different stories during the pandemic

To this day, I refuse to clean my closet, much less clean it. As I look at it now, some things are spilling it out, and it looks like it could burst at any minute. But while I’m stuck at home, experiencing changes with the rest of the world, I think my closet is just going to keep getting fuller and fuller. They serve as evidence of a life once lived and a life that will never be the same again.

About the Author: Jean Andrei Senen is a 4th year Broadcasting student and currently the Managing Editor of Trinity Observer. She’s the creator of the organization’s mascot, Tristan the While Stallion, and she enjoys musicals and playing video games

Variants: Our different stories during the pandemic

My life if COVID did not happen ALEXANDRA ABRANTES Being a Timorese, I have not yet gone in the Philippines I was really excited that I got to travel there And start my college life in a foreign country. Finding an apartment or dormitory, Experiencing living for the first time alone and out of the country It’s my most desirable plan that was yet postponed by this pandemic.

I would’ve experienced college life. There could be moments like rushing to the class knowing I’m going to be late Having the opportunity to buy books that are only available in the Philippines Being able to hang out with my friends from college doing our group work together

The COVID outbreak also challenged our family The authorities also mandated a total emergency lockdown in TimorLeste My grandpa was already in a critical condition I was very sad that I didn’t get to spend much time with him during his critical days

Variants: Our different stories during the pandemic

My grandfather passed away on exactly the day we were free from the quarantine We lost our grandfather– our father & our inspiration We lost him in the midst of this pandemic. Only God knows how much it hurts I didn’t get to see him, hug him and be with him during his last days.

I was sad and really angry at everything I did not get to be with my grandfather Due to Covid-19, we could not do anything but follow the orders given by the authorities We all have been affected by the pandemic However, I believe that there’s always a light at the end of every tunnel With that, I hope this phase will end soon and life gets back to normal, even though the expression “normal” will totally be a different one comparing to the last “normal”.

-My Life during 2020-2021 if Covid-19 did not happen (contd.)

AbouttheAuthor: AlexandraBakhitaS.Abrantesisa2ndyearBSAccountancystudentandcurrentlyanewsphotographerandwriterofTrinityObserver.ShelovestobingeandrewatchMCUAvengersmoviesandseries,tofindoutabout thingsshe’scuriousofandtoreadromanceandfantasybooks.Shealsoconsidersphotographyasherpassion.

Variants: Our different stories during the pandemic

Paper Trail Z O E N AT I V I DA D Five minutes late. I’m always five minutes late for class. Scrambling my way to the campus, I paused and suddenly got the urge to buy myself a coffee. It is puzzling how they still can’t write my name right in the cup and receipt. I rushed to the classroom but was already 20 minutes late at this point. Opening the back door of the room, I paused. Everyone was studying. I didn’t know we had a test, or maybe I forgot. I looked for familiar faces, asking them why they were so busy looking at their handouts and books. And to confirm my worst fear, there will be a long quiz today. Fast forward to all the self-blaming scenarios and skimming of transes, I miraculously passed. Maybe it’s not such a bad day after all. After classes, my friends and I hang out in our usual spot. We ordered food and drinks, ranting about how our days went. We would also write hand-written notes, scribbles, and random words from earlier quizzes. I guess it was our way of communicating and bonding. Indeed, it was a great day. Feeling the urban night breeze, I opened the door to my apartment. What a day, I’d say. After eating dinner, I sat down and attempted to arrange my disorganized things. I was about to throw three pieces of stuff, but it caught my attention. I find myself looking at the receipt from the coffee shop, the test paper, and the notes with scribbles. And then, I woke up. I wished I didn’t. My dream was a memory I once had when there was no pandemic. Those crumpled sheets of paper from my nostalgia-filled dreams leave a paper trail that has followed me here. They serve as evidence of a life once lived and a life that will never be the same again.

About the Author: Zoe Natividad is a 3rd year BS Medical Technology student and currently the Associate Editor of Trinity Observer. She loves to binge watch marvel movies and series, read books, and eat ice cream.

Variants: Our different stories during the pandemic

Cinder Casket RUSSEL LORETO

I surrendered my sleep to the amber fleck of dawn and composed an ode to the dirt of dusk A lament to the lint of my scares For tugging it amid the process of healing Over and over again With my eyes wide open For you, to read; That I forgot about you long ago To forget what I needed

And to learn by heart That I belong to distorted Parts of my own self The cinders of yesterday are still fresh and I’m paving my way To recreate myself; I lied, I lied every single time When I said I’m in love Perhaps, my lies saved me from The Graveyard if lost love It is violence and injustice in your eyes that I’m purging from your sins and your vile But who you are? A ruler of their own hypocrisy Or a peasant who dares to be deity

About the Author: Russel Loreto is a 4th year Communication Arts student and the Editor-In-Chief of Trinity Observer. He loves to read books and pet cats.

As I remember, Misery loved your company So, if you want war I will give your war But the victory will be written In the name of those misfortunes who lost their homes For it is a foretold tale and a curse Inherited by their forefathers Frozen in time, you’ll remain Rooted in the haunts of my fears in the cemetery of my destruction Among the bitter past of my doom But past is no longer my concern; Neither is your future.

Variants: Our different stories during the pandemic

The 4th Anniversary JEAN ANDREI G. SENEN

Perhaps if not for the pandemic, I would have hit a milestone. A relatively small milestone in this big, big world, but a milestone nonetheless. My love and I would have made it to four years. Well, we did, but if we could have gone out, we would have pulled out all the stops. A romantic day, f illed wi th things that reminded us of why we fell in love in the first place. Museums, filled with history and art. All of it reminds me of the art of their smile when I first laid eyes upon them; history is rarely kind, but for us, we look back at all the good and bad, and how it helped shape us to where we are today. We’d go to a karaoke bar, just because their voice was always music to my ears. Although my voice may have the power to break glass, they would be more than willing to yell out their heart alongside me. A romantic dinner date at our favorite restaurant, because it would have reminded us of our first date; the awkward hi’s and hello’s, the smalltalk, and the sparks every time they had held my hand on that day. The 4th anniversary came at the worst time possible.

Variants: Our different stories during the pandemic

Plans. plans. plans : A conversation with myself

E L I O F T H E S TA R S

What events in your life could have happened if there was no pandemic? I could have marched through the aisle as an honor student of my senior high school batch 2019-2020. I could have made my parents and siblings proud and widely smiling as I receive my medals as rewards for the job well done for finally getting out of high school and proceeding to college. Our batch was near the graduation ceremony until the pandemic lockdowns were given nationwide. One of the supposed-to-be greatest events in life is never going to happen. All of the possible memories, even now, are just what-ifs.

What plans were postponed? My family’s plan to reside in Quezon City as I enrolled in TUA was postponed because traveling was a hassle, taking a lot of processes. Our plan to have a vacation abroad was postponed also. We already got our passports for 2020, but even now near-2022, we haven’t stepped outside of the Philippines yet. For the next years, it will be unsurebecause my siblings are studying in college and there are lesser breaks and rest days.

Variants: Our different stories during the pandemic

How do you think your college days would be if schools did not close? It would be fun. In any way possible, I know it would be funner, although closing schools made me think a lot about myself. It made me know who I am better, what I really want, and where do I want to go.

Who were the people that you think you still have if there was no COVID? It would be my aunt residing in America. She died because of the complications as she was infected with COVID. She had co-morbities. She was the sister of my father, and only visited the Philippines once when their mother died. She looked forward to seeing us again with her family here in the Philippines. Even though I am not close with her, I still think about what life could have been if she survived having COVID and reuniting with her siblings once again.

Variants: Our different stories during the pandemic

Kapitan JASPER LIQUIGAN

Rumaragasang mga alon at malakas na simoy ng hangin Tila wala na akong maaninag Sa kadiliman ng hangin Patuloy kang sumisigaw Ang sabi mo, kaya niyo yan. At kami naman ay sumunod. Halos di na makahinga Matibay ang bangkang ginawa mo Maganda ang pundasyon Kung kaya’t hindi rin tumalab ang lakas ng mga alon Ngunit sa hindi inaasahan Sa unang pagkakataon Dumating ang pinakamalaking unos Sa isang iglap, nagbago ang lahat. Hindi alam kung nasaan, patuloy kaming nagsasagwan Sa gitna ng karagatan Nang walang kapitan

About the Author: Jasper Liquigan is a 1st year BS Nursing student and is currently the literary editor of T.O., as well as the associate director for Legislative and Legal Affairs Committee of the University Student Council. He loves to play Call of Duty Mobile, drink an unhealthy amount of coffee and listen to Taylor Swift 24/7.

Variants: Our different stories during the pandemic

Editor-in-Chief

Russel Anthony P. Loreto Head of Writers

Associate Editor

Zoe Natividad

Managing Editor

Jean Andrei G. Senen

News Editor

Sophia Vivian B. Datu

Technical Adviser

Mr. Divino L. Cantal Jr.

Features Editor Literary Editor Creative Director Head of Graphics Head of Layout Head of Illustrators Head of Social Media Managers

Lianne Gwyn Prado Elinjane Vinson Jasper Liquigan Joe Asher Fuentes Edward Quatro Mhary Well Telebrico Malachi Castro Julia Ysabel Espiritu

GRAPHICS Department

DOCUMENTATION

Staff Writers:

Marian Gabrielle C. Bullag

Astrid Sophia Doña

Kristina V. Pelobello

Charles Worren E. Laureta

Fatima O. Concepcion

Lawrelyn Joy D. Limpiada

Hannah Mae Grace C. Lolor

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGERS

Jessa Mae G. Gabasa

Alexsandra Joy O. Juarez

Anjelo Ralph V. Vargas

Jessa Mae G. Gabasa

Julia Ysabel Quirino Espiritu

Alexandra B. Calanoc

Najera Princess Angel Grace

Jade Riz-anne M. De Leon

Lexine Caryl N. Soriano

Lianne Gwyn Prado

Elinjane S. Vinson

Loren Hannah M. Coronel

Mary Jeanina C. Alba

Michael Evan B. Parocha

Kate Parojinog Gullem

Franchesca Lein M. Badinas

Patricia Mae C Buenviaje

Stephanie G. Dela Cruz

Tuason, Gino Gabriel D.

Myles T. Tan

Molly Delany F. Delizo

Alexandra B. Soares Abrantes

Lawrelyn Joy D. Limpiada

Mikaela Nicole Q. Rapadas

Larah Michaella C. Beyao

Jowie Ann D. Fetizanan Iveh C. Daganio

ILLUSTRATORS

Alyssa Anne C. Castillo

Shelly Mae T. Calimag

Sheryl Leih S. Gonzalez

Alexsandra Joy O. Juarez

LAYOUT ARTISTS

Astrid Sophia Doña

Mctmir M. Tillah IV

Astrid Sophia Doña

Sophia Ysabelle B. Pajo

Jade Riz-anne M. De Leon

Mary Jeanina C. Alba

Kaira Grace P. Diaz

Jowie Ann D. Fetizanan

Mary Jeanina C. Alba

Rianne M. Flores

To Write. To Struggle. To Serve.

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